Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Jasper Brewing Co. is among a family of Albertan brewpubs that have come together to release their first-ever charity collaboration brew in support of first responders.
A portion of proceeds from draught sales of the new beer, known as First Call, at each brewpub will help a local charity in each community.
For the local brewpub, this portion will go to the Jasper Victim Services Unit.
鈥淩eally excited to be doing a little something extra to support victim services in Jasper,鈥� said Spike Baker, head brewer with the Jasper Brewing Co.
鈥淲e know they do a lot for victims obviously and yeah I think it鈥檚 been a tough year for them.鈥�
In addition, $2.50 from each four-pack will go to Legacy Place Society, an emotional support service for first responders.
Released two weeks ago, First Call is an approachable blood orange IPA featuring notes of tangerine, grapefruit and lime, with a blood orange twist.
According to a news release, the name First Call is a twist on the term 鈥渓ast call鈥� and a reminder of the integral work of first responders as they are the 鈥渇irst call鈥� on a person鈥檚 worst day.
Bearhill Brewing is the parent company of all four participating brewpubs, which are the Jasper Brewing Co., Banff Ave Brewing Co., Last Best Brewing & Distilling in Calgary and Campio Brewing Co. in Edmonton.
鈥淥ur first responders have been silent heroes throughout these challenging times,鈥� said Adam Snelling, operations manager for Bearhill, in the release.
鈥淲e want to do what we can to demonstrate our support and honour their invaluable impact in our communities.鈥�
First Call will have somewhat varying manifestations as the Jasper Brewing Co. is using a few different hops, which are cone-shaped flowers that act as a bittering, flavouring and stability agent in beer.
鈥淥ur aromas and flavours will be just slightly different,鈥� Baker said.
Baker noted a 鈥渞eally good response鈥� from the customers.
鈥淧eople are liking the beer and a lot of just good support from people who want to support a good cause,鈥� he added.
First Call is now available for purchase at each brewpub and at liquor stores across Alberta for a limited of time while supplies last.
