RODENBACH Plans to Release Fruitage as First Canned Offering

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fruitage-canBrouwerij RODENBACH (Roeselare, Belgium) recently announced that it will soon release RODENBACH Fruitage as the brewery’s first canned beer available in the United States.

After testing this beer on draft in select U.S. markets during the latter portion of 2016, Brouwerij RODENBACH has made the easy decision to expand availability of RODENBACH Fruitage after the offering received “rave reviews from consumers and beer professionals alike.” Developed to be a fruit-infused, low ABV Flanders-style Red Ale, Fruitage is “an instant classic – comprised of 25% authentically aged RODENBACH (2-year matured beer from oak standing Foeders) blended with 75% young RODENBACH ale, with added fruit of cherries and elderberries.”

“This is an exciting new innovation in our legendary portfolio of beers, and we’re thrilled to offer this product in the United States,” said Rudi Ghequire, master brewer of RODENBACH brewery. “RODENBACH Fruitage is a light and refreshing beverage that is full of flavor, perfectly balanced and compliments a variety of foods and occasions.”

Cans of RODENBACH Fruitage will officially begin shipping out in April so that is on shelves by late May.  Once launched, this offering will be available in 4-packs of 8.5 oz. cans for the incredibly reasonable suggested retail price of $6.99 each.  You can expect to find Fruitage at fine beer establishments in Alabama, Florida and any other region of the United States where RODENBACH beers are normally found.  If you are a fan of Sour/Wild Ales at all, you are already aware that RODENBACH produces nothing but quality brews.  Factor in the price and it goes without saying that you will soon need to dedicate some real estate in the beer fridge to a 4-pack or two of Fruitage.  Give this new offering a try on draft when it taps in the spring, and be on the lookout for cans when they release later this year.  Prost!

Vital Information for RODENBACH Fruitage from Brouwerij RODENBACH

Release – Year-Round, widely available on draft in spring 2017 and cans arrive in late-May 2017
Style – Flanders-style Red Ale
ABV – 4.2%
Added Ingredients – Cherries & elderberries 
Availability – 4-packs of 8.5 oz. cans for the suggested retail price of $6.99

Tasting Notes: Southern Sixer IPA from Highland Brewing Company

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hbcsouthern6erTo feed the hop fiend within, we close out the week by taking some Tasting Notes on Southern Sixer IPA from Highland Brewing Company (Asheville, North Carolina).

Recently released as the brewery’s newest Seasonal offering, Highland Brewing Company developed Southern Sixer IPA to be a West Coast-style India Pale Ale that pays homage to the Southern Sixers – “a group of Southern Appalachian mountains over 6,000 feet in elevation.”  In keeping with this theme of six, this 6% ABV, 60 IBU offering features six hop varietals – Ekuanot™, Mosaic, Columbus, Cascade, Chinook and Simcoe – to result in a golden IPA that “finishes bitter and crisp with a lingering, dank hop presence.”  Southern Sixer IPA is currently available in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at craft beer-friendly bars, restaurants and retailers found in Alabama, Florida and throughout the rest of the Highland Brewing distribution footprint.

Now that we are caught up on the particulars, let’s grab a pen and a glass so that we can jot down some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Southern Sixer IPA from Highland Brewing Company

Appearance: Southern Sixer pours an orange-tinted, rich golden in color.  When exposed to direct light, the golden yellows glow with intensity and that deep orange tone holds in the center of the glass.  The body is impeccably clear and displays a steady carbonation streaking up to feed the two fingers of snow white foam built off of the pour.  The head retention is quite good and keeps over a finger of a top cap throughout the experience.  The foam has good stick to it and lays down ample chunks of lace after each pull.

Aroma: As soon as the beer begins to flow from the bottle, the hops hit the nose with a flourish. Massive amounts of juicy citrus, grass and pine arrive first.  The beer then opens further to release a tropical melon-like quality that is supported by a touch of sweet grain.  Fresh and quite juicy, but not overly dank or aggressive.

