Redhook Brewery has been crafting better beer than the light, fizzy options since 1981. The whole thing was founder Gordon Bowker's idea, and he was determined to produce a high-quality domestic beer that could compete with the growing import beer market.

After partnering with Paul Shipman of the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, the two opened Redhook in the early microbrewery years before it was the “in" thing to do. These beer mavericks gained cult status in the Emerald City, reaping the rewards of the microbrew revolution and ultimately partnering with Anheuser-Busch, the “King of Beers."

The original Redhook Ale Brewery opened in an old transmission shop and introduced a fruity beverage the locals quickly dubbed “Banana Beer." The Blackhook Porter followed, becoming an instant hit with dark beer fans. In 1984, the brewery crafted Winterhook, the label's legendary winter ale. Other releases to follow included Ballard Bitter, Redhook Extra Special Bitter and the long-awaited Redhook IPA.

In 2016, Redhook introduced its Extra Special Lager on the market. This exceptional lager traces its roots to German export-style beers and finally gave Seattle the lager the city deserved. If you're looking for a distinct, all-American flagship brand, you can't go wrong with Redhook Ale.