Thursday, April 27, 2017

New Organic Craft BrewFest to take place June 23-25 at Overlook Park

Courtesy of the Organic Craft BrewFest

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Organic Craft BrewFest will debut June 23 through June 25 at Overlook Park, 1599 N Fremont St., in Portland. Event hours are Noon to 9pm Friday and Saturday and Noon to 5pm Sunday. The event will present 60 organically brewed craft beverages, including beer, cider and mead, as well as food carts, sustainability-oriented vendors and nonprofits, a soda garden for minors and designated drivers, games for adults, and a children's area with face painting and activities – all in a beautiful park setting.

The Organic Beer Fest focuses on raising awareness about organically brewed beverages and sustainable living. The event serves up 60 organically brewed products, with styles ranging from ciders to cream ales, ambers to lagers, and fruit beers to IPAs. All the products have been brewed using a minimum of 70% organic ingredients, per USDA guidelines.

Advance packages cost $25 per individual and include the festival cup, 15 drink tickets, a wristband, and free re-entry all weekend (with wristband & cup). Packages at the door cost $25 per individual and include the festival cup, 10 drink tickets, a wristband, and free re-entry all weekend (with wristband & cup). Advance packages are on sale now through Bold Type Tickets at http://www.merctickets.com/events/43891630/organic-craft-brewfest.

Designated drivers may purchase a ticket for $5 at the door, which includes handcrafted Crater Lake Soda and a bottle of water; designated drivers are not allowed to consume any alcohol. Minors under the age of 21 receive free admission, but must be accompanied by a parent. Leashed dogs accompanied by responsible owners are welcome.

Most products cost one ticket for a taste and four tickets for a fill. Select products, including some beers and most meads and ciders, may cost extra tickets. Additional drink tickets are available at the festival for $1 apiece.

The festival encourages responsible drinking and urges patrons to take advantage of the MAX Light Rail; the Yellow Line Overlook Park Station is adjacent to the festival. Attendees can also take advantage of the Hopworks Urban Brewery Bike Corral, where volunteers watch over bikes for free. Patrons receive an extra ticket with a validated Tri-Met ticket or a ticket from the Hopworks Bike Corral (one discount per person).

The goal of the Organic Craft BrewFest is to promote and celebrate the spirit of organic brewing. In the United States, an organic product is considered truly organic when the product bears the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s official USDA Certified Organic seal; has been certified organic by an accredited organic certifying agency; and contains 95% or more organic ingredients. Products can also be made with organic ingredients, meaning the product contains at least 70% organic ingredients, excluding added water and salt. Organizations that sell less than $5,000 worth of organic products annually are not required to get certification; many of the products at this festival fall into this category.

The Organic Craft BrewFest benefits the Timbers Army 107IST (Independent Supporters Trust), whose mission is to support soccer in and around Portland, from the grassroots to the highest professional level. The 107IST is a member-based non-profit organization open to anyone who loves soccer, the Timbers/Thorns, and Portland.

Fresh off the Farm IPA available on draught May 4 for Seattle Beer Week

Courtesy of Bale Breaker Brewing Co
The Bale Breaker Team will be at 21 events in the Seattle area throughout the week, as well as a kickoff event May 4 at its Yakima Taproom. There are hundreds of beer events of all kinds, so visit your favorite watering hole to find some Fresh off the Farm IPA and celebrate.

FRESH OFF THE FARM IPA  | 6.3% ABV | 50 IBU | OFFICIAL DRAUGHT RELEASE DATE: MAY 4, 2017

The Official Beer of Seattle Beer Week 2017, Fresh off the Farm IPA was brewed in the center of hop field #41, just minutes from downtown Yakima, by Bale Breaker Brewing Company. Founded by fourth-generation hop growers, this truly farm-to-glass brewery crafted a brand-new IPA to celebrate the 9th Annual Seattle Beer Week. A big hop aroma on a clean Pilsner malt base perfectly showcases a few of the newest and most exciting hop varieties off their family’s hop farm. Whirlpool additions of Simcoe® and Mosaic® add depth to the nose generated from a post-fermentation charge of Ekuanot™, Loral™, and the still-experimental HBC 630. From the fields of the Yakima Valley to the streets of Seattle, Fresh off the Farm IPA delivers farm fresh flavor no matter where it's poured.

