Torzala Brewing Company is set to debut its newest brew, “Grave Digga Barrel Aged Stout,” in honor of retired Green Bay football player Gilbert Brown.
The events will occur on Father’s Day weekend, with the first on June 14 at Champions River Run Campground in Galesville and the second on June 15 at Wilderness Campground in Montello. Proceeds from these events will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Torzala Brewing Co. is a family-owned brewery located on Milwaukee’s south side. The brewery prides itself on embracing diversity, honoring tradition, supporting local businesses, and appreciating the community.
‘Grave Digga’ is the latest beer from Torzala Brewing Co., honoring Gilbert Brown, also known as the ‘Grave Digger.’ Brown, a former Green Bay football player, earned his nickname during his football career in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Known for his celebratory dances after tackles, where he pretended to dig a grave, Brown left a lasting impression on the field with 292 tackles, 186 solo, and seven sacks.
Since retiring, Brown has dedicated himself to raising funds for children’s charities through the Gilbert Brown Foundation. The foundation supports more than 150 children needing financial assistance for surgeries and other challenging circumstances.
During a fundraising event, Torzala Brewing Co. co-owner and taproom manager Renee Martinez approached Brown with the idea of a collaboration.
“We felt his commitment to fundraising and promoting diversity aligned with our own core values,” Jeff Torzala, co-owner and brewmaster at Torzala Brewing Co., said in a press release.
Brown’s sense of community and humor resonated with the team, leading to the creation of a brew that would embody his spirit and signature move on the field. Brown’s only request for the beer style was that it be a “finisher.”
The “Grave Digga” beer is a stout, aged in cabernet sauvignon and bourbon barrel wood chips, with a kick of ghost peppers for extra heat and flavor.
“Six feet under of layered flavors will be awaiting you. This is a moment where maybe you should be afraid of the dark!” Torzala said.
The unveiling events will allow attendees to buy a package for a $100 donation. This package includes a numbered bottle of “Grave Digga Barrel Aged Stout,” a pink jersey, and a photo with Gilbert Brown. The proceeds from these events will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, specifically to support children with cancer.
Torzala Brewing Co. co-owner and creative director Brian Michalak played a key role in designing the bottle concept, which incorporates the persona of Gilbert Brown and the beer’s flavor profile.
In addition to the Father’s Day events, Brown will visit Torzala Brewing Co. in Milwaukee later this summer for an official launch of ‘Grave Digga’ at the brewery. The date and time for this launch will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information about Gilbert Brown Foundation, visit gilbertbrownfoundation.org