_ (press release) _ OTTAWA—(

May 26, 2016

)

Today, Big Rig Brewery officially releases ** Salute 1179 ** .

Although a brand new beer to enter the brewery’s core lineup, Salute 1179 has been years in the making.

Big Rig Brewery brewmaster Lon Ladell had a standing offer on the table for Chris Phillips, his partner and long-time NHL defenseman, since the inception of the brewery.

“I told him almost from day one, ‘I want to make a beer with you. Whenever you’re ready, let me know!’”

The gruelling NHL schedule and his commitment to his family and community made it difficult for Phillips to find the time. However, earlier today Phillips officially announced his retirement from professional hockey—and his first foray into brewing.

Ladell and Phillips didn’t need a long conversation to decide on the style of beer they wanted to craft together.

“My favourite beer is Lon’s pilsner,” Phillips says. “I knew I wanted to make a beer with him that was similar in style, but a little more sessionable. Something that anyone can enjoy anytime, anywhere.”

The result is a 4% lager brewed with Saaz hops. It’s bright, full of flavour and incredibly refreshing. And, just as Phillips desired, it truly is a beer anyone can enjoy anytime, anywhere.

The name Salute 1179 is a nod to the number of games Phillips played—an incredible feat, especially with one team—but also goes well beyond just that.

“This beer is a salute to you—for your passion, loyalty and dedication to your own craft, whatever it is,” Phillips says. “Continue to pursue dreams and defy expectations.”

Salute 1179 will be available in 473mL cans in the LCBO beginning mid-June as a summer seasonal. It will also be available direct from the brewery, and on tap at bars and restaurants across Ontario throughout the year. _ Founded in 2012, Big Rig Brewery is led by brewmaster Lon Ladell. With 20 years of experience, he expertly reinvents traditional styles and creatively crafts emerging ones. It’s no surprise the brewery has won numerous awards in a short span of time for its standout beer including New Brewery of the Year in Ontario (2013), 19 medals at the Ontario Brewing Awards and one gold medal at the Canadian Brewing Awards. _

Happy to announce along with my retirement. The release of salute 1179 lager [ @BigRigBrewery ](https://twitter.com/BigRigBrewery) [ #cheers ](https://twitter.com/hashtag/cheers?src=hash) ! [ pic.twitter.com/3vwPZp52ed ](https://t.co/3vwPZp52ed)

— Chris Phillips (@CPhillipsFour) May 26, 2016