Harpoon Brewery Launches Hoppy Adventure DIPA in 16 oz. Cans

Posted on by mashingin

hoppy-modal-2Harpoon Brewery (Boston, Massachusetts) has officially released Hoppy Adventure Double IPA has a new year-round offering available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans.

First brewed in the fall of 2014 on Harpoon Brewery’s 10-barrel pilot system as an experimental, small-batch offering, Hoppy Adventure Double IPA “quickly became one of the most sought after beers on tap at the brewery.” After the beer maintained its popularity with hop heads when it was released again last year as a draft-only release with limited distribution, the decision makers at the brewery have now officially added Hoppy Adventure to their portfolio of year-round offerings.

Hoppy Adventure is a Double India Pale Ale absolutely loaded with citrus and tropical fruit notes.  The slightly hazy, golden-colored brew has a pronounced juicy hop character that has been meticulously balanced with a subtly sweet malt backbone.  The finished beer weighs in at 7.8% ABV and 58 IBUs.

4-packs of 16 oz. cans of Hoppy Adventure Double IPA are officially available now.  This beer is also available on draft with limited availability.  Look for this offering to be available at craft beer establishments in Alabama, Florida and throughout Harpoon Brewery’s expansive distribution area.  Be sure to make a mental note about this one, and pick up a 4-pack of Hoppy Adventure on your next beer run to get your hop fix.  Prost!

Vital Information on Hoppy Adventure Double IPA from Harpoon Brewery

Release – Year-Round, November 2016 launch
Style – American Double India Pale Ale
ABV – 7.8%
IBUs – 58
Aroma – Very hoppy with peach, citrus, & tropical fruit
Taste – Juicy hop flavor with citrus and tropical fruit. Late malt sweetness
Availability – 4 packs of 16 oz. cans and limited draft
Beer Finder – http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/beer-finder

 

Clown Shoes Beer Expands Distribution to South Florida

Posted on by mashingin

clown-shoes-logoClown Shoes Beer (Burlington, Massachusetts) recently announced that they have partnered with Crafty Connoisseurs Distributing to bring their offerings to the craft beer lovers of South Florida.

Over the last seven years, the folks at Clown Shoes Beer have gained a firm foothold in the craft beer community thanks to their tasty and inventive beers, easily recognizable comic book-style artwork, and – most importantly – a sense of humor.  By adding unique twists to traditional styles, they have created several fan-favorite offerings like “Mangö Kölsch (a light, crisp Kölsch brewed with mango), Chocolate Sombrero (a ‘Mexican style chocolate stout’ brewed with vanilla, cinnamon, and ancho chiles) and Undead Party Crasher (a 10% imperial oatmeal milk stout brewed with smoked malts).”  The brewery’s portfolio now boasts “10 year-round beer styles, and has an extensive array of barrel-aged and limited-release offerings as well.”  Because of the level of success and acclaim that they have earned, their brews are currently available in 25 states.  With their 7th Anniversary approaching in December, Clown Shoes will kick off the celebration by adding South Florida to their ever-growing distribution area.

“We’ve had our eye on Florida for quite some time now” says Director of Operations Matt Smith. “A few years ago, we had exclusive distribution through the Total Wine retail chain, but now we’ve opened up distribution with Crafty Connoisseurs Distributing in the southern part of the state because we wanted more access to draft lines and other retail outlets. Crafty is a great fit for us because of their dedication to craft beer and focus on the high-quality brands they distribute.”

 

“We could not be more excited to partner up with such an outstanding brewery like Clown Shoes,” said Jonathan Myer Sales Manager of Crafty Connoisseurs Distributing. “Their attention to producing only high quality beers mirrors our company’s philosophy of doing business. We pride ourselves on only carrying TRUE craft brands that we would drink ourselves and feel we have the obligation to bring South Florida that alone…”

You can expect Clown Shoes offerings to start turning up on shelves and taps at select craft beer establishments within the service area of Crafty Connoisseurs Distributing in South Florida (Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, & Monroe Counties).  The official launch is scheduled to begin in mid-November, and Crafty Connoisseurs will soon release details on a full list of “tap takeovers, pint nights and in-store tastings to kick off the launch of this amazing brewery.”  Keep an eye out for that information and I will of course update you here with those details once I have them.  Prost!

