Redhook Brewery

Redhook Brewery was established in 1981 by Paul Shipman and Gordon Bowker, who opened the Redhook Ale Brewery inside a renovated transmission shop in Ballard, Seattle, using second-hand and makeshift equipment. The brewery's first Redhook Ale was poured in 1982 at Jake O'Shaughnessy's in Queen Anne, Seattle, and gained a cult following as "Banana Beer." In 1985 Ballard Bitter was first released, and in 1986 Redhook Extra Special Bitter was released. In 1987 the brewery outgrew its Ballard location and moved to Fremont. The brand's official website presents beers including '81 Light Lager, Juicy Big Ballard, and Big Ballard Imperial IPA.

In 1981, Redhook founders Paul Shipman and Gordon Bowker had a vision that all beer drinkers deserved something different than the flavorless lagers or stale imports available at the time. Using second-hand and makeshift equipment, they opened the Redhook Ale Brewery inside a renovated transmission shop in Ballard, Seattle. Charles McElevey was brought on as the first brew master. In 1982, the first Redhook Ale was poured at Jake O'Shaughnessy's in Queen Anne, Seattle; the initial beer had a fruity taste and quickly gained a cult following as "Banana Beer." In 1985, Ballard Bitter was first released, with a hoppy profile that became a hit with craft beer fans. In 1986, Redhook Extra Special Bitter, a former Winterhook recipe, was released and brewed continuously to that point. In 1987, Redhook outgrew the Ballard brewery and moved to Fremont, inhabiting a historic building that served as a barn.

well-crafted, approachable beers for the people; the hardest-working beer in the fridge

• '81 Light Lager

• Juicy Big Ballard

• Big Ballard Imperial IPA

• Ballard Bitter

• Redhook Extra Special Bitter

1. Redhook Brewery Home
2. History of Redhook Brewery