Friday, February 12, 2016

23rd Annual Hillsdale Brewfest – Feb. 20, 2016

Courtesy of McMennamins
For the 23rd year in a row, Hillsdale Brewery & Public House in Southwest Portland will host one of the biggest beer battles of the year for McMenamins brewers. Only one beer will emerge victorious, winning its brewer a coveted championship belt and bragging rights for the year.

Tasters are invited to drop by the historic pub (Hillsdale Brewery & Public House was the first brew pub to open in Oregon, paving the way for future generations of Oregon craft brewers) during regular pub hours, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., to grab a sampler tray of a contending beers, sit back and let their taste buds take the reins. Once they’ve had their fill of brews they can cast their ballot for the beer they love the most and help make McMenamins beer history – but good luck picking just one!

Below are a few beers that will be included this year. The full list is at: http://www.mcmenamins.com/events/149481-23rd-Annual-Hillsdale-Brewfest

Check Yer Coffeepot Pale
Old St. Francis School Brewery

This brew is deceiving in a delightful way. Golden in color with the depth of a fuller beer style, you’ll be amazed by this unique contradiction! Coffee aromas from McMenamins Ethiopian Roast enhance this pale ale, and the hops lend a sunny floral note to bring forth a harmonizing blend of flavors. Easy drinking yet fully flavored, you may need to check your mug to see if your beer is coffee, or your coffee is beer.

MM
Roseburg Brewery

For batch number 2000 (Roman numeral MM) at the Roseburg Station Brewery, the Brewer sought to find 20 different malts and 20 different hops worthy of combining in this monumental brew. The blend of malts provides a sturdy full-bodied base with flavors of caramel, nuts, chocolate and rye, and a chocolate brown color. A bounty of hops counters the malts with citrus, tropical, floral and spicy aromas and flavors.

High Street Brewery Juniper Jubilation
High Street Brewery

This is a delicately hopped, crisp little ditty with a dry finish. Spiced with juniper, kaffir lime leaves and just a touch of blood orange.

Event: Hillsdale Brewfest
Date: Saturday, February 20, 2016
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Place: Hillsdale Brewery & Public House
Address: 1505 S.W. Sunset Blvd., Portland, OR 97239
Cost: Free to attend; Sampler tray with 11 (4 oz.) samples for $10.00
Event URL: http://www.mcmenamins.com/events/149481-23rd-Annual-Hillsdale-Brewfest

New Belgium Releasing 2016 La Folie and Transatlantique Kriek

Courtesy of New Belgium Brewing Co
New Belgium’s 2016 La Folie and Transatlantique Kriek
are Ready for Enjoyment

Ft. Collins, Colo., – February 11, 2015 – New Belgium Brewing has been making sour beers for nearly twenty years, launching its wood beer program in 1997 with La Folie. The award-winning sour brown continues to serve as one of the brewery’s most beloved sours and the 2016 version is now available. Every year, Eric Salazar, New Belgium’s Wood Cellar Manager, and Lauren Salazar, New Belgium’s Sour Beer Blender, coordinate a blending of various foeders (oak barrels) to make La Folie a beautiful example of a Flanders-inspired sour brown ale.

“We taste barrels every three months and then blend different foeders with different flavor profiles and ages to make a special blend that we call La Folie,” said Lauren Salazar. “It’s hard to believe we’ve been experimenting with sours for almost two decades, but I love every moment. It is definitely a mix of art and science, with so many different combinations.”
Courtesy of New Belgium Brewing Co
La Folie, French for “the folly”, ages one to three years in French oak foeders formerly used in wine production. The result? A smooth-drinking brown ale with a delightfully tart finish. This one-of-a-kind beer is sharp like a lambic, sour in the finish, and full of green apple, cherry, and plum-skin notes. It pours a deep mahogany.

La Folie is 7 percent ABV and is available in both 22-oz. bombers and on draft.
Courtesy of New Belgium Brewing Co
Transatlantique Kriek
Transatlantique Kriek offers another dose of sour that’s crisp and effervescent with a bright flash of cherry. The 2016 edition of Transatlantique Kriek began life in the oaken vessels of Gert Christiaens’ Oud Beersel brewery, a 130-year-old Belgian lambic brewery. After it wood aged, Oud Beersel’s lambic was blended with tart cherries and shipped across the Atlantic to New Belgium Brewmaster, Peter Bouckaert. Bouckaert then used the cherry lambic ale along with a portion of New Belgium’s sour Felix to create a full golden brew. The result is an intense cherry nose leading to a pleasing sweet-tart finish.

Transatlantique Kriek is 8 percent ABV and is available in 22-oz. bombers and on draft.

To geek out even more on sours, here are some links for enjoyment and learnings:
To find New Belgium beers near you, visit the libation locator at http://www.newbelgium.com/beer/locator.aspx or download New Belgium’s Beer Mode app.

