ST. PETERSBURG Fla. — Looking for a block party to buy a U.S. Armed Forces Veteran a beer?

Bayboro Brewing offers their "Buy a Vet a Beer" program to all patrons this Saturday.

Brewery owner and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran James Coleman started it as a “pay it forward” opportunity.

“I didn’t think it would get past 10,” Coleman said, standing in front of a door filled with rows and rows of Xs. “So each X is, uh, 10 beers,” Coleman said.

The brewery is looking at more than 400 free beers for veterans starting at 11 a.m.

“It’s more of a recognition of PTSD with community support, and not so much the stereotypical round table, ‘We’re at the VA where guys don’t want to go,’” Coleman explained.

While they are trying to give away all the free beers, patrons — and veterans especially — will leave nearly as many free beers this weekend.

That’s where Head Brewer Aaron Hutchings comes in.

He is currently checking the latest keg of Bayboro’s popular American lager Hideaway Light. But he started his day in research and development.

“We are making a maple chocolate wheat,” said Hutchings. “We just got done boiling, we are chilling it down now.”
The beer is the brainchild of assistant brewer Thomas Ludwig.

When it gets to 68 degrees, it goes into a fermentation barrel, and Hutchings “pitches the yeast” on a small batch set-up.

“Gives a chance to share some fun and interesting things we did not try before,” said Hutchings.

Hutchings ferments the beer in a converted chest freezer. And it’s on to loading the latest Hideaway Light, their American Lager.

“Similar to the Bud Light — it’s our take on it,” Hutchings said. It’s the creation of three brewers.

“So we sat down one day after work and cobbled this recipe together, and it’s turned into our biggest seller,” said Hutchings.

Hutchings wheels his fresh keg to the refrigerated room behind the bar and sets it up to tap. It’s one of dozens of choices for veterans at the brewery.

Hutchings says brewing beer is part mad scientist work and part workout. He shuffles the full keg into position, joining the others, some stacked three high.

For him, this is his retirement gig after his work in law enforcement at the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

“I end up working more now that I’m retired,” he said, making air quotes when he got to retired.

The payoff after all the work — a taste.

At the bar, Hutchings pours a pint of Hideaway and holds it up to the light.

“Cheers, this is the ultimate test right here,” he said, smelling and tasting the lager.

“It’s delicious,” Hutchings said, smiling.

And ready for a veteran. For free.