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Bear Republic Debuts Indy Pale Ale for Indianapolis 500

Bear Republic Debuts Indy Pale Ale for Indianapolis 500

Cloverdale, California's Bear Republic Brewing Co. has partnered with Craftroads Beverage to release and Indianapolis 500-focused beer that will release only in the state of Indiana. The beer is an Indy Pale Ale called, fittingly, Racer 500 -- continuing the tradition of the brewery's Racer line of beers, which includes Pace Car Racer, Racer X and others.

Racer 500 is an easy-drinking hoppy Pale Ale brewed with Amarillo, Citra and Galaxy hops. The full release from Bear Republic is below.


Sonoma County, CA (April 18, 2018)—In partnership with Craftroads Beverage, Bear Republic Brewing Company has released Racer 500 within the state of Indiana. Racer 500 was inspired by and was brewed to celebrate “the greatest spectacle in racing”, the Indianapolis 500.

Bear Republic and Craftroads Beverage, both family-owned companies, worked together to produce an IPA that both Indiana race enthusiasts and craft beer drinkers are sure to love.

This beer takes the victory lap on a chassis of Amarillo, Citra, and Galaxy for a tropical citrus hop boost with a dry malt finish.

Bear Republic Brewmaster & COO, Richard G. Norgrove, states, “The longtime love of racing and great craft beer between our two companies has made this a great partnership. Bear Republic and the Norgrove family are thrilled to be teaming up with Craftroads Beverage, Chad Lewton, and the Schembre family on the release of this product.”

At Craftroads Beverage, craft means more than just the level of quality. It means a dedication to hard work, great people, great service, and is locally focused. Founded on more than 60 years of industry experience, Bear Republic shares their passion for exceptional, quality craft beer.

Chad Lewton of Craft Roads Beverage states, “We’re beyond thrilled to be teaming up with the Bear Republic family to create such an amazing product. Racing is in our blood, so being able to combine our mutual love of great beer and the Indianapolis 500 is incredibly exciting.”

Norgrove adds, “As a race car driver and racing enthusiast, racing has always been a big theme and inspiration within our beer lineup. Racer 500 is the perfect addition and we can’t wait for everyone to try it.”

Available in six-packs and draft while supplies last. Racer 500 will also be available on tap for a limited time at Bear Republic’s brewpub locations in Healdsburg and Rohnert Park, California beginning Friday, April 20.

Beer Stats:

Racer 500

ABV: 6.0% – IBUs: 60 – Color: Golden – American IPA

Tasting Notes:

Featured Hops: Amarillo, Citra, Galaxy

Malts: Two-Row, White Wheat

Yeast: BRBC Ale Yeast

For more information about the beer, visit www.bearrepublic.com/beer/racer-500.

Founded over twenty-two years ago by the Norgrove family, Bear Republic Brewing Company is one of the largest independent craft breweries in Northern California. With a constantly growing portfolio of craft beers, Bear Republic maintains a sense of loyalty and tradition from eras gone by.

To find this beer at an Indiana location near you, please visitwww.bearrepublic.com/bear-tracker.