Beer News | Mashing In

Paulaner Brewery Adds 16.9 oz. Cans to its U.S. Portfolio

Posted on May 3, 2019 by mashingin

Paulaner USA (White Plains, New York), the U.S. importer of the legendary Paulaner Brewery portfolio and other premium beverage alcohol brands, has officially announced that it will launch 16.9 oz. cans of Paulaner Hefe-Weizen and Paulaner Original Munich Lager in the U.S. market in Spring 2019.

In an attempt to satisfy “growing consumer demand for packages that meet their unique and constantly evolving occasion expectations”, Paulaner Brewery has decided to innovate and adjust by placing two of its iconic offerings – Paulaner Hefe-Weizen and Paulaner Original Munich Lager – in “lightweight, easy to carry” 16.9 oz. cans that are “BPA free, unbreakable and designed to protect the flavor of the beer . . . from the negative effects of UV light and oxygen.” Since both offerings “strictly adhere to Germany’s Beer Purity Law, also known as the Reinheitsgebot”, this new packaging option is ideal for “preserving the authentic taste in the outdoors” and “[protecting] the standards by which all other beers are judged.”

If you happen to be unfamiliar with these classic brews, here are the full descriptions for Paulaner Hefe-Weizen and Paulaner Original Munich Lager (descriptions sourced directly from Paulaner USA’s press release):

Paulaner Hefe-Weizen – The #1 selling wheat beer in Germany, and a favorite around the world. This traditional unfiltered Hefe-Weizen is naturally cloudy and silky gold under a really strong head of foam. At first mouthful, some will detect a hint of banana aroma. Fine palates perceive trace of mango and pineapple and the balance between sweet and bitter. Overall, beer connoisseurs appreciate the incomparable flavor of Paulaner Hefe-Weizen for its perfectly balanced mix of aromas and refreshing taste. It’s a superb biergarten or outdoor drinking bier. ABV – 5.5%
Paulaner Original Munich Lager – A true classic with its clear and bright gold sparkling hue, crowned by a pure white head. A beer which always goes down smoothly: mild, elegant malts, with a hint of sweetness and a soft hint of hops in the back note. This Munich beer is ideal to accompany spare ribs and spicy dishes. ABV – 4.9%

“We are thrilled to launch our products in cans as we continue to find ways to satisfy the needs of our consumers and allow them to enjoy our product without comprising flavor. What’s more, with the product now available in cans is current and prospective Paulaner fans can now drink a real Bavarian brew in places that may restrict glass bottles. This includes venues like concerts, golf courses, beaches or even biergartens, to name a few.

The combination of our outstanding beer in a high quality can provides the best of both worlds to consumers. The cans perfectly reflect our traditional heritage to appeal to both long-time Paulaner fans as well as a whole new generation. They also are environmentally friendly and easier to recycle than glass, a consideration that is more important today than ever.”

– Steve Hauser, President/CEO of Paulaner USA

16.9 oz. cans of Paulaner Hefe-Weizen and Paulaner Original Munich Lager are rolling out now and will have Year-Round availability. You can expect to find both of these offerings – with additional availability in bottles and on draft – at fine beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida, New York and throughout the rest of Paulaner USA’s nationwide distribution network. Prost!

American Homebrewers Association Celebrates National Homebrew Day with AHA Big Brew

Posted on May 2, 2019May 2, 2019 by mashingin

The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) will celebrate National Homebrew Day by partnering with over 300 breweries, homebrew shops, and beer clubs around the world on Saturday, May 4 for the 22^nd annual celebration of Big Brew.

Recognized as being “the largest annual gathering of homebrewers with an anticipated attendance of over 5,000 people” in 2019, the AHA Big Brew event gives homebrewers – of any skill set – from all over the country and world the chance to get together with other homebrewers in their area to network and brew a beer. The official Big Brew recipes for 2019 are the TransAtlantic Blonde Ale from Simple Homebrewing (the upcoming Brewers Publications title) and Battlecow Galacticose New England IPA from Providence Brewing Company.

