Gigantic Brewing Company celebrates the life of Darcelle XV, with the re-release of Darcelle Blonde IPA, July 15th.
Press Release
(PORTLAND, ORE) Gigantic Brewing Company is proud to announce the re-release of Darcelle Blonde IPA, a tribute beer to the late Darcelle XV, the world’s oldest drag queen and a fearless advocate for Portland’s LGBTQ+ community. Walter Cole who performed as Darcelle XV, passed away in March 2023 at the age of 92, and was the owner and star of Darcelle XV Showplace, the West Coast’s longest-running drag show and a Portland cultural institution.
Darcelle was a pioneer and a trailblazer who entertained and inspired generations of audiences with her humor, glamor, and wisdom. She was also generous and compassionate and supported many charitable causes, especially those that served the LBGTQ+ community. Gigantic Brewing Company is honored to partner with Darcelle’s family and friends to celebrate her legacy and contribution to Portland’s vibrant and diverse community by donating 10% of sales from Darcelle Blonde IPA to the ACLU Drag Defense Fund, a legal initiative that protects the rights of drag performers and artists who face discrimination, harassment, and censorship.
Legendary Portland drag performer and hostess at Darcelle’s XV Showplace Poison Waters said, "The second release of the Darcelle XV Blonde IPA benefiting the ACLU Drag Defense Fund, comes at such an important time in Drag History. 13 states (and counting) have pushed forth anti drag/teams legislation and here in Portland were aren't backing away, we are moving forward, more drag is our answer! That's what Darcelle would have done and what she would have wanted us to do!"
Darcelle Blonde IPA was first brewed with Darcelle as part of the Weirdtastic Beer Series, made in collaboration with Weird Portland United. It was a big hit on its initial release earlier this year, and only Darcelle could inspire a beer this bold, this blonde, this beautiful. It is made with locally grown Cashmere and Luminosa hops to be apropos as well as to deliver a bright and tropical hop aroma and flavor. The label art was created by local artist and broadcaster Helen Raptis, whose work perfectly captures Darcelle’s signature energetic and joyful expression, perfectly matching the style and tone of the beer.
Darcelle Blonde IPA will be available in bottles and on tap at all three Gigantic locations, as well as at beer bars, bottle shops, and grocery stores throughout the Portland area starting July 5th, just in time for the Portland Pride Festival in mid-July.
Please join us at our Hawthorne Pub (4343 SE Hawthorne Blvd) on Saturday, July 15th, as we are donating 10% of all sales that day to the ACLU Drag Defense Fund. There are special surprises planned for that day, so keep an eye on Gigantic’s social media for more announcements.
Gigantic Brewing Company and Darcelle’s family invite you to join us in raising a glass to Darcelle XV, a true Portland icon and legend. Cheers!
As always, Gigantic beer is packaged in BottleDrop Refillable bottles. BottleDrop Refillables are sorted, washed, inspected, and delivered back to Oregon’s craft beverage producers to be refilled. By choosing beverages in refillable bottles, you help keep our air clean, our beaches, parks, and roadsides litter-free, promote a circular economy, and set a model for future generations.
https://action.aclu.org/give/support-drag-defense-fund
