Stone Brewing brews beer, donates $100,000 in honor of former brewer

We raise our pints to Matthew Courtright.

Last year, Stone Brewing Co. and the industry as a whole lost a great man, exceptional brewer Matthew Courtright. After exploring several ways to honor his memory, Stone decided there was no better way than to brew one of his most recent beer recipes and release it nationally for all to enjoy (we say, great idea). The result is Matt’s Burning Rosids Imperial Cherrywood-Smoked Saison, currently available in 22-ounce bottles and on draft in select markets across the United States. To further pay tribute to Courtright’s memory, Stone is donating $100,000 to two non-profit organizations close to his heart and contributing to The Matt Courtright Memorial Brewing Scholarship, all made possible by proceeds from the sale of this beer.

Aside from being an incredible brewer, Courtright was passionate about a pair of charity organizations: GoDesignInc.org, a non-profit devoted to meeting the architectural needs of developing communities around the world; and TKF – Tariq Khamisa Foundation, a non-profit working to stop youth violence by educating, mentoring and making positive impacts on youths in high-risk communities. The Matt Courtright Memorial Brewing Scholarship is being administered through the Southern California District of the Master Brewers Association of the Americas (MBAA) and will provide tuition assistance to one of the three brewing technical schools offered by the MBAA. Thanks to the outpouring of support from fans and purchases of Matt’s Burning Rosids, Stone is proudly contributing to these programs in his memory.

“All of Team Stone, especially the brew crew, was deeply saddened to lose a beloved and vital talent from our group,” said Stone Brewmaster Mitch Steele in a press release. “As soon as I tasted the small batch Matt had made of Burning Rosids, it was decided without hesitation that this amazing recipe would be a wonderful way to pay tribute to all of the contributions he gave us, while also donating funds to causes he wholeheartedly respected.”

This full-bodied, Belgian-style saison is infused with cherrywood-smoked malt and pours a deep golden color. The Belgian yeast produces banana, fruit, spice and clove-like undertones, which blend perfectly with the smoky wood flavor provided by the malt bill. Burning Rosids, the name Matt chose for his creation, is a reference to the rosid plant family from which cherry trees hail.

Fans may enjoy this beer now, or save it for a future date at proper cellaring temperatures (~50°-55°F). Regardless of when the beer is enjoyed, everyone is encouraged to buy this beer (find it now!). This is a great cause.