Craft Beer | Mashing In

Full Sail Brewing Co. Adds OPA to Brewmaster Reserve Series

Posted on April 10, 2017 by mashingin

Full Sail Brewing Co. (Hood River, Oregon) has officially released OPA – Oatmeal Pale Ale as the newest installment in the brewery’s Brewmaster Reserve series.

The Brewmaster Reserve, a series that allows Full Sail Brewing’s “brewmasters to put their creativity, innovation and passion into small, limited-release beers”, has now set its sights on warm weather drinking with the release of OPA. Thanks to a good amount of Mosaic and Simcoe hops, this Oatmeal Pale Ale promises to be “high on hop aromatics . . . and packed with tropical fruit aromas.” The malt bill then reinforces these notes with a balancing sweetness level and a silken texture supplied by the oats. At 6.6% ABV and 32 IBUs, OPA is a refreshing offering that can be enjoyed on its own or with a “diverse range of foods.”

“OPA is a brew staff favorite,” says Full Sail Brewing Supervisor Greg Doss. “The vision for this beer was to marry the silky mouthfeel provided by oats with aromas from tropical hop varietals. A healthy portion of oats along with pale and crystal malts create a balanced base which is nicely complemented by Mosaic and Simcoe hops. Modest bitterness and a smooth body make this a very drinkable beer.”

OPA is available now and will be around throughout the month of August. This limited release can be found in 22 oz. bottles and on draft at select craft beer establishments located in Florida, Oregon, and throughout the rest of Full Sail’s distribution network. Be sure to check this one out while you can. Prost!

Vital Information for OPA – Oatmeal Pale Ale from Full Sail Brewing Co.

Release – Limited/Brewmaster Reserve, late-March to August 2017
Style – American Pale Ale
ABV – 6.6%
IBUs – 32
Malts – Pale, Crystal & Oats
Featured Hops – Mosaic & Simcoe
Availability – 22 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://fullsailbrewing.com/where-to-buy/
Suggested Food Pairings – “OPA pairs well with a diverse range of foods. OPA’s hop level, along with the tropical fruit finish, will pair very well with any spicy or curry dish. Its light body and quick finish will pair nicely with light dishes such as grilled whitefish or Caesar salad, but it’s bold enough to stand with a cheeseburger and fries.” Mild cheeses like Bulgarian feta, Swiss, Monterey, and triple crème brie would be a great accompaniment to OPA as well.”

Smuttynose Brewing Launches Heritage Series with Return of S’Muttonator

Posted on April 7, 2017 by mashingin

Smuttynose Brewing Company (Hampton, New Hampshire) recently announced that S’Muttonator Double Bock has returned to be the first limited release in the brewery’s Heritage Series.

Smuttynose Brewing Company has established the Heritage Series so that they may reflect upon and revisit some of their favorite beers from the brewery’s nearly quarter century-long history. Any beer from the past is “fair game”, so this series will be comprised of “old year-round favorites, discontinued seasonals, [and] limited-run Big Beers.” New Heritage Series offerings will be released every quarter.

Since S’Muttonator Double Bock has been a long-standing fan-favorite at Smuttynose, it only makes sense for it to be the first release in the Heritage Series. This offering is a double decocted (more info available below) Doppelbock that displays “the characteristically full malt flavor that can only come from using the best German specialty malts, and a traditional decoction mashing technique.” The brewing process for this offering may be labor intensive, but it pays off by producing “a nutty, toffee flavor with a smooth backbone, a hallmark of double bocks.” Finally, the S’Muttonator name itself pays tribute to brewing tradition by using the “‘-ator’ suffix that’s found on the names of double bock beers around the world.”

“After nearly twenty-five years and hundreds of different brews, we wanted to celebrate some of our favorites,” said Smuttynose Brewing Company founder and President Peter Egelston. “S’Muttonator has been one of our most popular beers for years, so making it the first entry into our Heritage Series was a logical choice.”