Although each Big Brew location (click here to view the interactive map and find a site in your area) will have a unique schedule of activities throughout the day, it is guaranteed that all official locations “will feature brewing demonstrations, and opportunities to learn about the greatest hobby in the world – homebrewing!” The event will also feature a simultaneous, worldwide toast to homebrewing at 1 p.m. ET.

The craft beer movement as we know it today would not have been possible without the dedicated and curious homebrewers that eventually took a dream and a hobby to the next level by opening a brewery. The craft that is homebrewing and those devoted to it deserve our respect and should be celebrated. Whether you are an avid homebrewer or a just a craft beer lover that is interested in learning more about the hobby, make sure that you do what you can to attend an official Big Brew event or a locally organized backyard party to brew up one (or both) of the featured Big Brew beers and raise a glass to art of homebrewing on Saturday, May 4. Prost!

Terrapin Beer Co. & Miller High Life Collaborate on Hoppin’ Bubbly Brut IPA

Posted on May 2, 2019 by mashingin

Terrapin Beer Co. (Athens, Georgia) has officially announced that the Special Release of Hoppin’ Bubbly, a Brut IPA brewed in collaboration with Miller High Life (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), will begin in select markets in May 2019.

One evening while the crew at Terrapin Beer Co. was kicking around ideas for their next Collaboration project, a member of the team light-heartedly mentioned who better to brew a Brut IPA – a new style of India Pale Ale “known for [its] dry finish, and champagne-like effervescence – with than ‘The Champagne of Beers’, Miller High Life? After a few phone calls, that suggestion made in joking became a reality and Hoppin’ Bubbly was born.

Hoppin’ Bubbly is a Brut IPA that features “the classic malt bill from ‘The Champagne of Beers'” and a hop bill boasting four varietals – Cascade, Amarillo, Citra and Mosaic – that reflects “Terrapin’s affinity for IPAs.” Thanks to “innovative brewing and dry hopping techniques”, Hoppin’ Bubbly (6.5% ABV, 26 IBUs) offers its drinker “a crisp, bone-dry finish and an aromatic hop profile.”

Hoppin’ Bubbly officially debuted in Terrapin’s Tasting Room in Athens, Georgia on May 1 and distribution is expected to follow shortly after the on-site release. Available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft, this Limited Release offering will only be distributed in Georgia and Wisconsin, the home states of both breweries, for the time being. If Terrapin decides to expand distribution of Hoppin’ Bubbly, we will be sure to update this post with that information just as soon as we get it. Prost!

Vital Information for Hoppin’ Bubbly Brut IPA from Terrapin Beer Co. & Miller High Life

Release – Special/Limited, May 2019
Style – Brut India Pale Ale
ABV – 6.5%
IBUs – 26
Malts – Moravian, Flaked Corn & Flaked Rye
Hops – Cascade, Amarillo, Citra & Mosaic
Suggested Food Pairings – “Blue Cheese or Sharp Cheddar. Sausage, Tenderloin, or Terrine”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Georgia & Wisconsin only
Beer Finder – https://terrapinbeer.com/beer-finder/

Lagunitas Brewing Company Introduces Lagur Summer Lager

Posted on May 2, 2019 by mashingin

Lagunitas Brewing Company (Petaluma, California) has officially announced that Lagur, a Limited Release Summer Lager, is releasing now and will be available throughout the months of Summer 2019.

Designed to be a go-to “libation for lazing away the Spring and Summer days”, Lagur is a Summer-themed Lager filled with “some super-special Loral 291 hops, giving it a floral and herbal zing.” Coming in at an easy-drinking 5% ABV and 30 IBUs, Lagur promises to be a “light and crispy” option that will be “perfect wherever beer goes, whenever beer goes!”

