Beer Release: WA: Coming Soon … Redhook Ale & Hilliard Beer announce Joint Effort Hemp Ale
Last year the people of Washington state were stuck with a dilemma, legalization of cannabis. We all know what the outcome of that vote was, you only have to step outside most bars to confirm it. Mind you this is the outcome from the citizen of Washington state legalizing possession of ‘pot’.
Which is why we think that it seems appropriate that Redhook is announcing the release of a collaborative beer with Hilliard’s, to celebrate the legalization of pot.
Joint Effort Hemp Ale, as described by the breweries, is an ale brewed with hemp seeds, dry-hopped with Zeus, Cascade, & Summit, hops. And despite not publically available the breweries’ initial impression are that this beer is an alternative to that other green budded plant. In fact the similarities are uncanny from the resinous hop aroma, the nutty earthiness, and the dank character. Plus at 5.6% it’s easy to enjoy a couple before feeling light headed.
For those who are curious why two breweries would collaborate on a beer as uniquely named as this. We didn’t have to go far to get an answer.
The relationship between the two breweries began with a Ballard bar-hopping trip down memory lane for Redhook’s brewing team. The area where it all started for Redhook in 1981 has since become known as the “Redhook District” and is a haven for beer lovers with a number of notable breweries opening and thriving. Among those is Hilliard’s Beer, founded in October 2011 by Ryan Hilliard and Adam Merkl.
“We have a real appreciation for the brewing energy in Ballard right now. Thirty years ago Redhook was exactly where guys like Hilliard’s, Reuben’s Brews and Populuxe are today,” said Karmen Olson, Redhook Brand Manager. “We’re stoked to be working with our friends at Hilliard’s and to raise a pint to our Emerald City heritage.”
“We're really excited to release Joint Effort with Redhook because we have a lot of respect for how they helped shape craft beer in Washington," said Hilliard's Beer co-founder Ryan Hilliard. "It's the first collaboration beer either of us has done with another brewery and it's fitting they started in Ballard a few blocks from where we are. Voting to legalize marijuana use in Washington is another example of the pioneering spirit that makes this state so great."
If you were wondering, the ‘water pipe’ shown is fact Redhook’s soon-to-be displayed draught handle. Start looking for Join Effort Hemp Ale, starting July 15th. Plus in October Redhook has confirmed they will re-release the beer in their Blue Line series 22ounce bottles.
Cheers
About Redhook
Redhook was born out of the energy and spirit of the early 80’s in the heart of Seattle. While the term didn’t exist at the time, Redhook became one of America’s first “craft” breweries. From a modest start in a former transmission shop in the Seattle neighborhood of Ballard, to the current breweries in Woodinville, WA and Portsmouth, NH, Redhook has become one of America’s most recognized craft breweries.
While Redhook has “grown up” over the past 30 years, one thing has never changed – Redhook is still brewing great beers like ESB, Long Hammer IPA, and Audible Ale. Most importantly, Redhook has fun doing it. Redhook beers are available both on draught and in bottles around the country. For more information, visit www.redhook.com.
About Hilliard’s Beer
Hilliard’s Beer was founded by Ryan Hilliard and Adam Merkl in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood in 2011. With a focus on great, craft beer in cans and made with the best ingredients available, Hilliard's can be appreciated by both the informed and informal beer drinker. Available in locations throughout the Pacific Northwest, look for Hilliard's signature tallboy cans of Amber, Blonde, Pils, and Saison as well as draft beers like Chrome Satan and Nautical Reference Pale Ale.
Visit Hilliard’s Ballard taproom, which has become one of Seattle’s ‘go-to’ spaces for beer, food trucks, and events.