Some Nova Scotia breweries are working together to introduce a special beer in tribute of Canadian icon Gord Downie.
The Tragically Hip’s frontman died Tuesday evening following a battle with brain cancer. He was 53.
“I think it's such a meaningful project, obviously, and really cool, especially such a local thing,” says Halifax patron Maggie Green.
Usually a new product starts with the brewer creating a recipe and sending it off to the art department for labelling, but for this drink, the label first inspired the beer.
It started in the summer when Nova Scotia artist Erin McGuire created a poster deckled with references to Downie’s songs.
“It was quite neat because it was all the numerical references that had been made in all the Tragically Hip songs pulled together in one really interesting graphic,” says Brian Titus of the Garrison Brewery in Halifax.
The Garrison Brewery began working with Boxing Rock Brewing in Shelburne to launch the project and create a recipe.
“A little bit on the stronger side, six per cent, it'll be bold, flavourable and it'll be reflective of somebody, a big individual in the music world," says Titus.
Garrison staff say many Downie fans from around the city have contributed to the ‘Courage' beer.
“Me being such a fan as everyone else in this great country, it just makes sense,” says Carl Frennette from Garrison.
Fans will soon be able to contribute to Downie’s legacy by buying the beer, with $1 from each purchase going to brain cancer research.
Before passing away, Downie took his band on tour across Canada, raising money for brain cancer research and spreading awareness of the suffering of Indigenous people in residential schools.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ron Shaw.
