Charity Beer for Gulf Oil Spill

NEW ORLEANS, June 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Abita announced the launch of a nation-wide fundraising effort to assist those impacted by the oil spill disaster.  'SOS – A Charitable Fund' will assist with the rescue and restoration of the environment, industry and individuals fighting to survive the oil spill.

The centerpiece of the fundraising effort is a new charitable beer called SOS – A Charitable Pilsner.  75 cents for every bottle sold will go to charity.  Related retail merchandise (hat, tee shirt, lapel pin, decal and car magnet) will be sold and 100% of net proceeds will benefit the SOS Fund.  

"Abita SOS is a message in a bottle.  It is a distress signal sent out all across the 41 states where Abita is sold. It will raise awareness and money," stated David Blossman, President of Abita Beer.

"We feel compelled as one of Louisiana's most cherished brands to help our coastal families as they struggle to survive," continued Blossman. "We've committing our time, talent and resources to help our fellow citizens through this disaster." Abita pledged that 100% of money raised would go to charity.  Abita Beer is the oldest and largest craft brewer in the southeast and the 17th largest craft brewer in the nation.

Abita SOS, A Charitable Pilsner & Merchandise

The 22-ounce brew bears hand drawn images of what makes the Gulf of Mexico so unique.  Illustrations like those of pelicans, fish, shrimp and fishing boats are arranged in the pattern of the timeless distress symbol: S-O-S.  Marsh grass and a symbolic pair of white "shrimp boots" also are highlighted in the beautiful design.  

Abita began brewing SOS weeks ago and now it ages in holding tanks and finishes the brewing process. It will hit the markets in mid July. The beer is an unfiltered Weizen Pils made with Pilsner and Wheat malts.  It is hopped and dry hopped with Sterling and German Perle hops.  It has a brilliant gold color, sweet malt flavor and pleasant bitterness and aroma.  The brew is 7% ABV.

Abita SOS merchandise is available for purchase immediately at a special website created for the fund, SOS.abita.com. Online donations can also be made directly to the fund.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Abita Beer launched Restoration Pale Ale and a related line of merchandise raising over half a million dollars for hurricane relief.

Post Your Own S.O.S.

An innovative new website has been created to support the charitable efforts. At SOS.abita.com consumers can discover additional ways to help, "post an SOS" within an interactive on-line coastal scene that doubles as a social sounding board.  

Consumers choose a shrimp boat, crab, fish or pelican to represent their post and write a short message of hope, inspiration or frustration.  The message can also be shared with their social media accounts to tell the world about what is happening along the Gulf Coast.  

To arrange interviews, obtain images, video and b-roll go to SOS.abita.com

SOURCE Abita