First Magnitude Brewing Company and UF butterfly researcher Jaret Daniels are trying to save the butterflies. They have partnered together to help educate audiences about imperiled species, including some at risk of extinction, through the power of a good beer. Since the partnership began in 2016, the effort has launched 14 new beers, sold merchandise and held community events and photo exhibits to support Florida’s at-risk butterfly species. It’s even led to the creation of beers that use yeast from actual butterflies.
Beers from butterflies
In 2016, butterfly researcher Jaret Daniels launched his effort to raise money for the species through sales of beers crafted by Gainesville’s First Magnitude Brewing Company, owned by UF alumni John and Christine Denny.
Three of the beers launched were made with yeast collected from organisms collected by swabbing butterflies. All beers have been available on tap and some have also been canned or bottled. Every can or bottle includes a fact about the butterfly organism and an explanation of their importance on the label.
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“We want everyone to learn something and help the butterflies,” Daniels said. “It’s really a community-wide effort for conservation and provides engagement to the natural world. Outreach has been so important, and we’re reaching all types of audiences within the community.”
In June of this year, more than 1,000 people visited the Florida Museum and First Magnitude Brewing’s Pollinator Palooza. Attendees took home a free flowering plant for their garden that will attract pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths. These nectar and host plants help provide food and other resources for these important insects.
“I know the work we’re doing is making a difference for the imperiled butterfly recovery efforts in Florida,” Daniels said.
The beers for conservation and their respective launch dates include:
- Schaus Stout – September 2016
- Miami Blue Bock – March 2017
- Migration Märzen – September 2017
- Monarch Milk Stout – Feb 2018
- Bartram’s Blonde – March 2018
- Atala Pale Ale – November 2018
- Frosted Elfin New England Style Pale Ale – May 2019
- Florida White Florida Whit – November 2019
- Rocklands Red – April 2020
- Backyard Passion Fruit Sour – October 2021
- Tiger Tail Pale Ale – April 2021
- Reign (Restore the Reign of the Monarch) – October 2022
- Calamintha Hibiscus Wit – June 2023
- Frosted Elfin Session Hazy IPA –June 2023
