His Boy Elroy and Five Barrel Brewing are teaming up to launch a brand new beer that pays homage to one of Wollongong's longest standing institutions.
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Snakepit Lager is available exclusively at His Boy Elroy during the Hawks season.
His Boy Elroy co-owner Lachlan Stevens approached Five Barrel Brewing's Phil O'Shea about making a beer for customers and Hawks supporters as part of the business's ongoing support of the foundation team representing Wollongong in the national league.
Mr Stevens said the lager forms a central part of His Boy Elroy's offering to Hawks fans.
"I approached Five Barrel Brewing wanting to celebrate Illawarra Hawks the season ahead," Mr Stevens said.
"We thought what better way to do that than create a beer. We often do charity kegs. We wanted to produce a beer that really represents the Illawarra.
"This is the coming together of two local businesses in support of local a organisation. This partnership is about locals supporting locals. And that is how we want to drive the brand forward.
"It is three Wollongong institutions coming together to really try and encapsulate that community spirit. And we really want to get our brands out into the community as local products".
Mr O'Shea said when he received the request it was important for him and Five Barrel Brewing to source locally.
"It was a no-brainer to do this. My first step was sitting down and figuring out exactly what made sense for the local community," he said.
"We wanted to bring something that encouraged responsible drinking for people wanting to get together with their friends to watch the Hawks, get behind the local team and enjoy a couple of beers.
"Snakepit Lager is a lager made with Australian ingredients. We wanted to use local malt and hops suppliers. This is just a really nice easy drinking lighter style beer".
Mr O'Shea said Snakepit Lager will also help shine light on a burgeoning industry.
"There is no doubt that the craft brew scene her in Wollongong is really growing," he said.
"And that is only happening because of the support of the community. A big part of what Five Barrel Brewing wants to do now and in the future is to be a big part of the community. Doing these kinds of partnerships is an absolute no-brainer.
"We don't just want to be considered another beer. We want to be the local beer. And to do it we have got to be out there supporting the institutions who support us".
Mr O'Shea said his family have been avid Hawks fans for decades. And His Boy Elroy has always been a good venue to deal with.
"It has always been a good venue that supports local in general," he said.
Mr Stevens said it was the second season His Boy Eloy has been a partner of the Hawks.
"I am a Hawks fan and I am incredibly excited to see what the Hawks have in store this year," he said.
"Throughout the season on game days customers can shoot for a schooner. There is a hoop on the wall. We are also offering ticket holders on game days a free beer with any burger purchased. And we will do watch parties during away games as well".
Mr Stevens said presently Snakepit Lager was only available on tap and at His Boy Elroy. But that may change.
"During the next couple of weeks we will see how it is picked up by the community. Phil and I have both discussed this and would love to see the brand grow. We will hopefully bottle it in the future and get it into more venues".
Mr O'Shea and Mr Stevens both said they won't mind if WIN Entertainment Centre want to have Snakepit Lager available at the venue during Hawks' games.
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