Chuckanut Grodziskie Wins GABF Silver Medal

Chuckanut Brewery is absolutely ecstatic to bring home a Silver Medal from the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) 2025 in the Historical Beer category for Chuckanut Grodziskie! This is a favorite lager for Chuckanut brewers and brewery fans and a very unusual beer. Chuckanut recognizes that it is a true honor to be among the best beers in the nation. The GABF had 8,315 total beer entries for more than 100 beer styles and there were 347 medals awarded. Big shout out to all the work the GABF does every year.
 
Grodziskie is a fascinating Polish smoked beer style known as “Polish Champagne”. This beer is a low-alcohol (3%ABV), highly carbonated, refreshing light-bodied wheat lager, with a delicate oak-smoke flavor that finishes with a clean hop bitterness. The smoke character is gentle and flavorful. The moderate bitterness is evident and lingers throughout the finish. Chuckanut Grodziskie is a great anytime beer, with breakfast, lunch, dinner or even at snack time due to its low alcohol strength. Find Grodziskie in limited supplies right now around the NW and at the South Nut Tap Room in the Skagit Valley.
 
Chuckanut Brewery brews award winning Lagers and Ales and has won Large Brewery of the Year at WA Beer Awards 2017, 2019 and 2021 and Small Brewery at the GABF 2009 & 2011. The production facility and Tap Room is in Skagit Valley at 11937 Higgins Airport Way, Burlington, Washington. Chuckanut welcomes guests of all ages and has indoor and outdoor seating! Check out additional information about Chuckanut

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About Chuckanut Brewery:

The Kempers and the Birth of Chuckanut Brewery


The story of Chuckanut Brewery is inextricably linked to the pioneering spirit of Mari and Will Kemper, two individuals who have indelibly shaped the landscape of American craft beer. Their journey began in the 1980s when they co-founded Thomas Kemper Brewery, a seminal force in the Northwest’s burgeoning craft beer scene. This venture marked the beginning of their lifelong passion for brewing and a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit. 

Following their time at Thomas Kemper, the Kempers embarked on a series of adventures that would further solidify their expertise in the industry. Will became a sought-after consultant, helping to establish breweries across the country and even internationally. This period of exploration and knowledge-gathering proved invaluable for the couple, exposing them to diverse brewing techniques and cultural influences.  

Their travels eventually brought them back to their roots in the Pacific Northwest. With a wealth of experience and a shared dream, Mari and Will founded Chuckanut Brewery in 2008. The brewery quickly gained recognition for its unwavering commitment to traditional European brewing methods, particularly lagers, a style often overlooked in the craft beer landscape. Through their dedication to quality and innovation, Chuckanut Brewery has become a cornerstone of the Washington brewing scene and a global ambassador for the art of lager making.

The Kemper’s journey is a testament to their enduring passion for beer, their entrepreneurial drive, and their unwavering belief in the power of craftsmanship. Chuckanut Brewery is not merely a business; it is a culmination of their lifelong pursuit of brewing excellence.  

Chuckanut Brewery, located in Bellingham, Washington, is known for its dedication to lagers and high-quality craft beers. Owners Mari and Will Kemper founded the brewery in 2008, with a focus on creating exceptional beer in welcoming environments. They are particularly known for their expertise in crafting various lager styles. 


Lager Focus:
Chuckanut Brewery is renowned for its lagers, with co-founder Will Kemper emphasizing their commitment to these styles. 

Awards and Recognition:
The brewery has received numerous awards for its beers, including multiple medals at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) and the World Beer Cup. 

Location:
The brewery has a location in Bellingham, Washington, and previously had a taproom in Portland, Oregon, which has since closed to focus on expansion in Burlington, WA. 

Community Involvement:
Mari and Will Kemper are considered cornerstones of the Bellingham beer community.
 
Beer Styles:
They brew a variety of lagers, including pilsners, bock beers, and unique styles like their Rauch Helles, a smoky take on a traditional Helles. 
Technology:
The brewery is known for its technologically advanced brewhouse, with computer-controlled systems. 

Tasting Room:
The Bellingham location has a cozy and fun taproom, offering a variety of beers, sodas, ciders, and Washington state wines, along with snacks and occasional food trucks.