Boulevard Brewing Co. and Odell Brewing Co. to Collaborate on Anniversary Brew
May 12, 2014 – Kansas City, MO & Fort Collins, CO – At the recent SAVOR event in Washington D.C., company founders John McDonald of Boulevard Brewing and Doug Odell of Odell Brewing announced an upcoming collaboration on a 25th anniversary beer. The two pioneering craft breweries opened just one day apart, with each initially focusing on English-style ales. As a tribute to their common roots, McDonald and Odell will develop an English Strong Ale, slated for release in November.
On November 17, 1989, McDonald delivered the first keg of Boulevard Pale Ale to a Mexican restaurant a few blocks from his Kansas City brewery. The next day, Odell tapped his first keg at an upscale Fort Collins restaurant not far from his first brewhouse. While the two did not meet for a few more years, their shared devotion to great beer and desire to make a difference in their communities created a framework for their mutual admiration.
“Back in the late ‘80s, there were only a handful of us crazy enough to start our own local breweries,” said McDonald. “We leaned on each other to talk through ideas, brewing techniques and distribution methods. I’ve always respected Doug’s path and – looking at what Odell Brewing has become today – I’m proud to call him a friend and colleague.”
“People thought John and I were insane to open breweries at a time and in markets where virtually no one had heard of craft beer,” said Odell. “We have always shared some of the same goals and desires such as brew the best beer we possibly can, and take care of our home markets first. I am very pleased to see that these shared values have provided a base for the success of both of our breweries.”
More details on the commemorative ale will be revealed over the coming months. Each brewery plans to raise a pint on their anniversary, and to celebrate with beer lovers through dinners, special tastings, and a variety of other events. The beer will be available in 750ml bottles in Boulevard’s 25-state distribution territory, and on tap throughout Odell’s 11-state footprint.
About Boulevard Brewing Company Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to become one of the largest specialty brewers in the Midwest, dedicated to the craft of producing fresh, flavorful beers using traditional ingredients and the best of both old and new brewing techniques. Earlier this year Boulevard became part of the Duvel Moortgat family of breweries. For more information, visit www.boulevard.com, boulevard.com/facebook, or follow us on Twitter at boulevard.com/twitter.
About Odell Brewing Founded in 1989, Odell Brewing was started by Doug Odell, his wife Wynne, and his sister Corkie. Today, the culture of family and collaboration still thrives, fostering a brewery full of beer-centric people and a passion for quality, hand-crafted, innovative brews. As a regional craft brewery, Odell Brewing is committed to serving its communities by minimizing its environmental impact, sourcing local raw materials, and through its charitable giving program known as Odell Outreach.
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