Mashing In

TrimTab Brewing Releases Bankston 88 Belgian Blonde in Cans

Posted on May 22, 2017May 22, 2017 by mashingin

TrimTab Brewing (Birmingham, Alabama) has announced that 12 oz. cans of their seasonally released Bankston 88 Belgian Blonde Ale are now available for the first time in the beer’s history.

Developed to be a “crisp, crucial, crushable liquid treat”, Bankston 88 is a wheat-based Belgian-style Blonde Ale that highlights the combination of a Belgian yeast strain with Centennial and Sorachi Ace hops. The chosen hops lend the beer a dynamic aroma “dominated by lemon verbena, grapefruit, cedar, and gardenia flowers.” These notes are then further supported by flavors of “fresh bread, lemongrass, [and] a variety of acidic fruits such as meyer lemon and grapefruit.” At just 4.5% ABV, Bankston 88 comes together as liquid proof “that a session beer can have incredible depth of flavor all while remaining light and undeniably drinkable.”

12 oz. cans of Bankston 88 Belgian Blonde Ale officially rolled out over the weekend with availability in TrimTab’s Tasting Gallery, and distribution will begin later this week when the brewery hosts a Launch Party at The Louis – located in the Pizitz Food Hall (120 19th Street North, Birmingham) – on Thursday, May 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. After the Launch Party, you can expect to find Bankston 88 available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer establishments located within the Alabama distribution area of TrimTab Brewing. Prost!

Vital Information for Bankston 88 Belgian Blonde Ale from TrimTab Brewing

Release – Seasonal, cans launch late May 2017
Style – Blonde Ale
ABV – 4.5%
IBUs – 31
Featured Hops – Centennial & Sorachi Ace
Yeast – Belgian yeast strain
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – http://trimtabbrewing.com/beers/#beer_locator

Catawba Brewing Co. to Introduce HOPness Monster as New Flagship IPA

Posted on May 19, 2017May 19, 2017 by mashingin

Catawba Brewing Co. (Morganton, North Carolina) has announced that it will be adding HOPness Monster IPA to its Year-Round portfolio beginning on Saturday, May 20.

Claiming that they have crafted “a beer for the new breed of hophead”, Catawba Brewing Co. is shaking up in their line of Year-Round brews with the introduction of HOPness Monster IPA. Inspired by a “mysterious beast that lurks in the cold fresh waters of Western North Carolina, terrorizing poor, hop-shy souls”, HOPness Monster has risen from the depths of Catawba’s pilot brewery in Asheville. After the beer was tested in small batches across the city, the brewery decided to move forward with a recipe packed with Citra and Cascade hops to create “a big biting hop profile layered with ripe tropical fruit, juicy citrus, and pine.” Weighing in at 6.5% ABV and 60 IBUs, HOPness Monster IPA promises to achieve “the perfect balance of everyday drinkability with intensely aromatic and flavorful hop character.” HOPness Monster will officially replace Firewater India Pale Ale as the brewery’s flagship IPA.

HOPness Monster IPA will make its debut at launch parties held at all Catawba Brewing Co. tasting room locations on Saturday, May 20. This offering will then enter distribution “immediately afterwards”. You can expect to find this new Year-Round brew 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’s distribution footprint. Prost!

Vital Information for HOPness Monster IPA from Catawba Brewing Co.

Release – Year-Round, launching May 20
Style – American India Pale Ale
ABV – 6.5%
IBUs – 60
Featured Hops – Citra & Cascade
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Reformulates Hoptimum to be Its “Hoppiest Beer Yet”

Posted on May 19, 2017May 19, 2017 by mashingin

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (Chico, California) recently released Hoptimum Triple IPA – 2017 Edition with a new recipe and hop schedule.

With America’s community of craft beer consumers consistently showing that it largely values new and different over traditional and established, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. continues to make changes to its portfolio of iconic brews. The latest example of this adaptation is the reimagination of Hoptimum Triple IPA for its 2017 release. Thanks to tweaks that involve mixing things up in the hop department to achieve a bit more balance, the 2017 incarnation of this High Altitude Release showcases a “tropical and citrus hop aroma that delivers a refined yet aggressive character.” Although the IBUs might be down a few ticks, the brewery steadfastly claims that Hoptimum Triple IPA – 2017 Edition is their “hoppiest beer yet.”

