Conn. brewery raises funds for Calif. fire victims

A craft brewer in New Hartford is helping raise funds for California fire victims. A craft brewer in New Hartford is helping raise funds for California fire victims. Photo: Contributed Photo Photo: Contributed Photo Image 1 of / 87 Caption Close Conn. brewery raises funds for Calif. fire victims 1 / 87 Back to Gallery

NEW HARTFORD — After the recent California Wildfires ravaged the hills above the Chico brewing factory owned by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, the company launched a nationwide fundraising effort.

Brewery Legitimus in New Hartford was among those who answered the call.

On Friday, Legitimus will offer a limited release of “Resilience IPA” and all its will be donated to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund.

“This is an amazing collaborative of breweries that have come together in support of the California communities in need,” said Christina Sayer, co-owner of Legitimus. “We are brewery owners and professionals, but first and foremost we are parents. As Chris and I prepared to celebrate the holidays with our family, including our three young children, we couldn't help but think about the families affected by this terrible event, and we wanted to help.”

Resilience IPA showcases cascade and centennial hops as an homage to the beer style that helped kick off the craft beer revolution.

Sierra Nevada provided the recipe, which was adapted by Brewery Legitimus. Patrons will experience spicy, piney and slightly floral notes with a touch of grapefruit and a well-balanced bitter finish from Legitimus’ version of Resilience. The Legitimus malt supplier, Country Malt Group, donated the malt that went into the brew and Crosby Hop Farm donated the hops.

The beer will be sold in pints for $6, 32oz growler-style cans for $12, and growler fills for $24. Baba Ghanoush, the Mediterranean food truck from the owners of Tangiers in Hartford, will be available to offer nosh on the day of the release.

“We have no doubt this release is going to get kicked in no-time,” added Chris Sayer, co-owner and head brewer at Brewery Legitimus. “Our patrons know how to drink for a cause. And what better cause than these California communities - many of which are in our line of business - trying to rebuild. Sierra Nevada has put together a very commendable initiative, and we are proud to contribute to it.”

The effort is expected to raise $15 million with over 1,400 breweries participating worldwide.

Brewery Legitimus is a seven-barrel craft brewery directly across from the Farmington River in the former Waring Factory building.