Ever smelled the yeasty aroma of brewing magic? That’s Elysian Brewing for you. Right here on East Pike Street in Seattle this brewery isn’t just a place to grab a beer. It’s a piece of Seattle’s history.
Elysian Brewing opened its doors in 1996. Three homebrewing enthusiasts Dave Buhler Joe Bisacca and Dick Cantwell founded it. Cantwell had already made a name for himself at other Seattle breweries. Buhler was a spirits wholesaler. Bisacca was a homebrewer and a bank vice president. Their first location in Capitol Hill was a 20-barrel operation. It quickly became a local favorite.
Elysian didn’t just stick to one location. They expanded. They ran a brewpub inside the GameWorks arcade. That lasted from 1997 to 2002. In 2003 they opened Tangletown a pub and bistro near Green Lake. Their largest location Elysian Fields opened in 2006 near CenturyLink Field. Game day crowds flocked to it. Imagine the buzz.
Their success wasn’t just about location. Elysian became known for its creativity. They brewed hundreds of beers. Some were classic styles others were experimental. They collaborated with others. They partnered with Sub Pop Records. They even created a beer called Loser Pale Ale. Its label referenced a Kurt Cobain Rolling Stone cover. It was a bold move. It reflected their rebellious spirit.
Elysian won numerous awards for its beers. Their Wise ESB Dragontooth Stout and Avatar Jasmine IPA were World Beer Cup winners. They even earned the Large Brewpub of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival multiple times.
In 2011 Elysian opened a massive production facility in Georgetown. This allowed them to expand their distribution. Their beers became available across several states and even internationally.
But sadly in 2015 Anheuser-Busch InBev acquired Elysian. And in 2024 Elysian began closing its Seattle facilities. That’s a chapter closing on a Seattle institution.
This is more than just beer. It’s a story of entrepreneurial spirit brewing innovation and community connection. A story etched in Seattle’s vibrant history. A story that continues even as the taps run dry. Remember Elysian Brewing. Raise a glass to its legacy.