The RAM’s HY-Lands Pale Ale: A True Community Beer

All communities are unique, but few have their own beer. Issaquah Highlands is the exception.

For a limited time, HY-Lands Pale Ale is available exclusively at The RAM Restaurant & Brewery in Issaquah Highlands at Grand Ridge Plaza. This “distinctly drinkable” beer also benefits the community: $1 from every pint sold goes to support programs for teens.

The RAM, which is a longtime supporter of youth organizations, partnered with local nonprofit Highlands Council to develop the concept of a charitably-minded beer. Highlands Council Executive Director Christy Garrard and The RAM Issaquah Manager Collin McNees led the effort to create this hyper-local fundraiser that benefits Highlands Youth Advisory Board (The HY), which provides programming for middle and high school students.

Ready to enjoy a pint for a good cause? We caught up with The RAM’s Director of Brewery Operations, Dave Leonard, to learn more about HY-Lands Pale Ale.

“HY-Lands Pale is an American-style Pale Ale featuring Centennial and Cascade hops, biscuit malt and a touch of flaked rye,” said Leonard. “It’s copper hued with notes of tangerine, lime zest and toasted bread.”

If you’re new to the beer world or need a refresher, Leonard shared a quick backgrounder on this type of beer: “Pale Ales emerged in England as a lighter option to the common Porter of the times; Pales being brewed with lighter kilned malt than their darker counterpart. Part of the ‘bitter’ family, Pale Ales are akin to Extra Special Bitters (higher alcohol and hopping levels than Bitters or Best Bitters). Pale Ales continued to evolve as a mainstay in the American craft brewing revolution. American Pales featured American-grown hops, which had bolder flavors and aromas than the noble hops of England.”

What makes a Pale Ale, well, pale? “The color of beer is determined by the darkness (lovibond) of malt used,” explained Leonard. “Malted barley is roasted much like a coffee bean, the longer/hotter equals darker roast.”

HY-Lands Pale Ale has more than just local flavor: the hops used to make this distinct Issaquah beer are grown a few hours away in Washington State’s Yakima Valley. In fact, the Yakima Valley is the center of U.S. hops—its farms produce more than 75% of all U.S. production.

According to RAM regulars, HY-Lands Pale Ale pairs particularly well with the Ahi Poke Nachos, Santa Fe Burger and just about everything on the Appetizer menu. Now through July 7, you can enjoy a refreshing pint of HY-Lands Pale Ale for a great cause—but only in Issaquah Highlands.

The RAM Issaquah Highlands is open seven days a week and is located at Grand Ridge Plaza at 965 NE Park Drive.