Beer | Mashing In

Harpoon Brewery Adds Lime-y Vice Gose to Summer Lineup

Posted on May 11, 2018May 11, 2018 by mashingin

Harpoon Brewery (Boston, Massachusetts) has officially released Lime-y Vice Gose as its newest summer seasonal offering.

Developed to be a Miami-inspired version of the style, Lime-y Vice is a Gose that boasts “an intriguing mix of tart lime, spicy coriander, and sea salt.” This combination offers a drinking experience that is “tart and lime-y up front, with a delicately salty, slightly spiced crisp finish.” Clocking in at an easy-drinking 4.7% ABV, the refreshing Lime-y Vice “is the perfect beer for every summer celebration.”

“A first for us here at Harpoon Brewery, this gose-style beer is packed with summery lime flavor that we think our fans will love,” said Al Marzi, Chief Brewing Officer for Harpoon Brewery. “As someone who can only dream of living the Miami life, sipping Lime-y Vice easily transports me to my imaginary harborside yacht.”

Lime-y Vice is rolling out now and will be available throughout the summer in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, in the brewery’s Summer Vacation mixed 12-pack of 12 oz. bottles, and on draft. You can expect to find this new Seasonal at craft beer-focused retailers, bars and restaurants located in Alabama, Florida, Massachusetts, Vermont and throughout the rest of Harpoon’s distribution footprint. Prost!

Vital Information for Lime-y Vice from Harpoon Brewery

Release – Seasonal (summer), launching May 2018
Style – Gose
ABV – 4.7%
IBUs – 6
Added Ingredients – Lime, coriander & sea salt
Fun Fact – On Lime-y Vice’s recipe development: “Harpoon’s brewers experimented with 8 or so iterations of a lime gose before achieving the perfect balance of flavors and settling on the final recipe for Lime-y Vice.”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, in the Summer Vacation mixed 12-pack of 12 oz. bottles, and on draft
Beer Finder – https://www.harpoonbrewery.com/beer-finder

Brewery Ommegang Plans to Launch Saison Rosé This Summer

Posted on May 11, 2018 by mashingin

Brewery Ommegang (Cooperstown, New York) has officially announced that it too is getting on the rosé train this summer with the Limited Release of Saison Rosé.

To create their own riff on a rosé-inspired beer, the folks at Ommegang begin by taking a “delicate” saison brewed with hibiscus flowers and send it “to stainless steel fermenters for a co-fermentation with chardonnay grape juice.” While that magic is happening, a second, “heartier version of the saison base” is lying in wait in oak barrels so that it can “develop subtle tannic notes.” The two Saisons are then “masterfully” blended to result in a pale red Saison Rosé (7.7% ABV) that offers “aromas of grapefruit and red berries . . . followed by a hint of oak” and “flavors of sweet berries and lightly-tart citrus [that resolve] to subtle oak tannins and spicy Belgian yeast.”

“At Ommegang, we’ve been blending beers for many years, starting with Three Philosophers in 2002. This is an area where we’ve been spending a lot of time experimenting lately, and I’m particularly excited about this release, just in time for the summer,” says brewmaster Phil Leinhart.

Saison Rosé is scheduled to release in June and has plans to hang around through the summer months. You can expect to find this Limited Release available in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at select craft beer establishments located in Florida, New York and throughout the rest of Brewery Ommegang’s distribution network. Prost!

Vital Information for Saison Rosé from Brewery Ommegang

Release – Limited/Seasonal (summer), launching June 2018
Style – Saison
ABV – 7.7%
Treatment – “A blend of saisons, one aged on oak, the other brewed with hibiscus flowers and co-fermented with chardonnay grape juice”
Suggested Food Pairings – “Saison Rosé will pair beautifully with creamy cheeses like Brie and fontina; light seafood such as scallops, seabass, and halibut; and fruit-based desserts like blueberry tarts or sorbet.”
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Distribution – AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VA, VI, VT, WI, and Washington D.C.
Beer Finder – http://ommegang.com/blog/beer-finder/

Hidden Springs Ale Works to Release Six Offerings at The Mega Drop Two

Posted on May 10, 2018May 10, 2018 by mashingin

At 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, Hidden Springs Ale Works (Tampa, Florida) will be going big once again by holding a massive can release that they are aptly calling The Mega Drop Two.

A lot of things were learned during this year’s Tampa Bay Beer Week, but a positive to come out of the insanity is that we all now know that Hidden Springs Ale Works does not screw around when it comes to can releases. The Mega Drop approach employed by the brewery that week proved to be convenient and user-friendly for all in attendance, and it is not at all surprising that it will return this weekend for Round 2.

The Mega Drop Two will consist of six Limited Release beers that will all have availability in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans. There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to this release, so let’s just go ahead and break it all down.

