Craft Beer | Mashing In

Founders Brewing Co. Introduces 4 Giants IPA as Newest Limited Series Release

Posted on March 5, 2020 by mashingin

Founders Brewing Co. (Grand Rapids, Michigan) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Release of 4 Giants IPA in mid-March 2020.

Brewed to be a “mashup of four of [Founders Brewing Co.’s] favorite Imperial IPA recipes,” 4 Giants IPA is an Imperial India Pale Ale that “boasts aggressive bitterness balanced by a malty, sweet backbone while huge aromatics come courtesy of the seven American hop varieties.” Coming in at 9.2% ABV and 80 IBUs, 4 Giants IPA is here to provide hopheads with “the ultimate Imperial IPA” experience.

“The world of IPA is constantly changing and evolving, but this beer really captures the essence of what I think is the classic Imperial IPA,” said Brewmaster Jeremy Kosmicki. “Everything about it is totally in-your-face, but the flavor dynamics still manage to work together to create a well-balanced beer that is extremely fun to drink.”

4 Giants IPA will debut in Founders Brewing Co.’s Grand Rapids and Detroit taprooms on March 13 and full distribution is scheduled to begin in April. You can expect to find this new Limited Release available in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Michigan and throughout the rest of the brewery’s nationwide distribution network. Prost!

Vital Information for 4 Giants IPA from Founders Brewing Co.

Release – Limited Series; April – June 2020
Style – Imperial India Pale Ale
ABV – 9.2%
IBUs – 80
Availability – 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://foundersbrewing.com/beer/find-our-beer/

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales Set to Release Three Wild Ales in Cans

Posted on March 5, 2020 by mashingin

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales (Dexter, Michigan) has officially announced that three of its Wild Ales – longstanding Year-Round favorites Bam Bière and Calabaza Blanca and the first release in a new Seasonal series of fruited Saisons, Hyrrokkin – will be available for the first time in 16 oz. cans beginning in April 2020.

Now that Jolly Pumpkin has a new canning line in place for its Wild Ales program, the brewery is excited to break in this new piece of equipment with the release of the following three offerings in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans (descriptions sourced directly from the brewery’s newsletter):

Bam Bière | Year-Round – A delicious, low-calorie, farmhouse ale named for our Jack Russell, who struck by a car, bounced back in fine tenacious Jack Russell fashion. This farmhouse ale is brewed for those of us who knocked down, have picked up, dusted off, and carried on undaunted.
Golden, naturally cloudy, CAN-conditioned, and dry-hopped for a tasty and tart balance of spicy malts, hops, and yeast.
ABV – 4.5% | IBUs – 24 | Calories – 127 (per 12 oz. serving) |Time In Oak – 2 months
Calabaza Blanca | Year-Round – A low-calorie farmhouse white ale brewed in Belgium’s bière blanche tradition. Spiced with orange peel and coriander, then aged in oak for several months, Blanca is mildly tart and sweet, with notes of lemon, bubblegum, & spice. You’ll find it refreshingly tart with a wonderfully dry finish.
ABV – 4.8% | IBUs – 15 | Calories – 129 (per 12 oz. serving) | Time In Oak – 2 months
Hyrrokkin | Seasonal – We love the fusion of fruit, oak, & beer. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t? Join us as we pursue our passion through this fruited seasonal series. We are taking our delicate, foeder-aged saison base with us as we explore the wonderful worlds of the familiar & the exotic. For Hyrrokkin, we blended blood orange & ginger together to discover an eloquent, crisp, & tart citrus ale with attitude. Enjoy it before it’s gone, & keep your eye out for our next fruited foray!
ABV – 5.7% | IBUs – 35 | Calories – 146 (per 12 oz. serving) | Time In Oak – 23 months

“I’m super excited to be able to bring some of our favorite beers, such as Bam Bière and Calabaza Blanca, and a new favorite, Hyrrokkin, into cans. They are lightweight, convenient, and environmentally friendly. Perfect for any occasion, indoors, or outdoors.”

