A beloved small-batch brewery in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood has a new owner.
Outer Planet Brewing, which has served the community for the past decade at 1812 12th Ave., is now owned by Amory Carhart.
“I always liked this place. I’ve always loved Outer Planet. I live in the neighborhood and it broke my heart to hear they were closing, so I jumped on it. It felt a bit like civic duty,” Carhart told What Now Seattle.
Though Carhart was already a fan of Outer Planet, he’s no stranger to the craft. With a technical degree in brewing and distilling, he’s honed his skills at Elysian Taproom, Fremont Brewing and Hellbent Brewing Company.
“I got a really great education in learning different sizes, different laboratory capabilities, different styles–how to work alone and how to work with a team,” Carhart said. “It’s very involved on the scientific side. I don’t think a lot of people realize how important things like pH levels are or temperatures–these can heavily affect the color, taste and the alcohol level inside the beer.”
He plans to use his brewing expertise to expand Outer Planet’s offerings and elevate its operations.
“This place has been around for 10 years and they have a pretty significant log of great European recipes. I’m going to expand on that. Right now, a lot of our stuff is British–we’ve got ESBs and rye brown ale. I’m going to lean farther into the rest of Europe and start doing some French pilsners, Italian pilsners and Dortmunders,” Carhart said.
He’s already started upgrading the brewhouse with new equipment and plans to make a few “comfortable” enhancements to the interior of the brewery.
In addition to continuing bingo and trivia nights, he hopes to showcase local artists by transforming the space into a rotating art gallery featuring paintings and photographs from the community.
“It’ll remain the same space people know and love, but there will be a little more inside to take advantage of,” Carhart said.
He continued, “I’m excited to be a part of the neighborhood and a part of the community in a way only a business owner can be, offering a space for all the residents up here to hang out and do some fun events.”
Outer Planet Brewing went on the market September 24 and officially changed ownership before reopening on October 1. Carhart plans to continue the transition throughout October. For the latest updates, visit the brewery’s website or follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
