Beer News | Mashing In

Tasting Notes: Tropic of Thunder Lager from Stone Brewing

Posted on August 1, 2019 by mashingin

For this installment of Tasting Notes, we seek refuge from the unrelenting summer heat in a tall pour of Stone Tropic of Thunder Lager from Stone Brewing (Escondido, California).

Created to serve as the “perfect island companion to [Stone Brewing’s] tropically-inspired, fruit forward lineup of IPAs”, Stone Tropic of Thunder is a refreshing “Tropical Lager” that possesses “aromas of citrus, pineapple and coconut . . . followed by flavors of lime, orange and passion fruit.” This sensory experience is framed beautifully by “a newer hop variety – Cashmere – [which] . . . imparts flavors of ripe cantaloupe that elevate the juicy qualities of this beer.” Stone Tropic of Thunder Lager clocks in at 5.8% ABV and 58 IBUs.

Stone Tropic of Thunder Lager originally debuted in California near the end of 2018 and is now officially available across the country. You can expect to find this new Year-Round offering available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, 19.2 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments located in Alabama, Florida, California, Virginia and throughout the rest of Stone Brewing’s nationwide distribution territory.

Alright . . . now that we have properly covered all the information behind Stone Tropic of Thunder Lager, let’s get into these Tasting Notes and see what this Tropical Lager is all about!

Tasting Notes for Stone Tropic of Thunder Lager from Stone Brewing

Appearance: A careful pour from a 19.2 oz. can produces a lager that is straw yellow in color and topped with over two fingers of pillowy, bright white foam. When held to direct light, the yellows grow a bit more vibrant as they take on soft golden tones. The beer is perfectly clear and shows off the lively carbonation presence coursing within. Head retention is good, falling slowly to a thin but complete top cap that leaves a perfect notch of lace on the glass after each sip.

Aroma: The aromatics open with a delightful trio of tropical notes: sweet melon, pineapple and mango. A burst of citrus – grapefruit, orange and lemon – lends support and draws even more attention to those tropical notes. The grains round everything off with a gently sweet crackery quality. Very subtle here, but still refined and quite tempting.

Taste: To firmly assert that this is indeed a lager, the grains take point here with a clean biscuity malt presence. The malt sweetness ultimately gives way to a beautifully delicate, juicy hop character filled with notes of cantaloupe, passion fruit, tangerine, pineapple, dragon fruit, and lime zest. The profile closes with just a hint of herb and a lingering grace of crisp white wine.

Mouthfeel: On the light side of medium in body with a bright carbonation level, this lager is incredibly easy-drinking and finishes nice and dry. The beer further increases its overall level of drinkability by finding a gorgeous balance between its biscuity malt sweetness and fruity hop bite. We had a difficult time believing that this beer clocks in at 5.8% ABV because there is not even a hint of alcohol to be found. The aftertaste leaves behind a wonderful combination of white wine and passion fruit.

Final Thoughts: Just as any good lager should be, Stone Tropic of Thunder is ridiculously drinkable and flavorful. The true beauty of this beer lies in its balance. Sure, the hops dominate the flavor and aroma, but the not at all shy malt character takes the edge off the hop bitterness and makes damn sure that its presence is known.

Above all, this beer does everything it can to emphasize that it is definitely not just another lager pretending to be an IPA. No . . . Stone Tropic of Thunder Lager is more of a nod to those classic, hop-forward European lagers that have been around forever, but this one just uses fruitier new school hops rather than Noble hops. It is clearly a beer that has learned plenty from the past but has also picked up a few new tricks along the way.

If you have love for the lager in your heart and are on the hunt for something crispy and new, Stone Tropic of Thunder Lager absolutely deserves a place in your fridge or cooler this summer. Be sure to keep an eye out for this one the next time you hit your favorite craft beer store or bar. Prost!

Boulevard Brewing Co. Infuses Seasonal Lineup with Chill Vibes

Posted on August 1, 2019 by mashingin

Boulevard Brewing Co. (Kansas City, Missouri) has officially announced that Chill Vibes, a Sour Ale with cucumber, will make its Seasonal debut on August 5.

Here to encourage “primo relaxation” during the dog days of summer, Chill Vibes is a Berliner Weisse-style Wheat Ale infused with “cucumber essence.” This combination produces “aromas of freshly picked cucumbers and a subtle, grassy sweetness [that cools] everything down in this slightly tart, pale golden ale.” Coming in at an ultra-refreshing 4.5% ABV, Chill Vibes possesses a “lively carbonation” and finishes crisp and dry.

Chill Vibes will officially launch on August 5 and is scheduled to hang around through the rest of the summer. 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 Alabama, Florida, Missouri and throughout the rest of Boulevard’s distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Chill Vibes from Boulevard Brewing Co.

