How Ice Harbor Brewing Company Became a Kennewick Craft Beer Institution

Ice Harbor Brewing Company represents the foundational era of the Pacific Northwest craft beer movement. Established in 1997 in Kennewick, Washington, this brewery was the brainchild of Mike Hall and Bill Jaquish, two former engineers from the Hanford site who decided to trade nuclear logistics for the precision of fermentation. Over nearly three decades, Ice Harbor has evolved from a small-scale operation in Pasco into a multi-location powerhouse that anchors the Tri-Cities beer scene.

The Dual Experience of Ice Harbor Brewing Company

One of the defining characteristics of Ice Harbor is the distinct atmospheres provided by its two primary locations. While both serve the same award-winning beers, they cater to different social rhythms and culinary expectations.

The Brewery and Pub at Bruneau Avenue

In 2023, Ice Harbor completed a monumental shift, moving its flagship operations to 10 E. Bruneau Avenue. This location is situated within the Public Market @ CRW, occupying a space that was once the historic Welch’s juice plant.

The move from the original Benton Street location to the Bruneau Avenue facility allowed for a significant expansion in brewing capacity and patron comfort. The aesthetic here is industrial-chic, preserving the history of Kennewick’s agricultural past while providing a modern, high-ceilinged environment for communal drinking. It remains the "working" heart of the company, where the brewing magic happens on-site. Visitors can often catch the scent of boiling wort or fresh hops as they sit in the pub area.

One unique feature at the Bruneau location is the beer engine. For purists, this is a major draw. Unlike standard taps that use carbon dioxide to push beer through the lines, the beer engine allows beer to be pulled from the cask. This results in a softer carbonation and a creamier mouthfeel, a traditional British method that is rare in the Tri-Cities.

Ice Harbor at the Marina on Clover Island

Opened in October 2007, the Marina location at 350 Clover Island Drive offers a starkly different vibe. Perched on the banks of the Columbia River, this site focuses on an upscale casual dining experience.

The Marina location is the preferred choice for those seeking a scenic backdrop. The outdoor patio is arguably one of the best in the region, offering panoramic views of the water and the blue bridge. While the Brewery and Pub lean into "pub grub" and industrial history, the Marina features an extensive menu with sophisticated entrees that pair beer with local ingredients. It provides a full-service bar, making it a versatile destination for those who might want a cocktail or a glass of local wine alongside the brewery’s signature ales.

A Deep Dive into the Award-Winning Beer Portfolio

The success of Ice Harbor Brewing Company is built on its core lineup, often referred to as "The Originals." These beers have collectively won dozens of medals at the North American Beer Awards and the Washington Beer Awards.

Columbia Kölsch: The Gold Standard

The Columbia Kölsch is arguably the most recognizable beer in the Ice Harbor stable. Modeled after the traditional beers of Cologne, Germany, this is a hybrid ale/lager that undergoes extended cold conditioning.

Stats: ABV 5.0% | IBU 20 | OG 1.048
Hops: Mt. Hood, Crystal
Profile: It is a light, golden ale with a soft body and a crisp, dry finish. The fruitiness is subtle, a byproduct of the unique yeast strain used.
Experience: In our tasting, the Kölsch stands out for its clarity and balance. It lacks the heavy bitterness of a typical PNW ale, making it an ideal "gateway" beer for those new to craft brewing.

India Pale Ale (IPA): A Hop Lover’s Dream

Before the "haze craze" took over the market, Ice Harbor was perfecting the West Coast IPA style. Their IPA is a masterclass in hop layering, using a blend of eight different varieties.

Stats: ABV 6.8% | IBU 60 | OG 1.064
Hops: Millennium, Magnum, Cascade, Chinook, Simcoe, Citra, Amarillo, and Galaxy.
Profile: This is a deep golden ale with a medium malt backbone that prevents the hop bitterness from becoming astringent. The aroma is heavy with citrus and pine notes.
Experience: The initial hit is fruity, thanks to the Citra and Galaxy hops, but it finishes with a resolute, classic bitterness that lingers just long enough.

Tangerine Hefeweizen: The Summer Staple

Fruit-infused beers can often feel artificial, but the Tangerine Hefeweizen has maintained its popularity since its first bronze medal in 2005 because of its natural profile.

Stats: ABV 5.0% | IBU 12 | OG 1.048
Hops: Mt. Hood
Profile: An unfiltered wheat beer base infused with tangerine. It is golden, cloudy, and refreshing.
Experience: On a hot July day at the Clover Island Marina, this beer is unrivaled. The tangerine provides a zesty brightness that complements the natural banana and clove notes of the Hefeweizen yeast.

Runaway Red Ale: Balance and Malt

For those who prefer malt-forward profiles, the Runaway Red Ale is the cornerstone of the menu.

Stats: ABV 5.5% | IBU 27 | OG 1.054
Hops: Magnum, Cascade, and Galaxy.
Profile: This is a full-bodied amber ale with a ruby hue derived from Crystal and Carastan malts.
Experience: There is a distinct caramel sweetness here that is perfectly balanced by the Galaxy hops, which add a hint of tropical fruit to the finish.

Exploring Seasonal and High-Gravity Offerings

Ice Harbor doesn't just stick to the classics. Their seasonal rotation allows the brewers to experiment with higher alcohol volumes and complex grain bills.

