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Thursday, October 6, 2016

Full Sail and Session Win Seven World Beer Awards

Courtesy of Full Sail Brewing
From classic Session Lager to innovative Blood Orange, Full Sail wins best of the U.S.

Hood River, Oregon – October 4, 2016 – The Olympics may be over but Full Sail Brewing is still helping the U.S. bring home gold. The brewery won seven best of the U.S. medals at this year’s annual World Beer Awards, the international competition that uses a blind tasting system to choose the very best beers across the globe.

Session Premium Lager – which has 22 gold medals to its name already – won U.S. Best Helles/Münchner. Full Sail Blood Orange Wheat took home gold for U.S. Fruit & Vegetable Flavored Beer, Hop Pursuit IPA won silver for U.S. Pale Beer-IPA, Full Sail Classic IPA won silver for U.S Pale Beer/Golden, Session Black won U.S. Best Dark Lager, Session Cream won the U.S. Best Cream Ales category, and Session IPA took bronze for U.S. Pale Ale.

“We don’t brew our beers to win medals but it sure is fun when we do!” says Full Sail Executive Brewmaster Jamie Emmerson. “We love making world-class beer here in the small town of Hood River, and we’re incredibly proud of our broad variety of balanced beers taking home medals from this year’s World Beer Awards. Now you be the judge.” 

Over the years, Full Sail’s passion and commitment have earned the brewery more than 300 medals and awards (more than 150 of them golds) at national and international competitions and tastings. Be sure to try these ridiculously tasty award winners for yourself.

About Full Sail Brewing Company
Perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the mighty Columbia River’s epic wind and kite surfing and the snow-capped volcanic peaks of Mt. Hood, Full Sail is a true craft-brewing pioneer. Since 1987, Full Sail has been pouring pure Mt. Hood water, local ingredients and responsible processes into each and every pint. Full Sail’s brews and sustainable practices have garnered more than 300 national and international awards, including 150 gold medals and Beverage World ‘s “Craft Brewer of the Year” distinction. From Full Sail Amber and IPA to Session Lager and bourbon barrel-aged beers, Full Sail consistently strives to brew complex, balanced and ridiculously tasty beers. Learn more at www.fullsailbrewing.com.

GoodLife Brewing Releasing Comatose Imperial IPA in Bottles

Courtesy of Goodlife Brewing Co
BEND, OR (Thursday, October, 6th, 2016) You’ve spoken, and we’ve listened! With the surge in popularity through draft sales, we are proud to announce starting TODAY GoodLife Brewing will be bottling Comatose Imperial IPA year-round in 16.9oz bottles. With over 5 lbs. of hops per barrel, bright fruit, melon and citrus flavors carouse with floral hop hints for a mild bitterness and extra juicy bite that chill you out cold. So cold that you won’t even want to share the bottle.

GoodLife was the first brewery in Bend, OR to can, but we also have a history of bottling Descender IPA and Mountain Rescue Session Ale. Ty Barnett, GoodLife Brewing Co-Owner, said “We saw huge growth in Comatose this last year and we’ve always wanted to bottle it, so now is the perfect time to make dreams come true.” To keep up with Comatose Imperial IPA production, we just bought two new 90 BBL fermenters and an additional 240 BBL tank, making our annual capacity 32,000 BBLS. With the extra 420 BBL a month capacity, GoodLife will be having Owen Lingley and his Craft Canning team come bottle Comatose on their new 16.9oz mobile bottling line. Barnett said “We have a great history with Craft Canning. They were the ones that first put GoodLife in cans, and look how that worked out.” We know that between their abilities and our beers, Comatose Imperial IPA bottles are going to be a great product.

Some people might be surprised that with the purchase of our canning line a few years ago, Comatose Imperial IPA isn’t going to be canned. It was a contender for six packs; however, we are more than just a canned beer company. And even more importantly, Comatose tastes wicked good out of a bottle. In 2017, GoodLife Brewing is planning on releasing two bottle series: our Specialty Series and a Barrel Aged Series. We are making great strides and investment into our specialty programs and we can’t wait to show the world what we have up our sleeves.

Initially, Comatose Imperial IPA bottles will only be available in Oregon at specialty chain stores and bottle shops.

Check out our live stream of bottling action on Thursday via Instagram and Facebook by following us @GoodLifeBrewing.

