Beer | Mashing In

Second Self Beer Company’s Junipa Returns with New Recipe

Posted on October 29, 2018October 30, 2018 by mashingin

Second Self Beer Company (Atlanta, Georgia) has announced that the newly reformulated Junipa will officially return in November to serve as the brewery’s cold weather Seasonal.

Newly tweaked to even more closely mimic “the classic flavors of gin”, Junipa is a Spruce Beer “brewed with citrusy Amarillo and Cascade hops, spruce tips, juniper, and rosemary, and then dry-hopped with aromatics.” This clever combination of hops, juniper and aromatics produces a 6.4% ABV Junipa that is reminiscent of “a more citrusy gin.”

Junipa will return in November 2018 and is scheduled to stick around through February 2019. You can expect to find this Seasonal Release available in 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer-friendly retailers, bars and restaurants located in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. Prost!

Vital Information for Junipa from Second Self Beer Company

Release – Seasonal, November 2018 – February 2019
Style – Herb & Spice Beer
ABV – 6.4%
IBUs – 43
Fun Fact – “The festive can artwork was designed by graphic illustrator Tex Grubbs.”
Suggested Food Pairings – “Braised short ribs, herb chicken, roasted Brussels sprouts, sharp cheeses, fire pits, and roasted marshmallows.”
Availability – 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Alabama, Georgia & South Carolina

Smuttynose Brewing Introduces Two New Year-Round IPAs

Posted on October 26, 2018 by mashingin

Smuttynose Brewing Company (Hampton, New Hampshire) has officially announced that it will release two new Year-Round India Pale Ales at the end of October: Whole Lotta Lupulin Double IPA and Mysterious Haze New England IPA.

After a successful transition in ownership last spring, Smuttynose Brewing Company is continuing to reshape its image and future by adding the following two hop-laden brews to its Year-Round lineup (beer descriptions sourced from a newsletter and press release issued by the brewery):

Whole Lotta Lupulin

Whole Lotta Lupulin, a Double IPA with an ABV of 8.6%, is a balanced brew that features a combination of complimentary hops including Amarillo, Citra, Centennial, and NZ Motueka. The bitterness of the hops is anchored by a sturdy malt foundation made of 2-Row Malted Barley, Wheat Malt, CaraHell, and Cara Malt. Each sip of this beer bursts with grapefruit and guava notes which fuse nicely with a floral and resinous pine aroma.

Style – Double IPA
ABV – 8.6%
Package – 16oz four-pack can, draft
Release – October 2018
Availability – Smuttynose Distribution Network

Mysterious Haze

Mysterious Haze is a New England style IPA that is medium bodied and double dry hopped. It explores every facet of Citra hops; the grapefruit, guava, mango notes all shine through while the aftertaste leaves hints of citrus and delicate herbs. This NEIPA comes in at 6.7% ABV, and is brewed with 2-Row Malted Barley, Wheat Malt, Oats, and CaraHell.

Style – New England Style IPA
ABV – 6.7%
Package – 16oz four-pack can, draft
Release – October 2018
Availability – Smuttynose Distribution Network

“As New Hampshire’s leading craft brewery, we couldn’t be prouder of Mysterious Haze and Whole Lotta Lupulin. Our brewing team has been working hard and has delivered a New England IPA and Double IPA that meets our expectations in terms of taste and quality. I couldn’t be more pleased. It’s also quite exciting to be releasing both of these beers in a 4pack / 16-ounce format. We are really making great strides since our ownership transition that occurred in April of this year.”

Whole Lotta Lupulin and Mysterious Haze will both debut during the last week of October with a series of targeted release parties at bars and restaurants throughout New England. These two Year-Round offerings are then scheduled to enter widespread distribution beginning the week of October 29. You can expect to find Whole Lotta Lupulin and Mysterious Haze available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans – “with fresh branding and label art” – at craft beer-focused establishments located in New Hampshire and throughout the rest of Smuttynose Brewing Company’s distribution footprint (click here to access the brewery’s Beer Finder). Prost!

