Beer Geeks Beat ALS is an initiative of the online community Beer Geeks, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2018. They decided it was time for something special. The idea arose to make a collab. And not a collaboration between two brewers, but a real gathering of as many breweries as possible.
Tribute
The proceeds would go to a good cause. It didn’t take long to decide the cause. The choice was the Dutch ALS Foundation, in honor of Oscar Wagner. This Beer Geek from the very beginning died from the consequences of the debilitating muscle disease. The annual Beer Geeks Beat ALS Mega Collab is therefore not just any beer – it is a tribute to the fighters who have to deal with ALS.
Heartwarming
It soon became clear that the ideas of Beer Geeks Beat ALS were a hit. Not only did it produce some delicious beers, the proceeds were surprisingly high. So far, over 400,000 euro has been earned for the Foundation. More than fifty breweries participate in each edition. To say that it is a widely supported concept is an understatement. Each time, a different brewery takes the lead. The Mega Collab of 2025 took place at the Poesiat & Kater brewery.
As a Dutch malt house, The Swaen is extremely proud – and humbled – to be part of this collaboration. The community behind Beer Geeks shows that craft beer brings people together. It is heartwarming to see that breweries also support this event en masse. We therefore happily travelled to Amsterdam on 15 January to be present at the brewing day.
Beer Geeks Beat ALS Mega Collab
This year, no less than 89 breweries* participated in the Beer Geeks Beat ALS Mega Collab. A large number of them gathered early in the morning at the Poesiat & Kater brewery. The goal? A cozy get-together with colleagues, exchanging stories, but above all brewing a fantastic beer. This time, the choice fell on an Imperial Stout with sea salt and rosemary.
Brewing day
After the warm welcome, we were able to take a look at the brewing process. A start had already been made by Poesiat & Kater. For the next steps – for example adding hops – one of the attendees was pushed forward each time. Amid loud cheers, the beer came closer and closer to the finish line.
The day really started with the welcome speech of organizer Ferry Wijnhoven. Although he praised many people for their help, Beer Geeks Beat ALS would not have been possible without Ferry. He is the engine and driving force behind this wonderful movement. With passion he talked about the development of the Mega Collab of 2025. And finally we can announce what it will be called. Beyond the Horizon is the appropriate name. Because – as Ferry aptly explained – ALS is currently a death sentence, but it can be turned into a treatable disease. And that solution is just beyond the horizon.
Art for Beer Geeks Beat ALS
In previous years, the label always featured a work of art by an ALS patient. This year, they took a slightly different approach. None other than Cesar Zuiderwijk – drummer of the legendary Dutch rock band Golden Earring – painted a beautiful label. A few years ago, the founder and guitarist of that band, George Kooymans, announced that he suffers from the progressive muscle disease.
Despite the more than serious subject, which was palpable throughout the day, there was also room for relaxation. While enjoying each other’s beer, new contacts were made, old friendships were sealed and deep conversations were held. It was an honour to be part of this!
Are you inspired and want to help? Then buy Beyond the Horizon or make a donation to the Dutch ALS Foundation.
* The participating breweries in 2025 are: &Bier, de 12 Stuyvers, 22four, 58e Genot, Amelander, Aspro, Axes Castellum, Baros, Baxbier, Bello, Berlewalde, Bier van de Zon, De Biersmaecker, Black Beer Society, Bossche brouwers, Breugem, Brewdistrict24, Brothers in Law, De Brouwschuur, Caketown, Chaos, Crooked Spider, CW Brews, DAVO, de Deftige Aap, Dinkelbieren, Dutch Bargain, Ebontree, Egmond, Eleven, EMP, Floem, Frontaal, Gallivant, Graan, Grolsch, Grutte Pier, Gulden Triomfator, de Hoeve, Implosion Brewing, IV:UUR, Jelster, Jokkebrok, Jopen, Kaapse Brouwers, Kees, Klere Boght, Kompaan, De Koperen Kat, de Kromme Haring, ‘t Krut, de Kwint, LOC, Lost, Stadsbrouwerij Maastricht, De Magistraat, Mannenpap, Milky Road, de Moersleutel, de Molen, Muifelbrouwerij, Noordt, Oproer, Ouwe Skilder, Pigs and Bears, Poesiat & Kater, Pronck, Ramses, Rikketik, Rock City, Rolo1977, Rott., Solaes, Stad1806, Stadshaven, Stadsbrouwerij Staverden, Tamesteut, Terwijde Bierclub, Two Chefs, Uzzewuzze, Vandestreek Bier, UTCA, Vogelvrij, Walhalla, X-Brewing, De Zoetermeerse