The Basics

What – The Mega Drop Two
When – 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 12
Where – Hidden Springs Ale Works | 1631 N. Franklin St. | Tampa, Florida

The Beers

Axl Rosé – Rosé-inspired Berliner Weisse
Deja Moo – Milk Stout with Smoked Chipotle Peppers & Cocoa Nibs
Drone Thugs ‘N Harmony – Passionfruit & Hibiscus Berliner Weisse
Estevey – Papaya, Lime & Vanilla Berliner Weisse
Man Child – Peanut Butter & Jelly Berliner Weisse
Zero Fucks Given (ZFG) – Zero IBU Pale Ale

Pricing & Limits

In order to speed up the purchase process, attendees who wish to purchase cans will have to purchase tokens for $15 each. One (1) token is good for one (1) 4-pack of cans. Tokens will be available for purchase in the back of the brewhouse during the event.

Limits for Deja Moo, Drone Thugs ‘N Harmony and Zero Fucks Given will be one case per person per brand. Limits for Axl Rosé, Estevey and Man Child will be based on turnout and established at the time of the release.

Other Info

Parking – You can park in the lot directly across the street from the brewery. Parking is also available on Franklin & Henderson just beyond Tampa St.
The brewery asks that you please be cool to their neighbors
While in line, hug the wall on Henderson to the right of the door (heading towards Florida). This will keep the line from disturbing normal daily activity in the area.

Alright, that should just about cover all the information currently available on The Mega Drop Two. If any changes or other details surface before the event, we will be sure to update you with that information here. Otherwise, if you head out to Hidden Springs for The Mega Drop Two on Saturday, just remember to be respectful and have a good time. Prost!

Perrin Brewing & Cigar City Brewing Collaborate on North-South IPA

Posted on May 9, 2018 by mashingin

On Thursday, May 17, Perrin Brewing Company (Comstock Park, Michigan) will officially begin the limited release of North-South IPA, a special collaboration brew with Cigar City Brewing (Tampa, Florida).

Created in recognition of Cigar City Brewing’s distribution launch in Michigan, North-South IPA was brewed by John Stewart of Perrin Brewing and Wayne Wambles of Cigar City Brewing – both Head Brewers of their respective breweries – to be “an innovative style of a New England IPA.” With the use of Denali, Enigma, Galaxy and Citra hops, these two brewers were able to produce an offering that “takes all the aroma and hop flavor of a New England IPA to create a more stable flavored beer.” This all results in a 7.1% ABV North-South IPA that is absolutely “packed with delicious tropical and juicy hop aromatics.”

“The beer is an innovative New England Style IPA approach with less protein haze. The overall focus of the beer is to generate a tropical characteristic from the combination of hops while also taking advantage of biotransformation by dry hopping during active fermentation.” – Wayne Wambles, Cigar City Brewing

“This beer is a unique way of making a New England Style IPA that is more stable. Taking all the positives of a NEIPA and avoiding a majority of the negatives including the instability of shelf life.” – John Stewart, Perrin Brewing

North-South IPA will debut in the Pub at Perrin Brewing on May 17 and is scheduled to enter distribution the following week. You can expect to find this Limited Release available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer establishments in the Michigan market only. Prost!

Vital Information for North-South IPA from Perrin Brewing Co. & Cigar City Brewing

Release – Limited; May 17, 2018
Style – New England IPA
ABV – 7.1%
Featured Hops – Denali, Enigma, Galaxy & Citra
Fun Fact – On the relationship between Perrin Brewing Co. & Cigar City Brewing: “For the past two years, Perrin Brewing and Cigar City Brewing have partnered under the CANarchy collective to share brewing experiences, techniques, and specialty ingredients.”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Michigan only
Beer Finder – http://www.perrinbrewing.com/beer-finder-2/

Weyerbacher Brewing Set for Special Release of Daywrecker Extra American Ale

Posted on May 9, 2018May 9, 2018 by mashingin

Weyerbacher Brewing Company (Easton, Pennsylvania) has announced that it will officially begin the limited release of Daywrecker Extra American Ale on Friday, May 11.

Arriving as the newest offering from Weyerbacher’s Special Release portfolio, Daywrecker is an “Extra American Ale” that sees late additions of Citra and Wakatu hops. This approach “gives the beer a distinct brightness with . . . citrusy, floral notes while not overwhelming, rather beautifully balancing the malt sweetness.” Weighing in at 10% ABV, this “heavy hitter” certainly has the size and ability to live up to its name.

