Mashing In

Allagash Brewing Company Introduces Darling Ruby Grisette

Posted on April 16, 2019 by mashingin

Allagash Brewing Company (Portland, Maine) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Release of Darling Ruby, a Farmhouse Ale with a twist of grapefruit, in April.

Crafted to be an approachable introduction to a lesser-known style of Farmhouse Ale, Darling Ruby is a Grisette (click here to learn more) that has been dosed with “the zest and juice of 2,000 lbs. of ripe grapefruit to really amplify [its] citrusy hop character.” Clocking in at an easy-drinking 4.5% ABV, Darling Ruby is here to crush spring thirsts with a delightful “medley of tangy and tropical notes.”

Darling Ruby officially started rolling out in early April and will hang around as long as supplies last. You can expect to find this Limited Release offering available in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at craft beer-focused establishments located in Georgia, Maine and throughout the rest of Allagash Brewing Company’s distribution area. 4-packs of 16 oz. cans will be available exclusively in the brewery’s can footprint in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and in Western and Upstate New York. Prost!

Vital Information for Darling Ruby from Allagash Brewing Company

Release – Limited, April 2019
Style – Grisette
ABV – 4.5%
Malts – 2-Row Base Malt Blend, Malted Red Wheat, Raw Wheat & Victory Malt
Hops – Crystal & Loral
Yeast – Saison
Added Ingredients – Fresh Grapefruit Juice & Zest
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft; 4-packs of 16 oz. cans available exclusively in ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI, NJ & Western + Upstate NY
Beer Finder – https://www.allagash.com/locator/

Schlafly Beer Honors Apollo 11 with Launch of Lunar Lager Pack

Posted on April 16, 2019 by mashingin

Schlafly Beer (St. Louis, Missouri) has officially announced that it is celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with the release of Lunar Lager, a sampler 12-pack of four exclusive lagers.

From the aesthetics of the packaging to the selected lager styles, everything about the Lunar Lager Pack has been carefully selected and designed to properly capture “a few of the most memorable moments from the historic moon landing” of Apollo 11. This commemorative variety pack contains three 12 oz. bottles of each the following four beers (descriptions sourced directly from the brewery’s press release):

Lift-Off Lager – This unfiltered German lager calls back to the moments during one of the most exciting accomplishments in America. The light golden, hazy beer is an ode to the haze that filled the air that day. ABV – 5.5% IBUs – 20
Apollo’s Orbit Black Lager – Although it’s as dark as the view outside Apollo’s window, this lager is smooth, crisp and drinkable. ABV – 5.0% IBUs – 25
Moon Walk Dunkel – This dark, malty German lager pays tribute to the two brave men who strolled across the moon 50 years ago. The dark brown lager is balanced in both malty sweetness and hops. ABV – 4.5% IBUs – 20
The Eagle Has Landed American Lager – Light, golden and refreshing, this true American lager pays homage to the famous phrase that has been cemented as one of the most memorable sayings in our history. ABV – 5.0% IBUs – 25

“Apollo 11 is one of the most exciting feats for humankind, in our nation and beyond, and its impact clearly lives on to 2019,” says Founding Brewer Stephen Hale. “We thought that the 50^th anniversary of such a cultural phenomenon deserved a special beer to celebrate so we are releasing four.”

The Lunar Lager Pack is rolling out now (mid-April 2019) and will be available for a limited time. You can expect to find this Limited Release variety 12-pack at select craft beer-friendly retailers located in Missouri, Tennessee, and throughout the rest of Schlafly’s distribution footprint. Prost!

SchlaflyLunarLagerBottles — Fun Fact – On the packaging design: “The bottle design and packaging thoughtfully evoke the spirit and pop culture of the 1960s. The fonts were inspired by popular records and albums from the ‘60s as well as the sans serif font, used in popular print ads and science fiction during the era. The square shape around the corners of each bottle label was inspired by the shape of a television screen, a medium through which many Americans experienced the moon landing. Additionally, the colors were inspired by the 1969 Ford and GM automotive paint chips.”

Tasting Notes – Kombucha Edition: Ginger & Oak from Flying Embers

Posted on April 15, 2019April 15, 2019 by mashingin

For this installment of Tasting Notes, we jump-start our workweek with a probiotic boost thanks to a few pours of Ginger & Oak Organic Hard Kombucha from Flying Embers (Ojai, California).