Stone Brewing to Kick Off 2019 with Release of Tropic of Thunder Lager

Posted on October 26, 2018 by mashingin

Stone Brewing (Escondido, California) has officially announced plans to add Stone Tropic of Thunder Lager to its Year-Round portfolio at the start of 2019.

Created to be the “perfect island companion to [Stone Brewing’s] tropically-inspired, fruit forward lineup of IPAs, including Stone Tangerine Express IPA, Stone Scorpion Bowl IPA and the upcoming Stone Revengeful Spirit IPA”, 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.

“This is unlike your traditional lager,” said Jeremy Moynier, Stone Brewing Senior Manager of Brewing & Innovation. “When we were discussing what our next year-round beer might be we all agreed that we wanted something super flavorful and yet really crushable, all while exemplifying the genre-defying qualities we’re known for at Stone. So while we did our signature thing – seeking out the newest and most interesting hops to contribute big flavor – we really stayed focused on producing a balanced beer with classic lager characteristics. It turned out crisp, clean, intensely fruity, and definitely way crushable.”

Stone Tropic of Thunder Lager debuts in California and Stone Brewing Tap Rooms this week and nationwide/international distribution will launch in early 2019. Once fully released, you can expect to find this Year-Round brew available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, 19.2 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer-friendly retailers, bars and restaurants located in Alabama, Florida, California, Virginia and throughout the rest of Stone Brewing’s nationwide distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Stone Tropic of Thunder Lager from Stone Brewing

Release – Year-Round; California & Stone Brewing Tap Rooms starting the week of October 22. Distribution to all 50 states & abroad to come in 2019
Style – Lager
ABV – 5.8%
IBUs – 58
Featured Hops – Cashmere, Citra & Mosaic
Fun Fact – “The beer’s name is a nod to the uncharted tropical islands on which most of us would willingly be a castaway… provided that we could have our perfectly stocked beer fridge in tow. It’s just right for a self-imposed ‘three hour tour,’ be it on an island, on a boat, or simply on the couch.”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, 19.2 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://find.stonebrewing.com/#ready

Oskar Blues Brewery Sets National Release Date for Barrel-Aged Ten FIDY

Posted on October 25, 2018 by mashingin

Oskar Blues Brewery (Longmont, Colorado) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Release of Barrel-Aged Ten FIDY Imperial Stout (2018) on November 3.

Back to claim the throne of being “the biggest beer in the biggest can around”, Barrel-Aged Ten FIDY is a “darker-than-dark” Imperial Stout that has been tucked away in “bourbon barrels for a minimum of eight months.” This lengthy aging period allows the already complex Ten FIDY base – filled with “espresso, burnt sugar, rich chocolate [and] caramel notes” – to pick up added tones of “vanilla, oak [and] bourbon” that have all been “smoothed out during maturation.” Despite weighing in at a massive 12.9% ABV, Barrel-Aged Ten FIDY comes together to be “a cool, drinkable, deeply complex brew.”

“Ten FIDY is already a big beer and barrel-aging takes it to the next level of decadence,” said Head of Brewing Operations Tim Matthews. “Espresso and burnt sugar flavors are turned up to eleven; alongside rich chocolate and caramel notes. Basically, it’s a flavor beast.”

The 2018 batch of Barrel-Aged Ten FIDY will officially launch on November 3 with release events at Oskar Blues Brewery’s taprooms in Boulder, Colorado; Longmont, Colorado; and Brevard, North Carolina. National distribution will also launch on that date. You can expect to find this Limited Release available in in 19.2 oz. stovepipe cans and on draft at select craft beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Colorado, North Carolina, Texas and throughout the rest of Oskar Blue Brewery’s national distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Barrel-Aged Ten FIDY from Oskar Blues Brewery

Release – Limited; November 3, 2018
Style – Imperial Stout
ABV – 12.9%
IBUs – 75
Treatment – Aged in bourbon barrels for a minimum of eight months
Availability – 19.2 oz. stovepipe cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.oskarblues.com/beerfinder/

Maine Beer Company Expands Distribution to Florida

Posted on October 25, 2018 by mashingin

Maine Beer Company (Freeport, Maine) has officially announced that it has partnered with Cavalier Distributing and will immediately begin distribution in the state of Florida.

