Sierra Nevada and Germany’s Brauhaus Miltenberger Collaborate on Oktoberfest 2017

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Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (Chico, California) announced today that is has partnered with Brauhaus Miltenberger (Miltenberg, Germany) to craft the 2017 release of Oktoberfest Festbier.

Back in 2015, Sierra Nevada launched a new Oktoberfest program that now has their brewers partnering with a different German brewery each year “to create an authentic fest beer fit for celebrating the world’s largest beer festival right here at home.”  For the 2017 Oktoberfest, the folks at Sierra Nevada invited Brauhaus Miltenberger, one of Germany’s most highly regarded craft brewers, to their Mills River facility in North Carolina to be a part of this special collaboration.

“Cornelius Faust and his team from Brauhaus Miltenberger embody the spirit and tradition of Oktoberfest,” says Brian Grossman, second-generation brewer for Sierra Nevada.  “It was a great to host them at our brewery in Mills River, NC, for the creation of this year’s fest beer.  They brought literally centuries of family brewing experience to the mix and helped us create the ultimate festival beer.”

This year’s version of Oktoberfest is a “deep golden lager” that stays true to Brauhaus Miltenberger’s “approach to the classic style.”  This yields a drinking experience that boasts “an authentic, rich, and layered malt flavor balanced by traditional German-grown hops.”

“We tried to re-create a classic Oktoberfest beer in the true German tradition,” says Cornelius Faust, fourth-generation brewmaster for Brauhaus Miltenberger. “We used traditional techniques to create layers of rich malt notes that remain light and crisp to the taste. That’s the secret of an authentic fest beer—complex malt flavor in a lager that remains easy to drink while you are celebrating the Oktoberfest season.”

2017 Oktoberfest is rolling out now and will be available throughout Oktoberfest season.  You can expect to find this special collaboration brew available in 12 oz. cans, 12 oz. bottles and on draft at craft beer-focused bars, restaurants and retailers located in Alabama, Florida, California, North Carolina and throughout the rest of Sierra Nevada’s expansive distribution footprint.  Prost!

Vital Information for 2017 Oktoberfest Festbier from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. & Brauhaus Miltenberger

Release – Seasonal, Oktoberfest Season 2017 (August to mid-October)
Style – Oktoberfest
ABV – 6.1%
IBUs – 30
Malts – Two-row Pale, Steffi, Pilsner & Munich
Bittering Hops – German Magnum 
Finishing Hops – German Select, Tettnanger & Spalter
Yeast – Lager Yeast
Suggested Food Pairings – “Mild Cheddar, Butterkase, German Weisswurst sausage, Roast Pork, Apple Strudel with fresh whipped cream”
Availability – 12 oz. cans, 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – http://www.sierranevada.com/beer-locator

**All images provided by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.**

 

House Beer Adds Florida to its Distribution Area

beer-can_480x480House Beer (Venice, California) recently announced that it has partnered with Cavalier Distributing to bring its Premium Lager to Florida.

The whole brewing philosophy at House Beer is centered on one idea: “One beer, done right”.  Indeed, you read that correctly . . . their entire portfolio consists of only one beer: House Beer Premium Crafted Lager (4.8% ABV, 18 IBUs).  The founders of House Beer, avid fans of “all kinds of beer”, developed this concept after they were consistently left with the feeling of having to choose “between beers that were great for drinking and beers that tasted great.”  They realized that the beer community lacked a consistent, no-fuss, craft-inspired Premium Lager “brewed with the taste and ingredients you expect to find in most craft beers, but one you can drink time and time again without worrying about how filling it is or what it says about you.”  With a firm belief that this was a situation that could be remedied, they ran with this idea and House Beer was born.

Now that their Premium Crafted Lager has established itself in areas such as Southern California, Northern California, New York City, Pittsburgh, Colorado and Idaho, House Beer feels that now is the time to introduce themselves to the beer-loving masses in Florida.

