Watts Brewing Company (Woodinville, WA) | Best New Brewery

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Hey there! I’m Riho, a craft beer enthusiast. On a recent brewery hop through the Seattle suburbs, I revisited Watts Brewing Company in Woodinville. This brewery was selected as one of Hop Culture magazine’s “Best New Breweries of 2024” — and for very good reason.

What is Watts Brewing Company?

Watts Brewing Company is a small independent brewery located in Woodinville, Washington. Owner-brewer Evan Watts comes from a family of beekeepers, and his brewing philosophy blends “Old World refinement with American craft beer spirit.” While Woodinville is famous as a winery district, it has recently gained attention as a brewery hub as well. In 2024, Watts earned Hop Culture’s “Best New Breweries” selection, plus Gold & Silver medals and Very Small Brewery of the Year at the Washington State Beer Awards.

Access & Basic Information

Brewery NameWatts Brewing Company
Address15510 Woodinville-Redmond Rd NE E110, Woodinville, WA 98072
Websitewattsbrewingcompany.com
HoursMon-Thu 2:00-9:00 PM, Fri 2:00-10:00 PM, Sat 12:00-10:00 PM, Sun 12:00-8:00 PM
AccessDriving recommended (limited bus access)
NearbyBlack Raven Brewing and other breweries clustered in the area

Atmosphere & Space

Situated adjacent to Woodinville’s winery district, the location attracts both wine and beer enthusiasts in a unique atmosphere. The taproom is compact but you can feel the brewing tanks close by, and the brewer’s passion is evident throughout. While the area requires a car to reach, it’s home to multiple breweries including Black Raven Brewing — making it an ideal spot for a brewery crawl with friends.

Beers I Tried

Beer NameStyleTasting Notes
The LeafcutterKolschEffortlessly drinkable yet with beautiful balance of malt, hops, and yeast. Remarkable aromatic depth with an astonishingly smooth mouthfeel

The Kolsch “The Leafcutter” made me think “this is on another level” from the very first sip. The pristine aroma is so complete that when asked “where does that come from?”, the only answer is “everything” — it’s the total package of the brewer’s sheer skill. Despite having remarkable aromatic depth, the mouthfeel and finish are astonishingly smooth — it almost feels like it absorbs right into you. It reminded me that the dynamic interplay between subtlety and complexity, which a Pilsner lacks, is the true essence of Kolsch. A beer so good I could drink 8 pints (about 3.8 liters) of it.

ホプくん
ホプくん

Kolsch is a style originating from Cologne (Koln), Germany, sitting between ale and lager. It uses ale yeast but is fermented and conditioned at low temperatures, creating lager-like clarity and crispness. There are appellation protections — strictly speaking, only Cologne breweries can use the name “Kolsch” — but in America, it’s widely brewed as “Kolsch-style”!

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りほくん

This was my second visit, and every time I come here I think “this place is incredible!” The Hop Culture selection and Washington Beer Awards are totally deserved. Woodinville’s bus access isn’t great, but it’s absolutely worth having a friend drive you out here.

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ルネちゃん

A beer that’s effortlessly drinkable yet has complex aromas — how wonderful! An area packed with breweries for hopping sounds like paradise for beer lovers!

Web Reviews & Ratings

PlatformRatingReviews
YelpHighly rated24+ reviews
UntappdWell-ratedMultiple beers listed
BeerAdvocateWell-ratedMultiple beers listed

Awards & Notable Information

Watts Brewing Company received the following major recognition in 2024:

  • Hop Culture Magazine “Best New Breweries of 2024” selection
  • Washington State Beer Awards Gold Medal & Silver Medal
  • Very Small Brewery of the Year (Washington State)

Hop Culture is one of the most influential publications in the American craft beer industry, and being selected carries significant weight in the community.

Affiliate

To enjoy Kolsch at home in the traditional way, the tall, slender Stange glass is the authentic choice. In Cologne, Kolsch is traditionally served in this specialized glassware.

Browse Kolsch Stange glasses on Rakuten

Overall Rating

Watts Brewing Company Overall Rating

Beer Quality★★★★★
Awards & Industry Recognition★★★★★
Atmosphere & Passion★★★★★
Access★★★☆☆
Overall★★★★★

The Hop Culture selection and Washington Beer Awards prove the real deal. The Leafcutter Kolsch is one of the best Kolsch beers I’ve had in the Pacific Northwest. An absolute must-visit when in Woodinville.

Related Links & References

For more Seattle-area breweries, check out Cloudburst Brewing (Seattle) and Fremont Brewing (Seattle). We’ve covered Kolsch style in various brewery articles as well.

Official Info: Watts Brewing Company official website (Please check the official website for hours and event info before visiting)

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