"If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would have only four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man."
-Albert Einstein
A Blue Orchard Bee (Osmia lignaria) is solitary for pollination, and it takes care of its brood without a queen or worker bees. They prefer to work and live in orchards of peaches, cherries, apples, and herb gardens. The Valley Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa varipuncta- Patton 1879), or Xylocopa Sonorina, carefully works in the Passion Flower fields, collecting and harvesting. Leafcutter Bees (Megachile spp.) are creators, the architects that design and build storage pods, storing the pollen in each cell. They carve out their home in dead wood or plant stems. Finally, the Red Mason Bee is a ‘ginger,’ and if you build a nest in your flower garden, the females will lay their eggs in a safe space and feed on pollen and nectar.
These bees all have one thing in common: they nest in the cavities of a wildflower field, in hollow stems, in the ground, and, sometimes, inside the masonry of an old building. For over 50 years, the Watts family has been supplying the bees themselves (Leafcutter bees and blue orchard bees), nesting materials and consultation.
Today, they aren’t only supporting and protecting bees; Evan Watt's inspiration for launching his own brewing company, naming the beer after some very special bees, paying homage to the Solitary Bee (Andrena spp. and Panurginus spp.), and reminding us of the importance of how bees and pollination go hand in hand with the environment and agriculture.
Watt's Brewing Company
Evan Watts founded the Nanobrewery, Watts Brewing Company, in 2015, brewing his first batch out in this driveway in a turkey fryer. They launched and named their first beer, The Leafcutter, after the Leafcutter Bee. Evan’s flagship beer began with a crisp and light German-style ale, using Simcoe hops with layers of floral, apricot, and pine. This particular hop is a diverse collection of aroma characteristics, one that is used to strike a bitter edge in a good beer and offer beautiful aromas. Simcoe is grown throughout the PNW; one that comes to mind is Yakima Chief Ranches in Eastern Washington. Evan uses this hop, and others like it, to produce delicious beer with layers of aroma and flavors across his offerings.
Wild Hops And Genetic Diversity Discovered
Hops are perennial vines closely related to the hemp family. The cones of unfertilized female plants are used in brewing beer. Hops grow wild, making it possible for brewers and foragers to hunt them. Most hops live 25-30 years on farms and in the wild.
A hop fondly called Elani, offered by Yakima Valley Hops, was once crossbred from open pollination, descended from the hops local loggers and miners grew in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) & Idaho. Today, this beautiful hop smells like white peaches, melon, and floral. Evan prides himself on using genetically diverse hops grown in the Pacific Northwest.
Taproom Design And Available Brews
Approaching the taproom from the outside is an industrial building located in Bothell, Washington. Open the front door, and you notice to the right of the entryway is an image of a Leafcutter bee etched into the wall. The overhang is welcoming and designed with natural wood tones, steel, and glass.
The taproom is lined with nesting materials, and wood-burned etchings remind you of wildflower fields and bees pollinating the environment. Even the tasting flights remind us of solitary bees and their homes. If you look closely at the posts and beams, you can see the icons of barley, hops, and yeast, reminding us of the interconnectedness of the ingredients in beer.
Evan’s beer is meticulously curated and brewed on-site. Xylocopa is an Irish Export Stout with flavor profiles of rich coffee and earthen notes. The Red Mason Rye and Waggle Dance Wet Hop IPA are happening! Do not forget Diadasia, a single-hop IPA brewed with the Elani hops. In 2024/25, the team plans to launch an Apian IPA series, an ongoing series since they opened the doors, and there will be more releases in the next year!
If you are more of a wine or seltzer drinker, they carry Patterson Cellars and Greenwood Cider Company. The Self Care NA Beer is an Italian Pilsner, Hazy Pale IPA.
Menu Items and Upcoming Events
The menu includes snacks, entrees, and even dessert! Evan has formed relationships with local producers like Barry and Shahnaz Bettinger, owners of Snoqualmie Ice Cream. The Italian Beef Au Jus is braised in Red Mason Rye and served on toasted bread. Baked Brie comes with salsa macha and hot honey, and it is melty with a touch of softness and heat. The Pesto Panini is prepared with provolone and prosciutto - offering salty aged pork. The charcuterie board is choc full of delicious meats and cheese to taste with some amazing beers. If you are out with the kids, indulge in sausages, pretzels, or even a rootbeer float!
If you are more of a wine or seltzer drinker, they carry Patterson Cellars, Winsome Cider Works, and Greenwood Cider Company. The Self Care NA Beer is an Italian Pilsner, Hazy Pale IPA.
Upcoming events can be found on the website's event calendar. A few notable parties include The Woodinville Wine and Hops Car Show on August 25th. The Veterans PNW Annual Golf Tournament. September 20th -22nd is the Fremont Oktoberfest. September 28th Watts Brewing Anniversary Party, celebrating one year in the new brewing space. Join them for fresh hops, food trucks, and live music.
It's About Family
Over 50 years ago, Roger Watts, a school teacher at the time, began his side hustle by connecting with farmers and putting up bee boards on the side of barns throughout the Treasure Valley in Oregon and Idaho. He then started by selling Leafcutter bees to Alfalfa farmers, selling them for $5 per board. Throughout the years, he grew that business by building long-term relationships with the seed-growing and pollination industries. Today, Jim and Craig Watts both work full-time in the business.
Evan expresses his gratitude for the family bee business, inspiring Watts Brewing Company through a love for the environment and bees. Evan takes that input and brews some carefully crafted and delicious beer. He fully acknowledges the symbiosis of nature while creating layers of flavor profiles—toasted and sometimes Maillard.
If you want more information about Washington craft beer, solitary bees, or wild hops - click the link to Foraging and Farming below!
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