In fact, for Washington craft beer fans and serious home brewers, nothing beats having a cold, piney West Coast IPA or a hearty aged stout right from your own home. Unfortunately, creating an outdoor area for tasting is no easy task, especially in the Pacific Northwest region, due to gloomy winters, frequent rains, and cold autumn nights.
If you wish to recreate the comfortable and cozy ambiance of your favorite Washington brewpub at home, you will have to think strategically. Here is what you need to know about constructing a durable backyard beer garden, capable of tolerating PNW weather conditions and providing a fantastic hosting environment.
Heavy-Duty Overhead Protection
The key factor distinguishing a seasonal patio from a proper PNW four-season beer garden is the overhead protection. Although simple patio umbrellas and canvas tent covers may be adequate on a pleasant summer day in July, such solutions rapidly turn into problems in the face of autumn wind storms and constant rainfall. Temporary fabric coverings are known to hold moisture, mold, or just simply give way during harsh weather.
When planning a truly sturdy and long-lasting construction, one must first choose an appropriate structural covering. The installation of a durable Metal Gazebo is the most vital initial step for longevity. In particular, galvanized steel metal gazebos supply the requisite weight and rust resistance needed for survival through wet Northwest winters without decaying or warping.
Create an Ambiance of the Local Taproom
Having ensured a dry, sheltered platform, the next thing on the agenda is to create the ambiance of a local taproom. The best breweries in Washington have an impeccable balance of industrial ruggedness with a cozy decor, which can also be done at home with appropriate furniture and lighting.
Below your Erommy Gazebo, set up some seating arrangements that suit different types of hosts. The seating arrangement should be such that it includes high-top tables where people can sit while conversing and some deep-seating where people will sit while drinking. This type of furniture should be made out of high-density polyethylene or powder-coated aluminum.
In terms of lighting, avoid floodlights and go for softer, warm LED Edison string lights (preferably with 2700K color temperature). Installing these lights inside the inner roof frame can give an ambient golden hue that makes your garden a cozy tasting room during the early setting of the sun in winter months.
Strategic Climate Control
A year round beer garden requires consideration of temperature changes by the season. Your choice of beer is also dependent on the season; for example, pilsner and IPAs during the summer season and then the porters and barley wines during the cold season. Climate control in your beer garden should be just as adaptable.
For Fall/Winter Months:
Use electric infrared heaters that hang from the structural framework. Infrared heaters will not just heat the surrounding air, but also everything within range, including people and objects, and thus will work better when there are winds blowing. The propane-powered fire table will create a nice focal point for your guests.
For Spring/Summer Months:
Have an outdoor-rated ceiling fan hanging from above to create ventilation on warmer days and to keep pesky mosquitoes away from your evening drinks.
Create a Special Area for Pouring and Storing Beer
Every backyard beer garden needs to have its very own draft or pouring station. Going into the house to grab beer from the fridge will break the atmosphere and release cold air from the house.
If possible, install an outdoor weatherproof kegerator. For home brewers, it is the perfect show-off point for their newly poured beers. In case you cannot afford a full-sized kegerator, a good cooler station would do.
Furthermore, create weatherproof cabinets that will store glasses. Craft beers should be served in special glasses such as the Teku glass for aromatic IPAs and snifter glass for strong stouts. Cloth towels, beer bottle opener, and chalkboard displaying current beer taps will ensure everything is set for your tasting session.
Cheers to All-Weather Enjoyment
A year-round beer garden in the Pacific Northwest region is more about working with the elements rather than fighting them. With the construction of a strong weatherproof base, the right ambiance of the taproom, and an intelligent climate control system that ensure one can drink their favorite beer in the rainiest of months.