S’Muttonator Double Bock is available now and will be hanging around for a limited time. You can find this offering in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at select craft beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida, New Hampshire and throughout the rest of Smuttynose’s distribution footprint. Pick up a four-pack or order a pour of S’Muttonator whenever you happen upon it so that you can revisit a few memories with the folks of Smuttynose Brewing Company by way of the Heritage Series. Prost!

Vital Information for S’Muttonator Double Bock from Smuttynose Brewing Company

Release – Limited/Heritage Series, available beginning March 30, 2017
Style – Doppelbock
ABV – 9.2%
IBUs – 35
Malts – North American 2-Row, Munich 10L, Caramunich, Carahell & Carafa II DH
Hops – Sterling
Yeast – WLP 920 Old Bavarian Lager
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://smuttynose.com/beer-finder/
Fun Fact – “The decoction brewing process is what makes S’Muttonator so unique. Decoction involves removing portions of the grain, heating it separately, and adding it back to the mix.”

Research Shows Latinos are Quite Active in the American Beer Community

Posted on April 7, 2017April 7, 2017 by mashingin

In recognition of National Beer Day (Friday, April 7), the folks at Lopez Negrete Communications compiled some interesting research concerning Hispanic beer consumption in America. As a person who happens to be half German and half Mexican American, I felt this was some interesting information to pass along. Go ahead and check out the infographic below, and be sure to raise a glass at some point today in celebration of National Beer Day. ¡Prost y Salud!

Tasting Notes: Bloody Show from Against the Grain Brewery

Posted on April 6, 2017April 6, 2017 by mashingin

The lager love returns to Tasting Notes this week as we take a look at Bloody Show Lager with Blood Orange from Against the Grain Brewery (Louisville, Kentucky).

Bloody Show – read into that name as much as you wish – was originally brewed in 2012 as a draft-only collaboration beer between Mikkeller (Copenhagen, Denmark) and Against the Grain. Still going strong, this lager is “brewed with German Pilsner and Munich malts, hopped with American Citra, Columbus, Amarillo and Czech Saaz and fermented with Danish lager yeast.” This Bohemian Pilsner is then finished off with “the zest and juice from a shit-ton of blood oranges” to result in “a nice easy drinking lager that exhibits a tart and citrusy aroma and flavor.” Bloody Show recently hit packaging in 2016, and is currently available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans at craft beer establishments found throughout Against the Grain’s distribution area.

Now that we all know the background information on Bloody Show, let’s crack open this can and get to some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Bloody Show Lager with Blood Orange from Against the Grain Brewery

Appearance: Bloody Show pours a bright bronze in color with a good two fingers of white foam. When held to direct light, the body brightens dramatically to display golden yellow and vibrant orange hues. The body is clear and shows off a very active carbonation presence. The head has good retention when you consider the large amount of chunky lacing left on the glass after each sip.

Aroma: The aromatics may be subtle, but there is still plenty to find kicking around in here. Tones of orange zest and juicy, tropical hops are easily recognizable and comprise the majority of the profile. There is also an undercurrent of earthy and floral hop notes. Bready malts do come through at times to lend support with a clean grain presence and a touch of sweetness.

Taste: Ah, here we go. Things really open up and develop in the flavor department. Blood orange juice and zest step forward first to provide a punch of citrus and an incredibly refreshing tart character. This easily transitions into a dynamic hop profile pumping out notes of grapefruit, lemon, apricot, dank herbal tones, earthy grassiness, and just a dash of black pepper. These notes clear out to leave behind just a fantastic, lightly sweet grain character.

Mouthfeel: Light, bordering on medium in body with a crisp carbonation level. This beer skips across the palate to touch the bases of bitter, sweet and tart. The ABV (5.5%) is light and only hints at evidence of its existence. Aftertaste is minimal, but there is a slight amount of blood orange zest and grassy hops left to linger.

