With provincial election brewing, Labatt brings political foes together

Election Brew Night held in support of Equal Voice and electing more women to political office

TORONTO, May 2, 2018 /CNW/ - Labatt Breweries of Canada and Mill Street Brewery inaugurated the first-ever Election Brew, crowning Ontario provincial candidate Suze Morrison, NDP, Toronto Centre as the ultimate political brewer at Toronto's Mill Street Beer Hall this evening.

Election Brew, in support of Equal Voice, invited candidates, staff and other city leaders and organizations to put partisanship aside and come together over a beer to celebrate efforts to elect more women to all levels of political office. As part of Labatt's commitment to a strong, healthy democratic system, Canada's leading brewer pledged $10,000 to Equal Voice.

"Multi-partisan events such as Election Brew are important in bringing more women into the political process, both as candidates and volunteers," said Madi Murariu, Toronto Equal Voice Chair. "Equal Voice is grateful to all of the candidates and Labatt for supporting our efforts to increase engagement and activism among women in politics."

The friendly brewing competition enlisted Morrison, along with Lisa Thompson, Progressive Conservative, Huron-Bruce and Minister Steven Del Duca, Liberal, Vaughan as honourary brewers to create their very own craft brew alongside Mill Street's brewing team. A panel of esteemed judges selected Morrison's Toronto Centre of the Universe IPA as the top brew, heralding its intense tropical fruit, citrus aromas and fresh Galaxy hop finish.

"Good things can happen when people come together over a beer – even in politics," said Charlie Angelakos, Labatt Vice President, Legal and Corporate Affairs. "Election Brew demonstrates what is so great about our democracy – how politicians can step off the campaign trail and find common ground on getting more women elected to office."

While Election Brew put political bragging rights on the line, the winning brewer will also be forever immortalized on the Election Brew Pewter Stein. See below for more information about each candidate's brew. Photos and b-roll from the Election Brew event are also available here.

Suze Morrison, NDP, Toronto Centre – Toronto Centre of the Universe IPA
7.5% ABV, 75 IBU
A hard-hitting IPA with intense tropical fruit and citrus aromas, backed by a caramel malt palate and fresh Galaxy hop finish.

Minister Steven Del Duca, Liberal, Vaughan – Woodbridge Wit Bier
Belgian Wit
5.2% ABV, 8 IBU
A refreshing beer made with a unique blend of ingredients. Full bodied with a soft palate – flavours of citrus, banana, coriander and cloves shine through. Unfiltered, the resulting cloudiness gave rise to the term "Wit" or White beer.

Lisa Thompson, Progressive Conservative, Huron-Bruce – Raze Golden Ale
5% ABV, 22 IBU
Slight tangerine and floral hop aromas are perfectly balanced by sweet crackery malt notes, light malty sweetness on the palate, and a clean, refreshing finish. This beer is brewed with 100% Ontario-grown hops from the base of the Blue Mountains. 

About Equal Voice

Equal Voice is a national, bilingual, multi-partisan organization dedicated to electing more women to all levels of political office in Canada. Equal Voice regards the equal representation of women in Canada's Parliament, in our provincial/territorial legislatures, and on municipal and band councils, as a fundamental question of fairness for women in terms of their access to Canada's democratic institutions. Founded in 2001, Equal Voice brings women and men together from across the political spectrum in its nine chapters across the country.  They include chapters in: British Columbia, Alberta (south and north), Ontario (Toronto and Ottawa), Saskatchewan, three of the four Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick), as well as a dynamic national youth chapter.

About Labatt Breweries of Canada

Established by John Kinder Labatt in London, Ontario in 1847, Labatt Breweries is one of Canada's founding businesses and its leading brewer. The company today has more than 3,500 employees, six breweries, three stand-alone craft brewers, and a portfolio of 60 quality beers, including Budweiser, Bud Light, Alexander Keith's, Labatt Blue, Kokanee, Stella Artois and Corona. Brands also include ready-to-drink beverages such as Palm Bay and Mike's Hard Lemonade. As part of the Anheuser-Busch InBev family, Labatt is committed to Bring People Together for a Better World, making a positive contribution through multiple programs that support its communities, promote responsible drinking and protect the environment.

SOURCE Labatt Breweries of Canada

Tamar Nersesian, Sr. Manager, Communications, Labatt, 416-361-5247, [email protected]; Scott Taber, Media Profile, O: 416-342-1840 / C: 647-888-9857, [email protected]