Ever have one of those ‘why didn’t anyone think of that’ moments? I have them with all- too- common frequency, sometimes kicking myself in the pants for not recognizing the need/appeal of a new product or service and taking appropriate action or advising someone else to do the same. And that is exactly how I felt when I learned about the new collaboration beer between Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews and New Belgium Brewing- two heavyweights in their respective industries who have joined together to create a special brew, set to debut at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado October 6 through October 8.
This new beer is called Grilled Pineapple Ale and it was inspired by Red Robin’s own Banzai Burger, a hamburger that features a fire grilled beef patty, teriyaki sauce, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, and grilled pineapple. New Belgium used this burger and its profusion of sensory flavors to help develop a beer that would complement its every being. Red Robin Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jonathan Muhtar says the decision to collaborate with New Belgium was based on the desire to expand on his restaurant’s popular Burger and Brew pairings while showcasing Red Robin and New Belgium’s penchant for innovation.
“Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews continues to build its bar program by exploring craft beers, ‘Burger and Brew’ pairings and new drinks that incorporate fresh ingredients and new, bold flavors,” said Muhtar. “Our collaboration with New Belgium to create the Grilled Pineapple Golden Ale showcases our creative approach to innovation. We are excited to tap into beer lovers’ craving for unique beer offerings and complement the Banzai burger, one of our most popular burgers, in an entirely new and refreshing way!”
Grilled Pineapple Ale is brewed using ginger, brown sugar, and black malt along with pineapple and Applewood smoked malt. The idea was to create a beer that would almost taste like a Banzai Burger in a glass and New Belgium brewer Dave Glor says that Red Robin is a great business to partner with due to the two companies’ shared philosophy.
“From inspiration to innovation, New Belgium shares a lot of the same passion and commitment as Red Robin,” said Glor. “Partnering with Red Robin to create Grilled Pineapple Golden Ale is a great fit because they feel the same way about their world-class burgers as we do about our world-class beers.”
New Belgium’s Grilled Pineapple Ale will debut at the Great American Beer Festival and to properly showcase the incredible matchup between beer and burger, Red Robin will hold two “Burgers and Brews” pairing sessions: One on Friday, October 7 at 8:30 p.m. and one on Saturday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m. The Friday session will feature a pairing between Red Robin’s Smoke and Pepper Burger and Samuel Adams Hoppy Red Ale. The Saturday session will feature the new Grilled Pineapple Ale paired, of course, with the Banzai Burger. Each session is limited to 100 attendees and there is no reservation- it will be conducted on a first come, first served basis.
Creating a beer that tastes like a burger is a rational and logical idea- one that should have been discovered decades ago. New Belgium Brewing and Red Robin have given the world what it has been waiting far too long to taste and I look forward to giving it a try when Great Beer Now heads to Denver for the Great American Beer Festival this week. Post- festival, it will only be available in Colorado- area Red Robin restaurants until supplies are depleted, so if you live in another state and you’re heading to Denver this week for GABF 2016, make sure to snatch a taste of this new beer while you have the chance.
For more information on Grilled Pineapple Golden Ale and the collaboration effort with New Belgium brewing, visit www.redrobin.com/great-american-beer-festival.html.
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