By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
Garfield High School basketball coach and former Garfield and University of Washington standout, Tre Simmons, has not only established himself as a prominent figure in sports but also as an astute entrepreneur. In addition to his own clothing brand called True Motivation, Simmons has now partnered with 23rd Ave Brewery to create his own ale.
Located on 23rd and Jackson, 23rd Avenue Brewery is one of two Black-owned breweries in Seattle’s Central District. The brewery was founded by Mario Savage, David Dixon, and James Dixon, who all grew up in the Central District. The trio formed a tight-knit group that found solace and security in the basement of David’s family home, which kept the group out of trouble and provided a safe place for them to just be kids.
Simmons named his ale “TR3” as a tribute to Seattle, Washington’s basketball legacy and his personal achievements as a University of Washington (UW) legend and community ambassador. The number three in “TR3” signifies Simmons’ record-breaking accomplishment of making 80 three-pointers in a single season during his collegiate basketball career at the UW.
According to Simmons, the ale is crafted using a grain build commonly found in whisky distillation. To enhance its flavor, raspberry puree and a non-apple mix are incorporated, resulting in a unique “Washington Apple” beer.
“It’s a hazy ale that has a natural raspberry flavor with a Washington Apple kick,” says Simmons. “The grains are made from whiskey. For those who aren’t big beer drinkers or alcohol drinkers, you would also like this—it goes down really smooth, and it is light.”
The idea of creating his own beer came to fruition when Simmons pitched the concept for his idea during an Emergency Feeding Program fundraiser at Queen Anne Beerhall, receiving enthusiastic approval.
“It was a seamless transition, as 23rd Ave Brewery took charge of the brewing process and developed a few batches to my liking,” said Simmons. “Once we perfected the beer, I started reaching out to various bars and establishments, generating interest and receiving positive feedback.”
For Simmons, who grew up in the Central District, the collaboration represents another milestone achieved in his hometown.
“Partnering with 23rd Ave Brewery made perfect sense to me, given their roots and connection to the Central District. I also have deep ties to this area,” said Simmons. “Venturing beyond my comfort zone and delving into a different business field has been an exciting experience. We are both eager to see where this journey takes us.”
23rd Ave Brewery co-owner David Dixon agrees and is excited about adding the product to their beer offerings.
“Teaming up with Tre was a natural fit since we share a common goal of making a positive impact in our community while fostering unity within and beyond our immediate surroundings,” said Dixon. “We are thrilled for everyone to try this beer; it’s truly exceptional. We’ve received numerous inquiries about it, so this promises to be an enjoyable ride.”
The official launch of TR3 Ale will be held on June 7 at Queen Anne Beer Hall at 203 West Thomas Street in Seattle. The event will be hosted by Chukundi Salisbury, with Simply Seattle also present to sell their merchandise.
Simmons’ illustrious journey as an athlete, spanning from his standout collegiate career to over a decade as a professional player, combined with 23rd Avenue Brewery’s deep appreciation for beer and community, sets the stage for a partnership that aims to make a lasting impact.
“I hope to see TR3 Ale enjoyed worldwide one day, and I rely on the support of the people who have always been there for me, near and far, to help spread the word. I can’t embark on this new journey alone,” expresses Simmons.
Together, Simmons and 23rd Avenue Brewery are poised to leave their mark, celebrate their roots, and make a positive impact as they venture into the world of craft beer.
“Truly, the possibilities are endless for all of us,” says Dixon. “By embracing each other’s worlds, we have the opportunity to introduce ourselves to those who may not yet know us or understand our vision. This rings true for both Tre and ourselves.”