Seattle Beer Week (SBW or SBW9) was created to celebrate and showcase the tight-knit beer community of the Northwest. There will be hundreds of events in the city throughout this year’s 9th annual celebration of beer. According to industry sources, suppliers and distributors, SBW is among the top three beer weeks in the country for the originality of events and the number of participants.

For more information on Seattle Beer Week, visit http://www.seattlebeerweek.com/
For Bale Breaker’s Seattle Beer Week events, visit  https://www.balebreaker.com/seattlebeerweek/

Courtesy of Bale Breaker Brewing Co

BALE BREAKER #SEATTLEBEERWEEK EVENTS

All week: Visit Zeek's Pizza for Yakima Valley pizza & beer specials. Check with Zeek's for participating locations. 

Full Sail’s New IPA Pays Homage to the Hop Shooter

Courtesy of Full Sail Brewing Co
Shot through with four kinds of NW hops, Hop Shooter IPA is fully loaded with flavor

Hood River, Oregon – April 27, 2017 – Grab a fistful of ale! Full Sail Brewing Company’s new Brewmaster Reserve Hop Shooter IPA was dry hopped with four varieties of Northwest hops. This Chinook-forward IPA was “shot” with more than 1.5 pounds of hops per barrel delivering intense piney aromas complemented with hints of tropical fruit. Moderate bitterness balances a foundation of Pale and Crystal malts resulting in a very drinkable IPA. 

“We chose to showcase the dank and resinous Chinook hop in this IPA to pay homage to our pneumatic hop cannon, now referred to as the Hop Shooter,” says Full Sail Brewing Supervisor Greg Doss. “While exploring different methods for dry hopping our beers, Lead Brewer Chris Davis developed this apparatus which allows us to shoot hundreds of pounds of hops over 35 feet, vertically, into the top of the fermenter.”

Hop Shooter pairs well with charred, grilled burgers and steaks with caramelized onions, baked salmon with lemon, and spicy steak tacos with lime and cilantro. Try it with fried chicken, mozzarella sticks with spicy marinara and calamari with spicy dipping sauce, Indian dishes like green curry, medium to strong pungent blue cheese, or arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette. 

Award winning? Heck yeah. Incredible ingredients? Definitely. Full Sail’s Brewmaster Reserve series is small-batch, limited-edition beer made by brewers with an unwavering desire to make the best beer around using locally grown malt, hops, yeast and pure Mount Hood water. Brewmaster Reserve Hop Shooter IPA is available May through September, in 12 oz. bottle 6-packs and draft. 6.7% ABV, 67 IBUs. Full Sail’s Brewmaster Reserve – innovation, inspiration and Ridiculously Tasty Beer!
Courtesy of Full Sail 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.

Ninkasi Brewing Brings Back Beer Run IPA

Courtesy of Ninkasi Brewing Co
Beer Run IPA Available In Bottles and On Draft, May Through Sept., 2017
EUGENE, Ore.—April 27, 2017Based in the heart of Track Town, U.S.A., Ninkasi Brewing Company returns Beer Run IPA to its Special Release Series. Available May through Sept. in 22-ounce bottles, on-draft, and for the first time in 12-ounce 6-packs, this IPA is crafted specifically with runners in mind marrying a rich malt complexity with a clean, tropical hop profile.

Originally debuted in 2016, the recipe for Beer Run IPA was developed with the help of runners across the country. Before officially released to the public, a test batch of Beer Run IPA was brewed and featured at more than 25 community running events. Participants were asked to provide feedback on all aspects of the beer including taste and aroma. Ninkasi’s brewing team gathered that feedback and used it to craft the final Beer Run IPA recipe. Later in the year, the brewery partnered with nonprofit, TrackTown USA, to become the official beer of TrackTown USA. 

