Founders Brewing to Add DKML Imperial Malt Liquor to Barrel-Aged Series

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DKMLlableFounders Brewing Co. (Grand Rapids, Michigan) sent out a press release today naming DKML Imperial Malt Liquor Aged in Bourbon Barrels as the newest addition to their Barrel-Aged Series.

Billed as possibly being “the first malt liquor worthy of a glass,” DKML Imperial Malt Liquor Aged in Bourbon Barrels will release in July as Founders Brewing Co.’s “first-ever malt liquor” and the next installment in the brewery’s Barrel-Aged Series.  Never afraid to think outside the box, the brewers at Founders crafted this malt liquor “with corn and lager yeast cultivated by Spanish brewer Mahou San Miguel as part of their partnership.” Once brewed, DKML received “a healthy dose of dry-hopping to achieve the desired flavor profile” and then took on “a smooth sweetness with vanilla tones and light fruitiness thanks to its time spent aging in bourbon barrels.” DKML Imperial Malt Liquor Aged in Bourbon Barrels will be the fourth official release in the brewery’s 2017 Barrel-Aged Series, preceded by Frootwood, KBS and Doom.   Backwoods Bastard will follow DKML later this year, and “there is one remaining beer yet to be announced in the series this year.”

“I’m always looking for new ways to rethink what we have to offer,” said Brewmaster Jeremy Kosmicki. “With DKML I wanted to do something totally original, and I don’t know anyone in the craft beer world who is barrel-aging malt liquor. After some early trials, we ended up with Mahou’s lager yeast to brew a really amazing malt liquor, and then we did what we do best – barrel-aged it. The bourbon barrel smoothed it out while giving it that ‘kick’ you would expect from an imperial malt liquor.”

DKML Imperial Malt Liquor Aged in Bourbon Barrels will launch in the taproom at Founders Brewing Co. on July 1, and full distribution will follow later in the month.  Once released, you can expect to find this limited brew available in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles (suggested retail price of $14.99 each), 750ml bottles (suggested retail price of $11.99 each), and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Michigan and throughout the rest of Founders Brewing Co.’s 46-state distribution area.  If you have always wanted to tick a Bourbon barrel-aged malt liquor, now’s your chance.  Keep an eye out for DKML next month.  Prost!

Vital Information for DKML Imperial Malt Liquor Aged in Bourbon Barrels from Founders Brewing Co.

Release – Limited/Barrel-Aged Series, launching July 2017
Style – American-style Malt Liquor
ABV – N/A
IBUs – N/A
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles ($14.99 each), 750ml bottles ($11.99 each) & draft
Beer Finder – https://foundersbrewing.com/find-our-beer/

Mill Creek Brewing Co. to Introduce SunSplash as Summer Seasonal

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SunsplashsixerMill Creek Brewing Co. (Nolensville, Tennessee) has announced that it will release SunSplash: Tart Fruit Beer – a mixed 6-pack comprised of a trio of Berliner Weisse-style beers – in July as the brewery’s new summer Seasonal.

To provide their fans with the perfect crisp and refreshing option this summer, the folks at Mill Creek Brewing Co. are actually giving them three options with the release of SunSplash.  This mixed 6-pack of 12 oz. cans will contain three variations of Berliner Weisse under the SunSplash branding: Strawberry, Pineapple, and Coconut (two cans of each varietal in each 6-pack).   Those who purchase the SunSplash six-pack can enjoy each beer on its own or they can “play mixologist with this tasty trio, blending the various fruit flavors for a touch of Tiki, no umbrellas or coconut cups necessary.”  Clocking in at just 4.3% ABV, each SunSplash: Tart Fruit Beer promises to “keep your summer cool and your taste buds refreshed.”

SunSplash: Tart Fruit Beer will officially release in mid-July.  You can expect to find these Seasonal mixed 6-packs of 12 oz. cans at craft beer establishments located in Mill Creek Brewing’s distribution footprint of Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky.  Prost!

Vital Information for SunSplash: Tart Fruit Beer from Mill Creek Brewing Co.