About New Belgium Brewing
New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, is recognized as one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work and one of the Wall Street Journal’s Best Small Businesses. The 100% employee-owned brewery is a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Business as designated by the League of American Bicyclists, and one of World Blu’s most democratic U.S. businesses, and a Certified B Corp. In addition to Fat Tire, New Belgium brews thirteen year-round beers; Citradelic Tangerine IPA, Ranger IPA, Rampant Imperial IPA, Shift Pale Lager, Slow Ride Session IPA, Snapshot Wheat, Sunshine Wheat, 1554 Black Ale, Blue Paddle Pilsner, Abbey Belgian Ale and Trippel and a gluten-reduced line, Glutiny Pale Ale and Glutiny Golden Ale. Learn more at www.newbelgium.com.

Coronado Brewing And Bear Republic Brewing Release Collaboration Beer - MerBear Rye IPA

 
Courtesy of Coronado Brewing Co
CORONADO BREWING COMPANY AND BEAR REPUBLIC RELEASE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED COLLABORATION, MERBEAR RYE IPA
 
North unites with South in this long-awaited collaboration between two notable west coast breweries

  CORONADO, Calif. - February 12, 2016 It's half mermaid, half bear, and entirely fantastic. MerBear Rye IPA, the new love child of SoCal icon Coronado Brewing and NorCal heavyweight Bear Republic, is set to hit shelves mid-February. The friendship began a few years back when president Rick Chapman and Brewmaster and COO Richard "Ricardo" Norgrove, of Coronado and Bear Republic respectively, met for beers at a local San Diego beer bar where they discussed the idea of the two creating something special. Two years, and countless collaborative visits later, MerBear was born.
 
"We have always respected the team and loved drinking their beers," said Brandon Richards, vice president of sales and marketing.  "We've built a solid relationship with Bear Republic and enjoy working with each other any chance we get," continued Richards. "This is something I can see developing into more collaborations in the future."
 
"It was fun putting our heads together for the MerBear collaboration, and we look forward to seeing how the MerBear project evolves in the future," said Bear Republic Head Brewer Rob Kent.
 
By land and by sea, MerBear Rye IPA is a unique union of styles. Amarillo, Hallertau Blanc, Centennial, and Equinox hops lend to the beer's pungent, fruity character that ends on a spicy, malty caramel backbone. Rarely seen, yet never ignored, it's an unforgettably full-bodied ale, carefully crafted for those particularly audacious craft beer drinkers.
 
Joint San Diego Launch Events:
The Bear Republic and Coronado Brewing teams will be partnering up and hosting dual tap takeovers with the brewers on-site in search of the elusive MerBear. You will be able to meet the brewers and taste the two versions of MerBear side by side, By Land & By Sea.
 
Wednesday, February 17
5:00 p.m.
Includes three unique beers from each brewery including both versions of MerBear
 
Friday, February 26
5:00 p.m.
We may even have a few special guests migrating down from NorCal for the event!
 
More details to come but guaranteed to be legendary events between the two brewers. Please visit  http://coronadobrewing.com/MerBear for more details.

Fundraising:
Additionally, Coronado Brewing will host a teddy bear drive at the company's Bay Park Tasting Room. Starting February 12th, bring in any stuffed bear or animal and receive a free Coronado pint glass. Donations will go to a local kids charity, It's All About the Kids Foundation.
 
MerBear Teddy Bear Drive
February 12 - 29, 2016
Coronado Brewing Tasting Room
1205 Knoxville Street
San Diego, CA 92110
 
Coronado Brewing MerBear Rye IPA specs: 
Style:                  Rye India Pale Ale
ABV:                  7.5%
Bitterness:          45 IBU
Package:             22 ounce bottles, draft
Release:              February 2016
Malts:                  2-row, Wheat, Biscuit 
Hops:                  Amarillo, Hallertau Blanc, Centennial, and Equinox

Where to find MerBear: 
MerBear Rye IPA will be available in 16 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Wisconsin. It will also go to New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and Japan.

 
 
About Coronado Brewing Company: In 1996, when craft beer was still a foreign term and San Diego County was home to only a handful of breweries, the Chapman brothers Ron and Rick opened a brewpub in their hometown of Coronado. Today CBC stays true to their San Diego roots, brewing abundantly hoppy West Coast-style ales, which are available today in nineteen US states and ten countries. In addition to the long-established pub in Coronado, the company opened a tasting room inside their newly built San Diego production facility in early 2013, and a tasting room and restaurant in Imperial Beach, California in 2014. Coronado Brewing Company was honored in 2014 with one of the brewing industry's most prestigious awards-World Beer Cup Champion Brewery and Brewmaster for a Mid-size Brewing Company.
 
