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

Dog years

Rick Bonino

On Saturday, English Setter celebrates being in business for four years – or a little over a month, depending how you look at it.

New owners Reece and Jackie Carlson, who took over the Spokane Valley brewery at the beginning of the year, are throwing an anniversary party starting at 1 p.m.

Raffle tickets will be handed out with each beer purchase beginning at 3 for prizes including T-shirts and hats, a six-piece glassware set and a mug club membership.  

Two new beers will be tapped for the occasion: an imperial oatmeal stout, The Grimm, and an IPA dubbed Guard Dog.

At 8 percent alcohol by volume, The Grimm is the biggest beer English Setter has ever done, Reece Carlson says. (Befitting its brawn, it’s served in a 10-ounce snifter.)

“I just feel like we’re missing part of the market,” he says. “I like beers that are big sometimes, I think everybody does.”

Brewed with a biscuity British malt, Maris Otter, its coffee character is accented by an astringent bite at the beginning.

“It almost fools your tongue into thinking that it’s sourness,” says Carlson. “Especially with a dark beer this time of year, I like to have a little pop.”

Guard Dog (7.8 percent ABV, 76 International Bitterness Units) is balanced but has more of a Northwest-style hoppiness than the brewery’s previous IPAs. A bit of roasted barley adds color and a subtle flavor note alongside a citrusy, spicy old-school blend of Summit, Cascade and Centennial.

“There’s still that sweet component that people here always like, but I wanted to pump up that bitter snap,” Carlson says.

Also look for what little is left of his initial new release, The Yard Scotch ale, which sold quickly following its introduction in early January. Another batch should be ready later next week.