SweetWater Brewing to Hit February with Several New Releases

Posted on by mashingin

sweetwaterdyeSweetWater Brewing Company (Atlanta, Georgia) has announced plans to release four new offerings in February: Grass Monkey, Dank Tank Old Man Johnson’s Farm, Hatchery Series Single Hop Mosaic IPA and 20th Anniversary Ale.

Since the brewery will commemorate its 20th Anniversary during the month of February, it is clear that the folks at SweetWater Brewing Company want to provide us all with several new offerings so that we may properly celebrate this occasion.  We have quite a bit of information to cover, so let’s get at it:

Grass Monkey Hoppy Wheat Ale with Lemongrass

Arriving as SweetWater’s new Spring Seasonal, Grass Monkey is a hoppy Pale Wheat Ale that has been aggressively hopped with “a big stash of Lemondrop hops” to supply “a big citrus blast.”  To complement the hops and step up this beer’s level of refreshment, the brewers then added lemongrass herbs.  All of this is set upon a light malt base to allow “the piney, grassy, lemony notes [to] shine.” Grass Monkey officially releases on January 26 and will be available through April.

  • Release – Seasonal, February through April 2017
  • Style – American Pale Wheat Ale
  • ABV – 5.4%
  • IBUs – 35
  • Hops – Lemondrop
  • Malts – 2-Row & Wheat
  • Availability – 12 oz. bottles, 12 oz. cans, 16 oz. cans & draft

Old Man Johnson’s Farm Imperial Stout with Raspberries

SweetWater brewers have fired up the Dank Tank once again and this time it holds Old Man Johnson’s Farm, an Imperial Stout with raspberries.  To lay the foundation of this sizable Imperial Stout, a hefty malt bill is employed to impart “intense aromas of roasted coffee and chocolate.”  The beer is then elevated to true Dank Tank status with the addition of fresh raspberries during fermentation to “complement the dark chocolate with a tasty sweetness.”  Old Man Johnson’s Farm will also begin its release on January 26, but this limited release will only be available on draft.

  • Release – Dank Tank/Limited, launches at brewery on January 26
  • Style – American Imperial Stout
  • ABV – 9.6%
  • IBUs – 60
  • Malts – 2-Row, Munich, Roasted Barley, Black Malt, Chocolate, Dark Chocolate & Caramel
  • Hops – Columbus, Willamette & US Golding
  • Yeast – London Ale
  • Added Ingredients – Meeker Red Raspberries
  • Availability – Draft only

Single Hop Mosaic IPA

The first official bottle release from The Hatchery at SweetWater Brewing Company will be Single Hop Mosaic IPA.  The Hatchery is the brewery’s new pilot system where brewers will test out new recipes, ideas and brewing techniques.  Most Hatchery beers will only be available on draft at the brewery, but SweetWater plans to release one bottle per seasonal variety pack release.  Just as the name implies, this offering features the Mosaic hop’s “juicy orange, mango, citrus and passionfruit flavors.”  A very simple grain bill provides just enough biscuity notes to properly balance out the finished beer.  This limited release will be available in 12 oz. bottles found in SweetWater’s spring variety packs only (February – April).

  • Release – Limited/Hatchery Series, February through April 2017
  • Style – American India Pale Ale
  • ABV – 6%
  • Hops – Mosaic
  • Availability – 12 oz. bottles found in SweetWater spring variety packs only

20thanniversary-bottle-crop-161128-0120th Anniversary Ale

Finally, SweetWater Brewing Company will wrap up February with the release of their 20th Anniversary Ale.  This incredibly special release is an “extremely hop-forward” Imperial India Pale Ale that has been brewed with hop hash and a house Brettanomyces yeast strain.  The completed beer boasts an aroma that “is fruity, herbal, tropical and citrusy, and the Brett gives a nice touch of funk and earthy phenolics.”  20th Anniversary Ale will be officially released in 750ml cork and cage bottles at SweetWater’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, February 19.  Tickets for this event are still available and you can purchase yours by clicking here.

  • Release – Limited, to be released at SweetWater’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, February 19
  • Style – Imperial India Pale Ale with Brettanomyces
  • ABV – 9%
  • IBUs – 81
  • Malts – Pilsner, Maris Otter, Wheat, Flaked Oats & Midnight Wheat
  • Hops – Bravo, Mosaic & Citra; dry-hopped with Mosaic & Citra
  • Hop Hash – Fresh Citra Lupulin Blend
  • Yeast – Belgian Ardennes
  • Availability – 750ml bottles

For just one month of new releases, this is certainly one hell of a lineup.  Keep an eye out for these beers in February, and be sure to raise a glass of one (or many) of these brews to recognize 20 amazing years of brewing at SweetWater Brewing Company.  Prost!