Release – Seasonal, launching mid-July 2017
Style – Berliner Weisse
ABV – 4.3%
The Flavors – Strawberry, Pineapple, & Coconut
Availability – mixed 6-packs of 12 oz. cans (2 cans of each flavor)
Distribution – Alabama, Tennessee & Kentucky
Beer Finder – http://millcreekbrewingco.com/locations/

Six Ten Brewing Primes Tampa for 6/10 Day

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sixtenlogoOn Saturday, June 10 at 2 p.m., Six Ten Brewing (7052 Benjamin Rd, Tampa, Florida) will recognize 6/10 Day by hosting a 613 Red Velvet White Stout Bottle Release Party featuring a celebration-worthy tap list that will work its way around the Tampa area.

Just as the annual tradition dictates, Six Ten Brewing will celebrate its namesake date of June 10 by treating their fans to a limited edition bottle release and party of epic proportions.  This year’s 6/10 Day Bottle Release will feature 613 Red Velvet White Stout.  Bottles will go on sale at 3 p.m. for $12 each (limit of 2 bottles per person).

In addition to the bottle release, the 6/10 Day festivities will also feature a tap list comprised of the following special release brews:

  • 611 Neapolitan Porter
  • 612 Bourbon Barrel Aged Barleywine
  • 613 Red Velvet White Stout
  • Butterfinger CBGB
  • And many more surprises

The beers above will be available until the kegs kick.  The party goes from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and bottles go on sale at 3 p.m.  To ensure that you are able to post up at Six Ten Brewing and make a day of it, Holy Hog Barbecue will also be on-site to satisfy any grubbin’ needs you may encounter.

If you happened to think this 6/10 Day action could possibly be contained to one location, you would be woefully (yet happily) mistaken. Several craft beer establishments in the Tampa area are getting in on the party by also tapping the beers listed above.  The participating locations are as follows:

Whether you end up at Six Ten Brewing or one of the other locations listed above on June 10, just be sure to have a tasty Six Ten brew in hand so that you can be a proper participant in the 6/10 Day festivities.  We hope to see you all out there.  Prost!

 

Automatic Pale Ale Makes Seasonal Return for Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

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CCBCAutocan_editedCreature Comforts Brewing Co. (Athens, Georgia) recently announced that Automatic Pale Ale will be making a much-anticipated Seasonal return in June.

Brewed to be a “modern” American Pale Ale, Automatic “features a prominent hop flavor and aroma” thanks to the use of Mosaic and Crystal hops sourced from Yakima Valley in 2016 by Creature Comforts Co-founders Chris Herron, Adam Beauchamp and David Stein.  These hops lend the beer aromatics of “berry, citrus, herbal, and pine”, and those aroma notes roll over into the flavor profile along with “a bit more earthiness and stone fruit.” At a very reasonable 5.2% ABV, Automatic provides its drinker with “nicely balanced” experience that finishes “moderately bitter.”

“We went to Yakima in the Fall of 2016 to select hops for our beers for the first time,” says our Co-founder and Brewmaster Adam Beauchamp. “In doing so, we were able to secure some beautiful Mosaic from Oregon as well as some Crystal hops that clearly stood out to all of us as highly aromatic.”

Automatic Pale Ale will begin turning up on draft in early June, and 6-packs of 12 oz. cans will arrive by late June.  You can expect to find this Seasonal release available at select craft beer establishments located in the brewery’s distribution area of Athens and Atlanta, Georgia.  Prost!

Vital Information for Automatic Pale Ale from Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Release – Seasonal, June 2017
Style – American Pale Ale
ABV – 5.2%
Featured Hops – Mosaic & Crystal 
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Athens & Atlanta, Georgia
Can Artwork – “We collaborated with a local artist to design the can label. Athens painter, Michelle Fontaine, was inspired by 1950s American popular culture as well as the origin of our facility – a former 1940s Chevy dealership and later the Snow Tire Company. The label depicts a classic automotive theme.”
Fun Fact – “The name Automatic is a nod to the community in which we are located – Athens, GA. It’s a reference to the slogan of a local restaurant, Weaver D’s that inspired one of REM’s most prolific albums – Automatic for the People.”

