Mother’s/Father’s Day Gift Guide: A Subscription to The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club

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It is once again that time to celebrate our parents during the six week stretch that contains their given holidays in 2020: Mother’s Day on May 10 and Father’s Day on June 21. The crew here at Mashing In is well aware that finding a decent gift gets more and more difficult as we get older (and even more so when we are all dealing with a global pandemic), so we have put our heads together to compile a gift guide for those moms and dads that enjoy a well-crafted adult beverage from time to time.  For this installment of the guide, we focus on a gift that caters to the parent that enjoys trying new beers each month: a subscription to one of the many club options from The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club.

Widely known as one of the most respected beer-of-the-month clubs in existence, The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club is a family-owned business that was founded in 1994 with a mission to “consistently [deliver] quality, variety, and value through [its] structured craft beer selection process.” Passionately dedicated to providing the best possible customer experience, the people behind The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club are “committed to building relationships with [their] customers and to offering reliable, responsive customer service from a trustworthy company.”  This customer experience is further elevated by The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club’s newsletters that aim to make members more knowledgeable beer drinkers by providing incredibly detailed information on the breweries, beers and beer styles featured in each box.  Oh . . . and by the way . . . The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club does not just offer one beer club.  They actually have five different club options to fit the taste of the recipient, and here are three examples that could be perfect for mom and/or dad:

The U.S. Microbrewed Beer Club | $29.95/month (plus $15 S&H)

Is mom or dad just getting into craft beer and wanting to try some new brews from across the U.S. that they cannot find locally? Well, The U.S. Microbrewed Beer Club has them covered with twelve 12 oz. bottles (four different beer styles in each box) from two different “lightly distributed” American craft breweries each month.  Every shipment also includes The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club’s Newsletter that features “detailed tasting notes, beer profiles, brewery histories, and suggested food pairings.”

The Hop-Heads Beer Club | $34.95/month (plus $15 S&H)

If you happen to have a hophead for a parent, you can get their lupulin fix shipped right to their door with The Hop-Heads Beer Club.  Containing nothing but hoppy styles ( IPAs, Double IPAs, Imperial IPLs, Sessional IPLs, hoppy Pale and Red Ales, etc.), this club features twelve 12 oz. bottles or cans (three different beers in each box) from two or more “lightly distributed” American or international craft breweries each month. Every shipment also includes The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club’s Newsletter that features “detailed tasting notes, beer profiles, brewery histories, and suggested food pairings.”

The Rare Beer Club | starting at $38.95/month (plus $14 S&H)

Was mom or dad the reason you got into craft beer? Do you want to properly thank them for being ridiculously awesome? If so, you are going to want to hook them up with a subscription to The Rare Beer Club.  This customizable membership includes two, four or six 750ml bottles of two different limited-release and exclusive American and imported craft beers from the world’s hottest microbreweries each month (past months have featured breweries “such as De Molen, Mikkeller, Lost Abbey, Jester King, Fantôme, The Bruery and more”).  Every shipment also includes The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club’s Newsletter that features “detailed tasting notes, beer profiles, brewery histories, and suggested food pairings.”  Without a doubt, The Rare Beer Club is easily one of the finest and most impressive beer clubs in the world.  

**UPDATE** Craft Beer Delivery OptionIn order to bring some added convenience to beer fans during the COVID-19 crisis, The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club has adapted to offer customers the chance to assemble a one-time, customized craft beer sampler shipment via their beer store. If you would like to build your parent a package that is targeted directly to his/her tastes, now is the perfect time to do so. All you have to do is click here to jump to the beer store and begin building your order. **UPDATE**

If you are still scrambling to find that perfect gift for your beer-lovin’ mom or dad, your problem is solved because it does not get much easier than The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club.  Just head over to their website, select a subscription, and give your parent the gift that will remind them each month of how good of a kid you are.  Prost!

Hi-Wire Brewing Gets Seriously Fruity with Release of Pineapple Orange Coconut Sour Smoothie

Hi-Wire-BrewingHi-Wire Brewing (Asheville, North Carolina) has officially announced that it will continue its Sour Smoothie Series with the Limited Release of Pineapple Orange Coconut Sour Smoothie on May 8.

Inspired by the infamous Soggy Dollar Bar Painkiller cocktail, Pineapple Orange Coconut Sour Smoothie is a Sour Ale “packed full of pineapple, orange, and coconut with just the right amount of sweetness from vanilla and lactose.”  Weighing in at 5.5% ABV, Pineapple Orange Coconut Sour Smoothie is a “sunshine sipper . . . loaded with 100 lbs per barrel of tropical fruit.”

