Mote and Big Top’s New Beer Now Available

January 5, 2024 – Sarasota

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is thrilled to announce a partnership, or colla-beer-ation, with Big Top Brewing, with the official launch of Finhead Lager, a light beer with a big purpose.   Proceeds from every sip benefit Mote and its mission to create a better environment for ourselves and our children through innovative science and education.   “Mote is pleased to partner with Big Top Brewing as it shares Mote’s commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans,” said Dr. Michael P. Crosby, Mote President & CEO. “Finhead Lager is perfect for those days spent on the boat, or on the beach, and no matter where you chose to enjoy it, it’s even better knowing each sip makes a difference for our oceans, as Finhead Lager benefits Mote’s mission of translating and transferring the information and technology produced by its diverse research enterprise to support long-term conservation and sustainable use of our marine resources, and to enhance ocean literacy among the public.”   Finhead Lager features clean, crisp and refreshing flavors with a touch of ocean mist brewed with high-quality ingredients, including corn and saaz hops. It’s perfect for a sunny afternoon on the water, whether you’re conducting world-class marine research or simply enjoying the boat life. This beer is also ideal for those days spent lounging on the beach catching some rays. (4.2% ABV).   “We’re excited to launch this partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, one of the most iconic organizations based in Sarasota,” said Mike Bisaha, co-owner of Big Top Brewing. “I’ve grown up in Sarasota and have watched Mote grow from a small-town organization to a large, international marine science powerhouse, and it is an honor to collaborate and give back to this organization that has given us, locally, and now the world, so much.”   The can art features sharks on its label to honor where Mote began—as a one room shark research and conservation laboratory in a small Florida town in 1955 with the famous founding “Shark Lady,” Dr. Eugenie (Genie) Clark. Today, Mote continues to advance shark conservation with leading scientific research. Sharks continue to play an important role in ocean ecosystems by regulating populations of their prey species and serving as indicators of ocean health.   However, due to overfishing and environmental impacts, many shark species are threatened or endangered. As the only Center for Shark Research designated by the U.S. Congress., Mote continues to spearhead innovative solutions to save these amazing animals.    Thanks to Genie, and many other scientists who carried our mission forward, Mote is now a global marine science powerhouse with more than 25 diverse marine research programs. Mote is one of the world’s few remaining independent marine research laboratories, and as a nonprofit organization, Mote is funded through federal, state and local grants and through the generosity of individual donors and foundations. Over decades since Mote was created, the world has learned many things about its oceans. One lesson has remained constant: There is still much to discover.   Finhead Lager can be found at Big Top Brewing locations in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, in Mote’s Deep Sea Diner, select Total Wine locations, and other locations where Gold Coast Eagle Distributing delivers!   To learn more or to support Mote’s mission visit Mote.org/BigTop.