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Every year, a tree from American public land journeys to Washington, D.C., as a Christmas gift from the people, for the people. This year, Reno’s Schussboom Brewing Company signed on as a gold sponsor for the “The People’s Tree” on its journey from Nevada to Washington, D.C.
The stately red fir tree was selected from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest—the largest National Forest in the lower 48 states—and harvested in late October. It’s now making its way across multiple states before reaching the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in late November. The initiative is organized in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the Society of American Foresters.
Three Beers for the Journey
To mark the occasion, Schussboom brewed up three commemorative beers that pay tribute to Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage. “Abies Magnifica” is a hoppy red ale brewed with foraged red fir tips—yes, named after the actual tree species making the trip. “Comstock Lode,” a hazy IPA, tips its hat to Nevada’s mining past and all that gold and silver pulled from Virginia City. And “Ghost of Christmas Pils,” a Bavarian Pilsner, honors the rowdy spirits of the Wild West.
Taking the Show on the Road
The tree made its first public appearance on October 25 at Mount Rose Ski Tahoe, followed by an after-party at Schussboom Brewing where the commemorative beers were flowing freely.
Now Schussboom is hitting the road with the tree, traveling through Nevada and Arizona to pour the specialty brews at community events along the way. They’ll keep the party going all the way to the Capitol for the tree lighting ceremony in December, where the tree will be decked out with handmade ornaments created by Nevada residents.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to partner with the USDA Forest Service and the Society of American Foresters, represent Nevada across the country, and create Christmas cheer with beer,” said Briana Wagner, President of Schussboom Brewing.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a 55-year tradition featuring a tree from one of the nation’s 154 national forests. Public events along the route are free and made possible through sponsorships. For more information, visit USCapitolChristmasTree.com or follow @uscapitolchristmastree on Facebook and Instagram.
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