(San Diego, CA) – A bunch of new labels from Green Flash Brewing…

The big news is that Palate Wrecker Double IPA has label approval for 12 oz. bottles. Here is the website description:

“Chuck came up with a new method to make a Double IPA by performing a double brew to make a single beer. First there is a single infusion mash and subsequent boil at 65 IBU with Columbus and Centennial hops. Then a second duplicate mash using the 65 IBU wort instead of water and a second 65 IBU boil using the same hop schedule. The result is a higher gravity beer with kettle caramelizing in place of crystal malts and an elevated hop flavor and bitterness that might not be achieved with the same amount of ingredients in a single brew. Hop Heads, this beer is for you! ABV: 9.2%.”

Also of note, there are a couple changes coming to branding. The Belgian beers will be adopting the same traditional look as the other beers in the portfolio. Also, a couple beers are being are being given unique names. The Belgian-style Pale Ale will now be called “Rayon Vert” and the Barleywine will be called “Shaggy.”

Green Flash Palate Wrecker to be bottled, label changes coming to lineup

[Disclaimer: Beernews.org is a leader in craft beer news and is the original source of this article. If you would like to check out more, please visit the original site. Thanks!]

(Salt Lake City, UT) – Introducing the newest addition to Uinta Brewing Company’s lineup, Dubhe (pronounced Doo-bee), an Imperial Black IPA.

Dubhe was named after Utah’s Centennial Star, a star classified as a Red Giant. Dubhe, the star, appears orange in color, and is found at the top end of the big dipper’s spoon. The name “Dubhe” continues Uinta’s tradition of celebrating the great state of Utah, however, “Dubhe” is a fitting name for more than that reason: this beer is as black as the night sky and is brewed with an astronomical amount of hops.

Dubhe is comprised of five hop varieties, a hop profile bold enough to shine through the roasted, dark malt character of this beer. A citrusy hop aroma, achieved by dry hopping with a proprietary blend of extreme Northwest hops, balanced with notes of mild dark chocolate and a hint of sweet licorice. Smooth from start to finish, Dubhe’s layered flavor profile emerges with rich and rounded toasted malt flavors, and is followed by a lively hop bitterness. At over 5 pounds of hops per barrel, Dubhe is the most hop-laden beer Uinta has ever produced.

This shinning new addition is brewed with hemp seed (A play on the name, perhaps?), and has a far-out ABV of 9.2%.

Uinta Brewing Company

Uinta Brewing Company embarked upon its mission of brewing world class, full-flavored, craft-brewed beer in the winter of 1993. Uinta Brewing is named after an east-west mountain range located in northeastern Utah. Many of Uinta’s beer names are inspired by Utah’s diverse landscapes or have historical significance. Uinta has broadened its market and can be found in 22 states from coast-to-coast, and has even ventured to other countries around the world. Uinta is committed to brewing world-class beer using the best practices and ingredients. Since 2001 Uinta Brewing has used 100% wind-powered energy, becoming the first Utah business to reach this mark.

A star is born: Uinta Dubhe Imperial Black IPA

[Disclaimer: Beernews.org is a leader in craft beer news and is the original source of this article. If you would like to check out more, please visit the original site. Thanks!]

Brewery Introduces New Four Pack

(Fort Collins, CO) – On February 26, 2011, Odell Brewing will unleash its Myrcenary Double IPA. The hoppy delight is a new year-round four pack offering.

Named for Myrcene, a component of the essential oils found in a hop flower, Myrcenary Double IPA is brewed with a blend of hops containing the highest levels of Myrcene. Nearly six pounds of seven different American hop varieties were used in each barrel. At 9.3% ABV, this double IPA prevails with a tropical citrus flavor, a pungent floral aroma, and a clean getaway.

Odell Brewing has partnered with Old Chicago’s to feature Myrcenary, which will be on draft exclusively at most Old Chicago locations within the brewery’s nine state distributor region beginning February 23rd.

“Our partnership with Old Chicago’s started with our opening night in 1989,” said Doug Odell, brewery founder. “They were our first account, and we’re very excited that they will be featuring our newest creation.”