Release – Seasonal; launching August 5, 2019
Style – Berliner Weisse
ABV – 4.5%
IBUs – 11
Added Ingredients – Cucumber essence
Suggested Food Pairings – “Havarti, Eggs Benedict, citrusy salads, key lime pie, a gentle breeze and a hammock”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.boulevard.com/beer/beer-finder/

Southern Grist Brewing Co. Set to Release Batch One Theory: German Chocolate Cake Imperial Stout

Posted on July 31, 2019 by mashingin

On Saturday, August 3 at 11 a.m., Southern Grist Brewing Co. (Nashville, Tennessee) will host a bottle release at its production facility for two barrel-aged treatments – Bourbon and Rum – of its Batch One Theory: German Chocolate Cake Imperial Stout.

Arriving as the latest installment in Southern Grist’s Batch One Theory (B1T) Series of Barrel-aged Imperial Stouts, both treatments of B1T: German Chocolate Cake start with the same Imperial Oated Sweet Stout base that is then split and aged “for 12 months in both Rum and Heaven Hill bourbon barrels.” To lend the beer all the indulgent goodness one expects to find in an actual German chocolate cake, each barrel-aged beer was then “racked on top of heaps of toasted coconut, cacao nibs, vanilla beans, and almonds.” This lengthy process produces a “rich and decadent” German Chocolate Cake experience “that layers wonderfully with the spirit forward Barrel Aged Stout.” The brewery suggests that you drink Rum B1T: German Chocolate Cake and Bourbon B1T: German Chocolate Cake side-by-side so that you can properly experience “the subtle differences and complexities of the Bourbon and Rum casks.” Both B1T: German Chocolate Cake treatments weigh in at 12.6% ABV.

The release of Rum B1T: German Chocolate Cake and Bourbon B1T: German Chocolate Cake will take place at 11 a.m. on August 3 at Southern Grist’s production facility (5012 Centennial Blvd. | Nashville, Tennessee) located next to the brewery’s Nations Taproom. Each bottle will cost $23.61 each (tax included) and Southern Grist plans to set bottle limits at one (1) bottle of Rum B1T: German Chocolate Cake and two (2) bottles of Bourbon B1T: German Chocolate Cake per person. During the release on Saturday, both beers will also be available on draft at Southern Grist’s East Nashville and Nations Taprooms. B1T: German Chocolate Cake is a brewery-only release that – outside of special events – will not see distribution. Prost!

Cascade Brewing Begins Limited Release of Coral Horizon

Posted on July 31, 2019 by mashingin

Cascade Brewing (Portland, Oregon) has officially announced that it will release Coral Horizon, a Barrel-aged Blonde Ale with grapefruit zest, hibiscus and ginger, at the end of July 2019.

Meant to embody the beauty of a summer sunset, Coral Horizon is a “blend of sour blond ales aged in oak wine barrels for up to 16 months with late infusions of grapefruit zest, hibiscus tea and freshly chopped ginger root.” Coming in at 8% ABV, Coral Horizon is “a pale coral-red” in color and “offers a soft, approachable acidity level with aromas of ruby red grapefruit and a refreshing ginger spice.”

“One of the key concepts behind this blend was to incorporate all of the major botanical components commonly used in brewing, including roots, fruits and flowers.” said Kevin Martin, Cascade Brewing Director of Brewery Operations. “With a relatively tame acidity level, this is an extremely accessible beer for those new to sour beer with plenty of complexity and nuance for the seasoned sour drinker.”

Coral Horizon is available in Cascade’s two Portland pubs – Cascade Brewing Barrel House and Lodge at Cascade Brewing – and is entering distribution now. You can expect to find this Limited Release offering available in 500ml bottles and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments located in Oregon and other select areas located within the brewery’s distribution network. Prost!

Vital Information for Coral Horizon from Cascade Brewing

Release – Limited; arriving late July 2019
Style – American Sour Ale
ABV – 8%
Treatment – A blend of sour blond ales aged in oak wine barrels for up to 16 months with late infusions of grapefruit zest, hibiscus tea & freshly chopped ginger root
Availability – 500ml bottles & draft

Perrin Brewing Co. Works that Side Hustle to Release Pineapple Upside Down IPA

Posted on July 30, 2019 by mashingin

Perrin Brewing Company (Comstock Park, Michigan) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Release of Pineapple Upside Down IPA, the latest installment in the brewery’s Side Hustle Series, on August 1.