Dogfish Head Flesh & Blood IPA Now in Cans

Posted on by mashingin

fleshbloodcansDogfish Head Craft Brewery (Milton, Delaware) has announced that Flesh & Blood IPA has officially returned as the brewery’s newest year-round and canned offering.

After its initial release last year as a limited offering, it became quite clear to the folks at Dogfish Head that India Pale Ale fans simply could not get enough of Flesh & Blood IPA.  This should have come as no surprise considering the brewery stuck to their commitment of using nothing but “simple, pure unadulterated fruit” by brewing this beer “with a ton of real citrus including lemon flesh and blood orange juice—hence the name—plus orange and lemon peel.”  Add Warrior and Centennial hops to the mix, and Flesh & Blood comes together as an “honest to goodness India Pale Ale” that is “perfectly balanced, yet explosive and zestily refreshing.”

“We’ve been experimenting with fruit and citrus IPA’s since 1996 when we released Aprihop, an IPA brewed with apricots,” says Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head founder and CEO. “We think the fruit IPA category will surge the fastest in 2017 and we are proud of Dogfish Head’s innovator position in this realm.”

After listening to their fans and paying attention to current craft beer trends, Dogfish Head has now added Flesh & Blood IPA to their portfolio of Year-Round brews as of January 16, 2017.  This offering is available now on draft and in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans – no longer packaged in bottles – at craft beer establishments in Florida and throughout the rest of the brewery’s distribution area.  Get you some.  Prost!

Vital Information for Flesh & Blood IPA from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Release – Year-Round as of January 16, 2017
Style – American India Pale Ale
ABV – 7.5%
IBUs – 45
Hops – Warrior & Centennial
Added Ingredients – Lemon flesh, blood orange juice, orange peel & lemon peel
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder (a.k.a. Fishfinder) – https://www.dogfish.com/brewery/fishfinder/

 

Monday Night Brewing takes their Clip-On Series to the Friend Zone

Posted on by mashingin

friendzone6pack-800x533_editedMonday Night Brewing (Atlanta, Georgia) has announced that they would like to establish some boundaries and introduce us all to the Friend Zone SMaSH Pale Ale.

Cleverly named to embody the single lifestyle, Friend Zone is an American Pale Ale of the SMaSH variety, (S)ingle (M)alt (a)nd (S)ingle (H)op.  This beer’s minimalist recipe features just “one lonely Mandarina Bavaria hop” and “one lonely Pilsner malt.”  Although these two may be flying solo, they come together to produce a 6.2% ABV Pale Ale filled with notes of sweet grain and citrus.  For a little more information on this brew, here is the full label description for Friend Zone:

“‘Boyfriend’ and ‘Boy friend.’ See that little Space? That’s the friend zone.”  -Unknown

 

“Once she tells you that she “loves you like a brother,” you know you’ve been relegated to the Friend Zone.  If that ever happens, and we hope it doesn’t, this is your beer.

 

A single light malt gives hints of honey to sweeten your day.  Mandarina Bavaria hops lend an aroma of sweet orange peel to remind you that one day someone will find you a-peel-ing.”

Friend Zone SMaSH Pale Ale is the latest release in Monday Night’s Clip-On Series, a lineup that typically consists of “variations on year-round beers, available for 3-4 months at a time in 6-packs and on draft.”  This offering was officially launched on January 8 and it can be found now at craft beer establishments in Alabama and throughout the rest of the Monday Night Brewing distribution footprint.  SMaSH beers are a fantastic way to get to know your beer ingredients, so get your education on by picking up a 6-pack of Friend Zone during your next beer run.  Prost!

Vital Information for Friend Zone SMaSH Pale Ale from Monday Night Brewing

Release – Limited/Clip-On Series, mid-January 2017
Style – American Pale Ale
ABV – 6.2%
IBUs – 35 
Malts – Pilsner
Hops – Mandarina Bavaria
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – http://mondaynightbrewing.com/find-our-beer/

New Belgium Brewing Introduces Whizbang as New Seasonal

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whizbang_brand_icon_jpgNew Belgium Brewing Company (Ft. Collins, Colorado) has officially announced the release of Whizbang Hoppy Blonde Ale as the brewery’s newest Spring Seasonal.

