Brewery crafts IPA for local radio station

Whitefish Community Radio and Bonsai Brewing Project are announcing a collaboration beer called “Radio Revolution Black IPA,” set to be released at a tapping party and fundraiser for WCR on Thursday, March 10, at Bonsai Brewing, 549 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish.

The tapping party marks the first anniversary of “Vinyl Nights” at Bonsai’s Wisconsin Avenue location, a weekly live-broadcast show on WCR.

“Vinyl Nights are initially what drew me to Bonsai Brewing, back when their home was in the Mountain Mall. No one was doing that,” said Eric Waier, station manager of WCR. “It became a regular thing for me and I eventually developed a relationship with the owner and manager.”

Waier said the idea for a collaboration beer came up during a meeting for the nonprofit online radio station while brainstorming ideas for fundraising.

“We thought it would be a great way to promote WCR while also raising some money,” Waier said. “I love what Bonsai represents and what they have done for the community.

“It’s a true community gathering space. What they have created would be tough to find anywhere else. They’ve really revolutionized what a brewery can be.”

“Radio Revolution Black IPA is made with Black Prinz malt, Palisade hops, and dry-hopped with Falconer’s Flight hops,” said Bonsai General Manager Keela Smith. “It should be about 6.7% ABV and around 45 bu [bitterness units].”

The name “Radio Revolution IPA” was chosen by WCR in part because of what they feel they bring to radio.

“We feel what we’re doing at WCR is a bit revolutionary,” Waier said. “Part of what makes WCR different is we really encourage each DJ to create their own brand outside of the station. I really want our volunteers to have successful shows, with a reach anywhere from a few local community members to thousands or millions around the world if that’s what they want. Their success is our success.”

Waier said he sees a lot of similarities between Bonsai and WCR and explained that he envisions WCR as a creative gathering place for the community.

“We have DJ’s that are musicians, business owners, nonprofit directors, festival organizers, actors and more,” he said. “I’m consistently amazed at the creative talent that our volunteers bring to the community.”

WCR will also be hosting a fundraising event on Friday, March 11, dubbed “Localpalooza,” which will feature eight local bands, a raffle with items donated from local businesses and volunteer sign-up. The event, which will be held at the Craggy Range starting at 6 p.m., will act as the capstone to WCR’s first fundraising campaign set to kick off online March 6.