About GoodLife Brewing Company
As brewers of hand crafted ales, we are outdoor enthusiasts who look forward to sharing our craft beers that are most balanced and of the highest quality. GoodLife Brewing Company has been making award-winning beers since 2011 in its home of Bend, Oregon. GoodLife's “Adventurous Ales” are Descender IPA, Sweet As Pacific Ale and a selection of seasonal beers. In addition to making beer, GoodLife enjoys giving back to the community by supporting many local and national non-profit organizations. Play hard, live easy and enjoy GoodBeer for GoodLife! For more information, visit www.goodlifebrewing.com, or find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @GoodLifeBrewing.

Portland Brewing Celebrates Home Brewing and the Return of Two Seasonal Favorites, Black Watch Cream Porter & MacTarnahan’s Fresh Hop Amber Ale

Courtesy of Portland Brewing Co
Beer Fest Benefiting the Oregon Brew Crew

PORTLAND, Ore. (October 06, 2016) — Kicking off the holiday season, Portland Brewing will hold its 3rd annual Fall Fest, benefitting Oregon’s oldest home brewing club, the Oregon Brew Crew. Enjoy a free beer tasting, and vote for your favorite home brew 16 home brewers are bringing 20 beers. Donate $10 to the Oregon Brew Crew and leave with a 6-pack of beer, donated by Portland Brewing. Fall Fest is a family friendly event featuring live music from the Hops & Honey String Band, raffles, food specials (kids eat free with an adult meal purchase) and kids activities. 
Fall Fest also features the return of two Portland Brewing seasonal favorites — BlackWatch Cream Porter and MacTarnahan’s Fresh Hop Amber Ale. With cooler months ahead, these seasonals will keep imbibers warm. Back by popular demand, BlackWatch Cream Porter is an honorably smooth blend of Caramel, Black Roast, Wheat and Oats Malts, with Willamette and Northern Brewer hops, lending a subtle bitterness to the beer. “BlackWatch has always been a fan favorite,” says Portland Brewing’s Head Brewer Ryan Pappe. “There’s something comforting about sipping on a robust, dark beer while the rain pelts our city.” The beer comes in at ABV: 5.3% | IBU: 27 
MacTarnahan’s Fresh Hop Amber Ale is another Portland Brewing favorite. Every year during harvest, the brewers head to Goschie Farms in Silverton, Ore. to pick wet Cascade hops. The fresh hops are rushed back to the brewery and added to MacTarnahan’s Amber Ale, resulting in refreshingly green flavors, with subtle and complex fruit notes. The wet Cascade hops are complemented by 2-Row Pale and Caramel malts. The beer comes in at ABV: 5.1% | IBU: 32 
BlackWatch and Mac’s Fresh Hop Amber Ale are available for a limited time at the Portland Brewing Company Taproom and in stores and bottle shops throughout Oregon and Washington.
Courtesy of Portland Brewing Co
 About Portland Brewing Company
Celebrating 30 years of passionate brewing in the Rose City, Portland Brewing looks ahead to a future of unwavering obsession over what our civilized world simply can’t live without: great beer. Founded in 1986, the brewery is one of Portland’s craft brewing pioneers and remains committed to the city for which it is named. Portland Brewing is located at 2730 NW 31st Ave., Portland, OR 97210. For more information about Portland Brewing Company, head to their website, Facebook and Twitter
 

Monday, October 3, 2016

Patagonia Provisions Launches Organic Beer - Long Root Ale Made With Kernza Perennial Grain

Courtesy of Danny Hedden
 Long Root Ale is the first commercially available beer to be made with Kernza via organic regenerative agricultural practices; now available at Whole Foods Market stores in California, Oregon and Washington.

SAUSALITO, California. (October 3, 2016) – Patagonia Provisions, in partnership with Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB) in Portland, Oregon, today announced the launch of Long Root Ale, a Northwest-Style Pale Ale made with organic ingredients and Kernza perennial grain. Looking for solutions to repair the food systems that sustain us, Long Root Ale represents another step towards transforming agricultural practices and supporting sustainable farming.

