One of Washington’s pioneering craft breweries celebrates a huge milestone this weekend. I share some information about the 30th Anniversary celebration at Scuttlebutt Brewing below. But first…
Scuttlebutt Brewing was not started by a guy with a business plan. It was started by a guy who got tired of running out of beer. That’s how I remember Phil Bannan Sr.’s origin story. He and his wife, Cynthia, opened Scuttlebutt on the Everett waterfront in 1996, brewing on a scrappy little system that they set up in an old fish processing plant. A brewery and restaurant that made beer and served it alongside fish-n-chips on a city’s working waterfront. Very Northwest. Very Everett. I love that. I also love that Cynthia’s lifelong nickname is Scuttle. Another cool part of the origin story.
To boldly go where no one has gone before
Here’s what’s easy to forget 30 years later — back then, depending on how you drew the lines, there were maybe three craft breweries outside Seattle in the entire metro region. Everett’s microbrew fanatics had to drive to the big city just to get a decent pint. Scuttlebutt gave them a reason to stay home, and a couple of years in, they doubled down with an IPA that I remember as recklessly and irresponsibly hoppy. I love that. Outrageous then, mainstream now. Isn’t that a synopsis of American craft beer history in general?
The brewery outgrew its waterfront shack almost immediately. They eventually built a Cedar Street production facility and, for the brewery’s 20th anniversary in 2016, opened a speakeasy-style taproom.
At the 25-year mark, the Everett Herald called Scuttlebutt the “grandad of local craft brewing,” which is both endearing and a bit misleading. Scuttlebutt is not some old fuddy-duddy and is now driven by the next generation. If Phil Sr. is James T. Kirk, Phil Jr. is Jean-Luc Picard. Scuttlebutt is now 30 years old. Just entering the prime of its life!
Scuttlebutt Brewing is now managed by Phil Bannon Jr., which explains why I referred to his dad as Phil Bannon Sr. In fact, at last report, there were three generations of Bannons working at Scuttlebutt. Family-owned and operated. Understatement. Once partnered with KEXP and, more recently, with Cal Raleigh, Scuttlebutt is still boldly going where no one has gone before.
30th Anniversary Celebration
30th Anniversary Party at the Taproom! We’re turning 30—and you’re invited to celebrate with us in style!
Join us for an unforgettable night packed with:
- A delicious food truck serving up your favorites
- Live music from Mystery Date
- Flash tattoos (because why not make it permanent?)
- A 360° photo booth to capture every angle of the fun
- A special anniversary beer brewed just for the occasion
Come raise a glass with us, dance a little (or a lot), and help us celebrate 30 amazing years. This is one party you won’t want to miss!
3310 Cedar St, in Everett, WA
July 25th, 2-9 PM
Visit our events page and calendar to learn about all sorts of other upcoming beer events. To submit an event for inclusion on our events calendar, use our event submission form. Got more details to share, reach out to us.
