Ales for ALS Fest returns for second year as Auburn and Georgia fans unite in support of ALS research

The Auburn Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs might be bitter rivals on the football field, but when it comes to raising funds to support ALS research, the stage is set for fans from both sides to come together for a friendly contest to raise proceeds for Ales for ALS Fest happening Oct. 10-11.

The collaboration between New Realm Brewing–Auburn and the College of Human Sciences’ Brewing Science and Operations program to host Ales for ALS Fest not only helps support ALS research, but it also gives a graduate student the opportunity to brew a unique beer recipe for a large crowd to earn real industry experience.

After raising just short of $80,000 last year at the inaugural Ales for ALS Fest hosted by New Realm Brewing–Auburn prior to Auburn’s game with the Oklahoma Sooners, the 2025 edition returns with even bigger plans as proceeds will support ALS research with the ultimate goal of one day discovering a cure.

Not only will Ales for ALS Fest happen at the New Realm–Auburn location but also at the flagship New Realm Brewing location in Atlanta. New this year, will be friendly competition that challenges Auburn and Georgia fans to see which community can raise the most funds for ALS research. In the end, the total donations between the fanbases will be compared and the winning fanbase will receive a trophy to display at the New Realm location in Auburn or Atlanta.

The released brew–2586–is named after two Auburn athletes and their jersey numbers as both have been directly impacted by ALS. Gary Godfrey wore No. 25 for Auburn basketball and is currently battling the ALS disease, while Luke Deal, wore No. 86 for Auburn football and lost his father to ALS.

“I'm excited about this year's Ales for ALS event and to partner, once again, with the College of Human Sciences and New Realm Brewing has been such a pleasure,” said Gary Godfrey. “But what I’m really looking forward to is sharing a beer with all of you. Every beer helps raise much needed funds for ALS research. So, come join us as at New Realm at the Hey Day Market and in Atlanta as we Brew Good to Do Good!”  

In this case, giving back to the community means the proceeds raised from Ales for ALS Fest will directly benefit the ALS TDI (Therapy Development Institute). Ales for ALS was created in 2013 by a hop farming family to raise funds and awareness for ALS and since then, more than $5.5 million has been raised for ALS research.

“I'm incredibly excited for it,” said Malfroid. “I was very lucky last year to be able to be part of the event as well. It is an extraordinary thing to be able to brew a beer for a charity, especially one such as ALS TDI. With the success of last year, I'm really looking forward to this year to make sure it’s even better. I'm humbled by the opportunity to be able to brew my own beer recipe for this event.”

For the beer recipe itself, Malfroid said those purchasing it can expect a crisp lager taste. While the 2586 beer is an entirely new recipe, it will be the same style of beer that was brewed at the inaugural event last year.

“The beer is going to be a dry hopped pilsner — meaning the base of the beer is a pilsner, which is a light, crisp lager,” said Malfroid. Pilsner is kind of the beer style that influenced all of our modern lighter beers. So, it's going to be crisp, refreshing and easy to drink during the fall weather. But what's going to make it unique and setting it apart is using the Ales for ALS hop blend that Yakima Chief Hops creates each year. You will get notes of pine and citrus but this year’s especially we found a lot of fruity notes.”