Beer | Mashing In

Brewery Ommegang Celebrates New York Farmers with Release of Hopstate IPA 2018

Posted on July 25, 2018 by mashingin

Brewery Ommegang (Cooperstown, New York) has officially announced that the 2018 edition of Hopstate IPA, a Limited Release brewed with New York-sourced ingredients, will debut on Thursday, July 26 as the latest offering from the brewery’s Farmhouse Series.

Developed by Ommegang to support and draw attention to “the reinvigoration of the New York hop industry” and other New York-grown ingredients, Hopstate IPA 2018 is a “hazy pale orange” India Pale Ale that has been “brewed exclusively with New York State hops” – Cascade, Chinook, Centennial, and Nugget – and “also includes two New York-grown barley varietals from 1886 Malt House in Fulton, NY.” This homegrown recipe yields “juicy aromas of tropical fruit. . . followed by bright citrus and sweet malt” along with a flavor profile that has “sweet fruit and citrus [mixing] with a pleasant bready character.” Weighing in at 7.4% ABV and 40 IBUs, the medium-bodied Hopstate IPA 2018 offers “a smooth, pillowy mouthfeel” and finishes “moderately dry with mild, lingering bitterness.”

Hopstate IPA 2018 will officially launch on July 26 at Brewery Ommegang and select retailers in New York. This Limited Release will then see expanded distribution – for the first time – in the following East Coast states during the months of August and September: North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, DC and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hopstate IPA 2018 will be available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans for the suggested retail price of $12.99. Prost!

Vital Information for Hopstate IPA 2018 from Brewery Ommegang

Release – Limited/Farmhouse Series, late July – September 2018
Style – American India Pale Ale
ABV – 7.4%
IBUs – 40
Featured Hops – New York-grown Cascade, Chinook, Centennial & Nugget
Featured Malts – Synergy and Munich malts from 1886 Malt House
Suggested Food Pairings – “Hopstate IPA pairs well with pub fare, grilled or smoked meat and fish, and moderately sharp cheese. It is also sensational with summer desserts such as tropical fruit sorbet and seasonal berry tart.”
Availability – 4-packs of 16 oz. cans
Distribution – NY, CT, MA, MD, ME, NJ, NH, PA, NC, SC, RI, VA, VT, WV, Washington, DC and the U.S.V.I.

Rogue Ales Turns Combat Wombat Loose on Unsuspecting Beer Community

Posted on July 25, 2018 by mashingin

Rogue Ales (Newport, Oregon) has officially announced the Seasonal Release of Combat Wombat, a Sour Northeast-style India Pale Ale with Blood Orange and Grapefruit.

Created to be the ultimate weapon against boring beer, Combat Wombat is a “fierce combination of a Northeast-style hazy IPA brewed with Australian hops and a sour ale with blood orange and grapefruit.” Clocking in at 7.2% ABV, the “weird and wonderful” Combat Wombat is “a collision of styles and flavors” that is absolutely “bursting with intensity and personality.”

“I love the idea of this tiny, aggressive, but lovable marsupial that’s ready to battle and brew at the same time,” says Rogue Graphic Designer Evan Bartholomew. “The beer is citrus-forward but sweet, sour but juicy, and I think the label mirrors those contradictions. I wanted the bright neon colors on the label to reflect the big flavors of the beer.”

“With thousands of beer options on shelves, and more joining them every day, label art is often a deciding factor for many consumers,” says Rogue President Brett Joyce. “Evan’s illustrations have set Rogue apart on the shelf since our Voodoo collisions and are part of the tradition of unique art on Rogue ales and spirits.”

Combat Wombat is rolling out now and has plans to hang around through October. You can expect to find this new Seasonal offering available in 22 oz. bottles and on draft at craft beer-focused establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Oregon and throughout the rest of Rogue’s nationwide distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Combat Wombat from Rogue Ales

Release – Seasonal, July – October 2018
Style – Hybrid of New England-style India Pale Ale & American Sour Ale
ABV – 7.2%
IBUs – 49
Malts – 2-Row, Acidulated, Wheat & Oats
Hops – Citra, BRU-1, Vic Secret & Galaxy
Yeast – Imperial Barbarian Yeast
Added Ingredients – Blood Orange, Grapefruit & Lactose
Fun Fact – On the label artwork: “Given only the name and a pint of Combat Wombat, Rogue Graphic Designer Evan Bartholomew got to work drawing and designing Rogue’s newest creation.”
Availability – 22 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://finder.rogue.com/

Crooked Stave to Celebrate National IPA Day with Release of Trellis Buster DIPA

Posted on July 24, 2018 by mashingin

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project (Denver, Colorado) has announced that it will officially release Trellis Buster Double IPA on August 2 as its third limited rotator for 2018.

