Saturday, January 16, 2016

Pike Wood Aged Kilt Lifter Honored With Good Food Award

Courtesy of Pike Brewing Co
Seattle, WA – January 16, 2016
Over 800 people gathered on the evening of Friday January, 15 to pay tribute to 176 Good Food Award Winners of 2016. By the majestic Golden Gate Bridge on the San Francisco Bay numerous farmers, chefs, journalists, and activists united to celebrate the exceptional food crafters including luminaries Alice Waters, Nell Newman and Slow Food Founder, Carlo Petrini. Pike Brewing Company Founders and Owners, Charles and Rose Ann Finkel, were among the crowd and cheered when they heard Pike Wood Aged Kilt Lifter announced as one of just 14 beers to win a 2016 Good Food Award.

Courtesy of Pike Brewing Co
According to the Good Food Awards, breweries making Good Beer are pioneers of local manufacturing, using traditional and creative brewing and fermenting methods to redefine consumer expectations for craftsmanship with their beers. These brewers aim to reshape supply chains and promote responsibility by sourcing ingredients locally and grown without synthetic inputs when possible, practicing resource conservation and supporting local communities. Pike’s brewers try to uphold these values every day and we are humbled to be nationally recognized for these efforts.
 
Pike Wood Aged Pike Kilt Lifter is a limited release beer and the 2015 version was aged in Westland Whiskey barrels. Each bottle of Wood Aged Kilt Lifter was hand dipped in wax, as many enthusiasts have been known to age these bottles in their beer cellars. Over 1,930 entries were submitted for the Good Food Awards and Pike Brewing Company applauds all the finalists and winners.
Courtesy of Pike Brewing Co
About Pike Brewing Company: The Pike Brewing Company is an independent and family owned craft brewery located in the historic Pike Place Public Market neighborhood. It was founded in 1989 by craft beer pioneers, Charles and Rose Ann Finkel. Pike Brewing handcrafts beers of character including the Pike Pale Ale, Pike IPA, Naughty Nellie, Space Needle IPA, Kilt Lifter, Monk’s Uncle, and XXXXX Stout along with seasonal offerings such as Harlot’s Harvest, Old Bawdy, Auld Acquaintance, Derby Lager and Octopus Ink. The Pike Pub is known for local, sustainable and seasonal pub fare and for housing the world-famous Micro-Brewery Museum, illustrating 9,000 years of beer history.

Friday, January 15, 2016

Double Mountain Releasing Gypsy Stumper IPA

Courtesy of Double Mountain Brewery
Hood River, OR—January 15th, 2016 —Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom initially brewed the Gypsy Stumper IPA as a slope side beer for Mt. Hood Meadows three years ago, but due to its popularity it returns to bottles for the second time. This complex IPA is currently available on draft and in bottles at the Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom located in downtown Hood River. Gypsy Stumper can also be found in both bottles and on draft throughout the Northwest, British Columbia, and Southern California.

“Gypsy Stumper is a lovely hop forward brew it is the perfect après ski IPA.  I know I will be kicking my feet up, enjoying a Gypsy Stumper and watching the snow fall after a long day on the slopes." Brewmaster/Owner  Matt Swihart



Courtesy of Double Mountain Brewery
Gypsy Stumper
IPA
7.5% ABV, 80 BU

Description: In the spring of 1980, a bearded, long haired, ragtag work crew known as the Gypsy Stumpers was hired to clear the stumps out of the newly formed runs on Hood River Meadows. Camped at lift tower 10 on Hood River Meadows, they worked long hours falling trees six feet in diameter, but only three feet tall. Much like the stumpers, this beer works twice as hard for your riding pleasure. Tangerine, grapefruit, and herbal flower make their way through the resinous, pine forest nose. It has a strong back, capable of lifting the weight of the vigorous hopping, resulting in an assertive balance. ABV 7.5%, 80 BU 


Courtesy of Double Mountain Brewery
About Double Mountain Brewery and Taproom: Double Mountain Brewery and Taproom was established in 2007 in the heart of downtown Hood River, OR. Founders Matt Swihart and Charlie Devereux opened the brewery with a clear mission: make great beer for craft beer fans. Double Mountain Brewery’s unique location lends to not only using pure and clean glacial water for their beers, but they also take advantage of regionally grown hops. Double Mountain Brewery and Taproom’s unfiltered and long-aged beers deliver maximum flavor and character. They can be found on tap and in bottles throughout the Pacific Northwest and Southern California. Learn more at www.doublemountainbrewery.com

Reuben’s Brews Selected to Brew Official Beer of Seattle Beer Week: Daily Pale, a Session India Pale Ale

Courtesy of Reuben's Brews
January 15, 2016 – Seattle, Washington – Reuben’s Brews announced that it has been selected to brew the official beer of Seattle Beer Week. In honor of the city they love, and their mutual love of hops, the brewery created Daily Pale, a sessionable India Pale Ale. The beer will be available in 12-ounce cans starting mid-April 2016 and on draft around the city as part of the May 12-22 Seattle Beer Week festivities. The official tapping ceremony of Daily Pale which kicks off Seattle Beer Week will be on May 12 at the brewery’s tasting room.

