The Best Vibe In Ballard
Radiator Whiskey is a Seattle institution.
Long before Doc Swinson’s was even a twinkle in the eyes of our founders, we were regulars at the original Pike Place Market location.
It’s a special place, almost hidden up a discrete staircase within the original market building at the corner of 1st and Pike.
Tucked behind a dark door directly across the hall from its sister establishment the acclaimed Matt’s In The Market, Radiator is a temple of delights – from the unrivaled selection of whiskey from around the world, to the legendary Smoked Half Pig Head (must be preordered one week in advance), to the even more legendary Pickle Back happy hour shots.
Proud partnership launched
So it is with immense pride that we have launched an exciting new multi-faceted partnership with Radiator this October.
We first met with the team at Radiator this summer as they opened their second location on iconic Ballard Avenue.
They were already a customer of Doc’s, but we had dreams of a much deeper relationship, and it was clear from the start that they shared our vision of creating something special together.
As a brand focused on celebrating and sparking curiosity in the world, we immediately felt a shared passion for exploration, discovery, and being remarkable in a world where brands and restaurants are so often invisible.
In the months to come, you’ll see this partnership come to life in a variety of ways, including:
A Radiator exclusive Single Barrel Pick of a special Doc Swinson’s rye whiskey
Pickle Backs now exclusively featuring our Session Bourbon
A joint appearance by Jesse Parker and Radiator’s owner Dan Bugge on Q13’s “Studio 13 Live” morning program on Thursday November 13th
A series of Doc Swinson’s nights at both the Ballard and Pike Place Market locations this holiday season featuring Doc’s flights paired with Radiator dishes, chances to meet Doc Swinson’s Master Blender Jesse Parker, exclusive pours of Doc’s expressions only available at Radiator, Doc’s merch giveaways, and more.
Nov. 17-22 & Dec. 15-20 at Radiator Ballard
Nov. 18-22 & Dec. 16-20 at Radiator Market
We kicked things off on October 30th with a private dinner for media, bloggers, and other influential Seattleites at Radiator Ballard, where guests spent time with both the Doc’s and Radiator teams during a four course pairing dinner prepared by Radiator’s talented Chef and paired with whiskey hand selected by Jesse Parker. Read more about it here.
The night ended with Pickle Backs for everyone, and led one guest to officially declare Radiator and Doc’s as “the best vibe in Ballard”.
Stay tuned for more from this great partnership in 2026 and beyond, and stop by Radiator in Ballard or Pike Place Market to get a taste of things for yourself - and a Pickle Back, of course.
