Oshkosh dog gets his day on cans of beer after winning NEW Top Dog contest

OSHKOSH — An English mastiff named Bruce pictured on cans of Bruce's Brew isn't of legal drinking age — even in dog years — but he earned his day on the label by earning more votes than 279 other pooches. 

Bruce won the 2020-21 NEW Top Dog Champion fundraising contest held last fall to benefit the Oshkosh Mid-Morning Kiwanis Club and the Oshkosh Area Humane Society. When not mugging for beer can artwork, the 10-month old Mastiff puppy is pretty goofy and likes to play a lot, said his human, Dawn Dettlaff.

"His favorite toy is a cowbell hung from a chain in the backyard tree," she said.

Fifth Ward Brewing and Bare Bones Brewery collaborated on Bruce’s Brew, a honey raspberry blonde ale, to celebrate the lucky dog.

After talking with Dettlaff, Fifth Ward co-founder Ian Wenger said they decided that an easy drinking beer for summer would be best. Locally sourced honey was used in the brewing process then the beer was conditioned on fresh raspberry purée to add a bright fruity note and a bit of color.

"Perfect for a day in the beer garden with your pooch," Wenger said.

Release parties for the beer are set for noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Bare Bones Brewery and May 22 at Fifth Ward. Bruce’s Brew will be on draught at both taprooms and sold in four packs of 16-ounce cans. Oshkosh Mid-Morning Kiwanis Club and the Oshkosh Area Humane Society will split $1 from each pint and 4-pack sold at the taprooms. Those donations are in addition to money already raised through the contest.

The Top Dog contest has raised $50,000 for children and pets in the Oshkosh community. 

Organizers plan to expand the 2021-22 contest to include animal shelters in Neenah, Appleton, Green Bay, Manitowoc and surrounding areas. Dogs can be nominated through a local participating shelter starting September 11. More details will be announced closer to the entry deadline. Follow NEW Top Dog’s website, Facebook page and Instagram feed for updates.

Contact Daniel Higgins dphiggin@gannett.com. Follow @HigginsEats on Twitter and Instagram and like on Facebook.