“With the millennial population booming in places like Miami, we knew it was time to get House down to Florida,” said Brendan Sindell, Founder and President of House Beer. “We’ve found a great fit with Cavalier and their craft-focused portfolio, and I can’t wait to utilize their deep knowledge of the market to build a strong presence in Florida.”

House Beer Premium Crafted Lager will roll out in Florida with availability on draft and in 12 oz. and 16 oz. cans in bars and restaurants while retail stores will carry this offering in 6-packs and 12-packs of 12 oz. cans.

To formally launch their beer in state, the House Beer team will be in Florida to join the folks at Cavalier Distributing as they host the following Launch Events:

  • Wednesday, July 26 at 6 p.m. – House Beer Launch Event at The Mack House (9118 W State Road 84, Davie, FL)
  • Thursday, July 27 at 6 p.m. – BB’s Birthday and House Beer Launch Party at Revelry (17 S J Street, Lake Worth, FL)
  • Friday, July 28 at 6 p.m. – House Beer Launch Party at SoHo House (4385 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL)

If you are eager to try this new arrival but cannot make it out to the events above, there is no need to fret.  Just keep a watchful eye on those Florida beer shelves and taps, and give House Beer Premium Crafted Lager a try at your leisure.  Prost!

Catawba Brewing Co. Festbier Slated for August Release

Sticker-whitebg-notextCVB-FBier-3Catawba Brewing Co. (Morganton, North Carolina) recently announced that it will introduce Festbier in mid-August as the brewery’s newest Specialty Release.

After proving to be quite the crowd-pleaser when it debuted in 2016 as a part of Catawba Brewing’s Small Batch Program, Festbier is set to return next month with full availability in packaging and on draft.   Brewed to honor Oktoberfest and German brewing tradition as a whole, Festbier is an authentic German-style Lager that “represents a lighter, more sessionable evolution of the classic Marzën style.”  At 5.3% ABV and 25 IBUs, this easy-drinker “showcases [a] distinctive Vienna malt character” that has been “balanced with a touch of Noble hop bitterness.”

Festbier will officially release in mid-August and will hang around through the month of September.  This Specialty Release will be available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer establishments located in Alabama, North Carolina and throughout the rest of Catawba Brewing Co.’s distribution footprint.  Prost!

Vital Information for Festbier from Catawba Brewing Co.

Release – Specialty, mid-August through September 2017
Style – Oktoberfest/Marzën
ABV – 5.3%
IBUs – 25
Malts – 2 Row Pale, Vienna & Caramalt
Hops – Magnum & Hallertau Mittelfrüh
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft

Lord Hobo Brewing Company Expands Distribution to Florida

LordHoboLogoLord Hobo Brewing Company (Woburn, Massachusetts) announced today that it has officially signed with Cavalier Distributing so that it may increase its distribution footprint with expansion into Florida.

By brewing “beer for the discerning drinker that appreciates quality and recognizes value”, Lord Hobo Brewing Company (LHBCo) has made quite a name for itself in a very short period of time.  Fresh off its 2nd Anniversary, Lord Hobo “grew nearly 415% in 2016 and the company is on track to produce 30,000 bbls in 2017.”  Distribution expansion is inevitable with numbers like those, and LHBCo is convinced that Florida is a market that will play a large role in its continued growth.

“Lord Hobo is thrilled to be uniting with a forward-thinking distributor, such as Cavalier,” says Lord Hobo Brewing’s Director of Sales, Andrew Bousquet. “Their customer service and dedication to an all-craft portfolio positions Lord Hobo for success in the Florida market. A second home for many Bostonians, including our beloved Red Sox, Florida felt like the right next market for our beers.”

