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Some serious Oregon beer is on the way to Ballard. Great Notion — an acclaimed Portland-based brewery known for its hazy IPAs and quirky beers with food-influenced flavors — announced that it will open its first Seattle outpost in Ballard next year. Though details are still coming into focus, the taproom will land at 5101 14th Avenue NW sometime before the summer, right in the heart of a brewery-heavy area, which includes local stalwarts such as Stoup and Reuben’s Brews.
Great Notion has built a strong following in Portland and scored several gold and silver medals at the World Beer Cup, along with other accolades. It has also released a culinary series of beers, such as Mochi (Japanese mochi ice cream flavors), Jammy Pants (berry jam), and Baklava (nuts and honey). Great Notion opened its second brewery in Northwest Portland this year, complete with a coffee shop, sandwiches, and a full production facility — and has another one on the way for the area early next year.
When it arrives in Ballard, Great Notion will certainly have some competition from the more than 12 brewing companies already in the neighborhood (including the recently-opened Aslan taproom), not to mention quite a few beer bars (such as Skal). The Portland following may give it an initial boost, although any added features and amenities might help. A rep for Great Notion tells Eater Seattle that the brewery will serve food: “We are leaning towards doing something with fried chicken or Nashville hot chicken.”
