Beer News | Mashing In

Clementina Saison Returns as Limited Release from Jolly Pumpkin

Posted on February 22, 2017 by mashingin

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales (Dexter, Michigan) recently announced that Clementina Saison will soon be sent out to distribution as the brewery’s latest Limited Release offering.

In an effort to prove that “seasons are just a state of mind,” Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales has brewed and bottled Clementina Saison to act as a soothing “ray of sunshine” that will lead us out of the winter months. To ensure that this Saison is incredibly bright and effervescent, the brewers incorporated additions of “yuzu and lime peel, pink Himalayan salt, coriander and clementine juice” into its recipe. The citrus forward character of Clementina is supported by a base of oak and wheat to “provide a light, bready body rounded by the refreshing blend of spices.” Since nearly all Jolly Pumpkin offerings undergo a meticulously planned aging process, we will turn it over to the brewery for the full rundown on Clementina’s treatment:

“This batch of Clementina is composed of three 10 barrel batches that were aged in both a 20-barrel oak foeder as well as several toasted oak barrels. Brewed in December and January last winter, Clementina waited in oak for nearly the entire length of 2016, soaking up the warmth and excitement of last summer. It has kept that feeling close for us just waiting for the perfect damp and grey week of February to stave off the mid-winter blues.”

Clementina Saison will first hit shelves and taps at Jolly Pumpkin brewery and taproom locations in Dexter, Ann Arbor, Detroit and Traverse City. Shortly thereafter, 750ml bottles of this Limited Release will then see limited distribution in Florida, Texas, New York, Missouri, and California. This offering will most assuredly vanish as quickly as it arrives, so make the necessary plans now to secure your bottle of Clementina Saison for a timely reprieve from the harsh cold of winter. Prost!

Vital Information for Clementina Saison from Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales

Release – Limited, launching late February 2017
Style – Saison/Farmhouse Ale
ABV – 5.8%
Added Ingredients – Yuzu & lime peel, pink Himalayan salt, coriander & clementine juice
Treatment – Aged on oak nearly all of 2016
Availability – 750ml bottles & draft
Distribution – Available at Jolly Pumpkin locations in Dexter, Ann Arbor, Detroit & Traverse City; limited distribution in Florida, Texas, New York, Missouri, & California

Terrapin Beer Co. to Release T-Time Berliner Weisse in March

Posted on February 22, 2017 by mashingin

Terrapin Beer Co. (Athens, Georgia) recently announced plans to launch T-Time Berliner Weisse in March as their next Specialty Release offering.

Drawing inspiration from the iced tea and lemonade blend made famous by an iconic golfer, Terrapin Beer Co. has developed T-Time Berliner Weisse with the help of Maya Tea from Tucson, Arizona. The recipe for this German-style Berliner Weisse combines tea and lemon to result in “a tart and thirst-quenching wheat beer.” At just 4% ABV, “this easy-to-drink summertime refresher will get you back into the swing of things both on and off the course.”

T-Time Berliner Weisse officially releases in March with availability in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft. Once launched, you will be able to find limited quantities of this Specialty Release at select craft beer establishments in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and throughout the rest of the Terrapin Beer Co. distribution network. T-Time Berliner Weisse is sure to be a fantastic pairing with a day on the links or just warm weather activities in general, so keep an eye out for this one when it hits shelves and taps in the next few weeks. Prost!

Vital Information T-Time Berliner Weisse from Terrapin Beer Co.

Release – Limited/Specialty Release, launching March 2017
Style – Berliner Weisse
ABV – 4%
IBUs – 5
Hops – Vanguard
Malts – Pilsner, Malted Wheat, Torrified Wheat & Acidulated Malt
Added Ingredients – Tea from Maya Tea and lemon
Suggested Food Pairings – Chevre & Havarti, or a turkey club sandwich with a side of chips
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft

Red Brick Brewing Co. Launches Laughing Skull White Ale

Posted on February 21, 2017 by mashingin

Red Brick Brewing Co. (Atlanta, Georgia) recently announced the newest addition to the brewery’s Laughing Skull Series, Laughing Skull White Ale.

