Try the New 26.2 Brew Created by Runners for Finishers of the Boston Marathon – runnersworld.com

In addition to the joy of completing the historic Boston Marathon, runners of this year’s race can also look forward to a new beer that was brewed specifically with them in mind. But even if you are watching at home, you can still crack one open with them in solidarity.

On March 6, Marathon Brewing, part of the Boston Beer Company (the brewery behind Samuel Adams Boston Lager), announced the launch of 26.2 Brew. The signature beer is a new take on the original Boston 26.2 Brew, which has been available for the past seven years during the Boston Marathon. A golden, hazy ale with 4.0% ABV, 9 grams of carbohydrates, and 120 calories, the new 26.2 Brew features a refreshing taste made with Himalayan sea salt and coriander.

Created with the goal of providing runners a delicious reward after the finish line, the 26.2 Brew was developed by brewer Shelley Smith, a longtime runner with goals of completing this year’s Boston Marathon in a time around four hours.

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“This is a beer that I have loved and enjoyed for the past several years,” Smith told Runner’s World.

Inspired by her first taste of the original Boston 26.2 Brew after finishing the 2015 race, Smith thought the postrun beverage was a great way to celebrate the finish line moment. “It’s a beer that’s always been special to me and really became a passion project of bringing that to a larger group and sharing it.”

To develop the 26.2 Brew, Smith sought input from runners on the Marathon Brewing team, as well as Boston champions Meb Keflezighi and Desiree Linden. Smith wanted to know what runners look for in a beer and what taste would best represent the celebration of a completed marathon. In the process, Smith also didn’t want to sacrifice flavor while maintaining a lower calorie count.

“I don’t think lower calorie has to mean lower flavor, and that’s really what we were striving for with this—still making a beer that’s a good choice in terms of lower calories, lower carbs, but still has flavor and feels like a celebration,” Smith said.

Over several tastings and different recipe iterations, Smith and her team came up with the final version, which is the official beer of the Boston Marathon.

“Obviously training for a marathon is a lot of work. You put in a lot of hours, you’re making sacrifices, you’re getting up early, you’re going outside when, especially in Boston, it can be freezing, and really putting in the long hours,” Smith said. “I’m really hoping that people can see this as a beer that is a thirst-quenching reward for that awesome feeling of crossing the finish line and knowing that this is the time to celebrate all of the hard work that’s been put in.”

In addition to events around the Boston Marathon on April 15, 26.2 Brew is available in stores nationwide.