Our latest look at the brewing and fundraising efforts to help the people and businesses of war-torn Ukraine.
Importer Euroboozer is in the process of bringing back a quantity of craft beer from Varvar Brew, in Ukraine.
The brewery closed down when the Russian invasion began and is selling its stock to raise money for food, medicine, and wages.
A spokesperson for Euroboozer said: “In addition to paying Varvar the full price for the stock, we are also donating 100% of profits from the sale of the beer to drinkersforukraine.com, which is raising money for the Red Cross Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine. All of the money that Varvar receive from us for the purchase of this beer will be directly used to help defend Kyiv.”
The hope is that hospitality and retail businesses will agree to stock the beer and launch their own initiatives to raise funds.
Varvar Brew said: “Our brewery has been unable to operate since the war began and we have stock in our warehouse in Kyiv that we were desperately looking to sell.
“The situation in Kyiv is unpredictable, and we don’t know exactly how many days we will still be able to get our hands on our beer, so it’s amazing to be working with Martyn on a rescue mission.
“Hopefully each and every beer that leaves the country can provide real enjoyment but also play a role in keeping our fight at the front of people’s minds. Our beer is made with a lot of Ukrainian passion and the finest ingredients so we don’t want to see it destroyed and certainly not drunk by the Russian invaders.”
Meanwhile, Siren Craft Brew is selling a colaboration brew it created with Varvar. Mavka imperial stout comes in at 11.4% ABV and is loosely based on a recipe mash-up between Siren’s Shattered Dream and Varvar’s popular Caribbean Dream porter. Siren says: “The result is an absolute treat, with indulgent chocolate, coffee, coconut, and caramel notes in abundance.”
• A visit to Ukraine in 2019 has inspired the owners of Pope’s Yard Brewery, in Apsley, Hertfordshire, to create a fundraising beer. Barbara Leenan and Geoff Latham are making a milk stout, which is popular in Ukraine.
The recipe comes from CastleHill Brewery, in Lviv, which Barbara and Geoff visited in more peaceful times. Stout Resistance (6% ABV) will be launched at Creative Juices Brew Co’s taproom, in Maple Cross, on 8th April, from 4pm-9pm.
• Where brewers are using its hops to make Ukraine charity beers, merchant Charles Faram is donating its profits to the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.
• Brewhouse & Kitchen is donating £11,726 to the Disaster Emergency Committee’d Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Chief executive, Kris Gumbrell, said: “We wanted to support the appeal in a way that our team could get behind quickly and therefore feel involved and empowered, so it made sense to offer 100% of the proceeds from the launch of our spring seasonal cask ale in each of our 23 brewpubs.”
• Where brewers are using its hops to make Ukraine charity beers, merchant Charles Faram is donating its profits to the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.On 4th March, Black Isle Brewery dedicated all profits from sales of its best-selling Blonde in its Inverness and Fort William bars to the British Red Cross Ukraine appeal.
“We were overwhelmed by your support and together we raised £1384.10!” said the brewer. “This is an incredible result, so we have decided to do continue contributing profits from draught Blonde sales in our bars every Thursday until further notice.”
• Where brewers are using its hops to make Ukraine charity beers, merchant Charles Faram is donating its profits to the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.
• Harbour Brewing Co has thanked suppliers Crisp Malt, Eclipse Labels, and Yakima Chief Hops for their help in producing Stand With IPA. All profits are going towards supporting the people of Ukraine.
• Northern Whisper Brewing Co has thanked customers who helped it raise more than £1,000 for the International Aid Trust. Retail and wholesale customers contributed to the magnificent sum.
