A Much Needed Outing at Iron Goat Brewing in Spokane, WA.

I’ll start by saying this is not an ad. I did reach out to Iron Goat but never heard back so there are no quotes or contributions from the business just my own thoughts and opinions.
While in town for a photoshoot with family I decided to find a brewery for a flight. This is becoming more common for me in an attempt to increase my knowledge and overall appreciation for the wide world of brews. The model for my shoot suggested Iron Goat. She’s never been there herself (she’s 17) but had heard good things. I grabbed her father Jeff and off we went after our session was a wrap.

I loved the exterior. Brick walls, very industrial. On the inside it was very similar. Traditional types of pub food are available but the focus is all on their beer. They had 20 or so on tap with a handful of crowlers ready in a fridge and branded growlers sitting on shelves. 

​When I ordered my flight I wasn't really thinking clearly. After a long day of driving, photography and more driving I just wanted to start tasting. Unfortunately that meant I didn’t order a single dark beer. What was I thinking?!?! 

From left to right: Brick and Steel IPA, Gruff Goats Tripel, Trashy Blonde, The Impaler Imperial IPA, Buzzsaw McThunder Juicy IPA, Dry Fly Gin Barrel-Aged Headbutt IPA

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Jeff and I ordered the same flight. It was nice because we were able to compare thoughts and we had a nice long chat. His favorite was probably the first and lightest the Trashy Blonde. He compared it to a really good Bud Light (Don’t hate he has expertise in others substances but definitely not beer). For me it was a little too heavy for a blonde but still tasty. Next was the BS IPA. Jeff tasted first and said, “It’s kinda similar…” I was surprised but he wasn’t wrong. The hop flavor was very mild which isn’t what I’m usually looking for in an IPA. I like to chew those beers. Nothing really bad to say about it I just knew I wouldn’t be walking out with it.

We moved on to the Triple. I must have been a while since my last of this style because I had forgotten how much I love the full bodied flavor. Iron Goat’s offering did not disappoint. I finished off that mini glass faster than I should have. Jeff definitely noticed a difference between it and the first two brews.

Fun Taster Board that they wrote directly on. Flanked with goats!

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We jumped next to the Juicy IPA. Just a bit of citrus that really seemed to cleans the palate at that point in the flight. It kind of set us up though because the next hit Jeff right in the flavor profile. “Now That’s Hops!” was my reaction to my Cousin’s look after tasting the Impaler Imperial IPA. It was smooth but packed with hops. Yummy yum yum. Surprisingly not my favorite because there was a cheeky little number waiting at the end. 
Full Disclosure; I love Gin. My first mixed drink was a very strong Gin and Tonic my brother in law gave me years ago. It was an instant love of mine that continues to this day. That is most likely the only reason I picked the Dry Fly Gin Barrel-Aged Head Butt IPA for our final taste. I had never tried a beer/gin flavor combo but figured it would destroy our senses good or bad and friend I was right. 

The taste of hard alcohol hit first. Not a fan? Then stay away. If so you’re in for a ride. A slight twinge of hoppy IPA came through before the juniper took over on the back end and made all other flavors of the night a thing of the past. This is a Juniper beer moonlighting as a twice a week IPA. I enjoyed it immensely. Jeff barely got it down. We clearly preferred different flavors.

To keep our bellies a little full we destroyed a couple of soft pretzels with beer cheese. With only that one dish I think I can safely say the food is on point at Iron Goats. Would order again and again.

It's anyone's guess how long this stays in the fridge. I've got friends interested in sampling but I am dreaming of Juniper...

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A quick note about the staff. The place was packed on a Tuesday night. We were only able to find seating at the bar which was a bummer but you can’t hate a place for being popular. Even with only two women behind the bar I found the service to be fast, as much as could be expected, and courteous. Jeff and I had a great time talking and sipping. Oh… I walked away with a crowler of the Dry Fly. I tasted their stout but my buds were still reeling from the juniper it had been attacked by so I can’t even begin to rate that offering.