Final Thoughts: Bloody Show proves that it is indeed possible to pay respect to a traditional style while still putting your own twist on it. Sure, this lager strays from tradition by being loaded with tart blood orange and juicy American hops, but that does not mean that the experience is devoid of notes characteristic of the Bohemian Pilsner. Once the bright and shiny new ingredients subside, the tried-and-true notes of beautifully clean grain and earthy/spicy noble hops are there to provide a solid, time-tested backbone. All the ingredients play off of each other nicely to raise the established easy-drinking nature expected in a lager with that slight tinge of tartness supplied by the blood orange. This takes the refreshment level to crazy new heights, proving it to be a damn good choice to enjoy after a long day in the Tampa sun. Well done. Nicely executed. Stupid good. Prost!

Funky Buddha Brewery and Jose Cuervo Collaborate on Mexican Coffee Imperial Stout

Posted on April 6, 2017April 26, 2017 by mashingin

Funky Buddha Brewery (Oakland Park, Florida) has announced that they have officially partnered with Jose Cuervo Tequila (Jalisco, Mexico) to create Mexican Coffee Imperial Stout, a limited release collaboration aged in tequila barrels.

The master distillers at Jose Cuervo recently reached out to Funky Buddha with a proposal to age a beer of the brewery’s choice in barrels that once held Tradicional 100% Agave Reposado Tequila. The only catch to this arrangement was that the brewery had to then return to the ale-seasoned barrels to Jose Cuervo so that they could be re-filled with tequila.

Fully on board with the idea, the brewers at Funky Buddha put their heads together and decided to develop a recipe inspired by the cafe Mexicano, a “warm cocktail that combines coffee and cinnamon with a touch of Tequila and usually topped off with sweet cream.” Funky Buddha mimicked the flavors of this coffee-based libation by brewing “a bold Imperial Stout . . . with oats, lactose, and roasted malts.” The beer was then blended with coffee and cinnamon before enjoying an “extended vacation” within the provided tequila barrels.

“The idea to brew a Mexican coffee beer came from the former Miami Dolphins punter, Brandon Fields, as we discussed beers that would be great aged in tequila barrels.”

– Ryan Sentz, Head Brewer and CEO at Funky Buddha Brewery

~~Although the brewery does not yet have an exact release date~~, we can expect Mexican Coffee Imperial Stout – and the ale cask finished tequila – to arrive “just in time for Cinco De Mayo.” ** UPDATE** Mexican Coffee Imperial Stout will release in the Funky Buddha taproom at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 30. There will be some delicious Mexican food specials and extended brewery tour hours for the occasion. Hop on for one of the awesome, educational, and most importantly beer filled tours at Noon, 1, 2, 3, 4 p.m. **UPDATE** When it is ready for release, the Funky Buddha taproom will have Mexican Coffee Imperial Stout available in 22 oz. bottles for the price of $25 each (limit of ~~four~~ three bottles per customer). Shortly after the taproom release, this very limited offering will then enter distribution and be available at select craft beer establishments in Florida. In addition to the bottle release, Funky Buddha will “also be doing some events with Cuervo at cocktail bars around Florida making a special beer cocktail with the Imperial Stout and tequila.” More information concerning Mexican Coffee Imperial Stout, its release date, and any collaborative events between Funky Buddha and Jose Cuervo will be available soon. We will update this post with that information just as soon as we have it, so stay tuned. Prost!

Weyerbacher Brewing Set to Release Finally Legal Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout

Posted on April 5, 2017 by mashingin

Weyerbacher Brewing Company (Easton, Pennsylvania) has announced plans to release Finally Legal Bourbon Barrel-aged Stout as a new Special Release offering on Friday, April 7.

Inspired by the fan-favorite 21st Anniversary beer released in June 2016, Weyerbacher Brewing has created Finally Legal to be a bourbon barrel-aged Stout with cocoa and vanilla. This offering begins with a base recipe consisting of Munich malts, smoked malts, cocoa nibs, cocoa powder and vanilla. This base Stout is then “blended . . . with its bourbon barrel aged counterpart” to result in a 13.5% ABV offering that “has rich chocolate flavor with hints of vanilla and a touch of smoky bacon.”

