Gaelic Ale from Highland Brewing Now Available in Cans

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highlandgaelicsixHighland Brewing Company (Asheville, North Carolina) announced this week that they are officially releasing Gaelic Ale in 12 oz. cans to give craft beer fans another option when it comes to enjoying the brewery’s flagship offering.

Since it was first brewed and bottled in 1994, Gaelic Ale – originally named Celtic Ale – quickly became a fan-favorite offering for Highland Brewing and has been “the top-selling native beer in North Carolina” for quite some time.  Now that the brewery has added a canning line, it only makes sense to have Gaelic Ale join the canned craft beer boom and become available to those who enjoy both the outdoors and fine beer offerings.  Gaelic Ale joins Highland Pilsner and Mandarina IPA as the brewery’s lineup of canned brews.

“With bottling and canning operations, we are in a new chapter. And Gaelic is the right beer to package both ways because of its flexibility – its medium body and balance.” said Leah Ashburn, President. “It fits with food or on its own, in cool or warm weather. Gaelic cans will be with me on my next hike.”

If you are unfamiliar with this offering, Gaelic Ale is an American Amber Ale that is a nod to the Scottish Ale style.  Deep amber in color, this beer boasts an exceptional balance between the sweetness of its rich malt body and the complex hop flavor and aroma.  Gaelic Ale comes together as a brew with “universal appeal” and the ability to be a true daily drinker.

Cans of Gaelic Ale officially release at a launch party to be held at the brewery on September 16 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Although distribution of cans from Highland Brewing Company has been limited to this point, the brewery plans to expand availability of all three canned offerings to all of their markets now that Gaelic Ale has joined the lineup.  Look for these cans to start hitting shelves in Alabama, Florida, and throughout the brewery’s full distribution footprint in the coming months.  Prost!

Vital Information on Gaelic Ale from Highland Brewing Company

Style – American Amber Ale
Availability – Year-round
ABV – 5.5%
IBUs – 30
Malts – 2 Row Brewers Malt, Munich, Caramel 40, Caramel 60 & Extra Special Malt
Hops – Chinook, Willamette, & Cascade
Packaging – 12 oz. cans, 12 oz. bottles, and on draft
Distribution – limited area for now with distribution planned to expand to Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, and Washington, DC markets in the coming months

Oskar Blues Brewery’s Hotbox Coffee Porter Returns to Shelves

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obhotboxcanOskar Blues Brewery (Longmont, Colorado) recently announced that they have partnered once again with Hotbox Roasters to brew up a new batch of Hotbox Coffee Porter.

Thanks to a base of English and German roasted and caramel malts, Hotbox Coffee Porter is loaded with flavors of “roasted nuts, crème brûlée, cocoa and caramel.”  Hotbox Roasters, a Colorado craft coffee roaster specializing in the highest quality, fair-trade coffee beans available to coffee lovers nationwide, then cranks this sensory experience to eleven with an infusion of “potent, cold-extracted coffee from Burundian and Ethiopian beans.”  These select, exotic beans provide added aromatic and flavor notes of plum, chocolate and blueberry.  The finished beer comes together as a 6.4% ABV Porter fueled up on coffee deliciousness.

“Hotbox wake-n-roast gets us rolling in the brewhouse day in and day out.” said head of brewing operation’s Tim Mathews. “Hotbox Porter shows that beer and coffee were meant to be together. Digging in with Hotbox Roasters allowed us to develop a malt blend and a coffee blend that gel beautifully.”

Hotbox Coffee Porter is a specialty release available from September through November.  Look for this brew to turn up in 4-packs of 12 oz. cans at select craft beer retailers within Oskar Blues Brewery’s nationwide distribution footprint.  This beer moves fast once it hits shelves, so grab ’em when you see ’em.  Prost!

American Craft Breweries Collaborate with Jameson Irish Whiskey

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jamesonbeerPernod Ricard USA (New York, New York) and Jameson Irish Whiskey recently announced that the distillery is partnering with seven American craft breweries to create the Jameson Caskmates Drinking Buddies series.