“To brew the official beer of the ultimate beer celebration in the city that is central to everything about us is an especially humbling experience,” said Adam Robbings, founder of Reuben’s Brews. “From opening our eyes to what great beer could be, to being the place where we’ve lived for the past ten years to the amazing support we’ve felt from the community since we opened – Seattle is at our core. To say that we feel a lot of responsibility to make the official beer for Seattle Beer Week a success is an understatement.”

When the Reuben’s Brews team approach the new project, the big questions were what beer to brew and how to make it unique and memorable. Over the course of many days and, of course, many beers, they landed on the idea of a session beer. After all, Seattle Beer Week lasts a good few days! And the brewery’s love of hops is only equaled by that of the Emerald City and the Pacific Northwest as a whole.  So lower ABV, and hop-forward it had to be… something that you could have one or two of, and be able to enjoy every day.

Daily Pale is a hop-forward ‘session’ IPA with an aroma and flavor profile driven by citrus and passionfruit, with kiwi and honeydew undertones. At 4.9% ABV and 55 IBU, it’s light in the body, but balanced and focused on hop flavor and aroma, with a crisp, clean finish.

The name ‘Daily Pale’ provides a connection with the daily newspaper, and goes back to the idea that you can enjoy this beer everyday. It’s also a pun on pail, and can take you back to yester-year when people would get their daily beer in metal open pails (or “growlers”) from their local tavern. Luckily, this beer will be in more sanitary pails – 12oz cans – and kegs.

And as a thank you to Seattle, Reuben’s Brews is donating 1% of the proceeds from Daily Pale to the Seattle Parks Foundation.

About Reuben’s BrewsReuben’s Brews is a small, family-owned brewery located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Since opening in 2012, the brewery has been awarded several local, regional, national and international awards. They won a gold and a bronze medal at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival awards, have been awarded 30 World Beer Championships medals, and were named “Mid-Sized Brewery of the Year” at the 2015 Washington Beer Awards. Their expanded taproom and production brewery opened in May 2015. For more information, visit www.reubensbrews.com or follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Everybodys Brewing Releasing "Biscuit Shooter" Sourdough RyePA A collaboration beer for the 2016 Chef’s Week PDX


Brewer Nick Poggiali and Eve Kuttemann during the boil - Courtesy Everybody's Brewing
Everybody's Brewing Announces Details of Unique Collaboration for Chefs Week PDX

White Salmon, WA - Chefs Week PDX, the week-long culinary event held throughout Portland, pairs West Coast and local chefs to collaborate on dinners, desserts, and parties. This year, Chefs Week PDX invited two breweries to join the fun. Everybody's Brewing (White Salmon, WA), and Double Mountain (Hood River, OR) were each paired with prominent Portland chefs to create a beer together.

Everybody’s Brewing was paired with local pastry chef Eve Kuttemann, known for her work at Castagna, Trifecta Tavern, and her own pop-up, Sage Hen. The team from Everybody’s was lead by head brewer Jess Caudill, well known in the beer industry for his brewing skills, and his vast knowledge of yeast. (Caudill is also co-owner of the Portland based company: Imperial Organic Yeast).


Their goal was to make a beer truly inspired by Kuttemanns baking, which often explores old American recipes. The result was a very unique concept. They decided to attempt to ferment a beer with the wild yeast strain Kuttemann uses in her sourdough bread.  A technique that is rarely used in modern, commercial brewing.
Brewer Adam McClure running tests on the yeast - Courtesy Everybody's Brewing Co
Caudill took a sample of yeast to the lab at Everybody’s to examine.  “Most brewer’s yeast has been propagated to isolate and remove unwanted bacteria. We knew there would be some living in the yeast, and needed to see specifically what kinds.” He was impressed with what he found. “I saw an interesting blend of bacteria, and nothing that needed eliminating. We were able to use her exact culture, which will truly showcase the flavor of Eve’s sourdough bread.”

In classic Northwest fashion, they chose to brew an IPA, highlighted with Citra, Galaxy, and El Dorado Hops. Kuttemann then spent a day in White Salmon, brewing along-side the team at Everybody’s. “Beer and bread-making have so many similarities, but use completely different techniques to extract flavor, so I’m excited to see how the beer highlights the various and complex aspects of the starter.  The entire process was fun, and really exemplified the creativity that Chefs Week PDX is all about.”