Nib Smuggler Next Up in Seasonal Series from Funky Buddha Brewery

Posted on by mashingin

nibsmuggler12ozbottlenewFunky Buddha Brewery (Oakland Park, Florida) recently announced that Nib Smuggler Chocolate Milk Porter will make its official return to shelves and taps on November 27.

Back again as the Winter Seasonal release from Funky Buddha Brewery, Nib Smuggler is a Milk Porter with cocoa nibs and vanilla added.  Not just any cocoa nibs and vanilla though.  We are talking about fragrant Madagascar vanilla beans and “the finest, purest black cocoa straight from the source: the rugged mountains of Brazil, where chocolate is life.”  This combo makes Nib Smuggler Chocolate Milk Porter a rich, decadent and creamy experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Nib Smuggler Chocolate Milk Porter will officially release on November 27 and will be available through February of 2017.  You can get your supply in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles or on draft wherever you normally find Funky Buddha offerings in Florida.  Be sure to look for this one when it drops later this month and “get cocoa’d up.”  Prost!

Vital Information on Nib Smuggler Chocolate Milk Porter from Funky Buddha Brewery

Release – Seasonal, November 2016 through February 2017
Style – Milk Porter
ABV – 6.3%
IBUs – 35
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Food Pairings – Beer-braised oxtail, Caribbean pepperpot stew, Gorgonzola Dolce, bison burger with bacon jam, German chocolate cake, spicy pad Thai
Beer Finder – https://funkybuddhabrewery.com/beer-finder

New Belgium Brewing and Orval Partner to create Anne-Françoise Spiced Dark Strong Ale

Posted on by mashingin

lips_of_faith_anne_francoise_12oz_bottleNew Belgium Brewing Company (Fort Collins, Colorado) recently announced that they have teamed up with Brasserie d’Orval (Florenville, Belgium) to brew Anne-Françoise Spiced Dark Strong Ale.

Hitting shelves and taps now, Anne-Françoise Spiced Dark Strong Ale arrives as the final beer in the New Belgium Lips of Faith Belgian-collaboration series, a liquid celebration of the brewery’s 25th Anniversary that has them partnering with some of the most respected brewers in Belgium.  For this release, brewers at New Belgium partnered with Orval Abbey’s first female brewmaster Anne-Françoise Pypaert to create the perfect counterpart to the Authentic Trappist Product respected as “one of the finest golden beers in the world, Orval.”  They ultimately crafted a Belgian Strong Dark Ale “brewed with specialty malts, dry-hopped with herbal French Strisselspalt, and then spiced with citrusy grains of paradise and spruce tips.”  To provide a little American edge to the beer, this offering then sat on toasted American oak spirals for two weeks to impart a “subtle spicy, vanilla flavor to tie the chocolaty malts and citrus spices together.”  At 9.5% ABV, this brew comes together as medium bodied with a warm, coating finish.

Anne-Françoise Spiced Dark Strong Ale is available now and will hang around as long as supplies last.  You can pick up this offering in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles or enjoy it on draft at craft beer retailers in Alabama, Florida and throughout New Belgium’s distribution area.  When you hit up your favorite local spot for bottles of Anne-Françoise Spiced Dark Strong Ale, be sure to pick up a bottle of Orval as well to see how these two compare and contrast.  After all, Orval is a dynamic classic that should be experienced and revisited as often as possible.  Prost!

Vital Information for Anne-Françoise Spiced Dark Strong Ale from New Belgium Brewing Company and Brasserie d’Orval

Release – Limited/Lips of Faith Belgian-Collaboration Series, November 2016
Style – Belgian Strong Dark Ale
ABV – 9.5%
IBUs – 30
Malts – Pale, C-80, Munich, Black Prinz & Chocolate
Hops – Nugget, Liberty, Willamette & Strisselspalt
Fruits/Spices – Grains of paradise & spruce
Special Processing – Aged on American white oak spirals. Dry hopped with Strisselspalt hops
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.newbelgium.com/Beer/finder

Bifrost Winter Ale Makes Seasonal Return for Elysian Brewing

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bifrostElysian Brewing Company (Seattle, Washington) recently announced that Bifrost Winter Ale has officially returned as the brewery’s winter seasonal offering.

