Mill Creek Brewing Co. Expands Distribution to Alabama

Posted on by mashingin

millcreeklogoMill Creek Brewing Co. (Nolensville, Tennessee) has announced that it will officially begin distribution in the state of Alabama beginning in April.

Established in 2014 with a motto of “Less Fuss. More Beer.”, the folks at Mill Creek Brewing Co. have developed a portfolio of “beers that are full of flavor, never overwhelming, and perfect for just about anything.”  This was achieved by tweaking the recipes of traditional styles so that the brewers could infuse every ounce of their beer with nothing but easy-drinking refreshment.  The Tennessee beer community has immediately taken to this “pure and simple” approach to craft brewing, and their support has allowed Mill Creek Brewing to steadily grow and even add a taproom to their 27,500 square foot facility this past February.

The next natural step for the brewery is to expand distribution, and they have chosen their neighbors to the south in Alabama to be their first distribution market outside of Tennessee.  When the brewery arrives in Alabama next month, they will launch with the following four beers:

  • Landmark Vintage Lager – MALTY. CLEAN. REFRESHING.  Quality malted grain is the hero in this traditional German-style lager. Sparkling and smooth, it’s the perfect beer to help you cool off as you wipe the hard-earned sweat off your brow.  ABV – 5%  IBUs – 16
  • Lil Darlin Citrus-Infused Wheat Beer – CITRUSY. SOFT. SWEET.  The name says it all. Orange peel and coriander give this gem of a wheat beer a pleasant citrus touch. Smooth, light-bodied and refreshing, it’s delightfully complex yet satisfying.  ABV – 4.5%  IBUs – 11
  • Silo Farmhouse Ale – SUNNY. SPICY. CRISP.  This traditional Belgian farmhouse ale has a light malt backbone that gives it just enough sweetness for the fruity and spicy notes to stand out. Topped off with a hint of tartness, it’s a great beer for any occasion.  ABV – 5.2%  IBUs – 20
  • Woodshed India Pale Ale – TROPICAL. CITRUSY. IRRESISTIBLE.  Fair warning: This is one IPA you can’t stop drinking. Tropical and Citrusy hops give it a bold yet playful flavor while a malt backbone adds a tinge of sweetness to balance out the slight bitterness of the hops.  ABV – 4.5%  IBUs – 60

Beginning in April, the four beers above will be available in 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer establishments located in and around Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Shelby County.  Mill Creek Brewing Co. plans to eventually expand distribution into other areas of the state as the year goes on.  The tentative plan is to be in the Mobile/Gulf Shores area by May, and in Auburn and Tuscaloosa by August.  There are several events planned for the April launch, and we are currently in the process of collecting those details they are now available below.  We will have that event information posted shortly, so stay tuned to find out when and where you can give Mill Creek Brewing Co. a proper welcome to the great state of Alabama.  Prost!

Alabama Launch Events for Mill Creek Brewing Co.

  • 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 6 at Liquor Express & Craft Beer Store (1812 University Dr NW, Huntsville): Beer Sampling Event – “We’re launching in Huntsville, folks! Come by Liquor Express and Craft Beer Store to sample ALL of our beers.”
  • 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, April 6 at Old Town Beer Exchange (301 Holmes Ave NE, Ste 150, Huntsville): Beer Sampling Event – “Did you hear? We’re launching in Alabama, and our first stop is Huntsville! We’ll be slinging all of our core beers at OTBX, so swing by and grab a glass!”
  • 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 7 at The Brickhouse Sports Cafe (7 Town Center Drive Northwest, Huntsville): Beer Sampling Event – “We’re incredibly excited to finally be distributing in Huntsville! Come sample our beers at The Brickhouse Sports Cafe. All your favorites will be there – Landmark, Silo, Lil Darlin, and Woodshed.”
  • 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 20 at The J. Clyde (1312 Cobb Lane, Birmingham): Launch Event – “We’re launching in Birmingham! We’ll be at The J. Clyde pouring all four core beers – Landmark, Lil Darlin, Woodshed, and Silo. Come by and grab a pint as we toast to Magic City!”
  • 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 21 at The Beer Hog (112 Bowling Lane, Pelham): Tap Takeover – “Join us for a tap takeover at The Beer Hog in Pelham, AL! We’ll have all our core beers on draft – Landmark, Lil Darlin, Woodshed, and Silo.”
  • 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 22 at Hop City Birmingham (2924 3rd Ave S, Birmingham): Launch Party – “We’re launching in Magic City! Come by and grab some Mill Creek for the first distribution in Birmingham. We’ll have all our beers – Landmark, Lil Darlin, Silo, and Woodshed, – so get stoked!”

