BEER HERE

Harley-Davidson has a Milwaukee-made craft beer for the anniversary party, and can isn't orange

Kathy Flanigan
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The blue beer can was on the table for less than a minute when someone admired it. This happened again 20 minutes later.

To be fair, we were at MOTOR, the restaurant in the Harley-Davidson Museum complex, and the shade of blue on the can mimics the blue that Harley chose for branding its 115th anniversary celebration to be held in Milwaukee over Labor Day weekend. Not a hint of Harley's familiar orange is in sight on the can.

Milwaukee brewers Ray Sachs (left) of Good City Brewing; Kevin Wright, head brewer and owner of Third Space Brewing; and Brian Blazel of Milwaukee Brewing collaborated on a special Harley-Davidson 115th Anniversary Lager.

But the bigger surprise is what's inside. Harley worked with three Milwaukee breweries for a limited-edition Harley-Davidson 115th Anniversary Milwaukee Lager. 

The lager is a collaboration brewed by Good City Brewing, Third Space Brewing and Milwaukee Brewing Co. and made with a blend of all-Wisconsin malts roasted at Milwaukee's Malteurop. The lager is probably more fruit-forward than a lager lover might expect. That's not a bad thing.

The beer is expected to appeal to older Harley riders who are used to the lager style but also to young customers who prefer more body and fruit flavor. It has a 4.5% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it's easy drinking.

Anniversary Lager was brewed at the Milwaukee Brewing 2nd Street location after discussions with Harley designers and brewery representatives. 

David Hock, vice president of Beechwood Sales & Service, said limited-release beers made locally and for specific events such as Bastille Days or the Harley anniversary are increasingly popular.

The Harley craft beer will roll out in Milwaukee bars and restaurants and in 16-ounce cans on retail shelves Thursday.

Full Throttle Saloon, a Sturgis, S.D., business known for adult entertainment, will host a pop-up version of its festivities at Veterans Park during the anniversary celebration. The 115th Milwaukee Lager will be sold there.

More:Bikes, booze and a mechanical hog: Full Throttle Saloon will bring its entertainment to Milwaukee

FULL COVERAGE:Harley's 115th anniversary

The 16-ounce cans will be sold in four-packs at retail locations and cost $7.99 to $8.99.