Drink and a smoke: Big Time Brewery and Alehouse: U-District craft beer

Though located a stone’s throw from campus, Big Time Brewery and Alehouse keeps a low profile among Ave bars. Frequented primarily by university graduate students and faculty, it is not an establishment to be overlooked.

Big Time caters to the beer aficionado.

Those visiting the Alehouse’s stained wood décor, antiquated photos and shuffleboard can expect a smattering of post-collegiates raising their pints to the ceiling lights to meticulously assess color and head retention before discussing the “hoppiness” of their choices.

“Good beer’s an acquired taste,” said Big Time bartender Chris Cotie. “We tend to attract more teachers and graduate students looking to have something good instead of a Bud Light.”

Big Time brews all of its own beer on site and the brewery’s barrel fermenters are visible from the alehouse.

Big Time keeps 10 ales on tap at all times with its four standards: Prime Time Pale, Atlas Amber, Coal Creek Porter and Bhagwan’s Best IPA, which are joined by a rotating selection of specialty beers.

For first-time visitors, Big Time’s amber is a good place to start. Atlas Amber Ale is medium-bodied beer with a rich, caramel flavor and a crisp quality.

The amber has a moderately bitter finish that is counterbalanced by a malty sweetness, making it a very agreeable choice for beer lovers of varying tastes and expertise.

When it’s time for the second pint — and the time will come — sample the brewery’s featured IPAs: Bhagwan’s Best and Scarlet Fire. Both offer a more aggressive hop component, giving them a bigger bite than the amber, but they are nonetheless delicious.

If you have your eye on Big Time’s seasonal selections, don’t hesitate to ask your bartender; the Alehouse employs a knowledgeable staff, passionate about beer and always willing to offer a recommendation.

Big Time’s pints are not cheap at $4.25 each, but well worth the extra buck. The Alehouse also offers excellent pizza as well as an array of standard bar fare for the lunch and dinner crowd. Just make sure to keep that palate clear for the U-District’s best craft beer.

Reach reporter Joe Darda at arts@dailyuw.com.