Lagur is rolling out now and will stick around through September 2019. You can expect to find this Limited Release offering available in 12-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer-friendly establishments located in Alabama, Florida, California, Illinois, Washington and throughout the rest of Lagunitas Brewing Company’s vast distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Lagur from Lagunitas Brewing Company

Release – Limited, late April – September 2019
Style – Undisclosed Lager style
ABV – 5%
IBUs – 30
Featured Hops – Loral 291
Availability – 12-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://lagunitas.com/beer-finder

Iron Fist Brewing Enters May with Small Batch Release of Sol del Barrio Mexican Lager

Posted on May 1, 2019 by mashingin

Iron Fist Brewing Company (Vista, California) has officially announced that it will recognize Cinco de Mayo with the fourth release in its Small Batch Experiments Series, Sol del Barrio Mexican Lager.

Inspired by a Tom Garcia’s – Brewmaster at Iron Fist – recent “beer exploration trip to Tijuana, Mexico”, Sol del Barrio is a Mexican-style Lager that takes its “cue from [Mexico’s] European side of influence . . . and casts aside any preconceptions of a pale liquid and slice of lime.” To prove that it is “truly a testament to the diversity of Mexican Lagers”, Sol del Barrio (5.5% ABV) “pours clear and copper with a touch of red hue” and offers its drinker “a touch of malty sweetness, followed by a pleasant breadyness and a low bitter finish with Nobel hop overtones.”

“Mexican Lagers all really had such variation. The color, the flavor, it seemed there were lots of perspectives and strands forming the idea of Mexican Lager. We could get beers ranging from pale straw to deep amber in color with flavor profiles ranging from a classic pilsner to a bold, malty full bodied lager.

Family, friends, food, and a few delicious Mexican Lagers meant all was well in the world. I can still remember eating Nopales (cactus) and fish tacos, something I try to replicate as often as possible at home in California. Our Mexican lager is basically a tribute to the beautiful beers being made just south of the border. I’m very excited to have brewed a 12oz vacation! Now all I need is a plate of tacos.”

– Tom Garcia, Brewmaster at Iron Fist Brewing Company, reflecting on his trip Tijuana, Mexico and the inspiration behind Sol del Barrio

A sneak peek of Sol del Barrio will take place at the Padres Beerfest at Petco Park on May 3. The official draft release of Sol del Barrio will begin on Saturday, May 4 and a limited-edition run of 500 12 oz. cans “will be announced shortly thereafter, via Iron Fist’s social media channels.” This Small Batch offering will be available “exclusively in Iron Fist’s Vista and Barrio Logan taprooms, with a small amount pouring at the Iron Fist SuperCart at Petco Park.” Prost!

Vital Information for Sol del Barrio from Iron Fist Brewing Company

Release – Limited/Small Batch Experiments Series, May 2019
Style – Mexican-style Lager
ABV – 5.5%
IBUs – 22
Fun Fact – On the brewing history of Mexico: “After the Mexican War of Independence ended in 1821, German and Austrian immigrants, then from the Austro-Hungarian Empire allegedly began emigrating in droves to what is today Texas, but was then Mexico, bringing with them a rich old European tradition of brewing, unknown to Mexico. While the history of Mexican Lager has meandered since, this older European influence brought with it techniques that still survive in small, independent amounts today.”
Availability – 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – None. Available exclusively in Iron Fist’s Vista and Barrio Logan taprooms

LOKO Cuisine & Crooked Thumb Brewery Team Up to Host Stuck On You Eggs & Kegs Brunch

Posted on May 1, 2019 by mashingin

On Sunday, May 19 at 11 a.m., LOKO Cuisine will steer its Eggs & Kegs road trip out to Crooked Thumb Brewery (Safety Harbor, Florida) to host a Mexican-style brunch event that that they are calling Stuck On You.

Since May tends to be a month when folks indulge a bit more in Mexican-style cuisine and beer styles, LOKO Cuisine has decided to run with that theme by throwing a brunch-time fiesta at Crooked Thumb Brewery. This special Eggs & Kegs event will feature the following four-course brunch (served buffet-style):

For the “kegs” portion of this brunch, Crooked Thumb will be tapping a special keg of Sneaky Peach, a margarita-inspired Floridaweisse with peach and basil. If you happen to be in the mood for a more brunch-focused beverage, the brewery will also be serving its take on the beer-mosa and Michelada.

