(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.]
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NEW BELGIUM BREWING PRESENTS RANGER INDIA PALE ALE
Ranger IPA Debuts with New Packaging, Launching New Belgium’s Explore Series
Ft. Collins, Colorado, January 19, 2010 – Ever met a New Belgium Beer Ranger? They are the friendly folks who ensure that New Belgium beers are available in local markets where the beer is served. Spanning 26 states from the Pacific to the Atlantic, Beer Rangers do their best to protect, to pour and to partake. Because of their selfless dedication to keep taps flowing and shelves stocked, New Belgium Brewing has created a beer in their honor: Ranger IPA. This year-round India Pale Ale is a unique addition to the New Belgium portfolio, and answers Rangers’ (and their local beer drinkers’) call for something new and hoppy in 2010.
While IPA is not technically a Belgian style, it was recently agreed upon that a hoppy offering from New Belgium was in order. Simcoe, Chinook and Cascade hops lead off the beer, with Cascade added again for dry-hopping. We’re talking three pounds of hops per barrel resulting in a bright, citrus blast of hops riding a substantial, malty base. Pale and dark caramel malts bring out the hop aroma and flavor from start to finish. Ranger IPA offers 70 IBUs and is 6.5% ABV.
“The Belgian tradition of thinking outside the box freed us up to create a beer we all love that falls outside a conventional interpretation of Belgian ‘style’,” said Assistant Brewmaster Grady Hull. “It was fun to play with some new elements – this is by far the hoppiest beer we have ever produced.”
The new offering, Ranger IPA, and its closest friends, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, are getting fresh, vivid graphics under the Explore Series. These four beers’ departure from New Belgium’s traditional watercolor packaging will make eyes pop and bottle caps fly. View imagery here.
Ranger IPA retails for approximately $7.99 and is offered in most states where New Belgium is sold.
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces eight year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.
[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!]
HOOK & LADDER BREWING CO. ROLLS INTO THE TWIN CITIES
The Twin Cities newest brew gives back to local communities with its “A Penny in Every Pint”® and “A Quarter in Every Case”® donation program for Minnesota firefighters and hospital burn centers.
St. Paul, MN. – Hook & Ladder Brewing Company, a Washington, D.C.-area venture started by a volunteer firefighter and his business-minded brother, is bucking negative economic trends and experiencing tremendous growth this year – despite the fact that the mission-based business donates a portion of all sales to charity and continues to face the industry challenges of escalating transportation and ingredient costs. The company’s recent expansion into Minnesota, a state with a rich craft beer culture, demonstrates the Hook & Ladder brand’s ability to distinguish itself within the expanding craft beer market. Hook & Ladder’s brews will be available in the Twin Cities February 1st, 2010.
Hook & Ladder was founded on the mission of building a business while giving back to each community in which its beers are sold. Hook & Ladder and local wholesale partner, Wirtz Beverage Minnesota will provide donations to Twin Cities area burn centers and firefighter burn organizations through the A Penny in Every Pint® and A Quarter in Every Case® programs.
A Quarter in Every Case® donates 25 cents from each case sold and A Penny in Every Pint® donates $4 from each barrel. Rich Fleischer, a 15-year volunteer firefighter and head brewer for Hook & Ladder states, “In addition to selling award-winning beers, we’re also giving beer enthusiasts in Minnesota a chance to give back to their local heroes in the fire and rescue service every time they pick up a Hook & Ladder brew. That’s what sets us apart from other beers in this extremely competitive industry.” These efforts have raised over $75,000 in the past 30 months alone.
Hook & Ladder’s steady growth is gaining attention in the brewing community. Initially distributed by just one wholesale partner in only the Washington, DC area, Hook & Ladder is now distributed by wholesale partners in 27 states around the country. According to industry statistics by the Brewers Association, Hook & Ladder experienced 688% growth in 2007, the biggest percentage increase among craft brewers providing beers solely through a distribution network.
Hook & Ladder brews two trademark beers. The Great American Beer Festival Gold Medalist Golden Ale® and Backdraft Brown®, which recently received a 95 point rating from Draft Magazine. In March, the company will be releasing their third style, Flashpoint Pale Ale. Currently Flashpoint Pale Ale is only available in their variety pack along with a limited edition Belgian Dubbel Anniversary Ale that was brewed to celebrate their five-year anniversary.
[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!]
Harpoon Brewery and Island Creek Oysters brew a limited edition Oyster Stout
Boston, MA (January 19, 2010) – On Thursday, January 21st, Harpoon brewer Katie Tame will begin brewing the 30th installment of the Harpoon 100 Barrel Series, the brewery’s line of limited edition beers.
Joining Katie on the brewhouse platform will be Skip Bennett, owner of Island Creek Oysters, shucking hundreds of freshly harvested oysters straight from Duxbury Bay to add to the brew. The Harpoon Brewery and Island Creek Oysters have teamed up to create the Harpoon 100 Barrel Series Island Creek Oyster Stout. This beer represents a celebration of New England as it incorporates local, quality oysters from Duxbury, MA paired with fresh, handcrafted beer brewed in Boston, MA.