Hoptimum Triple IPA – 2017 Edition is available now while supplies last. This limited release offering can be found in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at select craft beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida, California, North Carolina and throughout the rest of Sierra Nevada’s national distribution network. These changes are bound to be the norm for the foreseeable future, so this might just be your only chance to experience this version of Hoptimum. With that in mind, be sure to grab a sixer or pour of this limited release if you happen to run across it over the next month or so. Prost!

Vital Information for Hoptimum Triple IPA – 2017 Edition from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Release – Limited/High Altitude Series, launching May 2017
Style – American Imperial India Pale Ale
ABV – 9.6%
IBUs – 65
Hops – Citra, Simcoe & Chinook
Malts – Two-row Pale & Wheat
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Suggested Food Pairings – Aged Monterey Jack cheese, cream-based sauces, citrus-based sauces, French vanilla ice cream
Beer Finder – http://www.sierranevada.com/beer-locator

Full Sail Brewing Co. Enters Summer with Release of Session Watermelon Wheat Ale

Posted on May 18, 2017May 18, 2017 by mashingin

Full Sail Brewing Co. (Hood River, Oregon) has officially introduced Session Watermelon Wheat Ale as a spring to summer Seasonal release from the brewery’s Session brand.

To allow the noble watermelon a reprieve from the business ends of sledgehammers, Full Sail Brewing is giving this tasty melon the respect it deserves by infusing it into “a crisp, refreshing beer that smells and tastes like a slice of summer.” Session Watermelon Wheat Ale begins with a malt base of 2-row Northwest Pale, Malted Wheat, and Unmalted Wheat that is then balanced by additions of Hallertauer and Crystal hops. The resulting American Wheat Ale is then supplied with “a hint of fresh watermelon flavor” to create “a refreshing brew for the blue-sky days of spring and summer drinking.”

“Spring is here, with summer soon to follow,” says Full Sail Brewmaster Jim Kelter. “While the availability of beer knows no season, watermelon of course is another thing. Beer and watermelon, two quintessential summer pleasures, are paired here in Session Watermelon Wheat.”

Session Watermelon Wheat Ale is available now and will be hanging around through the month of August. This Seasonal release can be found in 12-packs of 11 oz. bottles, the summer edition of Session Mashup variety 12-packs, and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments located in Florida, Georgia, Oregon and throughout the rest of Full Sail’s distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Session Watermelon Wheat Ale from Full Sail Brewing Co.

Release – Seasonal, May through August 2017
Style – American Wheat Ale
ABV – 5.4%
IBUs – 23
Malts – 2-row Northwest Pale, Malted Wheat & Unmalted Wheat
Hops – Hallertauer & Crystal
Added Ingredients – Watermelon
Availability – 12-packs of 11 oz. bottles, Session Mashup variety 12-pack (summer edition) & draft
Beer Finder – https://fullsailbrewing.com/where-to-buy/

Unibroue Launches Éphémère Sureau as New Seasonal

Posted on May 18, 2017May 18, 2017 by mashingin

Unibroue (Chambly, Québec) has officially announced the arrival of Sureau, an Elderberry Belgian-style White Ale, as the latest Seasonal release from the brewery’s Éphémère Series.

The long-standing Éphémère Series is Unibroue’s line of “refreshing, lightly spiced” Belgian-style White Ales that have been infused with a featured seasonal fruit. For this latest release, Éphémère Sureau – French for “elderberry” – captures the full essence of the elderberry by utilizing both the fruit and the flower. “Slightly cloudy and seductively reddish [in] color with purplish hues,” this fruit ale’s “berry flavours, subtle floral notes and hints of tropical fruit evoke Muscat grapes’ notable bouquet from the very first sip.”

“This is the first time we’re using both the fruit and flower in making an Éphémère beer,” explains Jerry Vietz, Unibroue’s Master Brewer. “The elderberry flower’s aroma is a perfect complement to the fruit’s rich, delicious flavour.”

