Brew in the Lou 2025 Announces Custom Brew Name and Release Party

September 11, 2025 – St. Louis, MO – For the second year in a row, Brew in the Lou—a Big Blue Spark production—has teamed up with a local craft brewery to create a one-of-a-kind beer for its annual festival. This year’s partner, Square One Brewery & Distillery, has crafted a bold Black IPA named South City Eclipse, which will debut at a release party on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 4–7 p.m. at Square One Brewery (1727 Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104).

Now in its 13th year, Brew in the Lou is the region’s premier tasting event, featuring the best in St. Louis beer, wine, spirits, and food. The festival returns to Francis Park on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 1–5 p.m.Proceeds benefit the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA), supporting scholarships and educational services for nearly 9,700 students across 38 Lutheran schools in the St. Louis metro area.

“This collaboration is a fun way to showcase the creativity of St. Louis’ craft beer community while also promoting one St. Louis’s best fall festivals,” said Amee Colvin, LESA’s Director of Marketing and Fundraising. “We’ve loved the unique creations our brewery partners have brought to life.” The 2024 custom brew was created in partnership with Good News Brewing.

The name South City Eclipse was chosen through Brew in the Lou’s online naming competition. Dozens of entries were reviewed by LESA volunteers and staff, with the final decision made by a panel including Square One’s head brewer and a local homebrewer representative. The winning submission came from volunteer Christian Fierro, who earned two VIP festival tickets for his creativity—though he still plans to help with event set-up! The winning name was revealed live on The Annie Frey Show on 97.1 FM.

Square One describes South City Eclipse as “a bold Black IPA that captures the spirit of South City—rich, mysterious, and bursting with festival flavor. It’s a black IPA that shines.”

Festival merchandise, including vintage Brew in the Lou shirts, will be available at the release party. Those who purchase Brew in the Lou Fstival tickets at the Custom Release will receive $1 off happy hour drink prices.  Quite the bargain!

About LESA

More than 9,700 children attend LESA-member Lutheran schools in the St. Louis Metro Area, making Lutheran schools the second-largest private school system in the Bi-State area. A Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LESA represents 38 elementary and high schools and five related agencies. For more information, visit www.LESAstl.org.