Taste: Pine emerges initially to call the taste buds to attention with some resiny bite.  The hop profile then gradually expands to expose notes of tangerine, orange, papaya, berries, sweet bell peppers, and freshly cut grass.  The malts are light but balance nicely with a countering, honey-like sweetness.  Balance is certainly on point with this one.

Mouthfeel: This IPA is on the lighter side of medium in body and has a carbonation presence that is bright and snappy.  It mostly shows a hoppy bite on the palate, but still leaves a soft touch of sweetness.  Frankly, I cannot believe that this beer is 6% ABV because it drinks more like a sub-4% Session IPA.  Wonderfully crisp, this beer is ridiculously easy drinking and refreshing.  The aftertaste is minimal, but some orange zest and pine hangs back to linger a bit.

Final Thoughts: I have said it before and I will say it again – Highland Brewing Company has been absolutely killing it lately when it comes to their recent string of IPA releases.  Southern Sixer IPA is further proof of this.  As should be the case with any West Coast-inspired IPA, the hops are without a doubt the star in Southern Sixer IPA.  That said, one of the beer’s achievements is that the brewery has pulled off a pleasurable, hop-laden experience that avoids stripping the palate with an overly harsh bitterness.  The malt presence has been expertly tuned to lend the needed level of balance while not taking anything away from the hop flavor.  As impressive as that may be, the true highlight here is the mouthfeel.  Ridiculously crisp and light on the palate, Southern Sixer IPA has the perfect weight to achieve a level of drinkability that will have you three pours deep before you know it.  It has everything you could possibly look for in an IPA experience: big hop flavors and aromatics in a package that is dangerously easy-drinking.  If you are hophead, you need to get you some Southern Sixer IPA before its Seasonal run comes to an end.  Prost!

Funky Buddha Brewery’s Last Snow in the Forecast for Late February

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lastsnow22ozbottlenew-1Funky Buddha Brewery (Oakland Park, Florida) has officially announced that Last Snow Coconut & Coffee Porter is expected to make its biannual return beginning on Sunday, February 19.

If you happened to read my Tasting Notes on the September release of Last Snow Coconut & Coffee Porter and have been eager to give it a try, your next opportunity is fast approaching as Funky Buddha Brewery prepares to release it once again later this month.  Brewed as a Little Buddha Small Batch release that acts as “an ode to that special time in Florida where the needle dips just south of 75,” Last Snow is a 6.4% ABV American Porter “layered with coconut and freshly-roasted coffee for a taste that recalls a winter wonderland.”

Last Snow Coconut & Coffee Porter will officially release in 22 oz. bottles and on draft in the Funky Buddha taproom on Sunday, February 19.  Shortly after the taproom release, this limited offering will then be distributed to select craft beer establishments throughout the state of Florida.

To add a little variety to your Last Snow experience this time around, Funky Buddha plans to also release two barrel-aged variants of this fan-favorite brew.  Bourbon Barrel-aged Last Snow and Rum Barrel-aged Last Snow will hit the brewery taproom and limited distribution in early March.  Stay tuned for more information on these two.

With each release, Last Snow Coconut & Coffee Porter is guaranteed to disappear from shelves and taps with a quickness.  Be sure to touch base with the folks at your favorite bar/bottle shop, follow their social media accounts for release updates, and just stay vigilant so that you do not miss your chance to lock down a bottle or pour of this delicious Porter when it hits later this month.  Prost!

Vital Information for Last Snow Coconut & Coffee Porter from Funky Buddha Brewery

Release – Limited/Little Buddha Small Batch Series, released biannually in February & September. Next release scheduled to begin on Sunday, February 19
Style – American Porter
ABV – 6.4%
IBUs – 35
Added Ingredients – Coconut & freshly roasted-coffee
Availability – 22 oz. bottles & draft
Suggested Food Pairings – Red Thai coconut curry, stilton cheese, Roquefort, porter-braised beef, fresh Gulf oysters, Texas-style smoked brisket, Kansas City strip-steak with broiled asparagus, corned beef & cabbage with bacon, tres leches cake, black forest cake with coconut ice cream

Rogue Ales Dedicates February to the Stout

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roguevalentines_editedRogue Ales (Newport, Oregon) has officially launched their “Shout Out to Stouts” campaign, a month-long celebration of the Stout beer style.

