Grains of Wrath Buxton IPA, a beer to support late brewer Ryan Buxton’s Family
Ex Novo Brewing’s brewmaster Ryan Buxton took his own life one year-ago this month, the loss is still very fresh and felt deeply in the hearts and minds of those who knew him and those who didn’t. Grains of Wrath Brewing was especially close with Ryan and Ex Novo, and in memory of his legacy and in support of his family they are releasing Buxton IPA, a quaffable 6% ABV West Coast-style IPA that will be tapped this Saturday, May 27th at both the Portland and Camas, Washington Grains of Wrath locations.
Grains of Wrath co-founder/brewmaster Mike Hunsaker first met Ryan Buxton in 2015 at Epic Brewing's Firkin Fiasco in Denver during GABF. This was before Ryan accepted a job as Ex Novo’s head brewer and moved to Portland, where he later won a GABF gold medal for his Perle Haggard pilsner. Ryan brought a knowledge and intensity to Ex Novo when he came to Portland. Making high quality beer in several styles and disciplines ranging from IPA, to lager and even mixed culture and barrel aged beer.
“He was one of Portlands best brewers, and one of my best friends,” says Grains of Wrath’s Mike Hunsaker. “A gentle guy with a sharp wit, an intense passion for this industry and a kind heart. Losing him to suicide should be a wake up call for all of us to lean on each other when we, ourselves, run into personal hard times and dont feel like there is anyone that can help.”
After news broke of Ryan’s passing, there were many tributes and benefits, and an amazing sad but joyful remembrance attended by hundreds of members of the industry as well as his family. And that is where Grains of Wrath’s Buxton IPA comes in to help, as it’s not just a memorial tribute beer but also a way to support his two kids.
“Ryan left behind a lot of unanswered questions and more importantly, two sons, Beck and Bob,” says Hunsaker. “As a community we can't let them think his friends arent there for them too.”
Buxton IPA is an easy drinking 6% IPA that has huge grapefruit, citrus and pine notes from the combination of Centennial (one of Ryan's favorite hops), Citra and Simcoe.
When Buxton IPA is released this Saturday, May 27th, Mike will be there in-person at Grains of Wrath PDX to raise a glass to Ryan and hopes other friends will be there too. All proceeds from this beer will be donated to a fund for Beck and Bob’s future in a trust fund being set up by their mother Katie McGill. The beer will be on draft, and crowlers will be available to-go, and next week kegs will be available at Day One Distribution.
“I remember Ryan as a deeply passionate, caring and loyal friend and father. Supportive and generous of those around him but also a complete goofball who was completely himself,” remembers Hunsaker. So we are all hoping that others will show his family the same support.
Grains of Wrath Brewing - Camas
230 NE 5th Ave, Camas, WA 98607
Grains of Wrath Brewing - PDX
3901 N Williams Ave Suite A, Portland, OR 97227