Turning up just in time for National IPA Day, Trellis Buster is a Double India Pale Ale that is “brewed with more hops than [Crooked Stave has] ever used in a single beer.” Boasting a “tailored” malt profile and a dry-hop with Azacca, Citra, Motueka and Simcoe hops, Trellis Buster (8% ABV) promises to be a “resinous trellis-busting hop bomb” that still remains “ridiculously smooth and drinkable.”

“Bold and resinous, Trellis Buster is inspired by the fresh hop fields we visit each year during harvest. This unfiltered, hopped-up Double IPA is bursting with flavor and aroma. We add more hops to this beer than anything else at our brewery, as if the trellis that holds the bines burst right into the beer itself”, states Chad Yakobson, Crooked Stave Owner and Brewmaster.

Trellis Buster will officially release in the Crooked Stave tasting room on August 2 (National IPA Day) and will enter distribution on or around that date. You can expect to find this Limited Release available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select beer establishments located in Colorado and “in most markets where Crooked Stave craft beer can be found.” This could mean good things for hopheads in Alabama, Florida and Georgia, so be sure to keep an eye out for Trellis Buster in August. Prost!

Vital Information for Trellis Buster from Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project

Release – Limited, August 2018
Style – Double India Pale Ale
ABV – 8%
Featured Hops – Azacca, Citra, Motueka & Simcoe
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft

Lonerider Brewing Brings Retired Hangman Barleywine Back for a Limited Release

Posted on July 24, 2018 by mashingin

Lonerider Brewing Company (Raleigh, North Carolina) has announced that it will hold an extremely limited release of 2013 Vintage Hangman Barleywine at The Hideout on Tuesday, July 24.

Back for a special appearance after retirement, 2013 Vintage Hangman Barleywine has surfaced for a one-time, limited release as a part of Lonerider’s “rolling cellar series that releases popular styles that have been carefully aged to provide beer fans with a new and unique way to enjoy these award-winning beers.” With about five years of age now on it, this American-style Barleywine offers an aroma that “hints of raisin, dried dark fruits, [and] toffee” and a flavor profile that “will invoke a piney/resinous taste along with notes of caramel and lingering hop bitterness.” The Hangman comes in at 11% ABV.

“Hangman was a favorite of ours at the brewery,” says Galen Smith, Head Brewer. “Brewing it was probably just as enjoyable as drinking it. It’s a pretty polarizing style as well. People seem to either love or hate Barleywines. I’m very pleased how well Hangman has aged, and I can’t wait for people to join us as we open up our tasty time capsule!”

2013 Vintage Hangman Barleywine will release exclusively at The Hideout at Lonerider Brewing Company on Tuesday, July 24 at 2 p.m. This cellared brew will have limited availability in 22 oz. bottles and on draft during the release. This offering will not see distribution. Prost!

Vital Information for 2013 Vintage Hangman Barleywine from Lonerider Brewing Company

Release – Limited/Cellar Series; July 24, 2018
Style – American Barleywine
ABV – 11%
IBUs – 110
Featured Hops – Centennial, Columbus, Magnum, Simcoe & Zythos
Availability – 22 oz. bottles & draft
Distribution – None. Tasting Room-only release at The Hideout

Coppertail Brewing Co. Introduces Jam Salad Florida Weisse

Posted on July 23, 2018 by mashingin

Coppertail Brewing Co. (Tampa, Florida) has announced that it will soon release Jam Salad as the latest offering to come out of its Florida Weisse Series.

Developed to be a Florida Weisse capable enough to tackle this summer’s insanely humid weather, Jam Salad is a variant of Coppertail Brewing’s Slam Piece Cucumber Berliner Weisse Style Ale that ups the refreshment level with an added dose of blackberry. Clocking in at just 3.5% ABV, Jam Salad is the “crazy refreshing tart wheat beer” that you have been looking for all summer.

Coppertail took to social media on July 17 to inform their fans that Jam Salad would be hitting shelves and taps “soon”. Once officially released, you can expect to find this Limited Release offering available in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at select craft beer establishments located within Coppertail Brewing Co.’s distribution area in Florida. Prost!

Vital Information for Jam Salad from Coppertail Brewing Co.

Release – Limited/Florida Weisse Series, late July/early August 2018
Style – Berliner Weisse/Florida Weisse
ABV – 3.5%
Added Ingredients – Cucumber & Blackberry
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – http://coppertailbrewing.com/beer-finder/

LOKO Cuisine Sets the Table for Marshal Zhukov’s Barrel-Aged Eggs & Kegs at Cigar City Brewing

Posted on July 23, 2018 by mashingin

On Sunday, August 19 at 11 a.m., LOKO Cuisine will once again take over The Fermentorium at Cigar City Brewing (Tampa, Florida) to host Marshal Zhukov’s Barrel-Aged Eggs & Kegs, an annual celebration of the brewery’s fan-favorite Russian Imperial Stout.