Jameson Irish Whiskey was inspired to develop this craft beer collaboration series thanks to the success of Jameson Caskmates, a unique creation that aged Irish Whiskey in “stout-seasoned whiskey casks.” Jameson Caskmates Drinking Buddies flips the script a bit by having the distillery provide seven craft breweries with barrels to age a beer offering in for a select period of time.   This treatment will allow the signature characteristics of Jameson Irish Whiskey to mingle with each brewery’s “already distinct craft beer flavors.”  To further add to the anticipation level, check out the list of participating breweries:

“Jameson Irish Whiskey has always taken pride in celebrating those who share the same passion and focus when it comes to their craft,” said Sona Bajaria, Vice President, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Pernod Ricard USA. “Jameson Caskmates Drinking Buddies allows us to put the spotlight on these local craft brewers who ultimately embody the same spirit as our motto, Sine Metu.”

Each Jameson barrel-aged beer will be released in due time and in each brewery’s respective market.  These offerings will be extremely limited, so make sure to stay tuned for updates on each beer’s official release information.  Prost!

Heavy Seas Beer Prepares for Seasonal Return of Winter Storm

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winterstormHeavy Seas Beer (Baltimore, Maryland) recently announced that Winter Storm Imperial ESB is set for release in October.

Winter Storm is the fall/winter seasonal for Heavy Seas and one of the brewery’s most anticipated releases each year.  This Imperial Extra Special Bitter showcases five hop varietals from both the United Kingdom and the West Coast of the United States –  Warrior, UK Goldings, UK Fuggles, Cascade & Centennial hops – to produce an “elegant bitterness.”  Nutty malts supply the beer’s “ruddy” color and provide balance to the earthy hops.  Winter Storm’s comforting and rich flavors make it an ideal choice for the colder months ahead.

“It was our first international gold medal winning beer,” says brewery Founder, Hugh Sisson. “And I’m not supposed to say it, but I think it may be my favorite beer!”

“I also think it’s one of the best beer names ever,” says Sisson. “Every time the winter weather gets iffy, every TV and radio station in the country is advertising the name of our beer for free!”

Winter Storm Imperial ESB will officially release in October and be available into December.  Look for this offering to turn up on draft, cask and in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles at craft beer retailers in Alabama, Florida and throughout the 18 state distribution footprint of Heavy Seas.  Prost!

Vital Information for Winter Storm Imperial ESB from Heavy Seas Beer

Availability – Seasonal, October-December
Style – Imperial Extra Special Bitter
ABV – 7.5%
IBUs – 50
Hops – Warrior, UK Goldings, UK Fuggles, Cascade & Centennial
Malts – 2-row, Crystal, Caramalt & Chocolate Malt
Packaging – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, draft and cask

Selene Saison to Make its Debut for Victory Brewing

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selenesaison_750mlbottle_rctransVictory Brewing Company (Downingtown, Pennsylvania) announced this week that they are set to launch their newest specialty offering, Selene Saison.

As the sister beer to Helios Belgian Farmhouse Ale from Victory Brewing, Selene Saison has arrived to explore the darker side of the Saison style.  This Dark Saison leads with notes of “chocolate and clove funk, while rye blends with herbal and spicy whole flower East Kent Goldings hops to produce a smooth finish.”  In order to add even more dynamic depth to the brew, fermentation is achieved with Blaugies and two strains of the wild Brettanomyces yeast.  All of this comes together to create a wonderfully “complex and captivating celestial ale.”

“When we were dreaming up Selene Saison we had a great canvas in Helios Ale. Because Farmhouse-styles focus on individuality, we had a lot of creative license to make an enjoyable, yet completely unique, Saison. We wanted to showcase the dark side foil against the sunny side of Helios which resulted in a delicious, wild-fermented celebration of the season for all to enjoy,” says Bill Covaleski, Founder and Brewmaster of Victory Brewing Company.

Selene Saison is officially available now at craft beer establishments in Alabama, Florida and throughout Victory’s 35 state distribution area.  Look for this one on shelves in 750 ml bottles for the suggested retail price of $9 per bottle (price may vary upon location) and pouring on draft.  Get your bottles while you can because Selene Saison will only be hanging around while supplies last.  Prost!