In addition to the tasty eats and refreshing brews, this Eggs & Kegs event will also act as a pop-up shop featuring succulent and cactus arrangements from the crew at Stuck On You (the honored namesake of the event). Acho Brother will also be on-site to set the atmosphere with “his smooth acoustic Latin folk melodies.”

Tickets for Stuck On You: Eggs & Kegs are available now for $32.55 each, and you can purchase yours by clicking here. Ticket cost includes the four-course brunch and one cerveza, beer-mosa or Michelada. Physical tickets will not be issued, but your name will be added to a paid list once the purchase process is completed. FYI: Everyone in your party will have to check in under the purchaser’s name at the door.

If you have been looking for the perfect excuse to feast and fiesta this month, you are going to find it at Stuck On You: Eggs & Kegs at Crooked Thumb Brewery on May 19. Just be sure to touch base with your brunch crew now and lock down those tickets soon because LOKO Cuisine events tend to sell out. Prost!

DuClaw Brewing Co. Begins Limited Release of No Way Gose

Posted on April 30, 2019 by mashingin

DuClaw Brewing Co. (Baltimore, Maryland) has officially announced that No Way Gose will join the brewery’s Limited Release lineup in late April 2019.

Developed to fit right in with a certain early May celebration, No Way Gose is a tropically-themed Gose-style Ale brewed with pineapple, lime and salt and then aged on tequila barrels. Weighing in at a low 5.5% ABV, the “refreshingly tart, slightly sweet & delightfully easy” No Way Gose is sure to inspire you to “gose with the flow.”

No Way Gose is rolling out now and will stick around as long as supplies last. You can expect to find this Limited Release offering available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer-friendly retailers, bars and restaurants located in Alabama, Florida, Maryland and throughout the rest of DuClaw Brewing Co.’s distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for No Way Gose from DuClaw Brewing Co.

Release – Limited; launching late April 2019
Style – Gose
ABV – 5.5%
IBUs – 14
Malts – Pilsner, Light Wheat & Torrified Wheat
Hops – Tettnang
Added Ingredients – Pineapple, lime & salt
Treatment – Aged on tequila barrels
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://duclaw.com/beer-finder/

Creature Comforts Brewing & Jester King Brewery Re-Release Mutualism Farmhouse Lager

Posted on April 30, 2019 by mashingin

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. (Athens, Georgia) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Release of Mutualism, a Southern-style Farmhouse Lager brewed in collaboration with Jester King Brewery (Austin, Texas), on May 11.

First released back in July 2016, Mutualism starts with a base Pilsner “brewed using local wheat and grits from Georgia-based DaySpring Farms.” It then picks up its “Farmhouse” designation when finished with “a secondary fermentation with a blend of both Creature Comforts’ and Jester King’s house-mixed cultures of yeast and bacteria. The beer was then bottle conditioned for five months.” Coming in at an easy-drinking 6% ABV, Mutualism is described by both breweries as being “dry, round, and defined.”

“We feel that this beer is a beautiful balance of our two breweries,” said Blake Tyers, Wood Cellar and Specialty Brand Manager at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. “Our work together, and our house cultures working together created a mutually beneficial relationship revealed in the beauty of this beer.”

750ml bottles of Mutualism will officially release in the Tasting Room at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. on Thursday, May 11. This Limited Release offering is not expected to see distribution. Prost!