With the help of Cavalier Distributing, LHBCo will launch in Florida with the statewide distribution of three offerings: Boomsauce IPA, Hobo Life Session IPA, and Consolation Prize Imperial IPA.  Available in both cans and on draft, these three offerings will be showcased at the following rollout events that will begin in late-July:

Ft. Lauderdale

Tampa|St. Petersburg|Brandon

  • Wednesday, August 2 at 6 p.m. – Lord Hobo @ Stein and Vine ( 827 W Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, FL)
  • Thursday, August 3 at 6 p.m. – LHBCo Train Pub Crawl in St. Petersburg with stops at  Stillwaters Tavern (224 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL); Thirsty First (119 1st. Ave N., St. Petersburg, FL); and The Ale and the Witch (111 2nd Ave. NE, St., St. Petersburg, FL)
  • Friday, August 4 at 6 p.m. – Lord Hobo @ The Independent Bar and Café (5016 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL)
  • Saturday, August 5 at 7 p.m. –  Lord Hobo @ Bolts Brewfest (Amalie Arena – 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL)
  • Saturday, August 12 at 6 p.m. – Lord Hobo Beer Dinner @ New World Brewery (1313 E 8th Ave., Tampa, FL)

Orlando

  • Wednesday, August 2 at 6 p.m. – Lord Hobo @ Tap & Grind (59 West Central Blvd., Orlando, FL)
  • Thursday, August 3 at 6 p.m. –  LHBCo @ Brass Tap – Mills Park Orlando (1632 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL)
  • Friday, August 4 at 6 p.m. – Lord Hobo @ Word of Beer UCF (3402 Technological Ave., Orlando, FL)

The event schedule above gives you plenty of chances to get familiar with Lord Hobo Brewing Company and their beers, so be sure to mark those calendars, get your friends together, and venture out to one (or many) of these events to give LHBCo a proper welcome to Florida.  Prost!

 

Against the Grain Brewery Now Brewing in Europe

AtGEuropePlus1_editedAgainst the Grain Brewery (Louisville, Kentucky) recently announced that it has officially expanded operations overseas with the establishment of Against the Grain Europe at Germany’s Brauhaus Binkert.

After five years of brewing in the United States and introducing the craft beer world to their unique sense of “unabashed, crude humor”, the folks at Against the Grain Brewery are no longer satisfied with just distributing their beers across the globe.  No, they want to get up close and personal with their European fans by forming Against the Grain Europe as a brand that is “made in and for European countries.”  With production taking place at Brauhaus Binkert, this new brand will be representative of the same “American styles and quality standards” used by Against the Grain’s Louisville operation.

To properly introduce this new brand to their friends in Europe, Against the Grain has also created a new character.  Touri is an international tour guide that will be taking “European versions” of the brewery’s beloved characters –  Session, Hop, Whim, Dark, Malt, and Smoke – “on a journey across America visiting landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon.”

Against the Grain Europe will launch with two new offerings: Neoanderthal American IPA (6.5% ABV) and Plus One American Pale Ale (4.8% ABV).   These beers are currently being brewed and bottled in Germany, and will soon see distribution throughout Europe “where a host of [Against the Grain] core brands are already present.” Prost!

Dogfish Head Introduces Oak-Aged Vanilla World Wide Stout

oavwws-ingredients-9Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (Milton, Delaware) has officially announced the release of Oak-Aged Vanilla World Wide Stout as the brewery’s newest Limited Release offering.

The newly released Oak-Aged Vanilla World Wide Stout arrives as a revamped take on the fan-favorite World Wide Stout.  Starting with the original, 18-year-old recipe that boasts “a ridiculous amount of barley”, the brewers at Dogfish Head then added a fresh layer of complexity by aging the Stout in “real 10,000 gallon oak tanks with heaps of [whole Madagascar] vanilla beans.”  This treatment produces a 16% ABV Oak-Aged Vanilla World Wide Stout that possesses “a wonderfully authentic tapestry of roasted malty, toasted vanilla flavors with subtle coffee notes.”

“When we first began brewing World Wide Stout at our brewpub back in the winter of 1999, the first batch sold out in less than a week – and nearly 18 years later the response has continued to be amazing,” said Sam Calagione, founder and CEO of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. “At Dogfish, our raison d’être is to expand the boundaries of the typical beer experience by creating innovative beers made from fresh ingredients, so we decided to take a new spin on our popular stout by adding tons of whole Madagascar vanilla beans to the recipe. The addition of the beans enhances the coffee and chocolatey notes in the beer which we think our fans will enjoy.” 