Vital Information on Selene Saison from Victory Brewing Company

Availability – Limited/Specialty, available September 1st
Style – Dark Saison/Farmhouse-style Ale
ABV – 7.5%
Malts – Pilsner, Pale Chocolate, Rye & Chocolate
Hops – East Kent Goldings
Packaging – 750 ml bottles (suggested retail price of $9) and on draft
Fun Fact – Helios is named for the Greek God of the Sun.  His sister is Selene, Goddess of the Moon. 

Einstök Ölgerð Celebrates 5th Anniversary with Release of Icelandic Wee Heavy

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einstok-wee-heavy-wetEinstök Ölgerð (Akureyri, Iceland) is commemorating five years of craft brewing with this week’s launch of their latest offering, Icelandic Wee Heavy.

Just five short years ago, Einstök Ölgerð first unleashed their brand of craft brews on the good folks of Iceland.  Since that date, the brewery has lived up to its motto of “Drink. Conquer. Repeat.” by winning several awards, becoming the #1 craft beer out of Iceland, earning the distinction of being the largest exporter of alcoholic beverages from Iceland, and expanding distribution to 22 countries and 15 states within the U.S.  To recognize this ridiculous amount of success, the brewery has chosen to celebrate with the release of a new packaged offering.

Not only does Icelandic Wee Heavy act as the brewery’s fifth year milestone, it is also Einstök’s newest year-round offering.  Weighing in at a formidable 8% ABV, this malty brew gets its signature character from angelica and birch-smoked Icelandic barley.  Icelandic Wee Heavy joins Icelandic White Ale, Icelandic Arctic Pale Ale and Icelandic Toasted Porter to comprise the brewery’s lineup of year-round beers.

Icelandic Wee Heavy is officially available now in Iceland.  The beer will then make its way to the European market in a few weeks, and the United States will begin to see distribution at the start of 2017.  Once it arrives stateside, you can expect to find this brew in six-packs of 330ml bottles and on draft at craft beer friendly establishments in Alabama, Florida and the rest of Einstök’s 15 state distribution footprint.  Keep an eye on the imports shelf at your favorite craft beer store for Icelandic Wee Heavy’s arrival, and be sure to give the brewery’s other offerings a try while you are at it (**cough** Icelandic Toasted Porter **cough** Do it. **cough**).  Believe me, you will not be disappointed.  Prost!

 

 

Tasting Notes: Stone Mocha IPA from Stone Brewing Co.

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stonemochaipaThis week’s Tasting Notes seeks a new twist on the IPA style by taking a look at Stone Mocha IPA from Stone Brewing Co. (Escondido, California).

Stone Mocha IPA is a new seasonal that Stone Brewing Co. added to their lineup of packaged offerings this year.  Inspired by Aleman / Two Brothers / Stone DayMan Coffee IPA and Stochasticity Project Master of Disguise Golden Stout, Stone Brewing’s Liberty Station Brewing Manager Kris Ketcham first created this beer back in 2015 and it was an instant hit with the brewery’s fans.  It was soon decided that it needed to be shared with craft beer enthusiasts across the country, and Stone Mocha IPA’s cocoa, coffee and hoppy goodness was officially released into distribution on draft and in 12 oz. bottles beginning in June.  This alluring and unique brew can still be found on shelves at some craft beer-friendly retailers within Stone Brewing’s distribution area, but be sure to act quickly because its “Enjoy By” date is fast approaching.  I’m going to go ahead and take my own advice here and get into this brew for some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Stone Mocha IPA from Stone Brewing Co.

Appearance: Stone Mocha IPA pours a honey-like, copper in color with deep orange hues residing throughout.  The oranges gain intensity when presented with direct light and the copper gains luster.  The body is clear with a moderate carbonation stirring within.  The pour produced a finger of light tan foam that has some pretty decent retention to it.  Over time, it does gracefully fall to a thin but complete frothy top cap that leaves some chunky lace on the glass.  This brew does come across darker than typical Double IPAs, but that should be expected with the added coffee and cocoa.  That said, it certainly presents itself in wonderful fashion.

