Collective Arts Brewing Announces Fourth Series of Beer Labels
03 Mar 2015 --- After three successful label series that saw an outpouring of work from artists, musicians, filmmakers and photographers from around the world, Collective Arts Brewing does it all over again with the announcement of Series Four. But this is no regular beer label series: this unveiling marks the brewery’s first year anniversary and the biggest talent turnout yet, featuring internationally-acclaimed bands such as of Montreal and artists like graffiti artist/creative director for Osheaga, Fred Caron.
Collective Arts Brewing is a grassroots craft brewer based in Ontario that curates a new series of beer labels four times a year with over 75 artists in every series. Since the first limited-edition series was released in September 2013, the works of over 270 musicians, artists, photographers and filmmakers representing 38 different countries have been published on their interactive labels. These include the likes of Jamestown Revival, PUP, METZ, Said The Whale, July Talk, Ivan & The Parazol and London illustrator Barbara Ana Gomez to name a few.
“Our passion for all things creative has given us the goal of creating the world’s most refreshing art gallery through our beer labels. The joy of drinking Collective Arts comes not only from the quality of the beer inside, but from the discovery of art on the outside,” says Matt Johnston, co-founder of Collective Arts Brewing. “With the release of Series Four, we are introducing a whole new crop of artists and musicians to our beer drinkers who have a global reach we haven’t seen in past series.”
Taking the experience to another level, Collective Arts has utilized the technology of an ‘augmented reality’ Smartphone app called Blippar that allows the artist bios, music, links, iTunes and works of art to come to life when the beer labels (not QR codes!) are scanned. This brings the company’s concept of ART + BREWING to life and helps gain even more exposure to these artists.
Of course, it isn’t all about the labels. The focus on all things creative starts with the beer. Collective Arts prides itself on brewing some of Canada’s best-crafted beers. In fact, they were voted Ratebeer’s Best New Brewery in Ontario for 2013. The recipes are developed with their brewmaster-in-residence, Ryan Morrow, who has his undergrad degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Guelph University. He is one of Canada’s most innovative brewers.
Rhyme & Reason Extra Pale Ale – 5.7 ABV 55 IBUs Gold Medal Winner at Canadian Brewing Awards 2014
At only 5.7% abv., it’s far more sessionable than your typical American IPA. Collective Arts uses specific hops from the Pacific Northwest of the US, which is rarely seen in Canadian IPAs. The beer is hoppy without the excessive bitterness. Rhyme & Reason is amongst the top rated APAs in Canada according to the Ratemybeer website and the Untappd website.
Saint of Circumstance – 4.7 ABV 19 IBUs
Saint of Circumstance is Collective Arts’ go-to, easy-drinking, any-occasion brew. They started by creating a tasty blonde ale and then took it to a whole new level by adding the zest of seasonal citrus.
NEW State of Mind Session Ale – 4.4 ABV 38 IBUs
State of Mind is the latest in the core collection. It is a very hop-forward Session IPA, with notes of tropical fruit and orange with background hints of grapefruit and pine. While being full flavoured, this session IPA is amazingly light bodied. Big taste to satisfy the hop bomb lover but at a lower % alc./vol. than your typical IPA.
NEW Ransack The Universe, Hemipshere IPA – 6.8 ABV 85 IBU
Galaxy hops from Myrtleford, Victoria in Australia and Mosaic hops from Yakima, Washington, USA, deliver aroma and flavour of tropical fruits, mango and citrus. Light malt body lets the hops shine through for a crisp, not bitter, finish. A hemispheric hop mashup.
Collective Arts’ journey has brought them to a new home: Arts & Science Brewing Ltd. is a joint partnership with Nickel Brook Brewing Co. The two brewers have teamed up to build a new brewing facility in Hamilton, Ontario in the old Lakeport building. Arts & Science Brewing is planned to be fully operational in May 2015 – timed perfectly with the city’s new urban and cultural revitalization. Add to this a tap room, retail, live music space and art gallery and the space will be designed to fully showcase the ART + BREWING philosophy.