To inject a bit more diversity into their line of easy-drinking Laughing Skull beers, Red Brick Brewing Co. has added Laughing Skull White Ale to the mix. This Belgian-style White Ale “features a pleasant fruit and spice character thanks to additions of California orange peel, coriander, and Belgian yeast.” Clocking in at just 4.5% ABV, craft beer fans can expect this offering to be light, delicious and incredibly crisp. Laughing Skull White Ale now joins Amber Ale and Craft Lager as the third member of the Laughing Skull family of beers.

“White Ale was originally made specifically for our South Korean distributor,” said Red Brick Brewing Co. President and Brewmaster Garett Lockhart, “but it was so well received both overseas and at the brewery that we knew we needed to release it domestically. We first started pouring it at the brewery in June of 2016 and it has quickly become a crowd favorite.”

Laughing Skull White Ale will officially launch at a Release Party to be held at Red Brick Brewing Co. on Saturday, February 25 (click here for more info). After the party, this new Year-Round offering will be available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments found in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and throughout the rest of Red Brick’s distribution area. The next time you find yourself in need of a thirst-quenching libation, be sure to keep Laughing Skull White Ale in mind. Prost!

Vital Information for Laughing Skull White Ale from Red Brick Brewing Co.

Release – Year-Round, launching late-February 2017
Style – Belgian-style White Ale
ABV – 4.5%
Added Ingredients – Orange peel & coriander
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Distribution – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee & Mississippi

Paulaner Brewery to Introduce Fürstenberg Beer in U.S.

Posted on February 21, 2017 by mashingin

Paulaner Brauerei (Munich, Germany) recently announced plans to introduce American craft beer drinkers to their Fürstenberg Premium Pilsener beginning in March.

Over the last several years, many members of the craft beer community have voiced a demand for “more sessionable products that provide a refreshing, yet full flavor beer.” Paulaner Brauerei will answer this call next month by making their Fürstenberg Premium Pilsener available in the U.S. market for the first time. Also known as the Beer from the Black Forest, Fürstenberg is a classic German Pilsener beer “brewed in the finest German tradition, following the Reinheitsgebot, and using only brewing malt from the region, Hallertau and Tettnang hops, and specifically developed yeast.” Weighing in at just 4.7% ABV, Fürstenberg promises “to quench the thirst of beer-lovers across the U.S.”

“We are only introducing Furstenberg in draft to ensure the highest quality and freshness of the beer. By serving Fürstenberg exclusively on tap, we are delivering the experience of the traditional German Pilsner in its time honored style and can ensure the beer is treated right. We are proud of this product and want to make sure you get all of that rich tradition and quality in a perfect pint for you. After all, there isn’t anything better than a crisp, refreshing beer poured beer with a white, foamy head.”

– Steve Hauser, Paulaner USA CEO

Fürstenberg Premium Pilsener will officially launch in the U.S. beginning March 1, 2017. This Year-Round offering will be available only on draft at fine beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida and anywhere else you normally find beers from Paulaner Brauerei. Prost!

Vital Information for Fürstenberg Premium Pilsener from Paulaner Brauerei

Release – Year-Round, U.S. roll out begins March 1, 2017
Style – German Pilsener
ABV – 4.8%
IBUs – 31
Hops – Hallertau & Tettnang
Availability – Draft only
Awards – Fürstenberg is the winner of 4 prestigious quality awards from the rigorous quality examinations in a single year

Curmudgeon Returns as Specialty Release from Founders Brewing Co.

Posted on February 20, 2017 by mashingin

Founders Brewing Co. (Grand Rapids, Michigan) has announced that Curmudgeon Old Ale will return to shelves and taps as a Specialty offering beginning in March.

Drawing inspiration from “classic seafaring ports, local pubs and weathered old fishermen,” Curmudgeon is a warming Old Ale that focuses intently on its malt bill. The brewers at Founders further reinforce the malt presence by brewing this offering with molasses and then aging it on oak. Their efforts result in “a rich, malty delight that’s deceptively smooth and drinkable” at 9.8% ABV.

