Image Credit: DALL-E
Washington State isn’t just home to stunning landscapes and innovative breweries, it’s a place where sports and beer come together in perfect harmony. From the Seahawks’ dominant NFL performances to the Seattle Kraken’s exciting NHL entries, Washington’s sports teams are icons in their own right. And what better way to celebrate their victories than with a cold, refreshing beer?
Whether you’re cheering on the Mariners at T-Mobile Park or enjoying a Seahawks game from the comfort of your home, pairing your favorite local brew with the action is a winning combination. Let’s dive into the legendary teams and discover the beers that go hand-in-hand with their success.
Beer, Beers, and more Beers
Beer has established its roots deeply within the social structure across every geographical region where unique cultural brewing customs prevail. Ales and lagers represent the main categories of beer beverages and comprise subcategories including brown ales, India pale ales, sour ales, and pale ales along with pilsners. Around 400 billion liters of beer worldwide exist, while the Czech Republic leads the world with 128 liters annual per capita beer consumption, which equals 387 cans. Other beer classifications include Stouts, fruit beers, wheat and porters, and blonde ales.
Brewing in Colonial America
The tradition in the United States started over 150 years before the independence from Great Britain when the Jamestown settlers brewed a concoction of beer, molasses, corn, and pumpkins in 1612. This concoction was incredibly popular among the colonists and was consumed for many years after its initial discovery.
History of Local Breweries in Washington State
As Eastern Washington’s hop industry grew in the late 19th century, other breweries appeared around the state. The Seattle Brewing & Malting Company, founded in 1893, was one of them. The Capital Brewing Company (later known as the Olympia Brewing Company) opened its doors in Tumwater in 1896, and the Schade Brewery moved to Spokane in 1903.
The success of these breweries, especially the Seattle Brewing & Malting Company, which by the early 1900s had become the biggest brewery west of St. Louis, was influenced by the expanding working-class population in Washington. These companies were pioneers in the local brewery industry and were devastated after prohibition in the 1910s.
Elysian Brewing and Seattle Seahawks Partner
As the beer industry continued to evolve, it was only logical that sports partnerships would be created, especially in a town that adores its local teams. The Seattle Seahawks have been a relevant team for the past 15 years in the NFL, always in the running for a Super Bowl; with this, the local company called Elysian Brewing saw the benefit of having a partnership. With this, they created a beer called Hawkitect American Wheat Ale.
The Hawkitect American Wheat Ale stands out from many other wheat ales due to its strong hop bill and wheat brewing. This session-able beer has a 5% ABV and intense citrus and pineapple flavors and aromas. Also, to help the Seahawks charities, some of the profits from every can sold go to help eliminate homelessness through Plymouth Housing, which is based in Seattle.
Mayor Seattle Mariners Partnership with Corona
In 2022, the Mariners team partnered with the juggernaut Corona, becoming the “Official Cerveza” of the team. This agreement brings special promotions inside T-Mobile Park, including a beach club to bring that feeling of a vacation on the sand under a coconut tree with an ice-cold Corona with a slice of lime in the bottle to the fan.
The refreshing flavor and the iconic carefree attitude of initially Mexican-based Corona Extra hold a respected place in the U.S. culture as the #1 most loved beer brand. Along with these rewards, fans can also take advantage of sportsbook promos, enjoying exclusive betting opportunities that enhance the excitement of cheering for their favorite Washington teams.
Seattle Kraken Partner with Hop Valley Brewing
The new kid on the block, the NHL Seattle Kraken team, has made a name for itself since its creation in 2021. Hop Valley Brewing Company successfully integrates into professional sports markets of Washington State. The stadium beer bars of professional West Coast ballparks feature specially designed cargo container hardware installations which Hop Valley Brewing distributed across their locations.
The 2024 NHL Winter Classic between Seattle Kraken and Las Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Park inspired Hop Valley Brewing to release Hockey Haze Hazy Pale Ale, which came in attractive 16-oz cans showing the Kraken’s throwback jerseys. The Hockey Haze Hazy Pale Brew uses a light-bodied structure to present citrus and herbal tea flavors. Those who drink hazy beers will appreciate this version because it has 20 IBU along with a pleasant 5.5% ABV.
The Importance of Beer for Washington State
Beer is ingrained in the social fabric of society, with every part of the world having its traditions, styles, and tastes. This is no different with the great people of the Evergreen State. Local breweries pop up, bringing their interpretations of their best ales and lagers, and it is a delightful experience. And for those who just enjoy a regular Corona or Coors Light, being able to watch all the major sports is a blessing as well.
