Brewery Vivant to Release New Beer to Raise Funds For Ukrainian Crisis Relief Project

From Brewery Vivant:

On Thursday, April 28 Brewery Vivant will release Anyuta, a beer created to raise funds in collaboration with the Crisis Relief Project, Brew For Ukraine.

Vivant used a rye malt base and added eleven 4lb loaves of Ukrainian style rye bread made by Field & Fire Bakery to create a rustic Rye Farmhouse Ale. The beer is malt forward with aromas of fresh baked bread.  The beer has a grain spiciness from the rye, a creamy mouthfeel and smooth finish.

Vivant Chef Chris Vander Meer will be using the same rye bread from Field & Fire for a special menu to coincide with the release of Anyuta. zzubreebym

Brewery Vivant owner Jason Spaulding’s grandmother, Anyuta grew up in a Ukrainian village outside of Kyiv.  She emigrated to the United States after World War II marrying her husband, Roy Mench who was stationed overseas in the Army. They worked their own family farm near Coldwater, Michigan.  “My grandmother was extremely proud of being Ukrainian”  says Spaulding. “She was known to spontaneously break into song on a moment’s notice. We would be eating breakfast and all of a sudden she felt moved and would stand on the chair singing the Ukrainian National Anthem at full volume. It was always an adventure”. 

Brew For Ukraine non-profit is the collaboration of Pravda Beer Theater in Lviv, Ukraine and Federation of Beer in Canada. Together they’ve rallied international independent craft breweries to create beers to support relief efforts for Ukraine during this time of Russia’s invasion and war on Ukraine.

“My grandmother would be heartbroken to see what is happening in Ukraine”. Says Spaulding.  “It is half a world away but by getting involved and supporting this cause, we can do our small part by utilizing our craft to help the people of Ukraine” he adds. 

Anyuta Rye Farmhouse Ale is set for release on April 28, both on tap and in cans at Brewery Vivant. Proceeds from the beer will be donated to UNICEF. Coordinating with Brew for Ukraine involves sharing our label and beer recipe on the organization’s website and a collective social media campaign to raise awareness using the hashtag #brewforukriane.

Who we are

Brewery Vivant is the world’s first LEED® certified commercial microbrewery and a Certified B Corporation. We brew beer in the European tradition with the addition of American ingenuity. At our pub we strive to elevate the enjoyment of beer & food and the sense of community in everything we do. Brewery Vivant prides itself on being a destination brewery in the “Beer City” of Grand Rapids. We are in the list of top 30 largest brewpubs in the U.S. according to Brewer’s Association definitions and have distribution throughout the State of Michigan.

Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits is a Certified B Corporation and one of the first brewpubs and distilleries in the city of Kentwood. At our tasting room, we focus on flavor exploration, building community and finding the connections between industry and the natural environment. Broad Leaf explores what it means to be a modern American craft brewery and distillery.