Some big changes brewing at Pike Brewing Company

Pike Brewing introduces new beers, new branding, new pilot brewery, and new employees in key positions.

After 33 years, and countless awards and accolades, Pike Brewing decided it was time to freshen things up a bit. Well, not a bit, but a lot.

“Pike takes so much pride in what we’ve accomplished over the years,” said Charles Finkel, founder/owner of Pike Brewing. “We’re all excited for this next chapter.”

That next chapter involves some new beers in the brewery’s core lineup, a new seasonal beer program, a new small batch brewing program, new branding and packaging, and the addition of two key employees.

Charles Finkel and his late wife Rose Ann Finkel founded Pike Brewing back in the days when craft beer was still called microbrew. Because he knows the craft beer industry as well as anyone, he knows you must keep moving and changing.

sponsor

Drew Gillespie, president of Pike Brewing, knows it too. “The art of craft brewing is constantly changing, and we cannot rest on your laurels,” he said. “We’ve added two amazing women to the team, and we are absolutely thrilled. It’s exciting to be learning, tweaking old recipes, and making new beers.”

Two Key Additions to the Team

Earlier this year, Pike Brewing added to new members to its team. Each has notable experience in the local beer industry. Leslie Shore spent six and a half years as lead brewer at Reuben’s Brews before joining the Pike team in June, where she assumed the role of head brewer. Barbara Beaver, who hails from Georgetown Brewing, has taken on the role of Brewery & Quality Assurance Manager at Pike Brewing.

sponsor

*Leslie Shore. Photo by Marcus R. Donner © 2022*

Since joining the team at Pike Brewing, Shore and Beaver have worked with the production crew, updating processes and procedures, reworking recipes, crafting new beers, and creating a pilot brew program.

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

sponsor

*Barbara Beaver. Photo by Marcus R. Donner © 2022*

“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.

Three New Beers and a New Pilot Program

Pike Brewing introduces three new beers to the core lineup:

Waterfront IPA is bright and clean with notes of citrus
Uptown Hazy IPA is pillowy, smooth, and tropical
Post Alley Pils is a clean and crisp pilsner

Rounding out the Pike Core Series are the Space Needle West Coast IPA, Pike Place Pale Ale, and Cosmic Pulp Juicy IPA with updated recipes, as well as fan favorites Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale, Monk’s Uncle Tripel Ale, and 5x Stout.

*The pilot brewing equipment at Pike Brewing Company. Photo credits: Marcus R.* *Donner.*

Pike Brewing’s seasonal lineup returns in October and offers a new seasonal beer release each quarter. The Third Story series, a limited release program focused on innovation, also returns in the fall. The new pilot program allows the brewers to test recipes and concepts on a small scale. Guests at the Pike Pub get an opportunity to try the beers.

“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.”

New Branding, New Packaging

Pike Brewing worked with Blindtiger Design to create an all-new look. The goal is for the packaging and branding to embrace the brand’s iconic history while showcasing a clean new look that speaks to the full-scale updates and innovation across the brewery. Blind Tiger is a local, Seattle-based design firm that has worked with the beer industry extensively.

“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,” adds Eagan. “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.”

If you want to get a look at the new look of Pike Brewing, head over to the new website.

sponsor