Daywrecker will debut in The Tap Room at Weyerbacher on May 11 and enter distribution shortly thereafter. You can expect to find this Special Release available in 16 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer establishments located in Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania and throughout the rest of the brewery’s distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Daywrecker Extra American Ale from Weyerbacher Brewing Company

Release – Limited/Special Release, May 2018
Style – American Golden Ale/Extra Pale Ale
ABV – 10%
Featured Hops – Citra & Wakatu
Availability – 16 oz. cans & draft

Avery Brewing Company Reveals New Look Packaging Artwork

Posted on May 8, 2018 by mashingin

Avery Brewing Company (Boulder, Colorado) has officially announced that it has partnered with nationally recognized artist Neil Shigley to redesign its packaging artwork.

To do something special to celebrate the brewery’s 25th anniversary in 2018, the folks at Avery Brewing Company decided to seize the “opportunity to refresh its package designs to match the quality of the liquid art inside.” They initiated a search for someone that could produce new artwork that tells “a cohesive and straight-forward brand story, which is all about beer”, and they found that in Neil Shigley, a San Diego based artist. Shigley was able to provide Avery with “one-of-a-kind artwork that was modern and fresh, but still honored the heritage that past designs have left on the community and fans.”

“Our goal was to stay true to the artistry that each beer represents while also building a beacon of light in a sea of choices,” says Avery Brewing Co. Founder and CEO, Adam Avery. “We are driven to create inspiring beer experiences and the new artwork reflects the focus of our craft.”

“A project like this is rare,” says Shigley. “Great people, cool art direction, and a focus on great beer! I told Adam I would have done this project for free. They brought me to the brewery early on and I was blown away by how everyone was so passionate about the beer they were making, starting with the top, Adam. I’m lucky to be part of this great family.”

The new artwork will steadily roll out over 2018 and into 2019, and the changes will officially kick off in early June with Avery Brewing’s flagship beer, White Rascal Belgian-Style White Ale. Although the packaging may look different on shelves, you can “expect . . . the beer to remain the high quality and consistent liquid that fans have grown to love for over 25 years.” Prost!

Full Sail Brewing Co. Introduces Summa’ Time Lime Lager

Posted on May 8, 2018 by mashingin

Full Sail Brewing Co. (Hood River, Oregon) has officially announced that Summa’ Time Lime Lager is rolling out now to act as the brewery’s new summer Seasonal.

Arriving as the latest offering to come out of Full Sail’s Pub Series, Summa’ Time Lime Lager is a “thirst-quenching, fresh and zesty, easy-drinking lager” that sees “Celeia and Northern Brewer hops, pilsner malt and flaked yellow corn, and a hint of lime work seamlessly together.” Weighing in at a super light 4.5% ABV and 15 IBUs, Summa’ Time Lime Lager is here to bring “that on-the-beach attitude to you wherever your summer finds you.”

“I’m super happy with how this beer turned out,” says Full Sail Brewmaster Greg Doss. “We designed Summa’ Time Lime around the idea of adding a slice of lime to my favorite summer lager and the result is a light, refreshing, crushable lager with a hint of lime for enjoying at the beach or on the river.”

Summa’ Time Lime Lager is out now and has plans to stick around through August. You can expect to find this new Seasonal offering available in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at craft beer-friendly retailers, bars and restaurants located in Florida, Oregon and throughout the rest of Full Sail’s distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Summa’ Time Lime Lager from Full Sail Brewing Co.

Release – Seasonal/Pub Series, May – August 2018
Style – American Lager
ABV – 4.5%
IBUs – 15
Malts – Pilsner Malt & Flaked Yellow Corn
Hops – Celeia & Northern Brewer
Added Ingredients – Lime
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, draft, and in the Trophy Case mixed 12-pack of 12 oz. bottles
Beer Finder – https://fullsailbrewing.com/where-to-buy/

Tasting Notes: Stone Scorpion Bowl IPA from Stone Brewing

Posted on May 7, 2018 by mashingin

For this week’s installment of Tasting Notes, we track down some tropical fruit refreshment in a tall pour of Scorpion Bowl IPA from Stone Brewing (Escondido, California).

Released as the newest Year-Round offering to join the brewery’s respected lineup of IPAs, Stone Scorpion Bowl IPA is Stone Brewing’s take on those trendy, fruit-forward beers that are so popular right now but “with absolutely no addition of fruit.” Relying solely on Mosaic, Loral and Mandarina Bavaria hops, Stone Scorpion Bowl IPA (7.5% ABV, 76 IBUs) offers a tiki-like experience that possesses “hints of passion fruit, pineapple, tangerine, guava and mango . . . as well as strawberry, blueberry and subtle herbal notes.”

Stone Scorpion Bowl IPA is out now and available in 22 oz. bottles and on draft. You can expect to find this new Year-Round at craft beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida, California, Virginia, and throughout the rest of Stone Brewing’s nationwide distribution area.