4-packs of 16 oz. cans of Pineapple Orange Coconut Sour Smoothie are available for nationwide shipping (in states where legal) on Hi-Wire Brewing’s online store and local delivery and curbside pickup at Hi-Wire Brewing locations (Asheville now, Durham and Knoxville soon). This Limited Release is also expected to enter limited distribution soon, and you can expect to find it available for a limited time at select craft beer-friendly establishments located within the brewery’s distribution footprint in Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio and Kentucky. Prost!

Vital Information for Pineapple Orange Coconut Sour Smoothie from Hi-Wire Brewing

Release – Limited/Sour Smoothie Series; May 8, 2020
Style – American Sour Ale
ABV – 5.5% 
Added Ingredients – Pineapple, orange, coconut, vanilla & lactose
Availability – 4-packs of 16 oz. cans
Online Beer Shop – https://shop.hiwirebrewing.com/

Distribution – Limited; Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio & Kentucky

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Three Taverns Craft Brewery Brings the Sweetness with Release of All Joy Pastry Stout

threetavernslogoThree Taverns Craft Brewery (Decatur, Georgia) has officially announced that it will hold a Limited Can Release for All Joy Pastry Stout on Saturday, May 9.

Inspired by the coconut- and almond-filled candy bar that has a remarkably similar name, All Joy is a coffee-laced Milk Stout “saturated with the rich flavors of chocolate, toasted coconut, and crisp almond.”  Weighing in at 8% ABV, All Joy is “liquid ecstasy in a can” that is sure to bring “some extra Joy” in a time when we could all use it.

All Joy will officially release in The Parlour at Three Taverns Craft Brewery (for to-go only) on May 9, but you can pre-order your 4-packs of 12 oz. cans now via the brewery’s CraftCellr page (click here to head over there). All Joy is brewery-exclusive Limited Release that is not expected to see distribution.  Prost!

Vital Information for All Joy from Three Taverns Craft Brewery

Release – Limited; May 9, 2020
Style – Pastry/Milk Stout
ABV – 8%
Added Ingredients – Coffee, chocolate, toasted coconut & almond
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. cans
Pre-order Link – https://threetaverns.craftcellr.com/
Distribution – None; brewery-exclusive release

Tampa Bay Brewing Co. Hits Fans with Two Versions of Pie in the Face Pastry Sour

TBBClogoblackTampa Bay Brewing Company (Tampa, Florida) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Release of Cherry Plum Pie in the Face and Juicy Peach Pie in the Face on Friday, May 8.

The folks at Tampa Bay Brewing Company recognize that we are all adults here and that makes us free to enjoy dessert whenever we please (especially during times of social distancing).  With that realization in mind, the brewery is letting these two “deliciously tart and sweet” pie-inspired Pastry Sours fly on Friday (descriptions sourced directly from the brewery’s social media accounts):

  • Cherry Plum Pie in the Face – Pops with Bing cherries and plums that impart a
    sweet and slightly tart profile. Finishing with vanilla and graham cracker this beer
    tastes like a cherry pie fresh out of the oven.⁣⁣  ABV – 4.2%
  • Juicy Peach Pie in the Face – Starts off with aromas of vibrant peach, graham cracker crust, and vanilla. Sipping brings a slightly tart, refreshingly sweet peach flavor that tastes just like the beer’s namesake.⁣⁣  ABV – 4.2%

Available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans, Cherry Plum Pie in the Face and Juicy Peach Pie in the Face will both officially release at Tampa Bay Brewing Company’s Westchase and Ybor City locations on May 8, but you can pre-order you stash now by clicking here.  There is no word at this time as to whether or not these Limited Release offerings will see distribution. Prost

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Burial Beer Co. Begins Limited Release of We Didn’t Need a Real World Triple IPA

Real_World_mockupBurial Beer Co. (Asheville, North Carolina) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Release of We Didn’t Need a Real World Triple IPA on Wednesday, May 6.

Brewed as an “ode to the Sirens and the Silences,” We Didn’t Need a Real World is an Imperial India Pale Ale “mashed with Oats and Candi Sugars” and triple dry-hopped with Galaxy, Citra and Amarillo Cryo hops.  Coming in at 10% ABV, We Didn’t Need a Real World is loaded down with “pocketfuls of peach rings, scoops of orange sherbert, and two fists of mango-filled creamsicles.”

“These are beings. They are matter made from energy in the air, figments of spontaneous interaction. They are cataclysmic meanderings of routine disaster. And we shall walk among their graves in the most mundane of trappings.”

16 oz. cans of We Didn’t Need a Real World will officially release at Burial Beer Co.’s Asheville location on May 6 and at the Raleigh location on May 8. Any “residual” cans will release online at noon on May 7 for shipping to all areas (where permitted).  We Didn’t Need a Real World will not see regular distribution.  Prost!

