Celebrating Brother Ivan: A Toast to Community and Creativity


At Bold Monk Brewing, we believe that great beer is more than just a drink; it’s a story waiting to be told. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the return of our beloved Brother Ivan, now back on draft after winning the silver medal at the US Beer Open for Russian Imperial Stouts! This triumphant return is not just a celebration of an exceptional brew but also a celebration of the community that inspires us.

In the spirit of this storytelling, we invited local creatives to dive into the depths of Brother Ivan’s journey. We asked you, our community, to share your interpretations of his story—what drove him to become the award-winning stout we know and love today.

The response was nothing short of inspiring! We received numerous submissions from talented writers, each offering unique perspectives on Brother Ivan’s origins. It was a testament to the creativity and spirit of our local Atlanta community, a place where stories flourish just as much as our brews.

After careful consideration, we are excited to announce that Lisa Van Patten, a local Atlanta writer, emerged as our winner! Her story captivated us with its depth and creativity, perfectly capturing the essence of Brother Ivan and the journey he undertook to achieve greatness.

To honor the legacy of Brother Ivan, we hosted an evening of storytelling, community, and, of course, delicious beer. The atmosphere was electric as friends, family, and fellow beer lovers gathered to celebrate not just a stout but the stories that bind us together. During this event, one of our brewers shared Lisa’s narrative, bringing Brother Ivan’s journey to life in a way that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. It was a moment of connection, reminding us all that the best stories—like the best beers—are best enjoyed together.

Cheers to community, creativity, and the stories that bring us together. Here’s to Brother Ivan—may his legend continue to inspire and delight! Enjoy reading Lisa’s story, and join us in raising a glass to creativity in every form.