Eve shoveling grain - Courtesy of Everybody's Brewing Co
The beer will be called “Biscuit Shooter” Sourdough RyePA, a reference to the camp cook on cattle drives in the old American West, where sourdough biscuits were a staple.  It will be available on draft in Portland starting Feb. 1. Chefs Week PDX runs Feb. 3rd through the 7th. For more information about events, check out www.chefsweekpdx.com.

Courtesy of Everybody's Brewing Co
About Everybody's Brewing:  Founded in 2008 in the Southwest Washington town of White Salmon, Everybody’s Brewing focuses on session style beers with full, complex flavors. The finely crafted beers, locally-sourced food, and outdoor seating with a stunning view of Mt. Hood make Everybody’s Brewing a must stop attraction in the Columbia River Gorge. 

Everybody's Brewing
151 E Jewett Blvd.
White Salmon, WA
509.637.2774


The Washington Brewers Guild Presents 2016 Washington Cask Beer Festival

Courtesy of Washington Brewers Guild
Saturday March 19, 2016  /  Noon-4pm & 6-10pm  / Seattle Center Exhibition Hall

(Seattle, WA) January 14, 2016- The Washington Brewers Guild will present the Washington Cask Beer Festival, a long-running cask beer celebration on Saturday, March 19 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Cask Festival is also an important fundraiser for the Guild, a lobbying arm of the Washington brewing industry who will be representing the interest of Washington breweries during the upcoming legislative session.

As the Washington craft brewing industry continues to grow and its landscape keeps evolving the Guild is committed to educating Washington brewers and consumers and honoring the centuries old tradition of cask-conditioned beer. The event will once again feature more than 100 different cask-conditioned beers brewed by over 40 Guild members including many new comers who will be making their Cask Festival debut this year. To remain true to the spirit of “real ale” all beers are conditioned naturally without artificially introducing CO2 into the cask and will be poured by gravity or via a beer engine.

2016 Washington Cask Beer Festival
DATE            
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Session 1: 12-4 pm
Session 2: 6-10 pm
Doors open 15 minutes before each session begins. Taps close 30 minutes before each session ends.

LOCATION  
Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
299 Mercer St., Seattle, WA  98109
ADMISSION               
$40 advance tickets or $45 at the door, if still available
Admission includes a commemorative tasting glass and up to 25 sample tastes.
Designated driver admission is $5 and available at the door only.
Separate ticket required for each session.
21 and over only. Non-refundable. No dogs allowed.

Tickets are on sale online at www.washingtonbrewersguild.org. This event may sell out so advance ticket purchase it strongly recommended.

BEER             
Washington Cask Beer Festival is a major highlight of the Pacific Northwest beer festival scene. It’s a rare opportunity to sample over 100 mostly exclusive or limited release cask-conditioned beers from 40+ Washington breweries. To stay true to the tradition of cask-conditioned beer the Festival requires brewers to naturally condition the beer in a firkin or other vessels without artificially introducing CO2. All beers will be poured by gravity or via a beer engine and the result is smooth ale with a thick creamy head that brings out subtle, nuanced flavors.

Also featured at the event is the Herbert’s Legendary Cask Festival Ale, a special cask beer brewed collectively by the Washington brewers in honor of Bert Grant, a legendary Washington beer icon.

BENEFICIARY            
Washington Brewers Guild is a non-profit organization whose mission is to build a community of Washington State brewers, advance their common interests through the legislative process and promote the quality and value of their beers.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

33rd edition of the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America® To Be Held In Philadelphia

Let Freedom Ring: Small and Independent Brewers Gather in Birthplace of America

City of Brotherly Love Welcomes Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America® and World Beer CupSM
 
-Billy Beane to Serve as Keynote Speaker-


WHAT: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—a city with a rich history known for independence—will welcome the 33rd edition of the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America® (CBC) from May 3-6. Presented by the Brewers Association, CBC is the leading industry event, and the only one that serves both brewpubs and packaging breweries.
 
BrewExpo America is the premier trade show for craft brewers, offering the perfect platform to meet leaders in the national and international brewing arena and connect with current and future customers. Exhibitors and buyers develop profitable business relationships, while brewing and brewery restaurant professionals find products and solutions that best fit their needs.

CBC 2016 also serves as home to the World Beer CupSM, often referred to as “the Olympics of beer.” Since the inaugural competition in 1996, this event has brought together the best brewing talents and has created awareness about different beer styles and flavor. A qualified professional panel of beer judges will honor the top beers in 94 style categories from more than 58 countries. This year promises to be even more competitive than ever, as the craft brewing renaissance continues to reach all corners of the globe.

