New Belgium Brewing Co.’s been known to rock some interesting partnerships, like a recent go with Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream to create a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ale, and now comes Red Robin Gourmet Burgers.
Inspired by the chain’s popular Banzai Burger — highlighting teriyaki and pineapple — New Belgium created the Grilled Pineapple Golden Ale to coincide with the the Great American Beer Festival in Denver. Called the “first-ever burger-inspired beer” and checking in at 5.5 percent ABV, the ale sounds pretty great, actually.
“New Belgium brewmasters used ginger, brown sugar and black malt to build up the soy and umami notes,” reads a press release, “followed by a dose of pineapple chunks and a touch of Applewood smoked malt to give the beer a recognizable Banzai Burger finish. After its unveiling at the nation’s largest beer festival, the Grilled Pineapple Golden Ale will be served on-tap at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews restaurants throughout Colo. while supplies last.”
For those getting down at GABF, note the following paired tasting sessions:
• Friday, Oct. 7 at 8:30 p.m.: Red Robin’s culinary manager Karen Kaehler, and Samuel Adams’ brewer and director of brewery programs Jennifer Glanville, will treat attendees to a burger and brew pairing that showcases RR’s Smoke & Pepper burger alongside Samuel Adams Hoppy Red Ale.
• Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.: Kaehler and New Belgium innovation brewer Dave Glor will introduce attendees to the Grilled Pineapple Golden Ale and Banzai burger, the signature burger that served as the inspiration for the first-of-its-kind brew.
“From inspiration to innovation, New Belgium shares a lot of the same passion and commitment as Red Robin,” says New Belgium Glor in the release. “Partnering with Red Robin to create Grilled Pineapple Golden Ale is a great fit because they feel the same way about their world-class burgers as we do about our world-class beers.”
