Wapak launches a new out-of-this-world brew

WAPAKONETA — A lot of times it’s hard to be mayor, own a small business or lead the chamber of commerce.

Thursday was not one of those times.

Just after noon, Mayor Rodney Metz hoisted a pint glass and led the first — OK, maybe second — swig of Lunar Lager, Wapakoneta’s new brew that honors the 40th anniversary of the moon landing.

“We’ve mentioned numerous times that it would be nice if we had our own beer, and what better time to announce it than the 40th anniversary of the moon landing,” said Jason Neumeier, who serves on the Wapakoneta Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

The beer they got is a caramel-colored lager that has a hint of sweetness and finishes with a nice hoppy bite.

About 50 people came for the keg tapping, a good excuse for a cold one at noon. Or a few minutes before noon, but who’s counting?

Greg Myers, executive director of the Wapakoneta Area Economic Development Council, said the commemorative beer is a great marketing tool for the city.

“If you go someplace, how cool is it to say, ‘Hey, I brought a six-pack of our town beer with me’?” Myers said. “We think it’s great and it’s a great way to recognize the accomplishment of the first moon landing.”

Along with Myers and Neumeier, local home-brewer Aaron Holtz helped make the moon beer happen. All three were pleased with the results.

“It’s a 10 out of 10,” Holtz said. It’s very drinkable. It’s not like the beers you can easily get off the shelves.”

Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. in Akron is producing the beer, which will be available exclusively around the Wapakoneta area.

Most people said they liked the new beer. Many drew comparisons to Michelob AmberBach or Sam Adams Boston Lager.

Not everyone was sold, however. Loren Lunz said there were a lot of other beers he’d rather have, but the retiree from Cridersville still enjoyed the festivities. He also remembered the man whose one small step inspired the beer. Lunz went to school with Wapakoneta native Neil Armstrong.

“We know the family,” Lunz said. “His dad used to sell me coveralls at J.C. Penney.”

Between sips of his Lunar Lager, Lunz said Armstrong impressed him, even as a kid.

“He was a very smart person. He was one step ahead of everybody else,” Lunz said. “Whatever he done was always A-1.”

Lunar Lager will be on tap all weekend at the Summer Moon Festival in Wapakoneta. Six-packs will also be available at several stores and watering holes around the area, including The Andersons in Lima, Wagner’s IGA in Minster and the Zip Stop in Wapakoneta.