Odell Brewing will celebrate the launch of Myrcenary Double IPA on February 26th from 4-6 pm in the brewery’s Tap Room. Guests can enjoy samples of the beer as well as live music from The Band of Pirates.

Founded in 1989, Odell Brewing was started by Doug Odell, his wife Wynne, and his sister Corkie. Twenty-one years later, the culture of family and collaboration still thrives fostering a brewery full of beer-centric people. It is this passion for beer that inspires Odell Brewing to create quality, hand-crafted, innovative brews. In 2010 the brewery completed its fourth expansion, adding a wood-aging cellar, a 750 ml bottling line, and a 76 kilowatt photovoltaic system capable of providing 39% of the brewery’s peak energy demand. As a regional craft brewery, Odell Brewing is committed to serving the communities in which it distributes by sourcing local raw materials, and through its charitable giving program known as Odell Outreach. Odell Brewing was recently named a “Top Company of 2010” by ColoradoBiz Magazine and is an award winning brewery, nationally and internationally: 2010 North American Beer Awards – gold medal for Woodcut No. 3. 2009 BrewNZ Awards – gold for 5 Barrel Pale Ale. 2008 World Beer Cup® – gold for IPA. 2007 Great American Beer Festival® – gold medal for IPA.

Odell Brewing deploys Myrcenary Double IPA

[Disclaimer: Beernews.org is a leader in craft beer news and is the original source of this article. If you would like to check out more, please visit the original site. Thanks!]

(Santa Rosa, CA) – A few kegs have hit the streets already.

You can still pick up Pliny the Younger at Russian River Brewing‘s pub in Santa Rosa for another week or so as they release a certain amount each day (get there before evening!). There are also some kegs beginning to float out there through the craft beer ecosystem. Wherever it lands, there is a possibility that it lasts for 15 minutes or something similarly absurd and there are often long lines for announced tappings. What else would you expect for a beer that is rated top 3 in the world on both Beer Advocate and RateBeer?

Last year, I was researching Twitter as a tool to gather information. I tested how easy it would be to gather a list of bars that had Pliny the Younger on tap and I was able to come up with an incomplete list of over 60 locations (I’m guessing it’s 98% accurate but again, not a complete list). This doesn’t mean that those same locations will get Pliny this year but use it as a guide. Through Twitter, Beer Advocate, Untappd, Taphunter and blogs, it is easier than ever to compile a list of spots where a beer like PtY will be tapped, more importantly, in advance.

Still, there are enough inefficiencies in compiling and disseminating that information that bars are still fielding lots of calls about the beer, perhaps more than ever before. The Falling Rock Taphouse in Denver reportedly gets 3-4 dozen calls a day about the beer and sent out an email to its newsletter subscribers requesting that they stop calling. It might be worth it for other bars to follow suit or maybe even put in a message about Pliny into the phone system before calls come through.

As for the latest, here’s the information that is out there:

Toronado San Diego and the Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens appear to be the first bars outside of Russian River’s own taproom to release some (last night). Hopyard in Pleasanton also reportedly tapped it.

Both the SD Beer Blog and ThinkBrew are tracking Southern California release dates. WineHouse LA is among those locations getting the beer soon. TapHunter has its own short list of locations on the home page that are getting the beer in the area.

Closer to the Bay Area, there is a short thread on Chow. EJ Phair in Pittsburg will be tapping the beer on Monday at 5pm. Bobby G’s Pizzeria in Berkeley will be tapping on Tuesday at 3pm according to a Twitter post.

Soon, the beer will also make its way to Oregon (Portland thread), Washington, Colorado and Pennsylvania. Seattle Beer News says that the beer is still at least two weeks out from release in their area.

Pliny the Younger watch: 2011 edition

[Disclaimer: Beernews.org is a leader in craft beer news and is the original source of this article. If you would like to check out more, please visit the original site. Thanks!]

(Frederick, MD) – Flying Dog Brewery has another new beer coming to shelves in the future.

Here’s the label copy for Flying Dog Simcoe Single Hop Imperial IPA:

“While that damn Dionysus was taking all the glory, Simcoe, Greek God of Beer and Relaxation, was out, diligently developing tools for man to brew- fresh grain and hops, active yeast, and bountiful water. With its golden glow and sharp hop bite, our Imperial Single Hop IPA is a tribute to this lesser-known God (and as temple-worthy as its namesake).”