 

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Germany’s Brauerei C. & A. Veltins Launches Grevensteiner Kellerbier in the U.S.

Posted on by mashingin

grevensteiner-c--a-veltins-79147905Brauerei C. & A. Veltins (Meschede-Grevenstein, Germany) has officially announced that they have partnered with Artisanal Imports to begin distribution of their Grevensteiner Original in the United States.

For over 190 years, Brauerei C. & A. Veltins has been supplying the Westphalia region of Germany with beers that focus on quality, local ingredients and a perfect brewing method.  A great deal of the brewery’s long-standing success is thanks to the water in Meschede-Grevenstein.  Considered to be some of “the finest brewing water in the world,” this vital ingredient provides the beers of Brauerei C. & A. Veltins “with a soft, mineral quality uniquely characteristic of the . . . region.”

Now that Brauerei C. & A. Veltins has nearly two centuries of brewing expertise under its belt, the folks at the brewery feel that it is finally time to introduce the U.S. beer market to their Grevensteiner Original.  Described as “an unusual and fascinating brew,” Grevensteiner is an amber-hued Kellerbier that possesses “caramel flavors with slight undertones of honey, . . . notes of roasted almonds and fresh fruit that is mostly reminiscent of green apple.”  Unfiltered and unpasteurized, Grevensteiner is a lager that is best when enjoyed fresh.

“We feel this is an exciting release for the U.S. market,” said Fabian Mueller, Export Sales Manager at Brauerei C. & A. Veltins. “As the third-largest brewery in Germany, we can provide overseas markets with beers featuring ample complexity in both aroma and flavor. In this case, kellerbiers such as Grevensteiner represent a new angle for craft lagers in America.”

Grevensteiner Original is available now in the U.S. and can be found in 4-packs of 16.9 oz. cans.  If you are a fan of traditional German lagers, be sure to look for this one at fine beer establishments in Florida and all other states that normally see products handled by Artisanal Imports (full list of states available below).  Prost!

Vital Information for Grevensteiner Original from Brauerei C. & A. Veltins

Release – Year-Round, U.S. launch begins March 2017
Style – Kellerbier 
ABV – 5.2%
Ingredients – “Naturally cloudy Grevensteiner Original is a light country beer brewed with soft spring water and harvest-fresh hops. Traditional malts give the beer its amber colour and its full-bodied taste. Brewed in accordance with the German purity law.”
Availability – 4-packs of 16.9 oz. cans
Distribution – FL, AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, IL, KS, ME, MA, MI, MN, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, WA, WV and WI

 

Founders Brewing Co. Set for National Release of 2017 KBS

Posted on by mashingin

KBS_4pkFounders Brewing Co. (Grand Rapids, Michigan) has officially announced that 2017 KBS is now available across the state of Michigan, and national distribution will begin on April 1.

Although it may be releasing as the second offering of the year in Founders Brewing Co.’s newly established Barrel-Aged Series, KBS has been “one of the craft world’s most prized annual releases” for well over a decade.  This limited release offering begins as an Imperial Stout that has been brewed with copious amounts of coffee and chocolate.  Once the brewing process is completed, the beer is then transferred to oak bourbon barrels and aged for an entire year “in caves that were at one time gypsum mines, beneath Grand Rapids.”  This incredibly labor intensive process produces an 11.8% ABV Stout that is filled with decadent notes of roasted coffee, rich chocolate, and fine bourbon.  “Consistently [ranking] as one of the highest rated beers in the world,” KBS is easily one of the most highly-respected and lauded beers within the American craft beer community.

