Rebellion Brewing Co and Regina Cat Rescue (RCR) volunteers have teamed up to bring beer lovers and cat lovers together! Starting August 25, 2015, one dollar from every pint or growler of "Cat's Got the Cream Ale" sold will be donated to RCR, and it's all made possible by Rebellion's community tap series.

Rebellion's community tap series invites beer lovers to pitch an idea for a fresh, original and amazing beer for Rebellion to brew, and to select a community group or charity that will receive $1 from every pint or growler sold.

The test batch of vanilla cream ale in the boiling process

Rachel Molnar and Ashley Martin, RCR volunteers and beer lovers, jumped at the opportunity to combine their love of cats and beer, so they pitched their idea to the local brewing company. They figured a vanilla cream ale would be very appropriate for a cat rescue and summer time, and were thrilled to find out their idea was selected.

Rachel tapping the cask on the test batch

The team over at Rebellion developed a recipe for a vanilla cream ale and brewing commenced. First a test batch of 40L was brewed to test the recipe. Rachel got to help out in the brewery as the test batch was prepared. It was a great chance to learn more about the ins and outs of brewing at Rebellion, and about the local company itself (they're pretty great!).

On June 25, the test batch was ready for tasting. Rachel tapped the cask and everyone was very excited to sample the brew. The result was impressive! Some of those lucky enough to try a pint compared it to carrot cake or cinnamon buns - but all agreed it was delicious!

Next up came the full brew day. From the mash tun, to boil, to the fermentation tank - Ashley and Rachel started their Canada Day at 7 a.m. by brewing up over 2,000L of the cream ale. Finally, on July 23 came time to add the authentic Mexican vanilla which was ordered specially for the Cat's Got the Cream Ale. Ashley, Rachel and the Rebellion crew sat down for a blind taste test to determine how much vanilla to include in the full batch. We think they got it just right!

Now fermentation is done and kegging complete - it's time to head down to Rebellion (1901 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK) to give the Cat's Got the Cream Ale a try! For every pint or growler you buy, $1 lands in RCR's pocket, so get out there and try it often!

Big thanks to Mark, Jamie, Dave, Vanessa and Chelsea for selecting Rachel and Ashley's idea and including RCR in their community tap series!