Press Release:

(Tacoma, WA) – In 1982, Andy Warhol set his sights on Tacoma with a proposal to drape the Tacoma Dome with a Pop Art flower. Today, those flowers are coming to Tacoma Art Museum and have inspired the local Harmon Brewery to create Hop Art Ale, a special, seasonal IPA to celebrate Warhol’s Tacoma connections. The flower-inspired ale is the fourth seasonal beer that Harmon Brewery has crafted in partnership with Tacoma Art Museum.

“In crafting this beer we took our signature Point Defiance IPA and aged it with rose hips, hibiscus, lavender, and chamomile to tie in with Warhol’s love of flowers,” said Pat Nagle, Owner of The Harmon Brewery and Restaurant. “The lavender has a nice presence and each flower does its part to provide the aroma and the taste of this amazing IPA.”

Made with hops and flowers from Washington State, Hop Art Ale can be enjoyed on tap or in bottles at The Harmon Restaurant, The Hub, The Tap Room, and Tacoma Art Museum’s Relish Cafe, while supplies last. Only 35 cases of the Hop Art Ale were bottled. The beer sells for $6 a bottle.

“Warhol believed that everything has its own beauty,” said Stephanie A. Stebich, Director of Tacoma Art Museum. “He saw that beauty in Tacoma, and we are proud to embrace it. Tacoma’s strong ties to art and to the art of craft beer make a perfect combination for our City of Destiny.”

The museum and the Harmon have been collaborating on projects and unique seasonal beers since 1998. Most recently, they have created the Biennial Brew and Mighty Tacoma Ale, both of which sold out at all locations. Tacoma Art Museum has a long history of connecting the community through diverse art exhibitions, programs, and events. The Harmon Brewery was established in 1997 as Tacoma’s first microbrewery. Their award-winning beers help make their three Tacoma locations [The Harmon Brewery, The Hub, and The Taproom] a favorite spot for downtown businesses, local residents, and tourists alike.