Breweries and dogs go together like beach days and sunshine: both are better when the other is around. To celebrate their 50th anniversary of dogged devotion to rescuing four-legged family members, the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons is partnering with Sag Harbor’s prolific purveyor of good vibes and good beer, Kidd Squid, on a special limited-edition brew to celebrate (and raise funds!) for the venerable protector of pups.
“We are honored to be part of ARF Hamptons’ 50th anniversary, and to be able to create this very limited-edition brew,” said Kidd Squid co-owner Rory McEvoy in a statement. “Grainne [McEvoy] and I are huge fans of ARF Hamptons’ work through the years and we are happy we could contribute.”
The beer they chose is a fittingly sessionable pilsner made in the traditional Czech style, with a golden hue and medium-hoppy profile. McEvoy employed local Cascade hops from the Condozella hop farm in Wading River, as well as saaz hops from Czechia. An excellent sipper for, say, taking your best buddy for a nice, long walk on the beach.
Each year, over 3 million dogs enter animal shelters. A particular issue for summer communities like the Hamptons are families that take in pets for the summer, but then abandon them once the season is done. ARF Hamptons launched in 1974 by Sony Schotland, Barbara Hotchkiss Posener and Dorothy Wahl as a sanctuary for homeless cats and dogs, devoted to finding loving homes for them all without risk of euthanization.
Bit by bit, the organization built itself into the premier animal shelter not-for-profit in the area, leading up to last year’s well-deserved and needed renovation of their “forever home,” which now includes an 8,400 square foot outdoor training/socializing area, 40 new kennels, cat and dog playrooms and the ability to double the capacity of animals in-need on their premises.
ARF has always relied on the generosity and support of our community to further our mission of rescuing and caring for animals in need,” says Kim Nichols, ARF executive director. “Kidd Squid’s contribution through this delightful summer refreshment not only celebrates our milestone but also helps us continue our vital work… we are thrilled that Rory and Grainne chose to partner with us in such a meaningful way. We look forward to toasting our 50th anniversary with Kidd Squid.”
The beer, which will be sold at Kidd Squid’s super fun tasting room (11 Spring St., Sag Harbor, 631-500-0533) for $20 a 4 pack (or five bucks a can), (631) 500-0533, will be part and parcel to their latest adoption event, held at Kidd Squid on July 27 from noon to 3 p.m., and will also be part of ARF’s annual Bow Wow Meow Ball (where cans of the 50th anniversary pilsner were donated entirely to the event by the McEvoys) on Saturday, August 17 at ARF (124 Daniels Hole Road, East Hampton). Until the brew runs out, 10% of all sales go right to ARF, too. Drink up and help a pup!
