In a move that would make Homer Simpson proud, a local brewery is releasing a donut inspired beer.
Santa Monica Brew Works has announced their latest collaboration celebrating local businesses will be a partnership with DK’s Donuts to create a Purple Porter named “Ube Heaven.”
The beer also features cocoa nibs, vanilla bean and Ube.
“Bundles of cacao nibs were brewed with Special Roast Malt while ube flavoring was slowly blended in for an earthy sweetness, hint of nutty character, and deep violet color,” said SMBW Head Brewer, Avery Colomb. “The cocoa flavors combine with the ube to create a savory sweetness that’s profoundly satisfying.”
The company has released several partnership beers including brews with Rip City Skateshop, Groundworks Coffee and Bay Cities Deli. Brew Works partnered with the Santa Monica Daily Press last year for their Fresh Off The Press IPA celebrating SMDP’s 20th anniversary.
“It’s our belief that local businesses shape the character of a city; that’s why we’re so proud of our limited release series celebrating iconic neighborhood establishments,” said Scott Francis, SMBW Co-Founder, President & CEO. “DK’s Donuts has delighted the Westside for nearly 40 years with their creative bakery treats. This collab is a match made in heaven, Ube Heaven!”
DK’s Donuts has a history of innovative eats and the local store claims to have crafted the world’s first ube donut – which serves as the inspiration for this unique purple-hued brew. Ube (pronounced OO-beh) is a violet-colored yam closely related to the sweet potato. Native to Southeast Asia, it’s most commonly used in Filipino cuisine – particularly dessert.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate National Donut Day with this one-of-a-kind neighborhood partnership,” said DK’s Donuts’ Co-Owner Jennie Fou Lee. “This brew represents the imaginative and playful recipes that have made our shop a must-visit destination for donut lovers.”
The “Ube Heaven” label artwork was designed by MGH Marketing and a recent design for Brew Works Oktoberfest won a Platinum Crushie for Best Can Design from the The Craft Beer Marketing Awards (CMBA) this week.
Organizers said the CBMAS is the only global awards competition to recognize and celebrate the importance of craft beer artwork, culture, retail marketing and design efforts as a key to success in this highly competitive marketplace.
“It’s a really tough category, beer can design, label design,” said David Wassell with MGH. “It’s subjective and there’s so much good work out there so to be recognized, it just feels nice. When you design a can, put it out there, when it gets noticed, you feel like it’s doing it’s job and you’re not just throwing something out there for arts sake.”
Debuting on National Donut Day (Friday, June 3) “Ube Heaven” Purple Porter will be available for a limited time on draft and in 19.2 oz single cans to-go from Brew Works tasting room at 1920 Colorado Ave.
Visit https://www.santamonicabrewworks.com/ for hours and more information.
editor@smdp.com
