There's a 96-foot tall ship coming to port on Saturday, May 10 at noon. The ship, christened Challenge, and built to resemble an 1800’s era schooner, will dock in the Buffalo Harbor carrying a new craft brew into the United States.
Labatt company officials, who were at first keeping a lid on the name of the craft brew, have now disclosed that the ship will carry barrels of Alexander Keith’s Traditional Lager that will be distributed for the first time in the United States. Buffalo, the City of Good Neighbors, was chosen to be the first city in the nation to try the beer.
Marketing Director of Labatt USA Peter Bodenham said "This is a very, very fun brand from the original brewery in Halifax, Nova Scotia," adding, " Alexander Keith is not new in Canada. Keith, who was also the mayor of Halifax at one point started this brewery in the 1800's, and we roll out about 240 million bottles a year in Canada."
As for the American presence, Bodenham said, "We'll do business with primarily border states--Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan--but upstate New York is our largest market. And anyone familiar with craft beers knows the importance of authenticity and heritage. We want to build awareness of this beer in a fun way. Keith was very sociable, and this beer will bring its culture with it. This is the kind of beer people enjoy in Halifax at long tables with bench seating. It makes you want to have a pint or two while you enjoy your company."
Labatt hopes to recreate that sociable atmosphere tomorrow, complete with traditional, lively music. The Challenge will enter the Erie Basin Marina to the sounds of bagpipes and drums welcoming them in. Deckhands and "wenches" dressed in period clothing will unload barrels of beer for distribution in the United States.
The public is welcome to attend the Saturday afternoon event. The last time Buffalo welcomed a Tall Ship into its harbor was the Amistad in September of 2003.
May 10
Noon
Erie Basin Marina
Update:
Alexander Keith’s will be ceremonially delivered to the following locations tomorrow between the hours of 4:30 and 7:30. The beer will be delivered by wenches, a Scottish bagpiper and a privateer. Bar Patrons who are present in the bar during the delivery will receive a free taste of Alexander Keith’s.
· Pearl Street
· WJ Morrissey's
· Coles
· Casa Di Pizza
· Colter Bay
· Darcy McGee's
· Brinks