Games, Grub & Grog
Games, Grub & Grog:
Natural 20 Brewing strikes a critical hit in the local gaming and brewing community
BY MORGAN MARIE
PHOTOS BY DAMIEN KINGAfter falling in love with each other over beer and their affinity for gaming, Jackie and Reece Carlson decided to open a craft brewery in hopes of sharing that with others.
“We have a huge passion for Dungeons & Dragons. I think the second thing that she ever said to me actually was ‘have you ever played D&D?’ And so we bought a brewery,” says Reece.
“There has been a crossover between nerds and people who are nerdy about beer for a very long time. And we kind of just took it to the next level,” Reece adds. “Realistically, it's not as far off as you think it would be. I mean, almost every brewery you go to has some sort of game, even if it's like horseshoes or giant Jenga.”
Since its creation in the 1970s, D&D has developed a following from basements to bars, encouraging players to gather together and have a good time.
In the game of Dungeons & Dragons there’s no winning or losing. Players take characters they have developed on a cooperative journey, led by a dungeon master who serves as master storyteller and referee, facing challenges, problem-solving and working together along the way.
D&D and those who play the game have enjoyed their fair share of ridicule over the years, with the game even playing a pivotal role in Satanic Panic of the 1980s.
In recent years, the game has had a pop culture resurgence, featuring prominently in movies and television shows, influencing countless video games that have followed in the decades since its introduction, and growing a following of millions of players around the world.
Although they pride themselves in their gaming culture, Natural 20 Brewing Company is inclusive of all.
“We want to be known as nice and friendly, a safe haven for everyone to be themselves,” Jackie says.
“Let's go as nerdy as we can without alienating people who would not necessarily get the culture as much,” Reece adds.
About the Food:
Hobbits have been known to eat six to seven meals a day—Breakfast, Second Breakfast, Elevenses, Luncheon, Afternoon Tea, Dinner, and Supper—so it’s no surprise that the food menu at Natural 20 takes inspiration from the world of JRR Tolkien and all corners of geekdom. Their Lembas Bread (garlic naan) and Hobbit’s Feast Salad pair well with the Khazad Scottish Ale and are sure to fuel you up for an adventure through Middle Earth—or Spokane Valley.
Their punny apparel boasts “Drinking Beer Creates Character,” but Nat 20 aims to be a destination for all gamers, fandoms and ages offering an assortment of non-alcoholic options, too.
Their lemonade is made with real sugar and real lemon juice topped with hops to add a slight carbonation. The next tap down is root beer with a variety of spices and hops sure to wow your taste buds.
Jackie notes that the fifth generation of D&D gained popularity during COVID-19 because people were looking for something to do and still play games. When restrictions were eased, their Spokane Valley taproom became a meeting space for those looking to get together and play in person. The Carlsons expanded into the downtown area in the summer of 2022 as the popularity of their beers and gaming continued to grow locally.
With this added space, the pair continues looking for ways to grow the community by offering introductory campaigns in addition to a discount for groups that reserve space to play in advance.
Natural 20 celebrated its third anniversary this past fall and continues to offer more ways to engage various fandoms from paint and pint nights to Dungeon Master Boot Camps to trivia.
For the Carlsons, it surely seems that their beers are a critical hit and the real magic is in the gathering.
Downtown Spokane Taproom
1303 N Washington St
Spokane, WA 99201
Spokane Valley Taproom
13216 E Sprague
Spokane Valley, WA 99216
Photo Credit - Jordan Wertman
I Would Die 4 U
Dice have been used for gaming and divination for thousands of years, with the earliest known examples dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. These early dice were typically made from materials such as bone or ivory and often used for games of chance as well as for religious or ceremonial purposes.
The origins of the 20-sided die, also known as a "D20," can be traced back to the 1970s with the publication of the first edition of the Dungeons & Dragons.
Nowadays, dice are made from materials like metal, plastic, resin and more; part of the fun is finding a set of dice that fits the personalities and interests of any potential roller.
“I like dice because of the variety of options available,” says Michael Torkelson of Bridge Troll Dice. “You can match them to a specific character you’re playing or match them to a specific action you might use them for. Plus they’re just fun to look at.”
By day, Torkelson is the head roaster for Cravens Coffee, but he started making his own resin dice about two years ago. He specializes in large, 50mm “chonk” D20 dice and held a pop-up sale at Natural 20 during the holiday season.
“I love making dice because I’m the type of person that likes to create a tangible product that other people can enjoy, and, with dice, there’s just so much freedom of creativity.”
About the Beer:
Caution: Do Not Drink & Operate Heavy Machinery
Many of the quaffs brewed by Nat 20 are inspired by notable weapons patrons might recognize from the world of pop culture and gaming.
“Sometimes the beer gag lends itself to the name. Sometimes the name inspires up to make a beer,” Reece says. “We just want to make and sell good beer.”
These days, you can belly up to the bar and arm yourself with a Dark Sister (Tropical Stout), a Grabthar’s Hammer
(Imperial Red Ale) or a Fierce Deity (Red SMASH Ale).
If you have secured a safe and sober way to fast travel back to your save point, go ahead and try the Critical Hit, Natural 20’s English Barley Wine, clocking in at 10.7% ABV!
Level Up with Nat 20’s Mug Club
Gaming is all about challenge and Natural 20’s Mug Club is no different. There are three levels to conquer. First, you start with glass, then ceramic, until earning your way up to the coveted horn. One levels up every year membership is maintained. Nat 20 makes it pretty easy to do so, seeing as though members get discounts on food, merchandise, early access to events and exclusive invitations to Mug Club-only events. Not to mention 16 oz pours fittingly get boosted to 20 oz and pints are always $5 on Wednesdays. Because the beers at Nat 20 stand up to repeat plays after all this time, Jackie and Reece have plans to introduce a fourth-year mug for members who have built up enough XP.