Photo courtesy of CSU and Horse & Dragon Brewing

By Steve Graham

It only stands to reason that Fort Collins’ most famous resident has her own version of Fort Collins’ most famous export: beer.

Dr. Temple Grandin is celebrating her 70th birthday with a new namesake brew from Horse & Dragon Brewing Co. Grandin worked with brewer Titus Bentley on Temple’s Grand Ale, a light caramel cream ale. She kept him on his toes throughout the process with her trademark humor and curiosity.

Grandin is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, and the designer of revolutionary livestock handling facilities that are used worldwide. Her research and scoring system for handling livestock have also improved animal welfare at meat plants.

She also speaks openly and regularly about her autism, and is a famous advocate for others on the autism spectrum.

Her groundbreaking research and advocacy have landed her in the National Women’s Hall of Fame and on the Time Magazine list of 100 most influential people. She is also portrayed by Claire Danes in an Emmy-winning HBO biopic named “Temple Grandin.”

Grandin’s birthday beer is available starting Wednesday at Aspen Grille, Ramskeller Pub & Grub, The Mayor of Old Town, William Oliver's Publick House and the Horse and Dragon taproom.