After five years in business, Fifty West has announced it will release its first cans of craft beer on Jan. 30. The initial brews to receive the aluminum treatment? Coast to Coast IPA, American Lager and Doom Pedal White Ale. (More beers are set to launch in the future: Punch You In the EyePA will hit shelves this summer to coincide with Fifty West’s annual Punch-Out event.)
“It’s been a long road arriving at this can launch," said managing partner Bobby Slattery in a recent press release. "Our four core values of craftsmanship, tradition, innovation and especially patience played key roles, as we wanted to ensure we got everything right, including the look of the cans, so that consumers can feel confident in our taste and quality amidst countless choices on shelves. We’re ready to meet our mounting retail demand, and I couldn’t be more proud of our team as our journey continues."
The new cans are emblazoned with a brown version of Fifty West’s namesake highway sign. Landmarks along the route, from the Gateway Arch to the Golden Gate Bridge, circle each can’s lip. Fifty West’s new, more accessible packaging will allow them to more effectively reach restaurants, bars and craft beer retailers in the Greater Cincinnati area such as Kroger.
“Kroger has been waiting five years for Fifty West beer to be available on shelves," said Denton Davis, adult beverage/DSD category manager for Kroger, in the same release. "I’m sure most people will agree, the wait was worth it.”
The brewery is celebrating the launch with a brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 28 featuring Colorado’s Oskar Blues Brewery, a pioneering purveyor of microbrews whose endeavors in canning inspired others to embrace aluminum. The three-course meal will feature beer pairings from both breweries, and attendees will leave with a Fifty West six-pack of their choice. Tickets cost $45.
There will also be an official Can Day Launch Party on Jan. 30 at Fifty West's Production Works location, where patrons can purchase six packs and discounted tickets to Cincy Winter Beerfest (Feb. 2-3 at Duke Energy Convention Center).
Fifty West is located at 7668 Wooster Pike, Mariemont; Production Works is located at 7605 Wooster Pike, Mariemont. More info: fiftywestbrew.com.
