Some brewery names are inside jokes, some are family names, and others are pop culture references. But Best of Hands Barrelhouse is refreshingly straightforward — the brewers want you to know that by drinking their beer, you’re in the best of hands. 

That’s why they brew in small batches, focusing on precision. It’s also why they use ingredients sourced locally from the Pacific Northwest. 

Case in point: today’s Abaculus. The brewers use “massive amounts of Mosaic” and doses of Citra Hops alongside pale malts from Washington’s Skagit Valley. They also add Imperial A24 yeast blend to make the fresh-cut fruit aromas more vivid, as well as flaked oats for a full, pillowy mouthfeel. 

The results are positively juicy and dank! The Mosaic delivers tropical pineapple and mango kush character, while the Citra adds delicious whispers of pithy grapefruit and tangerine. A waft of pine resin comes in on the finish. Every sip is deliciously complex and tastes like it was crafted with care.

Of course, all that dedication means Best of Hands’ limited releases aren’t widely available, even here in Seattle. This is the first of their brews I’ve been able to get my hands on, and I live just 30 minutes away!

Which means, you Tavoursters have the chance to get a taste of these rising Pacific Northwest hop masters before many of my fellow Seattlites. 

Opening in 2019, Best of Hands is a newer star on the Seattle craft map. Its owners Gregory Marlor, Nicholas Marianetti, and Chris Richardson are longtime beer industry pros with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. 

Holiday shopping is easy with Tavour! Just head over to Tavour.com/gifts to send a gift box or gift card to the craft beer lover in your life. Cheers to holiday beers!