Knoxville Unveils Steel Arm Lager at Local Brewery

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Celebrating the launch of Steel Arm Lager at a local brewery in Knoxville

News Summary

Knoxville, Tennessee is abuzz as Ebony and Ivory Brewing introduces the Steel Arm Lager, in collaboration with the Smokies baseball team. This new brew honors Claude ‘Steel Arm’ Dickey, a legendary pitcher, while promoting the importance of African American players in baseball history. The launch at Covenant Health Park coincides with the opening of the baseball season, offering fans a unique opportunity to celebrate local heritage. Additionally, local breweries are adapting to January’s challenges and engaging the community with innovative strategies.

Knoxville Cheers for New Steel Arm Lager at Local Brewery

Knoxville, Tennessee is buzzing with excitement as the vibrant local craft brewery, Ebony and Ivory Brewing, unveils a new brew that’s close to the heart of the community. This time, they’re teaming up with the Smokies baseball team to pay tribute to a significant figure in baseball history: Claude “Steel Arm” Dickey, a legendary pitcher for the Knoxville Giants Negro League baseball team. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the rich history of African American players in the league while also aligning with the brewery’s commitment to improving diversity within the craft beer scene.

Honoring a Legend

The introduction of the Steel Arm Lager is more than just a new beer; it’s a way to honor Dickey’s remarkable skill and legacy. It showcases the brewery’s desire to celebrate local heritage and share that story with beer enthusiasts and baseball fans alike. The excitement around this beer is palpable, as it embodies both nostalgia and a sense of belonging within the Knoxville community.

Community Buzz

Regular customers, like Philip Hamilton, are particularly excited about the collaboration. For him, it’s more than just a beverage; it’s a reminder of the community’s strong ties to its sporting legends. The brewery isn’t just stopping at the lager; they’re also selling Steel Arm T-shirts at their location, making it easy for fans to wear their support proudly.

First Taste at Covenant Health Park

Beer lovers will have a chance to get their first taste of the Steel Arm Lager at Covenant Health Park during the first game day, scheduled for April 15th. This launch ties in perfectly with the start of baseball season, making it an exciting time for Smokies fans and beer aficionados alike. Not only will attendees enjoy cheering for their favorite team, but they will also have the chance to enjoy a refreshing drink that nods to the rich history of baseball in Knoxville.

January Struggles for Local Brewers

While all this excitement is brewing, January has not been kind to local breweries in Knoxville. Known as the “worst month” due to countless locals participating in “Dry January”, it’s a time when many choose to abstain from alcohol. This potentially impacts sales, leading brewers to get a bit creative in order to stay afloat during the slow month. Local brewery owners have been engaging in clever tactics to make sure that their doors stay open and that customers still feel the warmth of community.

Creative Approaches to Beat the January Blues

Some breweries are branching out with nonalcoholic options, responding to the needs of those who are taking a break from booze. For instance, Alliance Brewing Co. has introduced a “Crowler Club” to entice customers, while others like Abridged Beer Company and Schulz Brau Brewing are expanding their food menus. Even Xul Beer Company and Orange Hat Brewing Company are getting in on the action by offering exciting nonalcoholic beers and mocktail bars, making sure that everyone feels included regardless of their drinking preferences.

Support from Local Agriculture

In further good news for the local brewing scene, Yee-Haw Brewing announced a partnership with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture to support hops research. This partnership aims not only to cultivate locally sourced hops but also to reduce the reliance on imported ingredients. A special brew titled Hopyard Pilsner will be produced using locally grown hops, with a portion of the sales going to support hops research—what a fantastic way to foster local agriculture!

As Knoxville continues to champion its local talent and rich heritage through enticing brews, we can expect to see further collaborations and fun offerings to keep the community engaged and thriving. Whether it’s celebrating a baseball legend or supporting local agriculture, the Knoxville craft brewing scene has an exciting year ahead!