To raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare and conservation, the St. Louis Zoo has teamed up with Urban Chestnut Brewing Company (UCBC) to create Grizzly Ridge Kölsch, the first official beer of the St. Louis Zoo. The beer will be available at the zoo as well as at grocery stores and beer retailers in St. Louis city, St. Louis and St. Charles counties, and the Metro East area beginning June 22. For every case of Grizzly Ridge Kölsch sold at area retailers, Urban Chestnut will donate $3 to the St. Louis Zoo to support its animal care and conservation work*.

Grizzly Ridge Kölsch will make its debut June 21, 2019, at the zoo’s biennial creative black-tie party, ZOOFARI presented by Wells Fargo Advisors. Following the event, Grizzly Ridge Kölsch will be available in four-packs of 16 ounce cans in St. Louis metro area stores where craft beer is sold.

“The zoo’s mission is to care for animals and conserve their habitats through animal management, research, recreation, and educational programs to encourage support from and enrich the experience of the public,” said Jeffrey P. Bonner, Ph.D., Dana Brown President and CEO, St. Louis Zoo. “Our collaboration with Urban Chestnut provides an opportunity for adults to enjoy a refreshing and delicious craft beer while supporting the zoo’s conservation and animal-care efforts.”

Grizzly Ridge Kölsch is named after the zoo’s newest habitat, Centene Grizzly Ridge. Future plans include the release of a new style of beer highlighting a different area of the zoo in 2020.

Urban Chestnut collaborated with the St. Louis Zoo on the beer style, name, and label design. “Together, we ultimately decided to brew a Kölsch because it is a clean, crisp, and well-balanced style that will appeal to a wide audience,” said Florian Kuplent, UCBC co-founder and brewmaster.

“From day one, Urban Chestnut has been committed to supporting nonprofit organizations in the St. Louis community. When the opportunity arose to partner with such an important and vital organization as the St. Louis Zoo, we jumped at the chance,” said David Wolfe, UCBC co-founder. “We are extremely honored to be selected as their partner to develop their first official beer.”

*In partnership with Urban Chestnut’s local wholesalers: Major Brands Distributing, Grey Eagle Distributors, Donnewald Distributing, and H.W. Herrell Distributing.