Since February prominently features Valentine’s Day at its center, it is highly likely that we will find ourselves seeking out decadent, pleasurable indulgences at some point this month.  This being the case, nothing embodies indulgence more in the world of craft beer than the endless satisfaction found in a rich, luscious Stout.  No one knows this more than the folks at Rogue Ales, and they have seized this moment to give a Shout Out to Stouts.  To properly execute this tribute, Rogue will be featuring these three beloved Stouts all month long:

  • Chocolate Stout – Ebony in color with a rich creamy head. An earthy flavor of oats and hops that gives way to a rich chocolate truffle finish.
    ABV – 5.8%
    IBUs – 69
    Ingredients – 2-Row, C120, Chocolate & Rogue Farms Dare™ and Risk™ Malts; Rogue Farms Rebel™ Hops; Rolled Oats, Roasted Barley, Chocolate; Free Range Coastal Water & Pacman Yeast
    Availability – 22 0z. bottles & draft
  • Double Chocolate Stout –  an evolution of Rogue Chocolate Stout, which is flavored with imported Dutch bittersweet chocolate. The winner of three World Beer Championships Gold Medals.
    ABV – 8.7%
    IBUs – 68
    Ingredients – 2-Row, C120, Chocolate & Rogue Farms Dare™ & Risk™ Malts; Rogue Farms Rebel™ Hops; Rolled Oats, Roasted Barley, Honey, Chocolate, Free Range Coastal Water & Pacman Yeast
    Availability –  750ml bottles & draft
  • Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout – Ebony in color with a rich creamy head, earthy flavor and a mellow, chocolate finish.
    ABV – 5.8%
    IBUs – 60
    Ingredients – 2-Row, C120, Chocolate and Rogue Farms Dare™ & Risk™ Malts; Rogue Farms Rebel Hops; Rolled Oats, Roasted Barley, Free Range Coastal Water & Pacman Yeast
    Availability – 22 oz. bottles, 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft

All of the Stouts mentioned above are widely available now at craft beer establishments located in Alabama, Florida and throughout the rest of Rogue’s vast distribution area.  If you find yourself enjoying a tasty Stout from Rogue Ales during the month of February, the brewery suggests that you document your experience on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #ShoutOutToStouts for a chance “to win Rogueish stuff.”  Drink awesome Stouts and possibly win some cool schwag in the process?  You certainly cannot go wrong with that combo. Join Rogue Ales and get your Stout on, folks. Prost!

 

 

Heavy Seas Beer to Introduce Us to The Alpha Effect

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unnamedHeavy Seas Beer (Baltimore, Maryland) has officially announced that The Alpha Effect Hazy IPA will soon arrive as the brewery’s newest Limited Release.

To get 2017 started in impressive fashion, Heavy Seas Beer has developed The Alpha Effect to be “a hazy and dank IPA thundering with juicy hop aroma and flavor.”  Sporting “enough malt to balance the ridiculous amount of hops,” this 7% ABV India Pale Ale promises to be “hazy, but never muddy.”  It would be impossible to describe The Alpha Effect better than the man that brewed it, so let’s check out what he has to say on this new offering:

“Any time we start to plan a new beer, I get excited,” says Heavy Seas Brewmaster, Christopher Leonard. “With our newest limited release The Alpha Effect (TAE), we’ve designed an all new IPA from the ground up which has gotten EVERYONE in the brewery excited. After extensive research (tastings!) we decided to hop TAE predominantly with Columbus hops. We do not use Columbus hops in any of our other beers, so TAE will certainly provide a unique flavor profile within our portfolio. The beer is hazy, with a modest portion of malted wheat in the grist. Straw colored, it has a clean, crisp malt profile. Juicy, resiny, piney hop aromas and flavors are the stars of this show, however. Some Citra and Centennial hops play supporting roles to Columbus’ powerful performance. If you like hops, find The Alpha Effect. You won’t be disappointed!”

