Redmond-based craft brewer will expand to Kenmore
In a Facebook post Kenmore's Cairn Brewing announced an agreement with Postdoc Brewing that would turn over its operations to the Redmond craft brewer. According to The Washington Beer Blog, Cairn's brewery and taproom at the north end of Lake Washington will remain largely as it is today but will soon become a second location for Postdoc Brewing.
In a social media post Cairn founders Jen and Bill Boyd expressed their deep gratitude to their customers, their business and community partners, and their team, the Cairn Crew. They also cited a longstanding relationship with Postdoc Brewing starting with Tom Schmidlin and Bill being active members of the Cascade Brewers Guild.
"We’ve known for a while that Cairn has the potential to be more, to grow," the Boyds posted. "Tom Schmidlin and the team at Postdoc can make that happen. So while the Cairn brand will fade away, its essence will continue as Postdoc."
The post continued to explain that the two breweries share similar philosophies and a passion to brew high quality beer, foster small teams, a warm taproom, community involvement, along with shared food trucks.
Tom Schmidlin and his wife Julie opened Postdoc Brewing’s original location in 2014. This is the company’s first expansion. On social media, the couple said, they are honored for the opportunity to carry on Cairn’s tradition in Kenmore. “We have long admired Bill, Jen, and the Cairn team’s dedication to fostering community and providing a welcoming, neighborhood experience in the craft beer industry. We are in our 10th year in Redmond and are excited to share our love of great beer and community at a second location. We look forward to getting to know our new Kenmore neighbors and friends!”
The acquisition of Cairn Brewing’s seven-barrel brewing system will allow Postdoc Brewing to increase production, but Schmidlin says they’re also looking forward to making some niche styles. It will also allow the brewery to increase the frequency at which it introduces seasonal brews.
Sources: Cairn Brewing Facebook page and The Washington Beer Blog