Coronado & Bear Republic Release New Collaboration: Merbear Rye IPA

CORONADO, Calif. – February 12, 2016 – It’s half mermaid, half bear, and entirely fantastic. MerBear Rye IPA, the new love child of SoCal icon Coronado Brewing and NorCal heavyweight Bear Republic, is set to hit shelves mid-February. The friendship began a few years back when president Rick Chapman and Brewmaster and COO Richard "Ricardo" Norgrove, of Coronado and Bear Republic respectively, met for beers at a local San Diego beer bar where they discussed the idea of the two creating something special. Two years, and countless collaborative visits later, MerBear was born.

"We have always respected the team and loved drinking their beers," said Brandon Richards, vice president of sales and marketing.  "We’ve built a solid relationship with Bear Republic and enjoy working with each other any chance we get," continued Richards. "This is something I can see developing into more collaborations in the future."

"It was fun putting our heads together for the MerBear collaboration, and we look forward to seeing how the MerBear project evolves in the future," said Bear Republic Head Brewer Rob Kent.

By land and by sea, MerBear Rye IPA is a unique union of styles. Amarillo, Hallertau Blanc, Centennial, and Equinox hops lend to the beer’s pungent, fruity character that ends on a spicy, malty caramel backbone. Rarely seen, yet never ignored, it’s an unforgettably full-bodied ale, carefully crafted for those particularly audacious craft beer drinkers.

Joint San Diego Launch Events:

The Bear Republic and Coronado Brewing teams will be partnering up and hosting dual tap takeovers with the brewers on-site in search of the elusive MerBear. You will be able to meet the brewers and taste the two versions of MerBear side by side, By Land & By Sea.

Wednesday, February 17

Blind Lady Ale House

5:00 p.m.

Includes three unique beers from each brewery including both versions of MerBear

Friday, February 26

Fathom Bistro

5:00 p.m.

We may even have a few special guests migrating down from NorCal for the event!

More details to come but guaranteed to be legendary events between the two brewers. Please visit  http://coronadobrewing.com/MerBear for more details.

Fundraising:

Additionally, Coronado Brewing will host a teddy bear drive at the company’s Bay Park Tasting Room. Starting February 12th, bring in any stuffed bear or animal and receive a free Coronado pint glass. Donations will go to a local kids charity, It’s All About the Kids Foundation.

MerBear Teddy Bear Drive

February 12 – 29, 2016

Coronado Brewing Tasting Room

1205 Knoxville Street

San Diego, CA 92110

Coronado Brewing MerBear Rye IPA specs: 

Style:                  Rye India Pale Ale

ABV:                  7.5%

Bitterness:          45 IBU

Package:             22 ounce bottles, draft

Release:              February 2016

Malts:                  2-row, Wheat, Biscuit 

Hops:                  Amarillo, Hallertau Blanc, Centennial, and Equinox

Where to find MerBear: 

MerBear Rye IPA will be available in 16 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Wisconsin. It will also go to New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and Japan.