Varietal Beer Company, Sunnyside WA | Best Hazy IPA in Yakima

Hello! I’m Riho, a craft beer enthusiast. I’ve finally reached Riho Brewery No. 200! There are still many breweries I haven’t written about in both Japan and the US — I’ve probably visited over 300 in total. For this milestone 200th entry, I’m featuring Varietal Beer Company in Sunnyside, Yakima Valley, Washington. This is from my October 2025 visit.

About Varietal Beer Company

Varietal Beer Company is located in Sunnyside, in the heart of the Yakima Valley — one of the world’s premier hop-growing regions. Situated in the valley that produces roughly 75% of global hops, they brew beers that maximize local hop character. During fresh hop season (September-October each year), they release special Fresh Hop Hazy beers, making it a pilgrimage site for hop lovers.

Access & Basic Information

Brewery Name	Varietal Beer Company
Address	416 E Edison Ave, Sunnyside, WA 98944
Hours	Tue-Sat 12:00-21:00 / Sun 12:00-18:00 (Closed Mondays)
Getting There	About 30 minutes by car from Yakima center (mostly freeway)
Website	Check the official website for the latest information

Head south on I-82 from Yakima and take Exit 63 — practically a straight shot. The freeway route is easy and comfortable.

Taproom Atmosphere

Upon arrival, the bright white exterior immediately catches your eye. Inside, the space is spacious with large windows letting in plenty of natural light. Staff were incredibly friendly, and both locals and visitors seemed equally relaxed.

Outside, there’s an American-style burger food cart permanently parked! Biting into a burger while surrounded by hop aromas is a luxury unique to Yakima. No place better embodies “tasting the very air of Yakima Valley.”

What I Drank

Hazy IPA (Regular)

Their Hazy IPA was my absolute favorite during my Yakima stay. Clean taste yet overwhelmingly powerful hop expression. Aromas rise like freshly squeezed tropical fruit, followed by vivid, crisp bitterness. The finish is simply beautiful.

Fresh Hop Hazy IPA (Seasonal Limited)

Visiting in October, I tried the fresh hop season special too. Compared to the regular, it added vivid green-meadow aromas — truly “living hops.” Brewed almost immediately after harvest, this can’t be replicated outside Yakima. Visiting during fresh hop season (Sep-Oct) is essential.

Web Reviews & Ratings

Untappd	Listed as Varietal Beer Co. Hazy IPA beers receive excellent ratings (check official site for latest)
Google Maps	Highly rated by locals and beer travelers. Many comments saying “fresh hop season is a must-visit”
Yelp	Reviews centered on taproom atmosphere and staff friendliness

Recommended Products

To enjoy Yakima hop aromas at home, check out fresh hops for homebrewing and IPA glasses.

Browse IPA glasses on Rakuten

Browse Hazy IPA on Rakuten

Overall Rating

References & Related Articles

For more on Washington State’s craft beer scene, check out these articles:

• Bale Breaker Brewing Company (Yakima, WA)
• Reuben’s Brews Fresh Hop Field Trip (Yakima Valley, WA)

Information in this article is from my October 2025 visit. Check the official website for the latest hours and menu.

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