Optimism Brewing Co.
Optimism Brewing Company was founded in 2013 by husband and wife, Troy Hakala and Gay Gilmore. As long-time Capitol Hill residents, Troy and Gay were determined to build the brewery in their beloved neighborhood because of its rich culture and diversity. While building an enormous 16,000 sq. ft. brewery in the middle of one of Seattle’s most sought-after neighborhoods was certainly not an inexpensive endeavor, Troy and Gay had their hearts and minds set on raising their brewery in the same place they raised their children.
After over a year of location scouting and another two years of construction and rehabilitation of the 100-year old warehouse upon which we built the brewery’s foundation, we officially opened our doors and served our first beers on December 5, 2015: the anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
