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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Your weekly roundup

Rick Bonino

Some odds and ends from the past week in craft beer:

– At long last, the downtown brewery incubator has launched. The much-delayed project, with its attached Steel Barrel taproom and Zona Blanca ceviche bar, opens its doors to the public tomorrow (Sunday) starting at 3, with two more weeks of soft opening before a grand opening June 30. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to close (around midnight on weekdays, later on weekends).

Along with the house beers from Young Buck and Little Spokane, the 30 taps (not all full yet) are pouring the likes of Fort George’s 3-Way IPA, Dogfish Head’s 120 Minute IPA and Bitterroot’s Red Dread Imperial Red.

– Mark your calendar: Only 42 more shopping days before River City’s second annual Christmas in July, coming up July 23. Look for lawn games, live music, food trucks, beer specials and photos with Santa.

– Around the corner, Iron Goat continues to settle into its new downtown home. Its license to sell wine went into effect this week, and more importantly, the patio is now open – meaning dogs can again legally come onto the premises (they’re not allowed inside anymore because of the kitchen).

– Speaking of licenses, Slate Creek has received its license for distribution in Washington. Look for its beers in the Spokane area next month.

– Finally, a new Nielsen survey shows that close to half (47 percent) of craft beer drinkers imbibe on weekends only. So get cracking, Monday will be here before you know it.