Budge Brothers Brewing has been a rumor among the craft beer lovers in Spokane for a few months now, being discussed by savvy bartenders, restaurateurs and tipplers in hushed and hopeful tones over many a pint. Last night, I was lucky enough to sample their first brew and get a bit of inside information from a friend of the owners.
Having paid their dues for many years working for Mountain Dome Winery, Brad and Kevin Budge decided to turn their love of homebrewing into more than a hobby. With space leased within the winery and a nearly miraculous deal on used equipment, Budge Brothers was born. The brothers then set to dialing in their 750-gallon (roughly 24 bbl) brew house and perfecting their recipes. Wanting to start small and build slowly upon their modest beginnings, their inaugural batch of Hop Train IPA was a small batch that they kegged into quarter-barrels to be sold at local bars and restaurants, awaiting final approval from the liquor control board on labels and tap handles (which are shaped like a 12 oz bottle; simple but distinct in these parts). The only keg I can confirm on tap is in my friend’s kegerator in his basement, which he invited me over to sample.
Pouring deep amber with a tan tinted head that lingered well, the hops come out in the nose without overpowering the sweet tones from the ample malt profile. Sweet biscuit and bread meld into the layered hop presence with earthy citrus and pine leading the charge without ever throwing the party out of balance. Finishes crisp with some residual sweetness that quickly faded into leaving my mouth slightly dried out, which just prompted me to take another taste. Squarely within the northwest tradition, Hop Train still makes a strong statement of its own and will be a stand out in the Spokane market.
Thirsty Zymurgist Score: 43/50
I applaud the Budge Brothers for their first endeavor into craft beer and eagerly await more of their concoctions. While I think it wise to not grow too big for your britches too quickly, I hope that Spokane is blessed with more handles pouring Budge Brothers beer in the near future. Check Benedito’s on the south hill and start asking your favorite bar or restaurant to seek it out.
