Northern New York Audubon and Raquette River Brewing have partnered to create a one-of-a-kind beer. On December 11, the brand new Spruce Tip IPA will be launched at Raquette River Brewing’s Tupper Lake property. The label for the beer can will feature one of the region’s most iconic species: the Spruce Grouse.

Shelly Cihan, Northern NY Audubon’s Vice President, took the lead on this project. “We have been talking about this collaboration for over a year now, and I am thrilled to see this project come to fruition,” said Cihan. “As a bird lover, I’m excited to see a special local species highlighted. As a beer lover, Raquette River is one of my favorite breweries and I am so happy we got to work together.”

Northern NY Audubon board members worked with friends and colleagues to create the label design, which is a hand illustrated Spruce Grouse and contains information about the species and why it is of special concern. To celebrate the Spruce Grouse, Raquette River Brewing crafted something that stayed true to this unique species. The Spruce Tip IPA is a west coast style IPA and brewed with spruce tips.

“It’s great to help support a local organization and a local bird,” said Mark Jessie, co-owner of Raquette River Brewing. “When Shelly and Northern NY Audubon approached us with this project and the idea of celebrating the Spruce Grouse, a spruce IPA was the first thing that came to mind. We’re always looking to deliver new beer flavors to our customers and anytime you can help raise awareness for environmental topics it’s a good thing.”

Raquette River Brewing will be selling the beer onsite only starting Saturday, December 11. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Northern NY Audubon. It is a special release, so the taps will only flow for as long as this limited brew lasts. The beer release celebration will kick off at 1 p.m. and Northern NY Audubon will be present with merchandise available for a donation. Prizes will be raffled off to benefit Northern NY Audubon. Raquette River Brewing also has a selection of appeal and gifts for sale.

“Spruce Grouse are endangered in the state,” said Janelle Jones, Northern NY Audubon’s President. “They are only found in a few select locations near Tupper Lake, making this awareness campaign a local matter. Raquette River Brewing has a very strong connection with the community, and we are proud to have partnered with them on this project.”