“KBS is a reflection of who we are as a company and the mark we hope we’ve made with extreme brewing,” said Co-Founder and President Dave Engbers. “Fifteen years ago it debuted as an experiment with no agenda; a beer that no one asked for and initially, one that no-one wanted. The impact of KBS on brewing culture has always exceeded anything we imagined. It’s a perfect example of the innovation that people love about craft, and to labors of love like our Barrel-Aged series that have attained real recognition as a result of KBS.”

The 2017 release of KBS is available in 750ml bottles, 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft.  This limited release made its official debut in Grand Rapids during KBS Week 2017 (March 6 – 11), and it is now currently available throughout the state of Michigan.  2017 KBS will then enter national distribution beginning on April 1.  This will be a gradual roll-out across Founders Brewing Co.’s distribution area, so releases in your area may vary based on date of delivery, the schedule of local distributors, planned local events, etc.  Stay patient, but remain vigilant because KBS never lasts long once it hits a shelf or a tap.  Watch the social media accounts of your favorite craft beer retailers, and be prepared to pounce once it hits your area.  If we get the information in a timely manner, we will also do our best to update this post with KBS release dates in Alabama, Florida and throughout the rest of the Southeast.  Stay tuned and happy hunting out there, folks.  Prost!

Confirmed Releases

  • Alabama (Birmingham) – Friday, March 31
  • Florida (Tampa area) – Friday, March 31
  • Georgia (Atlanta) – Monday, April 3

Vital Information for KBS (2017) from Founders Brewing Co.

Release – Limited/Barrel-Aged Series, available now in Michigan. National distribution begins April 1
Style – Imperial Stout
ABV – 11.8%
Added Ingredients – Coffee & chocolate
Treatment – Cave-aged for a year in oak bourbon barrels
Availability – 750 ml bottles, 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://foundersbrewing.com/find-our-beer/

Cosmik Debris DIPA Makes Seasonal Return for Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Posted on by mashingin

creaturecomfortslogo_editedCreature Comforts Brewing Co. (Athens, Georgia) recently announced that they will officially unleash the 2017 release of Cosmik Debris Double IPA beginning in late-March.

Since this is the time of year when the hop crop is at its peak of freshness, it only makes sense for Creature Comforts Brewing Co. to designate March as the month to pencil their annually released, fan-favorite Double IPA into the brewing schedule.  This year’s release of Cosmik Debris weighs in at 8% ABV and has been created with a recipe consisting of five pounds per barrel of featured hops – Simcoe, Idaho 7, Mosaic, Cascade and Chinook.  With aromatics of citrus zest, melon and pine, “the beer delivers a beautiful balance between firm bitterness and malt with notes of starfruit and orange marmalade on the palate.”

“Cosmik Debris should always be kept cold and consumed as fresh as possible,” says our Co-Founder and Brewmaster Adam Beauchamp. “Allowing it to age would lessen the brilliant, fresh aroma that we worked to infuse into the beer.”

Cosmik Debris Double IPA will officially begin its release in late-March (release date to be determined).  Hop heads will be able to find this Seasonal offering available in 12 oz. cans and on draft at the brewery’s Tasting Room and at select craft beer establishments found in Creature Comforts Brewing Co.’s distribution area of Athens and Atlanta, Georgia.  More details concerning the release of Cosmik Debris will arrive soon, and we will update you with that information once we have it.  Stay tuned.  Prost!

Vital Information for Cosmik Debris Double IPA from Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Release – Seasonal, beginning late-March 2017
Style – American Double India Pale Ale
ABV – 8%
Hops –  Simcoe, Idaho 7, Mosaic, Cascade & Chinook
Availability – 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Athens & Atlanta, Georgia
Fun Fact – “Creature Comforts collaborates with local artists on the can designs for its seasonal and limited releases. The label artwork for Cosmik Debris depicts a galactic scene that was designed by Athens artist Kim Deakins.”