WHAT: An estimated 13,500 attendees will have the opportunity to visit with over 600 exhibiting companies and hear from more than 125 presenters, including Brewers Association Director Paul Gatza and Chief Economist Bart Watson who will deliver the annual State of the Industry address, as well as keynote speaker Billy Beane, Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations for the Oakland A’s and the inspirational subject of bestselling book and subsequent movie Moneyball.*
 
Beane is considered one of the most progressive and talented baseball executives in the game. He will share his innovative, winning approach to management and leadership, and how his Moneyball philosophy can be adopted for the craft brewing industry.

WHY: As demand for craft beer from small and independent brewers increases, CBC brings the community together in a collaborative and educational environment. New and veteran brewers have an opportunity to connect, share ideas and learn about a wide range of topics including brewery operations, brewpubs, export development, government affairs, packaging breweries, quality, safety, selling craft beer, start-ups, sustainability and technical brewing. With one of the most dynamic beer cultures in the country, Philadelphia sets the perfect stage for CBC.

WHEN:           Craft Brewers Conference
Tuesday, May 3 - Friday, May 6, 2016
Times vary. For a full schedule of events, visit the CBC conference schedule.
 
Events of Note:
 
·First-Time Attendee Orientation
Tuesday, May 3: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
 
·Welcome Reception at Philadelphia Museum of Art
Tuesday, May 3: 7:00 p.m. 9:30 p.m.
 
·General Session I – Keynote Address & General Session
Wednesday, May 4: 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
 
·General Session II – State of the Industry
Thursday, May 5: 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

BrewExpo America
Wednesday, May 4: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 5: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, May 6: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

World Beer Cup
Pre-Awards Dinner (separate ticket required)
Friday, May 6: 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 pm)

Awards Ceremony
Friday, May 6: 7:45 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 pm)

 
WHERE:Philadelphia Convention Center
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
                       
MEDIA:           Media wishing to attend and cover the 2016 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America must apply for press credentials.

Sponsors: The 2016 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America  and World Beer Cup are made possible by the generous support of their sponsors.

* Arrangements for the appearance of Billy Beane made through Greater Talent Network, Inc, New York.



About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The Brewers Association (BA) represents more than 70 percent of the brewing industry, and its members make more than 99 percent of the beer brewed in the U.S. The BA organizes events including the World Beer CupSM, Great American Beer Festival®, Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America®, SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience, AHA National Homebrewers Conference, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The New Brewer magazine and its Brewers Publications division is the largest publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature for today’s craft brewers and homebrewers.

Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association. Follow us on Twitter.
 

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Speakeasy Ales & Lagers Releases Barrel-Aged Old Godfather Barleywine

Courtesy of Speakeasy Ales & Lagers
San Francisco, CA - (January 13, 2016
Normally content to sit back and rule his empire from a distance, pulling the strings of crime and punishment, the Old Godfather has decided to make a rare appearance, and a gesture of good faith. He’s authorized Speakeasy Ales & Lagers to release a limited batch of Barrel-Aged Old Godfather Barleywine, which has never been bottled or served on draft to the public. Until now, the beer was only used as blending component in Speakeasy’s Syndicate Series.   
The beer will be sold for the first time on January 23 during a release party at the Speakeasy Ales & Lagers Tap Room, coinciding with the start of San Francisco Beer Week. It will be available for purchase on draft and in bottles. Then Barrel-Aged Old Godfather will be shipped to all of Speakeasy’s distribution territories.
Barrel-Aged Old Godfather Barleywine is a fifty-fifty blend of fresh barleywine and vintage batches that were gracefully aged in High West bourbon barrels from 1 to 2 years. The beer pours a reddish amber with beige lacing. Aromas of tropical and dried fruit, vanilla, and a touch of bourbon dominate, giving way to complex blend of flavors reminiscent of raisins, nuts, and dark bread. A spicy hop bite of citrus peel rounds out the rich mouth feel. The beer finished at 9.5% ABV and 85 IBUs.
Speakeasy Ales & Lagers recommends pairing this beer with bacon wrapped dates, manchego cheese, and quince jam. Or simply enjoy this barleywine as a digestif after a hearty meal. Barrel-Aged Old Godfather Barleywine is a heavy sipper that can stand alone, and will benefit from years of cellaring, developing new refinements in character over time.