The Alpha Effect Hazy IPA is scheduled to launch in March with availability in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, on draft, and on cask. You can expect to find this new limited release at craft beer bars, restaurants and retailers located in Alabama, Florida and throughout the rest of the Heavy Seas distribution area.  Hopheads, keep an eye on your local shelves and taps to ensure that you are able to snag a taste of The Alpha Effect when it drops in a few weeks.  Prost!

Vital Information for The Alpha Effect Hazy IPA from Heavy Seas Beer

Release – Limited, launching March 2017
Style – American India Pale Ale
ABV – 7%
IBUs – 75
Hops – Columbus, Centennial, Citra & Mosaic
Malts – 2-Row, Wheat & Caramalt
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, draft & cask
Beer Finder – http://hsbeer.com/beerfinder

Marker 48 Brewing Introduces Smallbatch Beer Program

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marker48beerbookMarker 48 Brewing (Weeki Wachee, Florida) has officially announced the launch of their Smallbatch Beer Program, a new promotion that will feature a new one-off beer during each of the remaining 48 weeks of 2017.

Starting this week, Marker 48 Brewing will begin tapping a series of unique brews and selling a limited number of Smallbatch Beer Books as a part of their Smallbatch Beer Program.  Not only will this promotion allow you to enjoy a new beer each week for the rest of the year, but it also gives you chance to win some amazing prizes.  There are quite a few moving parts to the Smallbatch Beer Program, so let’s break it all down:

The Beers of the Smallbatch Beer Program – The brewers at Marker 48 Brewing and a select group of guest brewers have signed on to create a series of small-batch beers that will be tapped at the brewery each week for the rest of 2017.  These 48 beers are meant to be an exploration of “creative and experimental brewing — everything from sours to barrel-aged beers, and many styles in between.”  Anyone who visits Marker 48 Brewing can order these limited offerings, but those that commit to the Smallbatch Beer Program will have the chance to win some cool prizes at the end of the year.

The Promotional Beer Books of the Smallbatch Beer Program – As of this week, Marker 48 Brewing has begun the sale of a “very limited” amount of Smallbatch Beer Books. These Smallbatch Beer Books grant you “one FREE small-batch beer per week or half-off bomber bottles of the week’s small-batch beers (when available).” For each Smallbatch Beer enjoyed, the brewery will also stamp your Beer Book so that you can track your progress throughout the year.  These Smallbatch Beer Books are $100 each – **Bargain Alert** that works out to roughly $2 per beer **Bargain Alert** – and can be purchased at Marker 48’s tasting room located at 12147 Cortez Blvd, Weeki Wachee, Florida.

The Prizes of the Smallbatch Beer Program – “At the end of the year, those individuals who have all 48 stamps will get an exclusive Marker 48 Smallbatch Beer shirt AND a special 20 oz. glass to be kept in the brewery to receive core beers for the same price as 16 oz. beers.

Depending on the number of stamps required, book holders will also be qualified to win end-of-the-year grand prizes.”

 The prizes are:

~ 10-25 stamps are qualified to win:

  • $100 Marker 48 gift certificate
  • Free passport book for 2018 ($100 value)
  • $25 BeckyJacks Food Shack gift certificate
  • $25 Florida Cracker Kitchen gift certificate
  • That’s a $250 total value

~ 26-35 stamps are qualified to win all of the above, PLUS:

  • The chance to brew a small-batch beer with our brewers in 2018

~ 36-48 stamps are qualified to win all of the above, PLUS:

  • A one-night stay with one guest, hosted by Marker 48, on a private island on the Homosassa River and a half-day fishing inshore charter with a guide captain

In order to qualify for the prizes above, you must purchase a Smallbatch Beer Book.

The plan is for the majority of the Smallbatch Beers to be tapped each Wednesday in Marker 48 Brewing’s tasting room.  With that said, things do come up in the brewing process and those beers with “special treatments or other special brewing techniques may be released another day.”  Your best bet is to check Marker 48’s Facebook page or Twitter account each week for up-to-date news concerning each release.  The brewery expects each release to be available for a couple of weeks, but there is no guarantee when it comes to demand for limited release beers.

