Upper Thames Brewing releases more Anchor Town Ale batches amid popularity

The Woodstock Navy Vets and Upper Thames Brewing Company created the Anchor Town Blonde Ale. (Nigel Ingus)

Emily Stewart, Echo Correspondent

Fans of the Woodstock Navy Vets hockey team can sip on a beer made in collaboration with Upper Thames Brewing Company to enjoy at the game, the brewery or at home.

Upper Thames Brewing Company and the Woodstock Navy Vets created the Anchor Town Blonde Ale. Nigel Inglis, sales manager for Upper Thames Brewing Company, said the brew was only sold directly to the team last year but was so popular that more batches had to be made to keep up with demand.

“We had people wanting to buy it at the brewery but didn't have enough product to open up sales to the public,” Inglis said. “So, we made more this year.”

Upper Thames Brewing Company and the Woodstock Navy Vets have been working together since 2016. Inglis said the brewery staff were on board with the hockey team’s idea of creating a beer. The Vet’s graphic designer created the can design and Upper Thames crafted the brew.

Inglis said that working with the team to create the beer has been rewarding.

“The community really embraces the team,” he explained. “We already were serving our beer at their Anchor Town bar every home game. The Lazy Fox Amber Ale, Take a Hike Hazy Pale Ale and Backpaddle Blonde Ale were already available. Now we have added the Anchor Town Blonde Ale to the mix, and it seemed like a natural fit we could get something in there more appropriately branded for the hockey team.”

The Upper Thames Brewing Company enjoys working with local companies, organizations and small businesses. The brewery previously created special beers with Adams Building Supply Company, Bear and Fox Apparel and United Way Oxford.

“It's important to support each other any way we can right now, Inglis said. “It's a win-win for both parties for sure. More exposure for the hockey team, as well as more exposure for the brewery.”

The Anchor Town blonde ale cans can be purchased at Upper Thames Brewing Company, Brickhouse Brewpub and at Navy Vets home games at the Anchor Town bar.