Howe Sound Brewery, a B.C. microbrewery, today launched its "Bailout Bitter"TM  ale in response to the current economic situation. It also announced that it has taken other steps to fight the recession.

The beer is now available on tap at a reduced price compared to other draft beer and will soon be bottled for distribution. The beer is a delicious malty ale with an assertive hop character, truly a "bitter ale for bitter times".

Howe Sound Brewery including their brewpub, restaurant and Inn are located in Squamish, B.C., Canada, in the vicinity of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Howe Sound's beer is sold in 12 different varieties at over 350 liquor stores in B.C. and Alberta.

The Brewery was awarded a coveted gold and bronze medal in 2007 at the annual North American Brewery Association competition with over 1,000 North American breweries participating.

"Howe Sound Brewery has filed trade mark applications  for the "Bailout Bitter" TM  name in most of the English speaking world, including Canada, the U.S. and England", indicated Leslie Fenn, co-owner of the brewery.

Howe Sound Brewery has taken additional steps to combat the economic downturn by offering "Blue Plate" depression-era food specials in its brewpub and restaurant. In the late 1920's diners and restaurants across North America offered "Blue Plate" specials, typically consisting of a daily combo offered at an affordable price with "no substitutions".

The brewery is also playing background music from the 1930's and will be offering a monthly movie night featuring films of the era.

"We are trying to inject a little bit of humour into this dire economic situation, while still responding in a serious way to these tough times", says Ms. Fenn.