When Beer And Art Collide: The Mosaic Promise

By Staff in Food on Sep 23, 2014 9:45PM

(Founder's)

Sometimes, it's good to be all single. At least that's how Founders sees it. Having released their "Mosaic Promise," Founders' latest offering is a limited edition Golden Ale that utilizes just a single malt and hop. The beer is the second in the brewery's "Artist Series," a collaboration with ArtPrize, the world’s largest art festival held in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The name "Mosaic Promise" is derived from the ingredients the ale uses. Golden Promise stands as the malt, providing the base and translucent color of the beer. When poured, the brew looks like sunshine in a glass. The hop, Mosaic, is a versatile breed, providing the beer bitterness, an earthy flavor and piney aroma. The ale itself is sessional, possessing a light body and a mid range ABV (5.5 percent) that won't put people on the floor (so long as they drink in moderation).

The partnership with ArtPrize, started just last year, is more than "Mosaic"— proceeds from the sale of the brew go to future festival programming. It includes the beers logo, which came from an ArtPrize submission, named Ninkasi after the ancient Sumerian goddess of beer, that was displayed in the taproom last year.

The pairing comes from the mutual belief in experimentation and sharing/celebrating your craft. In the beers press release, Founders states, "experimentation is central to the human experience-whether one experiments with grains and hops or colored glass and light-and that sharing one's creation with the public is a brave act worth celebrating."

While "Mosaic Promise" is not being shared with the entire country, Chicago is one of the few areas outside of Michigan that gets to sample this artsy collaboration. Six packs are available at select Binny's locations (call or go online to see if your local Binny's has it in stock) along with being on tap at select bars and locations, one of which is Blokes & Birds (3343 N. Clark St, 773-472-5252).

Take note though, this beer won’t be around forever. Once mid-October comes around, this brew will disappear from shelves and eventually be tapped out from the bars carrying it. For those who love Founders, or hoppy Golden Ales, get a hold of "Mosaic Promise" now.

By Ben Kramer