Éphémère Sureau began its launch in the United States on May 1 and will be available for a limited time. You can expect to find this Seasonal offering available in Sommelier Selection variety packs, 6-packs of 341 ml bottles, 750 ml bottles and on draft at fine beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida, and throughout the rest of Unibroue’s distribution network in the U.S. Prost!

Vital Information for Éphémère Sureau from Unibroue

Release – Seasonal/Éphémère Series, launching May 2017
Style – Belgian-style White Ale
ABV – 5.5%
IBUs – 6
Added Ingredients – Elderberry fruit & flowers
Availability – 6-packs of 341 ml bottles, 750 ml bottles, available in Sommelier Selection variety packs & draft
Suggested Glassware – Tulip
Suggested Pairings – “Éphémère Elderberry’s explosion of berry flavours and subtle floral notes make for a wide variety of pairings,” confirms Sylvain Bouchard, beer sommelier at the brewery. “This delicious beer goes very well with pork loin, grilled chicken, as well as fish and seafood dishes, and adds a refreshing touch to rosette sausages. It also pairs well with goat, Brie and Camembert cheeses.”
Beer Finder – https://www.unibroue.com/en/find-our-beers

Deschutes Brewery Expands Distribution to Include North Carolina

Posted on May 17, 2017May 17, 2017 by mashingin

Deschutes Brewery (Bend, Oregon) has officially announced that it will enter the North Carolina market beginning in June.

As the opening date (the early 2020’s) for its brewing facility in Virginia approaches, Deschutes Brewery is taking steps forward to introduce the Southeast region to their iconic brews by expanding into North Carolina next month. In order to lock down the whole state, the brewery has partnered with the following seven distributors that have “300 years of combined beer-community building in the state”: Caffey Distributing Company; Carolina Premium Beverage; Coastal Beverage Company; Healy Wholesale Company, Inc.; Long Beverage, Inc.; Skyland Distributing Company, Inc. and United Beverages of North Carolina, LLC.

“With the recent announcement of our second brewing facility and downtown tasting room in Roanoke Virginia, it seemed logical to expand our consumer base to the craft-savvy state of North Carolina. We have been anxiously awaiting the opportunity to expand there for years.”

– Stacy Denbow, Frontier Region Director for Deschutes Brewery

With the help of the distributors above, Deschutes Brewery will enter North Carolina with following draft offerings in June:

Fresh Squeezed IPA – “This mouthwateringly delicious IPA gets its flavor from a heavy helping of citra and mosaic hops. Don’t worry, no fruit was harmed in the making of this beer.” ABV – 6.4% IBUs – 60
Black Butte Porter – “This is the beer that started it all. A rich, creamy mouthfeel complements a layered depth, revealing distinctive chocolate and coffee notes. Full of flavor, yet easy to drink.” ABV – 5.2% IBUs – 30
Pacific Wonderland Lager – “We’ve always believed the best way to respect tradition is to brew the unexpected. So when we set out to create a sessionable lager befitting of the Pacific Northwest, our sense of exploration led us to this dry-hopped wonder befitting of everyday adventure. Citrusy Tettnang Mandarina hops combine with the crisp, bright character of a traditional lager to deliver a beer that is truly refreshing, and undoubtedly worth sharing.” ABV – 5.5% IBUs – 40
Hop Slice Summer Ale – “Floral and citrus hop notes meet smooth caramel maltiness in this refreshingly-balanced golden ale. This year’s batch includes Lemondrop Hops! Grab a slice of summer in a glass…” ABV – 5% IBUs – 35

6-packs of the beer above and the brewery’s popular variety 12-pack will hit North Carolina retailers in August 2017.

Shortly after the kegs are tapped in June, Deschutes Brewery and its distribution partners plan to host “several launch and community oriented events around the state.” Once those details are released, we will be sure to update this post so that you are able to give the Deschutes crew a proper welcome to the North Carolina beer community. Prost!

Schlafly Beer to Pair Solar Eclipse with Path of Totality Pack

Posted on May 17, 2017May 17, 2017 by mashingin

Schlafly Beer (St. Louis, Missouri) has announced plans to commemorate this summer’s solar eclipse with the release of the special edition Path of Totality pack of its Helles-style Lager in June.