Crafted by New Belgium to be the perfect beer to ease us all back into the idea and weather of spring, Whizbang firmly sets a “soft malt base” to support the “vibrant notes of mango, lemon, blueberry, and pine” supplied by a generous dry-hopping with Mosaic, UK Admiral and Centennial hops.  At just 5.7% ABV, Whizbang proves to be a refreshing hoppy Blonde Ale that can only be described as “a full-flavored taste explosion.”

“Whizbang offers a blast of hops, thus the name, yet it’s still crisp and quaffable,” said Bryan Simpson, media relations director for New Belgium. “It’s hoppy complexity and balanced drinkability makes it a great go-to beer for the late winter and early spring season.”

Whizbang Hoppy Blonde Ale is available now through March of 2017.  This seasonal release can be found in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at craft beer establishments in Alabama, Florida and throughout the rest of New Belgium’s distribution area.  If you feel so inclined, pick up a 6-pack of Whizbang during your next beer run to get an early jump on warm weather drinking.  Prost!

Vital Information for Whizbang Hoppy Blonde Ale from New Belgium Brewing Company

Release – Seasonal, January through March 2017
Style – American Blonde Ale
ABV – 5.7%
IBUs – 45
Hops – Nugget, Simcoe, UK Admiral, Mosaic & Centennial
Malts – Pale, Caramel 80 & Munich
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.newbelgium.com/beer/finder

Victory Brewing Packages Sour Monkey in 6-packs, Set to Release Sour Monkey Remix

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vbcsourmonkeyremixMonkey Madness continues at Victory Brewing Company (Downingtown, Pennsylvania) with the announcements that Sour Monkey is now available year-round in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and Sour Monkey Remix will see its first limited release on Friday, January 20.

As of January 1, Sour Monkey has officially returned in 2017 as a Year-Round offering from Victory Brewing.  Not only is it rocking this new portfolio designation, it is also sporting some new packaging in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles.  This was all made possible thanks to the many craft beer fans that just could not get enough of this “tastefully tart twist” on Golden Monkey, the brewery’s wildly popular Belgian-style Tripel.  Starting with the same base recipe as Golden Monkey, Sour Monkey gets a funky, tart and sour character by way of an introduction to lactobacillus and a “secondary fermentation with two strains of Brettanomyces yeast.”  This results in a surprisingly easy-drinking, 9.5% ABV Sour Brett Tripel that boasts “a sharp, citrus-laden tang [that] makes this brew a Monkey all its own!”  Sour Monkey 6-packs are available now at craft beer retailers in Alabama, Florida and throughout the rest of Victory’s 35 state distribution footprint for the suggested retail price of $11.99 (price may vary by location).

Victory Brewing plans to take Monkey mania to another level on January 20 by introducing their fans to a new variant of Sour Monkey that has been aptly named Sour Monkey Remix.  This version continues the evolution of Golden Monkey by aging Sour Monkey in Chardonnay barrels.  This process adds depth to the brew by imparting “aromas of white oak and vanilla” and “tart, lemon flavors and oak from the barrels.”  Once completed, Sour Monkey Remix ultimately comes together to be “a very balanced and drinkable beer with a bone-dry finish.”  On Friday, January 20, Victory Brewing will release a limited supply of Sour Monkey Remix on draft and in 750ml bottles ($22 each) exclusively at their Downingtown, Kennett Square and Parkesburg brewpub locations.  This offering will not see distribution and will not last long.

Sour Monkey Remix will most likely prove to be a tough get (as it should be), but we can all easily find solace in the fact that we now have access to sixers of Sour Monkey all year long.  That’s a pretty fantastic consolation in my book.  Prost!

Vital Information for Sour Monkey from Victory Brewing Company

Release – Year-Round as of January 1, 2017
Style – American Wild Ale
ABV – 9.5%
Malts – Pilsner
Hops – Tettnang Tettnang
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – http://www.victorybeer.com/beerfinder/

Vital Information for Sour Monkey Remix from Victory Brewing Company

Release – Extremely Limited, Brewpub-only release beginning on January 20
Style – American Wild Ale
ABV – 9.5%
Malts – Pilsner
Hops – German Tettnang Tettnang
Treatment – Aged in Chardonnay barrels
Availability – 750ml bottles & draft

Birmingham to host Inaugural Winter Beer Fest

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bwbflogoOn Saturday, February 4 at 3 p.m., the first annual Birmingham Winter Beer Fest will be held in the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex’s North Exhibit Hall (2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, Alabama).

