I’d heard good things about Bluebird but hadn’t gotten around to checking them out (ice cream doesn’t always agree with me, unfortunately). But then they added a 3 bbl brewing system to their Greenwood store and became Bluebird Microcreamery and Brewery (their web site currently redirects to facebook) so I had to visit. First time was during a chilly January bike ride; subsequent times were on much more pleasant walks to their Capitol Hill location. Much to my surprise they had two vegan ice cream selections made from coconut milk that were, in fact, amazingly good (Coconut Mint Chip and Horchata). Why did I wait so long to visit? They brew their own sodas, as well, but their root beer has been sold out more often than not. When I dropped by earlier today, their Snickerdoodle was also out, but at least I was able to try their Cream soda. And slurp down a cup of the Coconut Mint Chip.

Mmm: beer and ice cream at Bluebird Microcreamery and Brewery — Seattle, WA

Rob’s Picks
• Groundskeeper’s Scottish Ale – 4.1% – Not the flat kind of Scottish Ale – very carbonated. Bready, with caramel sweetness, and a touch of dryness on the finish.
• Theo Chocolate Milk Stout – 5.1% – Dark chocolate aroma and flavor. Heavy, silky mouthfeel. Good dark chocolate bitterness.
• Cream Soda – Light, smooth, and not overly sweet. Nice butterscotch flavor.

The Rest
• Gaison – 7.4% – Saison brewed for Pride 2013. Sweet bubble gum aroma. Fairly sweet (touch of honey), with coriander and light bubble gum flavors. Sort of has a tropical fruitiness to it. Lingering bitter finish.
• Zythos Pale Ale – 5.2% – Crisp, with fairly strong floral hop flavor. Pretty bitter. Maltiness eclipsed by the hops and bitterness.
• Caffe Vita Coffee Porter – 5.5% – Good coffee aroma and flavor. Pretty light on the tongue, and a touch dry. Okay, but not too interesting.

One of these days I’ll get lucky and find their root beer on tap. I’ll just have to keep visiting, and eating their ice cream, and drinking the occasional beer.