Brewing can be a solitary experience, especially in this age of automation and small production. As a result, craft-beer producers have always been fond of collaboration, usually in the form of special, one-off recipes done by two or more breweries—often as an excuse for brewers to get together. More and more, however, breweries are partnering with other, non-brewing entities to create a unique beverage. Here are five to try.
Gun Hill Brewing Co., Rise Up Rye
This is a collaboration between Gun Hill Brewing and Hamilton, the Broadway musical, as part of the Broadway Brews Project. It’s a rye saison that’s slightly spicy and a little floral, a fine tavern beer for any patriot. For some, it might be as close as they’ll get to the show, and proceeds benefit Graham Windham, a family services agency founded by Alexander Hamilton’s wife, Eliza.
Boulevard, ¡VAMOS!
A beer suited for the national pastime, Kansas City, Missouri-based Boulevard has teamed up with the MLB Royals for this Mexican-style lager that will be served this season. With flavors of toasted malt, honey and some floral hops, it’s just right for a day game, or any game, really.
Baderbräu Brewing, Five Star Lager
It’s always smart to let someone else drive you home after a few rounds at the bar. Now, ride sharing company Lyft would like to reinforce that in its collaboration with this Chicago brewery. Each can will have a discount code that can be applied toward your designated-driver ride.
Shmaltz Brewing Company Pastrami Pilsner
If beer is liquid bread, this Pilsner brings the other sandwich ingredients. A collaboration between Shmaltz Brewing Company and the Barcade chain of bars, no actual meat was used in the brewing process. Instead, brewers relied on the spices associated with the cured, smoked beef. Expect a noticeable horseradish character along with caraway, mustard, salt and pepper. Serve with a pickle on the side.
Dogfish Head Brewery, IN YOUR MACE!
The Delaware brewery, Dogfish Head, has long been known to push the boundaries of flavors and ingredients. This is no exception, a coffee milk stout brewed with cinnamon verum chips, chicory and chile oils, the active ingredient in Mace Brand pepper spray, with whom they partnered to create this crazy brew. It’s a sweet and smoky concoction with noticeable heat, that’ll actually bring you in for another sip rather than push you away.
Published: April 9, 2018