 

Harpoon Brewery Takes Us All Back to Camp Wannamango

Posted on by mashingin

Camp-Wannamango-Beer-Modal-UpdateHarpoon Brewery (Boston, Massachusetts) recently announced that Camp Wannamango Pale Ale will soon return to shelves and taps as the brewery’s summer Seasonal.

First released in 2016 as Harpoon Brewery’s first new summer Seasonal in 16 years, Camp Wannamango is brewed with mango puree to create “a subtle tropical aroma of passion fruit and mango . . ., a light body, slight hop bitterness, and malty sweetness . . . with a kiss of mango.”  At 5% ABV and 22 IBUs, this American Pale Ale truly harnesses “the best parts of the season – sun kissed days on the dock, starlit evenings around the campfire, and all the fun with great friends and great beer that summer brings.”

Camp Wannamango will officially release any day now and will be hanging around until August.  This Seasonal offering will have availability in 6-packs and 12-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 12-packs of 12 oz. cans, 12-packs of 16 oz. cans, and on draft at craft beer establishments in Alabama, Florida, Massachusetts, and throughout the rest of Harpoon’s distribution footprint.  Keep an eye on those shelves and tap lists over the next few months for your chance to escape to Camp Wannamango this summer.  Prost!

Vital Information for Camp Wannamango from Harpoon Brewery

Release – Seasonal, March to August 2017
Style – American Pale Ale
ABV – 5%
IBUs – 22
Added Ingredients – Mango puree 
Suggested Food Pairings – Fish tacos, jerk chicken & s’mores 
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 12-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 12-packs of 12 oz. cans, 12-packs of 16 oz. cans, & draft
Beer Finder – http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/beer-finder

Tasting Notes: Irish Stout from Cahaba Brewing Co.

Posted on by mashingin

cahabaIrishStoutIn celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, we decided to double down on Tasting Notes this week by getting festive with a little Irish Stout from Cahaba Brewing Co. (Birmingham, Alabama).

At the start of February, we let you all know that Irish Stout was returning to shelves and taps as Cahaba Brewing Co.’s current Seasonal offering.  To create their take on the Irish Dry Stout, Cahaba’s brewers crafted a recipe that boasts floral Horizon hops, fruity Irish yeast, and “unique influences of roasted barley and roasted malt.”  Since the release of Irish Stout just so happens to coincide with the world’s greatest drinking holiday, this beer weighs in at just 4.4% ABV so that you can easily enjoy it all day long on St. Patrick’s Day.  Irish Stout is currently available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer retailers, restaurants and bars located within Cahaba Brewing Co.’s distribution area in Alabama.

Speaking of St. Patrick’s Day . . . that’s today and that means it is Stout time.  Let’s get into this can and some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Irish Stout from Cahaba Brewing Co.

Appearance:  Seemingly inky black in appearance, the introduction of direct light reveals that Irish Stout is actually an incredibly dark shade of brown.  The body is opaque, but carbonation bubbles can be seen consistently lifting from the bottom of the glass.  The pour produced nearly a finger of tan foam that eventually falls to a thin but lasting top cap.  With the beer appearing to be slick on the glass, any lace that attempts to cling on eventually slips back down to rest once again in the top cap.

Aroma:  Roasted malts dominate the aroma with an enjoyable sweet smokiness.  A light earthy character from the hops casually settles in to work wonderfully with the roasted grain.  The aroma closes out with a touch of cocoa and strikingly distinct notes of barley. Coyly seductive, this is an aroma that we easily fell in love with.

Taste:  That closing note of barley in the aroma is the first to eagerly greet you in the flavor.  Slightly sweet, toasted grains hit the palate and eventually develop comforting notes of smoke.  Bittersweet dark chocolate and muted floral/earthy hop tones push forward to supply balance.  The beer finishes with just a slight pop of nondescript dark fruit flavors.

