(Dexter, MI) – Jolly Pumpkin’s Baudelaire Series – first introduced in 2010 – celebrates the deep, dark and often dangerous side of love, as a story of art and beer unfold. The series is created in the spirit of French poet Charles Pierre Baudelaire (1821-1867). Widely-known as a controversial figure (much like his fellow writer, Edgar Allen Poe), Baudelaire’s name has become the epitome of literary and artistic debauchery. Through these distinctive beers, Jolly Pumpkin presents a liquid narrative, steeped in romantic tendencies – with just a hint of tragedy.
iO Saison is the latest release to capture the hearts of art and artisan beer lovers alike, following last year’s introduction Ale Absurd – a rye triple ale. Drawn in by the historic elegance of the label design and then held tight by the rapture of flavors, iO will be released in limited quantities, appropriately just in time for Valentine’s Day. She is brewed in a lovely fashion, with rose hips, rose petals and hibiscus. Yet, don’t be easily deceived by her looks, for like love – she can be oh so dangerous. Only 850 cases of iO (ABV 6.8%) are expected to be released. The 750ml bottles will be available nationwide to select wholesalers.
Ron Jeffries (aka Captain Spooky, General Mischief Maker, Chief Squeegee Operator and head of the Jolly Pumpkin Motley Brew Crew) exudes the pure essence of a modern-day brewmaster. He has garnered global recognition as the consummate creator of beers displaying the utmost in world-class art and grace, a philosopher of all things beery, and an outspoken advocate of the slower, finer life. Through these practices, Jeffries has honed his craft and is widely revered for his abilities to blend traditional brewing elements with the most unique complimentary ingredients. Some believe, there is no finer example of this than the Beaudelaire Series – which to some, embody true aphrodisiac qualities.
To open yourself up the true character of this beer, perhaps it is best to let the back label do the talking:
“Let’s face it. Beer is an art form that excites our sense and stirs our imagination. This truth gave Jolly Pumpkin an idea. We’d create a limited series of beers by throwing caution to the wind and following our creative muse no matter where it leads. This is how we discovered Baudelaire beer. A romantic world, dimly lit by distant memory, yet alive and inspiration to us pursue beauty at any cost. In the world of Baudelaire, label and beer come together in character and taste, influencing the drink to take upon the spirit of creativity and thin the veil between life and art. Let the muse guide you. ‘A breath of air from the wings of madness.’ – Charles Bauledaire.”
Forman’s artwork is reminiscent of what might be found in a Tim Burton movie – elegant with a hint of sinister etched deep within – much like the beauty that is iO. A long time friend of Jolly Pumpkin’s Ron & Laurie Jeffries, Foreman is a world-traveler and tattoo artist. His creative exploits have helped shape iO and Ale Absurd, giving them depth of character as the ambassadors of the Baudelaire Series.
The Jolly Pumpkin is part of Northern United Brewing Co., which also encompasses the Grizzly Peak and North Peak Beer Co. craft beer brands, as well as the soon-to-be-released Civilized line of spirits. NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication to conservation, inspiration and locally sustainable practices. All of the beers and spirits under these brands are produced at either the new 5600-square-foot facility on Old Mission Peninsula adjacent to Mission Table restaurant (former Bowers Harbor Inn) or at the original Jolly Pumpkin brewing facility in Dexter.
Find NUBC products at stores, restaurants, and bars all throughout Michigan, including: North Peak Brewing Company, Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, all in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor.
[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!]
“On Saturday, March 12th, after a year in the making, we’ll be releasing the 2011 version of KBS!! One of the world’s most anticipated and sought-after beers, bottled KBS will be available in our Taproom before you can buy it in other retail outlets. KBS will be available when we open at 11am until we run out. Limit one case per customer while supplies last.
But KBS Release isn’t just about the bottled product…it’ll be the first day we’ll have 2011 KBS on tap! We’ll probably have a few different versions flowing, maybe some KBS nitro, maybe some vintage KBS as well. Undoubtedly, it’ll be a great day of celebrating one of our finest beers. We hope you’ll join us.”
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The Wintery Legends Continue with Release of North Peak Brewing Company’s Burly Belgo IPA
(Traverse City, MI) – Inhabiting the furthest reaches of the snow-covered hills and forests of the Northern Michigan backwoods is a burly beast that stands nearly as tall as the giant hardwood trees among which it lives. Known as the third-yeti or Abominable Snowman, the human-like creature is believed to be a direct descendent of Sasquatch, otherwise known as Bigfoot.
Its story is well known around the world in different mythologies, folk tales and legends, dating back hundreds of years. Yet, its existence remains one of the big mysteries – or some may say debates – of the modern day. Considered one of the most debated creatures, its history runs as deep as its footprints in the Northern Michigan backwoods.
Accounts of this creature have continued to surface at routine intervals throughout the past few centuries. In each case, there are reports of the mysterious creature being spotted darting in and out of the trees, leaving behind its tracks in the snow throughout the forests of Northern Michigan.