Curmudgeon will officially return in March and hang around throughout the month of April. This Specialty release can be found in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at craft beer bars, restaurants and retailers located in Alabama, Florida and throughout the rest of the Founders Brewing Co. distribution area. If you are a fan of malty brews, believe me when I say that you need to have a little Curmudgeon in your life. Make it happen in March. Prost!

Vital Information for Curmudgeon Old Ale from Founders Brewing Co.

Release – Specialty, March to April 2017
Style – Old Ale
ABV – 9.8%
IBUs – 50
Added Ingredients – Molasses
Treatment – Oak-aged
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://foundersbrewing.com/find-our-beer/

Rogue Dead Guy Ale Gets a Fresh New Look

Posted on February 20, 2017 by mashingin

Rogue Ales (Newport, Oregon) has redesigned the packaging artwork for their long-standing Dead Guy Ale. Additionally, this offering is now available in 12 oz. cans for the first time.

The folks at Rogue Ales brewed and bottled their first batch of Dead Guy Ale back in 1990 “as a Dia de los Muertos beer for a Portland Tex-Mex restaurant.” This German Maibock-inspired American Ale was immediately embraced by the craft beer community and it remains a fan-favorite offering 26 years later. Although the packaging has experienced subtle tweaks over the years, Dead Guy Ale has always worn a label depicting “a beer-clutching skeleton with crossed arms and a beehive hat sitting on a barrel.” Since this image is easily one of the most recognized logos in craft beer, Rogue Ales has gone with a more streamlined approach to Dead Guy Ale’s new look by boldly focusing on the skeleton. In doing so, the updated packaging manages to be even more engaging and eye-catching on the shelf.

“There were a number of iterations, but the idea came out pretty quickly,” said Rogue’s Creative Director Hagen Moore. “We wanted to make the Dead Guy larger than life, and have him stand out in a simple and unique way.”

Dead Guy Ale’s new look can be seen on 12 oz. and 22 oz. bottles, and in all new 12 oz. cans starting February 15. You can expect to find these 22 oz. bottles, 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and 6-packs of 12 oz. cans at craft beer retailers in Alabama, Florida and throughout the rest of the expansive distribution footprint of Rogue Ales. Look for Dead Guy Ale’s fresh packaging during your next beer run to revisit this craft beer legend. Prost!

Vital Information for Dead Guy Ale from Rogue Ales

Release – Year-Round, 12 oz. cans debut February 2017
Style – American Ale inspired by German Maibock style
ABV – 6.5%
IBUs – 40
Malts – 2-Row, C15, Munich, Rogue Farms Dare™, Risk™ Malts
Hops – Rogue Farms Revolution™ & Independent™ Hops
Yeast – Pacman Yeast
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, 22 oz. bottles & draft

Tasting Notes: The Unkindness from Barley Mow Brewing Company

Posted on February 17, 2017February 18, 2017 by mashingin

The work week gently fades to black as we get into some Tasting Notes covering The Unkindness Black Ale from Barley Mow Brewing Company (Largo, Florida).

Fondly referred to as “the beer that started it all” for Barley Mow Brewing Company, The Unkindness is an American Black Ale (a.k.a. a Cascadian Dark Ale or Black IPA) that has been named after a flock of ravens. This offering blends an assertive hop bill with a dark malt backbone to provide a dualistic experience that boasts notes of pine, grapefruit, chocolate and coffee. The Unkindness is a Core/Year-Round release that is available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer establishments located within Barley Mow’s full distribution area.

Alright, it is now time to grab a pen and a glass to embrace the darkness residing within The Unkindness!

Tasting Notes for The Unkindness Black Ale from Barley Mow Brewing Company

Appearance: The Unkindness settles into the glass as an incredibly dark brown, nearly black colored brew. Held to the light, the beer remains opaque but does display some richer brown hues. The pour built a perfect two fingers of creamy, tan foam. Head retention is very good, but the showstopper here is the elaborate lace patterns that sheet the glass and completely coat it by drink’s end.