As self-proclaimed “science nerds”, the crew at Schlafly Beer is preparing for this summer’s total eclipse – Monday, August 21 – by putting together the Path of Totality pack, a limited-edition packaging of their Helles-style Lager named after the path that experiences complete darkness during an eclipse. Wrapped in black and metallic silver labels, these 6 and 12-packs of 12 oz. bottles will also include a pair of solar glasses so eclipse gazers can “watch the phenomenon safely.”

“St. Louis is along the Path of Totality, the path of the eclipse that will experience total darkness. As science nerds at Schlafly, we are very excited for this, along with the rest of the city, so we wanted to do something fun to celebrate. The last total eclipse seen in St. Louis was almost 550 years before anyone had tried a Schlafly beer back in 1442,” says Founding Brewer Stephen Hale.

As for the beer itself, Schlafly’s Helles-style Lager is “a bright, golden beer . . . reminiscent of European lagers.” The beer begins with a backbone of “fresh grain character” that is balanced by the “mild lemony, spicy flavor” of German Mittelfrüh hops. Weighing in at just 4.5% ABV and 17 IBUs, Helles-style Lager proves itself to be a perfect option for summertime drinking.

The Path of Totality pack will release in June and be available all summer long in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles for the suggested retail price of $7.99 and in 12-packs of 12 oz. bottles for the suggested retail price of $13.99. You can expect to find these limited-edition packs at craft beer retailers located in Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee and throughout the rest of Schlafly Beer’s distribution footprint.

If you happen to live in the St. Louis area, Schlafly Beer is also planning an Eclipse Field Trip party on eclipse day itself on Monday, August 21. This event will take place at the Dew Drop Inn (Bloomsdale, Missouri) and include the following:

Bus transportation to and from the Dew Drop Inn
Beer on the bus and at the event
BBQ lunch
Lawn games
Live music

Tickets to this event are $45 each and will be available for purchase beginning on July 1. You can click here for more information concerning this event and to purchase tickets once they are released. Tickets are incredibly limited.

Whether you are able to make the Eclipse Field Trip or simply pick up a Path of Totality pack, just do what you can to ensure that you have a Helles-style Lager in hand while you experience and appreciate a rare total solar eclipse on August 21. Prost!

Vital Information for Helles-style Lager from Schlafly Beer

Release – Seasonal (Limited Edition Packaging), Path of Totality packs launch June 2017
Style – Helles Lager
ABV – 4.5%
IBUs – 17
Malts – Pale, Europils & Carapils
Hops – Mittelfrüh & Magnum
Yeast – German Lager
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 12-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Fun Fact – “The German word ‘Helles’ translates as ‘light’ and ‘Lager’ means ‘to store’.”

Summer IPA Makes Seasonal Debut for Smuttynose Brewing Company

Posted on May 16, 2017May 16, 2017 by mashingin

Smuttynose Brewing Company (Hampton, New Hampshire) recently announced the release of Summer IPA as the brewery’s newest summer Seasonal offering.

To create a sessionable remedy for ridiculously hot weather and poolside thirst, the brewers at Smuttynose developed Summer IPA with a recipe punctuated by citrus and tropical fruit notes sources from the use of Zeus, Citra, Saphir, and Amarillo hops. With that hop profile gliding across a “subtle malt sweetness,” this easy-drinking India Pale Ale (5% ABV) comes together with a flavor and aroma that “is both complex and hoppy while perfectly balanced.”

“We wanted to make an IPA that’s perfect for a summer day, and we think we nailed it,” said Peter Egelston, Founder and President of Smuttynose Brewing Company. “It’s got all the hoppiness and bite of a classic IPA, and it’s perfect for any summer activity.”

Summer IPA is rolling out now and will be available throughout the summer months. Look for this Seasonal offering to be available in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida, New Hampshire and within the rest of Smuttynose’s distribution area. Be sure to keep Summer IPA in mind the next time you find yourself in search of a tall pour of hoppy refreshment. Prost!