Cigar City Brewing may have moved the official release date for Marshal Zhukov’s Imperial Stout to November but that is not going to stop LOKO Cuisine from honoring this highly-decorated offering one last time in August. With the atmosphere properly set with the “obligatory hardcore Red Army choir anthems”, Marshal Zhukov’s Barrel-Aged Eggs & Kegs will feature the following four-course, Russian-style brunch menu:

Since the 2018 edition of Marshal Zhukov’s will not be available at the time of this event, the good folks at Cigar City Brewing will be pulling the following two brews from their cellar to serve as the perfect pairings for this “hearty brunch fit for a general”:

All attendees will receive one beer ticket “good for any pint or snifter of equal value.” If you would like a beverage other than beer, Ginger Beard Coffee will also be on-site with nitro-infused coffee and tea on tap (coffee & tea not included in ticket cost).

Tickets for Marshal Zhukov’s Barrel-Aged Eggs & Kegs are available now for $32.10 each, and you can purchase yours by clicking here. Ticket cost includes the four-course brunch and one pour of beer (pint or snifter of equal value). Physical tickets will not be issued, but your name will be added to a paid list once the purchase process is completed. FYI: Everyone in your party will have to check in under the purchaser’s name at the door.

This event will sell out. It always does. You want to be in attendance. Now that you are armed with this knowledge, just go ahead and secure your tickets now to avoid missing out on the delicious food, decadent beers and ridiculously good times that will be shared at this year’s Marshal Zhukov’s Barrel-Aged Eggs & Kegs. Prost!

Cascade Brewing Releases 2017 Vintage of Kriek

Posted on July 20, 2018 by mashingin

Cascade Brewing (Portland, Oregon) has announced that it will officially begin the release of its Kriek 2017 project on Friday, July 20.

Twice named the “Top Sour Beer in America” by the New York Times, Cascade Kriek “is a blend of sour red ales aged in oak wine barrels for up to 17 months with more than 16,000 lbs. of fresh Bing and sour pie cherries.” This treatment results in a 7.7% ABV American Sour Ale that offers “complex flavors of cherries, roast malts, oak and spice.”

“This year’s project is highlighted by a deep rich color brought on by the roughly 1.3 million wonderfully decadent Bing and sour pie cherries we brought in last summer. Word around the cellar is that this is the best version of Kriek we’ve made to date!”

– Tim Larrance, Cascade VP of Sales and Marketing

Kriek 2017 will hit Cascade’s two Portland pubs – Cascade Brewing Barrel House and The Lodge at Cascade Brewing – on July 20 and will enter distribution shortly thereafter. You can expect to find this Tier One offering available in 500ml bottles and on draft at select craft beer retailers, bars and restaurants located in Alabama, Florida, Oregon and throughout the rest of Cascade Brewing’s distribution network. Prost!

Vital Information for Kriek 2017 from Cascade Brewing

Release – Limited/Tier One; July 20, 2018
Style – American Sour Ale
ABV – 7.7%
Treatment – “A blend of sour red ales aged in oak wine barrels for up to 17 months with more than 16,000 lbs. of fresh Bing and sour pie cherries”
Fun Fact – One the new bottle size: “This marks the second 500ml launch for Cascade Northwest Sour Ales; the brewery introduced the new format with the release of its Apricot 2017 last month. The brewery switched from 750ml bottles to the new size to enable first-time consumers to purchase its barrel aged sour beers in a format that works for them, while allowing long-standing customers to purchase its beers in more locations.”
Availability – 500ml bottles & draft
Distribution – http://www.cascadebrewing.com/wholesalers/

Shebeen Brewing Company Expands Distribution to Florida

Posted on July 19, 2018July 19, 2018 by mashingin

Shebeen Brewing Company (Wolcott, Connecticut) has officially announced that it has partnered with Vintage Distributors LLC so that it can begin distribution in Northwest Florida.

Established in 2012 by Founder and Master Brewer Rich Visco, Shebeen Brewing Company – “Shebeen or Sibin is Irish Gaelic for illegal brewhouse or better known in the States as a Speakeasy” – has since made a name for itself by being “on the cutting edge of experimenting and creating all sorts of fun concoctions from a Cucumber Wasabi to New England IPA’s.” After five years of steady growth, Shebeen Brewing is currently undergoing a brewery expansion that includes the addition of new equipment and a recent territory expansion that will now extend their reach to Northwest Florida.

“Shebeen Brewing Company is very excited to partner with Vintage Distributors LLC” said CEO Richard Visco. “We are proud to have our brand among the remarkable products available in their portfolio.”

