It's a reunion

SBS Imports once again is offering its specially brewed Reunion Beer. With the collaboration of Alan Shapiro, president of SBS Imports; Pete Slosberg, creator of Pete’s Wicked Ale; and Virginia MacLean, longtime friend and colleague, Reunion Beer was created as a way to raise awareness and donations for the Institute of Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to IMBCR. The beer is available at specialty beer retailers, via mail order and in kegs.

Fashionable Red Bull

Red Bull provided the energy drinks for the after-show parties, designer’s studios and catwalks during London’s Fashion Week in February. The energy drink company also provided the only backstage bar at the main catwalk at the British Fashion Council’s tent. The design for the backstage bar concept was created by 2008 Fashion Fringe winner Aminaka Wilmont. Blended beverages served at the show included Designer Fuel (Red Bull blended with mango, pureed strawberry and blueberries) and Garden Fusion (Red Bull served with a blend of fresh mint, cucumber and lime).

Recipe & wine pairing

“Small Plates, Perfect Wines,” a new cookbook from Andrews McMeel Publishing, features wine tips from Kendall Jackson Winemaster Randy Ullom. The cookbook offers wine pairings for recipes such as meze, tapas, antipasta and antojitos. The book is divided into chapters on salads, vegetables, meat, seafood and desserts, each paired with one or two wines. The wine information is presented in a conversational fashion, and will be available in bookstores and online for $16.95.

Damon, Ethos help thirsty kids

Ethos Water has collaborated with H20 Africa and its co-founder, actor Matt Damon, to drive its mission of helping children get clean water. Damon will appear in a national Ethos Water print advertising campaign to encourage consumers to get involved in the world’s water crisis. For each bottle of Ethos Water sold, $0.05 will be directed to the Ethos Water Fund. The fund has an estimated $6.2 million and aims to contribute $10 million by 2010.

Music rush

Mini Thin Rush was named the exclusive energy drink of the Winter Music Conference (WMC) 2008. The conference had an audience of more than 45,000 contemporary music professionals and enthusiasts who attended more than 300 events in five days. The conference took place in Miami Beach, Fla., last month. Extensive sampling and signage of Mini Thin Rush were found throughout the conference, exhibition space, WMC advertisements, delegate bags, WMC Web site and weekly e-mails.

Beerdrinker of the Year

Wynkoop Brewing Co. crowned beer-lover Matt Venzke 2008 Beerdrinker of the Year. Venzke won the title on Feb. 23, on his fourth attempt in the contest. Venzke visited 454 breweries in 39 states and 16 nations, and also recorded tasting notes on more than 3,200 beers in 69 styles. Venzke wins free beer for life at Wynkoop Brewing Co.; a $250 beer tab at the Taphouse on Queensway in his hometown of Hampton, Va.; and the opportunity to brew a special beer with Thomas Larson, Wynkoop’s head brewer, next year.