Tucson Brewery Launching Cannabis-Inspired Beer for 4/20

Pueblo Vida Brewing Co., a Tucson-based microbrewery, announced its latest limited-edition beer, Parallels, in anticipation of the upcoming global celebration of marijuana on April 20th – and, this time, it’s a creative collaboration with Botanica dispensary in Tucson.

The idea of a collaborative beer was born out of early conversations between the two companies. The name Parallels was an obvious choice, given the challenges that both industries have faced and the brand values of both Pueblo Vida and Botanica.

Parallels, an India Pale Ale (ABV: 6.5%), has been brewed with a carefully selected blend of Idaho 7 hop hash, as well as Citra, Galaxy, and Mosaic hops. These hops were chosen specifically to create a saturated effect and lend a pungent nose to the beer; one that would be particularly reminiscent of cannabis. This so-called “sticky” IPA was brewed with malted oats, flaked oats, and a touch of rye. This celebratory beer is rich and dank. Although the beer contains no cannabis, it was brewed to channel favorite characteristics distinctive to the marvelous plant.

“We never stop trying to improve our product or service,” says Jennifer Slothower, co-owner of Botanica. “We truly have a relentless commitment to quality, and we recognized this shared ideology with Pueblo Vida. We’re both in the business of supporting the Tucson community, and making and selling products that matter.”

“There are obvious parallels between cannabis and craft beer,” states Bryan Hill, co-owner of Botanica. “Both industries have a shared history of prohibition, followed by a gradual re-acceptance into society. Over the past ten years the craft beer movement has obviously exploded. I truly believe that the craft cannabis movement isn’t far behind.”

Launched in 2014, Pueblo Vida has received recognition and accolades within its industry. Owners Linette Antillon and Kyle Jefferson have a long history of creating small-batch craft beers that are coveted by aficionados for their quality. With an eye always towards their personal values of community and sustainability, a clear passion for their product is evident with every sip.

“At Pueblo Vida we continuously work at crafting the very best quality product, and work on making that happen through each step of the process,” says Linette. “After learning more about Botanica, and the values that Jen and Bryan hold for their company, we realized that they so closely match what we’re doing at Pueblo Vida. We were excited to collaborate with like-minded people.”

The limited-edition beer will be released on Friday, April 20th, beginning at 1PM, and will be available exclusively at the Pueblo Vida taproom in downtown Tucson, located at 115 E Broadway Blvd.

Parallels is available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans.

Photo: pueblovidabrewing.com