SweetWater Brewing and Telluride Brewing Collaborate on Torikumi Wasabi Blonde Ale

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unnamed (24)SweetWater Brewing Company (Atlanta, Georgia) has announced a release date of June 8 for Torikumi Wasabi Infused Blonde Ale, the brewery’s latest Dank Tank release and collaboration with Telluride Brewing Co. (Telluride, Colorado).

Chris Fish, Brewmaster at Telluride Brewing Co., recently ventured to Atlanta to meet up with SweetWater’s Nick Nock so the two could share the ol’ Dank Tank for a little collaboration action.  After the two explored Atlanta’s Buford Highway, a culinary playground of international cuisine, they returned to the brewery with the inspiration to brew something with wasabi.  That something became Torikumi Wasabi Infused Blonde Ale (7.5% ABV and 27 IBUs).  The addition of wasabi provides some “serious heat” to the Blonde Ale base, making the beer a perfect candidate to enjoy as a pairing for a wide variety of dishes.

SweetWater Brewing Company will officially release Torikumi Wasabi Infused Blonde Ale at a brewery launch party on Thursday, June 8 (click here for more details on the party).  Starting the week of June 12, this limited offering will have availability in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer bars, restaurants and retailers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and throughout the rest of SweetWater Brewing’s distribution area.  Prost!

Vital Information for Torikumi Wasabi Infused Blonde Ale from SweetWater Brewing Company and Telluride Brewing Co.

Release – Limited/Dank Tank Series, launch date: June 8, 2017
Style – American Blonde Ale
ABV – 7.5%
IBUs – 27
Malts – 2-Row, Wheat, Carapils, Rye Malt & Oat Flakes
Hops – Magnum, Saaz & Sorachi Ace
Added Ingredients – Wasabi
Availability – 4-packs of 16 oz. cans & draft
Suggested Food Pairings – “Sushi, ginger, Japanese noodle dishes, or just some grilled chicken.”
Beer Finder – http://sweetwaterbrew.com/vibe/find-sweetwater/

Tasting Notes: Hatchery Series #2 – Mexican Style Lager from SweetWater Brewing Company

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hatcheryMEXlabelNow that we have successfully completed the move of Mashing In’s headquarters, it is finally time to celebrate with a little Tasting Notes action featuring Hatchery Series #2 – Mexican Style Lager from SweetWater Brewing Company (Atlanta, Georgia).

Released as SweetWater Brewing’s official beer of Cinco de Mayo and summer (a.k.a. Lawnmower and Shower Beer Season), Mexican Style Lager is the second packaged release from the brewery’s Hatchery Series – a line of limited release beers (typically draft only) created on the brewery’s new pilot system.  For their take on the Mexican-style lager, SweetWater laid a base with a proper malt bill (2-Row, Flaked Maize, Vienna Malt, Carapils) and then dosed it with “El Dorado hops to give this brew slightly sweet, malty, and tropical fruit aromas.”  At just 4.8% ABV and 29 IBUs, Mexican Style Lager is an easy-drinking, go-to option meant for any occasion during the summer months.  12 oz. bottles of Hatchery Series #2 – Mexican Style Lager are available now exclusively in SweetWater’s Summer Variety Pack alongside Cool Breeze Cucumber Saison, Goin Coastal IPA with Pineapple, 420 Extra Pale Ale, and Hash Session IPA.

Now that the details are covered, that can only mean one thing: cerveza time!  Let’s get into these Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Hatchery Series #2 – Mexican Style Lager from SweetWater Brewing Company

Appearance: Mexican Style Lager fills the glass as a bright golden brew topped with a finger of loose, pure white foam.  When held to the light, the beer radiates with tones of rich golds and electric yellows.  The body is perfectly clear and wonderfully displays the beer’s spirited carbonation activity.  The head has decent staying power, but eventually falls to a chunky ring that notches the glass after each pull.

Aroma: The aromatic experience begins with that alluring and quintessential lager note of lightly sweet, bready grains.  A touch of corn rises up and gives way to a delightful hop character.  Notes of apricot and sweet melon easily distinguish themselves, but do so in a manner that still allows room for those gorgeous malts to remain and bloom. Beautiful.

