(Bold Mariner Head Brewer Evan Lantry, Mike Stacks, General Chris Badia, and Assistant Brewer Zach Barringer on brew day. Photo courtesy of NATO ACT.)
By Jeff Maisey
Norfolk NATO Festival will once again collaborate with The Bold Mariner Brewing Company and NATO’s Allied Command Transformation headquarters in Norfolk to produce a special beer for the occasion.
Called ALLIES 32 — Stronger Than Ever, the name recognizes the addition of Finland and Sweden into the alliance’s membership of now 32 members.
German General Chris Badia, who also serves as NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation directly participated in the brewing process. General Badia hails from Bavaria, so it would seem he knows good beer.
The City of Norfolk has honored NATO’s only headquarters in North America for 71 years with a Parade of Nations through the streets of downtown followed by a NATO Village in Town Point Park featuring tents for each country to welcome visitors and share cultural and travel information as well as free items for children such as flags, pins, stickers, and food samples.
One cultural item shared by these European nations, Canada, and the USA is beer.
“This is the sixth year we have collaborated with NATO on a beer for the festival, and we are grateful for the continued partnership,” said Michael Stacks, owner of Bold Mariner Brewing Company. NATO is such a big part of the Norfolk community and enriches our local culture. My wife and I have met people from around the world and developed lifelong friendships.”
“The festival is a unique experience where one can be exposed to a variety of cultures in one place.” Stacks continued. “Part of our mission as a company is to give back and be anchored in the community; this beer embodies these values.”
The first collaboration beer was called Across The Pond, an English IPA that enlisted the help of Sir Graham Stacey of the United Kingdom. He was NATO’s Chief of Staff at the time as well as the UK’s Air Marshal.
The following year, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation General Denis Mercier of the French Air Force participated in brew day using hops from eastern France. That beer was named Lafayette Lager as a nod to the Marquis de Lafayette — a hero of both the American and French revolutions — a Norfolk’s Lafayette River.
The 2024 Norfolk NATO Festival beer is a German pilsner style and uses Barke Pilsner German Malt as well as Magnum & Strisselspalt German Hops.
“Bold Mariner Brewing Company represents a mainstay of the local community that we are so pleased to be part of, and it’s a pleasure to collaborate to create this delicious beer,” said General Badia. “Bearing the name Allies32, we reflect on the 32nd member of NATO in the form of Sweden, who acceded earlier this week. It also shows a diamond, which represents the 75th year of NATO, bearing the slogan, ‘stronger than ever.’
“NATO appreciates the continuous support and inclusivity demonstrated by the Hampton Roads community,” the General continued. “The efforts of local residents and organizations have not only contributed to our success but have also fostered a strong bond between NATO and the local community.
“NATO feels privileged to be a part of the Hampton Roads community. The collective warmth, friendliness, and collaborative spirit have left a lasting impression on our organization. We look forward to continued engagement, collaboration, and positive interactions with the people of Hampton Roads.
“NATO stands as a testament to the strength that arises from unity. Our alliance, comprising diverse nations with distinct histories and cultures, showcases the power that emerges when nations come together for a common purpose. The cohesion within NATO reinforces the idea that, collectively, we are stronger and more resilient.”
ALLIES 32 — Stronger Than Ever Pilsner will be served during the Norfolk NATO Festival Week (April 14-21) at Bold Mariner’s tasting room as well as in Town Point Park following the parade on Saturday, April 20.
