Mashing-In News: Dr. Pat passes, Tacoma beer news
GOOD MORNING, SOUTH PUGET SOUND!
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 — Tuesday Weld turns 82 today!
From Tacoma breweries’ changes to college teams debuting their first official brews, today’s craft beer news pours out stories of loss, growth, innovation, and celebration across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
“Dr. Pat” McGovern, Archaeologist Who Revived Ancient Beers, Passes Away
Dogfish Head has announced that Dr. Patrick McGovern — “Dr. Pat,” the world’s leading expert on ancient fermented beverages and longtime Dogfish collaborator — has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking research and experimental archaeology that inspired beers like Midas Touch and helped bring ancient brewing traditions back to life for modern drinkers. (Dogfish Head)
Sig Brewing to Close Sig South Taproom This Friday
Sig Brewing announced it will close its short-lived Sig South satellite taproom on South Tacoma Way this Friday, August 29, while its main Tacoma Avenue brewery and taproom remain open and unaffected. (Washington Beer Blog)
Evergreen State Brewing Opens New Dock Street Taproom August 29
Evergreen State Brewing is moving its Tacoma presence to the waterfront, with a new Dock Street taproom opening August 29–30 along the Foss Waterway, featuring live music, comedy nights, food, and community events—while beer production continues at the South Tacoma Way facility and the Gig Harbor taproom remains open. (Washington Beer Blog)
Aberdeen’s Steam Donkey Doubles Brewing Capacity With Port Partnership
Steam Donkey Brewing, Aberdeen’s first brewery in 70 years, is expanding into a new 2,900-square-foot production facility at the Port of Grays Harbor to double output and streamline operations, while keeping its beloved downtown taproom open as the community hub. (Washington Beer Blog)
Grodziskie Polish Lager Returns, Now in 12-Ounce Cans from Chuckanut
Chuckanut Brewery has released its historic Grodziskie Polish Lager for 2025, now available in 12-oz cans for the first time, offering a 3% ABV oak-smoked, lightly bitter wheat lager that’s refreshing, highly carbonated, and perfect for all-day enjoyment. (Northwest Beer Guide)
UC Berkeley Debuts First Official Craft Beer: Oski’s California Gold
UC Berkeley has partnered with Bear Republic (now part of Drake’s Brewing) to launch Oski’s California Gold, a 4.8% golden ale branded with the school’s mascot, making it Cal’s first official craft beer; the limited-release will roll out Sept. 1 across Bay Area retailers, bars, and Memorial Stadium, with proceeds supporting alumni, athletics, and arts programs. (SFGate)
Oregon Ducks Debut First Official Craft Beer With Hop Valley’s Dang Green IPA
The University of Oregon has partnered with Eugene’s Hop Valley Brewing to launch Dang Green IPA, a 7% ABV golden-hued IPA brewed with Cryo Hops®, making it the first official craft beer of the Oregon Ducks; it debuted August 21 at Autzen Stadium and will be available at games, Duck bars, and in cans statewide just in time for football season. (The Brewsite)
Sweet Geuze Pulled From Shelves as AB InBev Discontinues Belle-Vue
AB InBev has discontinued production of its sweetened Belle-Vue Geuze in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw due to declining demand and changing tastes, though Belle-Vue Kriek will continue, with experts noting that traditional sour Geuze and local microbreweries have pushed sweet, industrial versions out of the market. (VRT NWS)
LINK: Peaks & Pints beer and cider cooler inventory