Mouthfeel:  Irish Stout is on the lightest side of medium in body with an energetic carbonation level.  It may be lightly sweet on the palate for just half a moment, but the beer ultimately dries out quickly.  ABV . . . what ABV? At just 4.4%, this Stout is ridiculously easy-drinking.  The aftertaste is minimal, but there is a touch toasty, roasty malt left behind.

Final Thoughts: When it comes to being an Irish Dry Stout, Cahaba Brewing’s Irish Stout is all that it should be.  Full-flavored but not cloying.  Dynamic but not busy.  Satisfying but still easy-drinking.  Although we were thoroughly impressed by the entire experience, Irish Stout’s aroma and mouthfeel are simply on another level.  The fact that they nailed these two categories shows that the brewers really took their time in developing a recipe that truly honors the style and the brewing traditions of Ireland.  If you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Birmingham, do yourself (and all of us) a favor by skipping the green beer to celebrate in proper fashion with a tall pour of Irish Stout from Cahaba Brewing Co.  Be safe out there and have an amazing St. Patrick’s weekend.  Prost!

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Mitch Steele’s New Atlanta Project to be Named New Realm Brewing Company

Posted on by mashingin

NewrealmlogoNot too long ago, Mitch Steele, Carey Falcone and Bob Powers hit the craft beer community with news that they had partnered to open a new brewery in Atlanta, Georgia.  Well, that project now has a name: New Realm Brewing Company.

Still very much in the planning and preparation stages, New Realm Brewing Company will soon break ground on a “20,000
square foot space located at 820 Ralph McGill Avenue in the growing Beltline area of Atlanta.”  Once completed, the New Realm facility will consist of a production brewery, restaurant, rooftop bar and beer garden to provide “visitors a distinctive venue to enjoy craft beer and great artisanal foods in an inviting, unique and fun atmosphere.”

“We could not be more thrilled to announce our name, New Realm,” said Carey Falcone Co-Founder and CEO.  “It has taken us quite a bit of time (over many beers, of course) to create our vision and land on the right name for our future brewery and restaurant.  New Realm speaks to our desire to create a new realm in brewing and dining experiences, and to support an outstanding and dynamic local craft beer community.”

The idea of the space itself is enough to get excited about, but the real draw of New Realm Brewing Company will of course be the beer.  With Brewmaster and COO Mitch Steele – former Brewmaster at Stone Brewing Co. and the man who literally wrote the book on American India Pale Ales – at the helm of brewing operations, craft beer fans can “count on IPAs being poured at New Realm as well as barrel‐aged beers and traditional lagers.”

If you would like to stay up-to-date on the progress at New Realm Brewing Company, you can follow the brewery directly through their social media accounts:

Of course, you can also check back here as we will most certainly be updating you with any and all information coming out of this exciting new project in Atlanta.  Prost!

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Left to right: Mitch Steele, Carey Falcone & Bob Powers taken on location at the future home of New Realm Brewing Company off of Atlanta’s Beltline. (photo credit: Sara Hanna Photography & New Realm Brewing Company)

Escape Brewing Company to Host Seeds of Hope Spring Beer Event

Posted on by mashingin

escapeseedsOn Saturday, April 22 at 7 p.m., Escape Brewing Company (9945 Trinity Blvd Suite 108, Trinity, Florida) will host their First Annual Seeds of Hope Imperial IPA Bottle Release and Spring Beer Event.

First brewed and released in 2016 to commemorate Escape Brewing Company’s 100th batch of beer, Batch 100 Imperial IPA is making a triumphant return this April under a new name: Seeds of Hope Imperial IPA.  Since the first release of this beer was incredibly popular with fans of the brewery, it been has decided to make this year’s release of Seeds of Hope Imperial IPA a full-blown bottle release and Spring Beer Event featuring other rare beers from Escape Brewing and 12 other guest breweries.  There are quite a few moving parts when it comes to this event, so let’s break it all down:

The Basics

  • What – Seeds of Hope Imperial IPA Bottle Release & Spring Beer Event
  • When – 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday April 22, 2017
  • Where – Escape Brewing Company Taproom – 9945 Trinity Blvd Suite 108, Trinity, Florida

The Bottle Release

Attendees of this event will have the option to purchase bottles of Seeds of Hope Imperial IPA for $10 per bottle.  There is a four (4) bottle limit per guest and all bottles must be purchased with CASH ONLY. To prevent breakage, purchased bottles will be available for pick up after the event.  There will be no growler fills available for Seeds of Hope Imperial IPA.

