Craft Beer Giving Back: Baby Hippo Fiona Benefits From Beer Release

Craft Beer Joe

8 years ago

UPDATE: Prepare For The 3rd Release Of Team Fiona

Hopefully you’ve read my article below, been following the baby hippo Fiona story and have already enjoyed some of Listermann Brewing’s amazing Team Fiona beer.

If not, then you should know that Listermann has already released two batches of this popular beer and on Saturday August 12th at 10 am, they will be releasing their third batch. But there’s a few new things to know about this release that make it even better than past events..

First off, breweries continually tweak recipes to make it better each time. Team Fiona is no different and we are told that this batch continues to improve on the already great aroma and flavor. It is made with Citra Lupulin Powder and Resin which brings out the “juicy” qualities the New England IPA style is known.

But unlike the past releases, there will be a second version of this beer this time. They added Pink Guava to make Team Bifi. I am a huge fan of guava in craft beer and I exptect it to be really good. The name Team Bifi comes from combining Bibi and Fiona’s names.

As always, 25% of the proceeds go to the Cincinnati Zoo to take care of Fiona. So far, they’ve raised over $13,000 and will add to it this Saturday.

In addition to great beer, Listermman has a host of other activities going on that day. T shirt screen printing, Team Fiona glassware, and other swag. Their onsite food service, Renegade Streets, will open up early to serve Chicken and Waffles while you wait in line and keep you fed throughout the day as well.

Check Out More On Their Facebook Event Page.

Yes, I mentioned waiting in line. Listermann sees quite a line for their beer releases; especially Team Fiona. It is recommended that you show up a few hours early to ensure you get your hands on this beer. I am confident that the Team Bifi will sell out really fast. If you can’t make it Saturday, 40 cases will be going out to select retail locations on Monday. Keep an eye on Listermann’s social media for more details.

And don’t forget that they just announced their new branding this past weekend so these cans will be part of their brand refresh. In the past, their cans were shrink wrapped but going forward they will use sticker labels.

Got questions? Going to attend this release?

Let me know in the comments or contact me on social media.

Original Article

Yes, you read that right. This past weekend, the craft beer community helped raise funds for baby hippo Fiona. It was a perfect blend of marketing, community outreach, and a great New England IPA.

Brewed by Listermann Brewing, the beer is called Team Fiona and 25% of the proceeds go to the Cincinnati Zoo to aid in the care of a baby hippo that was born earlier this year. It’s another great example of how craft beer is doing good in our communities. Continue reading to learn more.

Who Is Baby Hippo Fiona

On January 24, 2017, a baby hippo was born at the Cincinnati Zoo, it was given the name Fiona. Baby hippo Fiona was six weeks premature and weighed only 29 lbs. Most baby hippos are born weighing 55 to 120 lbs so her health was and still is a huge concern.

After months of intensive care, it appears that Fiona is doing well. Her weight is up to almost 300 lbs. It has been an ongoing story in Cincinnati. During this time, she became quite the local celebrity.

Want to know more about Fiona and keep up with her progress? Check out the Cincinnati Zoo’s blog.

Team Fiona Beer Release

Listermann Brewing has been releasing two canned IPAs each month since January of this year. It has been a new strategy for them and based on the long lines, it has been really successful. Most of these beers have had a hip-hop theme to them. Then a few weeks ago, they announced an additional special release for June.

This canned beer would be called Team Fiona in honor of our favorite baby hippo. Listermann Brewing teamed up with the Cincinnati Zoo to brew and can a New England IPA with 25% of the proceeds going to the zoo. The result was a public out pouring of support that the brewery could never have anticipated.

Like most of their other canned IPA releases, this is a New England IPA. It is made with Citra and Centennial hops and weighs in at 6.2% ABV

And there was more than just beer too. They had T-shirts and custom glassware made. It was a crazy event for Listermann and the huge crowd was very enthusiastic to buy the beer and support baby hippo Fiona. And as you can guess, it sold out. A small amount of cans were distributed to select retailers but I am guessing those sold out just as quick.

So If This Happened Last Weekend Why Are You Telling Us Now?

Ok, so this is old news but there are two things you need to know.

First, I love pointing out how breweries are teaming up with other community members to do good. And since this gives a portion of the proceeds to the zoo, it definitely is doing good for the city. Events like this are perfect for showing the world that craft beer is doing good and giving back. And even better, it invites new people into craft beer. Many of the attendees were there solely to support their beloved baby hippo Fiona and are not typically craft beer fans.

Second, Listermann has received calls from all over the world about this beer. Yes, as far away as New Zealand has asked for this beer. Unfortunately, Listermann doesn’t have the agreements, licenses, etc to get it that far but they do understand the demand for this beer. So they are already brewing more. They are anticipating releasing batch #2 around July 8th (but don’t quote me or them on that just yet).

So even if you missed out on this first round, don’t worry. Listermann Brewing is planning on bringing more of this to our great city so they can continue to meet the demand and support the Cincinnati Zoo. If you are outside Cincinnati, start contacting your trade partners now to ensure you can snag a can of it.