Washington C-store Offers Craft Beer Tastings

WHITE CENTER, Wash. -- Customers at the Super Deli Mart here can down a pint any day, all day long, in between the aisles of Rock Star energy drinks and bags of Frito-Lay snacks.

On a recent Tuesday, a Seattle Times reporter observed home brewers and beer fanatics downing $3 ales while standing near customers lined up for cigarettes and lottery tickets. They were talking cask ales and Chinook hops, along with Mariners' spring training.

The Super Deli Mart is not your usual convenience store. Owner Min Chung's vision is a bit different, a bit European. He's a Korean immigrant who wanted to run a convenience store, but also wanted to serve craft beer. About a year ago, Chung got the Washington State Liquor Board's approval to serve craft beer to patrons inside the c-store, according to the newspaper's report.

A few weeks ago, the store featured a sample tray from the esteemed Russian River Brewery Co., including the most sought-after beer in America, Pliny the Younger. This week, Dogfish Head kegs go on tap. Sometimes Super Deli Mart will feature a brewery of the week and bring in the head brewer to sign bottles for fans. All pints are $3, and growlers refill for $10.

The store is located at 9051 35th Ave. S.W., in White Center.