Houndmouth and Houndmouth, tonight at BSB.

The true identity of Working Title, the ale we previewed recently on the hand pull at Bank Street Brewhouse, now can be revealed: It is called Houndmouth, a hopped-up American Wheat Ale brewed in collaboration with the New Albany band of the same name. Houndmouth isn't just any other band, and the beer we've brewed together isn't just another wheat -- as those of you who've heard the music, and tasted the cask-conditioned version, will quickly attest.

Houndmouth

ABV: 4.5%
IBU: 28

Malts: 50% white wheat, 50% Irish stout malt and a touch of Weyermann Carabelge.

Hops: CTZ and Cascade (dry-hopped)

Yeast: House Ale

Houndmouth just returned stateside from the band's first-ever European dates, and if you're unfamiliar with the music, listen at YouTube and then buy the EP on Rough Trade Records. Tonight (March 2) at 9:00 p.m., the members of Houndmouth will be coming to Bank Street Brewhouse to hang out and taste the/our/their beer, and you are invited to do the same. It isn't a performance, just a sipping or three.

As noted earlier this week, Houndmouth will open the Iroquois Amphitheater's 2013 season with a headlining show on Friday, April 26, backed by Joe Pug and Ranger. It is my understanding that Houndmouth (ale) will be available for purchase on draft at the Houndmouth (band) show at Iroquois on April 26. Sounds like a fine Derby Festival interlude to me.

(Photo via Production Simple)

A collaborative day at NABC.

The notion of "collaboration beer" is an outgrowth of craft beer's intrinsic vitality as a genre, and illustrates the cooperative spirit therein. Brewers come together to share ideas and experiences, and the consuming public is the biggest winner, because craft fans have the chance to taste the result.

Imagine Miller and Budweiser working together on a beer recipe. You cannot. It could not possibly happen up there in multinational land ... but it's increasingly common within the craft segment.

Yesterday afternoon, Urbain Coutteau of De Struise Brouwers (Belgium) brewed a collaboration batch at Bank Street Brewhouse with NABC's Jared Williamson and David Pierce. Lori Beck and Tyler Trotter (Louisville Beer Store, Holy Grale) organized Urbain's tour of the States, which included stops at Three Floyds Brewing Company and the Kentucky Derby.

Brew photos here: Naughty (Girl) Brew Day, May 8, 2011

The fun continues today at NABC's Pizzeria & Public House, where a second collaboration beer will be brewed, followed by Office Hours with the Publican, which tonight will take the form of a reception of sorts with Urbain -- think of it as a going away party.

More information here: Urbain madness at Bank Street and the Public House, Sunday and Monday -- for collaborations and more.

Thanks to everyone who helped make yesterday such a great time -- Urbain, Lori & Tyler, NABC's brew team, Bank Street Brewhouse staff (they handled a huge Mother's Day crowd) and anyone else who grasps the meaning of Progressive Pints.

Thrivability: A Collaborative Sketch curated by Jean Russell.

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Thrivability: A Collaborative Sketch

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