10% ABV, 70 IBU (and likely headed to 4-packs though unconfirmed)…release date not yet available.

Baltimore Beer Guy has more info on two draft-only beers coming this month: Lucky SOB and Single Hop El Dorado. El Dorado is the second beer in the Single Hop Series after Simcoe, which was introduced as the first this past fall when it was only available on draft.

Flying Dog Simcoe Single Hop Imperial IPA approved

[Disclaimer: Beernews.org is a leader in craft beer news and is the original source of this article. If you would like to check out more, please visit the original site. Thanks!]

(Longmont, CO) – July 29th – Oskar Blues Brewery has announced its’ final of three planned expansions during a three month period. The status-quo-crushing brewery has increased its internal investments with two more massive 200-barrel fermenters to its ever-expanding arsenal. The new tanks will allow Oskar Blues’ most recent canned monstrosity, a 100 IBU and ten percent ABV Imperial IPA hop grenade, dubbed GUBNA, to go from seasonal to year-round status.

“It’s always been about pushing boundaries and providing the best possible beer experience” says founder Dale Katechis. The intense demand for GUBNA has led Oskar Blues to expand its offering from a seasonal brew to a year round go-to IPA. “We’re driven to continue to destroy the barriers of what folks expect from a canned beer,” says Oskar Blues head brewer Dave Chichura. “GUBNA’s intense demand is due to its unique take on the style and is no doubt the hoppiest beer in a can. GUBNA celebrates the simple complexity of each ingredient with a distinctly smooth mouth feel and crisp hop aroma.”

GUBNA emphasizes that complexity of character can arise from simple elements. This ale is made with three malts and one hop. Its light amber color and spicy malt character are derived from the use of German dark Munich malt and rye malt respectively. The GUBNA Imperial IPA greets beer drinkers with a pungent citrus blast, provides a spicy, yet round middle, and finishes with a brisk, clean bitterness. Charlie Papazian waxes poetic about GUBNA Imperial IPA: “Profound & Complex hop character engages philosophic and woozy reminders of the life’s joys.”

Check out the GUBNA Launch Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMAtze-BAfM

Today’s expansion follows May and June’s, bringing the Oskar Blues tally to seven 200-barrel tanks in the last 60 days. Each 200-barrel fermenter adds 400 barrels of capacity per month and brings their current capacity to 5,500 barrels per month.

The additional infrastructure will enable Oskar Blues to continue its extreme growth trajectory that has crushed strong industry trends. 2010 production is anticipated to come in at 44,000 barrels, a whopping increase over the company’s 2009 production of 29,500 barrels.

Set in the heart of Colorado craft beer country, Oskar Blues Brewery in Lyons began canning its beers in November of 2002 with a hand-canning line in the 60- year-old barn next door to their funky little brewpub. Although it’s now a full- throttle canning operation that is quickly expanding its cult-like following across the nation, Oskar Blues remains true to its original mission of simply blowing minds with what can come out of a can of beer.

Oskar Blues expands, makes GUBNA year-round

[Disclaimer: Beernews.org is a leader in craft beer news and is the original source of this article. If you would like to check out more, please visit the original site. Thanks!]

“It was great to see people respond so positively to Big Barrel. This is a huge, hoppy beer with a quickly growing fan base,” says Brewmaster Paul Segura. Big Barrel Double IPA has earned a loyal following with solid “A” scores on popular beer rating websites BeerAdvocate.com and Ratebeer.com.

Big Barrel is a bold double IPA characterized by the use of New Zealand Nelson Sauvin hops, known for their tropical fruit flavor and aroma. “It is interesting to see how the hop character changes with each batch we brew. Hop varietals can vary based on weather and soil conditions and this batch leans more towards an earthy fruitiness,” says Paul. The finished beer has an intensely hoppy nose with hints of mango, pine, grapefruit, and orange.

