Mashing In

BrewDog and British Airways Brew Speedbird 100 Transatlantic IPA at Altitude

Posted on April 9, 2019 by mashingin

In recognition of British Airways’ centenary, BrewDog (Ellon, United Kingdom) has partnered with the airline to create Speedbird 100, a Transatlantic IPA brewed at 40,000 feet.

Armed with an India Pale Ale recipe designed to “work perfectly in the air and adapt to the reduction in taste and smell sensitivity at high altitudes”, BrewDog founders Martin Dickie and James Watt initiated the brewing process for Speedbird 100 – named after British Airways’ call sign – “on board one of the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners, while cruising 500mph over the north of Scotland.” The brewing team – which also included members of the British Airways cabin crew – “mixed water, hops and barley in the onboard beverage makers to start the mashing part of the brewing process.” **A video of the brew day is available below.**

James Watt MBE, BrewDog’s co-founder, said: “It’s been incredible to be able to partner with British Airways in their centenary year and create a completely new beer for their customers.”

Martin Dickie MBE, BrewDog’s co-founder, added: “The key thing is that the bitterness and fruit flavours aren’t really affected by the altitude, so we wanted to play on those two things and ramp up the sweetness. We really hope British Airways customers love Speedbird 100 as much as we do.”

330ml cans of Speedbird 100 Transatlantic IPA will be “exclusively available to British Airways customers on board all long-haul and short-haul flights and in selected lounges from May 1.” Speedbird 100, along with several other BrewDog offerings, will be available in British Airways’ Club lounge in Terminal 7 at John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport when it opens later this Spring. British Airways’ new Club lounge at JFK will serve as BrewDog’s “first bar in New York”. Prost!

Shiner Beer Unleashes Texas Heat Wave Variety Pack

Posted on April 9, 2019 by mashingin

Shiner Beer (Shiner, Texas) has officially announced that Texas Heat Wave, a Limited-Edition Summer Variety Pack, will begin hitting shelves in April 2019.

Released annually to serve as the thirst-quenching answer to a Texas summer, the Texas Heat Wave is a mixed variety pack that contains the following three refreshing brews (descriptions sourced directly from the brewery’s website):

Prickly Pear – A crisp Lager with a tart, citrusy flavor generously donated by prickly pears.
Cherry Limeade – A unique brew with sweet cherry and tangy lime, inspired by a classic summer treat.
Sea Salt & Lime Summer Lager – An easy-drinking Lager with just a hint of salt and a refreshing lime finish.

The Texas Heat Wave Summer Pack is rolling out now and will be available for a limited time during the warm weather months. You can expect to find this mixed variety pack at craft beer-friendly retailers located in Alabama, Florida, Texas and throughout the rest of Shiner’s distribution area. Prost!

Cascade Brewing Releases Newest One Way or Another Project

Posted on April 8, 2019 by mashingin

Cascade Brewing (Portland, Oregon) has officially announced that the 2017 vintage of its One Way or Another project is slated for a Limited Release in April 2019.

Based upon the collaboration recipe that Cascade Brewing originally developed with Bruery Terreux, One Way or Another (2017) “combines whole, Northwest-grown marionberries and Meyer lemon zest with sour blond ale aged in oak barrels for up to 16 months.” Weighing in at 7.7% ABV, this blend of One Way or Another offers “notes of blackberry pastry, fresh citrus and spruce tips with a lively acidity and dry finish.”

One Way or Another (2017) debuted in Cascade Brewing’s two Portland pubs on April 5 and is scheduled to begin hitting distribution this week. You can expect to find this Tier One offering available in 500ml bottles and on draft at select craft beer-focused retailers, bars and restaurants located in Alabama, Florida, Oregon and throughout the rest of Cascade Brewing’s distribution network. Prost!

Vital Information for One Way or Another (2017) from Cascade Brewing

Release – Limited/Tier One; April 5, 2019
Style – American Sour Ale
ABV – 7.7%
Treatment – Whole, Northwest-grown marionberries and Meyer lemon zest combined with sour blond ale aged in oak barrels for up to 16 months
Fun Fact – “One Way or Another is a Tier One offering; Cascade’s bottles have distinct label styles for each of the three Cascade Brewing pricing tiers, with each label within the tier utilizing distinctive colors to clearly differentiate each beer. The tiers differ by the style of beer used in the product, the type ingredients contained within, the time aged in the barrels and types of barrels used.”
Availability – 500ml bottles & draft

Flying Embers Hard Kombucha Expands Distribution Across the U.S.

