Inspired by the outdoors of the Methow Valley, Zeeks Pizza collaborates with Old Schoolhouse Brewery to release Moon Booter IPA.

Did you know there was once a period in which breweries and publicans would cooperate to make a beer for the pub? It’s true. Back in the ought-early years of the pub, publicans would seek local breweries, for a unique recipe or blend, served on the bar top or via a cask engine (hand pump). Today, the practice is still in use and it’s because of this symbiosis between bar and brewery that we announce the release of a beer from two Washington businesses.

Our story begins along the Methow River, just minutes from the beer garden at Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop, Washington. Located inside a, well, school house, lies a brewery, taproom, and restaurant open during Central Washington’s coldest Winters and its hottest Summers. 

Home to such beer as Ruud Awakening IPA, Hooligan Stout, or Methow Blonde, Old Schoolhouse Brewery has continued the tradition of producing award-winning beers, enjoyed anywhere. Course it also helps that Winthrop rests in the Methow Valley home to many recreations from cross-country skiing to river rafting, kayaking, hiking, or mountain biking. Naturally, the brewers and ownership of Old Schoolhouse hope you will stop by for a takeout four-pack, or relax at a table, after a day of the outdoors.

image courtesy Zeeks Pizza

Recognizing the romanticism Old Schoolhouse enjoyed, locally owned pizza restaurant chain, Zeeks, sought the brewery for a unique collaboration, named Moon Booter.

At Zeeks, we are strong believers that a great beer becomes something beyond great when paired with the natural beauty of the PNW. We also love bold flavors in our beer and food. OSH shares this philosophy maybe more than any other brewery we know. So, when I thought about a spring collab beer partner to celebrate the early blooming of life in the PNW, OSH was the obvious choice. Thankfully, they were down!

image courtesy Zeeks Pizza

But name and location isn’t enough when you're Zeeks pizza. There’s got to be an inspired spark or feeling, when you sip a beer from a brewery. For Zeeks pizza, that word or phrase was. 

Holy hops Old Schoolhouse makes great beer. Like world-class great. 

Through the masterful imagination of head brewer, Kyle Kroger, Old Schoolhouse Brewery has created beers that are an exhibition when one combines a variety of grains, hops, yeast and water. And water, for the brewery along the Methow River is the key. 

The science part is real: Water in beer is an underrated element in beer quality, and it can make a huge difference in your drinking experience. OSH has a distinct advantage here. Straight from the source: Unique to Winthrop, we are fortunate to be provided with chlorine-free water flowing from the pristine North Cascade mountains. This clean, uncontaminated water helps enhance the natural flavors of the malts and hops bringing you a superior beer drinking experience.

Like so many publicans, Zeeks remains apart of the independently-owned craft spirit that motivates brewers, cideries, and wineries. During the decades, Zeeks and its owners have seen beer styles evolve and sometimes fade away. But they have always had a softspot for a West Coast IPA. 

West Coast IPA’s are characterized by a more assertive bitterness and overall balance compared to NE-style hazy IPA’s. In that balance, they tend to be drier and lighter in body and therefore more drinkable. I wanted to make sure not to sacrifice any of the bold hop aroma typified in hazy IPA’s though and have the best of all worlds: A supremely balanced, refreshing IPA dancing with bright, bold hops from start to finish. 

During several conversations, Kyle and Zeeks developed a recipe that matched Zeeks had in mind and the result is a beer that is light, refreshing. 

But the beer needed a name and Zeeks didn’t need to go far. In fact they only had to look to their founder and the next generation Zeek owner, Tom and Sam. In Zeeks words, here is where the name, Moon Booter came from.

image courtesy Zeeks Pizza

Zeeks founder Tom and his son Sam were the inspiration behind the Moon Booter name and label. If you know Tom, you’ll recognize the dude ripping through space on the can. Tom keeps us grounded more than anyone at Zeeks. He checks us when start taking beer and pizza life too seriously and centers us on keeping things fun and light. This beer represents that spirit.

Produced by Old Schoolhouse and available at Zeeks restaurants throughout Western Washington, Moon Booter West Coast India Pale Ale, is available in 16-ounce cans, on draft, or to go in growlers and crowlers. 

For more information including hours, menus, and delivery options, visit https://zeekspizza.com/.