Sam Milne’s journey into the world of brewing is a tale of passion, perseverance and a deep respect for tradition. A brewer, father, husband, baseball fan and 2005 graduate of Bellevue High School, Sam’s love for craft beer started in 2010 as a homebrewer, a hobby that quickly evolved into a full-fledged career. After honing his craft at Pyramid Brewing and Kulshan Brewing, Sam furthered his education at the prestigious Siebel Institute in Chicago and Doemens Academy in Munich, Germany, where he learned from some of the best German brewmasters.
This formal training helped shape the vision for Larrabee Lager Co., which officially opened in August 2023. The brewery’s inspiration stems from Sam’s travels in Europe, particularly in Bavaria, where he experienced a beer culture centered around simplicity and community. "Instead of being flashy, trendy or overly creative, our beers focus on the beautiful simplicity of the core ingredients: freshly kilned malts, locally grown and imported hops, and delicately soft local water," Sam says.
What sets Larrabee Lager Co. apart from the crowded craft beer scene is its commitment to Old World brewing traditions. “...I use the same techniques and processes that have been employed in Germany for hundreds of years. While these practices, such as spunding, decoction, and krausening, are neither cheap, fast, nor easy, I believe they are responsible for what makes our beer world class,” Sam shares. These time-consuming methods, which involve multiple stages of fermentation and maturation, contribute to the exceptional drinkability and smooth finish of their beers. For Sam, these processes aren't just part of the job—they are a direct connection to the rich brewing history of Bavaria.
Larrabee Lager Co. has already made an impact, not just with its beers but with its community-minded approach. The brewery was awarded "2024 Small Brewery of the Year" at the Washington Beer Awards, alongside gold, silver, and bronze medals for their flagship Original Lager, Bavarian Hefeweizen and German-Style Pilsner. “It was an incredible honor to receive such a distinguished award in just our second year of operation,” says Sam.
Looking ahead, Sam’s vision for the brewery is simple: "Brew and sell more beer!" And he's already seeing success, with Larrabee beers now pouring at local favorites like The Pumphouse Bar and Grill in Bellevue. Stop by for a pint, check out their website at larrabeelagerco.com, or give them a follow on Instagram @larrabeelagerco. Cheers, Bellevue!