With all that background information now out of the way, let’s stretch the weekend out into this Monday and get into some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Stone Scorpion Bowl IPA from Stone Brewing

Appearance: This IPA pours a deep golden in color and is capped with almost two fingers of chunky, white foam. Held to direct light, its appearance brightens and radiates with light orange and brilliant yellow hues. The beer is impeccably clear and alive with a steady carbonation presence. Head retention is decent, but the foam does end up reducing down to a thin ring that draws intricate lines of lace across the glass.

Aroma: Tropical notes abound as mango, cantaloupe, papaya, guava, and pineapple are all eager to greet the nose. In addition to those fruity tones, the hops also offer a subtle musty and earthy quality that hangs out in the background. This dynamic hop character dominates the profile, but there is just a hint of lightly sweet, bready malt that works its way in to lend some support.

Taste: Just like the nose, this brew’s flavor is all about that tropical hop goodness. It starts with a sweet tangerine/orange character (almost candied orange at times) that opens up to welcome notes of pineapple, passionfruit and mango. Mixed berries then surface and bring with them some subtle floral and herbal tones. The malts supply some nondescript but balancing sweetness, but this beer is pretty much just straight hoppy fruit punch.

Mouthfeel: On the light side of medium in body with a lighter carbonation, this beer comes across as smooth and slightly creamy. Although it is more on the hoppy than bitter side, this IPA is still allowed to retain some West Coast bite that lingers a bit in the finish. The ABV is well hidden and does not influence the experience really at all. The aftertaste is a satisfying mix of various tropical fruits.

Final Thoughts: From the first sip to the last drop of this bomber, Stone Scorpion Bowl IPA definitely lives up to its name by conjuring up memories of tiki-themed, fruity drink-fueled good times. The amount of fruit flavor that Stone Brewing coaxed out of these hops is absolutely staggering and impressive. With that said, it was refreshing to see that the brewers did buck the low IBU trend by keeping this IPA both hoppy and bitter. This results in a ridiculously enjoyable combination of fruitiness and hoppiness that is innovative, playful and in your face. In other words, it’s everything that an IPA from Stone Brewing should be. Prost!

Monday Night Brewing Adds Rucksack Hefeweizen to Seasonal Lineup

Posted on May 7, 2018 by mashingin

Monday Night Brewing (Atlanta, Georgia) has officially released Rucksack Hefeweizen as its newest summer Seasonal.

Meant to serve as “a well-earned respite after a long day on the trail or in the hammock”, Rucksack is hazy and unfiltered traditional Hefeweizen – a.k.a. German-style Wheat Beer – that brewed with bready Wheat malt “that screams citrus fruit when combined with Mandarina Bavaria hops.” To take the refreshment level up another notch, the brewers at Monday Night then “[steeped] this beer with orange peel post-fermentation . . . [to accentuate] this fruitiness.” Rucksack weighs in at an easy-drinking 4.9% ABV.

Rucksack is available now and will be hanging around throughout the early months of summer. You can expect to find this new Seasonal available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer establishments located within Monday Night’s distribution area in Alabama and Georgia. Prost!

Vital Information for Rucksack from Monday Night Brewing

Release – Seasonal, May through early summer 2018
Style – Hefeweizen
ABV – 4.9%
Malts – Wheat
Hops – Mandarina Bavaria
Added Ingredients – Orange peel
Suggested Food Pairings – “Pair Rucksack with roast pork, fried chicken and even lobster rolls.”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Georgia & Alabama

Iron Hill Brewery Opens 13th Location in Greenville, South Carolina

Posted on May 4, 2018May 4, 2018 by mashingin

Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant (Wilmington, Delaware) has officially announced that it has expanded its reach once again by opening its newest location in Greenville, South Carolina.

Established as the latest step forward in the company’s aggressive ‘20 by ‘20’ initiative, Iron Hill Brewery’s Greenville, South Carolina location – located at 741 Haywood Road in the Haywood Mall area – “marks the first location in a new market for the group” and its 13th location overall. Housed within a 7,500 sq. ft facility designed by Boulder-based Bray Architecture, the Greenville brewery and restaurant “has a seating capacity of 250, which includes an on-site brewery, cocktail area, and an outdoor patio.”

The on-site brewery – set to “produce between 800 to 900 barrels of their award-wining craft beer annually” – will offer “the same craft beer freshness with the new Upstate Kolsch, an homage to the brand’s 13^th location, and favorites such as the award-winning signature Vienna Red^™ Lager, Iron Hill Light Lager and White Iron^® Wit, as well as deliciously wholesome fare including the Brewski Burger ($13.50), Gold Medal Baby Back Ribs ($17.00/$25.00), Char-Grilled Ribeye Steak ($29.00), Baked Chesapeake-Style Crab Cakes ($27.00) and Pan Roasted Organic Chicken ($21.00).”

The Greenville, South Carolina location of Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant is open now. Operating hours are Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Prost!