With Vintage Distributors LLC handling all distribution responsibilities, Shebeen Brewing Company offerings will soon be available in the Destin area and throughout Northwest Florida. Shebeen beers will have availability in 16 oz. cans and on draft, but the press release did not mention the names of the offerings that will be available at launch. If any more details concerning Shebeen Brewing Company’s Florida launch surface in the near future, we will be sure to update you with that information here. Prost!

Stone Brewing Celebrates Comic Book Fandom with Release of 2018 Farking Wheaton w00tstout

Posted on July 19, 2018 by mashingin

Stone Brewing (Escondido, California) has officially announced the release of this year’s edition of Stone Farking Wheaton w00tstout, a nerd-fueled collaboration from Drew Curtis of Fark.com, Wil Wheaton, and Greg Koch of Stone Brewing.

Somewhat inspired by the Kentucky Derby Pie that was created in Drew Curtis’ home state, Drew Curtis / Wil Wheaton / Greg Koch Stone Farking Wheaton w00tstout is an Imperial Stout that has been brewed with wheat (a nod to actor and web celebrity Wil Wheaton), rye and pecans, and “partially aged in bourbon barrels for an intense thunderclap of unique flavors and aromas.” Weighing in at 11.5% ABV, Stone Farking Wheaton w00tstout ultimately comes together to be “an amazingly delicious massive Russian Imperial Stout” that is a true celebration of “the nerd [that lives] in all of us.”

Arriving just in time for the 2018 San Diego Comic-Con, Drew Curtis / Wil Wheaton / Greg Koch Stone Farking Wheaton w00tstout officially started rolling out on July 9 and will hang around as long as supplies last. You can expect to find this Limited Release offering available in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 22 oz. bottles and on draft at select craft beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida, California, Virginia and throughout the rest of Stone Brewing’s nationwide distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Drew Curtis / Wil Wheaton / Greg Koch Stone Farking Wheaton w00tstout from Stone Brewing

Release – Limited/Stone Collaborations; July 9, 2018
Style – Imperial Stout
Featured Hops – English Target
Special Ingredients – Pecans, Wheat & Flaked Rye
Treatment – Partially aged in Bourbon barrels
Fun Fact – On this year’s label artwork: “Front and center this year is the result of Wil’s creative machinations taking the art direction duties with world-renowned fantasy artist Joe Jusko representing our gargoyle’s triumph over the evils in the world of beer.”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, 22 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://find.stonebrewing.com/#ready

Brewery Ommegang Adds Mother of Dragons to Game of Thrones Royal Reserve Collection

Posted on July 17, 2018July 17, 2018 by mashingin

Brewery Ommegang (Cooperstown, New York) and HBO Licensing & Retail have officially announced plans to unleash Mother of Dragons, a blend of Smoked Porter and Belgian Kriek, on September 28 as the third offering in their collaborative Royal Reserve Collection inspired by the award-winning drama Game of Thrones.

Created to honor Daenerys Targaryen and her motivation to take “what is hers with fire and blood”, Mother of Dragons blends Smoked Porter with Kriek to embody “the smoke and fire that Daenerys has unleashed on her opponents.” This dynamic combination produces “a deep ruby-tinted mahogany” colored brew that offers “aromas of chocolate covered cherries . . . subtle smoke and roasted malt.” This carries over into the flavor profile with “tart cherry up front leading to a center palate of semi-sweet chocolate then resolving to subtle smoke and mild sweetness.” Mother of Dragons comes in at 6.5% ABV and offers a “luxuriously creamy and full” mouthfeel.

“Mother of Dragons represents in beer one of our favorite characters from Game of Thrones. Daenerys’s ascent from obscurity has been one of the most inspiring storylines of the show, and we’re thrilled to release a blend that embodies the character traits that have underpinned that rise,” said Doug Campbell, Brewery Ommegang president.

Mother of Dragons officially enters distribution on September 28 and will be available as long as supplies last. You can expect to find this Limited Release offering available in 750ml bottles and on draft at select beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida, New York and throughout the rest of Brewery Ommegang’s distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Mother of Dragons from Brewery Ommegang

Release – Limited/Game of Thrones Royal Reserve Collection; September 28, 2018
Style – Blend of Smoked Porter & Kriek
ABV – 6.5%
Fun Fact – On this beer series: “The Royal Reserve Collection features four brand new beers in the brewery’s Game of Thrones-inspired series with HBO. All of the beers will be available on draft and in 750ml bottles. The series began in April with Hand of the Queen, a barleywine, and was followed in June by Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, a sour blonde blend. Following the release of Mother of Dragons, the final beer will be announced later this year.”
Suggested Food Pairings – “Pairs well with smoked gouda and charcuterie, braised meats, and rich desserts like flourless chocolate cake and cherry cheese cake”
Availability – 750ml bottles & draft
Beer Finder – http://ommegang.com/blog/beer-finder/