Whooping Crane White Ale beer made in Hastings, celebrates whooping crane migration

HASTINGS, Neb. -- For the second year in a row, a Hastings brewery is partnering with an area nonprofit organization on a special beverage.

According to co-owner Jessie Hoeft, the Whooping Crane White Ale is meant to coincide with the whooping crane migration. The beer is brewed in Hastings and is a light beer with some slight spice and a hint of orange.

“We’re just happy to be partner with this nonprofit the Crane Trust," Hoeft said. "They are just doing such good work up there and if you haven’t had the chance to go, I would just encourage you to go." 

“I think it is just a good opportunity for folks to maybe experience something that they've never done before, so try a beer they have never tried before," said Matt Fong, Director of Fundraising and Outreach. "But then, also learn a little bit more about our local environment and the uniqueness of the migration, that we kind of sometimes take for granted each year."

The beer will be brewed once a year and will only be available for the duration of the migration season. It can be found at First Street Brewing Company.

It can also be purchased in Allen’s and Ross Market in Hastings, in Grand Island at the Wine, Beer and Spirits and in multiple locations in Lincoln and Omaha. 

A percentage of the sales at the First Street Brewing Company will go to the Crane Trust.