Drink Beer – Save Honey Bees!

Aug 1, 2008 by Dan Taylor    17 Comments    Posted under: News

I went to college in Rochester, NY. We lovingly referred to it at times as Crotchester, Rottenchester, or Crotchfester. There are only a handful of things that come to mind when one mentions the word Rochester. Eastman Kodak, Xerox, Bausch and Lomb, and maybe, just maybe Genesee Beer (I can almost remember the taste of drinking Genny Cream Ales with Bobby Linehan at age 16, but let’s not mention that to mom, ok?).

I’d all but forgotten about the OTHER beer coming out of Rochester, JW Dundee’s Honey Brown.

Now let’s be clear, I like beer. I like beer a lot. I’ve drank my fair share of beers and I can honestly say that I can not recall a single beer that tastes quite like Honey Brown. It wouldn’t rank in my top 10, but it might make it into the top 25. It has a unique taste that comes in part from the natural honey that is used in the brew list.

What’s that you say? Honey in the beer? Why yes! They mix a small dash of natural honey into every batch to give it a crisp bite, and a smooth/sweet finish. But isn’t there something going on with honey bees? Like they’re all keeling over and dying and shit? Why yes my dear Mr. Watson, you are correct sir!

Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) was first reported in America in late 2006. Since then a number of countries around the world have reported similar findings. The root of the cause is still unknown, but the fact remains that one third of everything we eat, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, BEER, all require pollination via honey bees. Therefor, the JW Dundee brewery has instituted the “Save the Honey Bee” Program. For the 2008 year, a portion of all Dundee beers sold will be donated to the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees.

Dundee’s VP of marketing Patrick Magallanes states, “The issue of CCD extends beyond the honey supply. Local farmers throughout the country are faced with the possibility of losing crops, which ultimately affects the livelihood of local economies. That’s why Dundee Brewing Company is committed to raising awareness and supporting this issue through the sale of its Dundee brands.”

Dundee has also planned a full marketing blitz to accompany the program with swag including t-shirts, temporary tattoos, coasters, posters, and table tents. They’ve also launched an accompanying site at http://www.dundeeforthebees.com

This announcement comes on the heels of a recent release from Dundee announcing that they’ll be refreshing the look of all its Dundee Ales and Lagers this summer to more closely reflect the brand’s craft heritage, as well as the individuality, personality, and flavor of each craft beer.

So remember folks, it’s summer time. It’s hot out. You’re thristy. You head to the local convenience store or supermarket for some cold brews. Why not help save a honey bee or two, and nab a refreshingly tasty ‘Brewed in Rochester’ product?