Often overlooked in favor of trendier brews, brown ale is seldom the centerpiece of craft beer excitement. Yet, at Georgetown Brewing Company and Beveridge Place Pub, one particular brown ale is currently commanding taps and attention—not for its novelty, but for the story it tells and the cause it supports.
Bob’s Brown Ale, released annually by Georgetown Brewing, is more than just a beer. It is the centerpiece of a longstanding philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Washington and Alaska. Timed around the birthday of its namesake, the limited release of Bob’s Brown Ale each year is a gesture steeped in remembrance, gratitude, and community support.
Behind the brew is the story of Bob Hirsch, a young cancer patient who left a lasting impact on Georgetown Brewing cofounder Manny Chao. Before establishing one of Seattle’s most celebrated breweries and crafting well-known beers like Manny’s Pale Ale, Chao worked as a counselor at a summer camp for children with cancer. It was there that he met Bob, a camper whose resilience and spirit profoundly influenced him.
Bob, who traveled frequently from Alaska to Seattle for cancer treatment at Seattle Children’s Hospital, stayed with his family at the Ronald McDonald House—an organization dedicated to providing a supportive and comforting environment for families during medical crises. The core belief of the charity is that children heal best when their families are close by.
Each pint of Bob’s Brown Ale not only honors Bob’s memory but also directly contributes to easing the burdens faced by families in medical distress. The beer serves as both a tribute and a call to action, reminding the community that compassion can be poured, shared, and sipped.
Bob’s Brown Ale is currently available at Georgetown Brewing’s taproom and at Beveridge Place Pub, inviting beer lovers to raise a glass for a cause that continues to make a meaningful difference.
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