Founded in Portland, Maine in 2009 by David and Daniel Kleban, Maine Beer Company started its journey with “a one-barrel brewhouse and the mission of brewing one beer and brewing it well.” Building off the success of that beer (now known as Peeper Pale Ale, a Core offering), the crew at Maine Beer Company pushed forward with what they call the “Do what’s right” philosophy, a commitment that is centered around “donating 1% of their gross annual sales to environmental nonprofits.” Armed with this thoughtful approach and a growing portfolio of tasty brews, Maine Beer Company quickly gained popularity, expanded to a 15bbl brewhouse, “[outgrew] its original space and moved to a new facility in Freeport in 2013. Now in 2018, they have reached the next phase of their growth, transitioning to a 60bbl brewhouse in an expanded production facility, with a new tasting room slated for 2019.” This growth has also allowed the brewery to extend its distribution reach further south so that it can now share its offerings with the avid beer lovers in Florida.

Maine Beer Company will launch distribution in Florida with the following five Core offerings (the descriptions below were provided by the brewery):

Peeper| Pale Ale | 5.5% ABV – Maine Beer Company’s flagship beer, notes of light citrus, raspberries, blackberries, subtle pine, light bready
Lunch| India Pale Ale | 7.0% ABV – Maine Beer Company’s East Coast take on a classic West Coast IPA. Lunch is named after a whale that has been spotted off the coast of Maine by Allied Whale (nonprofit partner) since 1982. She has what looks like a bite taken out of her fin, hence the name Lunch. Notes of tropical fruit, citrus fruit, pine, subtle malt sweetness.
MO| Pale Ale | 6.0% ABV – Named after Daniel’s twins, MO, a staff favorite, has notes of zesty citrus, passion fruit, pine, and a subtle malt sweetness.
a tiny beautiful something| Pale Ale | 5.5% ABV – Maine Beer Company’s only single hopped beer showcases El Dorado hops. Notes of candied orange, citrus zest, subtle anise.
Another One | India Pale Ale | 7.0% ABV – While getting through the first expansion in 2013, sometimes we just needed Another One to keep the creative juices flowing. This IPA has notes of grapefruit, tangerine, and a resinous, clean malt palate.

The beers listed above are hitting the Florida market now in 16.9 oz. (500ml) bottles and on draft. You can expect to find these Maine Beer Company offerings at select craft beer establishments located in all areas of Florida normally serviced by Cavalier Distributing. Prost!

Wild Leap Brew Co. Set to Release American Cherry Pie Ale

Posted on October 24, 2018 by mashingin

Wild Leap Brew Co. (LaGrange, Georgia) has officially announced that it will soon begin the “extremely limited release” of American Cherry, a cherry pie-inspired ale.

Meant to mimic the comforting flavors found in a slice of homemade cherry pie, American Cherry is brewed with “fermented sweet and tart cherries and cinnamon” to result in a Fruit Beer that “is slightly tart, has a well-balanced malt profile and a mild bitterness.” Coming in at 6.5% ABV, American Cherry promises to be “the perfect choice for the cool fall nights” ahead.

“We wanted a fuller-bodied fruited ale suited for the weather change,” said Head Brewer, Chris Elliott. “Since we recently debuted a stout and an IPA, this was a great way to enhance our current lineup.”

“Homemade cherry pie is an American classic, so we decided to give it some prominence in the craft beer world,” shared Elliott. “The complex malt bill mimics pie crust flavors and the combination of Tart Cherries and Sweet Dark Cherries tastes great with cinnamon. These flavors really work together.”

American Cherry will officially roll out “before the end of the month” and hang around only as long as supplies last. You can expect to find this Limited Release at select craft beer-friendly establishments located in and around the Atlanta, LaGrange, Newnan, Peachtree City, Columbus, Athens, Gainesville, and Augusta areas of Georgia. Prost!