Aroma: As the beer pours, juicy grapefruit and citrus notes anxiously fill the air to greet the nose. As the beer settles, those hop notes mingle nicely with a building earthy grain quality supported by notes of dark roast and coffee. Fresh tobacco and a wisp of chocolate bring it all together to beautifully round off the aromatic profile.

Taste: The really interesting characteristic here is how the hops effortlessly weave themselves into every aspect of the flavor experience. They first appear innocently and playfully as a subtle pop of grapefruit and pine. Just as the roasted malts push forward to expose notes of bittersweet chocolate and black coffee, the hops slide in to cradle them with a complementary bitterness of citrus zest. Hearty, roasted grains then meet resinous pine to strike a balance between dankness and sweetness. A gentle herbaceous quality saunters in at the end to leave a final, lasting impression courtesy of the hops.

Mouthfeel: This brew is medium in body and has a medium carbonation level. On the palate, the beer confidently walks a tightrope, teetering on the edges of both bitter and sweet. At 7.4% ABV, the beer does bring a bit of warmth but it is nothing excessive or unpleasant. The aftertaste leaves lingering tones of dark roasted malts, grapefruit zest and touch of herbal qualities.

Final Thoughts: The Unkindness proves to be a wonderful study in the idea of balance. The sweet, roasted malts and assertive hops engage in a delightful tug of war that results in a beautiful stalemate that truly captivates the senses. Although the hops can be fully enjoyed throughout the experience, the malts temper their bitterness with meticulous precision. In a loud but composed proclamation, the hops and malts both voice their worth with a more than justified display of hubris. If these ingredients – and the brewers behind them – did not have this cocksure level of conviction, the beer resting in the glass before us would not be nearly as delicious, easy-drinking or impressive. Impressive . . . that is indeed the best word to describe The Unkindness. This beer is a remarkable representation of the American Black Ale/Cascadian Dark Ale/Black IPA, and we could easily make an argument for it being a benchmark for the style. Ridiculously good. Prost!

Boulevard Brewing Company Releases Bottles of Rye on Rye on Rye

Posted on February 17, 2017February 17, 2017 by mashingin

Boulevard Brewing Company (Kansas City, Missouri) recently announced that bottles of Rye on Rye on Rye Whiskey Barrel Aged Ale are available now for a limited time.

First released as a draft-only offering in 2016, Rye on Rye on Rye has returned as a Smokestack Series Limited Release – a series of “bold, complex ales [that] include both traditional styles and daring experiments, allowing [Boulevard] brewers to explore some of the more esoteric realms of their craft.” Rye on Rye on Rye expands upon the legacy of the classic Rye on Rye by incorporating an additional step in the aging process. This offering begins as a “rich, tawny Rye Ale” that is then “aged in first-use rye whiskey barrels then transferred to yet another set of first-use rye whiskey barrels for a second aging, effectively resulting in “Rye on Rye on Rye.” Weighing in at a sizable 14% ABV, Rye on Rye on Rye promises an experience loaded with caramel and distinct whiskey aromas and flavor notes of bread crust, caramel and toffee.

750 ml bottles of Rye on Rye on Rye are available now in the greater Kansas City area and this limited offering will soon become available in other select markets within Boulevard Brewing Co.’s distribution network. The brewery hints that fans can expect to find Rye on Rye on Rye “in cities that typically see . . . Smokestack Series Limited Release beers like Saison Brett or Love Child blends.” This applies to my readers in Alabama and Florida, so be on the lookout for this one in the coming weeks. Prost!

Vital Information for Rye on Rye on Rye from Boulevard Brewing Co.

