As you probably know by now, our 2020 Global Gathering campaign didn’t exactly go to plan.
Mere days before 250 breweries were set to launch their unique beers across the world to raise money for clean water projects, the UK and neighbouring countries went into lockdown, leaving our plans in tatters and beers left untouched.
However, there was light at the end of the beer can, as one by one, many of the breweries involved in the Gathering have come through for us, finding any way possible to launch their beer. Some took a keg only release and managed to can or bottle it, while others got their draft beer into any container possible (milk carton of IPA anyone?) and sold it for takeaway.
We have extended the fundraising to October to allow time for the breweries to donate their money raised when they able to do so. We are so grateful to these breweries for maintaining their commitment to the cause, and more importantly are delighted that so many delicious beers made it out into the wild for you all to try.
Over the next few weeks we are going to highlight just a few success stories that have come from the beers released so far. Today, it's the UK!
Elusive Brewing x Siren Brew Co x Double Barrelled: Overflow Kolsch Style Lager
This three-way collab was originally keg only, but this trio of legends managed to get their beer into can. A modern take on the classic German Kolsch-style lager, Overflow is brewed with all Pilsner malt with Hallertau Blanc and Wai-lti hops. Clean and crisp with refreshing notes of gooseberry and lemon. To top off their delicious collab, the beer bagged a Gold medal in the Lager and Pilsner category at the SIBA Digital Beer Awards!
Fierce Beer: SQURL Nut Brown Ale
Another belter of a beer from Fierce, we were very excited that they were able to can their Gathering beer! This 5.2% nut brown ale is super chocolatey, velvety and mouthfeel and big nutty aroma. Best of all, it’s suitable for vegans! Thanks Fierce for putting your expertise in dark beers towards our cause!
SALT: These things I believe DIPA/ Global Gathering Pale Ale
We were thrilled when SALT released their 8.4% Double IPA for the Global Gathering, with aromas of mango, lychee and pine and a balanced bitterness. But to top it off, they then released a SECOND beer – Global Gathering, a 4% double dry hopped Pale Ale. This beer made it into Beer 52’s Cyberfest festival – helping to raise awareness for the Global Gathering and also a brilliant platform for SALT to show off their brewing skills. Cheers guys!
Fourpure: Rift Valley DDH Micro Pale Ale
Fourpure were all set to host an epic 21 tap takeover of Gathering beers over Gathering weekend. Sadly it wasn’t to be, but that didn’t stop them releasing their fantastic Gathering beer Rift Valley, a 2.8% micro pale ale, which was double dry hopped to pack a powerful hoppy hit despite the low abv. To top it off, Fourpure even created a Rift Valley colouring book and gave it away for free with a purchase of a 4-pack!
Cross Borders vs Yeastie Boys: Big Soft Punch Pacific IPA
Another beer originally only destined for keg, we were super excited when Cross Borders and Yeastie Boys were able to team up and create this funky can for the Gathering. Big Soft Punk is a Nelson Sauvin dry hopped IPA using popular Kveik yeast from Norway.
To every UK brewer who has released a Gathering beer, a massive THANK YOU to each and every one of you! Although the Global Gathering didn’t quite go to plan, the community spirit in continuing to raise awareness for the cause has been humbling.
Come October, we look forward to celebrating the achievements of all the breweries who have created their own impact in empowering the lives of others with clean water.
Team Brewgooder x