Vital Information for American Cherry from Wild Leap Brew Co.

Release – Limited, late October 2018
Style – Fruit Beer
ABV – 6.5%
IBUs – 20
Added Ingredients – Cinnamon & 1000 lbs. of sweet and tart cherries
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – This offering will be available in following areas of Georgia: Atlanta, LaGrange, Newnan, Peachtree City, Columbus, Athens, Gainesville & Augusta
Beer Finder – http://www.wildleap.com/beer-finder/

Zymurgy Magazine Turns 40, Updates its Look

Posted on October 24, 2018 by mashingin

Zymurgy (Boulder, Colorado), the preeminent magazine for homebrewers, is celebrating its 40th anniversary by unveiling a new look and feel with the release of the November/December 2018 issue.

Established in “1978 by Charlie Papazian—the ‘Godfather of Homebrewing’—as he launched the American Homebrewers Association® (AHA)”, Zymurgy is a bi-monthly journal that “serves the homebrewing community the latest information and advice to support their passion for brewing and drinking quality beer.” For 40 years, the writers at Zymurgy have provided “innovative and award-winning recipes, articles on do-it-yourself projects, explanations of brewing science, and presentations of brewing techniques in addition to a healthy dose of beer culture.” With the release of the November/December 2018 issue, this shared knowledge will now be expanded to include the following features (the descriptions below were sourced from an AHA press release):

A regular guest column called “Ferment on This” and a regular department called “Ask the AHA,” which replace World of Worts and Dear Professor, respectively.
A new spread for beginners, named for Papazian’s signature mantra “Relax, Don’t Worry, Have a Homebrew!”, which includes basic brewing advice, commonly used acronyms, a carbonation chart, and more.
An expanded department called Beer School, formerly Style Spotlight, that includes such topics as off flavors, exam preparation, and sensory development.

For those of you who are already avid readers of the magazine, you can expect Zymurgy to continue to publish the annual “Best Beers in America” survey.

“We’ve come a long way from a 12-page stapled pamphlet to the sleek remastered magazine that we are today,” said Dave Carpenter, Zymurgy editor-in-chief. “It’s been 40 years since the AHA printed the very first issue of Zymurgy, sparking a passion for homebrewing that ignited a craft beer revolution. I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate Zymurgy’s 40th birthday than to thank all those homebrewers who have made American beer what it is today. I hope you enjoy the refreshed magazine and continue to feel inspired by what you discover inside.”

If you would like to get your hands on a Zymurgy issue or subscription, the magazine is available via AHA membership subscription and at homebrew shops nationwide. There is also a digital archive for Zymurgy that dates back to 2000 – this also includes Spanish-language editions – available on the American Homebrewers Association website. Prost!

Catawba Brewing Co. Warns of the Return of Deep State Baltic Porter

Posted on October 23, 2018 by mashingin

Catawba Brewing Co. (Asheville, North Carolina) has officially announced that Deep State Baltic Porter will surface once again on November 2 for a Limited Release.

Known in some circles as Catawba Brewing Co.’s “most scandalous beer of all”, Deep State is a Baltic Porter that covertly obtains its “complexity from five specialty malts” – Pale, Munich II, Vienna, Crystal and Chocolate. This robust malt bill yields a “full-flavored character . . . layered with rich malt, toffee, dark fruits, and a hint of roast.” Coming in at a stealthy 7.2% ABV and 33 IBUs, Deep State is “a dangerously drinkable dark lager” that “finishes silky smooth.”

Deep State will first turn up at all Catawba Brewing Co. locations on November 2 and is expected to then hit distribution at or around that date. You will be able to find this Limited Release available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer-friendly spots located in Alabama, North Carolina and throughout the rest of the brewery’s five state distribution footprint. Prost!

Vital Information for Deep State Baltic Porter from Catawba Brewing Co.