Quick Facts

Name: Barrel-Aged Old Godfather Barleywine
URL: http://www.goodbeer.com/infamous-series/

ABV: 9.5%
Style: Barrel-Aged Barleywine Ale
Barrels: High West Bourbon
Blend: Fifty-fifty Fresh Barleywine & Aged 1-2 years
Availability: January - March
Formats: Draft & 22oz. bottles
Distribution: AZ, CA, DE, PA, MA, NH, NY, NJ, NV, OR, RI, VA, WA
Courtesy of Speakeasy Ales & Lagers
 About Speakeasy Ales & Lagers
In 1997 a wily band of bootleggers led by homebrewer Forest Gray were inspired to bring their exceptional brews from the underground to the masses, defiantly producing small batches of beer in a secret warehouse in San Francisco. Starting with a single, iconic beer, Prohibition Ale, Speakeasy now brews a wide array of acclaimed beers including Big Daddy IPA, Payback Porter, Double Daddy, Scarface Imperial Stout and many more, which are distributed across the entire West Coast and other major U.S. markets.

Victory’s Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA Packs a Party Punch with Hops from the Spud State

Courtesy of Victory Brewing Co
 Downingtown, PA,January 13, 2016- Victory Brewing Company (Victory), is taking fans back to the future with the release of its Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA. Keeping the keg full, party going and fans happy for two decades requires creativity, risk-taking and lots of hop-ingenuity all wrapped up nicely in a playfully good-natured package.

The label once again illustrates Victory Brewing Company’s two fearless founders, Ron Barchet and Bill Covaleski, partying with a raucous, craft beer loving crew like it’s 1996 adorned in the same color palette of the logo from where it all began. Anniversary 20 sets the stage for the big party next year, when Victory turns 21 and is finally “legal.”

The IPA is brewed with pilsner, carapils malts and a very rare, experimental hop. Idaho 7, a recently developed hop variety, takes center stage in this celebratory but sessionable liquid homage. Through two decades of global hop-trotting Victory has forged enduring relationships with hop growers and brokers that permits Downingtown's famous brewery to enjoy a leadership role in hop experimentation and implementation. Discovered in the third largest hop producing state in the country, Victory helps the hop make its east coast debut by utilizing twenty years of craft brewing knowledge to harness all of its juicy hop power into a 12 oz. bottle.  Part of the reason for Idaho 7's promising power lies in the location where it grows - a land formation dubbed the ‘shelf,’ in a remote area in Idaho. This extremely low mesa in western Idaho creates the ultimate soil and climatic conditions for growing hops.

Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA, boasts complex fruity aromas of orange and apricot with hints of mildly astringent black tea-like characters as well as a pleasantly fresh, slightly pine herbal bouquet.  At a reasonable ABV of 5.5%, Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA celebrates the brewery’s never-ending quest to share truly great beer with craft beer fans. Available on tap and on shelves from January to April throughout Victory’s 37-state footprint, Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA retails for approximately $9.99 for a six-pack, depending on location.

“The ability to employ whole flower hops into our recipes was the main reason we chose to break free from our first brewery jobs and found Victory. From the initial success of the idea with HopDevil on through to Anniversary 20 Experimental IPA we are thrilled to witness the appreciation for our whole flower hopped creations,” said Victory’s President and Brewmaster, Bill Covaleski. “20 years down this flavor-filled road we plan to continue to seek and explore new flavors and utilize modern inspirations to share with our fans.”

Courtesy of Victory Brewing Co
 About Victory Brewing Company
Victory Brewing Company is a craft brewery headquartered in Downingtown, PA. Founded by childhood friends, Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, Victory officially opened its doors in February of 1996. Victory’s second state of the art brewery opened in February of 2014 in Parkesburg, PA to serve fans of fully flavored beers in 37 states with innovative beers melding European ingredients and technology with American creativity. In addition to the original Downingtown brewpub, Victory’s second brewpub is in Kennett Square, while Parkesburg recently launched self-guided tours and the third brewpub. To learn more about Victory Brewing Company visit www.victorybeer.com.

Sam Adams Announces The release Of Samuel Adams Cold Snap

Courtesy of Sam Adams
Craft Beer Drinkers Celebrated for their #SnapTheCold Weather Social Buzz

BOSTON, January 13, 2016–The Sam Adams brewers today announced the anticipated release of Samuel Adams Cold Snap, a Belgian-style unfiltered White Ale with a bright snap of seasonal citrus, fruit and floral spices, perfect for snapping out of the cold weather funk. Inspired by the season and its changing weather, Sam Adams is also asking drinkers how they celebrate the weather with Cold Snap in hand. Via Twitter, @SamuelAdamsBeer will be tracking weather-related social posts across the country in real time with the “Cold Snap Cold Map”. The city that tweets the most about the weather will be awarded Cold Snap parties this season.