Patagonia Provisions’ friends and partners at The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas have made a major breakthrough in organic regenerative agriculture with Kernza, the perennial grain used in Long Root Ale. Kernza grain is ideally suited for organic regenerative agriculture – its long roots and perennial growth allow it to thrive without pesticides, it uses less water than conventional wheat, helps to reduce erosion and removes more carbon from the atmosphere than annual grains. And it just so happens to make delicious beer.
 Patagonia Provisions believes the future of farming, and our planet, lies in organic regenerative agriculture – a practice that restores soil biodiversity, sequesters carbon and grows crops all without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Kenza Farmer - Courtesy of Jim Richardson
“Beer holds a critical role in society and history. It is the center of many tables, uniting us with its common language,” notes Birgit Cameron, sr. director of Patagonia Provisions. “With its wonderful tradition and history of bringing people together, Patagonia Provisions saw an opportunity to use such a widely influential product to tell the story of organic regenerative agriculture, via Kernza, to a wide swath of people with a product we can all enjoy and get behind. All it takes is a small tweak in the way we make our beer to effect big change – we are hoping this message reaches the big brewers of the world.”
A refreshing pale ale, Long Root Ale is made with organic two-row barley, organic yeast and a blend of organic Northwest hops, resulting in a beer with resinous, grapefruit hop aromas and flavor and a balanced maltiness. The addition of 15 percent Kernza adds a slight spiciness to the dry, crisp finish. Long Root Ale represents the first commercial use of Kernza, and a strong step toward changing the way we grow and produce food.

Courtesy of Amy Kumler
Patagonia Provisions chose Hopworks Urban Brewery to create Long Root Ale due to its strong commitment to organics and sustainable brewing practices. Hopworks, experts in organic beer, is a B Corporation and is on a mission to revolutionize the brewing industry for the better.

“Working with Patagonia Provisions on Long Root Ale is the highest honor,” notes Christian Ettinger, founder and brewmaster of Hopworks Urban Brewery. “Kernza adds great flavors to this delicious Pale Ale. It also offers attractive agricultural benefits like substantial water reduction. Kernza is really paving the way for future discussions with other commodity grains that we use to brew. As organic brewers we are really excited about the ‘grain to glass’ model and Long Root Ale is just that.”

Long Root Ale will be available in 16 oz cans in Whole Foods Market locations in California, Oregon and Washington beginning October 3, 2016. In addition, select Whole Foods Market bar-restaurants and both Hopworks locations will serve the beer on draft, as will the Miir Flagship Store in Seattle. For more information and to find Long Root Ale near you, visit longrootale.com.

“We love Patagonia Provisions’ efforts to find solutions for responsibly sourced food,” said Claude Ruau-Choate, specialty coordinator, Whole Foods Market Southern Pacific Region. “And what better way to raise awareness about organic regenerative agriculture and Kernza grain than through a delicious pale ale. We’re thrilled to be the first retailer to carry this beer.”

About Patagonia Provisions
In 2012, Yvon Chouinard launched Patagonia Provisions to offer ethically and sustainably sourced delicious food products. Patagonia Provisions, based in Sausalito, California, is reexamining best practices in food sourcing, working with like-minded advocates and producers to find solutions to the important environmental issues facing the food industry. Wild Lummi Island Pink Salmon complements Patagonia Provisions’ growing line including Buffalo Jerky, fully cooked Wild Sockeye Salmon, Tsampa Soup, Green Lentil Soup, Black Bean Soup and three flavors of Fruit + Nut Bars.

About Hopworks Urban Brewery
Hopworks Urban Brewery strives to revolutionize and inspire the brewing industry with practices that drive quality, protect the environment and improve the community we live in. Utilizing organic malts and a combination of locallysourced, organic and Salmon Safe hops, the company’s 20-barrel brewery produces 13,500 barrels of beer and cider ayear for HUB’s brewpubs and for distribution throughout the Northwest. Hopworks is a family-owned and operated business, the first Certified B Corporation brewery in the Pacific Northwest, a gold-level bike friendly business, and is recognized as one of the Best Green Companies To Work For In Oregon.

Rogue Brewing Release Pumpkin Patch Ale

Courtesy of Rogue Ales & Spirits

Independence, OR, October 3, 2016 – Rogue Ales & Spirits announces the release of Rogue Pumpkin Patch Ale, brewed with fresh pumpkins grown and harvested at Rogue Farms in Independence, Oregon.

Pumpkin Patch Ale can only be brewed when Mother Nature deems Rogue Farms Dream Pumpkins ripe. This means the small orange gourds are deep orange in color and their sweetness has peaked from the warm Oregon summer.

Pumpkin Patch Ale begins in the dirt at Rogue Farms. One acre of Dream Pumpkins was planted in late spring alongside the Rogue Farms hops, jalapeños, marionberries and buzzing honey bees. As soon as they were picked, the pumpkins were driven to the Rogue Brewery in Newport, Oregon just 77 miles away. The pumpkins were hand-chopped and seeded, roasted in pizza ovens, and pitched fresh into the brew kettle along with vanilla bean, ginger, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange peel and Rogue Farms Independent hops to create Pumpkin Patch Ale.
 
