Trap Door Brewing Expands To Washougal and Signs Statewide Distribution Deal

One Vancouver, Washington brewery with expansion in its future is Trap Door Brewing. Later this summer it’ll open The Gateway, its second location that’ll see the brewer open a taproom and production brewery in downtown Washougal, Washington.

Trap Door Brewing will be taking over the location that was once home to Amnesia Brewing and most recently, Logsdon Farmhouse Ales located at 1834 Main Street. This second location will assist in supplementing production that will quintuple its output in five years to supply its beers across the state of Washington as it signs a new distribution agreement with Kendall’s Pioneer and Browar Polska.

Trap Door Brewing is owned by Bryan Shull and Michael Parsons and has been brewing since 2015 in Vancouver’s Uptown Village neighborhood. It is there where it will continue to operate a taproom and 15-barrel brewery that annually produces about 1,000 barrels at 2315 Main Street.

The Gateway will be a family-friendly taproom, full bar with upscale drinks, local wine, limited cocktail menu and kitchen when it opens in mid to late summer 2022. The 6,500 square foot space will eventually become a full production brewery for Trap Door that’ll increase its annual output to a potential of 5,000 barrels  over the next five years.

“We enjoy being a part of the revival of uptown village in Vancouver and we want to create that same experience on Main Street in Washougal,” said Bryan Shull, Trap Door’s founder, in a statement. The Gateway name is in keeping with Washougal’s geographic position as the gateway to the scenic Columbia River gorge. Shull said, “Trap Door principals have taken ownership of the century-old building which was converted into a brewery by a prior owner and operator.”

To help deliver this forthcoming increase in output to accounts, Trap Door has partnered with Kendall’s Pioneer and Browar Polska, both part of Corwin Beverage Co., to distribute its popular products across the state of Washington. Case and keg distribution will include 2019 state-champion Glowed Up Hazy IPA (6.8% ABV), along with Porch Beer Pale Ale (5.3% ABV), Trap Door IPA (6.4% ABV), a Mexican lager and additional seasonal beer releases.

Shull said it was particularly gratifying to sign a distribution agreement with Kendall’s because his wife and family have long-standing connections to the Ridgefield area where Kendall’s and its parent Corwin Beverage Company are based.

“Kendall’s first was a purveyor, supplying us with soda, kombucha and wine,” stated Shull. “They kept showing up on time, they had product, and their consistency really stood out. So, I approached Kendall’s. I’m now thrilled to have my products sitting on shelves or on tap alongside other outstanding local independent craft brews in their distribution book.”

Shull said Trap Door will pursue many initiatives in Washougal as they have in Vancouver, including a program offering 360 backpacks filled with school supplies for underprivileged students, participation in community events and continuing its popular Founders Club for lifetime customers.

“We will be engaged in the communities we serve,” continued Shull. “We are committed to taking care of the people who take care of us.”

Shull gave up a career in renewable energy a decade ago to become a third generation involved in the brewing industry. His father and grandfather enjoyed careers with Great Western Malting in Vancouver, a primary source for Trap Door’s malt and hops. Shull sources about 90 percent of ingredients locally.

“Trap Door is an outstanding local independent craft brewer whose products are excellent and whose beers already have a following,” said Sam Madrid, COO of Corwin Beverage Co. “We look forward to distributing for another small independent owner.”