Posted on April 8, 2019 by mashingin

Flying Embers (Ojai, California) has officially announced that it is extending its distribution reach to now include several markets across the United States.

Founded in 2017 by Bill Moses (former CEO and Co-Founder of KeVita Sparkling Probiotic Drink, which was acquired by PepsiCo in 2017), Flying Embers is a brand of Organic Hard Kombucha that currently offers three “refreshing, smooth” flavors: Ginger & Oak, Lemon Orchard, and Ancient Berry. Each offering is fermented with “black tea, . . . kombucha culture with live probiotics” and “a unique botanical adaptogenic base of roots including ginger, turmeric, ashwagandha, and astragalus. Flying Embers is USDA-certified organic, gluten-free, vegan and has zero grams of sugar at a sessionable 4.5% abv.” After nearly being destroyed by a wildfire in Ojai, California in 2017, Flying Embers shows gratitude to its saviors by giving “1% of its revenues to firefighter charities across the United States.”

“We’re really pleased to be in business with the best distributor partners across the country. It’s a reflection of our commitment to the best-tasting Hard Kombucha, and the veracity of our label claim as an authentic kombucha that has live probiotics, zero sugar, only 100 calories and a botanical adaptogen root base.”

– Bill Moses, Founder of Flying Embers

Newly partnered with distributors including Crescent Crown Distributing, Columbia Distributing, Sheehan Family, Ben E Keith, Mancini Beverage, Matagrano, and Penn Beer, Flying Embers will now expand its distribution area “beyond its Reyes Southern California footprint into the San Francisco Bay Area, Oregon and Washington; southwestern states Arizona and Texas; and jumping to the east coast via New York, Philadelphia and into New England area.” You can expect to find Flying Embers offerings available in 16 oz. cans and 22 oz. bottles at kombucha-friendly retailers located in those areas. Prost!

**Readers who are interested in learning more about Flying Embers and the locations where its Organic Hard Kombucha is sold should visit FlyingEmbers.com or find them on Instagram or Facebook @flyingembersbrew.**

Harpoon Brewery Introduces Dunkin’ Summer Coffee Pale Ale

Posted on April 5, 2019 by mashingin

Harpoon Brewery (Boston, Massachusetts) has officially announced that it has once again partnered with Dunkin’ (Canton, Massachusetts) to create a new coffee-inspired craft brew – Harpoon Dunkin’ Summer Coffee Pale Ale – meant for warm weather sippin’.

Crafted to be a “hoppy tribute to Dunkin’s signature Iced Coffee“, Harpoon Dunkin’ Summer Coffee Pale Ale is an American Pale Ale that has been infused with Dunkin’s Original Blend Coffee. Coming in at a light and easy-drinking 5% ABV, the “bright, summery” Harpoon Dunkin’ Summer Coffee Pale Ale is best enjoyed “at the end of any sunny day or seasonal celebration.”

According to Tony Weisman, Dunkin’ U.S. Chief Marketing Officer, “The classic tastes of Dunkin’ coffee and Harpoon craft beer make for such an irresistible combination, it was inevitable we’d collaborate again. We saw so much excitement and passion for our partnership last fall, and we’re thrilled to delight our fans who start their day with Dunkin’ coffee and end it by enjoying one of Harpoon’s famous craft beers once more with the introduction of new Summer Coffee Pale Ale.”

“I just depleted the last of my private stash of Harpoon Dunkin’ Coffee Porter the other day, so, selfishly, the timing on this launch couldn’t be better,” said Dan Kenary, Harpoon’s Co-Founder and CEO. “We ended last year’s baseball season with the intro of Harpoon Dunkin’ Coffee Porter, and we’re excited to begin this season with the release of our Summer Coffee Pale Ale. Most importantly, it’s a delicious beer – hoppy and vibrant with a nice coffee character. We’re thrilled to partner with an icon like Dunkin’ again.”

Harpoon Dunkin’ Summer Coffee Pale Ale is rolling out now and is scheduled to stick around throughout the summer months. You can expect to find this Limited-Edition offering available in 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer-focused establishments located within Harpoon’s distribution footprint in the Eastern U.S. Prost!