The first beer of the Smallbatch Beer Program, a treated American Blonde Ale called Peanut Butter and Jellyfish (5.5% ABV), was officially tapped on Sunday, February 5.  Marker 48 Brewing reports that this offering “remains available as of this date.”

At just $100 for a beer a week for the rest of the year, this Smallbatch Beer Program is a no-brainer if you happen to live anywhere near Marker 48 Brewing.  Swing by the tasting room soon to get in on this promotion and start collecting those stamps.  Prost!

marker-48-logo

Catawba Brewing Co. Heralds Return of Peanut Butter Jelly Time

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catawbapbjlogoCatawba Brewing Co. (Morganton, North Carolina) recently announced that Peanut Butter Jelly Time will be making a much-anticipated return on Friday, March 3.

Peanut Butter Jelly Time is a beer that has reached nearly legendary status in the craft beer community because Catawba Brewing has always rejected the idea of shortcuts when it comes to this offering.  Instead, they are dedicated to brewing it the hard way – a.k.a. The Right Way.  Starting with an American Brown Ale recipe to provide a “bready base for the star ingredients,” this specialty release is then aged for weeks on whole-roasted North Carolina peanuts and real Oregon raspberries. Catawba believes that only this “proprietary brewing process” can yield the true peanut butter notes and ” the bold complementary flavor of fruity jam” necessary to create the experience of “an entire delicious sandwich in a glass.”

The limited release of Peanut Butter Jelly Time will officially begin on March 3.  This Specialty offering will be available on draft and in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans at select craft beer retailers in Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.  There will also be a “commemorative collector’s edition PB&J Stanley Classic Lunchbox – containing beer, merch, and an original art print – . . . available exclusively in Catawba tasting rooms.”  The brewery plans to nearly double last year’s production numbers for Peanut Butter Jelly Time, but that does not mean you should expect it to “last much beyond April 2, which happens to be National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day 2017.”  Secure your cans when you see them because no one wants to miss out on some Peanut Butter Jelly Time.  Prost!

Vital Information for Peanut Butter Jelly Time from Catawba Brewing Co.

Release – Limited, March 3, 2017
Style – American Brown Ale
ABV – 5.7%
IBUs – 10
Malts – Pale, Caramel, Munich, Flaked & Wheat
Hops – Magnum & Fuggle
Treatment – Aged on whole, roasted West North Carolina peanuts & Oregon raspberries
Availability – 4-packs of 16 oz. cans & draft

Darwin Brewing Co. Llama Mama Milk Stout hits Shelves in Cans

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llamamamaglassDarwin Brewing Co. (Bradenton, Florida) has announced that their fan-favorite Llama Mama Milk Stout is now available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans.

Keeping with the brewery’s culinary-inspired roots, Darwin Brewing Co. has crafted the decadent Llama Mama Milk Stout to be “a beautifully-balanced beer, featuring roasted malt, notes of caramel, and a creamy Amazonian chocolate finish.”  Unfortunately, this offering was previously only available as a draft-only, Seasonal release and fans of this stout were unable to tuck a sixer of Llama Mama away in their beer fridges.  The folks at Darwin Brewing have heard the Florida craft beer community’s unified call to package this offering, and the “full-flavored, medium-bodied” Llama Mama Milk Stout is now available in 12 oz. cans.

“Our customers have been clamoring for Llama Mama for years, and we’re pleased to give the people what they want.  In a local beer zoo populated with lions and cows, we feel that there is room for a llama to join the fun.”

– Matt Cornelius, Darwin Brewing Company owner and general manager 

6-packs of Llama Mama Milk Stout have officially shipped out to fine craft beer retailers located in Darwin Brewing Co.’s distribution area in Florida.  If you cannot seem to find this offering in your area, the brewery suggests that you politely “request it at your favorite grocery, liquor, or convenience store.”  Check those shelves, put in those requests, and get you some Llama Mama Milk Stout.  Prost!