– Ron Jeffries, Founder & Chief Squeegie Operator at Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales

Bam Bière, Calabaza Blanca and Hyrrokkin will all be available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans beginning in April. You can expect to find these new cans at craft beer-focused establishments located in Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Texas and Arizona. Prost!

Portland Cider Co. Introduces RazzBerry as its Newest Seasonal Offering

Posted on March 4, 2020 by mashingin

Portland Cider Company (Clackamas, Oregon) has announced that it will officially launch its new Seasonal lineup with the release of RazzBerry in early March 2020.

Crafted to be the “perfect definition of a cider full of sunshine,” RazzBerry is a Hard Cider that features “loads of bright raspberries combined with Northwest-grown apples, a touch of lemon zest, and juicy Hood River Valley pears.” Coming in at 5.8% ABV, RazzBerry is “easy-drinking, thirst-quenching and refreshingly tart.”

“RazzBerry is the perfect cider for the sunshine that’s right around the corner here in the Pacific Northwest; or at least it will give you all the summertime feels if the spring rain never lets up!,” said Helen Lewis, marketing director for Portland Cider Co. “Last summer’s seasonal Pineapple Rosé was such a hit we made it year-round. RazzBerry is the perfect replacement this year.”

RazzBerry will make its debut at Portland Cider Co.’s seventh anniversary party on March 7 at the company’s Clackamas Taproom and Cidery and distribution is scheduled to begin shortly after that date. You can expect to find this new Seasonal offering available in 19.2 oz. “proper pint” cans, 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at cider-friendly establishments located within Portland Cider Company’s distribution footprint in Oregon, Washington, Northern Idaho, and Northern California. Prost!

Vital Information for RazzBerry from Portland Cider Company

Release – Seasonal; launching March 2020
Style – Hard Cider
ABV – 5.8%
Ingredients – Northwest apples, Northwest raspberries, Hood River pears from Moore Orchards, Lemon zest & juice, and Lime juice
Suggested Food Pairings – “This bright and beautifully pink cider pairs well with grilled cilantro lime chicken, strawberry citrus spinach salad, orzo pasta salad, and a light, fresh cheese like feta. Its tart and zesty finishing notes make it the perfect cider for summer fun in the backyard.”
Availability – 19.2 oz. cans, 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Cider Finder – https://www.portlandcider.com/cider-finder

TBBW 2020 Event: Double Barrel Fluffer Nutter Black Aggie Bottle Release at Hidden Springs Ale Works

Posted on March 4, 2020March 4, 2020 by mashingin

Hidden Springs Ale Works (Tampa, Florida) has officially announced that it will hold its annual Tampa Bay Beer Week release of Double Barrel Fluffer Nutter Black Aggie at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 12.

Sure to be one of the more highly sought-after bottles released during Tampa Bay Beer Week 2020, Double Barrel Fluffer Nutter Black Aggie is a double barrel-aged Imperial Stout that has embraced the unholy alliance that is peanut butter and marshmallow. Weighing in at a sinister 13% ABV, Double Barrel Fluffer Nutter Black Aggie will have you succumbing to the darkness in no time.

The Double Barrel Fluffer Nutter Black Aggie bottle release will take place at Hidden Springs Ale Works (1631 N. Franklin St. | Tampa, Florida) at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 12. Bottles will be $30 each and the brewery will announce the bottle limit 15 minutes before opening. Cash is preferred, but cards will be accepted.

