This weekend I received the latest samples from Pelican Brewing Company with its Slide Tackle Hazy IPA, a collaboration beer with the Portland Thorns soccer team. Originally designed and slated to be released a year ago, it was put on hold with covid and the cancellation of the Thorns’ season. But now it’s back, and I have a six-pack to sample.

Here’s the press release to accompany the beer:

Pelican brewers teamed up with the Portland Thorns FC to craft a beer worthy of the beautiful game that delivers tropical, citrus aroma and a veiled hazy appearance.

Kick-off the Portland Thorns 2021 season with Pelican Brewing Company’s new seasonal beer, Slide Tackle Hazy India Pale Ale, made in collaboration with the Portland Thorns. This goal-provoking beer comes in with a vengeance sweeping your tastebuds off their feet with tropical, hoppy, and citrus flavors followed by balanced bitterness and a clean finish, just like a Thorns’ goal. Slide Tackle is available in the stadium at Providence Park at all Portland Thorns and Timbers home games, 12 oz. six-packs, Pelican’s three coastal brewpubs, and local watering holes.

“Slide Tackle marks an important milestone in our multi-year partnership with the Portland Thorns and commitment to supporting women’s sports,” says Jim Prinzing, CEO of Pelican Brewing Company. “Together, we created the perfect well-balanced hazy that is deserving of this world-class women’s sports franchise, fans, and our special partnership.”

ABV: 6.5% | IBU: 65 | PLATO: 15.5º

Averaging over 20,000 fans per match in 2019, Thorns FC is the top-attended women’s professional sports franchise in the world. Established in 2012, the team began to play in 2013 in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Thorns FC won the first-ever NWSL championship in their inaugural season while winning an NWSL Shield in 2016 and a second NWSL Championship in 2017.

“Our entire team and staff are thrilled to welcome fans back to Providence Park this 2021 season and to be able to celebrate our team’s successes in the stadium or at home with a Pelican Brewing Slide Tackle in hand,” says Mike Golub, president of business.

Fellow fanatics of both Pelican Brewing company and the Portland Thorns can enjoy this seasonal can throughout the Thorns 2021 season in-stadium or from their local Portland-area grocery store. Like all Pelican beers, Slide Tackle is born at the beach by a team of award-winning craft beer makers known for brewing styles of beer that they love to drink. Cheers!