Breweries around the country have run clubs, where runners reward themselves after a tough run with a beer or two. Now The Boston Beer Company’s Marathon Brewing, is releasing a new brew specifically for marathon runners.
Called 26.2 Brew, the golden, hazy ale is brewed with Himalayan seat salt and Coriander, with an ABV of 4% and has 9 carbs and 120 calories per beer.
“As someone who loves beer and running, having the opportunity to brew a beer that helps runners celebrate their hard work was a passion project for me,” says Shelley Smith, Advanced Cicerone and Manager of Research & Product Innovation at The Boston Beer Company.
“Understanding what is important to runners is what made brewing this beer different from what is currently available. While most brewers are stripping flavor to hit a certain calorie mark, we focused on brewing a beer that not only fit what runners were looking for, but also delivered a great taste.”
Smith worked on the recipe with other runners in order to perfect what athletes want in a beer.
“I’ve run my fair share of marathons over the years, and there are countless finish lines throughout the training process that deserve a celebration. Anyone who has trained for a marathon – who is dedicated enough to wake up before dawn or face the elements to get their miles in – knows that part of training is running for the reward,” says marathon legend Meb Keflezighi, the only athlete ever to win the New York City Marathon, the Boston Marathon and an Olympic medal. “26.2 Brew celebrates runners’ hard work and achievement with high-quality ingredients and a really great taste.”
If that 26.2 name sounds familiar, it’s because the beer is an evolution of Boston 26.2, a beer Sam Adams has made available in the Boston area during the marathon for the past seven years.
While it has its roots in Boston, Marathon 26.2 will be available nationwide in six-pack bottles as well as 12-pack slim cans and a 24oz can. It will also be available on draft.