Bifrost Winter Ale may be light in color, but Elysian Brewing crafted this winter seasonal release to be a sturdy, sizable Pale Ale that can hold its own in a market currently inundated with big, holiday-themed Stouts and Winter Warmers.  This Winter Pale Ale lures you in with aromas reminiscent of “caramel apples with a little spice and orange zest,” and a bold and balanced flavor profile satisfies the soul with notes of earthy, citrusy hops and malt sweetness.  Weighing in at 8.3% ABV, Bifrost Winter Ale has the ability to be that warming libation we all seek after a long, winter’s day.

Bifrost Winter Ale is a winter seasonal release currently available November through December 2016.  Look for this one to turn up in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 22 oz. bottles and on draft at select craft beer retailers in Florida, Georgia, and throughout the full distribution area of Elysian Brewing Company.  If you find yourself in search of a warming ale that still provides you with a hop fix this winter, it sounds like you need to keep Bifrost Winter Ale in mind while on your next beer run.  Prost!

Vital Information for Bifrost Winter Ale from Elysian Brewing Company

Release – Seasonal, November-December 2016
Style – Pale Ale
ABV – 8.3%
IBUs – 58
Hops – Bittered with Magnum, finished with Chinook & Styrian Golding
Malts – Pale with small amounts of Munich & Crystal
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 22 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – http://www.elysianbrewing.com/beer-locator/

Swamp Head Brewery Release Lloyd’s Christmas Ale in Cans

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lloydsxmasLloyd’s Christmas Ale has officially returned as a special holiday offering from Swamp Head Brewery (Gainesville, Florida), and this year’s release also includes limited availability in 12 oz. cans.

Inspiration to create memorable craft beer experiences can certainly be found just about anywhere, and the good folks of Swamp Head Brewery turned to the cult classic comedy known as Dumb & Dumber when it was time to brew up a holiday-themed offering.  Lloyd’s Christmas Ale, a release from the brewery’s Elusive Reclusive Series, starts with a hoppy Amber Ale base that is then loaded with “a colossal amount of spruce tips.”  This treatment yields a 5.5% ABV brew featuring “up front flavors of hops and an assertive essence of spruce . . . balanced perfectly with a hearty malt backbone.”

Lloyd’s Christmas Ale officially releases Wednesday, November 16 in the Swamp Head Brewery taproom (a.k.a. The Wetlands).  This limited release brew will be pouring on draft at select craft beer establishments in Florida, and 12 oz. cans will be available for purchase exclusively in the brewery’s taproom (limited quantities available, one case maximum per person).  To do the holidays correctly, all you have to do is follow three simple steps: pick up those cans today, fire up the DVD player, and enjoy “Lloyd’s best idea yet” as a truly immersive experience.  Prost!

Vital Information for Lloyd’s Christmas Ale from Swamp Head Brewery

Release – Limited/Elusive Reclusive Series, available beginning on November 16, 2016
Style – Spiced Ale/American Amber Ale
ABV – 5.5%
IBUs – 31.8
Hops – Simcoe
Malts – Pale Ale, Caramel, Vienna, Crystal, Carapils & Chocolate
Added Ingredients – Spruce tips
Availability – Limited draft throughout Florida distribution area & 12 oz. cans available exclusively in Swamp Head Brewery’s tap room
Required Movie Quote – “Some place warm, a place where the beer flows like wine, where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. I’m talking about a little place called Aspen.”  Lloyd Christmas – Dumb & Dumber

Forbidden Root Brewery to Expand Distribution to Florida

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fr-logo-orange-on-trans2xForbidden Root Brewery (Chicago, Illinois) has officially signed with Cavalier Distributing to bring the brewery’s offerings to Florida in early 2017.

