For the fifth year, Epidemic Ales in Concord has brewed a special beer as a tribute to U.S. military veterans — with input from veterans.
It’s named DD-214 in honor of the release form that signifies a move from military service to veteran status, and veterans from various branches of the military take part by selecting the blend of hops used.
This year’s brew, a citrus-forward, unfiltered IPA with a 6.7% ABV, will be formally released on Veterans Day and celebrated at a daylong gathering of veterans at the taproom. From noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, veterans are offered BOGO (buy one, get one free) pints of the new beer.
“This beer is special to me because my dad, Jim Brown, is also a Vietnam combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient,” Holly Brown, co-owner of Epidemic Ales, said in announcing this year’s brew. “He calls in remotely from San Diego each year on release day and joins other veterans that are at the brewery in-person representing the Coast Guard, Army, Air Force and Marine Corps. We all share stories, take pictures, learn about beer and toast to Veterans Day and our special release.”
DD-214 will be available on tap and in cans at Epidemic from now through the end of November. All sales will benefit veterans, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to Homes for Our Troops, a national nonprofit that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans, Brown said.
Details: Open from noon to 10 p.m. at 150 Mason Circle, Suite J, Concord; www.epidemicales.com
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