John Robertson and Scott Hansen have a simple message for their brewery, “Go big or go home.”
The duo’s passion for suds and hops, paired with the mad genius of head brewer Tony Powell, has crafted an ideal recipe for success.
Since its doors opened in December 2012, thirsty and hungry patrons have been packing the Bellevue Brewery, located in the center of an industrial complex at 1820 130th Ave N.E.
Despite only having its stout available for the grand opening, it didn’t seem to bother the dozens of people who couldn’t seem to get enough of their beer, Robertson said.
“I think it has to do with the quality of the product,” Robertson said. “There’s a lot of breweries coming online and a lot will fail because their product isn’t there.”
He added that the main reason the beers have done so well has almost everything to do with its creator, Powell, who always seems simultaneously obsessed with whatever he’s currently brewing and what he wants to tackle next.
“Tony has been able to maintain the customer pallet while introducing them to new and exciting beers,” Hansen said; Beers like Medina Malt Liquor, Belgian WitBier and Powell’s newest creation, a Session IPA, which is just about ready for sale.
“Next up is a Bohemian or Czech-style pilsner,” Powell said. “I’ve wanted to do one of these for a while.”
Because of the brewery’s success, production is already ramping up to an estimated 10,000 barrels annually at its current location, while Hansen and Robertson scour the Eastside for a second locale.
The plan is two-parts, Robertson said, starting with increased production so that by next year they’ll have 10,000 barrels to sell and distribute.
“The second part is to identify, if not get permitting and start construction, on a second location that can handle more than 10,000 barrels,” Robertson said.
It’s unclear at this time if the second location will be in Bellevue, but Robertson and Hansen said it will definitely be on the Eastside and that it may feature new beer styles and a different menu than its current location.
For more information about the brewery and its offerings, visit
www.bellevuebrewing.com.