Links:
Instagram: @CoronadoBrewing
Twitter: @CoronadoBrewing 
#MermaidSighting #MerBearRyeIPA 

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Oskar Blues Brewery Releases Beer List For Southern Hemisphere Hop Festival

Courtesy of Oskar Blues Brewery

Denver, CO -- Oskar Blues Brewery, the peeps who brought you Burning Can, announced in December a new festival with Stoney's Bar and Grill called The Southern Hemisphere Hop Festival. The fest will focus exclusively on beers and food from the other side of the world and it is sponsored by TicketFly, Drizly, and Argonaut Liquors. Proceeds from the event will go back to the Oskar Blues CAN'd Aid Foundation. CAN'd Aid Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Oskar Blues Brewery, is a 501c3 nonprofit that has raised over 

The Festival was inspired by the newest Oskar Blues Beer, The Oskar Blues IPA, which features an all Australian Hop Lineup including: Vic's Secret, Ella, Galaxy, Topaz, and Enigma. The Festival however, will include hops from not only Australia, but also, South Africa and New Zealand as well. 

Oskar Blues has confirmed around 20 craft breweries signed on to showcase their beers in the fest. Each brewery has created two Southern Hemisphere Beers, some specifically for the event itself, and event attendees will get the chance to sample each one and vote on their favorite. The winning beer will be placed on tap at Stoney's for a full month. Because Southern Hemisphere Hops are still incredibly hard to find, Oskar Blues Director of Brewing Operations, Tim Matthews, helped many of the breweries source the hops for the beers showcased.

Aside from the Oskar Blues IPA, OB will offer two other Southern Hemisphere Hop beers at the fest - IceyPA, a collaboration with Denver-based Icelantic skis. For this brew, the brewers turned to New Zealand's more herbaceous hop offerings in Pacific Gem, Rakau, Nelson Sauvin and Dr. Rudi. KOALAfied IPA is a new Belgo IPA with a deep ruby red malt color and loaded with Ella, South African, and Galaxy Hops at around 40 IBU and an ABV of 8-9%.

The fest will offer early access to VIP attendees starting at 6:00pm, GA will open up at 7:00pm and run until 10:00pm on February 27th. The VIP attendees will also be given a chance to taste some Southern Hemisphere foods provided by Stoney's Bar and Grill. Live music from Boulder based funk band, Hot Soup, will kick off at 9:30pm. There will also be a booth onsite where attendees can check out actual Southern Hemisphere hops - as well as some American hops - so you can getchyer hands dirty and experience the difference. Brewers will also be on hand to answer questions as well. 

The other breweries participating in this inaugural festival of specialty hops are mainly from Front Range breweries. The initial expected list of participating breweries and their Southern Hemisphere Beers are listed below:

Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery
Dingo Ate My Baby! & Another Shrimp on the Barby Mate! using experimental South African hops

Mockery Brewing
G'day Hombra Oaked Black Pale Ale - 6.0% ABV using Chilean malts and NZ and Aus. Hops. & Cocoa Coconut Stout - 7.7% using Chilean malts and NZ and Aus. hops

Upslope Brewing
Imperial IPA - 10.0% ABV & Topaz S.M.A.S.H. Pale Ale using Galaxy hops (Aus.)

Call to Arms Brewing Company
Freedom Fries Intercontinental Saison - 7.6% ABV & Great Gam Gam, Imperial IPA, 10.5% ABV using Nelson Sauvin hops (NZ)

Lone Tree Brewing Company
Latitude 41S Imperial Red IPA -9.0% ABV using Motueka hops (NZ) & TBD

Strange Craft Beer Company
Southern Cross single hop Belgian Pale - 4.0% single malt single hop Belgian Pale. (Patagonia base malt and Galaxy hops fermented with Westmalle yeast)
Nebulous Red IPA - 8+%Red IPA with Patagonia malts and two SAB hops (92P2/4 and XJA2)

City Star Brewing
Aces and Eights Imperial Red Ale - 8.0% ABV with Vic's Secret and Enigma hops (both Aus.)

Avery Brewing Co.
Raja Double IPA - 8.0% with Galaxy and Vic's Secret (both Aus.) & TBD

Crazy Mountain Brewing Company
Boohai Red Ale - 6.0% ABV with Nelson Sauvin and Pacific Gem hops (both NZ)

Odd13 Brewing
Sir Joshua Black IPA  - 6.1% ABV and Interpatagalactic Tart Dry-hopped Sour Blonde - 6.5% ABV using Galaxy (Aus.) and Kohatu (NZ) hops

Comrade Brewing Company
TBD (but will be using a 100% Southern Hemisphere hop bill with Patagonia Malt and Extra Pale Ale Malt from Chile)

Grossen Bart Brewing
TBD

Wits End Brewing
TBD

Ratio Beer Works
TBD

As an added bonus, Drizly, the on-demand alcohol delivery service that brings beer to your doorstep in under an hour's time, will also provide free delivery on any Colorado based orders which include Oskar Blues IPA the week leading up to the festival, as well as the week after (February 19th - February 26th & February 28th - March 6th.) 
Courtesy of Oskar Blues Brewery
 
