OUR STORY


Our mission is to produce and distribute world-class organic beer using local resources, low-impact practices, and socially equitable initiatives in order to promote a healthier, happier, and more conscious community.


IT ALL STARTED IN THE SUMMER OF 2012, as a conversation over a pint of beer at a local Bellingham pub. A couple of friends, sharing their dreams and realizing they had what they needed to make those dreams a reality: a brewer (Frank Trosset) and a businessman (Jack Lamb). Together, they would go on to build and operate a pilot brewery in Downtown Bellingham, where, for the next twelve months of their lives, they would research and develop the knowledge and skills needed to start their own commercial microbrewery and restaurant.

They called it ASLAN BREWING COMPANY, and quickly realized its identity through their personal commonalities. With a commitment to organic ingredients, locally sourced goods, and low-impact practices, they aimed to offer the community something new and refreshing, the sustainable way. As for the name “ASLAN”: a lion is the King of the Jungle, a regal figure rooted in nature, and aslan is the Turkish word for lion. This aligned their desire to operate a world-class organic brewery all while showcasing raw and exotic elements found around the world.

In the final days of Summer 2013, they were given the keys to what would become Aslan’s Brewpub. With plans and permits in hand, they began their nine-month journey into construction which was done primarily by the two of them, along with Frank’s brother and father, Boe and Don. After months of unconditional commitment, Boe Trosset was added as a member of the ownership team and would soon lead Sales and Distribution efforts. On May 19th, 2014, they opened the doors to Aslan Brewing Company and have committed each and every day to the improvement of their operations and the betterment of our community.

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In January 2016, Aslan became a CERTIFIED B CORPORATION, further solidifying their commitment to Triple Bottom Line business. In a nutshell, a B Corp inspires businesses to compete not only to be the best in the world, but to be the best for the world. Through a rigorous review and inspection process conducted by the B Lab, B Corps are required to meet higher standards of social and environmental performance and ensure that these standards are comprehensive and transparent. It's like a USDA Organic Certification but for the whole business, not just the beer. Unlike traditional corporations, B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions not only on their shareholders, but also on their stakeholders (e.g., workers, suppliers, community, consumers, and the environment).

In February 2018, Aslan took a step toward quality in their beer program by opening its second location, the ASLAN DEPOT: BARRELS & BLENDING. Originally serving as the public station for the interurban electric streetcars and motor buses, the Union Depot building, located just a block away from the Brewpub in Downtown Bellingham, is now reopened to the public as the Aslan Depot; a place of beer discovery, community, and conversation. 

The Depot also hosts Aslan’s barrel-aging and blending program, QC Laboratory, and additional administrative offices. This 21+ tavern and events venue takes their commitment toward beer quality to the next level. Alongside a variety of Aslan beers, the Depot pours other rare beer, cider, natural wine, and spirits from incredible producers from around the world.

In October 2019, in an effort to continue to find ways to create more direct experiences with their community at large, Aslan opened its third location in the heart of the Fremont neighborhood in Seattle. ASLAN BREWING SEATTLE is an outpost for all of their specialty and one-off beers to which Seattleites simply do not have access. 

Like the first two locations, the Aslan team used sustainable materials to build out this taproom. The old-growth Douglas Fir wood that lines the bar, tables, and benches originally came from the roof of a Whatcom County barn built in the 1900’s. The steel that makes up the table bases and bench base came from old buildings that were razed in Seattle. A local artist, Connor McPherson, designed and drew the murals that line the walls of our taproom, creating a warm and captivating vibe that is one of a kind.

In 2019, Frank and Boe decided to move away from daily duties at Aslan, still remaining owners while pursuing other opportunities. Jack continued leading the operations, until 2022, when he decided that it was his time to focus on other ambitions. With all owners stepping away, Layne Carter began leading the operations of the business.

 
 

The future is very bright for Aslan, and we are excited to take the next steps with you!

DRINK ORGANIC BEER! CHEERS!