Vital Information for Mutualism from Creature Comforts Brewing Co. & Jester King Brewery

Release – Limited; May 11, 2019
Style – Farmhouse Lager
ABV – 6%
Featured Ingredients – Local wheat and grits from Georgia-based DaySpring Farms
Fermentation – Mutualism underwent a secondary fermentation with a blend of both Creature Comforts’ and Jester King’s house-mixed cultures of yeast & bacteria
Fun Fact #1 – On the Mutualism project: “Creature Comforts and Jester King first released the collaborative brew in July 2016. The breweries bonded over a strong admiration for beers that represent a time and place, which inspired the blending of the two house cultures as well as the use of local grits, a staple in Southern homes.”
Fun Fact #2 – On the label artwork: “Creature Comforts resident artist, Melissa Merrill, designed the label art for Mutualism. The label depicts both breweries’ logos as one cohesive unit, representative of the symbiotic qualities of the beer. Inspired by the collaborative brew, Merrill painted the original artwork for the label with a watercolor medium derived from the two breweries’ combined house-mixed cultures.”
Availability – 750ml bottles
Distribution – None. Tasting Room-only release at Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Nicaragua Craft Beer Co. Exands Distribuiton of Panga Drops Keller Pils in the U.S.

Posted on April 29, 2019 by mashingin

Nicaragua Craft Beer Co. (San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua) and Artisanal Imports have officially announced that they will introduce Panga Drops Keller Pils in 12 U.S. states this month.

Named after the world-famous surfing destination in Nicaragua, Panga Drops (6.2% ABV) is an “unfiltered and crisp golden-colored” Kellerbier-style Pilsner. Meant to be “refreshing in both flavor and packaging”, Panga Drops is uniquely packaged in “an 8-ounce squat can inspired by local soft drinks.”

“When you’re drinking a beer in the Nicaraguan heat, the last four ounces tend to get warm. So, we moved those ounces to the next can to keep them cold. The 8-ounce squat cans chill faster to help keep you cool and refreshed.”

– Matt Greenberg, President and Co-Founder of Nicaragua Craft Beer Co.

Previously only available in Los Angeles and New York, Panga Drops Keller Pils is rolling out now in 12 U.S. states. You can expect to find this new Import offering available in 8 oz. cans at select craft beer-focused establishments located in Florida, Arizona, California, Delaware, Kansas, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island and South Carolina. Prost!

Vital Information for Panga Drops Keller Pils from Nicaragua Craft Beer Co.

Release – Year-Round, launching in the U.S. in late April/early May 2019
Style – Kellerbier
ABV – 6.2%
Fun Fact – On the packaging for Panga Drops: “The 8-ounce squat can . . . stands out on shelves. Designed with a laid-back beachy vibe that matches the liquid within, it emulates its unique placement as Nicaragua’s only exported craft beer, and there is no other craft brew quite like it available in the United States.”
Availability – 8 oz. cans
Distribution – Florida, Arizona, California, Delaware, Kansas, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island and South Carolina
Beer Finder – https://nicacraftbeer.com/beer-finder/

New Realm Brewing Adds United Craft Lager to Year-Round Portfolio

Posted on April 29, 2019 by mashingin

New Realm Brewing Company (Atlanta, Georgia) has officially announced that United Craft Lager will launch in May 2019 as the brewery’s newest Mainstay offering.

Developed to “establish common ground among beer drinkers”, United is an “approachable and super fresh” American Lager brewed with a “combination of hops, malt and flaked maize.” Weighing in at a “crushable” 4.5% ABV and 103 calories, United Craft Lager is all about being your go-to brew whenever you are looking for something “light and easy-drinking.”

“Our American Lager is clean, crisp and refreshing with enough character to provide a great beer drinking experience,” said Mitch Steele Co-Founder and Brewmaster of New Realm Brewing. “United is a product of several trials where we tested various hop and malt combinations and bitterness levels. The result is a lager that we are proud to brew and we hope that people are proud to drink.”

United Craft Lager will officially release in May 2019 with availability in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft. You can expect to find this new Year-Round offering at select craft beer-friendly establishments located within New Realm’s distribution footprint in Georgia and the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Prost!

Vital Information for United Craft Lager from New Realm Brewing Company

Release – Year-Round/Mainstay, launching May 2019
Style – American Lager
ABV – 4.5%
Calories – 103
Malts – Pale & Pilsner
Hops – German Hallertau, Hersbrucker & Lemondrop
Added Ingredients – Flaked maize
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Georgia & the Hampton Roads area of Virginia