More than 100 Colorado breweries unite to brew beer benefiting businesses hurt by coronavirus

One hundred twenty-five Colorado breweries are teaming up to produce the same beer in a movement to raise money for those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

The initiative was organized by the Colorado Brewers Guild and Left Hand Brewings Foundation. It will also benefit small businesses and farmers growing and processing ingredients used for the beer, according to the Denver Post.

All brewers involved with the cause will brew a batch of “Colorado Strong” pale ale using the same recipe and local ingredients from the region.

The small brewery industry has reportedly seen sales drop 65 percent amid coronavirus.

Brewer groups have asked Congress for a stabilization fund of $5 billion to help them survive the resulting economic downturn.

Mark Boelman, an award-winning brewer and director of accounting and administration for Left Hand, created the “Colorado Strong” recipe using Cascade hops and Genie Pale malts, producing flavor notes of citrus, the report added.

Eric Kean, executive director of Left Hand, told the Denver Post that his organization is working to help struggling breweries amid the economic strains the pandemic has placed on many small companies.

“Anything people can do to support the industry is going to support their neighborhood, the people they see every day. The folks working at craft breweries are part of the fabric of Colorado. It’s such a part of our culture, it’s such a part of how we express ourselves. They’re our neighbors, our friends. They’re family,” Kean said.

Some brewers are reportedly adjusting recipes slightly for the pale ale, providing more incentive for residents to go out and try several breweries’ batches.

-Updated 4 p.m.