Newly established to provide area beer lovers with a little refuge from the cold, Birmingham Winter Beer fest is a true winter wonderland filled with over 150 craft beer offerings, food, fun and games.  There is quite a bit of information for this beer festival, so let’s not waste any time and jump right in:

The Basics

  • When – Saturday, February 4 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Where – Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex – North Exhibit Hall (2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, Alabama)

Participating Breweries, Cideries & Meaderies 

The Birmingham Winter Beer Fest will have over 150 offerings available for sampling from the following breweries, cideries and meaderies:

Fun, Games & Education

Ticket Info

Tickets are available now.  You can purchase yours online by clicking here or by visiting any of the Birmingham-area Piggly Wiggly locations or the BJCC Central Ticket Office**.  Tickets are available in the following tiers:

  • General Admission – $45 each plus fees: Ticket cost gets you entrance into the festival, commemorative tasting glass, full color festival guide, a sampling card to sample 150+ craft beers, and access to live entertainment, games, Brew University sessions and Cooking with Beer Demos
  • Jack Brown’s VIP Ticket – $80 each plus fees: Ticket cost gets you entrance into the festival one hour early, access to the Jack Brown’s VIP Lounge, complimentary food from Jack Brown’s from 3pm – 6pm, commemorative tasting glass, full color festival guide, a sampling card to sample 150+ craft beers, and access to live entertainment, games, Brew University sessions and Cooking with Beer Demos.  **UPDATE** VIP Tickets are now sold out online, but there are still some available for purchase at Piggly Wiggly locations.  **UPDATE**
  • Designated Driver Ticket – $15 each plus fees: Designated Drivers Will Not be Allowed to Sample Any Beer.  Ticket cost gets you entrance into the festival, and access to live entertainment, games, Brew University sessions and Cooking with Beer Demos
  • Jack Brown’s VIP Designated Driver Ticket – $25 each plus fees: Designated Drivers Will Not be Allowed to Sample Any Beer.  Ticket cost gets you entrance into the festival one hour early, access to the Jack Brown’s VIP Lounge, complimentary food from Jack Brown’s from 3pm – 6pm, and access to live entertainment, games, Brew University sessions and Cooking with Beer Demos

(**) NOTE: If the event does not sellout in advance, tickets will be available at the door day of the event. (**)

That should cover all of the information currently available for the Birmingham Winter Beer Fest.  Between the impressive brewery lineup and the extensive list of activities, this event sounds like a pretty affordable good time during a season when beer festivals are few and far in-between.  If your calendar is clear on February 4 and you are in the Birmingham area, go ahead and secure some tickets to check out this new festival.  Prost!

Anchor Brewing Reinvents a Classic with Release of Liberty IPA

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anchorlipa-bottle-pint-shotAnchor Brewing Company (San Francisco, California) has officially announced the limited release of Liberty IPA, a modern twist on the brewery’s classic Liberty Ale.

Originally brewed in 1975 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Paul Revere’s midnight ride, Anchor Brewing Company’s Liberty Ale was the first American IPA brewed after prohibition . . . [and] introduced America to the Cascade hop and the nearly lost art of dry-hopping.”  Over 40 years later, Anchor is now releasing Liberty IPA as an updated take on this original craft classic.

“Liberty IPA is a revolutionary brew—reimagined,” said Anchor Brewmaster Scott Ungermann. “The beer is a bright straw golden color and boasts aromas of dank and resinous pine up front, with bold citrus and grapefruit notes on the back end. You can really taste the assertive bitterness, with hints of a light biscuit malt base and a smooth, dry finish. Liberty IPA is a celebration of the Cascade hopped IPA’s that Anchor first popularized back in 1975 and remain at the forefront of American craft beer trends.”

Liberty IPA is available now and will be around for a limited time in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft.  You can find this one at craft beer-friendly establishments in Alabama, Florida and throughout the rest of Anchor Brewing’s nationwide distribution footprint.  When you grab your sixer or pour of Liberty IPA, I highly suggest you get some Liberty Ale to enjoy alongside it.  Not only will this be a fun side-by-side experience, it will also prove to be a fine history lesson that traces the growth of American IPAs from their most recent rebirth to present day trends and practices.  You simply cannot go wrong when you are able to double down to get both your drink and learn on at the same time.  Prost!