“The momentum behind this beer is humbling,” says Jamie Floyd, Ninkasi co-founder and founding brewer. “From elite and Olympic-level competitors to those who simply like to get out and explore local trails, it’s exciting to see all kinds of runners enjoying a beer we made just for them. This beer even inspired me to get back into running.”

“The Ninkasi team really did a phenomenal job sculpting a beer that fits every level of running,” says two-time Olympian Andrew Wheating of Oregon Track Club Elite and Ninkasi Team Total Domination member.

At 7.3% ABV and 80 IBUs, this IPA features hints of cherry, tropical fruit and spice paired with a bright, clean, bitter finish, and an earthy, tropical and juicy hop profile.

Beer Run IPA can be found on the shelf and on-draft starting May 1, 2017. To track some down, visit the Ninkasi Beer Finder.

Beer Run Stats
Whether making a run to the corner store or through the mountains, this gloriously crisp and flavorful IPA is worth grabbing. With bold hops and a lively citrus kick, enjoy Beer Run from start to finish.

·         Style: India Pale Ale
·         Series: Special Release Series
·         Available: May – Sept.
·         ABV: 7.3%
·         IBU: 80
·         Malt: 2-Row Pale, Vienna, Carapils
·         Hops: Equinox, Eureka, Chinook
·         Packaging: 12oz. 6-Pack, 22oz. Bottles, Draft

About Ninkasi Brewing Company
Founded in 2006 by Jamie Floyd and Nikos Ridge, Ninkasi Brewing Company continues to grow from its first batch of Total Domination IPA, to two brewhouses, a 55-barrel and a 90-barrel brewhouse, located in Eugene, Ore. Ninkasi’s Flagship beers—Total Domination IPA, Tricerahops Double IPA, Dawn of the Red IPA, Easy Way IPA, Hop Cooler Citrus IPA, Pacific Rain Northwest Pale, Helles Belles Helles Lager, and Vanilla Oatis Oatmeal Stout—are sold throughout Alaska; Alberta; Arizona; California; D.C.; Colorado; Idaho; Maryland; Nevada; New York; Oregon; Texas; Utah; Washington; and Vancouver, British Columbia. The brewery remains privately-owned and is committed to community support and giving. Ninkasi’s Beer Is Love program offers in-kind donations and support for organizations throughout its footprint. For more information, call 541.344.2739 or visit www.NinkasiBrewing.com.

Widmer Brothers Brings Back Fan-Favorite Drifter Pale Ale

Courtesy of Widmer Brothers Brewing Co
 What beer fans have been waiting for: Drifter Pale Ale available once again on draft, in six and 12-packs
PORTLAND, Ore. – April 26, 2017 – Drifter is back! Widmer Brothers Brewing is bringing back an old favorite, award-winning Drifter Pale Ale, which is now available in six and 12-packs of 12oz bottles as well as on draft.

The story of Drifter’s origins dates back to the innovative “W Series,” Widmer Brothers’ yearly experimental series of the mid-2000s. When the Widmer Brothers brewing team first started brewing with Summit hops as part of the series, they created a pale dubbed Brewmasters’ Pale that won a silver medal in the American-Style Pale Ale Category of the 2006 Great American Beer Festival (GABF). At the time, popular examples of the pale ale style were brewed primarily with Cascade hops, but “Brewmasters’ Pale” showcased Summit hops, a relatively new hop varietal at the time known for delicate undertones of tangerine, mandarin orange and grapefruit.

In 2009, the beer originally known as Brewmasters’ Pale, joined the year-round lineup as Drifter Pale Ale – fast becoming a favorite and one of Widmer Brothers’ most popular beers from Oregon to Florida.  

“Like Widmer Brothers, Drifter has quite the tale of experimentation and innovation,” said brewer Joe Casey, who helped develop the original version of Drifter Pale Ale. “Rob and Kurt always push the boundaries of beer, and often zigged when others zagged. That was also the case here with the use of Summit hops and Drifter,” he added.

Despite its popularity, Widmer Brothers retired the beer in 2013 to pave the way for Alchemy Pale Ale, but fans made their voices heard in the ensuing years about their love of Drifter, and now Widmer Brothers is answering that demand by bring Drifter Pale Ale back as its new summer seasonal.