Sternwheeler Stout

Named after the historic vessels that once navigated the Columbia, this stout is a winter favorite.

Stats: ABV 5.9% | IBU 30 | OG 1.059
Profile: Dark, near-black, with mocha flavors coming from roasted barley and chocolate malts.
Experience: It is surprisingly drinkable for a stout. It lacks the heavy "oiliness" of imperial versions, making it a great accompaniment to the brewery's beef taquitos or burgers.

Hop Warrior Imperial IPA

For those who find the standard IPA too tame, the Hop Warrior is the brewery's answer.

Stats: ABV 8.3% | IBU 85 | OG 1.075
Hops: Millennium, Magnum, Cascade, Chinook, Warrior, Summit, and Zythos.
Profile: A medium-bodied imperial IPA that highlights intense citrus flavors—specifically lemon and orange.
Experience: Despite the high IBU, the Zythos hop blend provides a floral smoothness that makes the 8.3% ABV feel dangerously approachable.

The 2019 Barleywine

Brewed as a limited run and often found in 12 oz bottles, the Barleywine represents the peak of Ice Harbor’s aging program.

Stats: ABV 9.5% | IBU 70 | OG 1.086
Profile: Rich flavors of toffee, honey, and vanilla with a piney hop finish.
Experience: This is a "sipping" beer. It is designed to change as it warms in the glass, transitioning from sweet maltiness to a warm, alcoholic finish.

The Mug Membership: Is It Worth It?

Ice Harbor operates a popular "Mug Club," but there are nuances to how it works across the two locations.

At the Brewery & Pub, the membership is typically $70, while at the Marina, it is $100. This price discrepancy often confuses newcomers, but it generally reflects the higher overhead and the more extensive service model at the waterfront location.

Benefits of the Mug Membership:

Increased Volume: Members get a 20 oz etched glass mug for the price of a standard 16 oz pint.
Merchandise Discounts: A 10% discount on all Ice Harbor gear, from hoodies to hats.
Birthday Perks: Discounted or special-price mugs on your birthday.
Rotation Chance: Members are entered into a "Mug Member of the Day" rotation, which can grant further discounts.

For a local who visits at least twice a month, the membership pays for itself within the first quarter through the extra 4 ounces per pour alone.

What is the food like at Ice Harbor Brewery?

The culinary experience varies significantly between the two Kennewick sites.

At the Bruneau Avenue Pub, the focus is on high-quality comfort food. The menu is famous for its weekly specials. For instance, the beef taquitos—golden fried tortillas filled with beef, cheese, red onion, and cilantro—are a local favorite. The pub environment is casual; you order at the bar or from your table in a more relaxed, communal setting.

At the Marina, the menu is elevated. You will find more seafood options, high-end salads, and plated entrees like steaks or specialized pasta dishes. It is a "date night" destination where the beer is an accompaniment to a formal meal.

How to get to Ice Harbor Brewing Company?

Navigating to the new Brewery and Pub at 10 E. Bruneau Ave is straightforward whether you are walking, biking, or using public transit.

Walking from Kennewick Public Library: It is roughly a 0.8-mile walk. Head north on Union St, turn right on 10th Ave, then left on Washington St before a final right onto Bruneau Ave.
Biking via the Columbia Riverfront Trail: This is the most scenic route. Bikers can cross the I-182 bridge and head east directly toward the downtown historic district.
Public Transit: Ben Franklin Transit Route 1 serves the area near Bruneau Ave. It is a short walk from the nearest stop to the brewery entrance.

Summary of the Ice Harbor Legacy

Ice Harbor Brewing Company has successfully navigated the transition from a 1990s startup to a modern craft beer institution. By maintaining two distinct locations—the industrial, history-focused Brewery & Pub and the scenic, upscale Marina—they have captured a broad demographic of the Tri-Cities. Whether you are looking for a traditional cask-conditioned ale pulled from a beer engine or a fruit-forward Hefeweizen to enjoy while watching the sunset over the Columbia River, Ice Harbor remains a vital part of Washington’s brewing heritage.

FAQ

What is the best beer for a beginner at Ice Harbor? The Columbia Kölsch is the recommended starting point. Its low bitterness and crisp finish make it accessible for those transitioning from domestic lagers to craft beer.

Does Ice Harbor offer non-alcoholic options? Yes. Both locations typically feature guest non-alcoholic beers on rotation, often from Deschutes Brewery, as well as locally showcased guest ciders from brands like Schilling and 2 Towns.

Is the Bruneau Avenue location kid-friendly? Yes, the Public Market @ CRW environment is very welcoming to families, though the bar area itself may have age restrictions depending on the time of day.

Can I buy beer to go? Absolutely. Ice Harbor operates a beer store at their locations where you can purchase bottles, cans of their new hard seltzers, and growler fills.

Are the weekly specials the same at both locations? Usually not. The Brewery & Pub often has more "pub-style" specials, while the Marina focuses on seasonal kitchen creations. It is best to check their social media or website for the current week's offerings.

What are the hard seltzers like? Ice Harbor produces their own hard seltzers in-house. They are 4% ABV, gluten-free, and filtered for clarity before being flavored with natural ingredients. They are a lighter alternative to their heavy ales.