Cold Snap is brewed with an exotic blend of fruits, flowers and spices from around the world including Grains of Paradise from West Africa, anise from Turkey, hibiscus from Egypt and Nigeria, tamarind from India and fresh-ground coriander from California, to create just the right balance of flavor and character. The brew is bright and fresh, with flavors ranging from the subtle fruit sweetness of orange peel and plum to the distinct, peppery bite of fresh-ground coriander. Pale and wheat malts give Cold Snap its hazy golden appearance and crisp, smooth finish.

The Sam Adams brewers use a special brewing method to add the spices to Cold Snap called “dry spicing,” which is similar to “dry hopping.” Unlike a traditional white ale, which only adds spices to the kettle process of brewing (the part when you boil water and add hops and malt), the brewers also add spices during the phase of brewing after fermentation, called “ruh,” to add more flavor and complexity. This process avoids over-brewing the ingredients that sometimes result in a harsh aftertaste (similar to the taste of leaving a teabag in hot water for too long). Instead, Cold Snap is perfectly infused with a smooth and flavorful character of fruits, flowers and spices.

Brewer & Founder Jim Koch on Cold Snap:
“Let’s face it, there are times when the weather in January and February just sucks and all you can do is wait for better weather. So in the spirit of looking forward to spring, we brewed Cold Snap with its crisp, vibrant character and exotic fruits and spices. It captures the essence of the season with maybe some snow on the ground and thoughts of spring in our heads,” said Jim Koch, Samuel Adams Founder and Brewer. 

Tweeting about the weather? #SnaptheCold @SamuelAdamsBeer:
After one of the snowiest winters in Boston’s history, the brewers know first-hand that at this time of year, drinkers flock to social media to air their cold weather experiences. So this year, Samuel Adams is asking Twitter users around the country to tweet @SamuelAdamsBeer using hashtag #SnapTheCold to show how they celebrate the weather. All cold weather-related tweets will be tracked in real-time on the “Cold Snap Cold Map” during the coldest week of the year from January 17th to January 23rd, and Sam Adams will reward the most vocal city with Sam Adams parties in their city where drinkers and Doppler followers can unite over a beer. Craft beer drinkers can visit www.SamuelAdams.com/ColdestCity for more info on the Cold Map and to see where their city stands.

 Get Your Mitt(en)s on Cold Snap:
Samuel Adams Cold Snap will be available nationwide from January through mid-March in 6-packs for a suggested retail price of $7.99-$9.99, 12-packs (bottles and cans) for a suggested retail price of $14.99-$17.99 and on draft. It is also available as part of the Samuel Adams Cabin Pack variety 12-Pack for a suggested retail price of $14.99-$17.99. (All prices vary by market.)
  
ABOUT THE BOSTON BEER COMPANY:
The Boston Beer Company began in 1984 with a generations-old family recipe that Founder and Brewer Jim Koch uncovered in his father’s attic. Inspired and unafraid to challenge conventional thinking about beer, Jim brought the recipe to life in his kitchen. Pleased with the results of his work, Jim decided to sample his beer with bars in Boston in the hopes that drinkers would appreciate the complex, full-flavored beer he brewed fresh in America. That beer was aptly named Samuel Adams Boston Lager, in recognition of one of our nation's great founding fathers, a man of independent mind and spirit. Little did Jim know at the time, Samuel Adams Boston Lager would soon become a catalyst of the American craft beer revolution.

Today, The Boston Beer Company brews more than 60 styles of beer. It relentlessly pursues the development of new styles and the perfection of classic beers by searching the world for the finest ingredients. Using the traditional four vessel brewing process, the Company often takes extra steps like dry-hopping, barrel-aging and a secondary fermentation known as krausening. The Company has also pioneered another revolution, the 'extreme beer' movement, where it seeks to challenge drinker's perceptions of what beer can be. The Boston Beer Company has been committed to elevating the image of American craft beer by entering festivals and competitions around the globe, and is one of world’s most awarded breweries at international beer competitions. As an independent company, brewing quality beer remains its primary focus. Although Samuel Adams beer is America's leading craft beer, it accounts for only one percent of the U.S. beer market. The Boston Beer Company will continue its independently-minded quest to brew great beer and to advocate for the growth of craft beer across America. For more information, please visit www.samueladams.com.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Five South Sound Breweries Join Forces on Collaboration Label Contest


Olympia, WA – January 12, 2016 – Fish Brewing Co. has joined forces with four south Puget Sound breweries, Three Magnets Brewing, Top Rung Brewing, Harmon Brewing, and Pacific Brewing and Malting to create the ultimate south sound collaboration beer: India Red Lager (IRL). The inspiration for this collaboration was to bring five breweries, all award winners at the Washington Beer Awards, from the South Puget Sound area together to brew a beer that not only pushed the limits of Northwest sourced ingredients, but to combine the unique elements of each brewery into one beer. South Sound IRL will have an ABV of 6.5% and 40 IBUs; will be brewed later this month. The IRL will be released in both draft and 22-ounce bottles at select retailers throughout the Puget Sound market.