Today’s press release from the brewery declares that Oak-Aged Vanilla World Wide Stout has officially shipped out to distributors.  You can expect to find this Limited Release brew available in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at select craft beer establishments located in Florida, Delaware and throughout the rest of Dogfish Head’s distribution network (unfortunately, this does not include Alabama and any other state where this Stout exceeds ABV restrictions).  Oak-Aged Vanilla World Wide Stout will not last long once it hits shelves, so be sure to keep a keen eye out for this brew while out on your next beer run.  Prost!

Vital Information for Oak-Aged Vanilla World Wide Stout from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Release – Limited, late July 2017
Style – American Imperial Stout 
ABV – 16%
IBUs – 70
Treatment – Aged in 10,000 gallon oak tanks with vanilla beans
Recommended Glassware – Snifter
Suggested Food Pairings – Roasted venison, leg of lamb, cheesecake, chocolate mousse
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder (a.k.a. FishFinder) – https://www.dogfish.com/brewery/fishfinder
Fun Fact – On aging Oak-Aged Vanilla World Wide Stout: ““’Like Fort and 120 Minute IPA, Oak-Aged Vanilla World Wide Stout only gets better in its golden years. With aging, you’ll find the heat of the booze fades into the background and the port notes and vanilla roastiness takes over,’ said Calagione. ‘Grab a few bottles, enjoy one now and lay the others down for a few years.'”

Tasting Notes: The Love from Starr Hill Brewery

LoveCan1000This week’s Tasting Notes brings it in for the real thing as we experience The Love Wheat Beer from Starr Hill Brewery (Charlottesville, Virginia).

The Love comes to us by way of Starr Hill’s new Summer Jam Can Variety Pack, the brewery’s first ever mixed 16-pack of 12 oz. cans (click here for more details).  This established, Year-Round offering is a German Hefeweizen that “is distinguished by its extremely light body and fruity aroma, finished with spicy notes.”  At just 5.1% ABV and 9 IBUs, The Love is an easy-drinking, approachable beer that is a fantastic go-to for any occasion or season.  You can find The Love in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, in the Summer Jam Can Variety Pack and on draft at craft beer establishments located in Alabama, Virginia and throughout the rest of Starr Hill Brewery’s distribution area.

Alright, let’s get into some Tasting Notes and see what The Love is all about!

Tasting Notes for The Love Wheat Beer from Starr Hill Brewery

Appearance: The Love hits the glass as a hazy, golden rod-colored brew topped with nearly two fingers of pure white, pillowy foam.  Held to the light, a myriad of yellows, from light straw to deep gold, burst forth.  The body holds its haze, but a lively carbonation presence can be seen working hard within.  The head has fantastic retention, and that foam leaves behind some impressive, chunky lace patterns whenever the beer is jostled.

Aroma: Just as they should, banana and clove are the first notes to waft from the glass.  Hearty wheat provides a solid, grain-based backbone.  A grace of bubblegum develops before the profile closes with a refreshing breeze of lemon zest.

Taste:  The yeast is hard at work here as well with clove and other light phenols leading the way.  An earthy and floral character develops to work beautifully alongside the wheat malts and a light spice note.  Citrus tones brighten things up a bit before the beer settles in for a very satisfying finish filled with ripe banana.

Mouthfeel: This brew is medium in body with a bright carbonation level.  This provides an experience that is wonderfully light and crisp on the palate.  The ABV can be located if you go looking, but it has very little intention to make itself known.  Aftertaste is minimal, but a little bit of banana and bubblegum does hang around from time to time.

Final Thoughts:   Full disclosure – this is not my first experience with this beer and it certainly will not be my last.  The Love impressed me a long time ago when a first sip emphatically read as a German Hefeweizen.  I know what the label description says, but I have had a good amount of encounters with American takes on the style that left me disappointed or wanting more.  Not the case with The Love.  This beer proudly possesses that needed and showcased balance between the wheat foundation and the playful yeast character.  Then we have the citrus qualities that bring it all together to result in an approachable, refreshing offering that we all long for after a hot and humid summer day. The folks at Starr Hill did a fantastic job with this beer, and it is clear that they did their homework before placing the word “German” anywhere on the label.  That’s respect, and it shows in each and every pour of The Love.  Well done.  Prost!