Vital Information for We Didn’t Need a Real World from Burial Beer Co.

Release – Limited; May 6, 2020
Style – Imperial/Triple India Pale Ale
ABV – 10%
IBUs – 48
Featured Hops – Galaxy, Citra & Amarillo Cryo 
Added Ingredients – Oats & Candi Sugars
Availability – 16 oz. cans
Distribution – None; Only available at Burial Beer Co.’s Asheville and Raleigh locations for walk up. National shipping also available where permitted

Bravus Brewing Co. Introduces Non-Alcoholic Cerveza Mexican Lager

BravusLogoBravus Brewing Company (Newport Beach, California) has officially introduced Cerveza, the brewery’s take on a Mexican-style Lager, as the newest offering to join its portfolio of non-alcoholic beers.

Crafted to “transport you to the warm beaches of Mexico,” Cerveza is a Near Beer brewed in the style of a Mexican-style Lager featuring “a slight maltiness, followed by some lingering hops and a subtle lime finish.” Coming at just 99 calories and less than 0.5% ABV, Cerveza promises an experience that is “super crisp and refreshing.”

Cerveza officially debuted in late April 2020 with availability in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans.  You can purchase this new Year-Round offering online or at select craft beer-friendly establishments located within Bravus Brewing Company’s distribution footprint in Southern California.  Prost!

Vital Information for Cerveza from Bravus Brewing Company

Release – Year-Round; launching late April 2020
Style – Near Beer/Mexican-style Lager
ABV – < 0.5% 
Calories – 99
Suggested Food Pairings – “Tacos, Sushi, Chicken Wings”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans
Order Online – https://store.bravus.com/products/bravus-cerveza
Distribution – Southern California

 

Mother’s/Father’s Day Gift Guide: Gift Sets from Shots Box

ShotsBoxLogoIt is once again that time to celebrate our parents during the six week stretch that contains their given holidays in 2020: Mother’s Day on May 10 and Father’s Day on June 21. The crew here at Mashing In is well aware that finding a decent gift gets more and more difficult as we get older (and even more so when we are all dealing with a global pandemic), so we have put our heads together to compile a gift guide for those moms and dads that enjoy a well-crafted adult beverage from time to time.  This installment of the guide focuses on the parent that likes to explore new bottles to rotate into his/her liquor cabinet: a selection of gift sets from Shots Box.

Shots Box is an online fine liquor retailer and monthly subscription service “that brings amazing craft spirits from around the country directly to your doorstep.” Although the company’s goal is to introduce you to and educate you on exciting and new spirits with mini, shot-sized bottles, they also let you directly purchase full-sized bottles of any offering you fall in love with after sampling. This makes Shots Box an incredibly convenient service that “[takes] the hassle and guesswork out of choosing a new drink to enjoy.”

The beverage specialists at Shots Box regularly curate gift sets that are a great option for holidays and celebrations. Here are a few suggestions that would make for a perfect gift for mom or dad this year:

Mother’s Day Gift Set – $38.99

A gift set that contains everything mom needs to enjoy her day. Contains five mini bottles that “Mom is sure to LOVE,” one 187ml bottle of Maschio Sparkling Rosé, and two shot glasses.

 

Bloody Mary Brunch Bundle – $41.98

Everything mom and dad need to enjoy a Bloody Mary – just Mix and Enjoy! Garnish with whatever is in the fridge!  Contains one 750ml bottle of American Harvest Vodka and one 750ml bottle of Classic Bloody Mary Premium Mixer from Hella Cocktail Co.

 

Customizable Shots Box – $49.99

Custom build a Shots Box just for mom or dad by choosing 10 mini bottles that fit his or her tastes. Choices range from Absinthe to Whiskey and everything in-between.

 

Shots Box gift sets are available for delivery in the majority of the United States (click here to view the company’s delivery map).  If you would like to hook mom and/or dad up with a fun and tasty gift from Shots Box, all you have to do is click on one of the featured gift sets above to get some fine libations headed their way in time for their holidays.  Prost!

 

 

 

 

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. Goes Year-Round with Automatic Pale Ale

ccbc_automaticstylestillweb-6249-e1532975852460Creature Comforts Brewing Co. (Athens, Georgia) has officially announced that Automatic Pale Ale will join its Year-Round lineup on Wednesday, May 6.

Previously only available as a warm weather Seasonal release, Automatic is a “hazy and straw colored” American Pale Ale that uses a “mix of Mosaic and Crystal hops . . . to create a delicate balance and give the beer an aroma that features a complex array of berry, citrus, herbal, and pine notes.”  Coming in at 5.5% ABV, Automatic has a “nicely balanced and moderately bitter finish.”