Inspired by the classic cake of the same name, Pineapple Upside Down IPA is an India Pale Ale brewed with “wheat and lactose to create a creamy cake-like malt body” and balanced with “notes of tropical fruit and coconut” sourced from Sabro and Styrian Cardinal hops. To stay true to the promise of its name, Pineapple Upside Down IPA (7% ABV) was ultimately “soaked in the flavor equivalent of 500 pineapples to provide [a] sweet-and-tart citrus punch.”

Pineapple Upside Down IPA will debut in the Perrin Pub on August 1 and distribution is scheduled to follow shortly after the on-site release. You can expect to find this Limited Release available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer-focused establishments located in Michigan only. Prost!

Vital Information for Pineapple Upside Down IPA from Perrin Brewing Company

Release – Limited/Side Hustle Series; launching August 1, 2019
Style – American India Pale Ale
ABV – 7%
Featured Hops – Sabro & Styrian Cardinal
Added Ingredients – Pineapple & lactose
Fun Fact – On the Side Hustle Series: “Perrin will release a new Side Hustle Series beer every other month for statewide distribution. The series allows Perrin’s brewers to creatively explore new ingredients and techniques, and provide Michigan’s craft beer lovers with innovative new flavors.”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Michigan only
Beer Finder – https://www.perrinbrewing.com/beer-finder/

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. Schedules Release Date for ‘Awaken, My Love’

Posted on July 30, 2019July 30, 2019 by mashingin

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. (Athens, Georgia) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Release of Awaken, My Love Imperial Stout on Saturday, August 10.

Developed to be a “recreation of Curious No. 11” – the winner of the People’s Choice award at the 2018 Strong Beer Festival in Atlanta, Awaken, My Love is an Imperial Stout made with “select Guatemalan Los Santos coffee” provided by 1000 Faces Coffee, cinnamon and lactose. Weighing in at a sizable 12% ABV, this “beautiful stout comes to life . . . with . . . rich, brown sugar notes from the coffee and a perfect touch of cinnamon.”

Awaken, My Love will release in the Tasting Room at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. (271 W. Hancock Ave. | Athens, Georgia) on August 10. This Limited Release offering will be packaged in 750ml bottles and available as long as supplies last. Awaken, My Love is a Tasting Room exclusive release and is not expected to see distribution. Prost!

Vital Information for Awaken, My Love from Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Release – Limited; August 10, 2019
Style – Imperial Stout
ABV – 12%
Added Ingredients – Guatemalan Los Santos coffee from 1000 Faces Coffee, cinnamon & lactose
Availability – 750ml bottles
Distribution – None. Tasting Room only

Avery Brewing Co. Introduces Rocky Mountain Rosé Ale

Posted on July 29, 2019 by mashingin

Avery Brewing Company (Boulder, Colorado) has officially announced that Rocky Mountain Rosé will join its Year-Round portfolio in late July 2019.

Crafted to be a low calorie offering that will satisfy fans of both Rosé wine and craft beer, Rocky Mountain Rosé is a “sparkling, bright, and crisp” Beer/Wine Hybrid Ale made with real wine grapes. Coming in at just 4.4% ABV, 100 calories and 3 carbs, Rocky Mountain Rosé is guaranteed to leave you refreshed and “tickled pink.”

Rocky Mountain Rosé is available now in Avery Brewing Company’s Tap Room and is scheduled to begin distribution during the week of July 29. Once fully released, you can expect to find this new Year-Round offering available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer-friendly retailers, bars and restaurants located in Alabama, Florida, Colorado and throughout the rest of Avery’s 39 state distribution territory. Prost!

Vital Information for Rocky Mountain Rosé from Avery Brewing Company

Release – Year-Round; launching late July 2019
Style – Beer/Wine Hybrid
ABV – 4.4%
Malts – Wheat & 2-Row
Hops – Apollo
Added Ingredients – Wine grapes
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.averybrewing.com/brew-finder

Oskar Blues Brewery Goes Nationwide with Rosé for Daze

Posted on July 26, 2019July 26, 2019 by mashingin

Oskar Blues Brewery (Longmont, Colorado) has officially announced that Rosé for Daze will be available nationwide for the rest of the summer.

Crafted to be the beer equivalent for “America’s favorite pink wine”, Rosé for Daze is a Fruit Ale made with “tart, bright prickly pear” and “floral hibiscus.” Supported by “honey-toned malts” and “berry and floral notes” sourced from Aramis and Centennial hops, Rosé for Daze (6% ABV) is a “refreshing, spritzy rosé beer . . . made for porch sipping, brunching, poolside enjoyment and toasting all things summertime.”

“We chose ingredients with big, fresh flavor and combined them at an approachable ABV,” said Tim Matthews, Oskar Blues head of brewery operations. “While rosé wines can range in sweetness, we were inspired by the crisp, dry end of the spectrum and focused on tart, floral notes. The result is a summery, balanced thirst-quencher perfect for patio season.”

