Beer News | Mashing In

CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective Launches New IPA Mixed Pack

Posted on September 30, 2019 by mashingin

The CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective (Longmont, Colorado) has officially announced that it is actively rolling out its new CANarchy IPA Mixed Pack, a variety 12-pack containing IPAs from four independent craft breweries located across the U.S.

Compiled to show the IPA’s “diversity of style and flavor,” the latest edition of the CANarchy IPA Mixed Pack gives hopheads the ability “to travel from the bright West Coast style of California, to the big, bold hop flavors of Texas, through Florida’s citrusy, balanced flavors and onto Colorado’s innovative creations – all in one box.” The CANarchy IPA Mixed Pack contains the following offerings (descriptions sourced directly from CANarchy’s press release):

Expatriate IPA | Three Weavers Brewing Company (Inglewood, California) – A 6.9% West Coast style IPA inspired by the Three Weavers Brewing Company community, located in Inglewood, California. Bright and laden with notes of tropical fruits, it’s brewed with two-row barley and a touch of English crystal malt, and loaded with new age American hops.
Deep Ellum IPA | Deep Ellum Brewing Company (Dallas, Texas) – Loaded with American hops for a bitter punch. Over-the-top tropical fruit, citrus, pine and floral aromas and flavors make this 7% ABV IPA big and potent enough to bear Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s hometown name.
Jai Alai IPA | Cigar City Brewing (Tampa, Florida) – Presents an intense bouquet of tangerine and candied orange peel that entices the nose while flavors of clementines, Valencia orange and subtle caramel provide counterpoint to an assertive bitterness and rich malt character. Bold hop flavor from six different hop varietals is front and center in this IPA by Tampa, Florida’s Cigar City Brewing. ABV – 7.5%
Can-O-Bliss IPA | Oskar Blues Brewery (Longmont, Colorado) – The Can-O-Bliss IPA Series by Colorado-founded Oskar Blues Brewery offers beer drinkers a variety of innovative IPA flavors throughout the year, focusing on new and experimental hops and unusual hop combinations. ABV – 7.2%

**The CANarchy IPA Mixed Pack contains three 12 oz. cans of each the beers listed above**

The new CANarchy IPA Mixed Pack is available now in select markets and will hit nationwide distribution “soon.” You can expect to find this Variety 12-pack at select craft beer-focused retailers located throughout the U.S. Prost!

R&D Brewing Teams Up with the Carolina Hurricanes to Release Storm Brew

Posted on September 30, 2019 by mashingin

R&D Brewing (Raleigh, North Carolina) has announced that it will enter the 2019 NHL season with the release of Storm Brew, the official beer of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Developed to be “a signature beer befitting the former Stanley Cup champions and, most recently, 2019 Eastern Conference finalists,” Storm Brew is a Light Lager “artfully crafted to pair well with victory.” Brewed to give any Carolina Hurricanes fan his/her “ideal companion on ice,” Storm Brew comes in at 4.2% ABV and “contains only 2.4 carbs and 97 calories.”

“Several pilot batches and blind sensory tests were conducted between the R&D and Hurricanes teams to develop Storm Brew,” said Ian VanGundy, Brewmaster at R&D Brewing. “A light lager recipe was selected to make it the perfect beer for any occasion. R&D focuses its attention towards quality ingredients and hand crafted brewing processes, creating a beer more fresh and fulfilling than the average light lager.”

“Storm Brew is a perfect representation of who the Carolina Hurricanes are as an organization,” said Mike Forman, Vice President of Marketing & Brand Strategy for the Carolina Hurricanes. “We’ve built our brand identity on being bold, regionally-focused and fun – this partnership encompasses each of those core pillars for us. We couldn’t be happier to be partnering with R&D for this momentous release.”

Storm Brew is available now at PNC Arena – the home of the Carolina Hurricanes – and is scheduled to enter distribution in late October 2019. You can expect to find Storm Brew available in 12 oz. cans and 16 oz. cans at select craft beer and hockey lovin’ establishments located throughout R&D Brewing’s distribution footprint in Central and Eastern North Carolina. Prost!

Vital Information for Storm Brew from R&D Brewing and the Carolina Hurricanes

Release – Seasonal; launching October 2019
Style – Light Lager
ABV – 4.2%
Calories – 97
Carbs – 2.4 grams
Fun Fact – On how Storm Brew was named: “The name was selected by fans during an online poll earlier this year. Storm Brew garnered over 75% of the votes, setting the stage for what is sure to be a fan favorite. R&D put its more than 150 years of award-winning brewing experience to work along with the Hurricanes to settle on the final product.”
Availability – 12 oz. cans & 16 oz. cans
Distribution – Central & Eastern North Carolina
Beer Finder – https://rndbrewing.com/beer-finder/

Founders Brewing Co. Celebrates Fresh Hop Season with Release of Harvest Ale

Posted on September 27, 2019 by mashingin

Founders Brewing Co. (Grand Rapids, Michigan) has officially announced that its annually released Harvest Ale, a Wet-Hopped IPA, will enter full distribution in early October.

