on THE TAPHANDLE

I was notified by RateBeer.com that a new bottle store opened in Federal Way on January 20. That meant that the child and I had to make a trip to 99 Bottles to see what it entailed.

99 Bottles is a small space that is clean and inviting. The walls are painted a mustard yellow that is nicely accented by light cherry-colored wood shelving and counter; laminate wood flooring; bright, strategically-placed lighting; and well-stocked walk-in coolers. The current selection of beer lacks the breadth and depth I was hoping for, but the shop's willingness to special order and cater to customer requests will add to their initial stock. And, don't get me wrong, because this is one of the best things to occur for South Puget Sound craft beer enthusiasts in a long time. Top Foods of Federal Way and Puyallup both have more styles and brands of beer at this point, but I believe that will soon change. The main advantages of 99 Bottles are (1) that they have a slightly more "independent streak" in their selection, and (2) that they sell by the bottle and encourage "making your own six-pack." Which is what I did, and then some.

The child was intrigued by this shopping trip and was made the official "bottle master." This entailed the child taking the bottles I selected and carefully placing them into a cardboard carrier. The child also occasionally pointed out bottles that intrigued her, a couple of which also intrigued me and were therefore selected. My acquisitions were mostly centered around the idea of a "mini-IPA fest" at home. The other ales were chosen to explore a couple of other styles I am interested in.

This trip to 99 Bottles meant the purchase of
*Gale Force IPA, an India Pale Ale by Scuttlebutt Brewing Company
*White Hawk IPA, an India Pale Ale by Mendocino Brewing Company
*Lagunitas IPA, an India Pale Ale by Lagunitas Brewing Company
*Hop Ottin' IPA, an India Pale Ale by Boonville Brewing Company
*Dogfish Head 90 Minute Imperial IPA, an Imperial/Double IPA by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
*Huckleberry N' Honey, a Fruit Beer by Lang Creek Brewery
*Pipeline Porter, a Porter by Kona Brewing Company
*Foret (aka Moinette Biologique), a Saison by Dupont Brasserie

Now, it is time to indulge...