The brewery and taproom in Ballard are closed. Available for any interested parties
In February, 2024, Distant West Brewing opened in Seattle’s Ballard Brewery District, taking over the space once home to Reuben’s Brews. In October, 2025, the brewery announced that it was suspending operations at its taproom to focus more entirely on other aspects of its business. That is, the taproom closed, but the brewery did not. (Pictured: Greg Macaulay -third from left- with a fresh medal at the Washington Beer Awards.)
Today, May 26, 2026, the brewery’s owner, Greg Macaulay, announced that Distant West Brewing is shutting down altogether. “Unfortunately, not a happy update,” he said in the announcement. “For personal reasons, I have decided to officially cease operations at Distant West, effective immediately.”
Grateful For The Community
“I want to reinforce my utmost gratitude to the people who have supported my little grassroots brewery,” he said. “Every time I walked in and saw people enjoying the beer with the company of friends and family never got old. It really didn’t. The adjacent breweries always were friendly, and while yes, we all wanted to sell the most beer, it was never malicious or cutthroat. We all offered help and support to one another and truly believed in the concept of high tides raising all ships.”
“The Seattle beer scene is truly unique and loving,” Greg said. “I felt accepted and ‘at home’ immediately, and I am glad that I got to work with so many of you in one way or another. My heart grew three sizes working with y’all.”
“What’s next for me? No clue. I am currently focused on the closure and trying to be a more available friend and family member to the people who have been VERY patient with me these 4 years of non-stop work. Yes, this started in 2022 for me, time flies!”
A Turnkey Brewery in Ballard
“…the Ballard brewery space and equipment will soon be available if a brewery-in-planning wants a turnkey space that has hosted two kick-ass, award-winning breweries and is ready for its third. More information will be released on that shortly, and any interest can be directed towards my email – greg @ distantwest.beer.”
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