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7 Must-Try Craft Beers And The Untold Story Of Cole Street Brewery, Enumclaw’s Original Taproom

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For over a decade, Cole Street Brewery has been the beating heart of the craft beer scene in Enumclaw, Washington, serving as the city’s original microbrewery and a vital community hub. As of late 2025, the brewery remains a cornerstone of the historic downtown area, known not just for its approachable, small-batch ales but also for its unwavering commitment to local events and partnerships.

The brewery’s enduring success is deeply tied to its location on the iconic Cole Street, a thoroughfare once known as Coal Street, which now hosts vibrant community celebrations like the Winter Stoke Block Party. While online records can sometimes be confusing—with some outdated listings suggesting a closure—the brewery is actively contributing to the local culture, offering a welcoming taproom environment with a stunning, light-filled view of Mount Rainier.

The Founders and History of Enumclaw’s Original Craft Brewery

Cole Street Brewery’s story is a classic tale of local passion meeting a community need. The brewery was founded in 2013 by two Enumclaw locals, Sean McDonald and Eric, who aimed to establish a dedicated gathering place centered around handcrafted beer in the shadow of the Cascade Mountains. Their vision was simple: create great beer and foster a strong community connection, a philosophy that has defined the business ever since.

Brewer Sean McDonald: A Profile

  • Role: Owner, Head Brewer, and Community Advocate.
  • Founding Year: Co-founded Cole Street Brewery in 2013.
  • Philosophy: McDonald is known for his dedication to approachable, small-batch, handcrafted beers that appeal to both seasoned craft beer enthusiasts and newcomers.
  • Community Involvement: He is a strong supporter of local initiatives, including the regular "Cole Street closures" for pedestrian-friendly events, and has been a key figure in discussions about Enumclaw’s special event policies.
  • Location: The brewery operates out of a space on Cole Street, which McDonald rents from Sound Publishing, the owner of the local Courier-Herald.
  • Co-Founder: The brewery was co-founded with a partner known as Eric, cementing its roots as a truly local enterprise.

McDonald’s presence is central to the brewery’s identity. He often engages with patrons, explaining the brewing process and the inspiration behind new releases. His hands-on approach ensures that the brewery maintains its small-town charm while producing high-quality, regionally respected craft beer.

7 Core Beers and Seasonal Brews You Must Try

Cole Street Brewery is celebrated for its diverse tap list, which balances traditional styles with unique, experimental brews. The exceptional water quality from the Enumclaw plateau, which sits near Mount Rainier, is often cited as a key ingredient in the purity and flavor of their beers.

Here are seven of the most popular and critically acclaimed beers from the Cole Street Brewery tap list:

  1. Cascadian Rye: A robust, high-IBU brew, this beer features a significant rye character, offering a spicy complexity to the hoppy profile. It boasts a 7.7% ABV and 80 IBU, making it a favorite for those seeking a bold, Northwest-style ale.
  2. Cole St. Amber: An American Amber Ale that is a classic staple. With a balanced 5.8% ABV and 32 IBU, it’s known for its deep color and malty sweetness, providing a perfect entry point for new craft beer drinkers.
  3. Brown Ale: An approachable and traditional English-style brown ale. This beer is smooth, with notes of caramel and nuttiness, featuring a 6% ABV and a low 20 IBU.
  4. Porter: A darker brew that is surprisingly easy to drink. It is often described as having a hint of chocolate, finishing very approachable despite its dark color, with a 6% ABV and 26 IBU.
  5. Cole St. Blonde: A light, refreshing Blonde Ale, perfect for a sunny day on the patio. It sits at 5.6% ABV and a gentle 22 IBU, making it an excellent session beer.
  6. ESB (Extra Special Bitter): A nod to British brewing traditions, this beer provides a malty-sweet body with a noticeable but balanced hop bitterness, featuring a 6% ABV and 42 IBU.
  7. "Flip Flop of IPA": A seasonal or rotating experimental IPA that starts hoppy but finishes with a surprising, less bitter, more approachable flavor profile. This showcases the brewery’s willingness to experiment with hop dynamics.

The brewery's commitment to small-batch production means the tap list is constantly rotating, ensuring patrons always have a fresh selection of styles, from Blondes to Porters, to explore.

The Cole Street Experience: Food, Community, and Events

Cole Street Brewery is more than just a place to grab a pint; it is a central gathering point for the Enumclaw community, a true neighborhood taproom. Its location in the downtown core makes it an ideal stop for tourists visiting Mount Rainier National Park and a regular haunt for locals.

Local Partnerships and Menu

The brewery does not operate a full kitchen but instead embraces the local food scene by offering a short menu featuring food items from community restaurants. This partnership model supports other small businesses in Enumclaw, fostering a cooperative economic environment. The brewery is also an active partner with organizations like the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce and is a regular participant in the Enumclaw Plateau Farmers' Market events, often featuring their "Overland" brew.

Rivalries and the Enumclaw Craft Beer Scene

While Cole Street Brewery was Enumclaw's first craft operation, the local beer scene has grown, adding friendly competition and more options for residents. Notable nearby breweries include Headworks Brewing and Griffin Brewing Co. This expansion has solidified Enumclaw's reputation as a legitimate destination for Washington craft beer lovers, with Cole Street Brewery acting as the historical anchor. The Historic Mint Restaurant and Alehouse is another key local spot that often features Cole Street’s beers on tap, further integrating the brewery into the local food and drink ecosystem.

Upcoming Events and Community Role (2025-2026)

The brewery is a consistent feature in the city’s event calendar. The ongoing discussions and participation in the "Cole Street closures" for special events, such as the annual Winter Stoke Block Party (scheduled for November 2025), highlight its vital role in activating the downtown area. The brewery’s involvement ensures that the historic district remains a lively, pedestrian-friendly space for festivals and markets. For the most up-to-date event information, patrons are often directed to local resources like the "Enumclaw Here is What's Happening” Facebook page, a testament to the brewery’s reliance on grassroots community engagement.

Topical Authority and Key Entities

The success of Cole Street Brewery is built on a foundation of local entities and key concepts that define its unique position in the region. Understanding these elements provides a complete picture of the brewery’s importance:

  • Enumclaw, WA: The city itself, located on a plateau, provides the local identity and the source of the brewery’s pristine brewing water.
  • Mount Rainier: The iconic mountain provides a stunning backdrop to the taproom and influences the regional identity of the Pacific Northwest craft beer scene.
  • Coal Street: The original name of the street, reflecting the area’s rich mining history, which the brewery’s name subtly references.
  • Sound Publishing & Courier-Herald: The local newspaper owner, which is the brewery’s landlord, linking the business directly to local media and real estate.
  • Enumclaw Plateau Farmers' Market: A key partnership that demonstrates the brewery’s commitment to local agriculture and community commerce.
  • Headworks Brewing & Griffin Brewing Co.: The other major players in the Enumclaw craft beer landscape, creating a vibrant, multi-brewery destination.
  • The Historic Mint Restaurant and Alehouse: A nearby establishment that frequently partners with and supports the brewery’s products.

By focusing on high-quality, approachable beer and maintaining its role as a dedicated community space, Cole Street Brewery continues its legacy as a must-visit destination in Enumclaw for both local residents and travelers exploring the Pacific Northwest.

7 Must-Try Craft Beers and The Untold Story of Cole Street Brewery, Enumclaw’s Original Taproom
cole street brewery enumclaw
cole street brewery enumclaw

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  • Name : Dr. Cristobal Nienow
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  • Email : cole.arlie@gmail.com
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  • Phone : +13036756628
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