Verona, Ambridge breweries collaborate to craft new summer pale ales

Two music-themed breweries have partnered to produce two new summer brews inspired by a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer.

Inner Groove Brewery in Verona and Fermata Brewery in Ambridge launched “Hey, Hey, My, My,” an American Indian pale ale style of beer (6.5%).

It’s christened after the song of the same name by singer/songwriter Neil Young and features 70% Idaho 7 hops and 30% Citra hops.

Inner Groove co-owner Jen Walzer said the drink is a collaborative recipe crafted at both locations and is a little lighter than some of their other beers.

“It’s just a nice break from the hazy IPAs,” Walzer said.

The second brew is “My, My, Hey, Hey” and flips the hops recipe 70% Citra and 30% Idaho 7.

The switch impacts the aroma and profile of the beverage. Its alcohol content remains at 6.5%.

The collaboration is about 16 months in the making.

Fermata co-owner Jared Tuk said Walzer and her team introduced themselves shortly after the Ambridge brewery opened. They bonded over music and brews.

“We like each other,” Tuk said. “It makes sense for music-centered breweries (to work together).”

Both companies celebrated the beer launch with a Blues, Brews and BBQs event at Railroad Park in Verona July 15.

Blues rockers Dan Bubien and the Delta Struts set the musical tone for the evening followed by Bobby Thompson and the Groove.

Another celebration is scheduled to take place in Ambridge in September.

“Hey, Hey, My, My” is available while supplies last. “My, My, Hey, Hey” will be released in a few weeks.

The latter’s kickoff celebration is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 23 along the 900 block of Merchant Street in Ambridge.

Several bands, seven food trucks, about 25 vendors and five breweries are scheduled to participate.

More information is available at innergroovebrewing.com and fermatabrewing.beer.