Taste: Malts once again lead the way with notes of quality bread, sweet corn, and just a dollop of honey.  The hops play more of a role here by really showcasing a pronounced apricot character, but a touch of pineapple and watermelon can be found kicking around in the back.  The fruitiness is relatively subtle, but just forward enough to give the flavor profile a bit of added depth and complexity many may find lacking in typical Mexican-style lagers.

Mouthfeel: Just as it should be, this lager is light in body with a pretty sizable carbonation presence.  The beer is playful on the palate with a slight sweetness that is consistently canceled by just enough hop bitterness.  Skillfully balanced, incredibly clean, nicely crisp and damn refreshing.  At just 4.8%, the ABV displays zero effort to make its presence known.  Aftertaste is a slight but wonderful mix of grain and apricot.

Final Thoughts: Hatchery Series #2 – Mexican Style Lager is exactly as billed . . .  a really good take on a Mexican-style lager.  Although the El Dorado hops are a fresh (and lovely) addition to this established style, the beer remains a beautiful homage to the many beers that came before it.  It pulls this off by really emphasizing each and every aspect of its malt bill to give it that incredibly recognizable lager grain quality.  By perfectly setting the dials marked “malt” and “hops”, the brewers at SweetWater have supplied their fans with a stunning lager that is somehow both simple and dynamic.  Those terms may sound contradictory, but those descriptors are truly a requirement for any great lager of this style.  You simply do not run across many memorable Mexican-style lagers, but Hatchery Series #2 – Mexican Style Lager absolutely is one.  Be sure to check it out this summer.  Prost!

Cascade Brewing Sets Release Dates for Manhattan NW and Crazy Navel

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CascadeManhattanlabel_editedCascade Brewing (Portland, Oregon) has announced plans to release Manhattan NW 2015 on June 6 and Crazy Navel 2016 on June 13.

Arriving as Cascade Brewing’s first release of the month, Manhattan NW 2015 is “a blend of sour quad and blond ales aged in bourbon barrels with sour pie cherries and apricot noyaux.”  Meant to mimic the notes of the classic Manhattan cocktail, this 10.3% ABV Sour Ale “features flavors of bourbon, maraschino cherries, bitter almond and rich malt backbone.”  Manhattan NW 2015 is a Tier 3 offering from the brewery, and will be available in 750ml bottles and on draft beginning on Tuesday, June 6.

“Manhattan NW has long been one of our most popular releases and is one of highest rated beers in our portfolio,” explained Tim Larrance, vice president of sales and marketing. “We’re also excited about our long awaited new orange project, Crazy Navel, and are confident it will be a summer hit.”

CascadeCrazyNavel_editedFollowing closely behind the release of Manhattan NW 2015 will be Cascade Brewing’s easy-drinking response to the warm weather months ahead, Crazy Navel 2016 (7.6% ABV).  This Tier 1 offering “is a blend of sour wheat and blond ales aged in oak wine barrels for 14 months with fresh orange zest.”  With the use of “Cara Cara and Heirloom varietals, Crazy Navel captures the essence of the navel orange balanced with a refreshingly tart and dry base beer.” Slated for release on Tuesday, June 13, Crazy Navel 2016 will also see availability in 750ml bottles and on draft.

Manhattan NW 2015 and Crazy Navel 2016 will both initially launch in Cascade Brewing’s two pubs – Cascade Brewing Barrel House and Raccoon Lodge – on their respective release dates.  Shortly after launch, bottles and kegs of both beers will then be shipped out to select craft beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Oregon and throughout the rest of Cascade Brewing’s distribution channels.  These two Sour Ales are almost guaranteed to move with a quickness once they hit shelves, so be sure to keep an eye out for them while on beer runs this month.  Prost!

Vital Information for Manhattan NW 2015 from Cascade Brewing

Release – Tier 3, launch date: June 6, 2017
Style – American Sour Ale 
ABV – 10.3%
Treatment – Blend of sour Quadrupel & Blonde Ales aged in Bourbon barrels
Added Ingredients – Sour pie cherries & apricot noyaux
Availability – 750ml bottles & draft

Vital Information for Crazy Navel 2016 from Cascade Brewing

Release – Tier 1, launch date: June 13, 2017
Style – American Sour Ale
ABV – 7.6%
Treatment – Blend of sour Wheat & Blonde Ales aged for 14 months in oak wine barrels
Added Ingredients – Zest of Cara Cara & Heirloom orange varietals 
Availability – 750ml bottles & draft
Fun Fact – Concerning the new labels and tier designations: “The 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.”