One of three Core offerings from Flying Embers, Ginger & Oak is an Organic Hard Kombucha fermented with “black tea, . . . kombucha culture with live probiotics” and “a unique botanical adaptogenic base of roots including ginger, turmeric, ashwagandha, and astragalus.” This refreshing brew is “USDA-certified organic, gluten-free, vegan and has zero grams of sugar at a sessionable 4.5% abv.”

Ginger & Oak is available Year-Round in 16 oz. cans and 22 oz. bottles. You can expect to find Ginger & Oak – along with Lemon Orchard and Ancient Berry – at kombucha-friendly retailers located within Flying Embers‘ distribution footprint in Southern California, “the San Francisco Bay Area, Oregon and Washington; southwestern states Arizona and Texas; and . . . the east coast via New York, Philadelphia and [the] New England area.”

Now that we are all a bit more familiar with this offering’s background information, let’s crack open a few cans and get into our first “Kombucha Edition” of Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Ginger & Oak from Flying Embers

Appearance: Fresh off the pour, Ginger & Oak presents itself as a hazy lemonade-like yellow in color and is capped with loose bubbles that almost instantly dissipate (similar to that of a soda). When held to direct light, the color intensifies to become more of a sunshiny yellow. This kombucha is quite cloudy, but a peppy carbonation presence can still be seen streaming within.

Aroma: Quick to grab your attention, the aromatics open with a pronounced herbal tea character that offers notes of bitterness, maltiness and smoke. Ginger swiftly rushes in to brighten things with its zesty, spicy and citrus-like qualities. The added turmeric further reinforces the ginger and its citrus notes by adding a touch of orange. The profile is rounded off with an incredibly pleasant woody earthiness.

Taste: That herbal tea quality immediately asserts itself here as well by opening the experience with a punchy bitter note (we assume this is the ashwagandha making itself known). That powerful note is rapidly tempered as the black tea base imparts soothing tones of caramel, leather and honey. Smoke and earth surface just before a bright burst of ginger and citrus (lemon and orange) takes over to close things out.

Mouthfeel: On the lighter side of medium in body with a lively carbonation, this kombucha is light and easy-drinking. Moving easily through the tart, herbal and sweet portions of the palate, it eventually finds a nice balance and finishes dry enough to keep you craving another sip. Coming in at a low 4.5% ABV, there is no sign of heat or booziness. The aftertaste is all ginger and lemon-laced herbal tea.

Final Thoughts: If you do not drink kombucha very often, you might be taken aback a bit by the first sip of Ginger & Oak. By the second sip, your mind and taste buds adjust, allowing everything to come together as the herbaceous, earthy and bitter notes are balanced by the black tea base and the ginger and citrus tones take things to the next level with a zesty brightness. This makes for an incredibly enjoyable and invigorating experience that firmly engages your senses and seemingly wakes up your brain. It is a unique but familiar experience that just leaves you feeling good and satisfied . . . and that is a winning result if you ask us. If you are looking to mix up your libation lineup with something new/different or are already a big fan of kombucha, be sure to check out Ginger & Oak and other offerings from Flying Embers whenever you happen upon them. Prost!

Rising Sun Hazy IPA Returns to Catawba Brewing Co. Tasting Rooms on 4/20

Posted on April 15, 2019 by mashingin

Catawba Brewing Co. (Asheville, North Carolina) has officially announced that Cloud Cover: Rising Sun Hazy IPA will roll in for a Limited Release on April 20 (4/20).

Originally introduced in 2018 as the inaugural canned release in Catawba’s Cloud Cover Series, Rising Sun is a Hazy India Pale Ale that features Citra hops in the whirlpool and a dry-hop with Amarillo, Citra, El Dorado and Mosaic. This intense hop bill supplies Rising Sun (7.8% ABV, 43 IBUs) with a sensory profile filled with notes of “candied peach, ripe melon, lychee, strawberry, and resin.”

Rising Sun Hazy IPA will officially release in Catawba Brewing Co.’s Tasting Rooms on April 20, 2019 (a.k.a. 4/20). This Limited Release offering will be available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans and on draft for as long as supplies last. Like all Cloud Cover releases, Rising Sun is a taproom-only release that will not see distribution. Prost!

Vital Information for Rising Sun Hazy IPA from Catawba Brewing Co.