Finally Legal will officially debut at a Release Event at The Tap Room at Weyerbacher Brewing on Friday, April 7. This limited release will then enter distribution shortly thereafter. You can expect to find Finally Legal in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles at select craft beer establishments in Florida, Pennsylvania and throughout the rest of Weyerbacher’s distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Finally Legal Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout from Weyerbacher Brewing

Release – Limited/Special Release, April 7, 2017
Style – American Imperial Stout
ABV – 13.5%
Featured Malts – Munich & Smoked malts
Additional Ingredients – Cocoa nibs, cocoa powder & vanilla
Treatment – Blended with beer aged in bourbon barrels
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles

Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan Gives New Life to Kristallweizenbock

Posted on April 5, 2017 by mashingin

The Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan (Freising, Germany) recently announced that Kristallweizenbock is currently available in the U.S. as a one-time, limited release.

When you work at Weihenstephan, the world’s oldest brewery, there is a good chance that you are going to run across some amazing pieces of brewing history from time to time. Johannes Weiss, Weihenstephan’s Sales Manager Export, did just that when he discovered a label dating back to the 1950’s while rummaging through the brewery’s “nearly one thousand-year-old archives.” Once he showed the vintage label for Kristallweizenbock to Brewmaster Tobias Zollo, it was an easy decision to breathe new life into this all but forgotten beer.

“I thought, as a brewery world-acclaimed for wheat beer specialties, brewing one wheat beer style that is hardly available is something very special,” explained Weiss. When Weiss discovered the 1950’s Kristallweizenbock label, it sparked an idea. “I suggested using hops with ‘crystal’ names,” said Weiss, “smaragd (emerald) and opal. [These hops] add fruity flavors to the beer and complement the name.”

Although Weihenstephan is well-known for their traditional Weizenbock, Vitus, Kristallweizenbock sets itself apart “as it is filtered and has a stronger focus on hops, without being too ‘hoppy’.” When all is said and done, this 7.5% ABV brew balances “delicately between the distinctive fruity flavors of the ‘crystal’ hops and strong banana notes commonly associated with wheat beers.”

“Kristallweizenbock is a very special beer style,” noted Weiss, “a niche within a niche, but still it fits perfectly to our existing portfolio.”

Kristallweizenbock launches in the U.S. in April, and will be available nationwide for a limited time. You can find this one-time release available in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles at fine beer retailers. If you are at all interested in experiencing a piece of brewing history from one of the world’s most respected breweries, be sure to pick up a sixer of Kristallweizenbock while on your next beer run. Prost!

Vital Information for Kristallweizenbock from The Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan

Release – Limited/One-Time, launching April 2017 in the U.S.
Style – Weizenbock
ABV – 7.5%
Featured Hops – Sapphire, Opal, Emerald & Pearl
Treatment – Filtered to earn the name “Kristall”weizenbock
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles
Fun Fact – ” “This glass (pictured above) is important,” says Weiss, “the shape of the glass helps to present the beer’s flavor notes in the most perfect way.”

New Belgium Brewing to Introduce Fat Tire Belgian White

Posted on April 4, 2017 by mashingin

New Belgium Brewing (Ft. Collins, Colorado) has officially announced plans to expand upon the Fat Tire trademark family by launching Fat Tire Belgian White in August as a Special Release.

For 25 years, Fat Tire Amber Ale has easily been one of the most popular offerings in New Belgium’s portfolio and in American craft beer culture in general. Well, this iconic offering will soon have a sister beer for the first time in its storied history. Fat Tire Belgian White stays “true to New Belgium’s roots” and the style by being a “light-bodied, unfiltered wheat beer, brewed with juicy Seville orange peel and freshly ground coriander.” Seville oranges were carefully selected as a brewing ingredient because they have “a brighter, less cloying sweetness than Valencia oranges that are typically used in Belgian White beers.” This meticulously crafted recipe results in a 5.2% ABV brew that provides “the perfect balance of refreshment and drinkability with just a hint of sweetness.”

