Ferndale

Come celebrate Stout Bout

By Tiffany Esshaki
C & G Staff Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Lars Hjelmroth Detroit Derby Girls teams the Detroit Pistoffs and the Pistolwhippers get rowdy during a bout in October. Photo by Lars Hjelmroth Detroit Derby Girls teams the Detroit Pistoffs and the Pistolwhippers get rowdy during a bout in October.

FERNDALE — Beer, babes and ball bearings — just another night at Woodward Avenue Brewers.

At least it will be, now that the WAB is introducing its newest beer creation, inspired by the ladies of the Detroit Derby Girls roller derby league. The downtown Ferndale brewery is hosting a launch party this weekend where guests will get the chance to try the beer and mingle with a few of the lovely league members.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 15, just after the DDG All-Stars finish their bout, or game, against the Milwaukee Brew City Bruisers. The All-Stars and the Motor City Disassembly Line, both teams in the DDG league, will be at the WAB serving up $1 shots of the new beer, aptly named the Bout Stout.

“It’s a Russian imperial stout, which means it’s a high-gravity, full-flavored stout,” said Emily Husband, marketing director for the WAB. “Stouts are usually dark in color and have that roasted flavor behind them.”

Husband explained that the WAB has long had a partnership with the DDG, most notably using the girls as pourers during Ferndale’s annual DIY Street Fair each summer. The leaguers serve up suds for the WAB, and the brewery lets them keep the tips — a win-win for the brewery and the DDG, which depends on sponsorships and donations to keep the league going.

While beer-lovers are sipping the new brew at the launch party, they can also learn more about the DDG league, buy some league merchandise, and try their luck at winning some door prizes and other give-away items.

“There will be a DJ on site playing fun music, and lots of beer. And that’s the main goal, is to get the beer in front of people. And (the girls) will be serving the beer on roller skates,” said Husband.

It’ll be a great party with no cover charge, according to Husband, who said the WAB is looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces at the event to support the league. Ferndale resident and league member Amy Anderson, better known by her derby name, Eight Mile Rose, said she’s looking forward to the party, too. After all, having a good time with some good people is the reason she joined the league in the first place.

“I like the friendships you make in derby,” said Anderson. “I like that there’s a place for all women’s body types. I like to get physical and take out my inner anger. And we all like to drink beer, and most of our fans do, too. And we love the WAB.”

For more information on the event or the WAB, visit thewabsite.com or call (248) 546-3696. To learn more about the Detroit Derby Girls, visit www.detroitderbygirls.com.

Woodward Avenue Brewers is located at 22646 Woodward Ave. in downtown Ferndale.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Tiffany Esshaki at tesshaki@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1095.