Brewed each year as an “ode to the beauty of American hops grown in [the brewery’s] backyard,” Harvest Ale is a Wet-Hopped Ale featuring copious amounts of wet hop cones that “arrive within hours of being picked by some of [Founders Brewing Co.’s] favorite local hop growers.” After working “around the clock to transform the wet hops into Harvest Ale” (7.6% ABV), the brewing team’s commitment and dedication pays off by producing “an impossibly aromatic and bright IPA bursting with fresh pine, melon and citrus notes.”

Harvest Ale is available now at Founders Brewing Co.’s Grand Rapids and Detroit taprooms and is scheduled to enter distribution by early October 2019. You can expect to find this Limited Release offering available in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at select craft beer-friendly establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Michigan and throughout the rest of the brewery’s nationwide distribution network. Prost!

Vital Information for Harvest Ale from Founders Brewing Co.

Release – Limited; late September/early October 2019
Style – Wet-Hopped Ale/American India Pale Ale
ABV – 7.6%
IBUs – 70
Fun Fact – Harvest Ale will be celebrated this year at “Founders 2019 Harvest Party – A Tribute to American Hops, scheduled for Saturday, October 5 from 11 am to close in the Grand Rapids Taproom . . . The Harvest Party will feature live music starting at 7 pm from acts including headliner Mungion (a Chicago-based four-piece that transcends genre classification). Other acts include: Sam Williams (indie country star and son of Hank Williams Jr), Wilder Maker (NY-based indie band), and Patty PerShayla Band (blues, classic, and roots rock with a modern edge and bite). We’re offering special seasonal fare (with an abundance of Robinette’s doughnuts), along with our specialty party line-ups of Harvest Ale, Civilized Brut IPA, Mothership Series #9: Oktoberfest, and many more delicious beers!” Click here for more info.
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://foundersbrewing.com/beer/find-our-beer/

The Press-Enterprise Honors Garage Brewing Co. as Best Craft Brewery in the Inland Empire

Posted on September 27, 2019 by mashingin

Garage Brewing Co. (Temecula, California) has officially announced that they have received two honors in The Press-Enterprise 24th annual Best of Inland Empire Awards.

After readers of The Press-Enterprise, a Pulitzer Prize winning publication, cast nearly 45,000 votes in “dozens of categories ranging from home and garden to automotive services along with restaurants and craft breweries,” Garage Brewing Co. walked away from the 2019 Best of the Inland Empire Awards with “honors in the Best Craft Brewery category in the Inland Empire and was awarded the Community Honoree Award for the craft brewery’s unwavering charitable efforts in the Inland region and beyond.”

“At the end of the day, providing consumers with a simple moment of pleasure and sociability is what it’s all about. It’s also a tremendous tribute to our brewery team, and the recognition for them is well deserved.

We’re very fortunate to be in such a great business and we’ve always been a part of the communities we serve. People support us by enjoying and buying our products, and we think it’s important for us to return that support when there are causes that need help.”

– Allan O’Neil, Garage Brewing Co’s VP of Sales and Marketing

After earning these honors from The Press-Enterprise, Garage Brewing Co. has now amassed “56 awards to date including 16 this year.” With those kinds of numbers, there is no denying that Garage Brewing Co.’s “dedication and commitment to the community coupled with innovative, quality and consistent brewing practices . . . has helped [the brewery] continue to grow.” Prost!

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery Embraces Fall with Release of Suddenly Comfy Imperial Cream Ale

Posted on September 26, 2019 by mashingin

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (Milton, Delaware) has announced that Suddenly Comfy, an apple-pie-inspired Imperial Cream Ale, will officially launch in October as the brewery’s newest Occasional Release.

Crafted to be the “perfect topper to a meal or a decedent dessert to enjoy anytime,” Suddenly Comfy is an Imperial Cream Ale “brewed with all the makings of a classic apple pie – fresh apple cider, Saigon cinnamon and Madagascar vanilla beans.” Coming in at a comforting 8% ABV, Suddenly Comfy’s “slightly sweet flavors of baked apple pie, vanilla, cinnamon and baking spices . . . will have drinkers yearning for just one more slice … er, sip.”

