Established in Berkeley, California, founder Bill Owens partnered with then-Assemblyman Tom Bates (currently Berkeley’s Mayor) to introduce legislation in California to legalize brewpubs. With the brewpub closed since 2003, USDA Organic-certified Bison has re-focused on distributing their beers outside of the San Francisco Bay Area. Throughout its history, Bison has been known for using innovative ingredients such as honey, sage, chocolate, and coriander, among many other unique flavors. The end result is award-winning, organically made quality beers.
Winner of the Best Local Organic Beer in the Bay Area in 2007, the Barleywine Ale has now been around for three seasons, and includes flavors of chocolate, fudge, and caramel. While it may be suitable for those interested in drinking a quality-made brew, at 9.5% alcohol it is also not for the faint of heart.
Bison brews are currently distributed in 12 states - CA, OR, WA, VA, FL, GA, KY, OH, IN, HI, ID, and IL, with plans to expand in mid-2009. They can be found in many independent grocery locations and “better beer” stores.
Reunion '08 is produced in support of The Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research (IMBCR). It does not carry the standard Bison Brewing Co. label. A red rye ale, this beer is golden brown, with just a hint of reddish color. As with other Bison brews, it is certified organic by the USDA.
This beer may support a great cause, but it's no charity case. At the time we took our first sip, the Reunion Ale had only a light smell on the nose. As it began to warm up, we could more clearly taste the malt, as the beer seemed to take on the velvety properties of chocolate, and even coffee flavoring (the color actually reminded us of an iced coffee beverage). With some anticipated bitterness on the finish, the taste was much smoother overall than you might expect from a beer of this type. Definitely a great pick - especially on a cold winter day.
As with the Barleywine Ale, the Reunion 2008 Red Rye Ale is available in 12 states (listed above).
We found a 22-oz bottle for $6.99 at our local fine beverage store.
Established in Berkeley, California, founder Bill Owens partnered with then-Assemblyman Tom Bates (currently Berkeley’s Mayor) to introduce legislation in California to legalize brewpubs. With the brewpub closed since 2003, USDA Organic-certified Bison has re-focused on distributing their beers outside of the San Francisco Bay Area. Throughout its history, Bison has been known for using innovative ingredients such as honey, sage, chocolate, and coriander, among many other unique flavors. The end result is award-winning, organically made quality beers.
Reunion '08 is produced in support of 
