Chuckanut Brewery Adding Franconian Style Lager, Bamberg Rauchbier, Euro Strong Premium Lager, Volatility & ESB Collaborations

A pair of fresh new releases is on the way from Chuckanut Brewery in Burlington, Washington, and both beers highlight the brewery’s dedication to classic styles, clean execution, and collaborative brewing. First up is Franconian Style Lager, a traditional golden lager brewed in collaboration with Icicle Brewing Company in Leavenworth, Washington. This lager is designed to honor the brewing heritage of Germany’s Franconia region, delivering a crisp, malt‑forward profile with subtle hop character. It will land at a highly sessionable 5% ABV and will be packaged in 12‑oz cans, making it an easy fit for drinkers who love authentic, well‑crafted lagers.

Also joining the lineup is ESB, a British‑style Extra Special Bitter that also clocks in at 5% ABV. Chuckanut’s take on this classic English ale leans into balanced malt sweetness, gentle bitterness, and smooth drinkability, an approachable, flavorful beer that fits perfectly within the brewery’s award‑winning portfolio of traditional styles. Like the Franconian lager, this ESB will also be released in 12‑oz cans, giving fans another timeless, everyday‑drinking option. This beer will be a collaboration with Machine House Brewing in Seattle.

All of these beers reinforce Chuckanut Brewery’s commitment to precision, tradition, and collaboration within the craft beer community.

Stay tuned for full Chuckanut Brewery release details, distribution updates, and availability as these new beers get closer to launch. I’ve also added in 2026 Bamberg Rauchbier (5.5%-AbV, 12-oz cans), 2026 Volatility west coast pilsner brewed in collaboration with Von Ebert Brewing (5.8%-AbV, 12-oz cans) & Euro Strong Premium Lager pFriem Family Brewing collaboration (6.8%-AbV, 12-oz cans).

Label Text Chuckanut Brewerty Franconian Style Lager:

“FRANCONIAN STYLE LAGER
is brilliantly clear and golden, this lager captures the soul of Franconian brewing with its smooth, bready malt and a crisp, polite hop finish. Brewed with our friends just over the mountains at Icicle Brewing.“

Label Text Chuckanut Brewery ESB:

“BRITISH‑STYLE ALE**
Extra Special Bitter (ESB) is a well‑balanced, malt‑forward British ale with rich notes of caramel and toasted bread, finished with a firm but smooth herbal bitterness from traditional English hops. Brewed with our new friends at Machine House Brewing.“

About Chuckanut Brewery:

Chuckanut Brewery is a highly decorated craft brewery in Washington State, world-renowned for its mastery of traditional European-style lagers. Founded in 2008 by brewing pioneers Mari and Will Kemper, it has become a “gold standard” in the American craft beer scene for styles often overlooked by IPA-focused breweries. 

Brewing Philosophy & Recognition
Lager Specialists: While most craft breweries focus on ales, Chuckanut specializes in meticulously brewed, clean, and balanced lagers like Pilsners, Dunkels, and Helles.
Elite Awards: The brewery has won over 26 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) medals and 7 World Beer Cup medals. It was named Small Brewery of the Year at GABF in both 2009 and 2011.
Industry Influence: Co-founder Will Kemper is a renowned brewing engineer who has helped establish over a dozen breweries globally; his “lineage” includes founders of other elite breweries like pFriem Family Brewers and Wayfinder Beer. 

Current Locations
Following the closure of its original Bellingham brewpub in 2021, the brewery consolidated its main operations in the Skagit Valley. 
South Nut Taproom & Brewery (Burlington, WA): Located at the Port of Skagit, this is the primary production facility and flagship taproom.Atmosphere: Family and dog-friendly with a large outdoor beer garden and views of the valley.
Food: Does not have a full kitchen but encourages outside food and hosts regular visiting food trucks.
P.Nut Beer Hall (Portland, OR): A satellite location in Portland’s Central Eastside that serves fresh Chuckanut beers on draft and in cans. Note: Recent reports indicate a planned closure or transition for this location in late 2024 to focus on expanded canning operations. 

Notable Beers
Pilsner: A Bohemian-style classic that is crisp, floral, and deeply satisfying; it is one of their most-awarded beers.
Kölsch: A refreshing German-style ale brewed with traditional ingredients, known for its bright, clean finish.
Dunkel: A smooth, dark Munich-style lager with notes of toffee and chocolate.
Vienna Lager: A balanced, copper-colored lager with a toasty malt character.

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