(Bloomington, IN) – Upland Brewing will release its Schwarz Black Lager in six-packs for the first time in October (previously only available on-tap). Here is the brewery’s short story about this beer.

Mysterious encounters with a large black cat in the woods surrounding Bloomington, prompted us to brew this German-style Schwarzbier for the first time in 2007. Indiana has its fair share of local legends, Bigfoot sightings, UFO abductions and the infamous Beast of Busco, a humungous snapping turtle that was hunted for weeks after terrorizing the citizens of Churubusco, Indiana in 1949. However, the panther that stalks the Bloomington woods has been spotted recently and is still very fresh in locals’ minds.

The beer itself is a sleek, lean black lager. Brewed with the best quality Pilsner malts and Czech-style hops, expect the unexpected in this dark beer. Only a hint of roast contributed from the black malt lingers, sparingly added to develop the twilight appearance. Schwarz is a refreshing fall brew that slinks through the palate much like a seldom witnessed feline stalks our local forests.

And oh yeah, we throw a festival every year in celebration of our Schwarz release. Aptly dubbed Schwarztag! (or Black Day for those non-Deutsch). The event benefits Indiana’s Exotic Feline Rescue Center, whose dedication is rescuing over 300 large cats and allowing them to retire in harmony in their preserve in Center Point, Indiana. We are proud to brew this great beer and help out such a great cause.

Kick back, relax, enjoy the beer, we know you already opened one and got curious what was on the bottom of the six pack. Go to Schwarztag! this year at our brewery, visit the Exotic Feline Rescue Center, and if you ever ponder buying a black market white tiger, DON’T DO IT!