Firebrand Brewing Co has collaborated with Blue Balls Cornwall, the men’s cold water swimming group, on a non-alcoholic hazy IPA.
Blue Balls co-founder Tom Mason
The brewery will be donating £1 to Man Down, the Cornwall-based men’s mental health community interest company, for every online order of Blue Balls throughout Sober October.
Blue Balls was set up in Cornwall by two friends who wanted to encourage men to join them and discover the benefits that cold water swimming can have on health and wellbeing, while raising awareness and providing support for men’s mental health.
“We were approached by Blue Balls Cornwall to create a non-alcoholic beer, and we jumped at the chance,” said Joe Thomson, co-owner of and head brewer at Firebrand Brewing Co.
“Blue Balls has built a supportive community, here in the county, that helps men to develop a positive coping mechanism for dealing with mental health issues. Alcohol misuse is often linked to mental health struggles, so offering a healthier, non-alcoholic option reinforces their mission.
“We will be serving up the new Blue Balls beer at their regular dips. These are sea swimming meet-ups that bring men together in a relaxed, natural setting, and we hope this will encourage them to hang out and chat with friends after the swim.”
Tom Mason, co-founder of Blue Balls Cornwall, added: “We are delighted to be working with Firebrand Brewing Co. and really looking forward to celebrating with a Blue Balls hazy IPA. Just like a fresh dip in the wild Cornish ocean, our collaboration beer is best enjoyed cold, surrounded by your mates.”