Suddenly Comfy is available now at all of Dogfish Head’s coastal Delaware properties – the Dogfish Head Tasting Room & Kitchen, Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, Chesapeake & Maine and the Off-Centered EmPOURium – and is scheduled to enter distribution in October 2019. You can expect to find this Occasional Release available for a limited time in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at select craft beer-focused establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Delaware and throughout the rest of Dogfish Head’s distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Suddenly Comfy from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Release – Limited/Occasional; October – December 2019
Style – Imperial Cream Ale
ABV – 8%
IBUs – 20
Added Ingredients – Fresh apple cider, Saigon cinnamon & Madagascar vanilla beans
Fun Fact – On the development of Suddenly Comfy: “Inspired by the classically decadent dessert, Suddenly Comfy is a result of our Beer Exploration Journal – a program designed to give our fans a peek into the world of R&DFH, while sampling, evaluating and rating new beers on tap exclusively at our Milton Tasting Room & Kitchen and Rehoboth brewpub.”
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.dogfish.com/brewery/fishfinder

Dragon’s Milk Reserve Series Continues With Release of Oatmeal Cookie Variant

Posted on September 26, 2019 by mashingin

New Holland Brewing Company (Holland, Michigan) has officially announced that Dragon’s Milk Reserve: Oatmeal Cookie will enter distribution in October 2019.

Developed to capture the essence of “one of [New Holland’s] favorite treats,” Dragon’s Milk Reserve: Oatmeal Cookie (11% ABV) ages the brewery’s fan-favorite Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel-aged Stout on cinnamon, oats, brown sugar, raisins, and Madagascar vanilla extract. This treatment produces “familiar flavors of a freshly baked oatmeal cookie” that pair beautifully “with the rich, warm bourbon notes of [the brewery’s] signature barrel-aged stout.”

Dragon’s Milk Reserve: Oatmeal Cookie will debut on September 27 with launch events at New Holland’s Grand Rapids and Holland Brewpub locations and full distribution is scheduled to follow in October. You can expect to find this Limited Release available in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at select craft beer-friendly establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Michigan and throughout the rest of New Holland’s distribution territory. Prost!

Vital Information for Dragon’s Milk Reserve: Oatmeal Cookie from New Holland Brewing Company

Release – Limited; October 2019
Style – Imperial Stout
ABV – 11%
IBUs – 30
Treatment – Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout carefully aged with cinnamon, oats, brown sugar, raisins & Madagascar vanilla extract
Fun Fact – On the Dragon’s Milk Reserve Series: “Our Dragon’s Milk Reserve series is the ultimate indulgence. Authentic ingredients, unique barrels, and our brewer’s creativity result in delicious brews that showcase the incredible versatility of Dragon’s Milk. Each entry into the Reserve series is carefully crafted to highlight the signature flavors of roasted malt, vanilla, and oak in new and unique ways, becoming a legend all its own.”
Recommended Glassware – Snifter
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://dragonsmilk.com/find-dragons-milk

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. Sets Release Date for Concurrence Blend 3

Posted on September 25, 2019 by mashingin

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. (Athens, Georgia) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Bottle Release of Concurrence Blend 3, a blended barrel-aged Imperial Stout, on September 28.

Arriving as Creature Comforts’ latest “expression of stout, time, and spirits barrels,” Concurrence Blend 3 is a blended Imperial Stout that has been “aged in whiskey barrels with cocoa nibs, chilies, cinnamon, and lactose.” Coming in at a whopping 12.5% ABV, Concurrence Blend 3 is here to guide you on a journey into “the depths of strong ale.”

Concurrence Blend 3 will release alongside Tulsi (click here for more information) in the Tasting Room at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. (271 W. Hancock Ave. | Athens, Georgia) on Saturday, September 28. This Limited Release offering will be available in 750ml bottles as long as supplies last. Concurrence Blend 3 is a Tasting Room exclusive release and is not expected to see distribution. Prost!

Vital Information for Concurrence Blend 3 from Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Release – Limited; September 28, 2019
Style – Imperial Stout
ABV – 12.5%
Treatment – Blend of Imperial Stouts aged in whiskey barrels with cocoa nibs, chilies, cinnamon & lactose
Availability – 750ml bottles
Distribution – None. Tasting Room only

Pontoon Brewing Set for Can Release of Down with the Thickness Stout

Posted on September 25, 2019 by mashingin

Pontoon Brewing (Sandy Springs, Georgia) has officially announced that it will hold a Limited Can Release for Down With the Thickness on Friday, October 4.

Here to meet the challenge of all those craft beer drinkers who constantly say things like “It’s a good Stout, but it’s a little thin for my liking,” Down With the Thickness is an Imperial Milk Stout laden with notes of hazelnut, chocolate, vanilla and lactose. Ridiculously full-bodied and weighing in at 9% ABV, this Milk Stout has so much viscosity that you will have no choice but to “get up, come on, get down with the thickness!”

