Urban Family Brewing releases Book Of Bonney (Chapter 1) Barrel Aged Imperial Belgian Ale, Phil Bonney's personal tribute to departed brother Matt Bonney

On the heels of Fremont Brewing's Ye Olde Centaur barrel-aged barleywine, Phil Bonney, the late Matt Bonney's brother, has collaborated with Andy Gundel, owner of Seattle's Urban Family Brewing, to release what is planned to be the first of a series of Book Of Bonney tribute beers - indeed, the beer's name is subtitled "Chapter 1." And before that chapter, like any good book, there's an introduction.

“Legacies are like books, they remain unchanged, are often referenced, and remain interpreted differently by those who recall their words. For this reason we wanted to dedicate a series of beers to our friend, our brother, our partner, and colleague, Matt Bonney.  For those who navigated the alcohol-fed currents of commerce, Matt Bonney represented a lighthouse. Whether it was a casual piece of advice, education, an employment opportunity, or a partnership, Matt welcomed all. But he was also my brother, my friend, and during my formative adulthood, my mentor. Lost to all in 2019, I sought a way to honor him while inspiring others to carry on his legacy. Welcome to the Book of Bonney.

"Shortly after Matt passed away, I came up with the idea for a series of beers that were like my brother, unique. Like Matt, these beers challenged those who made them to test the definition of beer. A former brewer himself, Matt empathized with what it took to produce something unique. Pushing the limits of what defined beer, Matt’s beers reflected him, sturdy and able to withstand the passage of time.

"Emblazoned with the family name, The Book of Bonney will continue that legacy - big, bold beers, made side-by-side by breweries and the people that loved him. Helping educate the consumer in his diplomatic ways.  Broken into Chapters, each beer will not only represent a moment in Matt’s life, but will include stories from those who knew him. In their words, you will learn more about Matt’s life paired with a beer as unique as the stories and the man for whom I dedicate this series.

"Expectations for the complete series will be to ensure his legacy through the beers we make and to stories we tell.  Educating/embracing the beer industry that gave him so much and continues to give all of us much more.   Through the lives that he touched throughout the industry I hope to continue touching lives with every beer we make and continue to make stories for all of us to tell.  The Book of Bonney will not only be about him but paying homage to the beer industry itself.”

- Phil Bonney

“Phil really lead the charge on this beer, with the overall concept of the project, and we were very excited to facilitate... I didn’t know Matt all that well, but we share a lot of common friends, so I’m constantly hearing stories of the old days, and learning just how much of a hand he had in Seattle beer/beer in general. Our artist, Erick Lingbloom, really dove into this project. He worked directly with Phil on concept, and used a ton of reference photos to get an accurate representation of Matt. The beer itself is a unique beast. Bold saison qualities, with moderate fruit. I’m always excited when a project like this comes together, but even more so to do it for someone who was so important to so many people. I hope people enjoy it.“

- Andy Gundel

Book Of Bonney, Chapter 1, is primarily inspired by Belgian beer, fittingly, as Brouwer's was inspired by the beer bars and restaurants of Belgium. Andy acknowledges Matt Bonney as inspiration and friend, and describes the beer.

“Though I started our brewery in earnest about a year before Matt passed, he welcomed me into the industry with open arms. He shockingly remembered my name after the first time we met. He told me our initial stabs at homemade taphandles were stupid looking. He was right. Toronado was one of the first bars I saw our beer on the taplist. Impostor syndrome intensified. When Phil Bonney approached us about helping him make a beer that honored his brother, I knew we couldn’t mess it up, or Matt would be pissed. But in a nice way.

"This project has been in the works for close to 2 years. Aged in french oak, with Saison Dupont yeast, with the addition of three different varieties of cherries. Coming in at whopping 11%, this beer is best paired with cigars, big personalities, and your close friends. 

"Let’s all raise a glass of whatever is in your hand in memory of Matt Bonney.”

- Andy Gundel

Book Of Bonney, Chapter 1, went into pre-sale on January 19th, 2021, with bottles to be released for pick-up at the brewery on January 28th. Phil Bonney (Beer Ronin and Matt Bonney's one-man posse) and Andy Gundel have embarked on the start of a journey that promises much in the weeks and months to come.