“We really felt that Drifter was unlike any other pale ale when it was first released,” said founder Rob Widmer. “The beer perfectly balances Summit’s unique hop profile that beer drinkers love without the lingering bitterness,” he added.

The latest version of Drifter will be instantly recognizable to its fans, says current brewmaster Tom Bleigh.   

“When we first talked about bringing this beer back, we wanted to remain true to the original’s signature hop qualities,” said Tom Bleigh, Widmer Brothers’ innovation brewmaster. “The result is a  smooth, citrusy pale ale with the signature Drifter hop profile using those distinctive Summit hops – something Drifter fans will immediately recognize.”  

To celebrate the return of the beloved beer, Widmer Brothers will host Drifter Days May 1-4 at its north Portland pub. Fans can expect festive Drifter-themed food pairings, Widmer Brothers swag giveaways and throwback pricing—3$/pint. The special pricing, an ode to the beer’s inception, will be available Monday through Wednesday during open hours at the pub, and culminate Thursday from 4-6pm.

In Portland, Henry’s Tavern (4-6pm on May 1), Dave and Busters (4-6pm on May 2), and Nob Hill Bar & Grill (4-6pm on May 3) will have special pricing on Drifter Pale Ale and Widmer Brothers swag giveaways.

For more information on Widmer Brothers Brewing, visit widmerbrothers.com, or keep up with the latest Widmer Brothers happenings on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


About Drifter Pale Ale
Drifter Pale Ale, a fan favorite since its first inception in 2007, started as an experimental beer that grew to become one of Widmer Brothers’ most popular beers. After a three years hiatus, Widmer Brothers brought back Drifter with the same signature Summit hops, resulting in a citrusy, easy-drinking pale ale.

MALTS: 2-row pale and caramel
HOPS: Summit, Alchemy, Nelson Sauvin, Chinook
OG: 14 P
AE: 3.2 P
ABV: 5.6%
Color: 20 SRM
IBU: 50

About Widmer Brothers Brewing
Widmer Brothers Brewing helped create the Pacific Northwest craft beer movement in 1984 when founders Kurt and Rob Widmer, then in their 20s, began brewing unique interpretations of traditional German beer styles. In 1986, Widmer Brothers Brewing introduced the original American-style Hefeweizen, which elevated the brewery to national acclaim. Since then, the brewery’s iconic Hefe has grown to become Oregon’s favorite craft beer. For more than three decades, Widmer Brothers has continued to push the boundaries of craft beer. Based in Portland, Oregon, the brewery currently brews a variety of beers including Hefe, Upheaval IPA, Steel Bridge Porter, Drop Top Amber, PDX Pils, and a full seasonal lineup. Additionally, the brewery continues to make a series of limited edition, small-batch beers available in Oregon and at the Widmer Brothers Pub in North Portland. For more information about Widmer Brothers Brewing, visit www.widmerbrothers.com.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

U.S. Importers Collaborate For First National Belgian Beer Week (July 14-21)

Courtesy of National Belgian Beer Week
Austin, TX (April 20, 2017) –  Artisanal Imports is excited to announce its sponsorship of the first annual National Belgian Beer Week (July 14-21), which will feature many of the world's finest real Belgian ale brewers. The week is a joint effort between the nation’s premier Belgian beer importers including Artisanal Imports, D&V International, Global Beer, Merchant du Vin, and the breweries they represent.

The week kicks off with the 7th annual North American Belgian Beer Fest (July 14-15) in Westland, MI. Representatives from many of Belgium's most well-known brewers will be in attendance to share, sample and discuss their craft. Last year’s NABBF saw nearly 1,000 attendees who sampled more than 220 beers from 80+ Belgian breweries, and this year’s event is expected to be even bigger.

"I don't know of any festival outside of Belgium that will have more Belgian brewers in attendance,” said Lanny Hoff, Artisanal Imports SVP-Brands Manager. “The NABBF will be a great chance for consumers to get the Belgian story, straight from the people living it.”