Straight to Ale Sends Monkey’s Uncle Out for Distribution

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monkeysunclecanStraight to Ale (Huntsville, Alabama) has officially announced the limited release of their latest batch of Monkey’s Uncle American IPA.

He knows things.  He’s seen things. We know him. We love him.  Most importantly . . . the oversized and endearingly grumpy uncle of Monkeynaut IPA has randomly returned to share a few stories with you over a beer or two.  Monkey’s Uncle is a Double India Pale Ale that unapologetically boasts “big citrus flavors, huge hop aroma and a bitterness that makes you take notice.” With this guy weighing in at 8% ABV and 156 IBUs, be sure to proceed with caution because things can easily get out of hand whenever Monkey’s Uncle turns up.

Monkey’s Uncle is a Limited Release brew and available while supplies last.  You can expect to find this offering available in 4-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida (Panhandle) and throughout the rest of Straight to Ale’s seven state distribution footprint.  Monkey’s Uncle comes and goes as he pleases, so be sure to secure your supply while you can.  Prost!

Vital Information for Monkey’s Uncle American IPA from Straight to Ale

Release – Limited (released throughout the year), Latest Batch: June 2017
Style – American Double India Pale Ale
ABV – 8%
IBUs – 156
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina & Tennessee 

Kona Brewing Greets Summer with Lemongrass Luau

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konaLuaubottle_editedKona Brewing Company (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii) has announced the return of Lemongrass Luau Blonde Ale as the brewery’s summer seasonal offering.

Back for its second year, Lemongrass Luau comes to us by way of Kona Brewing’s Aloha Series, “a special series, widely available throughout the mainland, which features seasonal craft brews made with island-inspired ingredients.” This crisp, balanced American Blonde Ale sources its island vibe from “a fresh zing of lemongrass and a snap of ginger.” Clocking in at just 5% ABV, Lemongrass Luau is back to earn its place as your go-to brew whenever you find yourself in need of “a refreshing companion in the summer heat.”

Lemongrass Luau Blonde Ale is available now and will be hanging around through the summer months.  You can find this Seasonal offering available in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at select craft beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Hawaii and throughout the rest of Kona Brewing Company’s distribution area.  Prost!

Vital Information for Lemongrass Luau from Kona Brewing Company

Release – Seasonal/Aloha Series, May to August 2017
Style – American Blonde Ale
ABV – 5%
IBUs – 20
Added Ingredients – Lemongrass & ginger
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Suggested Food Pairings – ” Lemongrass Luau pairs well with grilled fish, chicken, pork and vegetables.”
Beer Finder – http://konabrewingco.com/find-beer/

Konaslogan_edited

Weyerbacher Brewing Set to Release Sexy MotherPucker

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anniversary-18Weyerbacher Brewing (Easton, Pennsylvania) has announced plans to begin the limited release of Sexy MotherPucker Sour Ale on Saturday, June 3.

Arriving as Weyerbacher’s latest Special Release offering, Sexy MotherPucker is an American Sour Ale inspired by the classic and refreshing combination of lemonade and iced tea.  Amber in color, this tart brew sports a bright citrus note thanks to a late addition of Citra hops.  At 7.5% ABV, Sexy MotherPucker finds a nice balance between “sour and malt.”

Sexy MotherPucker will officially release to the public on June 3 at The Taproom at Weyerbacher Brewing.  Shortly after the brewery launch, this Special Release will then see “limited availability on shelves (6-packs of 12 oz. bottles) and at bars/restaurants” in Florida, Pennsylvania and throughout the rest of Weyerbacher Brewing’s distribution area.  Prost!

Vital Information for Sexy MotherPucker from Weyerbacher Brewing

Release – Limited/Special, June 2017
Style – American Sour Ale
ABV – 7.5%
Featured Hops – Citra
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles

weyerbacher