Rosé for Daze is actively rolling out now and will be available throughout Summer 2019. You can expect to find this Seasonal Release available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Colorado, North Carolina, Texas and throughout the rest of Oskar Blues Brewery’s nationwide distribution network. Prost!

Vital Information for Rosé for Daze from Oskar Blues Brewery

Release – Seasonal/Limited; Summer 2019
Style – Fruit Beer
ABV – 6%
Hops – Aramis & Centennial
Featured Ingredients – Hibiscus & prickly pear
Fun Fact – On the can design: “The sleek can, ornamented with delicate hibiscus flowers, provides a suggestion of the pink-hued, intensely carbonated liquid inside.”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.oskarblues.com/beer-finder/

Big Storm Brewing Co. Helps Protect Endangered Owls with Release of Burrowing Owl Beer

Posted on July 26, 2019 by mashingin

Big Storm Brewing Co. (Cape Coral, Florida) has officially announced that it has brewed Burrowing Owl Beer to raise funds and awareness for Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) and its mission to protect endangered Burrowing Owls in the Cape Coral area.

Coming in at about the size of a beer can, Burrowing Owls – “Cape Coral’s official bird with nearly 500 pairs in the city” – are one of the smallest owls in the world and they “literally live underground in burrows.”

Since these cute little guys and gals (pictured below) are currently on Florida’s threatened species list, the folks at Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife – a volunteer-based nonprofit organization – are doing everything they can to protect these owls. Working on Wednesdays whenever the weather permits, volunteers from CCFW “put in over 10,000 hours a year” performing maintenance on Burrowing Owl burrows located in Cape Coral. Their efforts include “trimming burrows with high weeds, installing PVC pipes and perches on newly found burrows, and repairing and cleaning up existing burrows.” To further build upon their efforts, CCFW is currently focused on “[acquiring] lots through donation for preservation for [the owls’] habitat and food source. CCFW is asking churches, schools, and homeowners to put in starter burrows – a free service provided by CCFW.”

“We are pleased that Big Storm Brewing and the community are coming together to help protect the Burrowing Owl which drives our local eco/sustainable tourism,” Said Pascha Donaldson, vice president of CCFW. “People come from all over the world to meet our burrowing owls and we have one of the largest nesting populations on the planet.”

As for the actual beer, Burrowing Owl Beer is a Kentucky Common brewed “with 30% of its malt bill as corn, so some light sweet corn flavor comes through.” Amber in color with dark ruby hues, Burrowing Owl Beer (5.2% ABV) has “notes of bread toast, pepper and berries.”

“Our Cape Coral taproom is located next to a Burrowing Owl nest which we think is super cool. As we started to look for ways to give back to the community, we felt supporting these awesome little birds was an obvious choice,” said Big Storm co-owner L.J. Govoni. “Now our customers can try this new beer and help us give back to the CCFW by supporting out Burrowing Owl Beer. I know I speak for all of us when I say we are excited to raise a pint to our pint-sized owls.”

Burrowing Owl Beer is available exclusively on draft at the Cape Coral location of Big Storm Brewing Co. A portion of the proceeds raised from the sale of Burrowing Owl Beer “will go to support . . . Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and its work to save the threatened species.” Prost!

Florida Avenue Brewing Co. to Release Cans of Never Too Late For Summer

Posted on July 25, 2019 by mashingin

Florida Avenue Brewing Co. (Tampa, Florida) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Can Release of Never Too Late For Summer on Friday, August 2.

Fresh off a gold medal win in the “Floridaweisse” category at the 2019 Best Florida Beer Championship, Never Too Late for Summer (4% ABV) is a Berliner Weisse made with watermelon and lime. Previously only available on draft, this release marks the first time that Never Too Late For Summer will be available in cans.

Cans of Never Too Late For Summer will debut in Florida Avenue’s Tasting Room – a shared space with Brew Bus Brewing – on August 2. Never Too Late For Summer will be available in 4-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft through September or as long as supplies last. Outside of special events, this Limited Release offering will be available exclusively at Florida Avenue Brewing Co. in Tampa and GB’s Bottle Shop and Tasting Bar in Orlando. Prost!

Vital Information for Never Too Late For Summer from Florida Avenue Brewing Co.

Release – Limited/Berliner Series; August – September 2019
Style – Berliner Weisse
ABV – 4%
Added Ingredients – Watermelon & lime
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. cans (while supplies last) & draft
Distribution – Limited | Available exclusively at Florida Avenue Brewing Company (Tampa) & GB’s Bottle Shop and Tasting Bar (Orlando)