A few things to keep in mind if you plan to attend this bottle release:

Double Barrel Fluffer Nutter Black Aggie will be available on draft when the Tasting Room at Hidden Springs opens at 11 a.m.
Since this bottle release will coincide with an Omnipollo Tap Takeover at Hidden Springs on the same day, “Omnipollo’s magical goods will [also] be available at 11 a.m. until they are gone”
Parking is available up and down Franklin St. (before the I-275 overpass), on Henderson just west of Tampa, and on 7th Ave. There are also paid lots located across the street from the brewery and under the I-275 overpass. Hidden Springs Ale Works is not responsible for towed vehicles
Once you are in line, make sure that you hug the wall so that foot traffic will not be affected on the sidewalks
Above all, please be respectful of the brewery’s neighbors and be sure that you pick up after yourself

Just as it does every year, Double Barrel Fluffer Nutter Black Aggie will act as a bright beacon to the majority of beer fans that will be in town celebrating Tampa Bay Beer Week 2020, and it is safe to assume that this Limited Release will sell out quickly. If you are one of the many that hope to land one of these highly-coveted bottles, make sure that you grab a spot in line early on March 12 and hope that Black Aggie deems you worthy when the official head count is conducted. Good luck out there, folks. Prost!

Avery Brewing Co. Adds Night Warden Barrel-Aged Stout to Year-Round Lineup

Posted on March 3, 2020 by mashingin

Avery Brewing Co. (Boulder, Colorado) has officially announced that Night Warden, a Whiskey Barrel-aged Imperial Stout, will debut in April as the newest Year-Round offering to come out of the brewery’s Barrel-Aged Series.

Meant to be a “barrel-aged beer that [you do not] have to save for special occasions,” Night Warden is an Imperial Stout that possesses a “balanced, roasted malt bill and strong notes of vanilla and caramel from” aging in fresh whiskey barrels. Coming in at 8.2% ABV, the “smooth and full-bodied” Night Warden was specifically designed to have “both rich barrel-aged characteristics and a reasonable ABV.”

Night Warden is officially scheduled to launch in April 2020. You can expect to find this new Year-Round offering available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Colorado and throughout the rest of Avery Brewing Co.’s distribution area. Prost!

Vital Information for Night Warden from Avery Brewing Co.

Release – Year-Round/Barrel-Aged Series; launching April 2020
Style – Imperial Stout
ABV – 8.2%
Treatment – Aged in Whiskey barrels
Availability – 6-packs of 12 oz. cans & draft
Beer Finder – https://www.averybrewing.com/brew-finder

TBBW 2020 Event: J&B 20/20 IPA Can Release, a Jug & Bottle Dept. & Hidden Springs Ale Works Collaboration

Posted on March 3, 2020 by mashingin

Jug & Bottle Dept. (Tampa, Florida) has officially announced that it will be breaking out the good stuff for Tampa Bay Beer Week 2020 when it hosts a Limited Can Release for J&B 20/20, a supremely classy malt beverage brewed in collaboration with Hidden Springs Ale Works (Tampa, Florida), at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10.

The result of Hidden Springs Ale Works and Jug & Bottle Dept.’s mutual aspiration to create “a malt beverage worthy of its own chain,” J&B 20/20 is a double dry-hopped India Pale Ale featuring “Sabro and Vic Secret hops as well as a healthy dose of blue spirulina.” Although the spirulina does not contribute any flavor, this pivotal ingredient “does impart a shade of blue similar to everyone’s favorite neon blue gas station wine.” That’s right . . . J&B 20/20 is a DDH IPA that is both hazy AND blue.

Cans of J&B 20/20 will officially release at Jug & Bottle Dept. (6203 N Florida Ave. | Tampa, Florida) at 5 p.m. on March 10 and will also be available at Hidden Springs Ale Works shortly after this event. Quantities of J&B 20/20 are incredibly limited, and this special collaboration release will only be available at Jug & Bottle Dept. and Hidden Springs Ale Works as long as supplies last. Prost!

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. Set for Limited Release of ‘Well, I Declare’ Imperial Stout

Posted on March 2, 2020 by mashingin

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. (Athens, Georgia) has officially announced that it will hold a Limited Bottle Release for Well, I Declare Imperial Stout on Saturday, March 14.

Crafted to “showcase the beautiful pecan crop from Pearson Farm,” Well, I Declare is an Imperial Stout made with toasted pecans, cocoa nibs from Condor Chocolates, and American oak spirals. Meant to be sipped and savored, Well, I Declare comes in at a comforting 12% ABV.

Well, I Declare will officially release in the Tasting Room at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. on March 14. This Limited Release offering will be available in 500ml bottles for as long as supplies last. If you would like to secure bottles in advance, you can do so by visiting the brewery’s page on CraftCellr (click here). Well, I Declare is a brewery-only release and is not expected to see distribution. Prost!

Vital Information for Well, I Declare from Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Release – Limited; March 14, 2020
Style – Imperial Stout
ABV – 12%
Added Ingredients – Toasted pecans from Pearson Farm, cocoa nibs from Condor Chocolates, & American oak spirals
Availability – 500ml bottles
Distribution – None. Brewery only

Rogue Ales Introduces Shavasana Imperial Granola Blonde Ale as Newest Seasonal

Posted on March 2, 2020 by mashingin

Rogue Ales (Newport, Oregon) has officially announced that it will launch Shavasana, an Imperial Granola Blonde Ale, as its newest Seasonal offering in March 2020.

Inspired by the “relaxation pose often performed at the end of a yoga class to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit,” Shavasana is an Imperial Blonde Ale “brewed with granola, coconut and sweet oats that features delicious, subtle spice flavors.” Coming in at a tranquil 8% ABV and 13 IBUs, Shavasana is meant to be a “a cool-down beer, one to savor with a friend after an intense workout or a stressful day.”

“Life is a balancing act and we’re all about honoring that balance,” says Rogue President, Dharma Tamm. “So we brewed a beer to do just that. Shavasana is the relaxation pose often performed at the end of a yoga class to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. Just as Shavasana helps you relax and restore after the twists and turns of a yoga class, Shavasana Granola Blonde Ale can help you relax and restore after the twists and turns of life.”

Shavasana is scheduled to debut in March and will hang around through June 2020. You can expect to find this new Seasonal offering available in 22 oz. bottles and on draft at select craft beer-focused retailers, bars and restaurants located in Alabama, Florida, Oregon and throughout the rest of Rogue’s nationwide distribution network. Prost!

Vital Information for Shavasana from Rogue Ales

Release – Seasonal/Experimental Ales Series; March – June 2020
Style – Imperial Blonde Ale
ABV – 8%
IBUs – 13
Malts – 2-row & Naked Oats
Hops – Crystal
Yeast – Pacman
Added Ingredients – Granola, coconut, tea & honey
Availability – 22 oz. bottles & draft
Beer Finder – https://finder.rogue.com/

Tasting Notes: Civilized Brut IPA from Founders Brewing Co.

Posted on March 1, 2020March 1, 2020 by mashingin

For this installment of Tasting Notes, sophistication abounds as we get into a few cans of Civilized Brut IPA from Founders Brewing Co. (Grand Rapids, Michigan).

Introduced back in November to appeal to the “more sophisticated IPA drinker,” Civilized Brut is a Brut-style India Pale Ale that possesses “a clean and restrained bitterness” alongside a “malt sweetness [that allows] the hop notes to tantalize your senses in a bold yet never-overpowering way.” Coming in at a refreshing 6% ABV, Civilized Brut is “brilliantly bubbly, refreshingly crisp and stunningly clear, similar to a fine Brut Champagne.”

Civilized Brut is available now and will last through March 2020. You can expect to find this new Seasonal Release available in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, 15-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft at craft beer-friendly establishments located in Alabama, Florida, Michigan and throughout the rest of Founders Brewing Co.’ s nationwide distribution network.

Now that the introductions are out of the way, let’s break out the fancy glasses and get further acquainted with Civilized Brut over some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Civilized Brut IPA from Founders Brewing Co.

Appearance: A steady pour from a 12 oz. can produces an IPA that is a light but brilliant gold in color and topped with just over two fingers of fluffy white foam. When held to direct light, the color lightens to more of a straw yellow. The beer is pristine in clarity and shows off the exuberant carbonation presence working within. Head retention is quite good, falling slowly to a lasting finger that eventually leaves the empty glass coated with intricate patterns of lace.

Aroma: The nose leads with nicely pronounced citrus notes of lemon, grapefruit, orange and tangerine. The hops then slightly shift their influence to lend some earthy and herbal tones. The malts are light in this area, but they do offer a touch of crackery sweetness in the background.

Taste: The hops are quick to strike with some sharp, pithy citrus notes that read as lemon and grapefruit zest. Sweet citrus and tropical tones then tame that initial burst with notes of orange juice, mango and passionfruit. The hops fully express themselves by closing out their performance with a grace of peppery, grassy, floral and herbal notes. The malts are subdued here as well but do supply some balance with an undercurrent of biscuity and crackery sweetness.

Mouthfeel: On the lighter side of medium in body with a bright carbonation level, this IPA is incredibly crisp, clean and refreshing. Although the hops do assert themselves (in flavor but not in bitterness), the overall experience proves to be balanced and finishes nice and dry. The 6% ABV is light, but it does allow for a bit of warmth in the throat at times. A touch of grapefruit zest and grassiness is left to linger in the aftertaste.

Final Thoughts: When it comes to the Brut IPA style, Civilized Brut flawlessly executes in all areas. While the bitterness levels are reduced, this IPA still gives you a wide range of hop flavor while remaining amazingly dry, crisp and easy drinking. Each flavorful sip begs you to take another, making the overall experience feel light and incredibly refreshing. Then, before you know it, sips turn into gulps, one glass turns into two (or more), and you are left wondering why you have not been drinking more Brut IPAs up until this point.

Seriously, if you have been looking for the right beer to help ease you into the world of Brut IPAs, we could not recommend Civilized Brut more. Just keep in mind that this Seasonal brew is available in 15-packs . . . because you will end wishing you bought one when you are two cans deep into a sixer. Just take our advice on this one, make it happen and go big while you are at it. Prost!

New Realm Brewing Turns Doomsday Hound Loose for Another Limited Release

Posted on February 28, 2020 by mashingin

New Realm Brewing Company (Atlanta, Georgia) has officially announced that it will begin the Limited Release of Doomsday Hound Russian Imperial Stout on Tuesday, March 3.

Breaking “its chains once again and . . . ready to unleash its wrath for a third time,” Doomsday Hound is a Russian Imperial Stout that has “a deep black color and a thick brown foamy head.” Coming in at a beastly 9.5% ABV, the “viciously flavorful” Doomsday Hound “sinks its teeth into you upon the first sip, with intense, full body, roasted coffee and cocoa flavors.”

“This is the third anniversary of the release of our Doomsday Hound Russian Imperial Stout. It’s exciting to see how the brand has grown over the years and has now become one of our most sought-after beers – and for good reason,” said Bob Powers, COO and Co-Founder of New Realm Brewing.

“I love the Imperial Stout style, it’s a fantastic beer to drink all winter long. Doomsday Hound is a great recipe which uses a large amount of English malts and it was one of the first high ABV beers we ever brewed at New Realm. In addition, it’s a great beer for aging in barrels, hint, hint.” said Mitch Steele, Brewmaster and Co-Founder of New Realm Brewing.

Doomsday Hound will officially hit New Realm’s Atlanta and Virginia Beach locations on March 3 (you can pre-order cans by visiting the brewery’s CraftCellr pages: Atlanta location | Virginia location) and limited distribution will follow shortly after the on-site releases. 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 Doomsday Hound from New Realm Brewing Company

Release – Limited; March 3, 2020
Style – Russian Imperial Stout
ABV – 9.5%
Fun Fact – On the Russian Imperial Stout style: “Russian Imperial Stouts, first brewed in 18th century England and exported to the highest courts and Emperors of Russia, are higher in alcohol than traditional Stouts. They’re notoriously full bodied, rich, and complex, with flavors and aromas of coffee, dark chocolate and dried fruit. Often dry, these big dark beers can also feature hints of alcohol warmth.”
Availability – 4-packs of 16 oz. cans & draft
Distribution – Georgia & Virginia