Victory for the Environment: Beer Grant Recipients Clean Water Initiative
Beer is the product of four simple ingredients: water, hops, malt, and yeast. Victory Brewing Co. prides itself in using the world’s best ingredients for making beer. The brewery was purposefully opened less than 14 miles from the pristine headwaters of the Brandywine Creek. Because of the important role water plays in the production of quality beer, Victory Brewing Co. initiated The Headwaters Grant as a way to give back to the groups working hard to protect the natural resource.
In mid-February, Victory Brewing Co. launched a new beer brand: Headwaters Pale Ale. The beer’s name pays homage to the water with which is it brewed, and a penny from every bottle sold is collected and distributed to the recipient of Victory’s Headwaters Grant.
On May 17, the Guardians of the Brandywine received the first Headwaters Grant.
“The pure water flowing from the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek has contributed so much to the character of Victory Brewing Company,” said Victory Brewing Company President, Bill Covaleski. “Therefore, it was an obvious step for us to give back to the creek which has so generously provided to us."
This initial Headwaters Grant will assist The Guardians' mission of achieving Exceptional Value designation for the upper reaches of the East Branch of the Brandywine, as well as to fund The Guardian’s program, “My Creek.” This outreach program aims to educate individuals to take ownership of clean water issues. With help from Victory Brewing Company, The Guardians plan to inspire citizens to start making a difference in their own backyards.
“Our shared belief in the value of clean water, healthy streams and rivers, and protecting the Brandywine make for an excellent partnership,” said Guardians of the Brandywine Secretary, Tish Molloy. “The Brandywine is a Chester County jewel and we look forward to working with Victory to protect and preserve the high quality waters that flow through it.”
Headwaters Pale Ale is Victory’s fastest-growing brand. As the popularity of the beer increases, so will the size and reach of the grants awarded each year.