“We really enjoy the collaboration process. Creatively, as brewers we get to learn from each other from recipe formulation by working with new ingredients and brewing techniques. We are having a great time throwing ideas together with everyone from Three Magnets Brewing, Top Rung Brewing, Harmon Brewing, and Pacific Brewing and Malting”, says Brewmaster Paul Pearson.

In the spirit of collaboration and to include the craft beer artist into the mix, we are looking for a talented artist to design a custom beer bottle label and be part of the South Sounds Beer Collaboration! One winner will be selected and the winning design will appear on the 22-ounce bottle. The winner will also receive merchandise from each brewery and their name will appear on all promotional materials.

“We want to create a beer that reflects the true camaraderie of the South Puget Sound craft brewing industry and share that bond with our customers. Reaching out to craft beer enthusiasts and involving them in the process is another way to show our passion through our beer,” said Matt Lisowski, Operations Manager at Fish Brewing.

About the Contest:
· Contest is limited to individuals 21+ years of age.
· Art must be 4.8” tall by 4.5” wide. No offensive words or graphics will be allowed and no pictures of people, renditions and original inspired works are ok.
· One winner will be selected by the collaboration breweries and the winning design will appear as the 22-ounce bottle. The winner will also receive merchandise from each brewery and their name will appear on all promotional materials. Unfortunately, state law prohibits us from rewarding the winner with alcohol. In the event the label does not conform to the requirements or any government authority denies use of the imagery provided, the collaborating breweries have the right to use the second place winner as the contest winner.
· A signed release will be required by the winner allowing the use of their artwork for the sales, promotion, and production of the image in connection to the South Sound Collaboration beer.
· Fish Brewing Co. has the right to alter art for the sole purposes of adding any and all required legal information on the label. This includes but is not limited to: serving size, government warning, bottler’s statement, collaboration statement, ABV, beer style, and statement of composition.

To enter, please send your digital artwork to marketing@fishbrewing.com

About Fish Brewing Company
Founded in 1993, Fish Brewing Company is owned by over 400 beer drinking consumers, who pooled their resources to build a landmark brewery in Olympia, WA, which is known for its quality water and artesian wells. Fish Brewing also uses when possible locally sourced Washington ingredients. Fish Brewing produces hand-crafted beers and ciders under our three core brands: Fish Tale Ales, Leavenworth Biers, and Spire Mountain Cider, which can be found in 20 states and internationally, both in bottles and on draft. Fish Brewing operates a full service pub in Olympia, WA, which was featured on the Food Networks show Diners, Drive-in & Dives, and a new taproom in Woodinville, WA. Fish Brewing believes that fresh beer and cider, fine food, and enduring friendships are what life in the Great Pacific Northwest is all about. For more information visit www.fishbrewing.com.

Full Sail Revives Small-Batch, Brewmaster Reserve Slipknot IPA

Courtesy of Full Sail Brewing Co
Hood River, Oregon – January 12, 2016 – Just in time to lift you out of your post-holiday slump, Full Sail Brewing Company is releasing an old favorite from its Brewmaster Reserve series, Slipknot IPA. Slipknot IPA features a big Northwest hop aroma and robust bitterness balanced with a full malt body. 

“Slipknot leads with aromas of citrus, pine and stone fruit,” says Executive Brewmaster Jamie Emmerson. “Balanced by a clean, caramel malt body, Slipknot's multi-layered hop flavors lead to a crisp assertive finish. Slipknot is, once again, the beer for the serious hop lover.”

Every aspect of this IPA is amplified – from the upfront hop aroma and bitterness to the big malt body. “Brewed originally in 2004, Slipknot makes are rare reappearance updated with new hop varieties and a dryer malt profile,” says Full Sail Brewmaster Jim Kelter. “2-Row Northwest Pale and Caramel malts provide the right amount of malt character to support a wonderfully hoppy surplus of Cascade, Mosaic and Citra hops. Extensive dry-hopping enhances the aroma and late hop flavors.”

Full Sail’s Brewmaster Reserve series allows the brewmasters to put their creativity, innovation and passion into small, limited-release beers. These craft brews highlight the direct connection with Full Sail’s farmers, celebrate the art of barrel aging, and explore the effects of time. Over the years, Full Sail’s Brewmaster Reserve series has earned 18 gold medals. Brewmaster Reserve Slipknot IPA is available in limited release in 22 oz. bottles and draft. 7.0% ABV, 80 IBUs. 

