Even Keel Sets Sail
The best part of brewing beer in Bellingham is opportunity for collaboration in the vibrant community around us. Over the years, we’ve fostered an incredible roster of unlikely friendships through the power of beer as a connector. One of our favorite connections is with The Schooner Zodiac. For years, the crew of this majestic vessel has made our beer their first beverage choice for cruises, dinners, weddings, and other events. This 160-foot wooden sailing vessel routinely sets sail from Bellingham Bay to the Canadian Gulf Islands and the San Juan Islands for both private and public charters. Kulshan Brewing Co. has been proudly supplying The Zodiac with beer for these charters since 2016, when Jon, our beer peddler, first made contact with Captain Calen, Captain Tim and their crew while on a brewers tour aboard the ship.
Captain Calen Mehrer
Jon reminisces, "My first time on the Zodiac I noticed they were serving beer from glass bottles, which was apauling! I asked to come back the next day to have them taste some Kulshan beer. For one, cans are a lot lighter on a boat than glass, but beyond that, Kulshan really wanted to take part in The Schooner Zodiac experience. The passion and dedication that Captain Calen, his dad, Captain Tim and their crew have for preserving the rich history of The Schooner Zodiac align perfectly with our commitment to crafting high-quality beer. We knew we had to be part of their journey."
Schooner Zodiac circa 1924
Now, eight years later, The Schooner Zodiac is celebrating its centennial year, and we’ve come together to honor this historic milestone with a special brew that highlights both the Zodiac’s rich history and the dedication of the staff who have kept it afloat for all these years.
This Pale Ale, aptly named Even Keel, is a homage to the unwavering commitment of the captains and crew, who have preserved the spirit of The Schooner Zodiac. This smooth sailing pale ale features a balanced lager yeast that lends a crispness and clean malt profile allowing the hops to shine, and creating a beer that is unavoidably crushable. It's a beer crafted to reflect the stability and endurance of the Zodiac itself.
Wesley Finger (Head Brewer) with the Schooner Zodiac crew on the brew deck
Our collaboration began with the Zodiac crew visiting our brew deck to sample some of their favorite brews straight from the source. Wes, our Head Brewer, laid out the idea for Even Keel with the crew, and the beer set sail from there. The result is a brew that perfectly encapsulates the essence of The Schooner Zodiac and its storied history.
Even Keel doesn’t have to be enjoyed at sea, but that’s how we’ll be celebrating as we set sail for The Schooner Zodiac’s 100th birthday dinner this May 25th. We couldn’t think of a better way to honor this grand occasion than by toasting with a beer that’s as timeless and steadfast as the vessel it celebrates.
Even Keel makes for a perfectly balanced seamate for any occasion. Whether you’re on the deck of a historic schooner or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this pale ale is sure to be a standout. Cheers to a century of The Schooner Zodiac, and to many more years of friendship and great beer!
Even Keel is a "Cold Pale Ale."with lager yeast that lends a crispness and clean malt profile, which allows the hops to shine, and creates a beer that is unavoidably crushable.
5.3% ABV // 25 IBU
SEE: Bright golden, small white head
SMELL: Fresh orange peel, ripe peach and pear, hints of papaya, light floral notes.
TASTE: Crisp malt body, bright hop notes of ripe oranges, orchard fruits, and hints of papaya and mango. Very easy drinking with a clean finish.
BITTER: 1 (out of 5)
SWEET: 2 (out of 5)
HOPS: Strata, El Dorado, Azacca, Idaho 7
MALTS: 2-Row, Vienna, Carafoam, Flaked Corn