“It’s there and then it’s not.”

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). An alarming public health crisis, the death-by-suicide rate for Americans has grown 30 percent in the last two decades. In 2017 alone, more than 47,000 Americans died by suicide. The tragedy of the suicide epidemic in the last 20 years seems to have touched all of our lives at some point. Three years ago, it touched the family of Minneapolis’ Fulton Beer.

From Fulton:

On November 1st, 2016, Fulton lost one of our family members, Greg Sincheff, to depression. Greg’s loss was felt by everyone in our company, from those who had just met him to friends he worked alongside and had known half his life.

To honor Greg’s memory, Fulton brewed and released a Northeast-style IPA titled, “Grog”–Greg’s nickname. After its release, Fulton pledged to donate $1 of every pint sold at the taproom to AFSP.

Specter

After the inaugural release of Grog, Fulton released it the following year under a new name.

From Fulton:

The word Specter is defined as a “visible incorporeal spirit; ghost; phantom; or apparition.” The name is intended to continue honoring Greg’s memory. He is no longer here with us in the flesh, but we want his spirit to remain visible. This beer is one way for us to remember him.

In addition to honoring the memory of a loved one, Fulton also views Specter as a way to continue the discussion and enhance education around suicide awareness and open the dialogue on mental health issues–issues that are often invisible. Each year that Fulton releases Specter, it continues its pledge to donate proceeds from every pint sold to AFSP.

And it appears this pledge has evolved outside of the taproom. Earlier this week while grabbing dinner with a friend, I noticed Specter on the menu. The menu called out that the proceeds of its sale would go to AFSP.

The Beer

Specter pours a beautiful dark-gold hazy color with a thin head of white foam. Fulton uses nearly 20 percent oats in their mash, creating smooth mouthfeel to the beer. It represents classic IPA flavors with a citrusy taste and a slightly bitter finish. The latter is most likely achieved from the Citra, Mosaic, Amarillo and Nelson Sauvin hops. It’s a very well-rounded IPA.

ABV: 7.1%
IBU: 35

September is national suicide prevention month, but heightening the focus and raising awareness on suicide prevention is an endless fight. Together, we can fight it.

If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

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