Down With the Thickness will debut on draft at Pontoon Brewing (8601 Dunwoody Place | Building 500, Suite 500 | Sandy Springs, Georgia) on Thursday, October 3 and the Can Release will take place at the brewery on Friday, October 4. If you would like to secure your stash in advance, you can get in on the pre-sale by visiting CraftCellr. Down With the Thickness will be available in 4-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft for as long as supplies last. Prost!

Vital Information for Down With the Thickness from Pontoon Brewing

Release – Limited; October 4, 2019
Style – Imperial Milk/Sweet Stout
ABV – 9%
Added Ingredients – Hazelnut, chocolate, vanilla & lactose
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Tap Room only release. Distribution is not expected

Unibroue & Megadeth Rock Out Another Collaboration with Release of SAISON 13

Posted on September 24, 2019September 24, 2019 by mashingin

Unibroue (Chambly, Québec) has officially announced that SAISON 13, the brewery’s second collaboration with the world-famous metal band Megadeth, is hitting shelves and taps in the U.S. now.

Inspired by Megadeth’s 2011 album TH1RT3EN and frontman Dave Mustaine’s “fascination with the number,” SAISON 13 is a Saison-style Ale that possesses “the perfect combination of malt, fruit and spices punctuated by an invigorating hop flavor, and it is brewed with thirteen carefully selected ingredients to offer a drinking experience as memorable as the song itself.” This combination of ingredients produces a “pale amber” SAISON 13 (6.1% ABV) featuring “strong, crisp and fresh hop aromas complemented by sweet hints of stone fruit including apricot and nectarine” alongside a flavor profile comprised of “similarly bright hop notes, which mingle with delicately sweet peach and spice, capped off with a clean hop break.”

“SAISON 13 contains a series of elements that have meaning to [Dave Mustaine] and to me. Over the years, all of our discussions were a major inspiration for me in the creation and sharing of this new brew; nothing was left to chance.”

– Jerry Vietz, Brewmaster at Unibroue

This month’s release of SAISON 13 “marks the second beer collaboration between Unibroue and Megadeth, following the widely acclaimed À TOUT LE MONDE ‘session’ Saison.”

SAISON 13 is hitting the U.S. now as a Year-Round offering. You can expect to find this new collaboration beer available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer-focused establishments located in Alabama, Florida and throughout the rest of Unibroue’s distribution footprint in the U.S. Prost!

Vital Information for SAISON 13 from Unibroue and Megadeth

Release – Year-Round; launching September 2019
Style – Saison
ABV – 6.1%
IBUs – 19
Fun Fact – On this collaboration project: “Unibroue’s Brewmaster Jerry Vietz listened to Megadeth in high school, and as a budding guitarist, viewed the band’s frontman Dave Mustaine as a legend. Mustaine, an ardent Unibroue fan, couldn’t imagine a more natural partnership for the collaboration. Like À TOUT LE MONDE, SAISON 13 honors their mutual passions and celebrates the friendship they first formed in 2015.”
Suggested Food Pairings – “General Tso chicken, fried calamari, poached salmon, rack of lamb, homemade salsa, charcuterie, aged goat cheese or firm goat cheese”
Recommended Glassware – Tulip
Availability – 4-packs of 16 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – http://unibrouefinder.com/

Firestone Walker Enters Falls with the Release of Coconut Merlin Milk Stout

Posted on September 24, 2019 by mashingin

Firestone Walker Brewing Company (Paso Robles, California) has officially announced that it will introduce Coconut Merlin Milk Stout as its newest Seasonal Release in late September 2019.

Conjured up to serve as the latest variant of Firestone Walker’s Merlin Milk Stout, Coconut Merlin takes that signature Milk Stout base and doses it with freshly shredded and toasted coconut after fermentation. With milk sugar adding “dimension to the mouthfeel,” Coconut Merlin (5.5% ABV) comes together to be a smooth-sipping, cold weather brew that showcases “the best flavors from the coconut.”

“Coconut and Merlin milk stout go together like peanut butter and chocolate. Toasted coconut really complements the roasty, nutty character of this beer. It’s a perfect sipper for the fall season.”

– Matt “Merlin” Brynildson, Brewmaster at Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Coconut Merlin is rolling out now and is scheduled to last into the months of winter. You can expect to find this new Seasonal offering available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer-friendly establishments located in North Carolina, Texas, California and throughout the rest of Firestone Walker’s distribution network. Prost!

Vital Information for Coconut Merlin from Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Release – Seasonal; launching late September 2019
Style – Milk Stout
ABV – 5.5%
Added Ingredients – Toasted coconut & lactose
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.firestonebeer.com/find/