One of the Gulf Coast’s most famous breweries has crafted a new beer and promised to send a portion of the money earned on each bottle to oil spill relief efforts. A bottle of Abita S.O.S. Pilsner will cost about $8, and 75 cents of each sale will go to a fund that will be used to support oil spill-related causes of the company’s choosing, she said. According to Beth Harris, a public relations representative for Abita, the company used the 22-ounce bottles because it’s the quickest way to get the lager to market.
A 22-ounce bottle, sold as a single, requires getting only one
label approved by the federal government, whereas a 12-ounce bottle requires approval for labels on the front, back and six-pack container. The 22-ounce SOS brew has 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. 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 percent ABV.
The SOS – A Charitable Fund will assist with the rescue and restoration of the environment, industry and individuals fighting to survive the oil spill. Related retail merchandise (hat, T-shirt, lapel pin, decal and car magnet) will be sold and 100 percent of net proceeds will benefit the SOS Fund. Abita Beer is the oldest and largest craft brewer in the southeast and the 17th largest craft brewer in the nation. 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 social media accounts to tell the world about what is happening along the Gulf Coast.
Locally you can enjoy your Abita S.O.S at Rue Dumaine, which has the beer exclusively until at least mid-month. Additionally, if you dine there on any Wednesday in August to satisfy your southern cravings, the RUE will donate $1 per person to the same charity.
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