Aroma: Coffee is the first note to hit the nose, but it is not exactly the heavily roasted and robust variety you may find in some coffee Stouts and Porters.  No . . . this is a coffee character reminiscent of more exotic beans that produce floral and fruity tones.  Shifting gears, a dark cocoa note coaxes the malts out to actually make an appearance at this DIPA party by contributing a floral honey sweetness.  The hops then go to work to finish off the aromatic profile with citrusy tones of orange and tangerine.

Taste:  Wow . . . it shouldn’t be a surprise, but complexity certainly abounds here.  Each flavor experience pings the palate in a quick, staccato manner to keep your mind and taste buds both guessing and completely entertained.  Cocoa strikes first with a dark chocolate note that easily complements any bitterness from the approaching hops.  The mocha quality of the coffee joins in next and has both bitterness and sweetness.  This double duty allows the coffee to apply contrasting and complementary aspects to both the cocoa and hops.  Speaking of hops, they wrap things up with a vast array of citrus fruitiness that somehow plays nicely with the coffee.  Although each and every flavor in this beer is zealous and forward, they all seem to come together effortlessly.  In perceived chaos we find harmony.

Mouthfeel: This brew is medium in body with a medium level of carbonation that allows the beer to have a creamy and delightfully soft texture.  The ABV of this Double IPA does flex some muscle at 9%, but the level of warmth is comely and comforting.  The beer brings both bitterness and sweetness to the palate, but neither is too heavy or lasting.  The aftertaste is just a wisp of citrus hops and coffee.

Final Thoughts: Coffee IPAs are becoming more and more en vogue these days, and I personally welcome this trend.  Although the idea of these flavors mingling together may sound strange or even off-putting to some, beer lovers should recognize that this combination works beautifully in both theory and practice.  Coffee, chocolate and hops function well together because they all can share one common trait: bitterness.  This attribute brings them together but the richness of the cocoa, the comforting familiarity of the coffee, and the bright citrus hoppiness are all allowed to shine individually.  Stone Mocha IPA not only displays all of this with grace and ease, but it also captivates its drinker with each sip by providing an incredibly fresh and dynamic experience.  Simply fantastic.  Prost!

Former Stone Brewing Brewmaster Plans to Open Brewpub in Atlanta

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It has been officially announced that Mitch Steele, Carey Falcone and Bob Powers will soon be joining the Atlanta craft beer community by opening a new brewpub in 2017.

Boasting quite the roster of beer industry veterans, Atlanta’s newest, exciting brewpub project will be led by American Beerworks Chief Executive Officer Carey Falcone, American Beerworks Chief Sales Marketing Officer Bob Powers and Former Stone Brewing Co. Brewmaster Mitch Steele.  The true name recognition and star power drawing attention to this new endeavor belongs to Steele.  While at Stone Brewing, he helped the brewery become the 10th largest craft brewer in the country and he literally wrote the book on brewing the IPA style.  His brewing expertise will be an invaluable addition to the craft beer scene in Atlanta and the Southeast.

“I’ve enjoyed a wonderful career in craft brewing and I am excited for this next chapter in Atlanta,” said Steele. “I had an amazing time at Stone and I am very thankful for my experiences there. Now, I am looking forward to the opportunity to become part of the growing craft beer movement in Atlanta and the Southeast.”

The yet-to-be-named brewpub project already has a location locked down at 820 Ralph McGill Avenue on Atlanta’s Beltline.  This state-of-the-art facility “will offer Atlanta a distinctive place to enjoy craft beer, great artisanal food, and an inviting atmosphere.”  You can expect the brewpub to feature a rooftop bar, an outdoor biergarten, brewery tours, and brewing workshops for homebrewers.  More details are to come, so stay tuned for any and all updates.  Prost!

Rogue Ales releases Promise Gone Aw-Rye IPA

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promisegoneawryeRogue Ales (Newport, Oregon) recently announced that they have released Promise Gone Aw-Rye IPA as a new specialty offering.