Vital Information for Liberty IPA from Anchor Brewing Company

Release – Limited, January to April 2017
Style – American IPA
ABV – 6.3%
Malts – 2-Row Pale
Hops – Cascade & Nelson Sauvin. 
Dry Hops – Cascade, Nelson Sauvin & El Dorado
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.anchorbrewing.com/connect/beer_finder
Fun Fact – “Taking cues from the original Liberty Ale packaging, the newly designed Liberty IPA label features the bald eagle, a symbol of strength and freedom.”

Ballast Point Brewing Releases Nitro Bottles of Red Velvet Stout

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02-beers-primary-image-redvelvetBallast Point Brewing (San Diego, California) recently announced the release of their first bottled nitro beer, Red Velvet Nitro Stout.

Created to be a “mind-bending beer” that perfectly replicates the dessert for which it is named, Red Velvet is an Oatmeal Stout that has been tinted red thanks to the beets used during the brewing process.  Supplying more than just color, the beets also give this beer an “earthy character that complements the chocolate flavor and aroma.”  The use of nitrogen rounds the beer off by lending a “creamy smoothness to the mouthfeel” that is “reminiscent of icing.”  Although this is meant to be a dessert beer, Red Velvet Nitro Stout is by no means overly sweet or heavy because it weighs in at a very reasonable 5.5% ABV.

Arriving as Ballast Point Brewing’s first nitrogenated bottle release, Red Velvet Nitro Stout has been packaged in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles.  This limited release is currently available at all Ballast Point Tasting Room locations, and will start turning up in Alabama, Florida and throughout the rest of the brewery’s distribution area over the next two weeks.  Red Velvet Nitro Stout is sure to be a unique drinking experience, so keep an eye out for this one the next time you find yourself at the bottle shop.  Prost!

Vital Information for Red Velvet Nitro Stout from Ballast Point Brewing

Release – Limited, January 2017
Style – Oatmeal Stout
ABV – 5.5%
IBUs – 35
Added Ingredients – Beets
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Suggested Food Pairings – “Humboldt Fog (Fresh Goat Cheese), Chipotle BBQ Sauce on Baby Back Ribs, & Rhubarb Pie with Strawberry Ice Cream”

Rogue Ales Releases 2017 Product Calendar

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roguebanner_edited_editedRogue Ales (Newport, Oregon) has officially gotten in on the beer calendar madness to provide us all with an idea of what to expect from the brewery in 2017.

Just as you would expect, the folks at Rogue Ales have quite a bit planned for 2017.  We have posted their full 2017 Product Calendar below for you to take a look at, but the following highlights certainly deserve a mention first:

There are still plenty of goodies adorning the calendar below, so check them out and settle in for another year filled with tasty brews from Rogue Ales.  Prost!

2017-rogue-product-calendar-2

Brew Bus Brewing Plans Limited Release of Hazelnut Spread Porter

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brewbushazelbottlesBrew Bus Brewing (4101 N Florida Ave., Tampa, Florida) has announced that they will host a bottle release for their fan-favorite Hazelnut Spread Porter on Sunday, February 5.

Hazelnut Spread Porter, created as a liquid celebration of World Nutella Day, will be making a much-anticipated return to bottles on February 5.  The distinct and nostalgic flavors of Hazelnut Spread Porter are made possible thanks to “over 360 pounds of real hazelnuts, cacao nibs and vanilla” used during the brewing process.  When it is all said and done, Hazelnut Spread Porter comes together as a delicious, 6.5% ABV Porter “that’s as smooth as the famous brand of spread [Brew Bus Brewing’s] lawyers told [them] not to mention by name.”

Hazelnut Spread Porter will be officially released at Brew Bus Brewing on February 5 at noon.  This limited release will be available in 22 oz. bottles.  Information on cost per bottle and bottle limits has yet to be released, but we will be sure to update you with those details once they surface.  Stay tuned.  Prost!

Vital Information for Hazelnut Spread Porter from Brew Bus Brewing

Release – Limited Special Release, Bottle Release Event on Sunday, February 5 at noon
Style – American Porter
ABV – 6.5%
IBUs – 35
Added Ingredients – Hazelnuts, cacao nibs & vanilla
Availability – 22 oz. bottles & draft