The Spring Beer Event

In addition to having Seeds of Hope Imperial IPA flowing on tap, this event will also feature a tap list boasting 18+ offerings from Escape Brewing Company and 12 more beers from local guest breweries.  The list of featured beers and guest breweries is still in the works.  We will update this area as soon as that information is released.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the Seeds of Hope Bottle Release and Spring Beer Event are available now online and can be purchased by clicking here.  Tickets for this event are available in the following tiers:

  • General Admission: $30 (plus fees) – Ticket cost provides you with a commemorative tasting glass, unlimited samples of 30+ beers flowing on tap, and the option to purchase up to four (4) bottles of Seeds of Hope Imperial IPA for $10 each (4 bottle limit per ticket holder)
  • VIP Ticket – $65 (plus fees) – Ticket cost includes four (4) bottles of Seeds of Hope Imperial IPA, early entrance into the event at 6 p.m., a commemorative tasting glass, and unlimited samples of 30+ beers flowing on tap.  VIP Tickets will be limited to 75 tickets

There is a maximum purchase of two (2) tickets per transaction.  Once purchased, you will not have a physical ticket.  Your name will be added to the WILL CALL list and a proper ID matching the WILL CALL name will be needed to access the event.

Although this is a ticketed event, you do not need one to enjoy the beers pouring on draft during the event.  You have the option to attend and pay per pour.  Ticket holders, on the other hand, get to enjoy unlimited samples of all beers available on tap.  So . . . it just makes sense to purchase a ticket.

Other Things to Consider

  • Parking – Although there is a parking lot at this location, parking is limited.  The brewery urges that you carpool, use UBER, take a taxi, ride a bike, etc. so that any issues with parking can be avoided.
  • Food – Escape Brewing Company is working on possibly having a food truck on-site during this event.  If that does not happen, Brick Oven Pizzeria is located next door to the brewery and is always a great option if you find yourself in need of some tasty eats.

More information concerning the Seeds of Hope Imperial IPA Bottle Release & Spring Beer Event will be released soon, and we will of course update this post as soon as we receive any additional details.  Stay tuned and make sure to purchase your tickets soon.  Prost!

Escapelogowide

 

 

Tasting Notes: Grass Monkey from SweetWater Brewing Company

Posted on by mashingin

IMGP5451_editedSince spring is just around the corner, we welcome the season with a little Tasting Notes action focused on Grass Monkey from SweetWater Brewing Company (Atlanta, Georgia).

Grass Monkey debuted back in February as SweetWater Brewing’s newest Catch n’ Release Seasonal.  To make this offering an ideal option for spring weather drinking, Grass Monkey is an American Pale Wheat Ale that packs “a big citrus blast” thanks to being dosed with “a big stash of Lemondrop hops.”  Lemongrass herbs were then added to the equation to give the beer “a refreshing twist and exotic aroma.” At just 5.4% ABV and 35 IBUs, this brew proves to be “extremely complex but very easy drinking.”  Grass Monkey is a Seasonal release that will only be around until April.  You can find this offering available in 12 oz. cans, 12 oz. bottles and on draft at craft beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and throughout the rest of SweetWater Brewing Company’s distribution area.  I do believe that covers all the necessary background information, so let’s pry off this cap and get to some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Grass Monkey from SweetWater Brewing Company

Appearance:  Grass Monkey fills the glass as a bright golden colored brew that pulses with burnt orange hues at its center.  Held to direct light, the golden yellows gain more vibrancy and softly glow.  The body is lightly hazy, but a steady carbonation presence can still be seen coursing within.  The pour produced nearly a full finger of tight white foam.  Showing that it has an incredible level of retention, the head maintains its size throughout the experience despite leaving plenty of chunky strings of lace behind after each sip.