Courtesy of Rogue Ales & Spirits
“It takes time to plant, grow, harvest, roast and brew with our own pumpkins, but real pumpkin beer is worth the wait,” said Rogue Brewmaster John Maier.

Pumpkin Patch Ale is now available nationwide in 750 Ml bottles and on draft. For more information on Pumpkin Patch Ale and growing pumpkin beer visit rogue.com.




Sierra Nevada Unveils Two New Product Launches For January 2017

Courtesy of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co
CHICO, CA — October 3, 2016 — Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. announced two new products to hit the market in Q1 2017: Sidecar Orange Pale Ale and Tropical Torpedo IPA.  With nearly 5,000 craft breweries in operation in the United States, Sierra Nevada ranks third in annual volume with products like Pale Ale and Torpedo IPA leading the charge.  “Innovation is part of our DNA,” says Ken Grossman, founder of Sierra Nevada.  “36 years ago we changed the way Americans look at hoppy beer with Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.  In 2017 we’ll be doing it again, with fresh takes on beer styles that we helped pioneer: pale ale and IPA.”

Sidecar Orange Pale Ale is the perfect accompaniment to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.  Made with orange peel and bold, citrus-heavy hops, this 35 IBUs and 5.3% ABV addition is a refreshing twist on the classic pale ale.

Using the proprietary dry-hopping device – the “Hop Torpedo” – Sierra Nevada is able to control how much hop aroma is infused into beer without adding additional bitterness.  Tropical Torpedo IPA is prime for new drinkers entering the craft beer market via the IPA style.  “A lot of the excitement is coming from IPA styles utilizing intense aromatic hops that deliver notes of exotic fruits," says Brian Grossman, second generation brewer for Sierra Nevada.  “The rush of hop flavor and lush aromas of mango, papaya and passionfruit awaken your senses with our most adventurous IPA yet.”  This IPA has no fruit added and weighs in at 6.7% ABV and 55 IBUs, making it a truly sessionable beer fit for a variety of drinking occasions.

Sidecar Orange Pale Ale will be available January 1, 2017, in 6- and 12-pack 12 oz. bottles at retail and on draught in the on-premise.  Tropical Torpedo IPA launches January 1, 2017, in 6-pack 12 oz. bottles only, with draught to follow late Q1.

About Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Founded in 1980, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is one of America’s premier craft breweries, highly regarded for using only the finest quality ingredients. The pioneering spirit that launched Sierra Nevada now spans both coasts with breweries in Chico, California and Mills River, North Carolina. Sierra Nevada has set the standard for craft brewers worldwide with innovations in the brewhouse as well as advances in sustainability. It is famous for its extensive line of beers including Pale Ale, Torpedo®, Hop Hunter® IPA, Nooner® Pilsner, Otra Vez™, Kellerweis®, Porter, Stout and a host of seasonal, specialty and limited release beers. Learn more at www.sierranevada.com.

Backwoods Brewing and Laughing Planet Cafe Collaborate On a Fresh Hop Citra IPA

Courtesy of Backwoods Brewing Co
Carson, WA  - Backwoods Brewing Company is proud to be partnering with Laughing Planet Cafe of Portland, OR in a fresh hop collaboration. They will be producing a Citra IPA that will be available in all of Laughing Planet’s 15 OR locations

For the last several weeks, every tap house and beer shop in the NW have been clamoring for fresh hop beer, a beer made exclusively with fresh or wet hops, that haven’t been kiln-dried. The undried hops give off earthy dank notes that can only be enjoyed once a year in the US. When Backwoods’ Kevin Waters and Jordan Tanasse met with Jonathan Grumbles, Laughing Planet’s Food & Beverage Director, it was clear that brewing a fresh hop together would not only be a ton of fun, but would also adhere to Laughing Planet’s mission of sourcing fresh local ingredients for their finished products.

The two companies coordinated a field trip out to B&D Farms in St. Paul, OR to bag up several hundred pounds of Citra hops. Citra is grown in the NW and is known for its tropical citrus notes, including grapefruit and melon. The staff toured the facility and saw first hand how the hops are picked and separated from the vine. “It was surprising to see how simple the process is, and very neat that they’ve been doing it that way for decades. My grandfather was a hop farmer years ago, and some of the methods he employed are still in use to this day,” said Jordan Tanasse of Backwoods Brewing.

Courtesy of Backwoods Brewing Co
Brewmaster, Kevin Waters, said of the collaboration, “One of our favorite things to do each year is go down to the hop farms. It reminds us why we do what we do. The sight and smells of the hops are a thing of beauty. Seeing the origins of the beers that so many people will get to enjoy is very cool, and being able to share it with the folks at Laughing Planet is icing on the cake!” 

