Hop-forward Henderson + Beau’s collab on tap in Toronto

“Mot the Hopple” amber ale is a collaborative beer brewed to celebrate camaraderie in the Ontario craft brewing industry & shine a spotlight on one of its new members, Henderson Brewing

(TORONTO – Mar. 9, 2016) Slated to open a downtown location this spring, Toronto’s Henderson Brewing Company has found a friend in fellow craft brewery Beau’s All Natural. The two Ontario craft brewers have launched a limited-edition collaboration brew called Mot the Hopple. The 6.6% hop-forward amber ale will be available on tap at a small number of craft-friendly establishments in Toronto, beginning March 9. Brewed at Beau’s brewery in Vankleek Hill, ON, the beer will be sold in and around Henderson’s chosen location in downtown Toronto, which will be opening in mid-May.

The name of the beer is a tip of the hat to 70s-era British rock band Mott the Hoople, in addition to referencing the Motueka hops that give the beer its distinct character. Fittingly, the idea for the music-themed collaboration came together at the Polaris Music Prize gala in fall of 2015, where Beau’s was a sponsor.

“When [Beau’s co-founder Steve Beauchesne] heard that we were opening in the spring, he immediately suggested a collaboration to help promote our launch. I was floored,” says Steve Himel of Henderson Brewing. “That unreserved generosity from Steve and the rest of the Beau’s team throughout the process made us really feel part of something great. I can’t imagine any other industry where companies work together like this,” notes Himel.

Henderson Brewing’s Mark Benzequen came to Vankleek Hill to work with Beau’s Brewmaster Matthew O’Hara on the selection of certified organic hops for Mot the Hopple, eventually landing on Pacific Gem and Simcoe, New Zealand variety Motueka for aroma, and a dry-hopping with Citra. The aroma has generous notes of grapefruit-like citrus and resinous pine. The vibrant hop notes in the flavour are counterbalanced by a slightly roasty and full-bodied backbone. The finish offers lingering fruity hop notes.

Mot the Hopple will be available on tap at select establishments in Toronto beginning March 9 – the first places to try it out include The Red Light, Tequila Bookworm, C’est What, The Loose Moose, and The Rhino. Henderson Brewing (www.hendersonbrewing.com) will officially open its doors to the public in mid-May 2016, at 128a Sterling Rd. in The Junction Triangle.