What’s better than beer, if not beer for a cause? If you haven’t heard by now, the local brewing community is getting behind a cause by participating in Ales for ALS.
Starting today, look for a special Hoppy Saison on tap at various locations around town, and take comfort in knowing that $1 of pint sales goes to research for ALS.
Last year John Lee of Rebel Kettle Brewing approached Theron Cash of Stone’s Throw about working on a brew for Ales for ALS. Thus, Cash wanted to participate again this year, only this time he reached out to other breweries in town and was happy to see such a positive response.
Each year, the Hopunion gives out a special strain specifically for Ales for ALS, and donates it to participating breweries. Cash explains the way it works, “We just have to pledge $1 of pint sales sold to ALS research. It’s a great program nationwide to raise money for an underfunded disease.”
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – ALS – will affect nearly 5,000 people in the US each year, and currently has no cure. Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately, respiratory failure.
Therefore, it’s easy to see why so many brewers wanted to get involved. Cash worked closely with Moody Brew’s Josiah Moody, utilizing brew space at the Damgoode Pies location in the River Market.
The collaboration does not stop there, and the list of participants is rather impressive – Stone’s Throw Brewing, Damgoode Pies, Moody Brews, Rebel Kettle Brewing Co., Leap of Faith Brewing Co., Flyway Brewing Co., Diamond Bear Brewing Co., Lost Forty, Superior Bathhouse Brewery, and Blood Eagle Brewing Co. Moody says, “It was fun to do in so many different ways – you get to talk to other brewers and you get to hang out with them. Also, it’s all for a good cause.”
The brewers got together and decided on a recipe, which resulted in a Hoppy Saison. The brew is currently a little over two weeks old and with 5.8 percent ABV, is ripe and ready for the tasting.
Part of the fun of this particular brew comes down to the donated hops which are an experimental strain, making the Saison a limited specialty. Moody describes the taste, “We utilized a recipe to showcase the hops without the bitterness, and instead focused on flavor and aroma. I think it’s a really interesting result – it’s tropical and citrusy. I even get a bit of a mango taste.”
The unfiltered Saison-style brew is quite excellent, and the beer-makers are expecting around 12-14 kegs. Plus, they plan to release it in style.
“There’s going to be a week of parties with this brew,” Cash said.
On Monday it will land at Lost Forty and Tuesday it will make its way to Diamond Bear. Wednesday head to Stone’s Throw for a taste, and Thursday will see a combination of excitement at Dugan’s and The Flying Saucer. The week will round out at Damgoode Pies in the River market.
Be sure to get out and try the brew soon, as it’s your only opportunity for a taste. Cash says, “It’s the only chance you’ll have to experience this strain of hops in Arkansas.” Trust me, you’ll want to give it a try, as it’s not too heavy or light, and it’s tropical flavors make it a drink everyone can get into.
Look for a local, multi-brewery collaboration for Ales for ALS again next year. For now, check out the Facebook event page for more details on this brew and where to find it.
RIP Damgoode Pies
November 20, 2023
