Peace Tree Brewing Co. and 1st Down Brewing Collaborate to Release Jack Trice Legacy Foundation Brew Named Legend Red Corn Ale.
1st Down Brewing of Winterset and Peace Tree Brewing Company of Knoxville, IA are teaming up to release a new beer: Legend. Legend, a red corn ale, celebrates the life and legacy of Jack Trice and supports the Trice Legacy Foundation. Legend will be released for sale on August 25 and will be in central Iowa stores, as well as in both breweries’ taprooms, ahead of the first Iowa State football game.
One hundred years ago, legendary Ames College football player, John “Jack” Trice, selflessly broke down barriers and paved the way for a better future. On Oct. 6, 1923, at the young age of 21, he made the ultimate sacrifice. While honoring his race, family and self, he solidified his legacy forever. Many years later the football stadium in Ames was named in his honor.
Sam Anker, a former ISU football player turned owner of 1st Down Brewing Co. had a vision to honor Jack’s legacy through beer. However, he knew his one barrel brewery in Winterset wouldn’t have the capacity to take on a task this big. Looking to partner with an established central Iowa brewery with a trusted reputation, he reached out to Peace Tree Brewing. With shared values in authenticity and community, 1st Down and Peace Tree embarked on a journey to commemorate Jack.
Which led to Legend, a red corn ale inspired by the cardinal and gold colors of ISU and our shared agricultural heritage. Caramel malts lend a beautiful red hue and give a nice malty backbone. The addition of corn honors the gold in the school colors and adds creamy flavor and mouthfeel to the brew. Perfect for tailgates and watching games with friends, the Legend hits the roster at 5% ABV and a mild 15 IBUs from light hop additions.
Megan McKay, CEO of Peace Tree, was moved by Sam’s passion to highlight the story of Jack Trice, and even more inspired after speaking with George Trice, a cousin of Jack’s who started the Trice Legacy Foundation. “While Jack Trice didn’t get to finish creating a long legacy at Ames College or on the football field, I was really inspired by the way that George is making sure other students can carry on this spirit of creating their own legacy,” says McKay. “And not just with scholarships, but with important mentorship connections to help navigate the college experience for students who may be the first generation pursuing higher education.”
The Jack Trice story is about more than football, Jack wanted to do good, and he did that by paving the way for generations who followed. But many people still don’t know the full story of Jack Trice or the great work of the Trice Legacy Foundation spearheaded by George Trice. Using beer as a platform to inspire a fan base and spread Jack’s legacy is a project all three entities are excited about. A portion of all sales of Legend will be donated to the Trice Legacy Foundation, furthering its impact in helping Black students succeed, and helping to build a culture of doing better.
Join us in honoring Jack. Cheers to a LEGEND.