Big Barrel Double IPA comes in at 9.0% ABV and over 90 IBUS. A blend of Marris Otter and Caramel malts provide the perfect balance to the bitterness. Fermented with Chico yeast, this beer finishes smooth and dry with a pleasant, fruity bitterness.

A limited run of Big Barrel Double IPA will be available in 22oz bottles and on draft across Southern California in early April. Look for the next installment of the Coastal Reserve Series, Whistler Imperial Pils, in July. For more information and a video about Big Barrel Double IPA, visit www.karlstrauss.com.

Specs:
9.0% ABV
90 IBU
15.4 SRM

Label Copy:
“To kick off this series of intense hoppy beers, we wanted to go big. Imported New Zealand Nelson Sauvin hops provide a vibrant tropical aroma that raises eyebrows and expectations. Aggressive amounts of Warrior and Ahtanum hops produce an assertive bitterness that stands out against a firm malt backbone. Balanced even at 90 IBUs, Big Barrel leaves a considerable first impression that serves as a prelude of things to come.”

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About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
This year Karl Strauss Brewing Company turns the big 2-1, the most important year in a beer drinker’s life. This coming of age will be celebrated throughout 2010 with a diverse lineup of 35 beers, including 6 year-round favorites, 3 seasonal offerings, and a host of innovative special brews. Located in San Diego and distributed exclusively in Southern California, Karl Strauss currently ranks #39 on the list of Top Craft Breweries in the country. In addition to handcrafting quality beers, Karl Strauss is a leader of the beer and culinary connection at their six local brewery restaurants.

Karl Strauss Big Barrel Double IPA is back

[Disclaimer: Beernews.org is a leader in craft beer news and is the original source of this article. If you would like to check out more, please visit the original site. Thanks!]

(Munster, IN) – Three Floyds Brewing got two new label approved for bottles.

Three Floyds Arctic Panzer Wolf is an Imperial IPA that debuted on tap early last fall at some different spots. Now it will be available in 22 oz. bombers for the first time. The artwork is based on the Death to False Prophets mural on the wall at the brewery (happens to be where they are doing some barrel-aging).

Beer description: “A dry and stupendously hopped medium bodied Imperial IPA brewed with Canadian two-row malt, dextrose sugar and lots of American hops. Arctic Panzer Wolf has superior aromas of marmalade, white wine, pine and apricot all mixed with an intense American hop bitterness.”

And then there’s Three Floyds Blackheart IPA which will be featuring a new label soon. This beer has been previously released by the brewery in 22 oz. bottles.

No release date for these have been announced yet.

Three Floyds Arctic Panzer Wolf coming to bottles, new Blackheart label

[Disclaimer: Beernews.org is a leader in craft beer news and is the original source of this article. If you would like to check out more, please visit the original site. Thanks!]

(Woodbridge, CT) – Got some tips from Brewer / Sales Rep, Matt Westfall this week . . .

The bad news is that New England Brewing will cease calling its Imperial Stout, “Imperial Stout Trooper,” this year. The people behind the Star Wars brand contacted the brewery a while back about the label and they conceded the name though they will still make the beer. The good news is far outweighs the bad for NEB fans as the brewery has a lot in store for 2010. Here is a sneak peak at the brewery’s schedule:

February – Gold Stock Ale
March – Ghandi-Bot Double India Pale Ale + Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout Trooper
April – 668 “The Neighbor of the Beast” – Belgian Strong Pale
May – Tequila Barrel Aged Double IPA
June to August – Alpha Weizen
September – Wet Willy Scotch Ale
October – More Ghandi-Bot + a TBD seasonal
November – Flanders Oud Bruin
December – Imperial Stout (Trooper)
+ Other fun draft offerings mixed in

Westfall notes that Ghandi-Bot, 668, and Alpha Weizen will make it into cans this year. Gold Stock will be draft only and the rest bottled.

[note: in my fruitless search for a large-sized brewery logo, I found what appears to be a mock-up of a Sea Hag label that never saw the light of the day. Heavybag Media is the company responsible for New England Brewing's marketing campaign.]

New England Brewing 2010 Schedule

[Disclaimer: Beernews.org is a leader in craft beer news and is the original source of this article. If you would like to check out more, please visit the original site. Thanks!]