About Oskar Blues Brewery 
Founded by Dale Katechis in 1997 in Lyons, Colorado, Oskar Blues Brewery launched the craft beer-in-a-can apocalypse with hand-canned, flagship brew Dale's Pale Ale. Today, Oskar Blues is one of the fastest growing breweries in the country and operates breweries in Longmont, Colorado and Brevard, North Carolina, while producing 192,000 barrels in 2015. The original canned craft brewery continues push innovation with the announcement of an Austin, TX brewery in April of 2016 and creations like The Crowler while it distributes to 46 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., as well as parts of Canada, Sweden, and the U.K.  
In 2013, Oskar Blues founded the CAN'd Aid Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity that offers grassroots grants to those making a difference in the areas of community, the environment, music, and more. In 2015 alone, CAN'd Aid partnered with 52 organizations and provided nearly $400,000 in charitable contributions, bringing the total amount raised $1.9 million to date. CAN'd Aid's "do-goodery" efforts include: 
  • Towns - building strong communities
  • Tunes - for your eyeholes and earholes
  • Treads + Trails - get outside and get after it
  • Love Yur Mama - save the blue marble
To keep up with all things Oskar Blues, visit http://www.oskarblues.com.


Ecliptic Brewing to Release Two New Beers

Courtesy of Ecliptic Brewing Co
PORTLAND, Ore. (February 10, 2016)–Ecliptic Brewing welcomes Spring with the release of Zenith Grapefruit Gose and Deimos Imperial Red Ale.  These beers are part of Ecliptic’s Seasonal and Special Release Series respectively.  Zenith Grapefruit Gose and Deimos Imperial Red Ale will be available in March.

“With loads of dry hops, Deimos is a deliciously hoppy imperial red ale and Zenith is crisp, tart, and refreshing,” said owner and head brewmaster John Harris.  “We are excited for these new beers to be released.”
Courtesy of Ecliptic Brewing Co
About Zenith Grapefruit Gose
Zenith Grapefruit Gose (pronounced Gose-uh) is a traditional German-style sour ale with a touch of coriander and salt.  Our interpretation of this style includes grapefruit, for a refreshing beer, perfect for springtime when the sun re-emerges above our celestial sphere.
            ABV: 4.5%
            IBU: 10
            Gravity: 12°
Courtesy of Ecliptic Brewing Co
About Deimos Imperial Red Ale
Deimos is the outer sibling of the other Martian moon, Phobos.  Brewed with Pale malt and four types of Crystal malts, Deimos Imperial Red Ale is rich with caramel malt flavor.  Simcoe, Nugget, and Columbus hops impart a bold hop flavor and aroma to this pleasingly dense ale.
            ABV: 7.5%
            IBU: 70
            Gravity: 16.5°

Both beers will be available in the pub and distributed throughout the Ecliptic Brewing distribution network in draft and 22oz bottles.

Ecliptic beers are available at the brewery (825 North Cook St), in bottle and on-tap throughout the area, and distributed by: Maletis Beverage (Portland, Salem, Vancouver WA), Bigfoot Beverage (Eugene, Bend, Coast), Fort George Distributing (Northern Oregon Coast), Summit Distribution (Southern Oregon), Click Distributing (Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Northern Idaho), Dickerson Distributing (Bellingham), Crooked Stave Artisans (Colorado), and Freedom Distributors (North Carolina).

About Ecliptic Brewing
Ecliptic Brewing is a venture from John Harris, an Oregon beer icon whose background is steeped in the state’s rich craft brewing history. The name Ecliptic unites Harris’ two passions: brewing and astronomy, and as such, the brewery celebrates the Earth’s yearly journey around the sun through both its beer and restaurant menus. Executive chef Michael Molitor rotates his seasonally inspired menu every six weeks in accordance with the old world calendar. Harris’ signature beers include Spica Pilsner, Orbiter IPA, Phobos Single Hop Red Ale, and Capella Porter. For more information, visit: www.eclipticbrewing.com.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Breakside Brewery IPA Wins Big and 2 new Barrel-Aged Bottled Beer Releases

Courtesy of Breakside Brewery
Portland & Milwaukie, Oregon - Fresh off a recent Gold medal win for Breakside IPA at the Best of Craft Beer Awards and winning the Oregon Hophouse's month-long Blind IPA Tasting, Breakside Brewery is introducing two very special new beers in bottles straight from the barrels with Bourbon Barrel-Aged Salted Caramel Stout and Fitzcarraldo. Both beers will take their bow on Zwickelmania day, February 13th, 2016.

Courtesy of Breakside Brewery
 Breakside IPA one of the Winningest IPA's on the Market Today

Breakside Brewery claimed a Silver Medal for the year-round Pils and a Gold for the flagship IPA at the 2016 Best of Craft Beer Awards held recently in Bend, Oregon. Breakside came out on top amongst the 134 beers entered into the American IPA category. This means Breakside IPA's have came out on top for two years back-to-back at the Best of Craft Beer Awards with a Gold last year for the other year-round Wanderlust IPA. That means Breakside IPA's have been a medalist three years in a row (Breakside's flagship IPA also won a Silver at BoCBA in 2014.)

