Seattle Brewery Walking Man LogoExplore Seattle's Breweries & Neighborhoods on a Seattle Brewery Walking Tour

Seattle Brewery Walking Tours will close at the end of December 2022

Owner and tour guide Tim Lorang will be moving to Europe.
In the next year watch for my podcast: A Story in Every Glass

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and answers about the Seattle Brewery Walking Tours.

See FAQs concerning tours during Covid-19 epidemic.

 

BOOK A TOUR
Thoughtful scientist holding a beaker in the factory.jpeg
[fa icon="plus-square"] Is this tour for adults only?

This is a tour that involves beer tasting, and in the State of Washington you must be 21 to legally drink beer. That said, you will find that many of the breweries we visit are "kid friendly" or "family friendly" and you will often see babies in strollers and little kids running around. Some of the other breweries may not be "kid friendly" and you will not see any minors, except sometimes in the restaurant section. Washington State has a slew of archaic and sometimes hard to understand laws about alcohol and minors. For example children cannot be in an establishment that sells alcohol, but they can be in a restaurant that sells alcohol, as long as there is a wall that separates the bar from the restaurant. 

Microbreweries are not technically bars or taverns because they were established to make beer, not sell it on the premises. So, minors are allowed on the premises. But the brewery is allowed to sell beer. But not wine. It gets real confusing very fast. 

The thing about our tours is that they are geared for adults. Kids are going to be bored and there will not always be something fun for the kids to do. In some of the locations, those with a restaurant, the kids will not even be able to go all the places you will be able to go. So technically there is no "law" against it, it would be much better if you left the kids at home. If, on our tour you find a great brewery that has some amazing things for the kids to do, and several of them do, then come back with the entire family and enjoy that trip on your own.
[fa icon="plus-square"] Isn't the "Teetotaler" option for kids?
We realize that many people may want to join you on your tour but may not like beer, or may not want to drink beer on this trip. Perhaps they are the designated driver, which is amazing and kudos to them. For those who want to attend the tour but not drink any beer we have provided a special discounted price. This is not meant to be a tour for minors and it would be best to not include children in this tour. See the FAQ "Is this tour for adults only?"
[fa icon="plus-square"] Can I bring my dog?

Apparently, according to the State of Washington, any place you can bring a kid, you can bring a dog. Or almost any place. Many of the breweries are "dog friendly" but you are not allowed to bring a dog into a restaurant, and several of the breweries we visit have restaurants, and they will not allow dogs on the premises. Take a look at my answer to the first question about the tour being for adults. There is no law against bringing your dog to most of the breweries but some will not allow you to bring the dog inside. And, whereas your dog may be your best friend, others may find the dog distracting. I would suggest you leave your dog with friends while on the tour.

Now, after our tour you may very well have found the perfect brewery where your best friend is welcomed and there are many other furry companions to play with. By all means, visit the brewery again and bring your dog. 

[fa icon="plus-square"] Can I bring my cat?
Don't be silly, everyone knows cats prefer wine.
[fa icon="plus-square"] What if it rains?

What if it rains? What are you asking?

Oh, you want to know what we do on the tour if it rains? Well, if you don't bring an umbrella or a raincoat you will get wet. 

Sarcasm aside, it does rain from time to time in Seattle. Although from mid July through September it is a bit rare. North Westerners are used to the rain. It rarely rains hard, and most folks take the drizzles and rain in stride. We will not cancel because of rain. Check your weather app and if you think it may be too wet for you, bring an umbrella or a rain coat. 

Actually, there is nothing better then sitting in a brew pub sipping on a nice porter while it rains outside. You will enjoy it. 

[fa icon="plus-square"] What is your cancellation policy?

Because of uncertain health and travel concerns around Covid-19, our guests will be able to reschedule their tour any time before the tour. If the tour is cancelled because of Covid-19 restrictions in Seattle or restrictions at the breweries, our guests can reschedule or get a 100% refund. Guests will be able to cancel at any time up to 48 hours before the tour for a 100% refund. Cancellations less than 48 hours prior to tour date will be refunded 50% of their fee. There is no refund if cancelled less than 24 hours before the tour. Everyone with cancellation insurance, $10 per booking, will receive a 100% refund up to one hour before the tour.

