CINCINNATI – What began as an April Fool’s joke in 2016 has now turned into MadTree Brewing's latest canned offering.
Dreamsicle, a light kölsch-style ale with orange and vanilla, will be released in cans for the first time at a party from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Oakley brewery's taproom at 3301 Madison Road.
Brewery representatives said they jokingly released a rendering of the beer in can form on April 1, 2016, with a whimsical octopus holding an ice cream cone. However, MadTree fans' approval turned to outrage and disappointment when they realized it was just a prank.
The brewery received phone calls, emails and social media messages asking when it would be canned, and they said an online petition garnered hundreds of signatures demanding the canning of Dreamsicle.
“Dreamsicle was one of those beers created on a whim by the brewers that really caught the attention of taproom patrons,” said MadTree Brewing graphic designer Nicki Logsdon. “We thought it would be a funny April Fool’s Day prank to act like we were going to can it, so I came up with what I thought was a ridiculous octopus eating an ice cream cone design. The response was a bit overwhelming, to say the least, so we decided to roll with the now famous octopus.”
At Thursday's release party, Catch-A-Fire Café will offer some special menu items along with their full menu all day. There will be a purchase limit of one case of cans per person. The cost is $10.50 per six-pack (including tax).
Can and draft distribution to restaurants, bars and retailers begins Friday in most markets that MadTree serves.