Steve Bell and Trev Gillow are bird hunters, and are also good friends with Jon Carlson and Greg Lobdell, who – along with Ron Jeffries and Mike Hall – are the managing partners of Northern United Brewing Company.
“These guys had an encounter with a large creature while hunting the elusive Ruffed Grouse in Northern Michigan back in 1989,” Lobdell recalls. “Both men saw an enormous, hairy, man-like creature that resembled the legendary Sasquatch disappear into the brush.”
That was the only sighting the two ever had, and most of their friends – Carlson and Lobdell included – question the validity of the story.
“They stick by their story and return to the same hunting spot every year,” Carlson says. “They both often say, ‘Knowing it’s out there, keeps us coming back.’”
In honor of this mystical creature and the oft-told story by Bell and Gillow, Northern United Brewing Company has released Burly Belgo IPA – the latest seasonal in its line of hand-crafted microbrews. Burly will be available in early February in six-packs, 1/2bbls and on tap at pubs around the state – including Jolly Pumpkin, North Peak Brewing, Blue Tractor and other fine establishments.
The North Peak is part of Northern United Brewing Co., which also encompasses the Grizzly Peak and Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales craft beer brands, as well as the soon-to-be-released Civilized line of spirits. NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication to conservation, inspiration and locally sustainable practices. All of the beers and spirits under these brands are produced at either the new 5600-square-foot facility on Old Mission Peninsula adjacent to Mission Table (former Bowers Harbor Inn) restaurant or at the original Jolly Pumpkin facility in Dexter.
Find NUBC products at stores, restaurants, and bars all throughout Michigan, including: North Peak Brewing Company, Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, all in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor.
[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!]
(TRAVERSE CITY, Mich) – Beginning February 1, craft beer lovers throughout Ohio will be able to enjoy a selection of North Peak beer thanks to a distribution program managed by Premium Beverage Supply. This is North Peak’s first venture outside its home state of Michigan.
“We are very excited to add North Peak Brewing to our existing portfolio of strong Michigan breweries,” says Ron Wilson, Owner of Premium Beverage Supply. “Its lineup of year-round and seasonal beers makes for an excellent selection for the Ohio craft beer stores to choose from.”
The majority of Premium’s craft retailers around the state of Ohio will add North Peak beer – Vicious, Diabolical and Siren, for starters – to their line-up. They will be available in both bottles and on draft.
“For a long time we have been eyeing Ohio as our first expansion market due to its consumers’ knowledge and support of not only craft beer but specifically Michigan craft beer,” says North Peak Brewer Mike Hall. “We are very excited about bringing our exceptional lineup of delicious North Peak beers to such a savvy craft beer market.”
“North Peak Brewing appears to be well structured to make a strategic run at its first out-of-state market,” Wilson says. “The Premium Beverage sales staff is extremely excited to hit the market with a quality lineup from an up-and-coming brewery such as North Peak.”
Based out of Hilliard, OH, Premium Beverage Supply has been distributing the world’s finest craft and specialty ales, lagers and spontaneously-fermented beer throughout Ohio since 1994.
“From the moment I met with Premium Beverage I knew they would be an excellent partner to embark on this journey with us,” says Mike Turiff, North Peak Vice President of Sales. “Their management and sales force is well versed in not only Craft Beer but especially craft beer for the Great Beer State. We are extremely confident that this will be a mutually beneficial partnership and we can’t wait to bring even more Craft Beer to the consumers of Ohio.”
Drawing on nearly 50 years of combined brewing experience, Mike Hall and Ron Jeffries collaborate and perfected the North Peak recipes. These clean, classic beers resonated with casual beer drinkers and die-hard aficionados alike.
In late 2009, at its new, secluded, state-of-the-art brewing facility on Old Mission Peninsula, the first bottles of Siren Amber Ale, Diabolical IPA and Majestic American Wheat rolled off the bottling line and quickly found their place on the retail shelves and in the hearts of craft beer enthusiasts. Since then, the North Peak line has expanded to include Vicious – a dry-hopped Wheat IPA, Archangel Summer Wheat, Furry IPA, Burly Belgo IPA (due out in February 2011) and Sinuous Celtic Ale (coming in March 2011).
Distributed as part of a distinctive packaging and visual branding in six-pack retro-style stubbie bottles, each North Peak brew proudly holds a legend steeped in rich Northern Michigan lore behind its creation, its name and its unique label design.
The North Peak is part of Northern United Brewing Co., which also encompasses the Grizzly Peak and Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales craft beer brands, as well as the soon-to-be-released Civilized line of spirits. NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication to conservation, inspiration and locally sustainable practices. All of the beers and spirits under these brands are produced at either the new 5600-square-foot facility on Old Mission Peninsula adjacent to Mission Table (former Bowers Harbor Inn) restaurant or at the original Jolly Pumpkin facility in Dexter.
