COZ is a tiny craft beer that thinks big. The math is simple: with every COZ tallboy purchased, they will donate 50 cents to Second Harvest – enough to rescue a meal’s worth of food for someone in need. We asked Jeff Spriet, partner at COZ Beer, a six-pack of questions about his new brew.
How did you decide to get into the craft beer market?
As a proud Canadian brand, beer was the logical launching pad for COZ. However, the notion of “good products that do good” transcends categories. We hope the success of the beer will afford the launch of other delicious products bearing the COZ name.
A question for all the craft beer enthusiasts out there: what’s COZ’s IBU? How would you describe its flavour profile? Any food pairing suggestions?
COZ is a laid-back lager with a low IBU score of 9 and a very clean finish. While we enjoy a heavier or hoppier beer on occasion, we found ourselves consistently picking those beers that are easy to enjoy. The secret to that is creating a beer that’s more dry than sweet. Food-wise, we’d recommend COZ to wash down any spicy or salty fare that pairs well with an easy-drinking liquid.
What has been the most interesting part of the creation and launch process for you?
The craft beer industry is an extremely friendly fraternity driven by people who, above all, are passionate about beer. While you won’t find a more competitive industry, it surprised us that so many fellow craft brewers gave us great free advice without hesitation.
Why did you decide to create a cause-marketing themed beer?
It feels good to do good – almost as good as a cold beer on a hot patio – so the simpatico was evident. Thanks to the work Second Harvest does, every beer quenches your thirst and someone else’s hunger. How cool is that?
Why did you choose Second Harvest as a charity to support? (And thank you for that!)
Honestly, this was our easiest decision because Second Harvest is able to stretch the money into something that feels so tangible. The fact that you guys are tackling the major problem of food waste and that so much of every dollar raised goes to the actual program rather than the administration of it was huge for us.
If you could say one thing to people and organizations considering supporting Second Harvest, what would it be?
For organizations, we’d say be a big fish in a small pond. There’s no better way to feel like you are making a real difference in your community. For regular folks, it’s like that feeling you get when you buy a stranger a coffee: that toonie holds no magic sitting in your pocket but paying forward your own good fortune can make your day and theirs.
Click to learn where to find COZ beer. https://www.goodcoz.com/locations
Legal drinking age only. Please enjoy responsibly.