Release – Limited, November 2018
Style – Baltic Porter
ABV – 7.2%
IBUs – 33
Malts – Pale, Munich II, Vienna, Crystal & Chocolate
Hops – Magnum & Hallertau Mittlefrüh
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama & Georgia
Beer Finder – http://catawbabrewing.com/beer-finder

Funky Buddha Brewery Whips Up a Fresh Batch of French Toast Double Brown Ale

Posted on October 23, 2018 by mashingin

Funky Buddha Brewery (Oakland Park, Florida) has announced that French Toast Double Brown Ale will officially return on October 27 to serve as the winter release in the brewery’s Goodness Series.

Previously only available as a part of Funky Buddha’s Little Buddha Small Batch lineup of limited releases, French Toast – now reclassified as a Seasonal offering – is a Double Brown Ale “loaded with flavors of custardy bread, cinnamon, and maple, just like the namesake treat.” Weighing in at hefty 8.8% ABV, French Toast makes it so you can enjoy the soul-satisfying flavors of breakfast any time of day during the winter months.

This year’s release of French Toast will debut in Funky Buddha’s Tap Room on October 27 and then enter distribution for the winter season shortly after the brewery release. You can expect to find this Seasonal brew available in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at select beer-focused establishments located in Florida and throughout the rest of Funky Buddha’s steadily growing distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for French Toast Double Brown Ale from Funky Buddha Brewery

Release – Seasonal/Goodness Series, November 2018 – February 2019
Style – Imperial/Double Brown Ale
ABV – 8.8%
IBUs – 35
Added Ingredients – Maple & Cinnamon
Suggested Food Pairings – “Maple sausage breakfast skillet, monte cristo sandwich, candied bacon, cinnamon roll”
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://funkybuddhabrewery.com/beer-finder

Celis Brewery Brings Dubbel Coffee Porter Back for the Fall

Posted on October 22, 2018October 22, 2018 by mashingin

Celis Brewery (Austin, Texas) announced today that it has officially begun the Seasonal Release of its wildly-popular Dubbel Coffee Porter, and this year it is available for the first time in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans.

Created by Christine Celis in 2014 and now recognized as “the world’s first Dubbel Coffee Porter”, Celis Dubbel Coffee Porter is a hybrid-style Porter brewed with Hallertau and Millenium hops, international cold-pressed coffee sourced from Summer Moon Coffee Bar in Austin, and a yeast strain typically used in Belgian-style Dubbels. This interesting mix of ingredients produces “pleasant tastes of subdued berries, dark malts, and equal amounts of coffee and cocoa from the infusion of the coffee blend.” Weighing in at a warming 7% ABV, the “robust yet smooth, rich-bodied” Celis Dubbel Coffee Porter promises to be “a perfect cozy beer for the festive months of fall and winter.”

“It blew our minds how quickly we sold out of our Dubbel Coffee Porter last fall,” says Christine Celis, founder of Celis Brewery. “It is an incredibly popular beer. To make sure we have enough of it this year, we increased our production. Lots of people asked for it in cans. We heard you loud and clear. This is a delicious coffee porter brewed with Guatemalan and Mexican coffee beans.”

Celis Dubbel Coffee Porter is rolling out now and will be available as long as supplies last. You can expect to find this Seasonal Release available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer-friendly establishments located across the state of Texas. Prost!

Vital Information for Dubbel Coffee Porter from Celis Brewery

Release – Seasonal/Limited, Fall 2018 (launching in late October)
Style – Porter
ABV – 7%
Featured Hops – Hallertau & Millenium
Yeast – A strain of Belgian Dubbel yeast
Added Ingredients – Cold-pressed coffee from Summer Moon Coffee Bar in Austin, Texas
Suggested Food Pairings – “The Celis porter pairs really well with seasonal dishes and holiday parties. The acidity of the coffee married with the roasty malt flavors enhance the caramelized deliciousness of a holiday ham. The berry and cocoa flavors of the porter are an excellent accompaniment to smoked brisket. Flavorful Stilton and blue cheeses are delicious with the dark contrast of the porter. For those who enjoy black coffee with desert, this coffee porter is a match made in heaven with dark chocolate cakes.”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Texas