Roy More, co-owner of Ashley’s, which organizes the event says: “Even in Belgium it is rare to have this many Belgian beers in one place. We’re thrilled to offer Festival guests the unique experience to learn from experts about Belgium's centuries-old brewing traditions and help them gain a hands-on understanding of why its often-imitated craft beers are considered among the best in the world.”
Throughout the week, Belgian brewers will be supporting local events across the country.

Jesse Mogk, General Sales Manager at D&V International, sums up the week: “The Belgian beer experience is something that we, as importers, have always dreamed of being able to share with the American public. We are beyond excited that we were all able to partner together to bring the best of Belgium to America for the National Belgian Beer Week! If you have been to Brussels Beer Weekend, then you know that nothing like this has ever been done in the U.S. Join us for a beer (or ten!) Santé!”

The National Belgian Beer Week’s finale will be held on Thursday, July 20 and is reserved for the trade. It will be reception style and hosted at the Flanders Investment and Trade office in New York City that features stunning views of Manhattan. The finale will present a unique opportunity for beer professionals to connect with the owners and brewers from Belgium’s most esteemed breweries.

Interested in attending the North American Belgian Beer Fest (July 14-15)? Don’t wait! Tickets sell out well in advance and are available now here. More information can be found at the event website at http://nabbf.com/.

Are you a retailer or distributor interested in attending the week’s trade finale with Flanders Investment and Trade? Please contact Konrad Wisniewski at konrad.wisniewski@fitagency.com.

For more information about the National Belgian Beer Week, North American Belgian Beer Festival, trade finale with Flanders Investment and Trade, or for interview opportunities with the participating Belgian breweries, please contact the respective representatives below.

National Belgian Beer Week (July 14-21): Lanny Hoff, Artisanal Imports, lanny.hoff@artisanalimports.com
North American Belgian Beer Fest (July 14-15): Roy More, ramore@ameritech.net, http://nabbf.com
Trade Finale (July 20): Konrad Wisniewski, Flanders Investment and Trade, konrad.wisniewski@fitagency.com
Global Beer, Steve Villani, steve@globalbeer.com
D&V International, Jesse Mogk, jesse@specialtybeer.com
Merchant du Vin, Craig Hartinger, craigh@mdvbeer.com

ANDERSON VALLEY BREWING COMPANY AND INTERNATIONAL WINES & CRAFT BEER OF ALABAMA ANNOUNCE NEW DISTRIBUTION PARTNERSHIP

Courtesy of Anderson Valley Brewing Co
BOONVILLE, CA -- Friday, April 21, 2017 – Anderson Valley Brewing Company today announced the launch of Alabama distribution in partnership with International Wines & Craft Beer. Beginning in May, distribution will spread statewide. Established in 1987 and often celebrated as one of the pioneers in craft brewing, Anderson Valley products will now be available Alabama.

Courtesy of International Wines & Craft Beer
"We’re looking forward to this partnership and building Anderson Valley’s brands in Alabama.  From their world-class core and seasonal offerings to their Wild Turkey barrel-aged beers and hugely popular series of goses, their portfolio has something for everyone,” says Caroline Haugh, Craft Brand Development at International Wines & Craft Beer. 
Trey White, President and Owner of Anderson Valley Brewing Company, had this to say about the new venture: “As the craft beer movement continues to grow, we’ve been keeping our eye open for opportunities to expand into regions with strong, craft-oriented wholesalers.  Partnering with International just made sense; their knowledge of craft is exemplary and their dedication to building brands is impressive.  We’re optimistic about what the future holds for us in Alabama.”

TROOPER Bar Alliance - World’s First Bar Network for Rock Fans

Aims to Ride 200 Strong Ahead of Iron Maiden’s 2017 World Tour
North America (April 25, 2017) – The call has gone out to over 200 bars to join the nationwide “TROOPER Bar Alliance” – the first bar network in the world for rock fans, designed to connect Iron Maiden’s devoted fanbase with the band’s award-winning premium British beer TROOPER.

Participating bars or stores will be listed on regional and local event posters around the band’s upcoming tour dates, promoted on social media, and granted access to special promotional materials to show the fans they support TROOPER. Don’t wait – the ranks of the TROOPER Bar Alliance are filling quickly!

