Introducing Ebb and Flow Amber Ale

Celebrating a new partnership between PTMSC and Scuttlebutt Brewing Co, we are happy to introduce Ebb and Flow Amber Ale

A New Partnership

Scuttlebutt Brewing Company and the Port Townsend Marine Science Center collaborated to create a Salish Sea–inspired beer that supports marine conservation and science education. Scuttlebutt, a family-owned brewery rooted in Everett, Washington, has long drawn inspiration from the Pacific Northwest, crafting beers that reflect the region’s character, landscapes, and sense of place. That shared connection to the Salish Sea made a partnership with Port Townsend Marine Science Center feel like a natural fit. Together, we collaborated on the style of beer, the name, and the visuals, ensuring every element reflected both the character of the region and the purpose behind the project.

Inspiration Behind the Name

The beer partnership quickly became a team-wide effort at PTMSC, with staff bringing creativity and coastal inspiration to the table. Dozens of name ideas were tossed around—Intertidal Amber Ale, Wrackline Amber, Whale Tail, Tide & Tail, just to name a few. In the end, “Ebb & Flow” rose to the top.

“Ebb & Flow” comes straight from the tidal rhythms of the Salish Sea. The daily rise and fall of water that shapes everything from shoreline ecosystems to marine life behavior. For the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, these rhythms aren’t just inspiration; they guide the timing and structure of many programs.

For example, Low Tide Walks depend on the water receding to reveal tide pools and the incredible diversity of life within them. On the other hand, programs like Afoot & Afloat Summer Camp often benefit from higher tides that support exploration on the water. The Plankton Lab is shaped by both incoming and outgoing tides, each bringing new organisms and discoveries to observe and study.

The Poster’s Visual Story

As the Port Townsend Marine Science Center looks ahead, one exciting project in the works is a new aquarium exhibit centered on kelp forests and the rich marine life that depends on them. These underwater ecosystems are a defining feature of the Salish Sea, providing habitat, shelter, and food for countless species.The new exhibit became a natural source of inspiration for the Ebb & Flow poster. To help guide the creative direction, a few photos from the developing display were shared with the designers at Snack Plate Creative. From there, they translated those real-world elements, towering kelp, textured seabeds, and the subtle movement of underwater life, into the design.

“The Port Townsend Marine Science Center and Scuttlebutt Brewing Company have partnered to celebrate and support the conservation of the Salish Sea. Together, we’re raising a glass to clean water, thriving marine ecosystems, and the shared joy of exploring the outdoors.”

Beyond the creativity and collaboration, Scuttlebutt’s Ebb & Flow delivers real benefits to the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. Proceeds from the partnership provide meaningful financial support for education programs, exhibits, and ongoing conservation work, while the beer itself helps introduce the Marine Science Center to new audiences who may not have otherwise connected with its mission. It’s a reminder that partnerships like this can extend impact far beyond traditional channels.

You can find Ebb & Flow Amber Ale at local taprooms, offering a chance to support both the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and small, independent businesses. Every pint is a small but tangible way to invest in the health of our marine environment and the strength of our local community.

*Ebb & Flow Amber Ale can be found on tap at: