Hi-Wire Brewing’s Zirkusfest Oktoberfest Lager Makes Seasonal Return

Posted on by mashingin

Hi-Wire Brewing (Asheville, North Carolina) has officially announced that it will begin the Seasonal Release of its award-winning Zirkusfest Oktoberfest Lager in early August 2020.

Awarded a Gold Medal in the German-style Märzen Category at the 2016 Great American Beer Festival, Zirkusfest is a traditional Märzen that uses Munich malt to provide “upfront biscuity and honey flavors that fade into a dry finish.” Coming in at 6% ABV, Zirkusfest “boasts all the flavors one wants in a rich Oktoberfest lager without the heavy finish.”

Zirkusfest is available now at Hi-Wire’s Asheville and Knoxville taprooms and online beer shop, and it will soon hit the brewery’s Durham taproom and full distribution area. You can expect to find this Seasonal release available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer-focused establishments located in Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio and Virginia. Prost!

Vital Information for Zirkusfest Oktoberfest Lager from Hi-Wire Brewing

Release – Seasonal; August – October 2020
Style – Märzen/Oktoberfest
ABV – 6%
IBUs – 25
Featured Malts – Munich
Hops – Hallertau Tradition
Yeast – German Lager
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://hiwirebrewing.com/find-our-beer/

New Realm Brewing Goes Next Level with Release of Transcendental Experimental DIPA

Posted on by mashingin

New Realm Brewing Company (Atlanta, Georgia) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Release of Transcendental Experimental DIPA on Tuesday, August 4.

Brewed in collaboration with John I. Hass Hops as a celebration of “creative expression and the desire for more,” Transcendental Experimental DIPA is a Double IPA “dry-hopped exclusively with two experimental hop varieties from the avant-garde minds of The Hop Breeding Co. and from the visionaries at Brulotte Farms.” The selected hops hit the palate with “powerful stone fruit, berry, and delicately spicy notes” while also treating the nose to “aromatics . . . of tropical fruit, pineapple and coconut followed by citrus rind and peach.” Coming in at 8.6% ABV and 50 IBUs, Transcendental Experimental DIPA is a straight up “citrus bomb” that also possesses a “hint of dankness and a bit of vanilla creamsicle.”

“We’re pleased to work once again with our partners at John I. Haas Hops, who provided us with some really cool and exciting new hop varieties for this year’s version of Transcendental DIPA, including BRU-1, HBC586, and Sabro Incognito” said Mitch Steele, Brewmaster and Co-Founder of New Realm Brewing.

“Transcendental DIPA is a great example of how our Hoperations team, led by Mitch Steele, is using experimental hops to drive innovation at New Realm. This citrus bomb has incredible juicy tones of tropical and stone fruit, berry and spice. If you are looking for an ordinary DIPA, this is not for you” said Carey Falcone, CEO and Co-Founder of New Realm Brewing.

Transcendental Experimental DIPA will debut at New Realm’s Atlanta and Virginia Beach locations on August 4 and distribution will follow shortly after the on-site release. You can expect to find this Limited Release available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer-focused establishments located within New Realm’s distribution footprint in Georgia and Virginia. Prost!

Vital Information for Transcendental DIPA from New Realm Brewing Company

Release – Limited; August 4, 2020
Style – Double India Pale Ale
ABV – 8.6%
IBUs – 50
Featured Hops – HBC 586, BRU-1 & Sabro Incognito
Availability – 4-packs of 16 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Georgia & Virginia

Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. Introduces Low-Calorie Smallmouth IPA

Posted on by mashingin

Wallenpaupack Brewing Company (Hawley, Pennsylvania) has officially released Smallmouth IPA as the brewery’s first-ever lo-cal option.

Named after the Smallmouth bass prized and “sought by anglers all over North America,” Smallmouth IPA is a Session India Pale Ale “bursting with flavors of citrus and berry.” Weighing in at 4.4% ABV and 102 calories per 12 oz. serving, Smallmouth IPA is “a fresh alternative to higher alcohol options and meets the growing demand of today’s consumer who seeks quality refreshment and flavor, all in a lower calorie beer.”

“We spent a lot of time listening to our customers about the types of beers they’d most like us to brew, and we’re thrilled to offer this latest option to them,” said Becky Ryman, owner of Wallenpaupack Brewing Company. “More importantly, we had to get the liquid right and I’m thrilled with the outcome, which I know our customers will love. Our brewing team, led by Logan Ackerly, delivered a delicious beer that offers exceptional quality, flavor and refreshment, while remaining low in calories.”

Smallmouth IPA officially released at Wallenpaupack Brewing Company in early July 2020 and will be available from batch to batch as long as supplies last. You can expect to find this Specialty Release available in 12 oz. cans and on draft at the brewery and at select craft beer-focused establishments located in the areas where Wallenpaupack self-distributes in Pennsylvania. Prost!

Vital Information for Smallmouth IPA from Wallenpaupack Brewing Company

Release – Specialty; July 2020
Style – Session/Low Calorie India Pale Ale
ABV – 4.4%
Calories – 102 (per 12 oz. serving)
Carbs – 3 grams (per 12 oz. serving)
Fun Fact – “The new can features a new look for the 3-year old brewery, illustrated with exceptional detail by local artist Jen Borror of Hoot Design Studio in York, Pennsylvania.”
Availability – 12 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Pennsylvania

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. Set for Seasonal Release of Loopulus DIPA

Posted on by mashingin

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. (Athens, Georgia) has officially announced that it will begin the Seasonal Release of Loopulus Double IPA on Tuesday, August 4.

Originally released in 2017 to recognize the 20th anniversary of the iconic Brick Store Pub, Loopulus is a Hazy/Juicy Double India Pale Ale that “strikes a delicate balance between Citra hops’ citrus and tropical fruit flavors and the punchy, white-wine flavors of Nelson Sauvin hops.” Coming in at 8% ABV, Loopulus is “a flavorful, easy-drinking hazy double IPA that finishes with a juicy, full-bodied mouthfeel.”

“We originally brewed Loopulus in 2017 to celebrate the Brick Store Pub’s 20th Anniversary,” said Co-founder David Stein. “We liked it so much we decided to continue brewing it and added it to our rotating lineup of hop-forward offerings.”

The name “Loopulus” has a couple meanings/intentions:

  • It is a play on the scientific name for hops – Humulus lupulus – and a reference to the Brick Store Pub’s “loop” system, which they use to service their tables.
  • It promotes recycling – “As a part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, Creature Comforts is using perforated labels on its 16-ounce seasonal cans to encourage recycling. Loopulus is the first of the brewery’s offerings that features the new labels.”

“During the past few years, we have been increasingly focused on minimizing our environmental impact through several sustainability initiatives,” said Co-founder and Brewmaster Adam Beauchamp. “The latest improvement we’ve made are these easily removable labels which allow the aluminum cans to be recycled without issue at the processing plant.” 

Loopulus will release at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. on August 4 and distribution will begin shortly after the on-site release. You can expect to find this Seasonal offering available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer-focused establishments located within the brewery’s distribution footprint in Georgia. Prost!

Vital Information for Loopulus from Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Release – Seasonal; releasing August 4, 2020
Style – Hazy/Juicy Double India Pale Ale
ABV – 8%
Featured Hops – Citra & Nelson Sauvin
Availability – 4-packs of 16 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Georgia


The Loopulus cans feature easily removable labels which allow the aluminum cans to be recycled without issue at the processing plant.

Great Lakes Brewing Co. Adds Hazecraft IPA to Year-Round Lineup

Posted on by mashingin

Great Lakes Brewing Company (Cleveland, Ohio) has officially announced that Hazecraft IPA will join the brewery’s Year-Round portfolio on August 31, 2020.

Originally born and “engineered on Great Lakes Brewing Company’s 2-barrel pilot system,” Hazecraft IPA is a Hazy/Juicy India Pale Ale “brewed with a blend of Azacca, Lemondrop, and Simcoe hops for loads of juicy and tropical aromas.” Coming in at a “smooth-drinking” 6.7% ABV and 40 IBUs, Hazecraft IPA will have you “[blasting] into orbit through a hazy galaxy of otherworldly tropical fruit [notes].”

Hazecraft IPA will officially launch on August 31 and will be “Great Lakes Brewing Company’s first Year-Round beer to be offered exclusively in cans.” You can expect to find this new Year-Round offering available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, 16 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer-focused establishments located in North Carolina, Ohio and throughout the rest of the brewery’s distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Hazecraft IPA from Great Lakes Brewing Company

Release – Year-Round; launching August 31, 2020
Style – Hazy/Juicy India Pale Ale
ABV – 6.7%
IBUs – 40
Featured Hops – Azacca, Lemondrop & Simcoe
Fun Fact – “Hazecraft IPA’s label, designed by artist Sam Hadley, features a cloudy, melon-hued retro space scene.”
Pairing Suggestions – “Grilled vegetables, citrus marinades & stargazing”
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, 16 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/beer-finder

SLO Brew Goes Nationwide With Lineup of Cali-Squeeze Hefeweizens

Posted on by mashingin

SLO Brew (San Luis Obispo, California) has officially announced that three of its Cali-Squeeze offerings – Blood Orange Cali-Squeeze, Mango Cali-Squeeze and Tropical P.O.G. Cali-Squeeze – are now available nationwide for the first time.

Ever since it was first introduced back in 2017, Blood Orange Cali-Squeeze “has been flying off shelves and quickly climbing the ranks as a fan favorite.” This “uber-popular” offering’s success has led SLO Brew to develop two new Cali-Squeeze variants, and now the brewery is ready to share all three of these Hefeweizens “infused with real fresh-fruit purée” with beer lovers outside of California (descriptions sourced directly from the brewery’s press release):

  • Blood Orange Cali-Squeeze | Blood Orange Hefeweizen – We juiced up our classic Hefeweizen with loads of fresh blood orange and struck the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Real bright citrus is the only mastermind behind this crisp brew’s fiery pink color. Masterfully refreshing, incredibly drinkable. Meet your new main squeeze. ABV – 5.4% IBUs – 15
  • Mango Cali-Squeeze | Mango Hefeweizen – We canned sunshine. Ripe with refreshing mango this classic Hefeweizen simply radiates waves of big fruit flavor. Your new main squeeze packs a sweet, juicy punch that’s perfectly cut with crisp tropical tang. Best paired with good times. ABV – 5.4% IBUs – 15
  • Tropical P.O.G. Cali-Squeeze | Passion Fruit, Orange & Guava Hefeweizen – The tropics called and we answered. Bursts of passion fruit, orange and guava layer in perfect harmony for a bright twist on our classic Hefeweizen. Settle in for a crisp island trip that’s not to be forgotten. ABV – 5.4% IBUs – 15

The nationwide roll out for Blood Orange Cal-Squeeze (12 oz. and 16 oz. cans), Mango Cali-Squeeze (16 oz. cans) and Tropical P.O.G. Cali-Squeeze (16 oz. cans) will begin in late July 2020. You can expect to find all three Year-Round offerings at “craft beer outlets and major retailers across the country.” Prost!

Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA Returns with a New Look

Posted on by mashingin

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (Milton, Delaware) has officially announced that 120 Minute IPA, “The Holy Grail for Hopheads,” will return for a limited time in late July 2020 with a newly redesigned bottle carrier.

First released in 2003 and still one of the most sought-after IPAs in the world, 120 Minute IPA is an Imperial India Pale Ale that has been “continuously hopped with a copious amount of high-alpha American hops throughout the boil and whirlpool, and dry-hopped with another whopping pallet of hops.” Weighing in at a massive 15-18% ABV and 120 IBUs, the “unfiltered and abundantly hoppy” 120 Minute IPA “boasts sweet, almost candy-like, hop aromas with flavors of hop resin and a lingering bitterness.”

“The release of 120 Minute IPA is always one of my favorites times of year. I’m beyond excited to grab a couple of bottles of this year’s batch to add to my cellar, as well as a bottle to crack open and share with my wife, Mariah,” said Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head founder and brewer. “To best experience 120 Minute IPA’s intricate flavor profile, I recommend serving it cool, not cold in a snifter or cognac glass. And if you can muster up the self-control to allow your 120 Minute IPA to age for a couple of years, the flavors and aromas will grow even more complex, with greater notes of marmalade and an enhanced sherry-like character.”

To ensure that 120 Minute IPA really pops on the shelf this year, the design team at Dogfish Head has “revamped the beer’s bottle carrier, making it bolder and more eye-catching with a jet-black background and metallic gold graphics.” The centerpiece of the new design is a “hand-drawn hop cone [that] exudes golden rays of light, assuring folks that their search is over – they found it, the Holy Grail for Hopheads.”

This latest batch of 120 Minute IPA is rolling out now and will be available through November 2020 or as long supplies last. You can expect to find this Limited Release in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles at select craft beer-focused establishments located in Florida, Delaware and throughout the rest of Dogfish Head’s nationwide distribution area (where legal). Prost!

Vital Information for 120 Minute IPA from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Release – Limited/Occasionals; late July – November 2020
Style – Imperial India Pale Ale
ABV – 15-18%
IBUs – 120
Suggested Food Pairings – Cheese: Epoisses | Other: Smoked almonds, smoked meats, grilled lamb, gingersnaps
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles
Beer Finder – https://www.dogfish.com/brewery/fishfinder

Hidden Springs Ale Works Entices Fans with Limited Release of Ask Alice

Posted on by mashingin

Hidden Springs Ale Works (Tampa, Florida) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Release of Ask Alice on Tuesday, July 28.

Carefully concocted to send its drinker on a trip down the rabbit hole, Ask Alice is a Berliner Weisse-style Ale with “blueberry, lemon, honey, lavender and milk sugar magic” added. Clocking in at 5.5% ABV, Ask Alice is your fast pass ticket to Wonderland.

Ask Alice will debut at Hidden Springs Ale Works on July 28 and you can get your stash by ordering online for pick up, calling the brewery at 813-226-BREW to build a pick up order, or via an old fashioned walk-in (in a mask) to grab some to-go beers. This Limited Release is available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans for $18 (limit of six 4-packs per customer). Ask Alice is a brewery-only release that will be available as long as supplies last. Prost!

Vital Information for Ask Alice from Hidden Springs Ale Works

Release – Limited; July 28, 2020
Style – Berliner Weisse
ABV – 5.5%
Added Ingredients – Blueberry, lemon, honey, lavender & milk sugar
Availability – 4-packs of 16 oz. cans
Distribution – None. Brewery only

Wild Heaven Beats the Heat with Limited Release of Emergency Drinking Beer – Peach Blend

Posted on by mashingin

Wild Heaven Beer (Decatur, Georgia) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Release of Emergency Drinking – Beer Peach Blend on Friday, July 31.

A very Georgia riff on a longtime favorite, Emergency Drinking Beer – Peach Blend adds freshly juiced peaches to Wild Heaven’s most popular offering – Emergency Drinking Beer, “a one-of-a-kind light craft beer with citrus zest and sea salt.” Coming in at a super sessionable 4% ABV, Emergency Drinking Beer – Peach Blend is undoubtedly a “perfect way to beat the summer heat.”

Emergency Drinking Beer – Peach Blend will debut at Wild Heaven’s Avondale and West End locations on July 31 and distribution will follow shortly after the on-site release. You can expect to find this Limited Release available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans at select craft beer-focused establishments located within the brewery’s distribution footprint. Prost!

Vital Information for Emergency Drinking Beer – Peach Blend from Wild Heaven Beer

Release – Limited; July 31, 2020
Style – Fruit Beer
ABV – 4%
Added Ingredients – Fresh juiced peaches
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans
Pre-order Link (for pick up at Avondale location) – https://wild-heaven-beer.square.site/
Distribution – Limited; Georgia confirmed

New Realm Brewing Brings Tyrannosaurus Flex DIPA Back for an Encore Release

Posted on by mashingin

New Realm Brewing Company (Atlanta, Georgia) has officially announced that Tyrannosaurus Flex Hazy Double IPA will return for a limited time beginning on Tuesday, July 28.

Back to serve as the third release in New Realm’s Monsters & Myths DIPA Series, Tyrannosaurus Flex is a Hazy/Juicy Double India Pale Ale featuring 100% Australian hops – Galaxy, Wakatu, Ella and Vic Secret hops. This hop bill provides “a cretaceous amount of juicy, fruity notes such as mango, pineapple, peach, apricot and citrus . . . balanced with an herbal, piney and lightly-dank full body.” Weighing in at 8.5% ABV and 35 IBUs, the “hazy beast” that is Tyrannosaurus Flex has returned to claim its title as “the ruler of the realm!”

“Southern Hemisphere hops are some of our favorites, many varieties produce unique tropical and citrus fruit flavors. In this year’s version of Tyrannosaurus Flex, we went with 100% Australian hops, including our favorites Vic Secret, Galaxy, Ella and Wakatu,” said Mitch Steele, Co-Founder and Brewmaster of New Realm Brewing.

“In addition to being a monster DIPA loaded with juicy and fruity notes, Tyrannosaurus Flex’s label just won the Craft Beer Marketing Awards ‘Crushie’ for the People’s Choice category – Best 16oz Can Design. Our fans have told us they not only love this brand for the beer inside the can, but also the playfulness and great artwork on the label,” said Bob Powers, CSMO and Co-Founder of New Realm Brewing.

Tyrannosaurus Flex will hit New Realm’s Atlanta and Virginia Beach locations on July 28 and distribution will follow shortly after the on-site release. You can expect to find this Limited Release available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans and on draft at select craft beer-focused establishments located within New Realm’s distribution footprint in Georgia and Virginia. Prost!

Vital Information for Tyrannosaurus Flex from New Realm Brewing Company

Release – Limited/Monsters & Myths Series; late July – September 2020
Style – Hazy/Juicy Double India Pale Ale
ABV – 8.5%
IBUs – 35
Featured Hops – Galaxy, Wakatu, Ella & Vic Secret
Availability – 4-packs of 16 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Georgia & Virginia