Vital Information for Harpoon Dunkin’ Summer Coffee Pale Ale from Harpoon Brewery & Dunkin’

Release – Limited, launching April 2019
Style – American Pale Ale
ABV – 5%
Added Ingredients – Dunkin’s Original Blend Coffee
Fun Fact – “Harpoon Dunkin’ Summer Coffee Pale Ale marks the second craft beer created in partnership between these two iconic American beverage brands. Last October, Dunkin’ and Harpoon Brewery came together to toast the start of fall by introducing Harpoon Dunkin’ Coffee Porter. It proved to be extremely popular among both beer enthusiasts and the brands’ fans alike, with millions of pints served within the regional brewery’s distribution footprint.”
Suggested Food Pairings – “Pairs perfectly with delicious summer favorites like coffee rubbed brisket, chipotle chicken tacos, Dunkin’ coffee rolls, and outdoor brunch.”
Availability – 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Eastern U.S.
Beer Finder – https://www.harpoonbrewery.com/beer-finder

Creature Comforts’ Cosmik Debris Double IPA Set to Return this April

Posted on April 5, 2019 by mashingin

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. (Athens, Georgia) has announced that this year’s Limited Release of Cosmik Debris Double IPA (2019) will officially begin on Tuesday, April 16.

Released annually each spring “because the newest and freshest hops are available to brewers at that time”, Cosmik Debris (8% ABV) is a Double India Pale Ale that features “an intense amount of Simcoe, Idaho 7, Mosaic, Cascade, and Chinook hops.” This massive hop bill provides a “firm bitterness” and an aroma bursting with “citrus zest, melon, and subtle pine” while “a lighter malt character paves the way to a delicious, soft, and balanced flavor profile.”

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

This year’s batch of Cosmik Debris Double IPA will debut in the Creature Comforts Tasting Room on April 16 and distribution is scheduled to follow shortly after the onsite release. You can expect to find this Limited Release offering available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer-friendly establishments located within Creature Comforts Brewing Co.’s distribution footprint in Georgia. Prost!

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

Release – Limited; April 16, 2019
Style – Double India Pale Ale
ABV – 8%
Featured Hops – Simcoe, Idaho 7, Mosaic, Cascade & Chinook
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Georgia

Ballast Point Brewing Goes Year-Round with Low-Calorie Ballast Point Lager

Posted on April 4, 2019 by mashingin

Ballast Point Brewery (San Diego, California) has officially announced that its 99 calorie Ballast Point Lager is now available nationwide.

Tapped to be the newest member of Ballast Point’s Discovery Series of “approachable, high-quality and great-tasting beers”, Ballast Point Lager is an “easy-drinking and crisp” Craft Lager brewed with a SMaSH (Single Malt and Single Hop) recipe comprised of “100 percent two-row barley from farms in the West and Northwest and a light touch of Apollo hops from Washington growers.” Further benefiting from an assist from a floral yeast character that lends “notes of bread, pear and ripe banana”, Ballast Point Lager (4.2% ABV) comes together to be a “clean, low-calorie lager that finishes dry and effervescent.”

“We’re always developing new brews and wanted to bring beer drinkers a sessionable, low-calorie option they can enjoy on any occasion – from a day at the beach or the lake to their neighborhood bar while watching the game,” Ballast Point VP of brewing James Murray said. “But make no mistake, this is not another ‘light’ beer. Ballast Point Lager boasts the high quality, innovation and flavor fans expect from us.”

Ballast Point Lager is rolling out now and will be available Year-Round. You can expect to find this new low-calorie beer option available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, 12-packs of 12 oz. cans, 19.2 oz. single cans and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments located in Alabama, Florida, California, Illinois, Virginia and throughout the rest of Ballast Point’s nationwide distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Ballast Point Lager from Ballast Point Brewing

Release – Year-Round/Discovery Series, launching late March/early April 2019
Style – American Light Lager
ABV – 4.2%
Calories – 99
Carbs – 3.5g
Malts – 2-Row Barley
Hops – Apollo
Fun Fact – “Ballast Point Lager fits the current trend among beer drinkers looking for moderation. In fact, the brewery’s research revealed two-thirds of consumers feel compelled to moderate their everyday habits, including watching calories.”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, 12-packs of 12 oz. cans, 19.2 oz. single cans & draft

Hi-Wire Brewing & Oskar Blues Collaborate on Haze-Sesh IPA

Posted on April 4, 2019 by mashingin

Hi-Wire Brewing (Asheville, North Carolina) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Release of Haze-Sesh, a special collaboration project with Oskar Blues Brewery (Longmont, Colorado | Brevard, North Carolina), on Friday, April 19.

