Bethel Bakery, Spoonwood Brewing team again, this time for a lemony brew

When life hands you lemons, it doesn’t always have to turn into lemonade.

Bethel Bakery in Bethel Park and nearby Spoonwood Brewing Co. decided on a new brew instead. They’ve teamed for a fourth time — this time to create the lemony, cake-infused Lemon Glaze Ale.

The beer will be available starting at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the brewery on Baptist Road. It might be available only for takeout after 5 p.m. because Allegheny County officials ordered bars and restaurants to halt on-premises alcohol consumption starting June 30 at that time.

The beer will be available by the pint for $6.50 and in three growler sizes — 19.2, 32 and 64 ounces. Cans will also be available at the brewery starting July 8. There will be a limited amount of beer made.

The drink is described as a “creme ale brewed with malted barley, oats, milk sugar, Bethel Bakery yellow cake and lemon puree.” Bethel Bakery’s pastry chef Kayla Milliron and Spoonwood’s brewer and part owner Steve Ilnicki have been working together since January 2019.

“They are just so easy to work with,” Milliron said. “We share ideas and respect one another’s businesses. It’s been smooth sailing for all of the collaborations.”

She said the bakery plans to sell glazed lemon cream cake through the end of August. There will be slices available at the launch on Tuesday.

“I really think people enjoy these beers,” Milliron said. “And they like going to their local brewery to try them.”

Ilnicki said via email they enjoy the partnership with a bakery because “ the sweeter side of the culinary world offers some great ideas for brewers.” He said pastry inspired beers are somewhat of a “thing” these days.

“Beside that, it’s been an honor to put our name alongside such a well established and time-tested local business,” he said. “The Lemon Glazed creme ale might just be the perfect summertime beer. It’s bright and refreshing, light (but not thin), and it tastes an awful lot like fresh lemonade.”

Our next collaboration with @bethelbakery will make your lips pucker! Lemon Glazed (6.0%) is a creme ale brewed with malted barley, oats, milk sugar, lemon purée, and yellow cake. On tap Tuesday at… https://t.co/rbLD2zj62N

— Spoonwood Brewing (@SpoonwoodBrewin) June 27, 2020

It took about three weeks to produce.

He said covid-19 has presented some obvious staffing challenges, including some furloughs. Sales were cut in half during the takeout only phase.

“We received tremendous support during the ‘green phase,’ and we were blessed with strong sales despite the restriction of seating capacity and extra safety measures,” he said. “And now with the return to heavier restrictions, we will be forced to evolve once again.”