A collaborative day at NABC.

The notion of "collaboration beer" is an outgrowth of craft beer's intrinsic vitality as a genre, and illustrates the cooperative spirit therein. Brewers come together to share ideas and experiences, and the consuming public is the biggest winner, because craft fans have the chance to taste the result.

Imagine Miller and Budweiser working together on a beer recipe. You cannot. It could not possibly happen up there in multinational land ... but it's increasingly common within the craft segment.

Yesterday afternoon, Urbain Coutteau of De Struise Brouwers (Belgium) brewed a collaboration batch at Bank Street Brewhouse with NABC's Jared Williamson and David Pierce. Lori Beck and Tyler Trotter (Louisville Beer Store, Holy Grale) organized Urbain's tour of the States, which included stops at Three Floyds Brewing Company and the Kentucky Derby.

Brew photos here: Naughty (Girl) Brew Day, May 8, 2011

The fun continues today at NABC's Pizzeria & Public House, where a second collaboration beer will be brewed, followed by Office Hours with the Publican, which tonight will take the form of a reception of sorts with Urbain -- think of it as a going away party.

More information here: Urbain madness at Bank Street and the Public House, Sunday and Monday -- for collaborations and more.

Thanks to everyone who helped make yesterday such a great time -- Urbain, Lori & Tyler, NABC's brew team, Bank Street Brewhouse staff (they handled a huge Mother's Day crowd) and anyone else who grasps the meaning of Progressive Pints.