Aroma:  Pure and unmistakable, wonderfully clean notes of lemon simply billow from the glass.  We are talking the full fruit: zest, pith, meat and juice.  Lemongrass is close behind with supporting citrus, grassy and herbaceous, tea-like qualities. The wheat is light in the aroma, but it is still present enough to lend some bready, grain sweetness.

Taste:  Just as in the aroma, gorgeous notes of lemon lead the way here.  With just the right amount of citric tartness, this lemon character translates as more of a fresh-squeezed lemonade that has been made with just a sprinkle of sugar and dash of lemon zest.  Not too sweet, not too sour, not too bitter. . . just a chance to truly appreciate all of the refreshing qualities of the lemon.  The lemongrass then supplies earthy, grassy and herbal aspects that further accentuate and complement the lemon.  The flavor profile rounds off with just a touch of underlying pine and some light malt sweetness that reads as honey wheat bread.

Mouthfeel:  This brew is light in body with a peppy carbonation presence.  It is both lightly sweet and hoppy on the palate, but it each sip fades quickly and cleans up nicely.  At 5.4% ABV, the alcohol plays no role here and keeps the experience wonderfully easy drinking and refreshing.  The aftertaste is just a grace of lingering lemon.

Final Thoughts:  Grass Monkey ultimately comes together as a fantastic warm weather brew that successfully uses the easy-drinking nature of the American Pale Wheat Ale to act as a vehicle for a truly hop-focused experience.  The Lemondrop hops are beautifully showcased as the star, but this has been done in such a manner that they are not overly aggressive or bitter.  Just as you feel the hops about to take firm hold of your palate, the wheat and subtle lemongrass notes intervene with a wisp of sweetness and some attention-grabbing complexity.  Although the label reads “hoppy’, overt dankness was clearly not the intention. No . . . the intention here was to achieve optimum levels of refreshment while still respecting everything that these unique hops can offer a beer’s flavor and aroma.  If that was the true endgame when SweetWater was brewing this beer, consider that mission accomplished. If you have not yet, make sure you pick up a sixer or order a pour of Grass Monkey before its Seasonal run comes to an end in April.  Prost!

Good People Brewing Company Releases Hitchhiker IPA as Spring Seasonal

Posted on by mashingin

GPhitchposterGood People Brewing Company (Birmingham, Alabama) recently announced that Hitchhiker IPA has officially returned to shelves and taps for the spring.

Brewed each spring as a more West Coast representation of the style than Good People Brewing’s American IPA, Hitchhiker IPA boasts a more tropical fruit character by displaying notes of pineapple, grapefruit, orange and tangerine.  Relying on a sturdy, caramel malt backbone, this 7.8% ABV, 100+ IBU India Pale Ale passes through each year as “a rejuvenating option whatever the weather brings.”

Hitchhiker IPA is officially available now and will be hanging around through the spring months (while supplies last).  Look for this Seasonal offering to be available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer retailers, bars and restaurants in Alabama and throughout the rest of Good People Brewing’s distribution area.  Official Hitchhiker IPA Release Events started late last week and will be going on through the month of March at select craft beer establishments.  Click here to check out the full list of scheduled events.

Just as its name implies, the fan-favorite Hitchhiker IPA will be moving on before you know it.  Make sure that this is the one Hitchhiker that you pick up and enjoy your time together while you can.  Prost!

Vital Information for Hitchhiker IPA from Good People Brewing Company

Release – Seasonal, beginning March 2017
Style – American IPA (West Coast-style)
ABV – 7.8%
IBUs – 100+
Hops – Cascade, Columbus & Simcoe
Malts – 2-Row, Carapils & Crystal
Yeast – California Ale
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – http://www.goodpeoplebrewing.com/beerfinder.php

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