(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.
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San Diego, CA – April 8, 2010 – After the successful launch of Big Barrel Double IPA last October, Karl Strauss fans have been clamoring for more. As the first installment of the company’s 22oz Coastal Reserve Series, Big Barrel allowed people to experience the edgier side of Karl Strauss’ beer offerings. The spring version of Big Barrel will hit shelves across Southern California in early April.
“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.
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Deschutes Brewery Releases Popular Summer Seasonal, Twilight Ale
April 7, 2010- Bend, Oregon– Deschutes Brewery releases its super sessionable summer seasonal, Twilight Ale, this month. This crisp and effervescent ale makes summer barbeques, trailhead gatherings, outdoor concerts and the like even more outstanding. Twilight Ale is perfect to enjoy just as the sun sets during those extended summer evenings.
While staying true to its roots, the Twilight Ale packaging has a slightly different look this year. The evolution includes a larger “window” to display the artistic interpretation of Smith Rock State Park, a world-class rock climbing destination not far from Deschutes Brewery headquarters. Yes, Twilight Ale is releasing a little earlier than usual this year (it usually hits the shelves and taps in May) because Deschutes’ spring seasonal, Red Chair NWPA, sold out in record time.
Twilight Ale is a straw-colored ale with a vigorous hop essence and a subtle, wafer-like body that complements the flavor of this special seasonal brew. It is a unique blend of four hops and malts: Cara-Pils and Carastan malts with the late addition of whole flower Amarillo, Cascade and Tettnang hops.
Deschutes Brewery’s Brewmaster, Larry Sidor, said, “Mother Nature has been good to us by giving us an exceptional harvest of Amarillo hops this year so Twilight should be doubly delicious.”
So start sipping the sunshine a little early this year by drinking some Twilight Ale and make some magic happen with a beer that’s brewed just for the long, lazy days of summer.
Twilight Ale will be available from April until September in 6-packs, 12-packs and on draft.
Beer Geek Information:
5% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
35 International Bittering Units (IBUs)
Beer-Food Pairing:
The brewery team recommends pairing Twilight with picnic classics such as barbecued chicken and potato salads.
About Deschutes Brewery
Located in beautiful Bend, Oregon, Deschutes Brewery is in the business of daring people to expect more from their beer. That’s why we started off in 1988, on the banks of the Deschutes River here in Bend, Oregon, by selling Black Butte Porter at a time when others were sure a dark beer would never catch on. Our brewers love to push the envelope, especially if it makes someone nervous. But for us, the highest praise is a raised glass and a toast of “Bravely Done!” For more information about Deschutes Brewery and its courageously crafted beers, please visit www.DeschutesBrewery.com.
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2009 proves to be a year of firsts for Oregon’s brewing industry
PORTLAND, Ore. (April 7, 2010) – Oregon breweries reached a landmark in 2009, producing more than one million barrels, or roughly 260 million pints of beer. According to figures released today by the Oregon Brewers Guild, Oregon’s breweries crafted 1,050,000 barrels of beer, which represents an increase in production of 15.2 percent over 2008.
“The brewing industry is a major contributor to Oregon’s economy and a big supporter of our communities,” said Brian Butenschoen, Executive Director of the Oregon Brewers Guild. “In the last year alone our 74 brewing companies donated product and money equal to more than $1.25 million to local non-profits.”
Last year was a year filled with milestones for the industry – the first time craft beer production topped one million barrels, the first time Oregon’s brewers took home a record 24 medals at the Great American Beer Festival, the first time Oregon became home to more than 100 breweries and the successful launch of the first Zwickelmania brewery open house event. Oregon continues to take a leadership role in the national craft brewing scene as well, ranking within the top five for number of breweries, breweries per capita, total craft beer production and total craft beer consumption.
Oregon beer produced and consumed in state grew 7.8 percent by volume in 2009 to 358,000 barrels, outpacing the national craft beer growth rate of 7.2 percent by volume. Oregon’s breweries made 12.4 percent of the 2.894 million barrels of all beer – both bottled and draft – consumed in the state during 2009. For draft beer, that percentage is even higher, with Oregon breweries producing an estimated 38 percent of all draft beer consumed in the state.
Portland, Oregon currently has 32 breweries within its city limits, more than any other city in the world. The state of Oregon has 74 brewing companies operating 102 brewing facilities. Oregon’s brewing companies employed more than 4,700 people in 2009, with more than 400 people working in beer production. Retail sales of Oregon made beer sold in the state totaled approximately $230 million in 2009.
The Oregon Brewers Guild is Oregon’s non-profit trade association for the state’s independent breweries. The Guild, which receives no state funding, comprises 65 brewing companies, 32 associate or supplier members and more than 2,725 enthusiast members or S.N.O.B.s (Supporters of Native Oregon Beer). For more information, see www.oregonbeer.org.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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