Tap Trail had a heck of 2016. The beer floweth in this town and we’re so thankful. Here are the Top 10 articles that were the most read in 2016.

10. Subdued Brewing Halts Efforts to Open

Subdued Brewing was the darling of the burgeoning Bellingham craft beer scene. So much potential. Such great guys opening it up. The neighborhood embraced it. But opening a brewery is tough and takes lots of dough. Or does it? A week ago Subdued posted on their Facebook page they are, once again, considering opening, but on a much smaller scale. We’ll see!

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9. Cloudburst Brewing Lives up to the Hype

So many breweries opened up in 2016. Cloudburst had all the hype behind it and it’s been found by many to live up to it.

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8. Skagit County Creating Powerful “Brewing Zone”

This article was probably the most exciting for our region. Skagit County is pulling in lots of interest and it’s Brewing Zone is a perfect incubator for new breweries and the brewing industry. South Nut and Skagit Valley Malting being among the beneficiaries.

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7. Pop Icon Pairing: David Bowie

So many great artists died in 2016. Bowie being at, or near, the top of the heap.titles-bowie

6. Aslan to Open a New Barrel Aging and Tasting Room in Downtown Bellingham

Aslan Brewing is one of the fastest growing breweries in the state. But they aren’t just growing to grow. Read about their plans and mission.

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5. The Annex is Now Open

2016 wasn’t just about breweries. It was about beerbars. The Annex opened right next door to The Local. Same owners, but different vibe and beers. They also have pool tables, TVs and my favorite, shuffle board!

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4. Fairhaven Stones Throw Brewing Now Open & Video Tour

Stones Throw brought Fairhaven it’s first brewery and boy are they loving it. Stones Throw has brought it’s beers to our town and we’re so happy to have them!

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3. New Seattle Brewery Rejects Beer Styles

Do styles define a beer? Optimism Brewery out of Seattle doesn’t think so. In fact, they reject styles altogether. Read about their swanky brewery here.

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2. Gruff Brewing is Open

Bellingham’s latest brewery opened on Bellingham Beer Week of 2016. They’ve been kicking out amazing beers ever since.

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1. Off-Leash Dog Park Opens in Fairhaven

We had no idea there were so many dog fans in Bellingham. This article took off and we’re so happy for Paws for a Beer for opening to all our – apparent – dog owners.

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