Release – Smokestack Series/Limited, February 2017
Style – Rye Ale
ABV – 14%
IBUs – 33
Treatment – Rye Ale aged in first-use rye whiskey barrels then transferred to yet another set of first-use rye whiskey barrels for a second aging
Availability – 750ml bottles
Recommended Glassware – Tulip
Suggest Pairings – Cuban cigars, pot roast, rich stews & salted caramel ice cream

DuClaw Brewing Co. Launches Sweet Baby Java as New Year-Round

Posted on February 16, 2017 by mashingin

DuClaw Brewing Company (Baltimore, Maryland) recently announced that Sweet Baby Java – Espresso Bean Infused Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter will be joining the brewery’s Year-Round lineup this spring.

Released as the first bottled variant of the brewery’s iconic Sweet Baby Jesus Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter, DuClaw Brewing Company found the inspiration to create Sweet Baby Java over two years ago when they “ran Sweet Baby [Jesus] through a Randall contact infuser filled with coffee beans.” After that keg kicked in record time, the brewery has since featured the coffee-treated Sweet Baby Jesus at several events and received consistent, “overwhelmingly positive” feedback. This being the case, the folks at DuClaw eventually “realized there needed to be a way to put this into a keg or bottle on a regular basis.” After developing a large-scale process that involves a Hop Gun filled with coffee beans, Sweet Baby Java is now a reality.

“We spent a lot of time searching for the ideal bean and roast to transform Sweet Baby Jesus into Sweet Baby Java. From there we were able to scale up and leverage our giant contact infuser, the Hop Gun, using coffee beans instead of hops, and now we have Sweet Baby Java.”

– Dave Benfield, Founder of DuClaw Brewing Company

According to DuClaw Brewing Company’s Facebook page, Sweet Baby Java is a new Year-Round offering that will undergo a staggered launch during the months of spring. This offering will eventually be available in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments in Florida and throughout the rest of DuClaw’s distribution footprint. Watch those shelves and enjoy a little coffee with your peanut butter when Sweet Baby Java hits your local shelves and taps. Prost!

Vital Information for Sweet Baby Java – Espresso Bean Infused Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter from DuClaw Brewing Company

Release – Year-Round, staggered release beginning February 2017
Style – American Porter
ABV – 6.2%
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://duclaw.com/beer-main/where-to-buy-our-beer/

Big Storm Brewing Co. Now Serving Food at Pinellas Location

Posted on February 16, 2017 by mashingin

Big Storm Brewing Co. (Clearwater, Florida) announced this week that they have hired Executive Chef Gerry Malynowsky to establish a permanent food program at the brewery’s Pinellas Taproom (12707 49th Street N, Clearwater, FL).

Now that Chef Malynowsky has joined the team, craft beer fans visiting Big Storm – Pinellas can now enjoy a menu filled with “inventive appetizers and casual entrees” as a part of their taproom experience. A 35-year industry veteran that most recently acted as the executive chef of Cigar City Brew Pub and Puff’ and Stuff Events and Catering, Chef Malynowsky has applied his expertise to design a menu that pairs beautifully with Big Storm’s wide array of craft beer offerings. “Incorporating high quality products like grass fed beef, ahi tuna and Prince Edward Island mussels,” this new menu will feature dishes such as:

Grilled Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich
Four Cheese Flatbread with Wilted Kale
Ahi Tuna Tossed in a Garlic Ginger Poke Sauce
Kung Pao Jumbo Chicken Wings
Beer-infused Grass Fed Beef Sliders with Caramelized Beer Onions on House-baked Brioche Buns

“In the past, Big Storm guests were always welcome to bring food into the taprooms, or order from visiting food trucks,” said Big Storm CEO Jonathan Golden. “Chef Gerry joining our team means bringing in permanent and consistent food options for our guests. He has created a savory menu to perfectly coordinate with our wide spectrum of beers.” Golden further added, “We can now offer our guests an assortment of options for parties, corporate events and special occasions.”

The Big Storm – Pinellas kitchen will operate inside a permanent food trailer adjacent to the brewery and “will serve food during brewery hours, which are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.” Next time you find yourself in Clearwater in search of a delicious meal and some tasty brews, swing by Big Storm Brewing Co. to check out the new menu and satisfy both of those cravings. Prost!