What Ever Happened to Laughing Buddha Brewing?

Many of you know the story, but occasionally people still ask, “What ever happened to Laughing Buddha Brewing?” The company once known as Laughing Buddha is now celebrating its one year anniversary as Northwest Brewing Company (NW Brewing Company). But that’s the abbreviated version of the story.

We’ll keep in short. In February 2009 we reported that Laughing Buddha Brewing “resolved” a trademark issue by changing its name to Trade Route Brewing. Later that year, Trade Route Brewing moved from south Seattle to the town of Pacific, which lies on the border of King County and Pierce County just south of Auburn. Fast-forward to 2012 when we announced that there had been a change in ownership as well as a change in name. The brewery formerly known as Laughing Buddha Brewing, and then Trade Route Brewing, was now Northwest Brewing Company.

In July of last year we announced that Northwest Brewing had acquired the Three Skulls Ales line from the now-closed Baron Brewing Company. Confused? You shouldn’t be. At least, you don’t need to be. The brewery has increased its brewing capacity and is now celebrating its first anniversary under the new name. Here is the press release we received recently from Northwest Brewing Company regarding the one year anniversary.

NW Brewing Company Owners Celebrate One Year of Brewing More Than Beer


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PACIFIC, Washington (February 11, 2013) – NW Brewing Company has been brewing more than just craft beers over the past year. This week the brewery celebrates one year under the reins of Chief Executive Officer, Greg Steed and Chief Operating Officer, Dan Anthony.

The two managing partners brought over 50 years of experience to the craft brewery located in Pacific, Wash. Steed was a former executive with K & L Distributors and Anthony a former manager with Columbia Distributing, Red Bull and Wired Energy.


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“We have a love and passion for the beer industry and this was an opportunity for us live our dream to brew great beer and have of fun doing it,” said Steed.

The facility expanded with three times the original cellar size and six new tanks to increase brewing capacity by 300%. The beer portfolio has also increased to include more than a dozen craft brews and 16 ounce cans hitting the marketplace within the next month.

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In August, the brewery acquired 3 Skulls and Head Brewer, Greg Fleehart perfected recipes to align with NW Brewing Company’s vision;“Making craft beer bold, fun and sexy.”

“Our number one selling beer, Hoppy Bitch IPA was the idea behind our vision,” said Steed. “The red devil image on the product draws you in but the taste is what keeps people coming back for more.”

NW Brewing Company’s craft beers can be found at over 700 locations across western Wash., with expansion throughout the Pacific Northwest reaching Spokane, Portland, Boise and Sun Valley. Beers are always pouring at the Taproom in Pacific with daily specials and live music every Saturday night.

About Northwest Brewing Company

Northwest Brewing Company was established in July 2012 and handcrafts over a dozen different brews. The brewery formally known as Trade Route, is located in at 1091 Valentine Ave. S.E., Pacific, Washington, just south of Emerald Downs. The Tap room is open Monday-Thursday 12- 10p.m., Friday and Saturday 12-11 p.m. and Sunday 12-6 p.m. For more information, go to www.northwestbrewingcompany.com or call (253)-987-5680 .

 

 

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