[fa icon="plus-square"] Am I allowed to tip the brewery staff?
Tips for the wait staff are covered in your ticket prices. But, please, feel free to express your appreciation in any way you feel comfortable.
[fa icon="plus-square"] Can I buy beer at the breweries and take it with me?
Washington State law does not allow open containers in public places, like the street. So you cannot bring your pint of beer with you, but most of the breweries will sell growlers and many will have bottles and cans of their beer available for sale.
[fa icon="plus-square"] Will I be allowed to buy extra beer to drink at the brewery?
By all means. We will be tasting three beers at each location but we will be at each location about 45 to 55 minutes, so there will plenty of time for you to buy an extra pint or two. 
[fa icon="plus-square"] I really enjoyed the tour but now I don't think I can safely drive, will you give me a ride home?
No. This is a walking tour because I don't have a car. You will be responsible for getting to and from the tour. How ever if you wish I can call you a cab, uber or lyft. 

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about tours during the COVID-19 epidemic and recovery.

[fa icon="plus-square"] Will you be giving tours during the Covid-19 epidemic?

This will depend upon guidelines from King County. As long as the breweries are allowed to stay open, we will try and conduct tours.  Our tours will start after Easter, April 7. 2021.

[fa icon="plus-square"] Do I have to wear a mask on the tour?

During phase 1.5 and phase 2, the King County Health Department strongly urges people to wear a cloth mask when they are not at a table eating or drinking beer. The breweries require this. Out of consideration for our staff and our other guests, we would like for you to wear a mask. We will provide a disposable mask for you to use. I realize that this may not be completely logical. Wearing the mask some of the time will not completely eliminate the possibility of spreading the corona virus, but it will help restrict the spread of the virus. If you completely refuse to wear a mask, I will refund 75% of your ticket price and ask you to go on your own tour.

[fa icon="plus-square"] I am concerned about getting the coronavirus. Should I come on the tour?

If you are worried about getting the corona virus, I would advise you to continue to self-isolate. Even with face masks and social distancing at the breweries there is still a chance of contracting the virus. Our tours will still be available when the situation improves.

[fa icon="plus-square"] What if I do not want to wear a mask?

I suggest that you download our app on Junket and go on our self-guided tour, although some of the breweries may not allow you into the brewery if you are not wearing a mask. If you completely refuse, I will refund 75% of your ticket price and ask you to go on your own tour.

[fa icon="plus-square"] How long will these restrictions last?

I do not know. We are watching the King County’s guidelines for guidance.

[fa icon="plus-square"] Do you have a self-guided tour that I can go on by myself?

Yes, we do. We have put up a self-guided virtual tour on Junket, a virtual tour platform. You can download the app for free and take our tour for $10. There are 14 stops on the tour. If you visit 11 of the locations you get a 15% discount code for our regular tours. I narrate each location with a bit of history and background. I make beer tasting suggestions for brewery and I include some video shorts from my documentary, Beer & Ale: A Video Guide.

[fa icon="plus-square"] What happens if I sign up for a tour and my trip gets cancelled or I get sick?

Because of uncertain health and travel concerns, our guests will be able to reschedule their tour any time up to the day of the tour. Guests will be able to cancel at any time up to 48 hours before the tour. Cancellations less than 48 hours prior to tour date will be refunded 50% of their fee. There is no refund if cancelled less than 24 hours before the tour. Everyone with cancellation insurance, $10 per booking, will receive a 100% refund up to one hour before the tour.

[fa icon="plus-square"] Do you charge my credit card when I reserve a tour?

No, we hold the credit card information until the day before the tour. We do this because of the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation. If you need to cancel or reschedule your tour, we will not charge your card. If you cancel within 48 hours of the tour, we will charge 50% of the tour price to your card.

Some additional information in one line