Pike IPA
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Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with resinous pine and grapefruit peel, backed by a mild biscuit malt base that keeps things grounded. On the palate, citrus and floral hop character take the front seat while the malt adds just enough sweetness to balance the bitterness rather than fight it. The body is medium, with a clean, moderately bitter finish that lingers without turning harsh. It's a well-structured example of the style — nothing outlandish, but honest and composed throughout.
About the Brewery
Pike Brewing is based in Seattle, Washington, operating out of Pike Place Market in the heart of the city. Founded in 1989 by Charles and Rose Ann Finkel, it is one of the Pacific Northwest's early craft brewing institutions and helped shape the region's hop-forward brewing identity. Their lineup spans a broad range of styles, but they've long been associated with well-made, approachable interpretations of classic American and British forms. The brewpub setting gives them a strong local presence beyond just the packaged beer.
Food Pairings
Burgers and grilled beef work well here because the resinous bitterness cuts through fat and char without overpowering the meat. Fish tacos are a natural match since the citrus hop character echoes lime and brightens lighter proteins. Sharp cheddar or aged Gouda holds up to the bitterness while the malt sweetness in the beer rounds out the cheese's bite. Spicy dishes like Thai green curry find some relief in the malt backbone, while the hops complement the herbal notes in the dish rather than clashing with them.
Style Guide
American IPA is defined by assertive hop bitterness and pronounced hop aroma, typically featuring citrus, pine, or tropical fruit character derived from American hop varieties like Cascade, Centennial, and Simcoe. The style generally falls in the 6–7.5% ABV range with a medium-to-dry body and enough malt presence to provide balance without stealing focus. It evolved from British India Pale Ale but departed significantly toward hop-forward intensity during the American craft beer movement of the 1980s and 1990s. Compared to a Double IPA, it's more restrained in both bitterness and alcohol, and it's considerably more bitter and hop-aromatic than a pale ale.