Cycle Brewing Schedules Bottle Release Dates for Rare DOS Double Barrel Cinnamon

CycleRareDOSDBCinnbottle_editedCycle Brewing (St. Petersburg, Florida) recently took to social media to inform their fans that they will host bottle releases for Rare DOS Double Barrel Bourbon Barrel Then Cinnamon Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout and two of its variants (Hazelnut and Coffee) over a three-week period beginning on Saturday, July 22.

Double Barrel madness continues this week at Cycle Brewing with the introduction of Rare DOS Double Barrel – Cinnamon.  This rare treat is an Imperial Stout that has been Bourbon barrel-aged and then transferred to a finishing barrel to be Cinnamon Bourbon barrel-aged.  Although the brewery does not have much information regarding the origin of the Cinnamon Bourbon barrels, it has come forward to say that “the results have been great.”

In addition to the regular version of Rare DOS Double Barrel – Cinnamon, there will also be Hazelnut and Coffee versions of this Double Barrel-aged Imperial Stout available.  Each of these three offerings will have its own release date, and the release schedule is as follows:

  • 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 22: Rare DOS Double Barrel Bourbon Barrel Then Cinnamon Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout – $30 per bottle, limit to be determined
  • 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 29: Rare DOS Double Barrel Bourbon Barrel Then Cinnamon Bourbon Barrel-aged Hazelnut Imperial Stout – $35 per bottle, limit to be determined
  • 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 5: Rare DOS Double Barrel Bourbon Barrel Then Cinnamon Bourbon Barrel-aged Coffee Imperial Stout (Panther Coffee)- $35 per bottle, limit to be determined

Quantities for all three versions are nearly identical.  Bottle limits will be based on how many people are in line, and the brewery will establish those limits at the time of each release.  This being the case, there is no need to camp out at the brewery and form a line hours before each release.  The brewery recommends that you arrive by 7:45 a.m. to make the head count and “guarantee yourself a full allotment.”  All three of these bottle releases are CASH ONLY while there is a line.

Since this is Rare DOS, it kind of goes without saying but I’ll say it anyway: Rare DOS Double Barrel Bourbon Barrel Then Cinnamon Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout and its two variants will sell out.  It will probably happen quickly.  If you want one (or all three) of these beers, you will have to get up early on the respective Saturday, hit the ATM on the way, and make sure you are in line by 7:45 a.m.  This is the only way, but it will be worth it.  Just remember to be respectful of Cycle Brewing’s neighbors and have fun out there.  Prost!

Framblanc 2016 Arrives as Latest Tier Two Release from Cascade Brewing

framblancbottleCascade Brewing (Portland, Oregon) has announced that Framblanc 2016 is now officially available for purchase at its two pubs and through distribution.

Marking only the second time an offering from this project has been packaged, the release of Framblanc 2016 has quite a bit of buzz around it considering Framblanc 2015 recently walked away with the Gold Medal at the 2017 Oregon Beer Awards.  This latest release is a blend of Sour Blonde Ales that have been aged “for up to 14 months in oak wine barrels with more than 3,500 pounds of white raspberries.”  The finished Framblanc 2016 “features fresh flavors of raspberries, green grapes, white peaches and pears and is 7.6 percent ABV.”

“We expect Framblanc to sell out as fast as the previous two limited releases: Kentucky Peach and Tangerine Dream,” stated Tim Larrance, VP of Marketing and Sales. “Those projects both sold out within days of their respective release dates. Our fans will want to grab a bottle of this while it’s available.”

Framblanc 2016 was officially released yesterday at both of Cascade Brewing’s pubs, the Cascade Brewing Barrel House and the Raccoon Lodge.  This Limited Release, Tier Two offering will also be available in 750ml bottles and on draft at select craft beer-focused retailers, restaurants and bars located in Alabama, Florida, Oregon and throughout the rest of Cascade Brewing’s distribution network.  Framblanc 2016 is guaranteed to sell out, so be sure to grab a bottle if happen upon one.  Prost!

