Brouwer's Cafe hosts a celebration of Matt Bonney on, what would have been, his 49th birthday, January 5th.

Loss, laughter, anger, and apathy, are just some emotions that a typical employee in the hospitality industry experiences hourly, daily, or throughout the lifespan of their careers. Oddly enough, these are some emotions family and friends experience whenever they recognize others. Mind you, these emotions are not intimately exclusive to those who work in hospitality or have friends or family. In fact, it is experienced by all. But an introduction needs to be written, so here we are. 

And like any emotions, some are stronger while others are a more minor irritation depending on methods for filtering the feelings. But loss is an emotion that usually comes after the departure from a job, the abandonment by a coworker, or the passage of a friend, family member, or colleague. For those who knew Matt Bonney, March 2019 was the catalyst that inspired countless friends, family members, and knowledgeable supporters to grieve, when he passed away suddenly. 

As shared in our personal article, “Matthew Bonney. His life, his love, and his legacy. My reflections on the man I knew.” Matt Bonney was special. The one thing many of his colleagues, friends, and family all shared was a love of the man and his unique contributions to the brewing community as a publican. Despite passing away a few years shy of 50, Matt’s impact on the industry is still recalled in bars, restaurants, and speciality bottle shops in the region. Which is why Brouwer’s Cafe, as they have in the past, are honoring their friend, their colleague, and former General Manager, on his birthday, this January 5th. 

In collaboration with Sunnyside brewery Varietal Beer Company, Brouwer’s Cafe, and several of Matt Bonney’s close friends and family, have created unique birthday beer.

Brewed in collaboration with Brouwer's Cafe and The Matt Bonney Posse to celebrate his birthday and raise a pint in memory of the World's Greatest Publican.

Named Ixion, or “father of the centaurs” (source Brouwer’s Cafe), this juicy india pale ale was made with hop varieties Warrior, Cascade, Simcoe, and HBC 930. The result is a 6.7% beer that honors the man many called Mr. Centaur. 

As mentioned earlier, Brouwer’s Cafe intends to host a special event honoring Matt Bonney, on what would have been his 49th birthday, starting at 4pm on January 5th, 2023. During this unique evening, Brouwer’s will not only serve up pints of Ixion, but possibly other beers inspired by Matt’s contributions. 

Finally, at around 7 pm, those in attendance are invited to share in a toast to Matt Bonney,  who remains someone who inspired not just emotions but memories. 

For more information, visit Brouwers’s Cafe at https://www.brouwerscafe.com/. Brouwer’s Cafe is at 400 N 35th Street in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood.