A bird-themed collaboration beer between Baltimore’s zoo and one of its breweries is spreading its wings flippers.
The Penguin Pils, a 4.5 percent ABV pilsner made by The Brewer’s Art in honor of The Maryland Zoo’s flightless birds, is now being canned and distributed around the city. The collaborators launched the beverage last May at the brewery’s Midtown-Belvedere headquarters. They gathered again today, this time at the Penguin Coast exhibit at the zoo, to unveil the new canned version.
The beer was released a year ago as both parties celebrated anniversaries – the 140th for the zoo, and the 20th for the brewery. It’s since been available on draft, with a portion of all proceeds benefitting the zoo in Druid Hill Park. The same will be true for the cans, according to zoo spokeswoman Jane Ballentine.
The Brewer’s Art and distributor Bond Distribution raised $2,000 in proceeds to donate. The cans should bring even more spoils.
Brewer’s Art owner Tom Creegan said in a statement that the new medium is ideal for the weather. “Cans are a great way to enjoy the beer, and the mobility of cans is perfect for the summer season,” he said.
Zoo graphics manager Hailey Lipocky designed the art for the cans (seen above), as well as the logo for the draft released last year.
The draft will remain on tap at the zoo, and cans will start being sold around the city on July 1.