“Fat Tire Belgian White captures the spirit and flavor of a truly authentic Belgian White beer,” said New Belgium’s Belgian Brewmaster, Peter Bouckaert. “We are sourcing the Seville orange peel and coriander through Old Town Spice Shop locally here in Fort Collins, so the spices are freshly ground less than a mile from our brewery. This gives the beer a fuller, fresher flavor and aroma resulting in a very drinkable Belgian White beer with just the right amount of complexity.”

Fat Tire Belgian White will be available for a limited time beginning on August 1, 2017. This Special Release offering will be found in 12 oz. bottles, in variety packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer-friendly retailers, restaurants and bars in Alabama, Florida, Colorado and throughout the rest of New Belgium’s distribution network. It goes without saying that New Belgium Brewing would only consider applying the Fat Tire name to a truly special beer, so keep an eye out for Fat Tire Belgian White when it launches later this year. Prost!

Vital Information for Fat Tire Belgian White from New Belgium Brewing

Release – Special Release, launching August 2017
Style – White Wheat Ale
ABV – 5.2%
IBUs – 12
Malts – Pale, White Wheat & Oats
Hops – Nugget & Cascade
Yeast – American Wheat Ale Yeast
Added Ingredients – Grains of Paradise, Fresh Ground Seville Orange Peel & Fresh Ground Indian Coriander
Availability – 12 oz. bottles, 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.newbelgium.com/beer/finder

Avery Brewing Launches Coconut Porter as Latest Botanicals & Barrels Offering

Posted on April 4, 2017 by mashingin

Avery Brewing Company (Boulder, Colorado) has announced that Coconut Porter will officially release on April 7 as the fifth installment in the brewery’s Botanicals & Barrels series.

Originally slated for release in early 2016, Coconut Porter was held back a bit because the folks at Avery Brewing wanted to ensure that this beer was absolutely perfect before it made it to shelves. That yearlong delay was spent “making small tweaks, specifically regarding the way the coconut is infused into the beer.” They now believe Coconut Porter is where it should be and that it is finally ready to be the newest addition to their Botanicals & Barrels series, a lineup of beers that “have all been aged in oak barrels for at least three months and have the addition of one ‘botanical’ ingredient outside the standard malted barley, hop, yeast, and water recipe.” Coconut Porter now joins Raspberry Sour, Vanilla Bean Stout, Tangerine Quadruple Ale, and Apricot Sour in this series.

Just as the name implies, Coconut Porter is an Imperial Porter (10.4 % ABV) that has been loaded with real coconut flakes roasted by “Spice of Life Catering Services in Boulder, Colorado, to ensure consistency and quality.” The beer was then aged in Bourbon barrels to lend vanilla and oak tones that “complement the chocolaty and sumptuous nature of this delectable Porter.”

“Infusing coconut flavor into beer is very challenging at a production level,” says Andy Parker, Chief Barrel Herder at Avery. “We had great success with coconut porters in the past, such as Momi Hiwa and Dui Cochi, but we recently found a way to better dial in the amount of coconut flavor so it is consistent batch over batch. Our goal is to let all elements of the beer shine. There is substantial coconut flavor, but you don’t lose any of the richness of the porter or the bourbon oak characters from the barrels. It’s a fantastically balanced beer that we now can produce all year long.”

Avery Brewing Company will host an official bottle release event for Coconut Porter on April 7, and the beer will then hit distribution in the weeks that follow. You can expect to find this offering available in 22 oz. bottles and on draft at craft beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Colorado and throughout the rest of Avery Brewing’s expansive distribution area. There is a good amount of hype and anticipation surrounding the long-awaited release of Coconut Porter, so be sure to check this one out once it hits shelves and taps in your area later this month. Prost!

Vital Information for Coconut Porter from Avery Brewing Company

Release – Year-Round/Botanicals & Barrels, launches April 7, 2017
Style – American Imperial Porter
ABV – 10.4%
Malts – Wheat, Munich, C-120, 2-Row, Chocolate, Black, & CaraAroma
Hops – Bravo
Yeast – London Ale
Added Ingredients – Coconut
Treatment – Aged for at least three months in Bourbon barrels
Availability – 22 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.averybrewing.com/brew-finder

Orlando Whiskey Festival Returns in May

Posted on April 3, 2017 by mashingin

On Saturday, May 13 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Whiskey & Bizz Events will host their 3rd Annual Orlando Whiskey Festival at Mercedes Benz of Orlando in Maitland (810 N Orlando Ave, Maitland, Florida).

