The newest release from Perrin Brewing Co. is VPA (Veterans’ Pale Ale), brewed in honor and support of the troops, past and present, who have sacrificed for our country.

VPA is a sessionable pale ale brewed with a combination of Summit, Centennial and Citra hops, which result in a bold American hop aroma. The flavor is effortlessly balanced between a light and clean malt body that smooths and supports the floral and citrus hop bitterness. The color is clear, bright straw. This ale clocks in at 5% ABV and 40 IBUs.

For every pint sold of VPA, one dollar will be donated to the Finish the Mission Veterans Relief Fund. This nonprofit's mission is to support local, West Michigan veterans and their families by helping with an array of monetary shortages they are experiencing, including mortgages, dental and health expenses. In addition, Perrin Brewing Co. is a proud sponsor and participant in the Freedom Cruise, which will ride through Grand Rapids June 25-29.

Whichever way you pour it, VPA is a do-gooder. Whether that’s supporting those who protect us or simply because it’s an incredibly drinkable and delicious new ale to sip on.

Once again Budweiser is continuing its partnership with the Folds of Honor Foundation to raise money for families of fallen or wounded soldiers. From May 5 to July 4 Anheuser-Busch will be donating a portion of profit from every case of Budweiser sold to the nonprofit. This initiative by Anheuser-Busch has helped raise over $10 million in support of the organization since since partnering with Folds of Honor. This year, Budweiser will raise more than $3 million in educational scholarships that will go towards military families.

“Our partnership with Folds of Honor is helping to make a difference in the lives of families whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we all hold so dear,” said Lori Shambro, Director of Budweiser.

To commemorate the ongoing partnership, Budweiser packaging will, once again, feature a red, white and blue limited edition patriotic look. It serves as a great reminder that in addition to the fun that comes from grabbing some buds, each brew (including draught) is helping support deserving families. Additionally, there is a code on specially marked Budweiser packages that can be entered online, which will trigger a $1 dollar donation to the Folds of Honor Foundation.

“The need is great, and, to paraphrase the words of Patrick Henry, their battle is ours. As Americans, we feel a collective duty to honor those who have sacrificed by serving the families they leave behind.” –Folds of Honor Foundation: Our Calling

As the holiday weekend approaches don’t forget to grab some buds and raise them in support of America’s heroes and families.

Crushable. That’s the best way to describe the summer seasonal from Brooklyn Brewery, aptly named Summer Ale. The key is the light body and full-flavored profile that combine to create a pale ale designed to be enjoyed in multiples.

Summer Ale (5% ABV 18 IBU) is available in bottles, cans and on draft, which means there are a myriad of ways to crush this beer. Need help coming up with some? Try out these tried and true activities for maximum summer sipping.

1. Half submerged in a kiddie pool with a ham sandwich.

2. On a porch during peak afternoon/evening hours watching the fireflies come out.

3. Golfing or pretending to golf.

4. While home brewing in your garage.

5. With pancakes, hashbrowns and eggs for a lazy weekend brunch.

6. In between yelling at the screen/field during a baseball game.

7. While boating, even if it’s only a paddle boat.

8. At your favorite bar or restaurant’s patio while working on a tan or sunburn.

9. As a refresher post hike/run/walk to get the mail.

In the food world, Bread and beer could be cousins. Both are works of scientific art that turn sugar into an agent of change – either creating alcohol or carbon dioxide. Whichever process is undertaken the result can be quite delicious. Some very smart people considered the similarities between the two goods and combined them together to create an even tastier edible. Beer bread creates the perfect gluten on gluten pairing. Try it out with an incredibly simple recipe from Half Baked Harvest that uses only 5 ingredients, including a bottle of Budweiser, for a dish that highlights how fantastic a classic like Budweiser or bread can be – especially when paired together.

5 Ingredient Budweiser Beer Bread Recipe

3 c. flour

4 1/2 tsp. baking powder

¼ c. brown sugar, loosely packed

12 ounces Budweiser

½ tsp. salt

Directions

Prep for baking by preheating the oven to 375 degrees and greasing a 9.5 loaf pan. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and a pinch of salt into a mixing bowl. Pour in the beer and stir with a mixing spoon until just combined. Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the top of the bread is lightly browned and the middle is set. Allow to sit for 15 minutes then dig in. Pop the top off a cold Bud and slice into the warm bread for a perfect pairing.

Mixology with the Bud Light Rita family is where it's at when it comes to summer drinks. Working with fresh ingredients and sweet, refreshing ritas can create the ultimate beverage, with enough variety to suit any occasion. Here are the top five to try out this summer.

1. Fresh Lima-A-Rita Daiquiri

2. Lime-A-Rita Paloma 

3. Creamy Mang-O-Rita

4. Raz-Mo-Politan

5. Kiwi Straw-Ber-Rita

Cinco de Mayo is upon us, which means its time to celebrate Taco Tuesday a day early and get down on some taco and beer pairings.  

Budweiser and Vice released the final installment of their collaborative Rise as One series. It's awesome and you should watch it. It will motivate you to overcome difficulties to follow your dreams. Or maybe just do the dishes this weekend. But seriously, this video showcases the power and sheer will that comes into play when we push ourselves to pursue our passions.

This fifth episode in the Modern Stories series is based out of San Antonio, Texas and follows Matty as he tries out for the U.S. National Amputee Soccer Team. As the reporter says, "in America if you're good at football it means you really love to play." That's very true for all the players killing it on the field in this segment. Now, many of the players (including Matty!) will join the Budweiser sponsored national team to compete in the Amputee Soccer World Cup in Mexico.