In Buffalo, we need to promote as much collaboration as possible. Whether it’s between centers of learning, arts organizations or even breweries. Just this morning I heard that Pearl Street Grill and Brewery had come together with Flying Bison Brewery to create a new Indian Brown Ale. So I decided to reach out to Noah McIntee, Brewer at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery to see how the relationship came to pass, and what we could expect from the mash up. From Noah:
How did the collaboration come about?
The collaboration came about when I proposed the initial idea. The basis for it was my attempt to dispel any notion that Pearl St & Flying Bison were anything but the good friends that we in fact are. This was a grassroots project that started when I floated the idea past the brewers at Flying Bison (Colin & Ryan) and was met with willingness and eagerness. I then ran it past the management & ownership at Pearl Street and got approval.
Once Tim Herzog signed on and Earl Ketry gave us his blessing, I set up a meeting for us all to get together and talk beer. I proposed that we start with a brown/amber ale since we both are familiar with it (we run Trainwreck & Roosevelt Red at Pearl & Pan Am respectively and they have Rusty Chain and Aviator Red). Tim then offered up a half bale of whole cone Citra hops (new, exclusive, rock-star style hops) so we both immediately decided on an Indian Brown Ale – a style which combines a brown ale backbone with an IPA hop profile. I wrote up the recipe and tweaked it a bit with Ryan & Colin’s help and then in early December we brewed it. It was transferred and carbonated in the last two weeks and saw an initial pour on Jan 17 at a fundraiser for the Suicidal Saucies roller derby team which I organized with my friend Sheer Tara. We are further celebrating our collaboration with a party in Brawler’s Deli (basement of Pearl Street) tomorrow, Wednesday, January 22 from 5-9pm when brewers from both breweries will be present to enjoy the beer and toast our supporters.
Brewed at Pearl Street but co-branded with Flying Bison?
Yes, brewed at Pearl Street on our equipment. The whole cone Citra hops came from Flying Bison. Since Flying Bison is a packaging brewery, it makes the most logistical sense for us to brew and serve it here. We don’t have to deal with label approval, licensure, distribution, or anything like that on our system. We brew it and then we serve it with our name and Flying Bison’s attached to it.
Was it the owners or the brewers behind the mash up?
The idea was mine to start with and was quickly picked up on by the brewers at Flying Bison. I intentionally worked from the bottom up because brewers should be on good terms with other brewers and this was one of the ways that I could show our support and extend and olive branch to cover any past grievances that occurred during the tenure of our previous brewer.
Who are the brewers behind it?
The principal minds behind the core recipe idea were myself & Tim Herzog. From there, I wrote up a recipe and worked with Colin Herzog & Ryan Coleman of Flying Bison. On the day of the brew, we gladly welcomed Paul Kohler, former head brewer at Pearl Street, along with Colin, Ryan, and myself, with Chris Herr assisting in the brewhouse here.
Where will it be sold? Just at Pearl Street?
The beer will be sold exclusively at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery through our taps. We will sell it across the bar in glasses or in growler fills for take-home.
Finally, the event tomorrow night is a chance to celebrate our partnership by gathering together the brewers from both breweries and enjoying some beers with anyone and everyone that supports Pearl Street and Flying Bison beers. The event is open to the public with no cover charge and along with the recently tapped collaboration beer, Tom in the Deli will be doing food specials as well.
Pearl Street + Flying Bison Collaboration Celebration | Wednesday, January 22, 2014 @ 4 – 9pm
Brawler’s Deli | Basement of Pearl Street Grill and Brewery | 76 Pearl St, Buffalo, New York