Chuckanut Brewery

Chuckanut Brewery is a Washington State-based craft brewery founded in 2008 by Mari and Will Kemper, two pioneering figures in the American craft beer industry. The Kempers previously co-founded Thomas Kemper Brewery in the 1980s, a foundational force in the Pacific Northwest craft beer movement, before Will went on to consult for breweries across the United States and internationally. Drawing on decades of expertise and exposure to diverse brewing traditions, the couple established Chuckanut Brewery with a clear focus: producing traditional European-style beers, with a particular emphasis on lagers — a style historically underrepresented in the American craft beer landscape. The brewery has earned widespread recognition for its commitment to quality, authenticity, and traditional brewing methods, and has been regarded as both a cornerstone of the Washington brewing scene and a global ambassador for lager craftsmanship. Chuckanut Brewery operates taproom locations in the Pacific Northwest, including its South Nut Taproom in Burlington, Washington, which has been featured as a local hidden gem and described as a family- and dog-friendly destination. The taproom offers rotating selections of freshly brewed beers on tap, providing consumers direct access to the brewery's lineup in a relaxed, community-oriented setting. The brewery has received notable accolades, including recognition as Best Destination Brewery in Evening Magazine's Best Northwest Escapes feature on King 5 in 2025. Beyond beer production, Chuckanut engages its customer base through branded merchandise, including a unique 'New-Life' Flannel Program featuring upcycled, rebranded vintage flannels available exclusively in the taproom. The company is also actively growing its production team, reflecting continued operational investment in brewing capacity. Chuckanut Brewery represents a blend of deep industry heritage, technical brewing excellence, and strong regional identity.