Release – Limited/Cloud Cover Series; April 20, 2019
Style – Hazy/Juicy India Pale Ale
ABV – 7.8%
IBUs – 43
Featured Hops – Amarillo, Citra, El Dorado & Mosaic
Fun Fact – “Cloud Cover Series Hazy IPAs are cloudy, intensely hopped, hugely flavorful, and less bitter than their traditional West Coast counterparts. The series showcases juicy tropical fruit flavors and exotic fresh hop character that have made the New England-style IPA so revered among craft enthusiasts. The beer’s distinctive hazy orange glow is a product of brewing techniques and ingredients unique to the style, as is its soft, frothy mouthfeel. Each release in the Cloud Cover Series is named for a historic weather event in the Carolinas.”
Availability – 4-packs of 16 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – None. Only available in Catawba Brewing Co. tasting rooms

Southern Vine Sour Emerges from New Belgium’s Wood Cellar Reserve Series

Posted on April 12, 2019 by mashingin

New Belgium Brewing (Fort Collins, Colorado) has officially introduced Southern Vine Sour as the newest Limited Release offering to come out of the brewery’s Wood Cellar Reserve program.

Crafted as an “homage to the southern culinary scene”, Southern Vine Sour is a “smooth-drinking” Golden Sour Ale that picks up “delightful white grape flavors” from the use of Scuppernong grapes, the official state fruit of North Carolina. To get the flavors balanced just right, the Scuppernongs were “refermented in a single French Oak foeder using the brewery’s golden sour base beer, which features the oldest, continuous souring culture in America. Prior to bottling, wild-harvested Sumac berries were added, harvested from the Wild Woodlands Sumac Groves of Ottawa, Canada.” After two years of development, Southern Vine Sour (8.4% ABV) has come together to be a “one-of-a-kind beer [that is] sweet throughout, sour in the middle and full of candy pineapple and floral notes.”

“Southern Vine Sour has it all – an individual barrel expression, fruit and spice experimentation, and fermentation exploration,” said Andrew Emerton, New Belgium Brewing specialty brand manager. “It’s New Belgium ambition and passion in a bottle.”

“We brewed this in honor of our brewery in Asheville, North Carolina, and surrounding friends in the Southern states,” Emerton continued. “It is an elegant expression of two passions – wood and beer – and straddles the line between white wines and fruited American wild ales.”

Southern Vine Sour is rolling out now and will be available as long as supplies last. You can expect to find this Limited Release offering available in 375ml bottles and on draft at select craft beer-focused establishments located in Florida, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Texas and Louisiana. Prost!

Vital Information for Southern Vine Sour from New Belgium Brewing

Release – Limited/Wood Cellar Reserve, April 2019
Style – Golden Sour Ale
ABV – 8.4%
Added Ingredients – Wild Scuppernong grapes & wild Sumac berries
Fun Fact – “The Scuppernong grape is a variety of Muscadine, which is indigenous to the United States, and was first discovered off the coast of North Carolina over 400 years ago. That original grapevine, now referred to as the ‘Mothervine’, is the oldest cultivated grapevine in America. To source these grapes for Southern Vine Sour, New Belgium partnered with the Mothervine Wine Company, whose efforts go toward the protection and conservation of the original grapevine.”
Availability – 375ml bottles & draft
Distribution – Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Texas & Louisiana

Sugarlands Distilling Co. Celebrates NASCAR History, Releases Talladega 50th Anniversary Corn Whiskey

Posted on April 12, 2019 by mashingin

Sugarlands Distilling Co. (Gatlinburg, Tennessee), the official moonshine of NASCAR, has announced that it will commemorate “50 years of speed” at the Talladega Superspeedway with the Limited Release of Talladega 50th Anniversary Corn Whiskey.

Developed to celebrate the rich history of NASCAR’s fastest and most competitive track, Talladega 50th Anniversary Corn Whiskey is a “traditional, unaged corn whiskey . . . reminiscent of the spirits bootlegged throughout Appalachia.” Clocking in at 100 PROOF/50% ABV, Talladega 50th Anniversary has “a crisp and clean, sweet corn flavor” that will “[take] you back to a simpler time.”

Talladega 50th Anniversary Corn Whiskey officially releases on April 12, 2019 and will hang around as long as supplies last. You can expect to find this Limited-Edition moonshine available in 750ml Mason jars at select liquor stores located in Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and throughout the rest of Sugarlands Distilling Co.’s distribution network. Prost!

Vital Information for Talladega 50th Anniversary Corn Whiskey from Sugarlands Distilling Co.

