Company brews up drink for Ukraine

PORT CLINTON — A local business plans to support a worldwide movement for a war-torn country by producing a special drink. The Catawba Island Brewing Co. recently announced it'll soon be brewing beer and hosting an in-person event, both serving as fundraisers for Ukraine-related relief efforts. When the drink — named Slava Ukraini, which translates to "Glory to Ukraine" — gets canned and sold at either the company's main location, on East Harbor Road in Port Clinton, or partnering stores, company owner Mike Roder made a promise. From each sale, "100% of the profit from the Slava Ukraini beer will be donated," said Roder, noting the company intends to contribute toward Pravda Brewery's Ukraine Relief Effort. "We're only recouping raw materials so we can brew more batches to keep the money flowing to the Ukrainian relief effort. We're excited to be part of this global beer brewing effort to help raise money for Ukraine to defend their country," Since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, and as of Wednesday, the United Nations verified that about 1,200 civilians have been killed and about 1,900 injured. Though the U.N. acknowledged that's likely a severe undercount. Meanwhile, more than 4 million refugees have fled the country, mostly to Poland. The local brewing company's management felt compelled to take action. "After receiving inquiries from people all over the globe asking how they could help in relief efforts, Pravda Brewery, located in Lviv, Ukraine, provided open recipes and beer label designs for its main award-winning beers, aptly named The Victory Series," a statement read. "They then invited brewers around the world to brew the beers and donate proceeds back to their Ukraine Relief Fund." It continued: "Catawba Island Brewing Co. (leaped) at the opportunity to provide support and chose to brew Pravda Brewery's dry-hopped golden ale recipe. In honor of the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Catawba Island Brewing Co. will distribute this beer in cans." "Slava Ukraini" is a phrase often used by Zelenskyy when concluding his speeches. "I'm excited to brew this beer and work with other people on trying to recreate something that someone else has done — and do it justice," Catawba's head brewer Justin Williams said. Company executives indicated they'll release and unveil the Slava Ukraini beer at a fundraising event taking place from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 at Catawba Island Brewing Co. People can visit the company's online presence, such as its social media sites, for more information.