Each year, a special one-time only beer is brewed up by Brewmaster John Maier and given as a gift to all Rogue employees for the holidays.  The story is supposed to end there for these exclusive beers, but last year’s creation of a Red Rye India Pale Ale was such a hit with members of the Rogue Ales family that they decided it just had to be shared with all fans of craft beer and the brewery.  Dubbed Promise Gone Aw-Rye, this 7.5% ABV offering is brewed with Dream Rye grown at Rogue Farms to allow the beer to lead with a spicy character.  Rogue Farms-grown hops and a full malt body provide the rye with balance and support to bring this this truly special Rye IPA together.

“Not only did it take a lot of convincing for John to finally agree to break his promise and brew more of his red rye IPA,” said Rogue President Brett Joyce, “but it’s taken a lot of dare, risk and dream to grow our own rye.”

Promise Gone Aw-Rye IPA is now available for a limited time on draft and in 22 oz. bombers.  Look for this brew at craft beer-friendly establishments in Alabama, Florida and throughout Rogue’s distribution area.  Prost!

Vital Information on Promise Gone Aw-Rye IPA from Rogue Ales

Style – Rye IPA
Availability – Specialty
ABV – 7.5%
IBUs – 70
Hops –  Rogue Farms Liberty Hops, Centennial & Simcoe Hops
Malts – 2-Row, Munich, Rogue Farms Dream Rye, 40, C75 & C120 Malts
Yeast – Pacman Yeast
Packaging – 22 oz. bottles and on draft

Stone Brewing Continues Encore Series with Re-release of 02.02.02 Vertical Epic Ale

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encore_020202heroStone Brewing Co. (Escondido, California) recently announced that Stone 02.02.02 Vertical Epic Ale is making a much anticipated return to shelves and taps this month as a part of the brewery’s Encore Series.

In order to properly commemorate the brewery’s 20th Anniversary, Stone Brewing is celebrating all year long with a lineup of revived fan and brewery-favorite one-off offerings as a part of their Encore Series.  Is there a better way to do so than to bring back one of the brewery’s most elusive offerings from what is likely their most popular series? The folks at the brewery believe this is exactly the approach to take by allowing Stone 02.02.02 Vertical Epic Ale to officially make its return.

Stone 02.02.02 Vertical Epic Ale was originally produced in 2002 as the first beer released in the eleven-part, “groundbreaking, millennium-inspired” Vertical Epic Series. This Imperial Belgian-style Wit is brewed with “an infusion of orange peel, coriander, a sprinkling of black pepper and a healthy dose of Centennial hops.”  This carefully crafted recipe boasts aromatic notes of “rose, peach, bubblegum, citrus peel, and light spice” working in unison with a flavor profile of “white wine, honey-dew melon, citrus, orange, and a lingering, mild-spicy finish.”  Only 300 cases were originally released back in 2002, and this dynamic brew was such a hit with fans that it became one of Stone Brewing’s most highly sought after beers.  Thanks to the Encore Series, craft beer fans can finally get their hands on a bottle to ” taste what was the start of something truly epic.”

20th Anniversary Encore Series: Stone 02.02.02 Vertical Epic Ale is available now as a limited offering.  Look for it in 22 oz. bottles and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments in Alabama, Florida and across the nation within Stone Brewing’s distribution area.  It may not disappear as quickly as the first release, but the Encore Series release of Stone 02.02.02 Vertical Epic Ale certainly will not be around forever.  Be sure to celebrate Stone Brewing’s 20th Anniversary in proper fashion and get your bottles while you can.  Prost!

Vital Information for Stone 02.02.02 Vertical Epic Ale from Stone Brewing Co.

Availability – Limited, Encore Series. Officially released on September 5
Style – Belgian-style Strong Ale
ABV – 7.5%
IBUs – 40
Featured Hops – Centennial
Other Ingredients – Sweet orange peel, Curaçao orange peel, coriander & black pepper
Packaging – 22 oz. bottles and on draft
Distribution – AL, FL, AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, DC, Puerto Rico