“Our purpose at Creature Comforts is to create opportunities for human connection, and we aspire to support that purpose through our year-round beers by having a portfolio that offers something for everyone,” said CEO Chris Herron. “We’re thrilled to begin offering Automatic year-round and believe it serves as a perfect complement to our existing, diverse lineup of year-round beers.”

Automatic Pale Ale will officially return on May 6 with availability in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft.  You can expect to find this Year-Round offering at craft beer-focused establishments located within Creature Comforts Brewing Co.’s distribution footprint in Georgia.  Prost!

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

Release – Year-Round; returning May 6, 2020
Style – American Pale Ale
ABV – 5.5%
Featured Hops – Mosaic & Crystal 
Fun Fact #1 – On the label artwork: “Once again, 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 she designed for Automatic has a classic automotive theme.”
Fun Fact #2 – “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.”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Georgia

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Boulevard Brewing Co. Introduces Unfiltered Wheat Mixed Pack

BoulevardLogoBlackBoulevard Brewing Co. (Kansas City Missouri) has officially announced that it will launch the Unfiltered Wheat Mixed Pack, a Variety 12-pack of 12 oz. cans that includes the brewery’s best-selling Unfiltered Wheat Beer and two new variants, on Monday, May 4.

Developed to highlight the versatility and overall natural citrusy flavor of Boulevard’s long-standing Unfiltered Wheat Beer (a.k.a. “the most approachable craft beer known to humankind”), the Unfiltered Wheat Mixed Pack is bringing supreme refreshment to summer with the original beer and “two fun new twists on . . .  Unfiltered Wheat Beer: Unfiltered Grapefruit Wheat and Unfiltered Kiwi Wheat. The descriptions for each beer featured in the Unfiltered Wheat Mixed Pack are as follows (descriptions sourced directly from the brewery’s website and blog):

  • Unfiltered Wheat Beer – A lively, refreshing ale with a natural citrusy flavor and distinctive cloudy appearance. This easy drinking American-style wheat beer has become our most popular offering, and the best-selling craft beer in the Midwest.  ABV – 4.4%  IBUs – 14
  • Unfiltered Grapefruit Wheat – Takes the lemon note of the original and adds a layer of refreshing grapefruit, bringing the whole citrus grove to your taste buds. Bright and refreshing with a subtle tartness, this variant is a citrus lover’s dream. Perfect for poolside adventures, late night fire pits and breakfast.  ABV – 4.4%  IBUs – 14
  • Unfiltered Kiwi Wheat – Channeling tropical beach vibes, the Unfiltered Kiwi Wheat bursts with the fruity sweet flavor of kiwi. This tangy and flavorful take on the original explodes with juicy flavor and aroma. Pour in a glass, add a cocktail umbrella and enjoy!  ABV – 4.4%  IBUs – 14

Each Unfiltered Wheat Mixed Pack includes six cans of the original Unfiltered Wheat Beer, three cans of Unfiltered Grapefruit Wheat and three cans of Unfiltered Kiwi Wheat.

The Unfiltered Wheat Mixed Pack will debut in the Greater Kansas City area on May 4 and expanded distribution is expected to follow shortly after that date.  You can expect to find this Variety 12-pack of 12 oz. cans at select craft beer-friendly retailers located within Boulevard Brewing Co.’s distribution area (click here to access the brewery’s Beer Finder).  Prost!

 

Straight to Ale Unleashes Gorillanaut Imperial IPA For a Limited Time

Gorillanaut-Can-Mock-up-2019-copyStraight to Ale (Huntsville, Alabama) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Release of the legendary Gorillanaut Imperial IPA on Monday, May 4.

Returning in 2020 as a part of Straight to Ale’s IPA 4-Pack Series, Gorillanaut is an Imperial India Pale Ale brewed with an “obscene amount of hops” to create “a supernova of citrusy hop aroma and flavor up front with a sweet malty backbone.”  Boasting a 10.1% ABV and IBUs that “are off the charts,” Gorillanaut is “an aggressive yet well-balanced beer.”

The 2020 batch of Gorillanaut will hit Straight to Ale’s taproom at noon on May 4 and is scheduled to hang around through August.  You can expect to find this Limited Release available in 4-packs of 12 oz. cans at the brewery and select craft beer-focused establishments located in Alabama, Florida and throughout the rest of Straight to Ale’s distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Gorillanaut from Straight to Ale

Release – Limited/IPA 4-Pack Series; May – August 2020
Style – Imperial India Pale Ale
ABV – 10.1%
IBUs – ???
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. cans
Distribution – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee & Louisiana