August has always been a special month at North Coast Brewing Company. As we celebrate our 38th anniversary, we’re taking the opportunity to shine a light on one of the beers that has been with us from the very beginning: Red Seal Ale.
One of our original brews and a longtime favorite among our guests, Red Seal Ale has earned its place on the taps through nearly three decades of changing beer trends and countless new releases. This month, we’re sharing the story behind Red Seal Ale, what makes it unique, and a few of our favorite ways to enjoy it.
The Story Behind Red Seal Ale
Before North Coast Brewing Co. even opened its doors, Red Seal Ale was already making a name for itself. Envisioned from the beginning as the brewery’s flagship beer, Red Seal Ale was brewed at a time when the American craft beer movement was still in its infancy. “There were maybe 50 breweries total in the U.S.,” recalls founding brewmaster Mark Ruedrich. “Red Seal was to be the flagship before setting out.”
Like many great craft beers, its story began in a garage. Mark brewed the very first batch at home, where patience became one of the key ingredients. “It took two weeks to get it to ferment,” he remembers. Before long, word began to spread around town. “I’d go out and people would say, ‘I tried that from the garage!'” Mark says. “It was popular.”
The name and label were just as thoughtfully crafted as the beer itself. According to Mark, co-founder Tom Allen was instrumental in developing the identity of what would become Ruedrich’s Red Seal Ale, including the idea of featuring Mark’s name on the label.
Tom also remembers collaborating with local artist Judy Brown during the brewery’s earliest days. “We had pictured Red Seal in a generic stamp sense, as in ‘a seal of approval’,” Tom remembers. “She came up with the idea of an actual seal critter as the design.” While the artwork has been refreshed over the years, the iconic Red Seal remains a symbol that longtime fans instantly recognize.
In 2025, Red Seal Ale celebrated another milestone as we canned it for the first time on our brand-new canning line. It was an exciting new chapter for one of our original beers, allowing more fans to enjoy this North Coast brewing Co. classic wherever their adventures take them.
What Does Red Seal Ale Taste Like?
Ruedrich’s Red Seal Ale is an American Amber Ale that has remained true to its roots while continuing to win over new fans. Pouring a brilliant copper-red with a creamy off-white head, it strikes a balance that has made it a brewery favorite for over three decades.
At 5.4% ABV and 42 IBUs, Red Seal Ale offers a full-bodied yet approachable drinking experience. Rich malt flavors are beautifully balanced by a generous hop presence, delivering a pleasantly spicy finish and highlighting the harmony between the two. It’s a solid, well-balanced ale that can be enjoyed just as easily over a few pints with friends as it can alongside a great meal.
Finding the Perfect Pairing
Red Seal Ale has always been a natural companion for the grill. Its balanced malt character and hop presence make it a great match for grilled meats and rich sauces, bringing out the savory, smoky flavors of the meal while adding its own depth and complexity.
For a classic pairing, try Red Seal Ale alongside pork chops, spare ribs, porterhouse steaks, or grilled chicken. The beer’s malt profile complements the caramelized flavors from the grill, while its hop character helps cut through richer dishes and sauces.
Red Seal Ale also has a place beyond the main course. Mark enjoys exploring the beer’s sweeter side, suggesting pairings like poached pears, apple cobbler, peaches, plums, and cherries. The ale’s malt-forward character complements the natural sweetness of fruit-based desserts, creating a pairing that highlights the richness of both the beer and the dish.
For cheese pairings, look for varieties with enough character to stand up to the beer, such as Pecorino Pepato, Saracino, or Alsatian Munster AOC. These cheeses bring out the malt flavors in Red Seal Ale while creating a satisfying contrast with its hop finish.
Keep Exploring Red Seal Ale
Over more than three decades, what began as one of North Coast Brewing Company’s first beers continues to be a favorite among longtime fans and new craft beer drinkers alike. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy Red Seal Ale, bring it into the kitchen with our Red Seal Ale steak marinade. This recipe highlights the beer’s versatility and adds a flavorful twist to your next meal from the grill.
As we celebrate our 38th anniversary, we invite you to raise a glass with us and rediscover the beer that has been part of our story from the very beginning. Find Red Seal Ale at a location near you, visit the Pub, or explore our Brewery Shop to take a little piece of the brewery home with you.
Here’s to our first brew, Red Seal Ale, and to the many more memories still to come. Cheers!
