Central City Brewers + Distillers has a plan to raise $75,000 for autism research and support.

A new fundraising program launched this week includes a limited release of the brewer's award-winning Imperial IPA (pictured), in which $5 per bottle sold goes to Canucks Autism Network (CAN) and Autism Spectrum Disorders Canadian-American Research Consortium.

Sales of limited-edition glassware and funds generated by an auction and dinner event, set for April 13 at Central City Brewpub, will also benefit the cause.

A son of company president Darryll Frost has autism. "When we learned (Callum) had autism, we discovered how little is know about it and how much support is needed for a child on the spectrum," Frost stated. Program details are online at www. centralcitybrewing.com/autism.

In other beer news, Surrey-based Russell Brewing has released Luck of the Irish Red Ale, its latest seasonal session beer (5.5% alc.). "This is a malt-forward style of beer delivering toffee and caramel sweetness that is beautifully balanced by a restrained use of hops," the company stated. Locally, the beer is available at private liquor stores at Big Ridge, Central City, Clayton, Southpoint, Sunshine Hills and The Liquor Depot at Sawbucks Pub.