After 35 years at the helm of one of Seattle’s most iconic craft breweries, George and Jane Hancock—founders of Maritime Pacific Brewing—are retiring, marking the end of a legendary era in Ballard’s beer scene.
George Hancock, affectionately known by many as the “Pirate King” of craft beer, and his wife Jane launched Maritime Pacific in 1990, making them pioneers in what would become a nationally renowned brewing community.
With the Hancocks stepping into retirement after 35 years, the next chapter of 1111 NW Ballard Way begins under the stewardship of Craig Christian, co-founder of Rooftop Brewing Company.
Christian, recovering from a devastating fire that closed his Interbay brewery in 2024, will take over operations at the Maritime Pacific facility. The beloved Jolly Roger Taproom will stay open, blending the best of both breweries—serving Maritime and Rooftop beers alongside fan-favorite menu items like Jolly Sliders and Smokers.
From Christian:
Thirty-five years is the equivalent of multiple lifetimes in the craft beer world. Peers such as Bert Grant’s, Pyramid and Hale’s Ales have long since disappeared and brands such as Elysian or Redhook have sold and are no longer brewed locally. When George and Jane started Maritime Pacific, they were just the 13th brewery license issued by Washington State. There have been hundreds and hundreds since, many of which have since closed. There is a reason Maritime Pacific persevered – George and Jane Hancock!
The longevity of George and Jane is due as much for their “brewed with imagination” ales as the incredible community that they have brought together over 35 years. The Jolly Roger Taproom has always been a gathering place for families and good friends to share stories over a deliciously brewed beer and a slider or two with some smoked onion rings, with many thanks to George and Jane’s generosity and warm spirit.
Rooftop plans to slowly ramp up brewing operations while expanding community spaces, aiming to preserve the legacy of Maritime Pacific and build a new home for both longtime regulars and fresh faces in Ballard’s beer scene.
The community is invited to a celebration of George and Jane Hancock’s retirement on Sunday, June 1, from 4–8 p.m. at the Jolly Roger Taproom. Expect live music, cigars, familiar faces, old-school brews, and a few swashbuckling surprises. George and Jane will be in attendance, ready to raise a glass with longtime patrons and new friends alike.
Photo: Jane and George Hancock in 1990, the year they founded Maritime Brewing
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