Between the Best of Craft Beer Awards and another recent win at the Oregon Hophouse's month-long Oregon Blind IPA Tasting, Breakside IPA is solidified as one of the winningest IPAs on the market today-- it is the ONLY IPA to have won gold at 3 of the 4 largest beer competitions in the country (North American Beer Awards 2014, Great American Beer Festival 2014, Best of Craft Beer Awards 2016).
Courtesy of Breakside Brewery

Zwickelmania Day Beer Releases

Breakside Brewery will be debuting two new barrel-aged beers in bottles on Zwickelmania, Saturday February 13th, 2016. The first ever release of a special Bourbon Barrel-Aged Salted Caramel Stout that will go on sale on Friday and then trickle out to limited distribution. 22oz bottles will be on sale at both Breakside locations for $13 each with a 6 bottle per person limit beginning at 11am. Fitzcarraldo is a special barrel-aged blend that Breakside's Head Brewer says "Frankly, it tastes amazing. Easily one of the most robust and complex barrel-aged beers we've ever done." Fitzcarraldo will only be sold in-house at the two Breakside Brewery locations with very limited draft sold outside for special events. This beer will also debut on draft and in bottles for $13 each this Zwickelmania day, Saturday, February 13th. More info on both beers below.

Also on Zwickelmania day, our Milwaukie Brewery & Tasting Room will be pouring our collaboration beer with Honolulu Beerworks-- Side Project Sour-- which is a berliner weisse made with calamansi lime and Maui gold pineapple. There are only 2 kegs of this beer that made it into Oregon, one of which will be tapped on Saturday.

Finally, the Portland Chocolate Mob is doing some beer and chocolate pairings around town during Zwickelmania, and we'll be having a free chocolate and beer pairing in Milwaukie only. There will be chocolates featured from a handful of different Portland-area producers, both for sampling and (of course) for sale since Sunday is Valentine's Day
Courtesy of Breakside Brewery
Fitzcarraldo

2016 Brewers Reserve
A Blend of Bourbon Barrel-Aged Strong Ales
In time for Zwickelmania 2016, we are excited to release a special 'cuvee,' a special blend of beers created by our brewers. 

The finished blend is a beer we've named Fitzcarraldo. The majority of the blend is a Belgian dark strong ale that spent over 18 months in Bourbon barrels. The extended aging allowed for soft and complex oxidative flavors to come out-- there are notes of fig, date, and port. As the beer mellowed, the classic Belgian yeast profile did as well: it shows light notes of clove and red currant. This was blended with a small portion of a Bourbon barrel-aged stout that had spent 12 months in barrels. This beer added some sweetness and richness of body to the blend. Finally, to brighten and enliven the beer, the brewers chose to add a dash of Toro Red, our smoky amber ale. The young beer gives the blend a vibrancy that is uncommon and welcome in a blend of  older beers.
Courtesy of Breakside Brewery
This beer is available exclusively at Breakside's two breweries in draft and 22 oz bottles.

ABV: 11.2%
IBU: 25
Malts: Two Row, Munich, Abbey, CaraBohemian, Special W, Black, Chocolate, C40L
Hops: Newport
Package: 22 oz bottle and very limited draft
Availability: One-Off Released February 2016. Exclusively at Breakside's Two Locations

Suggested food pairings : Braised pork belly with caraway; mixed cheese and charcuterie plates; Savory cheese "flan" with grilled sweet onions and eggplant; Gorgonzola and steak fondue



Courtesy of Breakside Brewery
Bourbon Barrel-Aged Salted Caramel Stout

Sweet Stout Brewed with Salt and Caramel
Aged in Bourbon Barrels


Here you have the barrel-aged version of our popular winter seasonal, Salted Caramel Stout. This version of this beer has been sitting in Heaven Hill Bourbon barrels for nearly a year, and we think you will see that it has been worth the wait. Big notes of vanilla, caramel, and chocolate mix on the nose are followed by rich Bourbon flavors on the mid-palate, a luscious mouthfeel, and a hint of salt in the finish. Soft oak tannins and a pleasant wood character round this out.

Forget food-- this beer is dinner, drinks, and dessert all in a single bottle. Cheers!

ABV: 10.5%
IBU: 40
Malts: Two Row, Munich, Crystal 40L, Roast Barley, Black, Chocolate
Hops: Newport

Suggested Food Pairings: Banana icebox cake, Cinnamon chocolate torte, Coconut pork rice bowl, Duck and tasso jambalaya.