Vital Information for Llama Mama Milk Stout from Darwin Brewing Co.

Release – Seasonal, cans launch February 2017
Style – Milk/Sweet Stout
ABV – 5.8%
Malts – 2 Row Pale, Chocolate, Munich, Barley Flakes, Oats Flakes, Carapils, Roasted Barley & Crystal 60 
Hops – Magnum & East Kent Golding
Added Ingredients – Milk Sugar
Suggested Food Pairings – Grilled duck breast, risotto, braised or barbecued meats, & chocolate treats

Cahaba Brewing Co. Releases Irish Stout in Cans

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cahabairishstoutcanCahaba Brewing Company (Birmingham, Alabama) recently announced that they have officially added Irish Stout to their family of beers available in 12 oz. cans.

Brewed to honor the iconic beers of Ireland, Cahaba Brewing’s take on the Irish Dry Stout respects tradition while also receiving an infusion of the brewery’s personality. Irish Stout’s character is sourced from floral Horizon hops, subtly fruity Irish yeast, and “unique influences of roasted barley and roasted malt.”  At just 4.4% ABV, this light-bodied Stout is meant to be “an easy drinking beer with a truly distinct flavor.”

Joining American Blonde Ale, Fraxinus Maximus Double IPA, Oka Uba IPA and Oktoberfest Ale, Irish Stout is now the fifth Cahaba Brewing Company offering to be canned.  This Seasonal offering is officially available now and will hang around through April.  You can find Irish Stout in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer establishments located within Cahaba Brewing’s distribution area in Alabama.  With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, be sure to secure your stash of Irish Stout so that you can celebrate in proper, local fashion.  Prost!

Vital Information for Irish Stout from Cahaba Brewing Company

Release – Seasonal, February – April 2017
Style – Irish Dry Stout
ABV – 4.4%
IBUs – 39
Hops – Horizon 
Suggested Food Pairings – Oysters, beef, dessert & ice cream
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft

Two Brothers Artisan Brewing Adds Pinball Pale Ale to Year-Round Lineup

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tbpinballcan_editedBeginning in early February, Two Brothers Brewing Company (Warrenville, Illinois) will launch Pinball Pale Ale as the newest addition to the brewery’s portfolio of Year-Round beers.

Since they share “a hometown with the pinball machine”, Two Brothers Brewing has developed Pinball Pale Ale to be a liquid homage to these coin-operated manufacturers of good times.  Thanks to a recipe that features five hop varietals, this offering is being dubbed a “Juicy Hop Pale Ale” that is loaded with “tropical and citrus fruit notes including orange, pineapple, passion fruit and grapefruit.” Clocking in at just 5.4% ABV, Pinball Pale Ale promises to be an easy-drinking and refreshing option to add to your rotation of daily drinkers.

“We wanted to bring back the classic pale ale style to our lineup, but as with any of our beers, we wanted to push the envelope a bit and put our own signature on it,” explained Jason Ebel, co-founder of Two Brothers Brewing Company. “We played with all sort of hop varieties and brewing techniques and ended up with a profile and flavor that’s truly unique. Adding the hops post-boil allowed us to perfect the balance between malty and hoppy. I think we’ve created a great pale ale while delivering something new and still maintaining the values upon which we pride ourselves.”

Two Brothers Brewing Company will officially launch Pinball Pale Ale in early February with a series of “release events at arcades and bars throughout the Chicago area.”  This new Year-Round release will then be distributed in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft to craft beer establishments in Florida and throughout the rest of the Two Brothers Brewing Company distribution footprint.  Next time you hit up your favorite beer spot in search of a thirst-quenching dose of hops, be sure to check the shelf or tap list for some Pinball Pale Ale.  Prost!

Vital Information for Pinball Pale Ale from Two Brothers Brewing Company

Release – Year-Round, launches February 2017
Style – American Pale Ale
ABV – 5.4%
IBUs – 31
Suggested Food Pairings – Cheeses, curry & burgers
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Click here to view full distribution map