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The Ancient Forest Alliance has tapped a keg worth $9,000 after the environmental movement was named the winner of Phillips Brewing Company’s annual benefit brew competition.

The alliance, a two yearold Victoria-based non-profit organization that works to protect old-growth forest in the province, was the clear winner of the competition that over a two-week period had the public vote for their charity of choice online at www.phillipsbeer.com.

“They took an early lead and it was interesting to watch it grow from day to day,” said Phillips owner Matt Phillips. “They were very organized.”

More than 9,100 people voted in the online contest that will see the winner reap all of the proceeds from the sales of a batch of specially brewed beer – in this case Ancient Brown Ale.

Phillips said the contest, now in its third year, has meant a cash boost of anywhere between $7,000 and $9,000 for local charities.

“It all depends on how much beer we can squeeze out of this [batch],” said Phillips. “They are doing great work but I understand they have a really small operating budget so this is very significant help for them which makes it even better for us.”

Last year, the Alliance’s operating budget was $60,000. “We are grateful for the great amount of support we’ve received from the small business community of Victoria and Vancouver Island. Phillips Beer’s Benefit Brew will be a major infusion of support that will help us build a stellar ancient forest campaign this fall,” said Ken Wu, Alliance co-founder.

Phillips started brewing the beer Monday and labels have been sent to the printers. Phillips hopes to see a final product ready by the end of this month and in stores by mid-November.