About Breakside Brewery:
Opened in 2010 in the quiet Woodlawn neighborhood of Northeast Portland as a restaurant and nano-sized brewery, Breakside expanded to a 3.5 BBL brewhouse while winning their first medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2011 where they have earned medals each year since. In late 2013 the brewery expanded operations to Milwaukie, Oregon with a 30BBL production brewery filled with 60 and 120BBL tanks, barrel rooms for wild and non-wild/sour fermentation's and a 20 tap tasting room. In 2014 Breakside was awarded with the highly coveted Gold Medal for American-style IPA at the Great American Beer Festival for their flagship IPA that was also named to Men's Journals 100 Best Beers In The World and Sip Northwest's Best IPA in the Northwest. Breakside is also known for their experimental, barrel-aged and sour beers like Bourbon Barrel-Aged Aztec a strong amber ale with chocolate and chilies that won Bronze at both Chicago's Festival of Barrel-Aged Beers and Best of Craft Beer Awards and Passionfruit Sour a berliner-weisse style beer that earned a Bronze at the 2013 GABF.
Breakside Beers are available on draft and in 22oz bottles in Oregon, Seattle-Washington area, Denver, Hawaii and British Columbia. 2015 expansion plans include introducing 6-packs of 12oz bottles and more specialty bottles and sour beers. Visit www.breakside.com for more info.

Breakside Brewery & Taproom
5821 SE International Way, Milwaukie, OR

Breakside Brewpub
820 NE Dekum St, Portland, OR

Samuel Adams Rebel Grapefruit IPA Hits Shelves Nationwide

Courtsey of Samuel Adams/Boston Beer Co
 The Newest Member of the Rebel IPA Family Now Available in Bottles, Cans and on Draft

BOSTON, February 9, 2016– The brewers at Sam Adams announced today that they’re releasing the newest member of the Rebel family to craft beer lovers across the country with the nationwide launch of Rebel Grapefruit IPA in bottles and cans. Drinkers first got a taste of this thirst quenching IPA back in November when it was released on draft, and the brewers are now offering it year-round in bottles and cans.

Brewer’s Notes:
Brewed with real grapefruit – California-grown Star Ruby and Star Rio – Rebel Grapefruit IPA hits the palate with a juicy citrus punch.  These grapefruits are known for their thicker peel, and during the brewing process the peel is added in the kettle to give the beer a tart, sharp character. Before the beer is filtered, grapefruit juice is added for a sweet juiciness and to round out the bitterness from the peel. The grapefruit amps up the citrus and fruit notes of the four hop varieties, including Mosaic hops, which impart the tropical, citrus notes at the forefront of this beer.

In addition to Mosaic hops, three other hop varieties are added at different stages of the brewing process for even more hop flavor and aroma. The resulting beer is distinctly bright, with a juicy tartness that is complemented by the hops:
·         Mosaic (kettle & dry-hopping): Sweeter fruit notes of Mandarin orange, pineapple and grapefruit, with hints of eucalyptus
·         Centennial (dry-hopping): Medium citrus, intensely floral with hints of wood
·         Cascade (kettle): Citrus and grapefruit with subtle floral balance
·         Citra (kettle): Strong citrus, tropical fruit and slightly floral

“We experimented with dozens of test batch IPAs in our nanobrewery with different combinations of hops and grapefruit, and love this marriage of citrus and bitterness,” said Seth Adams, Brewer at Samuel Adams. “Rebel Grapefruit IPA showcases what we like most about American hops, and we’re psyched that drinkers can now enjoy this juicy IPA at home and at their favorite bar.”
Courtesy of Samuel Adams/Boston Beer Co
Samuel Adams Rebel Grapefruit IPA is available nationwide on draft, in six-packs of bottles for a suggested retail price of $7.99-$9.99, and in 16 oz. cans for a SRP of $1.99-$2.49. The beer will also be available in the upcoming Pack of Rebels Variety Pack for $15.99-$18.99. Price varies by market.

Samuel Adams Rebel and Samuel Adams Boston Lager are registered trademarks of The Boston Beer Company.

ABOUT THE BOSTON BEER COMPANY:
The Boston Beer Company began in 1984 with a generations-old family recipe that Founder and Brewer Jim Koch uncovered in his father’s attic. Inspired and unafraid to challenge conventional thinking about beer, Jim brought the recipe to life in his kitchen. Pleased with the results of his work, Jim decided to sample his beer with bars in Boston in the hopes that drinkers would appreciate the complex, full-flavored beer he brewed fresh in America. That beer was aptly named Samuel Adams Boston Lager, in recognition of one of our nation's great founding fathers, a man of independent mind and spirit. Little did Jim know at the time, Samuel Adams Boston Lager would soon become a catalyst of the American craft beer revolution.

Today, The Boston Beer Company brews more than 60 styles of beer. It relentlessly pursues the development of new styles and the perfection of classic beers by searching the world for the finest ingredients. Using the traditional four vessel brewing process, the Company often takes extra steps like dry-hopping, barrel-aging and a secondary fermentation known as krausening. The Company has also pioneered another revolution, the 'extreme beer' movement, where it seeks to challenge drinker's perceptions of what beer can be. The Boston Beer Company has been committed to elevating the image of American craft beer by entering festivals and competitions around the globe, and is one of world’s most awarded breweries at international beer competitions. As an independent company, brewing quality beer remains its primary focus. Although Samuel Adams beer is America's leading craft beer, it accounts for only one percent of the U.S. beer market. The Boston Beer Company will continue its independently-minded quest to brew great beer and to advocate for the growth of craft beer across America. For more information, please visit www.samueladams.com.