The one-of-a-kind, limited-batch creation has a rich body and a smooth feel derived from a combination of roasted barley and chocolate rye malts. The roasted notes of the stout blend beautifully with the briny, mineral flavors of Island Creek Oysters, which were added to the brew moments after being harvested in Duxbury Bay. An addition of hops adds a hint of bitterness and aroma to balance the sweetness from the malt combination. This beer is best enjoyed in a pint glass with a plate full of Island Creek Oysters.
Brewed by Harpoon Brewer Katie Tame using Island Creek Oysters harvested by Founder, Skip Bennett, the idea of the Island Creek Oyster Stout was created organically after years of sharing freshly harvested oysters over locally brewed pints of beer together. Historically, oysters have had a long association with stouts. One theory suggests that the pairing originated centuries ago in an old English town with a plethora of great breweries and oysters.
“Everyone at Island Creek Oysters is honored to have this opportunity to partner with our friends at the Harpoon Brewery after years of working together and create something unique that we’re all so proud,” explained Skip Bennett. “To be able to continue to partner with a like-minded brand that sources local ingredients and has strong ties to the community is truly a pleasure.”
“It is exciting to work with the people at Island Creek who, like us, are enthusiastic and passionate about the freshness and quality of their product,” remarked Katie Tame. “This beer is not only a merging of two great New England offerings, it is also a merging of history. Stouts have long been paired with oysters, though seldom brewed with them. This is our contemporary twist on an age-old tradition. We hope beer and oyster lovers have as much fun drinking it as we had brewing it.”
The Harpoon 100 Barrel Series Island Creek Oyster Stout will be available in early February 2010 in 22 oz. bottles and on draft at select retailers and restaurants throughout New England. This beer is best enjoyed in a pint glass with a plate full of Island Creek Oysters.
About Island Creek Oysters
Skip Bennett, owner and founder of Island Creek Oysters, planted his first oysters in 1992 after three years growing quahogs in Duxbury Bay. After years of trial and error, and some undeniably delicious oysters, Island Creek Oysters has grown into one of the largest and most reputable aquaculture businesses in the US, selling nearly five million oysters a year around the world. Intense care is given to every step of the process; from hatchery to harvesting. Because of Island Creek’s commitment to excellence, the National Shellfish Association named Island Creek Oysters the best oyster in America. For more information, or to purchase oysters for home delivery, please visit www.islandcreekoysters.com.
[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!]
FULL SAIL BREWING COMPANY RELEASES TOP SAIL BOURBON BARREL AGED IMPERIAL PORTER
Hood River, Or – The waiting list is growing and so is the anticipation. It is almost time for the annual and very limited release of Full Sail’s bourbon barrel beer. Top Sail Bourbon Barrel Porter rested in oak bourbon barrels for close to one year will finally be ready to pour early this February.
“Our barrel aged beers have been a Full Sail tradition since 1998 when we discovered the magic that happens when you pair vintage barrels, dedication, and patience. Brewed back in February 2009, this imperial style porter was reserved and aged for almost a year in casks from Maker’s Mark, Stranahan’s and Four Roses. After a year we created a blend that is 100% barrel aged beer to craft our Bourbon Barrel Top Sail. This extended aging presents aromas of oak, coconut and bourbon. Deep chocolate flavors warm to a full-bodied beer. Oak, toast and caramel flavors are rounded by the bourbon fire and sweetness. Deep black in color, Top Sail Bourbon Aged Imperial Porter has a roasty malt flavor that is immensely drinkable and smooth. It cellars well, if you store a few bottles in a dark, cool place and be patient – you will be rewarded for your effort and restraint,” said Jamie Emmerson, Full Sail’s Executive Brewmaster. To help the beer aficionados that have the self-discipline to cellar this beer, Full Sail marks the bottle label with the reserve year. Top Sail will be available in 22 oz bottles and limited draught. (ABV 9.85%, IBU 65)
“We love the concept of the bourbon barrel aging (though we confess we love the beer even more). Whiskey begins life as beer–or at least a beer-like concoction. It’s made from malted grain and water, which is then distilled and barrel-aged, so barrel aging beer in whiskey casks is a natural. Wood and barrel aging is an art form that takes dedication, patience and care. When done right, it’s a wonderful thing. It’s still distinctly beer, but with added depth and flavor. We brew this special beer in small batches, that’s why it is available in very limited quantities. You should get some while you can,” added Emmerson.
To celebrate the release of this beer Full Sail is planning two Horizontal Tastings that highlight the flavor components of this special brew. “Since Top Sail is a blend of the three barrel varieties, we thought it would be interesting to try a bit of each before blending, so we kegged off a very small stash of each variety for the release. Join us to celebrate the release of this very special beer and taste the nuances between the three versions and the final blend,” added Emmerson. The special tapping will take place at 5 p.m., Monday, February 1st, at Full Sail’s River place Brewery in Portland, Oregon and on Thursday, February 4th at the Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub in Hood River. For more information call the Full Sail River place brewery at 503-222-5343 or the Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub at 541-386-2247.
The independent and employee-owned Full Sail Brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment 47 specialists in the liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. Among the company’s most popular brews are Full Sail Amber, IPA, Pale, LTD, Session and Session Black Premium lager. Founded in 1987, the Full Sail crew has been fermenting godlike nectar for 22 years. Committed to brewing great beer and sustainable practices their award winning brews are now available in nineteen states. The Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub is open seven days a week. Swing by for a pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view.
[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!]
