Two new beers are being produced in St. Thomas, Ontario, with a mission to support military veterans and first responders facing mental health challenges. Railway City Brewing has launched V-EH Lager and V-EH Amber Ale as part of a fundraising and awareness campaign. Founded in 2019 by Andrew Gough, a medically retired army captain and police officer, Veterans and Everyday Heroes (V-EH) aims to address gaps in medical coverage for veterans and first responders. Gough explained, "Often these gaps are individual to the veteran or first responder, as they operate within different systems." He noted that many benefits only cover a limited number of visits to mental health professionals each year. In some cases, veterans may need expensive solutions, such as therapy dogs that can cost around $30,000. The beers were launched on Canada Day to raise funds and promote awareness for mental health support among veterans and first responders. Gough expressed gratitude for the increased awareness, stating, "I can definitely say it has helped increase awareness for our mission and for that I am grateful." The beer cans feature a QR code that directs consumers to the V-EH website for more information. Despite the initiative's positive impact, Gough noted a lack of support from local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion. Currently, the Everyday Hero beers are available at only one legion, the Lambeth branch, where Gough is a member. He remarked, "I am a soldier and not much of a salesperson. I am hoping the more this gets out there, the more licensed establishments and convenience outlets become interested in this product and our mission." In other local brewing news, Sons of Kent in Chatham has released its annual Fingask ‘45, a red ale created in collaboration with the Chatham Legion Branch 642 Pipe Band. This beer is brewed in time for Remembrance Day and serves as a fundraiser for the poppy fund. Sons of Kent has also introduced a Classic Mix Pack at the LCBO, featuring six of their best beers, including Genesis Dry Stout and Euro Pilsner. The Forest City Film Festival, which runs until November 2, is serving a light lager brewed by London Brewing. London Brewing is also bringing back Downtown Coconut Brown, a brown ale made with house-roasted coconut shreds. Meanwhile, Anderson Craft Ales has debuted a Japanese rice lager called Sorachi Ace Rice Lager, which has a hint of dill. Storm Stayed Brewing is concluding its annual Lager Than Life month with guest lagers from various Ontario craft breweries, including a refreshing Munchner helles from Godspeed in Toronto. Other featured lagers include an Italian pilsner from Tooth and Nail and an Alsatian keller pilsner from Bourg Beer Project. Red Barn Brewing near Blenheim has introduced Frankenstein, a 9.6% double IPA, and Sumac Farmhouse Saison, which is part of their foraged series. This saison is brewed with staghorn and smooth sumac, offering tart notes of pepper and lemon. Upper Thames Brewing in Woodstock has launched a new West Coast IPA called Off the Trail, which has a grapefruit flavor. Railway City has also added a black lager named Night Shift to its Express Series. This beer combines the roasted malt flavor of a stout with the crispness of a traditional lager, paying homage to German brewing styles.