2016 Best Brewery: Ice Harbor Brewing Co.

After home brewing for 10 years, Mike Hall and Bill Jaquish quit their jobs at the Hanford site to pursue their dream of starting a local brewery. Their vision for this brewery was to bring back the days where local beer lovers could stop by to talk about beer, sample the brews and fill their refillable bottles with draft beer. They knew that great beer could only be brewed by people with a passion for and a deep understanding of beer and the brewing process, and with that, Ice Harbor Brewery was born.

The brewery moved its brewing operations from downtown Pasco to its current location in downtown Kennewick in June 2004, and in November 2007, they opened a restaurant overlooking the Port of Kennewick marina. Ice Harbor Brewing has grown from one brewer, one manager, one cook and two servers to more than 45 full-time equivalent employees.

“We have achieved our growth through our company values of treating employees fairly and equitably, brewing award-winning beer and providing exceptional customer service,” the duo said.

The brewpub keeps its customers’ pint glasses full of delicious brews like Columbia Kolsch, Runaway Red Ale, Sternwheeler Stout and Tangerine ExBEERience, just to name a few. Both locations offer tasty dishes to go along with their beer, like halibut fish tacos and a stout mushroom burger.

Aside from operating an award-winning brewery, Hall and Jaquish manage to stay involved in the community. Hall currently serves on the Tri-City Water Follies Board of Directors as well as the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership Board of Directors. Ice Harbor Brewery is proud to provide beer for numerous charitable causes.

1. Ice Harbor Brewing Co.

206 N. Benton St., Kennewick, 509-582-5340

350 Clover Island Drive, Kennewick, 509-586-3181

iceharbor.com

2. Atomic Ale Brewpub & Eatery

1015 Lee Blvd., Richland, 509-946-5465

atomicalebrewpub.com

3. White Bluffs Brewing

2034 Logston Blvd., Richland, 509-578-4558

whitebluffsbrewing.com

This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 5:02 PM.