Fremont Brewing Coming to Idaho

Courtsey of Fremont Brewing
Fremont Brewing and Hayden Beverage Company Combine to Rain Down Beer on the Great State of Mind, Idaho

Week of Launch Events Begins February 15 at 13th St. Pub and Grill, 5:00 p.m.

SEATTLE -- Fremont Brewing of Seattle, Washington has teamed up with Boise-based Hayden Beverage Company for statewide distribution in Idaho. To celebrate their partnership, Fremont Brewing and Hayden Beverage will host several launch events in Boise and throughout Southern Idaho. Events in North Idaho will roll out in March.

The series of launch events will begin on February 15th, 5:00 pm at 13th St. Pub and Grill, 1520 N. 13th St., Boise, ID 83702, featuring several of Fremont’s most sought-after brews. Members of the craft beer community are invited to taste their beer and meet the Fremont and Hayden teams.

Additional launch events are listed on Fremont Brewing’s events page and include:
  • Monday, Feb. 15, 6:00 pm: Anchor Bar, 334 Blue Lakes Blvd N., Twin Falls, 83301
  • Monday, Feb. 15, 6:00 pm: Hooligans, 122 N. 3rd Ave, Pocatello, 83201
  • Tuesday, Feb. 16, 5:00 pm: Twisted Timbers, 4563 S. Cloverdale Rd, Boise, 83709
  • Tuesday, Feb. 16, 5:00 pm: Bier: Thirty Bottle & Bistro, 3073 S. Bown Way, Boise, 83706
  • Tuesday, Feb. 16, 6:00 pm: Lefty’s, 231 6th St E., Ketchum, 83340
  • Tuesday, Feb. 16, 6:00 pm: MarCellar’s Vintage Wines & Brews, 431 Park Ave, Idaho Falls, 83402
  • Wednesday, Feb. 17, 6:00 pm: Whole Foods River Room, 201 S. Broadway Ave, Boise, 83703
  • Wednesday, Feb. 17, 6:00 pm: Pre-Funk Beer Bar, 1100 W. Front St, Boise, 83702
 
The Seattle-based brewery and taproom was founded in 2009 by Matt Lincecum and Sara Nelson. Fremont Brewing is now the fastest-growing brewery in Washington and its Interurban IPA is WA’s leading craft beer. Other beers include Universale Pale Ale; seasonal single-hop, single grain favorite, Summer Ale; Bourbon Abominable (“BBomb”); Bourbon Barrel Aged Dark Star; Rusty Nail, a bourbon barrel aged beer brewed with licorice and aged on cinnamon bark before resting in 15-year old barrels for 15 months; and finally Cowiche Canyon Fresh Hop Ale, featuring Fremont’s exclusive Cowiche Canyon Citra, Simcoe and Mosaic hops. Their beers have won numerous awards such as 2 Silver medals in the 2014 Great American Beer Festival; the Gold medal in the 2016 Best of Craft Beer Awards; Bronze medals in the 2012 World Beer Cup and the 2015 Festival of Barrel Aged Beers (FoBAB); and Rate Beer’s 2015 Best Strong Ale in the World, 2015 Best Beer in Washington, and 2014 Top 100 Brewers in the World.

In addition to its reputation for consistent quality and innovation, Fremont Brewing is a recognized leader in sustainable brewing operations and community engagement. They give generously to non-profit organizations, promote the organic hop and local grain markets, and reduce their carbon footprint through conservation and green technologies. It is for these and many other initiatives that they won Washington’s Manufacturer of the Year Award in 2015 and King County’s Best Small Business Award in 2014.

“Idaho is like family to us,” said Matt Lincecum, Fremont Brewing’s Founder and Owner. "How can you say no when your family wants beer? So, we’re excited to share our beer with our brothers and sisters from another mother in the great State of Mind, Idaho!”

About Fremont Brewing
Fremont Brewing is a family-owned craft brewery founded in 2009 to brew artisan beers made with the best local ingredients we can find. Our beer is distributed in kegs, cans, and 22 oz. bottles and can be enjoyed everyday at our kid- and dog-friendly Urban Beer Garden in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. Because Beer Matters! http://www.fremontbrewing.com/welcome

About Hayden Beverage Company
Hayden Beverage is Idaho’s largest statewide distributor of beer, wine, Red Bull and premium non-alcoholic beverages.  In the ever-demanding beverage industry, we depend on the strength of our brands and our employees’ relationships, work ethic, knowledge, and creativity to maintain our competitive advantage. We are proud to be family owned and operated, providing us the ability to make decisions to enhance the long-term health of our business and that of our partners. We have shown consistent growth, enabling our employees to enjoy a stable career and rewarding lifestyle. We work hard, we execute, and we have fun! http://www.haydenbeverage.com/

New Belgium Brewing Taps Craft Malters for RyePA Revival

Courtesy of New Belgium Brewing Co
Collaboration with Asheville, NC’s Riverbend Malt House and Alamosa, CO’s Colorado Malting

Asheville, N.C. - February 9, 2016 – Can we get an "Amen!"? Two years after its initial release, New Belgium Brewing’s RyePA is coming back with a nod to the brewer’s dual hometowns in Colorado and North Carolina. Originally brewed with Carolina RyeTM, heirloom rye grown in North Carolina and floor malted by Riverbend Malt House in Asheville, RyePA revival also incorporates rye from Colorado Malting, a fourth-generation family farm in Alamosa, CO. The hoppy Rye IPA is available in New Belgium Folly Packs nationwide through May.

