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Meet the new Pike: Brewing team explains brand refresh, new beers and recipe updates

September 7, 2022Chris Crowell

Pike Brewing cans
The Pike Brewing Company canning line. Photo by Marcus R. Donner © 2022

Established in 1989 by Charles and Rose Ann Finkel, Pike Brewing is an iconic brewery of the Northwestern U.S. The Seattle-based brewery has produced award-winning beers and created a destination that honors the history of beer. And now it’s ready to debut the next chapter in its history, introducing a new head brewer, three new beers and brand refresh.

“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.”

“We’re all excited for this next chapter,” adds Charles Finkel, founder/owner of Pike Brewing. 

Meet the new team

New head brewer Leslie Shore (left) and Brewery & Quality Assurance Manager Barbara Beaver (right). Photos by Marcus R. Donner © 2022

New head brewer Leslie Shore spent six and a half years as lead brewer at Reuben’s Brews before joining the Pike team in June.

“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.”

Barbara Beaver hails from Georgetown Brewing and has taking on the role of Brewery & Quality Assurance Manager at Pike Brewing.

“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. 

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.

“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.”

Meet the new beers

Pike Brewing new beers
  • 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.

“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.”

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.

“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.’”

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