(Sarasota, FL) – Oak & Stone, a New American tavern known for its craft beer, artisanal pizza and gourmet fare, will launch a new craft beer brewed by and in support of area veterans.
The beer will be unveiled on Thursday, April 4 at 6 p.m. at Oak & Stone’s flagship location at 5405 University Parkway in Sarasota.
The craft beer, called “Charlie Sierra Mike Stout,” will be sold at Oak & Stone’s Sarasota locations on University Parkway and Clark Road (opening May 1). A portion of the milk stout craft beer sales will be donated back to Vets 2 Success, a non-profit that assists at-risk, displaced and homeless veterans by helping them find passion, purpose and careers in the culinary, baking and hydroponic gardening fields.
The public provided feedback on the military-inspired name which is a tongue-in-cheek play on letters from the military alphabet to represent the flavor profiles of the beer: C (for chocolate), S (for Strawberry) and M (for Milk). The strawberries used in the beer were grown organically on the Vets 2 Success-owned farm and provided to Sarasota-based Naughty Monk Brewery, which assisted in the production of the craft beer.
With the launch of the new brew, Oak & Stone will begin an ongoing partnership with Vets 2 Success that will include job placement for participants at both Oak & Stone Sarasota locations and its future location at the new Spring Hill Suites in Bradenton. The restaurants will also purchase and use organically-grown items from the non-profit’s farm in its dishes. All proceeds from the sale of food grown at the farm goes directly to funding Vets 2 Success programs.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to join together with Vets 2 Success because what they are doing to assist veterans is extraordinary,” said Joe Seidensticker, co-founder of Oak & Stone. “After we were introduced to this outstanding organization and learned that they would be growing hops – which is quite a challenge in Florida – we knew we wanted to help. We organized a collaboration with Curtis Dille, the head brewer at Naughty Monk Brewery and a military veteran and offered to sell the final product. We’re pleased to be able to raise awareness of Vets 2 Success and help them fulfill their mission.”
“We’re grateful to Oak & Stone for recognizing our organization,” added Bryan Jacobs, president and founder of Vets 2 Success. “Our goal with this partnership is to inspire our veteran brothers and sisters and provide them with a strong foundation and purpose so that they can continue to serve their communities.”
The unique flavor profile of the beer includes chocolate, coca, vanilla and strawberries. Sous vide, a popular technique where food is put in vacuum-sealed bags and cooked in a high temperature water bath, was used to incorporate the strawberries into the brew. The result is a light and refreshing beer.
Charlie Sierra Mike Stout will be available at Oak & Stone locations while supplies last. It is the first of four brews that Vets 2 Success plans to launch this year.
About Oak & Stone
Oak & Stone is a New American tavern featuring craft beer, artisanal pizza and gourmet fare using only the freshest ingredients. Guests Craft Their Own Experience by pouring from the region’s largest self-serve brew wall, offering a selection of more than 50 rotating beers with an emphasis on American craft beers, as well as favorite hometown breweries. An extensive list of wine, whiskey, bourbon and craft cocktails are also available. Founded in Sarasota, Florida in 2016, Oak & Stone provides a laid back, casual atmosphere to enjoy great food and drink with the people who matter most. Visit us online at www.oakandstone.com or get social with us on Facebook and Instagram. Oak & Stone: How will you craft your story?
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