HARTFORD, Connecticut — To commemorate the grand opening of their new store in West Hartford, CT, REI Co-op partnered with Hartford’s Hanging Hills Brewing Company to release Old New England Trail IPA, a beer to benefit member based nonprofit Connecticut Forest & Parks Association. Initially, Old New England Trail will only be available for sampling at REI’s Grand Opening Ceremonies and Hanging Hills Brewing Co’s Hartford tasting room. On 4/30, the beer will be released state wide.
The beer takes its name from the National Scenic Trail the New England Trail, which winds up 215 miles from Long Island Sound to Massachusetts. The Metacomet section of the trail is right in REI’s backyard in West Hartford and is maintained by Connecticut Forest & Parks Association.
Hanging Hills brewed a dank and hazy IPA that clocked in at 6.5% ABV and 49 IBU. Founders Brian Cox, Joe Ploof and Scott Stauffer know a thing or two about the outdoors and has relied on REI to outfit them on many an adventure. The Hanging Hills has a strong bent towards the outdoors and environmental preservation, going so far as to donate 1% of total proceeds to 1% for the Planet, an organization founded to fund environmental nonprofits across the globe.
Those who attend REI’s grand opening weekend April 27-30 at 1417 New Britain Ave, West Harford, can donate $5 to Connecticut Forest & Parks to receive a commemorative stainless steel pint glass from REI. Each pint will contain a token allowing the donor to redeem for a free pint of Old New England IPA at Hanging Hills Brewing Co’s tasting room at 150 Ledyard St, Hartford from 4/26/18 – 5/7/18. A portion of the proceeds of Old New England IPA will be donated directly to Connecticut Forest & Parks Association.
About REI
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of more than 17 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has been a part of the West Hartford community since 2007, and in 2017, invested more than $44,000 in Connecticut’s outdoor community.
About Hanging Hills Brewing
Hanging Hills Brewing Company is a 10 barrel brewery in the South Meadows of Hartford and a proud member partner of 1% for the Planet. Hanging Hills Brewing Company brews beer to inspire the most out your adventure and strives to be a strong member partner with the entire community of Hartford.