E-Malt.com News article: USA, MN: Finnegans to release a limited edition Blonde Ale to help fight hunger

Over the past 11 years, Finnegans Beer Company has donated more than $238,000 to support local charities through the profits of its Irish Amber, The Full Pint reported on February, 23.

This March, the beer company and community fund plans to double its impact on hunger relief with the introduction of a new, limited edition Blonde Ale.

The Blonde Ale will officially hit restaurants and liquor stores March 1 – just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. The Blonde Ale is crafted by Summit Brewing Company and has the same malty character as Finnegans Irish Amber.

“Summit has always been proud to contract brew Finnegans Irish Amber,” said Summit Brewmaster Damian McConn, “but designing the new Blonde Ale has been a special treat. It will be perfect for the St. Paddy’s day pint or the beer on the boat this summer.”

Jacquie Berglund, founder and CEO of Finnegans, said that when she started the company she had a vision to eventually expand into a variety of products in an effort to make the greatest community impact. “We’ve grown an average of 30 percent every year since Finnegans was founded in 2000,” said Berglund. “The Blonde Ale is just the start to scaling our impact on hunger relief!”

The business community is rallying around the Blonde Ale and contributing in its own way to support Finnegans’ mission. Minneapolis-based Chicago Lake Liquors, for example, will sell the Blonde Ale at cost, with all the profits benefiting the six food shelves surrounding its neighborhood through Finnegans Community Fund.

“The response from our customers was resoundingly positive,” said store owner John Wolf of selling Finnegans at cost in 2011. “For all of us to continue supporting our shared community with every purchase of Finnegans is wonderful.”

The Blonde Ale will be available through the summer at most retailers currently carrying the Irish Amber.


29 February, 2012