Griffin Claw Brewing Company, located in Birmingham and Rochester Hills, Michigan, was founded in 2013. Focusing on all things craft, including beer, spirits, ciders, and food, they are also well aware that these are just the beginning.
This is their story of a worldwide open-ended beer collaboration created to raise awareness for individuals with Down syndrome. A craft beer recipe, so to say, on how to affect change.
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Meet Pat Craddock
“In 2015, my wife and I were blessed with our second son, Ian, who was born with Down syndrome, and our world was flipped upside-down.”
Meet Pat Craddock, the genius behind the TRI-21 Project. While he officially holds the title of CFO at Griffin Claw, like many others in the industry, Pat wears many hats. So it wasn’t a surprise to anyone when he came up with the idea to create a recipe and brew a beer to bring about awareness, acceptance, and funds to those with Down syndrome.
What is Down Syndrome and the TRI-21 Project?
There are three types of Down syndrome with the most common being Trisomy 21 (TRI-21). This is caused by an error in cell division resulting in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two. (National Down Syndrome Society)
Inspired by Sierra Nevada’s Resilience project, getting critical funds to those impacted by California’s Camp Fire, Pat recently launched the TRI-21 Project in time for World Down Syndrome month in October with plans to continue up until World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, 2022.
How Does the TRI-21 Project Work?
The TRI-21 Project is simple. Any brewery can participate. Sign up. Download the recipe. Contact the vendors for discounts. Have a brew day. Download and print the artwork. Host a party to celebrate. Donate the funds.
Finding support at GiGi’s Playhouse when his son was born, Pat realized they would be an excellent source to receive funds raised from this project. Founded in the Midwest by a parent who needed support, Nancy Gianni created that support for herself and others, emphasizing global acceptance of Down syndrome. GiGi’s is now located in over 50 locations across the U.S. and one in Mexico, offering a multitude of resources to anyone impacted by Down syndrome.
Where’s the Beer?
Griffin Claw Brewing Project currently has their TRI-21 Double New England Hazy IPA available in both taprooms. For the status on availability at other breweries, click here, and check back often.
If you know of other breweries that may be interested in participating in this project, send them to tri21project.com or tag them on Instagram using #tri21project.
Sign up to Brew for the TRI-21 Project
- Brewer or drinker, for all the information, including recipe, artwork, all the breweries participating, and more click here.
- To sign up now, click here.
- Tag your favorite brewery to let them know about this project using #tri21project or send them to tri21project.com
Community and Sustainability
The TRI-21 Project was born out of a desire to help a child, but it will endure out of a continued desire to build community.
And Griffin Claw doesn’t stop there. With great respect for the environment, as well as the community, their efforts also expand into sustainability. We were honored to get to talk to Pat about Ian and the rest of his family, the TRI-21 Project, their sustainability practices, and so much more. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.
Connect with Griffin Claw Brewing Company
Birmingham
575 S. Eton St.
Birmingham, MI 48009
248-712-4050
Rochester Hills
2265 Crooks Rd.
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
248-289-6093
Griffin Claw Brewing Company
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Shout Outs:
A huge shout out to Nicole Henzel from Malteurop Malting Company for connecting us with Pat and the TRI-21 Project. Your dedication to much needed projects is phenomenal, and your love of community always shines through.
To Pat for countless hours of dedication to a project that is needed throughout the world. Your dedication to your family and to others both in and outside of the craft beer industry will not go unnoticed. We appreciate your time, your effort, and your love for community.
Where is the recipe?
Guess I misunderstood, sorry bout that.