Smokes & Suds

With the vast expansion of new breweries and wineries throughout the northwest, consumers have more choices than ever before. The industry has changed dramatically and Smokes & Suds owner Chris Meacham has seen that dramatic change first hand in his 20 years in the industry. Meacham opened the original Smokes & Suds location in Lewiston in 1995. “I was working for a similar company when they lost their lease,” recalled Meacham. “I put a plan together, took over a lease, kept the employees and myself employed and launched the first store.” Meacham recalls only a few craft brands during his early years in the business. When he decided to start carrying micro and craft beers, many doubted it would take off - but has it ever.

Flash forward to today and Smokes & Suds is already coming up on its first anniversary at the Government Way location just north of the Silver Lake Mall. Step through the door and you’ll find more than a thousand labels of wines as well as hundreds of beers and about every style you can imagine. A walk down one aisle and you’ll find a watermelon hefeweizen, Serrano chili beer, traditional German and Belgian beers and of course a great selection of bottles from local brewers.

“We really try and support the growing local market. One of the best parts of my job is meeting the brewers and distributors, they’re all great people to work with and always helpful and knowledgeable,” said Meacham.

With so many options it can be tough to choose, which is why Smokes & Suds offers a couple affordable ways to try several. There is a mix and match 6-pack station with a rotating selection of at least 50 different bottles from which to choose. The flat rate of $8.49 makes it easy to pick a variety of styles and find out what you like. Even better is a free beer and wine tasting every Tuesday from 4pm-7pm.

Smokes & Suds’ wine section covers nearly half the store and includes everything from simple table wines to high-end rare varietals for serious wine connoisseurs. The staff will help you pair a great bottle with a meal and can help you with the pronunciation of ‘Gewurztraminer.’ Another great feature here is the bottle chiller. If you’re on your way to the lake or a picnic and want your beer or wine cold, just drop it in the chiller, and in three minutes it’s cool, five minutes it’s cold and seven minutes it’s ice cold.

The store’s humidor is well stocked with cigars from Central America and high quality pipe tobacco as well. There is also a well stocked room for home brewers with everything from equipment to ingredients.

“It’s been a great first year. There are a lot of good people in this area so it’s been great working with our customers,” said Meacham.

Next time you stop by be on the lookout for Pumpkin and Oktoberfest beers and those tasty winter beers are right around the corner as well.

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