YAKIMA, Wash. — Like everyone in Eastern Washington, we at On magazine are always on the lookout for ways to rep the 509.

But it can be hard, what with the demands of day-to-day life in Eastern Washington, to find novel means to show that 509 pride. We’re not ready to commit to a "509" tattoo, and we’re definitely over the whole trucker-hat thing. So what to do? If only there were a way to combine our passions — beer and the 509.

Enter Ellensburg’s Iron Horse Brewery and its 509 Pale Ale, formerly known as Rodeo Pale Ale. Finally, we can get tipsy on the fire escape while showing our area-code pride.

From the company's press release: "Greg Parker, co-owner of Iron Horse Brewery, when commenting on the origins of the new name said, 'We like people from the West Side and respect their refined beer palates, but we wanted to salute the roots of our brewery, as well as the hops, malt and farmers that produce them.' He points out that, '509 style is made in the 509 (area code), with ingredients grown in the 509, and a flavor profile suitable to the 509. And while the greater population density rests in the western half of the state, we all owe gratitude to the fertile soil and farmers, growing hops and barley in the eastern half.'"

Preach it, Greg Parker! Represent! … Or some such.

We haven’t tried it yet, so if you have, feel free to leave us your impressions in the comments section below.

And, no, this does not mean the On blog has begun running product promotions; we just thought this one was novel enough to warrant a mention.

— Pat Muir