Here's to Beer! Der Blokken

I have to admit, that there are a great many breweries in this state that I have yet to visit. With my schedule as a chef, it sometimes makes outings a bit challenging to say the least. That is at least until recently, when the restaurant I was working for sold to new a new owner, leaving me a free agent, and more importantly, with free time to go to some of these places I have woefully been neglecting.

First on my list was a visit to Der Blokken. This Bremerton brewery started up in 2010, so I am feeling a bit late to the party just getting over there now. Jump on the ferry to Bremerton and you can be there in about an hour or so. I picked a really nice day to go, and enjoyed lots of sunshine and clear skies on the trip over the Sound.

Der Blokken has a great selection of beers, with a number of taps devoted to rotating guest beers in addition to five house brewed beers. For those people not into beer, they also had cider from Tieton Cider Works, as well as wine on tap from la Botte Piccola.

So, let’s talk beers. During my visit they were pouring Pactolian Pale, which I would characterize as more in the Northwest style with its nice hops presence. Also, Castover Belgian Golden Ale, which was sweet and malty, with some pear and apple flavor notes. They also served a red ale, which I found a bit maltier and higher in ABV than typical Irish red. Speaking of malt, the malt lovers will want to go for the Der Blokken Stout, which packs a ton of dark malt flavor while still remaining pleasantly sessionable. For me, the favorite of my tasting was the Sacred Hop Double IPA, which had a honey-like malt backbone supporting profound hops flavors of citrus and cedar wood. It’s absolutely delicious. My server confirmed that my favorites, the Stout and the Sacred Hop, were indeed the top sellers.

I did not get much into the food at Der Blokken, although most accounts are that it is good. Der Blokken’s sister restaurant, Fritz European Fry House is well known for Belgian style frites and an array of sauces. Therefore, I was disappointed that there was not a fresh cut frite to be had at Der Blokken. I’ll be holding out hope for those on my return visit.

So, if you are in need of great beer while in Bremerton, Der Blokken is a nice little place to check out. You could also do a tour of Kitsap Peninsula breweries and include Silver City and Sound Breweries in your trip. Either way, it’s great to know that there are some good brewers working hard just across the Sound. Cheers!

I should remind you that Fremont Oktoberfest goes on this weekend. I will be there on Saturday in case you want to buy me a beer (or call me a jackass) in person.

Rich Coffey is a chef and Certified Cicerone. His website is here.