With 100% of proceeds going towards Big Table, Reuben's Brews announces "You're Not Alone! Hazy IPA. Brewed in support of food and beverage workers, impacted by the coronavirus.
Since the first discovery of the coronavirus in the Pacific Northwest, the landscape for the hospitality industry has been tumultuous at its best and apocalyptic at its worst. Designated a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the coronavirus (carrier of COVID-19) has forced non-essential businesses to shutter and has forced those deemed essential (including breweries, restaurants, and grocers) to adapt to frenetic guidance. The result has left those essential businesses, in the food and drink industry, transitioning away from social hospitality to delivery and takeout.
Unfortunately, for those breweries who failed to diversify their revenue sources, it has become painfully difficult to operate. This has led to many breweries shuttering, most temporary, with others (possibly) permanently.
Heeding the caution early, associated with coronavirus, Reuben's Brews co-owners Adam and Grace Robbings instituted changes designed to minimize exposure between staff and customers by offering online sales and takeout, via their breweries sidewalk-accessible counter. Besides sidewalk-accessible recovery of Reuben’s Brews beers, the brewery still produces beer for sale at specialty and traditional grocery stores, and businesses allowed to sell crowlers and growlers for takeout. Weathering the storm, Reuben’s Brews has remained operational and recognizing other, struggling, food and beverage employees, are releasing a limited-edition beer with a central goal - supporting the men and women impacted by coronavirus.
Like everyone else, Reuben’s has truly felt the effects of this shutdown. We’ve been able to keep our team employed and the lights on by selling beer to- go at our Taproom as well as producing for stores throughout the region, but others in our industry have not been so lucky. We believe we have the responsibility and the opportunity to support people across the industry right now, and this is just one small thing we can do to try to help.
image courtesy Reuben’s Brews
With a label inspired by the digestive aid, Underberg, "You're Not Alone!" reflects Reuben's Brews ongoing support of the Hazy India Pale Ale style, but with an ingredient twist. Brewed in the traditional, Hazy India Pale Ale, spirits, "You're Not Alone!" includes a favorite of the brewers at Reuben's - spelt, a hulled wheat used since 5000BCE.
Plus, in keeping with their thoughts of supporting those impacted, Reuben's Brews is donating 100% of the proceeds from this beer to Big Table.
The restaurant and hospitality industry is the largest in the country by a magnitude of 2x and is growing faster than any other. Yet – in addition to many truly amazing people – this one industry is the catch basin in our nation for all of the most vulnerable demographics. Including: single parents, at-risk teens, immigrants, and ex-felons trying to turn life around. This concentration is the result of some very good news… anyone willing to work can get a job. But put so many at-risk individuals together under one roof and it is not surprising that this industry has the highest rates of people struggling with alcohol and drug addiction, massive amounts of divorce and broken relationships, redline stress levels, job instability, rapid turnover, and almost no safety net.
Yet, because this is the HOSPITALITY industry, these employees must have smiles on their faces to greet the rest of us. This causes their stunning level of need to rarely be noticed. *source, Big Table.
Much like Other Half's All Together worldwide collaboration with breweries throughout the world, Reuben's Brews is seeking breweries interested in producing their own version of "You're Not Alone!", by sharing their label template (to be modified by those breweries interested) and recipe. In sharing the label template and recipe, Reuben's Brews hopes others will donate what they can from the proceeds associated with this beer. Interested breweries should reach out to Reuben's Brews directly.
At 8.5% ABV (alcohol by volume), "You're Not Alone!" should be available the week of April 16th. But as they have exercised in the past, the brewery prefers to refrain from a firm date, as beer requires patience and a willingness to wait before releasing to the world.
We’re in this together. We’ll get through this together. You Are Not Alone.
About Reuben’s Brews
Adam and Grace Robbings opened Reuben’s Brews in 2012, after an award-winning homebrewing career, naming the brewery after their first child, Reuben. At our family brewery we brew from the glass backwards: designing each beer with intention, unbound by constraints. We know that making that extra effort is worth it. From your everyday favorite beers to our innovative new releases, we help you grow your love of beer. Reuben’s Brews. Beer Unbound.
The Reuben’s Taproom (5010 14th Ave NW in Ballard) is now open daily 10a-7p for to-go sales only due to COVID- 19 precautions. Everyone is encouraged to order online at www.reubensbrews.com/to-go to have your beer ready for pickup, or you are invited to stop by for walk-up purchase. The Brewtap (800 NW 46th St. in Ballard) is closed until further notice. For more info, visit http://www.reubensbrews.com or follow @reubensbrews on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Full disclosure: We are members of Reuben’s Brews’ “Reuben’s Crew” mug club membership. The brand, its staff, and ownership have not compensated us for this article. The following article was written voluntarily after receiving a formal Press Release.
