Bryse Wilson and Colin Rea Go Head-to-Head to Create the Best New Ale at J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Brewers pitchers Bryse Wilson and Colin Rea are embracing the Brewers name in a new way – not on the mound, but by brewing beer. Today, Wilson and Rea visited J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard at American Family Field to begin production on each of their blonde ales, Billy Ale and #48 Ale. This will be the second time that player-brewed beers have been created at the onsite working brewery with Devin Williams‘ Airbender Ale available last season.

The pitching duo went head-to-head designing the style, taste and aroma of their respective ales. Wilson and Rea partnered with Pilot Brewer Corrine Georges to learn about the science of brewing and begin production on Billy Ale and #48 Ale. Both men were put to work pouring hops into the boil kettle, shoveling spent grain and adding yeast to the fermenter, appropriately called “pitching yeast.”

Both limited run brews are blonde ales. “Billy Ale,” the name stemming from Manager Pat Murphy’s nickname for Wilson, includes honey malt and Amarillo hops, a combination that will contribute a malty honey sweetness as a base with citrus hop aromas of lemon, orange and other fruits. Rea’s #48 Ale leans on wheat malt and Hersbrucker hops, creating a malty bready wheat base paired with floral, herbal, and spicy hop character.“To be able to create our own beers inside our own stadium at the Barrel Yard is really exciting,” said Wilson at today’s beer production. “I’ve never done anything like this before and I can’t wait to taste the finished product.”

Billy Ale and #48 Ale will take about four weeks to produce with Wilson and Rea stopping by periodically to check in with Georges as she works through filtration, pulling samples, tasting and kegging. The limited-release beer will be released and available only at J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard as part of the unique rotation of brews on tap. More information on the release date will be announced at a later date.

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