Nothing beats a night at Climate Pledge Arena when the energy is high and the Seattle Kraken are ready to drop the puck. I headed down to “The Deep” with my brother Blake recently to catch a game, and while the hockey was top-tier, you know I was there with a mission to scout the tap list.
Hockey and hops go hand-in-hand, and we managed to find two distinct takes on the IPA that kept us fueled through all three periods.
The Pre-Game Smash: Chainline Brewing Smash IPA over at Queen Anne Beerhall
We kicked things off with a familiar favorite from over in Kirkland. Chainline Brewing has been a staple in the local scene, and their Smash IPA (specifically the Krush hop version) is a craft beer of exceptional simplicity.
- The Vibe: Clean, focused, and punchy.
- The Profile: Being a “Single Malt and Single Hop” brew, there’s nowhere for the flavors to hide. The Krush hops deliver a massive hit of tropical fruit and stone fruit notes without being weighed down by a complex malt bill.
- Wee Verdict: It’s bright and incredibly crushable, perfect for that pre-game excitement when you need something refreshing but still want that 6% ABV kick.
The Official Play: Granville Island Kraken West Coast IPA
You can’t go to a Kraken game and skip the Official IPA of the Seattle Kraken. Brewed by Granville Island, this one is a bit of a throwback to the classic West Coast style we all grew up on.
- The Vibe: Bold, piney, and unapologetically bitter.
- The Profile: At 6.5% ABV, this pours a nice golden amber. It’s got that signature resinous pine and grapefruit zest that defines the coast. It’s a bit sturdier than the Smash, standing up well to wandering Climate Pledge Arena.
- Wee Verdict: While the Smash was all about the modern fruit-forward hop profile, this is for the purists. It’s a solid, reliable drinker that feels right at home in a cold rink.
Final Thoughts
Between the saves from Daccord and the steady flow of quality IPAs, it was an exceptional experience at the arena. Blake and I both agreed: if you’re looking for something light and tropical to start, go for the Chainline. If you want that classic “hockey beer” bite to carry you through a nail-biting third period, the Granville Island is your play.
Final Score: Kraken lost but craft beer won! WeeBeers Cheers!
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