“As we open our east coast home in Asheville this spring, making a beer with roots in both homes led us right back to RyePA,” said New Belgium Brewer, Matty Gilliland. “Using malt from Riverbend and Colorado Malting allowed us to source hyper locally, brewing some essence of both places into the beer and growing our existing relationships with awesome craft partners.”

This beer is brimming with big hop flavors. Galaxy, Cascade, Simcoe and Mosaic hops round out the hop profile. Blackcurrant and tropical fruits compliment grassy herbs in the nose, while a sweet-bitter-sweet taste voyage and 6.6% ABV make this a very drinkable beer. Big, juicy, fruity hop flavors are complemented by a spicy rye finish. The bold, spicy RyePA sings with a bowl of jambalaya, a spicy meatball sandwich or a hot masala. Mexican brownie anyone? Hallelujah!

Riverbend and New Belgium-Courtesy of New Belgium Brewing Co
New Belgium brewers and Riverbend co-founders first developed a Rye Saison using Riverbend’s Carolina Rye Malt for Asheville Beer Week 2013. The brewers were so pleased with the beer, they decided to use the Carolina RyeTM in RyePA in 2014 and now again in the 30% rye malt profile in the RyePA revival.

Riverbend and Colorado Malting co-founders met at the Craft Brewers Conference in 2014 and then again at the Craft Malt Guild in Denver. The craft malters have admired each other’s work over the years and this is the first time they know of that their grain has been brewed into the same beer.

“Having been grown by farmers in North Carolina for more than 200 years and hand-crafted utilizing traditional floor malting techniques, the Carolina RyeTM malt embodies the terroir of the southeast,” said Riverbend co-founder Brian Simpson. “Riverbend Malt House is excited that New Belgium will bring this taste of the South to so many new palates.”

As pioneers in the malting industry, both Riverbend and Colorado Malting have unique processes and regionally specific grain varietals. Serving as the missing link between farmers and the brewing industry, Riverbend uses a traditional artisan floor malting technique dating back to the 1700s. Each batch of their heirloom rye is raked by hand to release heat and incorporate fresh air into the grain bed.

Operating from their fourth-generation family farm in Alamosa, CO, the Cody brothers designed and built their malting equipment and run their operation from what used to be their grandparent’s home. From the field to the glass, Colorado Malting is taking beer back to its roots so brewers can make the best beer in the world.
undefinedColorado Malting - Courtesy of New Belgium Brewing Co
"We grow it and malt it, so we see it from the time it sprouts to the malt bed,” said Jason Cody, Colorado Malting Company. “The grains are like children to us,” said Joshua Cody.

In addition to brewing a great beer, the partners are aligned in shared truths, including conducting business as if people and place matter. As a B Corp, New Belgium looks to align with purpose-driven businesses whenever possible. Both Riverbend and Colorado Malting operate with care and consideration to their communities and the land.

ABOUT RIVERBEND MALT HOUSE | Malt with a Mission
Founded in 2010, Riverbend Malt House is the only production scale malting facility in the southeast United States. Riverbend’s mission is to provide area craft brewers and distillers with locally farmed, artisan malts, helping to reduce the industry’s impact on the planet. As a founding member of the North American Craft Maltsters Guild, Riverbend Malt House is a leading force in the nation’s micro-malt movement. www.RiverbendMalt.com

ABOUT COLORADO MALTING COMPANY | From Field to Glass
Founded in 2008, Colorado Malting is a handmade malting operation. Operating from the Cody Farm, a fourth generation family farm, the Cody brothers designed and built their equipment and run their operation from what used to be their grandparent’s home. From the field to the glass, Colorado Malting is taking beer back to its roots so brewers can make the best beer in the world. http://ColoradoMaltingCompany.com/

ABOUT NEW BELGIUM BREWING |New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, is recognized as one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work and one of the Wall Street Journal’s Best Small Businesses. The 100% employee- owned brewery is a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Business as designated by the League of American Bicyclists, and one of World Blu’s most democratic U.S. businesses, and a Certified B Corp. In addition to Fat Tire, New Belgium brews thirteen year-round beers; Citradelic Tangerine IPA, Ranger IPA, Rampant Imperial IPA, Shift Pale Lager, Slow Ride Session IPA, Snapshot Wheat, Sunshine Wheat, 1554 Black Ale, Blue Paddle Pilsner, Abbey Belgian Ale and Trippel and a gluten-reduced line, Glutiny Pale Ale and Glutiny Golden Ale. Learn more at www.newbelgium.com.