Vital Information for Summer IPA from Smuttynose Brewing Company

Release – Seasonal, launching mid-May 2017
Style – American India Pale Ale
ABV – 5%
IBUs – 25
Hops – Zeus, Citra, Saphir & Amarillo
Malts – 2 Row (British & North American), Vienna & Light Caramel
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://smuttynose.com/beer-finder/

Shmaltz Brewing Company Adds Cans to its Portfolio

Posted on May 16, 2017May 16, 2017 by mashingin

Shmaltz Brewing Company (Clifton Park, New York) recently announced that they will be celebrating American Craft Beer Week (May 15 to May 21, 2017) with the release of two offerings – Slingshot American Craft Lager and 518 Summer Ale – in 12 oz. cans for the first time in the history of the company.

As independent craft brewers all over the country celebrate American Craft Beer Week with events and special releases, Shmaltz Brewing is marking the occasion with the release of their first canned beers. To accommodate craft beer fans that enjoy “summertime activities such as hiking; swimming at beaches, lakes and pools; and concert-going at outdoor music venues,” the folks at the brewery decided to go with the following easy-drinking, refreshing brews as their first canned offerings:

Slingshot American Craft Lager
Release – Year-Round, cans launch May 2017
Style – Premium Lager
ABV – 5.3%
Malts – Specialty 2-Row, Caramel Pils, Rye, Vienna, Wheat & Flaked Oats
Hops – Warrior, Cascade, Saaz, Citra, Amarillo & Crystal
Availability – 12-packs of 12 oz. cans, 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Description – “A classic American Craft Lager thoughtfully created to stand up to the big beer Goliaths of the world. Boasting a bright, citrusy hop aroma, supported by touches of wheat and rye, Slingshot is guaranteed to hit the craft beer bullseye every time.”
518 Summer Ale
Release – Seasonal with Limited Distribution, cans debut May 2017
Style – Belgian Witbier/Wheat Beer
ABV – 5.18%
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Added Ingredients – Orange peel and pomegranate
Description – “518 Summer, a Belgium Wheat with pomegranate, is a refreshing and light bodied beer with a fresh and floral aroma. This unfiltered summer sipper is brewed with New York State 2-row malt, wheat dosed with sweet orange peel, and balanced with a pinch of pomegranate. At a highly sessionable 5.18% ABV, Shmaltz’s glowing gold refresher will quench the thirst of 518 locals and visitors throughout the season.”

Both of the beers above are rolling out in cans now. Slingshot American Craft Lager is now available Year-Round in 12-packs of 12 oz. cans at craft beer retailers located in Florida, New York and throughout the rest of Shmaltz Brewing’s 35 state distribution network. 518 Summer Ale, a “locals only” Seasonal brew, is available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans at retailers located near the brewery in New York. Prost!

Lonerider Brewing Releases Blood Orange Hoppy Ki Yay IPA

Posted on May 15, 2017May 15, 2017 by mashingin

Lonerider Brewing Company (Raleigh, North Carolina) has announced the release of Blood Orange Hoppy Ki Yay IPA as the brewery’s latest summer Seasonal.

Arriving as a variant of Lonerider Brewing Company’s fan-favorite Hoppy Ki Yay, Blood Orange Hoppy Ki Yay IPA is finally ready to make its Seasonal debut in 12 oz. cans. To give this American India Pale Ale an added kick of summer refreshment, the brewers at Lonerider added blood orange purée to complement and accentuate the beer’s Columbus and Amarillo hops. This fruit infusion results in a 6.6% ABV offering that “is the beer juice citrus lovers have been waiting on.”

Blood Orange Hoppy Ki Yay IPA is shipping out now and will be hanging around throughout the summer months. This Seasonal brew can be found in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer establishments located in Alabama, North Carolina and throughout the rest of Lonerider’s distribution footprint. Prost!

Vital Information for Blood Orange Hoppy Ki Yay IPA from Lonerider Brewing Company

Release – Limited/Seasonal, available May through summer of 2017
Style – American India Pale Ale
ABV – 6.6%
Featured Hops – Columbus & Amarillo
Added Ingredients – Blood orange purée
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft

News & Perspectives on Beer and its Culture

Year: 2017