ANNOUNCER: This week, Dutch and Jackie had beverages on the brain and skipped spots with a traditional menu. Join them on their journey as they sip, chug and throw back a few.

JACKIE: Let's kick things off with the hard stuff. Chambers Bay Distillery is a small space -- tucked away in the most unlikely of places -- a small collection of office and retail spaces on the cusp of University Place. Don't let appearances fool you, once you cross the threshold to their tasting room, the space is inviting and enticing with boozes galore. What I love is their mini cocktail tasters which gives mixologist wannabes an idea of how to use their boozes. If you like some spice in your life, I recommend sampling anything with the Ghost Dog Ghost Pepper Whiskey. Hot damn, it'll put some hair on your chest.

DUTCH: I wondered what that tickle under my shirt was, Jackie! I appreciate that there were two bourbon options: The Straight bourbon, which is aged over three years, and the Greenhorn bourbon, which is aged just 20 months. The Straight version has a heartier flavor like what most whiskey drinkers are accustomed to, but the lighter version is nothing to shy away from. The secret may be that both bourbons are aged on a house boat that keeps the barrels in a constant state of mixing.

JACKIE: I've been super stoked to check out the new Beer Star locale. Fifty beers on tap and reach-ins full of more delectable brews? Count me in. The food menu is snack-style -- think cheeses, nuts and chips, which is fine by me. They're kid- and dog-friendly and the staff is eager to make recommendations based on the type of hops you desire. Bonus: they carry loads of locally brewed beers, which is something I can get behind. My only qualm is the acoustics are poor and the noise levels are high. Come prepared for jovial times!

DUTCH: Their chips and nuts are packed and shelved upon entering the doors, and for a moment I thought I had walked into the 7-11 that used to occupy this space several years back. Additionally, patrons are welcome to bring any food into Beer Star - whether from one of the food trucks in the parking lot each weekend, or even left-overs from home. This philosophy matches their idea that everyone is welcome here . . . kids or dogs, it doesn't really matter, they are just happy to have you. But back to the beer. Sadly, I can't drink beer, so I was glad to find a place with a bounty of ciders available as well.

JACKIE: If you have a group of friends looking for a fun and tasty experience, try Vino Aquino on for size. They host two-hour wine tasting parties for groups of up to 15 for $100 (more can attend for a small upcharge). Swirling and sipping your way through locally crafted varietals is the ultimate bonding experience. They also host paint-and-sip paint parties and often times have live music in the space.

DUTCH: If you have as good of a time as some I've seen here, you may also consider the wine club where you can get three bottles a quarter for just $50. But in truth, I'm just happy there are couches and music.

CHAMBERS BAY DISTILLERY, 4-7 p.m., Wednesday-Friday; 2-7 p.m., Saturday, 2013 70th Ave. W., Tacoma, chambersbaydistillery.com

BEER STAR, 2-9 p.m., Monday-Tuesday; 2-10 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday; 2-11 p.m., Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, 4328 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, beerstarusa.com/tacoma

VINO AQUINO WINERY, 2-7 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, 4417 Sixth Ave., Suite 1, Tacoma, 253.272.5511, vinoaquino.net