Food+Drink

Local Brewery Collaborates on Limited Run Eaux Claires Beer

Emilee Wentland |

When people think of the Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival, they probably think of, well, music and art. They may also think of collaborations, such as the collaboration between Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon and The National’s Aaron Dessner to co-create the festival. This year, however, a new collaboration birthed something festival-goers are sure to appreciate: a special edition beer. New Belgium Brewing and The Brewing Projekt (of Eau Claire) developed the new beer – aptly named “IV” to commemorate the fourth annual Eaux Claires weekend – specifically for this year’s festival. This is the second year New Belgium has been Eaux Claires’ official beer sponsor. Ross Koenigs, New Belgium’s research and development brewer, said in a press release that the brew – which is made up of a mix of Citra, Mosaic, and Nelson Savion hops – is filled with Wisconsin pride. “We set out to showcase our craft by creating a beer packed full of juicy hop flavors that complement what we hope are two lovely July days in Eau Claire,” Koenigs said. For those interested in getting their hands on this new, special edition drink early, IV is available in select retail locations in either cans or on draft. New Belgium Brewing will announce a number of tapping parties prior to the festival via their Twitter account, @NewBelgium_MSP.