Beertown USA
On the Homefront: Saint Arnold's brews up limited edition beer to benefitsoldiers in need
Saint Arnold Brewing Co./Facebook
Homefront on the shelves at Spec'sPhoto by Richard Bonds/Twipic
Saint Arnold's Brock Wagner with Jennifer Cernoch, president of OperationHomefront Texas
There's always a bit of a frenzy when hometown brewer Saint Arnold's releases one of its limited-edition beers, but the latest brew is extra special.
Saint Arnold is releasing Homefront IPA on Thursday to coincide with Memorial Day, as all proceeds benefit Operation Homefront, which offers emergency assistance to military families and wounded soldiers. Saint Arnold's distributors are also donating their portion of the profits to the organization.
Saint Arnold's is producing 40,000 22-ounce bottles of the beer, available at Houston stores and bars, and hopes to raise $100,000 for Operation Homefront.
Homefront IPA started in 2011 with Chris Ray, a pitcher for the Seattle Mariners and homebrewer. Ray provided the recipe and the cause, and Matt Lincecum of Seattle's Fremont Brewing Company produced the beer, raising $10,000.
This year Lincecum, a Houston native, asked Saint Arnold's and a few other small breweries nationwide to participate as well. Saint Arnold's is producing 40,000 22-ounce bottles of the beer, available at Houston stores and bars, and hopes to raise $100,000 for Operation Homefront. Those familiar with the Divine Reserve releases know that if they want to find the beer, they better move fast.
The beer was brewed with pale and caramel malts, Chinook and Cascade hops, orange peel, orange zest, and six maple Louisville sluggers in the tank, one of which is for sale on eBay.
Saint Arnold's describes Homefront IPA as "a drinkable West Coast IPA. It pours a golden amber with a big white head. It has a big citrusy nose with a slight note of fresh oranges. Malty and sweet up front. Lighter bodied than might be expected. The hop bitter, orange peel and hop flavor seem to all kick in at the finish. Remarkably easy to drink for an IPA with the orange notes more of a secret ingredient than a dominant flavor."
Have you tried the Homefront IPA yet? What do you think?