Release – Limited; April 12, 2019
Style – Corn Whiskey (unaged)
ABV – 50%
PROOF – 100
Fun Facts – “Talladega Superspeedway – or just ‘Dega to its loyal fans – broke ground as the Alabama International Motor Speedway on May 23, 1968 and hosted its first race on Sept. 14, 1969. ‘Dega is known as the most competitive track in NASCAR. It’s the biggest, steepest (33 degrees), and fastest venue in NASCAR. The Sweet Home of Speed still holds the NASCAR qualifying record of 212.809 mph, and it tops in the record books for lead changes (88), most leaders (29) and closest finishes – 0.002 second. Oh, and another thing ‘Dega is really good at? Legendary parties. It’s been 50 years of greatness, but the best is yet to come.”
Availability – 750ml Mason jars
Moonshine Finder – https://www.sugarlands.com/find/

Deep Ellum Brewing Co. Releases Deep Summer Ale

Posted on April 11, 2019 by mashingin

Deep Ellum Brewing Company (Dallas, Texas) has officially announced that Deep Summer Ale is hitting craft beer shelves and taps now as the brewery’s current Seasonal release.

Crafted to “[pair] perfectly with any sun-soaked summertime activity”, Deep Summer is a crisp Summer Ale “brewed with hibiscus, lemon peel and chamomile flowers.” Weighing in at a sessionable 4.8% ABV, Deep Summer is a “crushable brew made for poolside parties, barbecuing by the lake, floating the river, jamming at music fests or just chillin’ on the porch.”

“With a massive dose of hibiscus flowers and lemon peel, Deep Summer packs a ton of fresh flavor into a surprisingly crushable ale,” said Deep Ellum brewer Kyle Willborn. “A light dose of hops complement the late addition of dried hibiscus to give the beer a unique pinkish hue. Paired with a backbone of Vienna malt, this brew is a perfect refreshment for a Texas summer.”

Deep Summer Ale is rolling out now and is scheduled to hang around through the summer months. You can expect to find this Seasonal brew available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer-focused retailers, bars and restaurants located within Deep Ellum’s distribution footprint in Texas. Prost!

Vital Information for Deep Summer Ale from Deep Ellum Brewing Company

Release – Seasonal, launching April 2019
Style – Summer Ale/Herb & Spice Beer
ABV – 4.8%
IBUs – 8
Added Ingredients – Hibiscus, lemon peel & chamomile flowers
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – http://www.deepellumbrewing.com/beer-finder/

New Holland Brewing Co.’s Elusive Dragon’s Milk Triple Mash Set to Return

Posted on April 11, 2019 by mashingin

New Holland Brewing Company (Holland, Michigan) has officially announced that Dragon’s Milk Triple Mash will make a highly-anticipated return on April 27.

Last released in 2017, Dragon’s Milk Triple Mash is a version of New Holland’s flagship Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel-aged Stout that has endured “three separate mashes, a delicate lautering, and a year’s slumber in New Holland Spirits barrels.” Weighing in at a staggering 17% ABV, Dragon’s Milk Triple Mash offers its drinker “an intense malt character paired with warm, toasted flavor notes from its time in the wood.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to release Dragon’s Milk Triple Mash into the wild. Triple Mash takes what is already an amazing beer and really amplifies all those classic Dragon’s Milk flavors to the moon—the roasted malt, barrel sweetness and bourbon all shine through,” said Dominic Bergquist, Brand Manager. “Our brewers have outdone themselves with this brew.”

Release parties for Dragon’s Milk Triple Mash will take place at New Holland’s Grand Rapids and Holland pubs on Saturday, April 27. While at these release parties, attendees can purchase Dragon’s Milk Triple Mash in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles ($24.99 each | limit of one case per customer per day), on draft, and “as part of a special ‘Flight of the Dragon’ sampler that features Triple Mash along with Dragon’s Milk, Dragon’s Milk White and Dragon’s Milk: Brewer’s Select (2019)—which was aged in a first-use bourbon barrel and hand-selected from New Holland’s cellar just for this occasion.” A limited amount of Dragon’s Milk Triple Mash – both on draft and in bottles – is expected to hit distribution in Michigan only shortly after the on-site release. Prost!