Situated in the West Town area of the city, Forbidden Root is “Chicago’s first botanic brewery making craft beer inspired by nature.”  For their offerings, the brewery uses water, barley, hops and yeast as a foundation on which they can explore, honor and showcase wild, natural ingredients such as “bark, stems, flowers, herbs, spices, leaves, roots, and other foraged flavors.”  Randy Mosher, respected craft beer authority and author of Tasting Beer, is an equity partner and acts as the brewery’s Alchemist by providing the guidance needed to craft and harness these complex and unique flavors.  Forbidden Root was founded by Robert Finkel as a benefit corporation, “meaning benefits, other than shareholder value, are built into their operating charter [and] they donate 100% of all non-consumable merchandise profits to charity.”  Their overall approach to the brewing industry has resulted in rapid growth, and now Forbidden Root Brewery is nearly ready to share their offerings with the Florida craft beer community.

When they enter the market early next year, you can expect Forbidden Root to launch in Florida with the following three brews:

  • Money on My Rind Witbier – Juniper and grapefruit have become a legendary combination in pop culture, known for their ability to refresh and satisfy. So we take a witbier, spike it with juniper berries and the deliciousness of pure grapefruit, and add a peppery hint of grains of paradise.  ABV – 5%  IBUs – 9
  • Sublime Ginger Wheat Ale – Storms come and go, and in the end, there’s just a refreshing breeze. So with this shimmering golden wheat beer, the escape is sure to be fresh, cooling and sustaining. We start with a dry and creamy wheat beer, and add fresh botanicals and a splash of key lime juice for a tangy flavor with the delicious bite of ginger. The flavor is bright, layered, and thoroughly satisfying. This beer resonates with the Caribbean otherworldliness of the Florida Keys.  ABV – 3.8%  IBUs – 14
  • Wildflower Pale Ale (WPA) – WPA entices with a bright, refreshing hop aroma with a citrusy character, along with added depth from the subtle addition of Elderflower, Marigold, and Sweet Osmanthus flowers, and just enough clean maltiness to balance. On the palate, it is full-flavored up front, then builds to a crisp bitterness, with waves of range citrus, spicy and fruity hop flavors enhanced by a hint of exotic blossoms. Finish is complex and scrips, with a lingering clean bitterness. It’s a breath of fresh air, like a bouquet picked along a country lane.  ABV – 5.6%  IBUs – 55

Once they arrive in 2017, the unique beers of Forbidden Root Brewery are sure to be a welcomed addition to any craft beer retailer’s shelf in Florida.  More information concerning exact release dates and launch parties should begin to surface soon, and I will update you with those details as soon as I get them.  Prost!

forbidden-root-cap

Black Watch Double Chocolate Milk Stout Returns for Highland Brewing

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highland-brewing-black-watch-double-chocolate-milk-stoutHighland Brewing Company (Asheville, North Carolina) has announced plans to release Black Watch Double Chocolate Milk Stout on Black Friday, November 25.

Black Watch – named for the historic military regiment that protected the Scottish Highlands – was first brewed as a Highland staff collaboration between lead bartender J. Unger and pilot brewer Paul Rollow.  They achieved their goal of creating “the chocolatiest beer” possible, and it proved to be a huge hit with the brewery’s regulars.  The beer’s instant popularity ultimately led to it earning its first packaged release last year within the brewery’s Warrior Series, a limited series of “big beers in small batches.”  After a bit of tinkering from Brewmaster Hollie Stephenson, the recipe for Black Watch Double Chocolate Milk Stout now combines “one pound of cacao nibs per barrel with five malts, roasted barley, and flaked oats to create a rich, high-gravity ale reminiscent of brownie batter and marshmallows.”

“Black Watch was an overnight sensation last year. When the pilot batch was on tap, there was daily talk among our team. We had this totally natural and exciting staff engagement around this beer. Then the public release created an instant following,” said Leah Ashburn, President. “It’s so much fun to see people react to the chocolate sensations, from the first sniff through the finish.”

Highland Brewing Company will hold an official release event for Black Watch Double Chocolate Milk Stout at the brewery on Black Friday, November 25 at 2 p.m.  Shortly thereafter, a limited amount of 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles and kegs of Black Watch will head to Alabama, Florida and the rest of Highland Brewing’s 9-state distribution area.  This fan-favorite offering will absolutely move with a quickness once it hits shelves, so be sure to keep an eye out for this one when it drops in late November.  Prost!

