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Pike Brewing Co.

The founders of the Pike Brewing Co., Charles and Rose Ann Finkel, met at a wine tasting event in 1968. These two wine lovers have had an outsized impact on the American craft beer scene.


The Finkels ran a small wine-distribution business. In 1974, the company was snapped up by the makers of Chateau Ste. Michelle wines, and the move brought the couple to the Pacific Northwest. In 1978, the two founded a beer import company, becoming exclusive agents for independent European brewers including Ayinger, Lindeman’s, Orval, Pinkus, Samuel Smith and Traquair House – all iconic brands then little-known in the United States. In doing so, the Finkels introduced many American beer drinkers to these classic Old World beers.


In 1989, the Finkels opened The Pike Place Brewery in Seattle’s foodie mecca, the Pike Place Market. They installed a custom-built, four-barrel, copper kettle system. Pike Pale Ale and XXXXX Stout were among the first beers brewed, to broad acclaim. The name was changed to Pike Brewing in 1995, and the brewery moved to become a brewpub at a new, larger location.


The Finkels sold the business in 1997. In what then seemed like the capstone on a full career, Charles was presented the Midwest International Beer Exposition Lifetime Achievement Award by Michael Jackson, author of the seminal World Guide to Beer.


But in 2006 “surprise takeover,” the Finkels bought Pike Brewing back. They have since remodeled and expanded the pub, reintroduced some of their original recipes, and introduced new beers, including Pike Monk’s Uncle Tripel, a Belgian-style Tripel Ale. Today Pike Brewing is celebrated for its portfolio of approachable and classic Old World-style beers.


Source: Pike Brewing Co.

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