33-years later, Pike Brewing reinvents its brand, with help from head brewer Leslie Shore, Quality Manager Barbara Beaver, and Blindtiger Design.

Like so many businesses, Seattle’s Pike Brewing Company is attempting a comeback after nearly 36 months adapting to the global pandemic. That is no more clear with the recent hiring of former Reuben’s Brews lead brewer Leslie Shore and Georgetown Brewing’s Quality Coordinator, Barbara Beaver. With their combined experience the duo brings nearly 30 years in the brewing industry. Which will come in handy as the duo works towards repositioning Seattle’s oldest downtown brewery, at 33 years. 

(left-to-right) Leslie Shore and Barbara Beaver

“Knowing where Pike is headed is extremely exciting and energizing,” said Leslie Shore, head brewer of Pike Brewing.  “The history of the brewery is legendary and iconic, and it’s certainly invigorating to be united with our entire crew on this trajectory.”

“We have a great production team that are not only dedicated to the course that we’re on, but also eager to adopt updated processes and procedures to drive us there,” adds Barbara Beaver, brewery & quality assurance manager of Pike Brewing.

Working cooperatively, Shore and Beaver set a goal of revisiting Pike Brewing’s historic recipes with an eye towards returning them to center, while also developing styles that are in high demand by today’s imbibers.

Right out the gate, the duo has developed three news beers in Uptown Hazy IPA, Waterfront IPA, and Post Alley Pils. With a focus on Germanic-styles, Post Alley Pilsner comes across as a crispy and refreshing pilsner, while Uptown Hazy IPA will remind you of tropical escapes without assaulting on your palate. Finally, the brewery invites those who eschew hazy or juicy india pale ales, with their Waterfront IPA which should be a rewarding citrus zest in your mouth.

“An exciting aspect of our newer beers is showcasing our team’s commitment to enhancing the legacy of this brewery with innovative spirit,” said Shore. “Each of us has a unique relationship with beer in general, as well as with Pike – and that ability to come together, provide input on ingredients, apply modern takes on historic styles, and produce quality liquid has crystalized our production crew and that has me personally invigorated. This is absolutely evident in the beer itself. Embracing current styles, we’ve introduced a brighter and fresher palate to our existing lineup that illustrate a modernized yet still approachable Pike.”

During our visit, we sampled the three new offerings, quietly voting for Post Alley Pils and Waterfront IPA. We are naturally looking forward to sampling the packaged version of these. in the wild, and once recovered will share our sensory thoughts via social media.

Not content to put something new in the can (or in your glass), the brewery’s previously available “Pike Core Series” beers are still available including Space Needle West Coast IPA, Pike Place Pale Ale, Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale, Monk’s Uncle Tripel, 5X Stout, and the recently redeveloped Cosmic Pulp Juicy IPA. This is on top of planned quarterly seasonal releases, a different recipe each time, starting in October; and the always developing “Third Story Series”

Besides what’s in the glass or can, the brewery has enlisted help from branding artists Blindtiger Design. No stranger to the brewing industry, they have contributed to breweries like Chuckanut Brewing, Bale Breaker Brewing, and Iron Horse Brewery. With their help, Pike Brewing has strolled away from the iconic star, hops, barley, and cursive letter P. Instead, the brewery replaced it with one that is more minimal, with an almost throwback appeal.

“Pike is such a monumental brand in this region,” said Oceania Eagan, founder + creative director of Blindtiger Design. “For countless consumers (myself included), it was our introduction to craft beer. And for so many breweries, they paved the way decades ago. Going into the project we were well aware of how such a long history can work against a brewery with the modern beer drinker but have been endlessly impressed by their eagerness to improve and adapt their brand, and their beers. We’re excited for the beer community to experience the new Pike roll out into the world and share their innovations. It’s been a whole lot of fun to be a part of this next chapter and help Pike reestablish themselves as ‘Seattle’s beer.’”

It’s not without its hiccups, as the brewery slowly migrates away from the old branding. Noticed during our visit, the brewery’s tasters and tulips still featured the legacy branding. In contrast, the brewery’s pint glasses had the updated design by firm Blindtiger Design.

Finally, the brewery has re-imagined the menus at their Pub and the recently renamed Pike Fish Bar (formerly Tankard & Tun) with an equally streamlined menu of options including ingredients like rockfish, salmon, shrimp, oysters, or clams. Besides Pike’s Fish Bar, the brewery’s downstairs eatery “The Pike Pub” is open with a more diverse menu supporting not only omnivores but gluten-free and vegan alike.

Paying Pike Fish Bar a visit, we tried their battered salmon fish pieces, cheeseburger, and several of their fresh-shucked oysters. Overall, after reviewing the menu, prices compete with nearby restaurants. And when compared with prior Pike Brewing concept, Tankard & Tun, the many should aid you in making a quick decision.

Open most days and as early as 11 am, the staff at both Pike Fish Bar and The Pike Pub invite you to stop in, as you sample the beers of Pike paired with an updated menu. Or if you can’t make it downtown, seek the beers created and stewarded by head brewer Leslie Shore, QA Manager Barbara Beaver, the brewery staff, and leadership at Pike Brewing Company.

Pike Brewing Company, The Pike Pub, and Pike Fish Bar are located at 1415 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101. For more information, visit https://www.pikebrewing.com.

In the meantime, we will follow up soon to review the beers and learn more about those who make the new Pike Brewing possible.