Vital Information for Dragon’s Milk Triple Mash from New Holland Brewing Company

Release – Limited; April 27, 2019
Style – Imperial Stout
ABV – 17%
IBU – 30
Treatment – A version of Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel-aged Stout that has experienced three separate mashes, a delicate lautering, and a year aging in New Holland Spirits barrels
Recommended Glassware – Snifter
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Distribution – Michigan only

DESTIHL Brewery Kicks Off Spring with Release of Piña Colada Gose & Hawaii Five Ale

Posted on April 10, 2019 by mashingin

DESTIHL Brewery (Normal, Illinois) has officially announced that it is greeting spring with two, new tropical-inspired offerings, WiLD Sour Series – Piña Colada Gose and Hawaii Five Ale.

Surfacing as the second of four WiLD Sour Series Seasonal releases in 2019, Piña Colada Gose (5.7% ABV) is DESTIHL’s “take on [the] Leipzig-style Gose, which is brewed with pineapple and coconut for a tropical twist on the classic sour ale.” This marriage of flavors “provides an added layer of sweet, fruity complexity to the brewery’s Gose that is already known for its tart, citrusy qualities while still balanced by French sea salt and hints of spice from added coriander.”

Also here to provide you with “a taste of paradise” this spring, Hawaii Five Ale is an American Blonde Ale infused with “tropical flavors of pineapple, coconut, mango, peach and guava.” Weighing in at an easy-drinking 6.4% ABV, Hawaii Five Ale will have you “singing the song of the islands” after just one sip.

“We continue to embrace innovation and feel Piña Colada Gose and Hawaii Five Ale will resonate with consumers looking for refreshing, tropical beers which will be perfect for summer occasions.”

– Matt Potts, Co-Founder, CEO and Brewmaster at DESTIHL Brewery

Piña Colada Gose and Hawaii Five Ale both enter distribution in April. Piña Colada Gose will be available through June 2019 and Hawaii Five Ale is scheduled to hang around through August 2019. You can expect to find both of these Seasonal offerings available in 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Illinois and throughout the rest of DESTIHL’s distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for WiLD Sour Series – Piña Colada Gose from DESTIHL Brewery

Release – WiLD Sour Series/Seasonal, April – June 2019
Style – Gose
ABV – 5.7%
IBUs – 11
Added Ingredients – Coriander, sea salt, coconut puree & pineapple puree
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.destihl.com/beer-finder.html

Vital Information for Hawaii Five Ale from DESTIHL Brewery

Release – Seasonal, April – August 2019
Style – Blonde Ale/Fruit Beer
ABV – 6.4%
IBUs – 13
Added Ingredients – Pineapple, coconut, mango, peach & guava puree
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.destihl.com/beer-finder.html

Starr Hill Brewery Introduces Say It Ain’t Sour Variety Pack

Posted on April 10, 2019April 11, 2019 by mashingin

Starr Hill Brewery (Charlottesville, Virginia) has officially announced that Say It Ain’t Sour will launch in April as the brewery’s newest Limited Release mixed 12-pack.

Here to introduce fans to Starr Hill’s newly-released Sour Series of offerings “inspired by the sweet songs that celebrate women with attitude”, the Say It Ain’t Sour Variety Pack contains the following four brews that are “just as juicy with fruit punch flavors as they are tart and funky” (descriptions sourced directly from the brewery’s website):

Lizzy | Lime Gose – A brew boasting citric acidity from the juice and peel of limes. Crisp and thirst-quenching, but with mild saltiness, Lizzy will make you dizzy in her riptide and leave you wanting another sip. ABV – 4.7% **Also available in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles & on draft**
Lola | Guava Gose – A bubbly, light wheat beer, perfect for dancing all night under electric candlelight. A mix of flowery Guava and modest salinity in a refreshment that looks like champagne and talks like a beer. ABV – 4.7% **Also available on draft**
Mariah | Passion Fruit Gose – Funky, tart, and tropically sweet from passionfruit puree. Silky with plenty of high notes. ABV – 4.7% **Also available in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles & on draft**
Roxanne | Raspberry American Sour – An extremely low-hopped, kettle-soured wheat ale. Sweet and tart with raspberry puree and carbonation turned up, this is an effervescent and refreshing brew. ABV – 4.7% **Also available in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles & on draft**

The Say It Ain’t Sour Variety Pack officially released on April 1 and will hang around as long as supplies last. You can expect to find this Limited Release mixed 12-pack of 12 oz. bottles at craft beer-friendly retailers located in Alabama, Virginia and throughout the rest of Starr Hill’s distribution footprint. Prost!