Seattle’s iconic Pike Brewing announces new Ballard taproom, new head brewer, & rebrand
Seattle’s iconic Pike Brewing is in the midst of big changes, including a refreshed brand, a new head brewer, brand new year-round beers, and now a second location coming to the hot Ballard neighborhood. Over the last 33 years Pike Brewing became synonymous with Seattle and the Pike Place Market where the brewery and restaurant still are located, it’s a place swathed in local history.
Pike Brewing’s classic brewpub in Pike Place Market
“Pike takes so much pride in what we’ve accomplished over the years,” said Charles Finkel, founder/owner of Pike Brewing.
“But the art of craft brewing is constantly changing, and we cannot rest on your laurels,” said Drew Gillespie, president of Pike Brewing. “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.”
Blindtiger designed the new look of Pike Brewing. The packaging and branding embrace the brand's iconic history while showcasing a clean new look that speaks to the full-scale updates and innovation across the brewery. Check out the new look here: https://www.pikebrewingseattle.com/beer/.
“We’re all excited for this next chapter,” adds Finkel.
Leslie Shore, (formerly of Reuben’s Brews) is Pike Brewing’s new head brewer
New Head Brewer
Head Brewer, Leslie Shore, spent six and a half years as lead brewer at Reuben’s Brews before joining the Pike team in June. Barbara Beaver hails from Georgetown Brewing and has taking on the role of Brewery & Quality Assurance Manager at Pike Brewing.
Shore and Beaver have been working tirelessly 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, 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 assurence manager of Pike Brewing.
“Integrating these structural changes in quality, safety, and inclusion in a relatively short time frame can be daunting,” said Shore. “This crew has showcased the desire to immediately adopt and absorb these improvements and that excitement genuinely keeps me motivated to help drive Pike towards the future.”
Seattle Freeze Cold IPA is Pike Brewing’s new fall seasonal
New Beers
Pike Brewing is thrilled to introduce three new beers to the 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.
Pike’s seasonal lineup will return in October where fans can look forward to a new seasonal beer each quarter. The Third Story series, a limited release program focused on innovation, will also return in the fall. The pilot program will allow the brewery crew to test recipes and new concepts on a very small scale, and guests of Pike Pub the opportunity to try the beers.
One of the first beers in the new seasonal lineup is the Seattle Freeze COLD IPA for fall 2022. The West Coast-style flavors features Cascade, Centennial, Columbus, and Simcoe hops creating a bright and quenchable beer. ABV 7.0% | 35 IBUs. The Seattle Freeze COLD IPA is available until December, so grab a six pack or belly up to your favorite bar and enjoy a nice cold pint before it’s too late!
The former Bramling Cross tavern in Ballard will become the new Pike Taproom
New Ballard Taproom
Pike Brewing’s big year will continue through the winter as the Pike Taproom is slated to open in late November or early December in the former gastropub and beer bar Bramling Cross at 5205 Ballard Ave NW.
“It’s been a big year of growth for Pike Brewing,” says Drew Gillespie, president of Pike Brewing. “Opening a taproom in Ballard is an exciting way for us to introduce our new and improved beers, new team, and fresh look to a whole new audience.”
The Pike Taproom will feature a menu designed by Ethan Stowell, and offer a handful of burgers, plus wings, salads, and Pike's famous pretzel. Stowell is the consulting chef for all of Pike Brewing’s culinary operations.
In addition to featuring the entire Pike Brewing lineup, including seasonal brews and limited production beers, there will a rotating tap devoted to a Ballard Brewery, and a tap featuring a local cider, as well as a full bar.
The 2,500 square foot space is being designed by Kelley Moore. Moore has added a green leather banquette that runs along one of the exposed brick walls, modern lighting fixtures, mirrors, and black and white photos to the space that offers seating for 45, as well as 8 seats at the bar which boasts a custom designed brushed metal backbar. A neon Pike Brewing sign welcomes guests into the taproom. The front of the space offers shuffleboard and vintage-inspired truck seats, ideal for lounging with friends over beers. Two dartboards adorn the back of the space and televisions are placed thoughtfully throughout the room for cheering on your favorite team.
Pike Taproom will open at 3pm Monday through Friday, and at 12pm on weekends. Happy hour will be offered from 4pm to 6pm Monday through Friday.
About Pike Brewing
Founded in 1989 by Charles and Rose Ann Finkel, Pike Brewing is the longest running, independently operated craft brewery in Washington State. Located adjacent to Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market, Pike Brewing features a sustainably focused gravity-flow steam-powered brewhouse producing bold, diverse, and dynamic craft beers. In addition to the urban brewery, the three-level space boasts two restaurants and a Microbrewery Museum, making Pike Brewing a destination for both locals and visitors alike. Pike Brewing is renowned for a wide range of award-winning beers, top-notch hospitality, and a philanthropic commitment to the community. Look for Pike Brewing in restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores throughout Washington, as well as select grocery stores in Alaska and Idaho. To learn more, visit pikebrewingseattle.com.
Pike Brewing is located at 1415 First Avenue in Seattle, Washington.