Pelican Brewing drops “cream ale” from the iconic Kiwanda Cream Ale
Kiwanda Cream Ale was one of the very first beers brewed at the classic Oregon coast destination Pelican Brewing Company when they opened nearly 30 years ago in Pacific City. Over the years, Kiwanda Cream Ale has been marketed as a pre-prohibition style ale, and undergone various changes in design and packaging but none as big as the new rebranding that removes “cream ale” from the name.
As a legacy brand from a legacy brewery, Kiwanda Cream Ale like other vintage beers has struggled to remain cool. Back in 1996, Pelican Brewing co-founder and brewmaster Darron Welch created Kiwanda as Pelican’s first-ever seasonal offering. The overwhelming demand and unwavering love from beer enthusiasts made it a year-round staple in Pelican's line up.
The new packaging pays homage to the inspiring landscapes and adventures of the Pacific Northwest, capturing the essence of a region where cubicles are traded for shorebreak at a moment's notice, iconic summits are celebrated with backyard kickbacks, and city days are toasted with local pints. While the packaged look has changed, the award-winning recipe has not, with the same golden hue, floral aroma, refreshing body, and clean, snappy finish that has earned it 62 awards.
“Kiwanda has always reflected our roots, with its name celebrating Cape Kiwanda, the heart of our Oregon Coast town and the birthplace of Pelican Brewing Company,” says Welch. “With this refreshed look, combined with the same classic taste, we aim to convey the true spirit of the region that rings true in our brews - adventurous, inspiring, approachable and united around the love of great beer.”
"When we combine our lifelong passions, deep connections, and love for the Pacific Northwest, something truly magical happens," said Mary Jones, Founder and CEO of Pelican Brewing Company. "Kiwanda was created to embody the camaraderie and togetherness that the Pacific Northwest is renowned for, making every conversation and every sunset shared with our beer an unforgettable experience. We are excited to continue its legacy and evolution with this brand refresh."
Now simply branded in bottles and cans as “Kiwanda,” the classic beer can be found at any of Pelican Brewing’s four coastal taprooms as well as on store shelves wherever Pelican Brewing Company is sold. Fans can also get a taste of Kiwanda at the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic, where Pelican Brewing Company will be pouring pints as the title sponsor of Oregon’s largest surf competition.