Vital Information for Black Watch Double Chocolate Milk Stout from Highland Brewing Company

Release – Limited: Warrior Series.  Black Friday, November 25, 2016
Style – Milk Stout
ABV – 8%
IBUs – 45
Hops – Chinook & Willamette
Malts – 2-Row Base, Munich Dark, Chocolate Malt, Carafa II, Roast Barley, Honey Malt & Flaked Oats
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.highlandbrewing.com/beer-finder/

Stone Brewing Co. Launches Ripper Pale Ale as New Year-Round Offering

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rippercan_webStone Brewing Co. (Escondido, California) recently announced that Stone Ripper San Diego Pale Ale has officially started rolling out in California as the newest addition to the brewery’s line of Year-Round Releases.

With 20 years of craft brewing in the books and the brewery’s steady expansion across the United States and the Atlantic established, Stone Brewing has added Stone Ripper to their Year-Round lineup as a declaration of their San Diego roots.  Stone Ripper – Australian slang for something especially strong, fine, or good of its kind – is a “San Diego Pale Ale . . . inspired by the coastal surf cultures of SoCal and Oz.”  Brewed with a hop blend of Cascade hops from the Pacific Northwest and Galaxy hops sourced from Australia, this offering provides “fresh orange, pineapple, peach and floral” aromatics and “a balance of citrus and pine flavors mingling with bright fruit and dankness.”  Stone Ripper weighs in at an easy-drinking 5.7% ABV and is meant to be enjoyed fresh.

“A few of us on the brewing team were lucky enough to visit Australia over the last few years and were impressed with the quality of hops coming out of that region, and especially with the signature hop Galaxy,” said Jeremy Moynier, senior innovation program manager. “We started referring to it as ‘Australian Cascade’ in reference to America’s key hop and got the idea of combining the two together, bringing the bright, intense flavors and aromas from two hemispheres into one amazing beer.”

Currently only available in California, Stone Ripper will begin national distribution in January of 2017.  When it arrives in your area, you can expect to find this brew in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at your favorite craft beer-friendly retailers, bars, and restaurants.  If you are currently in California, drink up and enjoy.  If you are elsewhere, keep this brew in mind to satisfy any hop cravings you encounter in 2017.  Prost!

Vital Information for Stone Ripper from Stone Brewing Co.

Release – Year-round
Style – Pale Ale
ABV – 5.7%
IBUs – 40
Hops – Cascade & Australian Galaxy
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – California only until national distribution begins in January 2017
Beer Finder – https://find.stonebrewing.com/#ready

Bell’s Brewery Winter White Ale Makes Seasonal Return

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bellswwabottleBell’s Brewery (Comstock, Michigan) recently announced that Winter White Ale has officially shipped to distribution and is now available as the brewery’s current Seasonal offering.

Since so many Winter Warmers and Stouts tend to crowd craft beer shelves and taps during the winter months, Bell’s Brewery opted to take a lighter approach when establishing Winter White Ale, a Belgian-inspired Wheat Ale, as their Winter Seasonal.  Cloudy in appearance, this offering is brewed with a blend of barley and wheat malts and then fermented with a Belgian yeast strain.  Although this beer provides aromatics and flavors full of clove and fruit, it was created “without the use of any spices.”  At just 5% ABV, Winter White Ale is an easy drinking beer meant for “embracing winter.”

The Seasonal release of Winter White Ale can be enjoyed now through January of 2017.  This offering is available in 6-packs and 12-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 4-packs of 16 oz. cans, and on draft at craft beer establishments in Alabama, Florida, and throughout the full distribution footprint of Bell’s Brewery.  If you are looking for an alternative to the darker, heavier beers of the season, Winter White Ale is a beer that needs to be on your radar.  Prost!

Vital Information for Winter White Ale from Bell’s Brewery

Release – Seasonal, November 2016 through January 2017
Style – Belgian-inspired Wheat Ale
ABV – 5%
Shelf Life – 6 months
Availability – 6-packs and 12-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 4-packs of 16 oz. cans, and draft
Recommended Glassware – Spiegelau American Wheat Beer/Witbier glass or Wheat glass
Beer Finder – http://www.bellsbeer.com/beer-finder

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