The TROOPER Bar Alliance announcement comes ahead of the band’s The Book of Souls World Tour, which kicks off its final leg in North America in Bristow, VA on June 3, culminating with two nights at the Brooklyn Barclays Center on July 21 and 22, the second night added due to overwhelming fan demand. The North American Tour encompasses 20 states and 2 provinces across the United States and Canada. By the end of The Book Of Souls Tour the band will have played to close to half a million fans in North America alone.

Lanny Hoff, SVP-Brands Manager at Artisanal said today, “The concept of the TROOPER Bar Alliance came from the exceptional feedback we had from bars who participated in last year’s shorter tour. This is a great opportunity for us to connect Iron Maiden fans and TROOPER drinkers with bars that support the band. It’s our intention to keep the TROOPER Bar Alliance going to host events in the future, celebrate new releases and, in general, build a home for TROOPER nationally.”
TROOPER, a handcrafted collaboration between Robinsons Brewery and Iron Maiden, can be found around the U.S. The band and brewery have announced a nationwide bar network called the “TROOPER Bar Alliance” with the aim to ride 200 locations strong ahead of the band’s 2017 Book of Souls World Tour.
 TROOPER is a premium British Extra Special / Strong Bitter (ESB) beer created by Iron Maiden. It is handcrafted at Robinsons Brewery in Stockport, UK. Malt flavors and citric notes from a unique blend of Bobec, Goldings and Cascade hops dominate this deep golden ale with a subtle hint of lemon.

TROOPER Profile
Style: ESB
ABV: 4.7%
Color: Deep gold
Aroma: Sweet biscuit malt, citrus zest
Flavor: Strong, aromatic roasted malt, firm bitter backbone
 
Real Ale fan and history aficionado Bruce Dickinson, Maiden's vocalist, played a major role in developing the unique flavor of the beer, entailing ongoing visits to Robinsons Brewery in Stockport.

"I'm a lifelong fan of traditional English ale; I thought I'd died and gone to heaven when we were asked to create our own beer. I have to say that I was very nervous: Robinsons are the only people I have had to audition for in 30 years. Their magic has been to create the alchemical wedding of flavor and texture that is TROOPER. I love it.”

The TROOPER song was originally inspired by ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’. It took place at the Battle of Balaclava (1854) during the Crimean War when 600 British cavalries courageously charged the massed Russian artillery.
Robinsons Brewery has been based in the heart of Stockport, England for almost two centuries. With 300 tenanted and managed pubs, inns and hotels across the North West, it is one of oldest and most respected names in British brewing history.

A proud family of independent brewers, Robinsons is one of the most advanced and sophisticated breweries in the UK, with a worldwide reputation for real ale. It’s also home to the largest hopnik – a device that allows for concentrated hop flavor and aroma –  in the world. “From here we apply decades of experience to create exciting new varieties and choices of flavor that will lead us towards our next award-winning beer,” says Robinsons Marketing Director David Bremner.

About Iron Maiden:  With over 90 million albums sold worldwide, Iron Maiden is considered one of the most successful heavy metal bands in history, having played over 2000 live shows internationally throughout a career spanning over four decades and dozens of chart-topping hits. Iron Maiden’s famous mascot, "Eddie", has been a steadfast figurehead over the   band’s thirty-eight albums release, including sixteen studio albums, eleven live albums, four EPs, and seven compilations. For more information on the band, their tour and beer, head to http://ironmaiden.com/.

About Robinsons Brewery: A proud family of independent brewers, Robinsons is one of the most advanced and sophisticated breweries in the UK, with a worldwide reputation for real ale. Robinsons applies decades of experience to create exciting new varieties and choices of flavor that encourage drinking excellence.

Combining original recipe heritage brews such as Old Tom (first brewed in 1899) and Unicorn (legendary since 1896) with innovative young ales such as Dizzy Blonde, Wizard and TROOPER (created with Iron Maiden) is what differentiates Robinsons… forward-thinking with the very best traditions. It’s an award-winning formula which has earned Robinsons real ale recognition for almost 180 years. Learn more at www.robinsonsbrewery.com.