Find NUBC products at stores, restaurants, and bars all throughout Michigan, including: North Peak Brewing Company, Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, all in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor.
[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!]
(Monroe, WI) – Gary Olson, President of the Minhas Craft Brewery announced that 2010 was a banner year for “the oldest brewery in the Midwest” on three different fronts:
PRODUCTION
The Brewery packaged just under 250,000 barrels in 2010. This annual volume matches the highest annual barrels ever produced by the Brewery in its long and storied 166 year history. The last time the Brewery achieved these high production numbers was in the early 1980s when the renowned Augsburger brand was produced by the Brewery before it was sold to Stroh’s of Detroit, MI. Many people in the area believed that the lofty production numbers of the “Augie” years would never be matched again. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the Brewery staff and workers, this great production record has once again been achieved.
The record production was attained by the resurgence of the Brewery’s heritage brands such as Huber Bock, as well as the new brands that have been introduced, such as Mountain Crest, Boxer and Minhas Light.
TOURISM
The Brewery doubled the number of tour center visitors in 2010 as compared to the previous year. This represents another all time record for the Minhas Craft Brewery. In June of 2010, the grand opening of the Haydock Museum of Beer Memorabilia, the largest brewery museum in America was held. The museum is drawing visitors to the Monroe area from all parts of the country and overseas. The museum and tour center are now open 7 days a week which adds to its appeal as a vacation destination. The Haydock Museum of Beer Memorabilia is also attracting the attention of the print media with magazine and newspaper articles appearing nationwide. This added exposure is great for increasing tourism throughout Green County.
LOCAL ECONOMY
The Brewery signed a 5 year contract with its Union. The record breaking production level has mandated a record number of employees and payroll dollars for the Green County area by the Brewery.
The leadership team and employees at the Minhas Craft Brewery look forward to 2011 with excitement as they expect the growth to continue beyond the current all time production records. They are planning for increased sales of 20%, by growing the current brands and introducing our new Boxer Light Lager. The Brewery will also be completing this year a six million dollar capital investment and expansion plan that was started a couple of years ago.
[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!]
Stag Series #3 is August Schell’s interpretation of a traditional Franconian Rauchbier (smoke beer). Rauchbiers date back to the early 1500s, when green malt was dried over open fires. The grain picks up the smokey flavor from the fire, and this is carried over to the beer.
Stag Series #3 uses a blend of malts smoked over beechwood and cherrywood to create a twist on the traditional style. The remainder of the malt bill includes Dark Munich Malt, Caramunich, and a touch of black malt for color. It is hopped with Tettnang and Sterling.
[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!]
(BENTON HARBOR, Mich) – In celebration of its 5th Anniversary, The Livery in Benton Harbor is hosting a gathering August 20-21, focused on hand-forged microbrews, a summer-style picnic and plenty of musical pickin’s for all to enjoy.
The festivities kick off on Friday, August 20 at 8pm with Pinetop Perkins & Willie “Big Eyes” Smith playing throughout the night. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the show and may be purchased online at www.liverybrew.com, by calling 800-594-8499 or at the brewery itself (cash only).
The fun continues on Saturday, August 21 when a “no cover” gathering will be held from Noon to 6pm, with a summer-style picnic featuring local fruits & veggies, beer brats, burgers and more; “old school” vinyl music with DJ DannyBoy (the brewer at The Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti) and beer samplings include six barrel aged brews and the release of the “Anniversary Ale” – an Imperial Black IPA.
This “Anniversary Ale” will debut at the Great Taste of the Midwest in Madison, Wisconsin on August 14 and will then be available at the anniversary party in Benton Harbor. It will be well worth the wait! In February, Brewmaster Steve Berthel and fellow brewers Jared Williamson from New Albanian Brewing Co. in New Albany, Indiana and Josh Davies from Arcadia Ales in Battle Creek, Michigan got together on Steve’s birthday weekend to brew a batch for the 5th anniversary celebration – an incredible Imperial Black IPA, with about 11.5% abv and well over 125 IBUs.
One hundred years ago, the building known as the Palace Livery at 190 5th Street in Benton Harbor provided a vital service making it a gathering place for residents and travelers to Southwest Michigan. Five years ago, the former horse stable and carriage shop was been brought back to life as “The Livery” – one of Michigan’s most exciting and unique microbreweries, featuring a diverse selection of beer styles, ciders and wines, an outdoor beer garden and a Cafe. All of the “Hand Forged Microbrews” are painstakingly created by brewmaster Steve Berthel on a 10 bbl. brewing system of his own design. Music and other live entertainment are regularly featured in The Upper Livery entertainment venue.
The Livery is one of some 70 licensed craft brewing operations in the state of Michigan – most of which are proud members of the Michigan Brewers Guild (www.MichiganBrewersGuild.org).
[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!]