Established as “the first ever Whiskey Festival to hit Central Florida,” the Orlando Whiskey Festival will officially return on May 13 for its third installment. With a pour list boasting nearly 100 brands spanning from fine single malts to flavored whiskies, this event promises to provide guests with a top tier, educational whiskey experience that also allows them to interact with industry professionals. In addition to the abundance of amazing whiskies, this event will also feature “gourmet menu selections . . . from some of Orlando’s most popular restaurant groups”, craft beer from Hourglass Brewery, wine, live entertainment, and all net proceeds will benefit the amazing cause of The Lovely Project. There is a lot to cover when it comes to the 3rd Annual Orlando Whiskey Festival, so let’s break it all down:

The Basics

What – 3rd Annual Orlando Whiskey Festival
When – 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 13
Where – Mercedes Benz of Orlando in Maitland (810 N Orlando Ave, Maitland, Florida)

The Whiskey

This event will feature a pour list of 92 whiskeys. This will include such distilleries as Angel’s Envy, The Balvenie, Basil Hayden’s, Four Roses Bourbon, Heaven Hill Distillery, Highland Park, Jack Daniel’s, Laphroaig Distillery, Suntory Whisky, Willett Distillery, Woodford Reserve, and many more. To check out the full list of featured whiskeys, click here.

The Food & Entertainment

“Menu sampling from some of Orlando’s most popular restaurant groups” will be available during the event. Participating eateries include the following:

The event will also feature live musical entertainment provided by Mo’mo-Browne.

The Charity

All net proceeds from the Orlando Whiskey Festival will benefit The Lovely Project, “a Non-Profit Organization, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, that exists to empower girls by providing them with tools, education and peer-mentorship for living a purposeful, productive life.” The Lovely Project’s Mission Statement is as follows:

“Our mission is for every young girl to grow into a woman who will create positive impact on the world around them. The girls we reach in our community have the opportunity to cultivate healthy friendships in a safe, fun environment while being encouraged and mentored. Our vision is for every girl to know that she is Lovely.”

Ticket Information

Tickets to the Orlando Whiskey Festival are available for purchase now (click here to purchase), and tickets will be available online until May 12 (while supplies last). Tickets are available in the following tiers:

General Admission: $95 plus fees – Ticket includes entrance into the festival at 7 p.m., a branded Glencairn official whiskey tasting glass, unlimited tasting of nearly 100 different brands of whiskey, menu sampling from some of Orlando’s most popular restaurant groups, access to an outdoor cigar lounge featuring Drew Estates Cigars, live entertainment from Mo’mo Browne, specialty cocktails prepared by selected whiskey brands, and craft beer from Hourglass Brewery
VIP Early Access: $145 plus fees – Ticket includes entrance into the festival one hour early at 6 p.m., a branded Glencairn official whiskey tasting glass, unlimited tasting of nearly 100 different brands of whiskey, menu sampling from some of Orlando’s most popular restaurant groups, access to an outdoor cigar lounge featuring Drew Estates Cigars, live entertainment from Mo’mo Browne, specialty cocktails prepared by selected whiskey brands, and craft beer from Hourglass Brewery

(**NOTE** There is a third ticket option available for purchase on the Eventbrite link provided above. The “Ultimate Whiskey Dinner Experience” is a separate event scheduled for Friday, May 12 at DoveCote Brasserie. If you purchase that ticket, it only grants you access to the three-course dinner. It DOES NOT grant you admission into the Orlando Whiskey Festival. **NOTE**)

If you happen to be in the Orlando area and free on May 13, you may want to consider checking out the Orlando Whiskey Festival. Not only will you be treated to an incredible evening filled with the finest whiskies, but you will be able to enjoy it all while supporting the very worthy cause of The Lovely Project. How can you go wrong with that? Prost!