Inspired by the craft beer community’s current “haze craze”, Haze-Sesh is a Hazy Session India Pale Ale double dry-hopped with Cashmere and Wataku hops. This hop bill lends the beer “notes of lemon-lime, tropical fruit, and melon from the Wataku [while] Cashmere hops give this crushable beer a bright and juicy citrus punch.” Coming in at just 4.9% ABV, Haze-Sesh is the perfect beer to help you ease into the warmer temperatures of spring.

Haze-Sesh releases on April 19 and will hang around as long as supplies last. You can expect to find this Limited Release offering available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans at select craft beer establishments located within Hi-Wire’s distribution footprint. Prost!

Vital Information for Haze-Sesh Hazy Session IPA from Hi-Wire Brewing & Oskar Blues Brewery

Release – Limited; April 19, 2019
Style – Session India Pale Ale
ABV – 4.9%
Featured Hops – Cashmere & Wataku
Availability – 4-packs of 16 oz. cans
Distribution – North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee & Ohio

Perrin Brewing Introduces Harden The Hop Up DIPA

Posted on April 3, 2019 by mashingin

Perrin Brewing Company (Comstock Park, Michigan) has officially announced that Harden The Hop Up, A Limited Release Double IPA, will begin hitting distribution in April.

Arriving as the latest release in Perrin’s new Side Hustle Series, Harden The Hop Up is a citrus-forward Double India Pale Ale “showcasing hop varietals from New Zealand and Australia” such as Galaxy (imparts juiciness) , Ella (adds “a floral nose and slight spice”) and Enigma hops (“heighten the flavors and aromas and add notes of pinot gris”). This “blend of rare hops” takes Harden The Hop Up (8.5% ABV) “to zesty heights of citrus perfection, highlighted with subtle stone fruit characteristics.”

Harden The Hop Up debuted in the Perrin Pub on March 28 and is scheduled to begin distribution in April 2019. You can expect to find this Limited Release offering available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer-friendly establishments located within Perrin’s distribution footprint in Michigan only. Prost!

Vital Information for Harden The Hop Up Double IPA from Perrin Brewing Company

Release – Limited/Side Hustle Series, April 2019
Style – Double India Pale Ale
ABV – 8.5%
Feature Hops – Galaxy, Ella & Enigma
Fun Fact – “Hop varietals from the Oceania geographic region, to which Australia and New Zealand belong, are highly sought after for their fruitiness and high alpha acid ratings.”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Michigan only

Passion Fruit Kölsch ‘Up Next’ for New Belgium Brewing

Posted on April 3, 2019 by mashingin

New Belgium Brewing (Fort Collins, Colorado) has officially announced that Passion Fruit Kölsch is hitting shelves and taps now as the latest Limited Release in its Up Next Series.

Meant to be New Belgium’s “take on an American-style fruit beer”, Up Next Passion Fruit Kölsch is a refreshing Kölsch-style Ale brewed with passion fruit juice. “Bright, pale yellow” in color, this brew boasts “invigorating aromas of passion fruit, guava, and tropical punch” and loads of “tropical fruit flavors.” Medium in body and coming in a low 4.3% ABV, Passion Fruit Kölsch “is moderately sweet throughout, weaving in a slightly tart middle before finishing with a flash of bitterness.”

“Passion Fruit Kölsch is a crushable, refreshing fruit-forward beer ready for fun in the sun,” said Cody Reif, New Belgium Research & Development Brewer. “The big challenge was to strike a delicate balance between sweet tropical fruit flavors and traditional beer flavors. We wanted to create a beer still recognizable as a beer, but also with a very evident fruit character that even non-beer drinkers will love.”

Up Next Passion Fruit Kölsch is rolling out now and will be available as long as supplies last. You can expect to find this Limited Release available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer-focused establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Colorado, North Carolina and throughout the rest of New Belgium’s nationwide distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Up Next Passion Fruit Kölsch from New Belgium Brewing

Release – Limited/Up Next Series, late March/early April 2019
Style – Kölsch
ABV – 4.3%
IBUs – 13
Malts – Pale & Pilsner
Hops – Nugget, Azacca & Calypso
Special Ingredients – Passion Fruit Juice
Fun Fact – “The Up Next Series features new flavors rotating quarterly throughout 2019. Future offerings push the boundaries of traditional beer style definitions while giving micro and often regionalized beer trends national exposure. Limited only by the imagination of the brewing team, the Up Next Series intends to blend trending flavors with a hint of seasonality.”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.newbelgium.com/beer/finder/