Courtesy of Fullsail Brewing Co

About Full Sail Brewing Company
Perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the mighty Columbia River’s epic wind and kite surfing and the snow-capped volcanic peaks of Mt. Hood, Full Sail is a true craft-brewing pioneer. Since 1987, Full Sail has been pouring pure Mt. Hood water, local ingredients and responsible processes into each and every pint. Full Sail’s brews and sustainable practices have garnered more than 300 national and international awards, including 150 gold medals and Beverage World‘s “Craft Brewer of the Year” distinction. From Full Sail Amber and IPA to Session Lager and bourbon barrel-aged beers, Full Sail consistently strives to brew complex, balanced and ridiculously tasty beers. Learn more at www.fullsailbrewing.com

Old Town Brewing Releases Warp Speed, Coffee Pale in Bottles

Courtesy of Old Town Brewing Co
Portland, Ore. – (January 12, 2016) Old Town Brewing® (OTB®), a locally owned and operated Portland brewery, announced today that it will release its newest bottled beer, Warp Speed, a unique coffee pale ale, this week.

In a marriage that’s fundamentally Portland, this combination of coffee and beer makes for a robust and refreshing coffee blend. Warp Speed gets its flavor from being aged on whole coffee beans for a slow, cold extraction keeping the delicate nuances of a cold pressed coffee, instead of the typical method of blending beer with a concentrated coffee, which tends to leave a suppressed coffee aroma and flavor. Warp Speed’s rich coffee character mixed with the malt and hops make it an aggressive and surprisingly refined draft.

Warp Speed is 5 percent ABV, 25 IBU and O.G. of 12.3 – the brewers at Old Town recommend enjoying this buzz-worthy blend at 45 degrees Fahrenheit, paired with a spicy Cajun dish, slow roasted brisket or dark chocolate. Take this beer fireside, enjoy it on the snowy mountains, or swap it for your morning coffee on Saturday

To celebrate the brewery’s second installment in its seasonal bottle series, and third available bottled beer, Warp Speed will be released at several tasting events across Portland, including:
  • North 45 – Brew Hog, Thursday, January 14, 2016, 6-9p.m.
  • Civic Taproom & Bottle Shop, Friday, January 15, 2016, 6-9p.m.
  • Hollywood Beverage, Saturday, January 16, 2016, 4-6p.m.

Beginning this week, bottles of Warp Speed will be available at several retail stores and bottle shops, including most Whole Foods, and New Seasons locations.
Courtesy of Old Town Brewing Co
“We like to keep true to our hometown, and what better way to play with the flavors of Portland then making a coffee beer,” said owner of Old Town Brewing, Adam Milne. “When we considered making a coffee beer, we wanted to do something that would surprise people, instead of brewing a coffee stout or other heavier, richer styles. We’re couldn’t be happier with where we landed – the approachability of the pale mixed with the clean coffee flavors make this a beer we thinking everyone will love.”

Old Town Brewing began bottling its award winning beers in April of 2015, and is now available in retail, bottle shop, and tap house locations across Portland and Southwest Washington. It’s bottled brews include gold-winning Shanghai’d IPA, and silver medalist, the Sun Dazed Kölsch. 

Courtsey of Old Town Brewing Co

About Old Town Brewing Co.
Old Town Brewing (OTB) opened in northeast Portland, Ore., in 2011 with an emphasis on crafting its beer to reflect the spirit, values, history and personality of Portland and the Northwest. OTB is the first brewery in the country to deliver beer and pizza by bike straight to consumers, rain or shine. Reclaimed materials were extensively incorporated into the design of the LEED Gold brewery, evoking an atmosphere of Northwest authenticity and sustainability.

Owner Adam Milne opened OTB to complement his Old Town Pizza® location in Portland’s historic Old Town neighborhood. A devoted Old Town Pizza customer since celebrating his ninth birthday at the restaurant, Milne purchased Old Town Pizza from the original owners, the Accuardi family, in 2003. For more information visit www.otbrewing.com and www.oldtownpizza.com.

Old Town Brewing Awards
  • GABF 2015, Gold, Shanghai’d IPA, English-style IPA category
  • GABF 2014, Silver, Sun Dazed, German-Style Kölsch category
  • GABF 2013, Gold, Cents and Sensibility, Fresh Hop category
  • World Beer Cup 2014, Silver, I’d Like to Buy the World a Kölsch, German-Style Kölsch category
  • World Beer Cup 2014, Bronze, Paulie’s Not Irish Red, Irish Style Red Ale category