Vital Information for Framblanc 2016 from Cascade Brewing

Release – Limited/Tier Two; July 18, 2017
Style – American Sour Ale (blended)
ABV – 7.6%
Treatment – A blend of Sour Blonde Ales aged for up to 14 months in oak wine barrels with more than 3,500 pounds of white raspberries
Availability – 750ml bottles & draft
Fun Fact – Concerning the new labels and tier designations: “Cascade’s new bottles have distinct label styles for each of the three Cascade Brewing pricing tiers, with each label within the tier utilizing distinctive colors to clearly differentiate each beer. The tiers differ by the style of beer used in the product, the type ingredients contained within, the time aged in the barrels and types of barrels used.”

Rogue Ales & Spirits Set to Release 2017 Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout

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Rogue’s Rolling Thunder Barrel Works Master Cooper, Nate Linquist, poses with Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout

Rogue Ales & Spirits (Newport, Oregon) recently announced that it will begin the much-anticipated, limited release of its 2017 Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout later this month.

The story behind Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout all begins with the barrel and Nate Linquist, Master Cooper at Rogue’s Rolling Thunder Barrel Works.  Back in 2015, the folks at Rogue Ales & Spirits got their hands on some “vintage, WWII-era, coopering equipment” and established Rolling Thunder Barrel Works as “the only brewery-distillery-cooperage west of Lynchburg, Tennessee.” With this equipment and a good supply of Oregon Oak, Nate Linquist “assembles, raises, toasts, chars, hoops, cauterizes, sands and brands one barrel a day, all by hand.”  Once assembled, these meticulously crafted barrels go on to hold Dead Guy Whiskey as it matures, and then pull double duty by eventually providing Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout a home as it barrel ages.

Having been “brewed with ingredients grown at Rogue Farms and ocean aged in Dead Guy Whiskey-soaked handmade Oregon Oak barrels coopered at . . . Rolling Thunder Barrel Works”, Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout is a truly special offering because nearly every aspect of this beer has been either handled, influenced, grown, or created by a member of the Rogue family.  This homegrown approach results in a barrel-aged Imperial Stout that “features deep sherry notes accentuated by hints of coconut, cherries, dark fruit and vanilla held up against a dark roasted malt backbone with earthy hops.”  Weighing in at a massive 14% ABV, the 2017 vintage of Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout “is bigger and bolder than the inaugural 2016 release.”

“At first it was a creative challenge,” said General Manager Dharma Tamm, “to see how we could incorporate our brewery, distillery, cooperage and farm into one beer. However, our brewers, distillers, coopers, farmers – and even graphic designers turned it into a quest to create a world class beer that exemplifies the Rogue spirit of challenging the norm and pushing creative boundaries.”

2017 Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout will make its official debut at Rogue public houses starting on Friday, July 21.  This Limited Release offering will then enter distribution on August 1 with availability on draft and in 1-liter swing-top bottles.  Quantities are extremely limited, so keep an eye out for Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout at select craft beer-friendly establishments located in Florida, Oregon, California, Washington and throughout the rest of Rogue’s nationwide distribution footprint (of course, this excludes Alabama and any other state where Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout would exceed ABV and container size restrictions).  Prost!

Vital Information for Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout (2017) from Rogue Ales

Release – Limited, official release date set for July 21, 2017
Style – American Imperial Stout
ABV – 14%
Malts – Rogue Farms Dare & Risk Malts; Nate’s Smoke, Brown, Kiln Black, Roasted Barley, C40 & C75 Malts; & Oats
Hops – Rogue Farms Liberty & Freedom
Yeast – Pacman Yeast
Added Ingredients – Brown Sugar, Sweet Dark Cherries, Vanilla & Chocolate
Treatment – Ocean aged in Dead Guy Whiskey-soaked handmade Oregon Oak barrels coopered at Rogue’s Rolling Thunder Barrel Works
Availability – 1-liter swing-top bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.rogue.com/finder/