As part of its 30th anniversary this year, Bend, Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery reached out to past brewers to collaborate on seven new beers. I’m highlighting each of these beers in a blog post each day leading up to the brewery’s anniversary on June 27.

Fresh Chair Northwest Pale Ale

Description: 30th Anniversary Collaboration with Crux Fermentation Project (draught only). The first debut of the 30th collaborations includes former brewmasters, Larry Sidor and Cam O’Connor of Crux Fermentation Project, in the creation of a perfect blend of award winning Fresh Squeezed IPA and Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale. Encompassing the popular hop varieties Citra, Mosaic and Centennial, a bright and bold hop aroma compliments a drinkable malt body. All proceeds from this beer will benefit restoration of streamflow and improved water quality in the Deschutes River Basin through the Deschutes River Conservancy.

Beer Geek Information: 6.5% ABV | 35 IBUs
When: March – June
Where: Available draught only in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Northern California and Virginia.

Larry Sidor was responsible for the creation of Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale (originally it was Red Chair IPA), while Cam O’Connor created Fresh Squeezed IPA during his time working at the Portland Pub.

Brewer Quotes

Larry Sidor, Crux Fermentation Project:

“Great experience to be back home again. Who says you can’t. John Denver sang it a lot better than I can say it:

Yes, ‘n, hey it’s good to be back home again, yes, it is
Sometimes this old farm feels like a long-lost friend
Yes, ‘n, hey it’s good to be back home again

Great folks, great innovation, great Ingredients, great equipment equals great beer! Thanks Deschutes for great trip back home!”

Cam O’Connor, Crux Fermentation Project:

“It meant a lot to me [to be invited back.] I spent over half of my brewing career working for Deschutes. It was kind of surreal being back in the building making beer. Working on this project with a whole bunch of great people who I worked with for a long time was very exciting. And in the end, the beer turned out great!!!”

All of these anniversary collaboration beers will be on tap at the Brewery’s Party in the Park on Saturday, July 30.