“The smell and taste of fresh hops is a delight I never expected,” said Simone, of Laughing Planet. “My beer drinking experience has been forever changed after getting to see how much attention goes into each element.” 
Courtesy of Backwoods Brewing Co
The next day, another group of employees from Laughing Planet traveled out to Backwoods’ production facility in Stevenson, WA to help brew the beer. Afterwards, pizza and brews at the pub were enjoyed by all.
The Citra Fresh Hop IPA will be released at all OR Laughing Planet locations on Saturday, October 1st. It rings in at 6.5% ABV & 40 IBU, and is only available in draft. We hope you can make it out for some fresh local food and a super fresh, local IPA!

About Laughing Planet - The Laughing Planet approach to food is simple and straightforward, and looks like this: Get healthy, delicious food from the farm to your plate as quickly as possible, and in the least complicated way. Our menu offers an abundance of clean, whole foods, tons of fresh veggies, and surprising global flavors that range from the exotic to the sublime. We’re mindful of creating dishes that are packed with nutrition, while still offering maximum flexibility so that you can get exactly what you want, every single time. 
 
About Backwoods Brewing Company - Backwoods is located in the heart of the Columbia Gorge, in the small town of Carson, WA. It was founded by the Waters family in 2012, as a single-barrel brewpub. They now operate on a 20-barrel system in their new Stevenson facility, making beer for both draft and package. Their focus is on balanced beers, such as the  hop-forward Logyard IPA, that isn’t overly bitter on the finish. Backwoods works with local producers to source their hops, grain and yeast. The brewpub in Carson is open daily, from 11:30 - 9 PM.  

9th Annual Handmade Bike & Beer Festival Returns October 7th and 8th

Courtsey of the Handmade Bike & Beer Fest

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Handmade Bike & Beer Festival brings together two of Portland’s favorite passions in one artisan event. The ninth annual festival will take place Oct. 7 and 8 at The North Warehouse, 723 N Tillamook St. Hours are 5pm to 9pm on Friday and 10am to 8pm on Saturday.

Presented by Point West Credit Union, the family-friendly Handmade Bike & Beer Festival features more than 20 renowned bike frame and parts builders alongside six local craft brewers, with each artist showcasing their handmade creation.
 
Photo Courtesy of Tim LaBarge
Advance tickets cost $10 for entry to the bike festival; or $20 for entry to the bike show, a tasting glass and 10 drink tickets. Tickets are available at http://www.merctickets.com/events/37607295/2016-handmade-bike-and-beer-festival.

Five major beer sponsors will each pour four beers: Baerlic Brewing Co., Base Camp Brewing Co., Hopworks Urban Brewery, Pyramid Brewing Co. and Widmer Brothers Brewing. A sixth beer sponsor, Falling Sky Brewing, will serve two beers. View the complete beer list at www.oregoncraftbeer.org/hbbf (also pasted in at the end of this release); and the exhibitor list at www.oregonframebuilders.org/exhibitors. Food will be available for purchase from Urban German and Booda Bowls.

Attendees are encouraged to ride their bike to the event, with complimentary outside bike parking, or take public transportation; the TriMet Bus Line 35 stops one block away and the Yellow Max Line stops two and three blocks away. Parking is available on the street between Broadway and N. Graham St. The festival asks that attendees DO NOT don’t park in front of any neighboring businesses with no parking signs.
 
Photo Courtesy of Tim LaBarge
Volunteers are still needed, sign up at http://hbbf.events-connect.com.

The ninth annual Handmade Bike and Beer Festival is a collaboration between the Oregon Bicycle Constructors Association, a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to promote Oregon based bicycle framebuilders; and the Oregon Brewers Guild, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the state’s craft brewing industry and the common interests of its members.

Twitter: @OregonCraftBeer
Instagram: @OregonCraftBeer
Event Hashtag: #hbbf16

Beer lineup
Baerlic Brewing Co: Cavalier Classic Cream Ale
Baerlic Brewing Co: Invincible IPA
Baerlic Brewing Co: Noble Oatmeal Stout
Baerlic Brewing Co: River Baer Rye Lager
Base Camp Brewing Co (collaboration with Metrofiets): Fresh Hop Bretta Livin’
Base Camp Brewing Co (collaboration with Water Avenue Coffee): Cascara Wit
Base Camp Brewing Co: Crusher
Base Camp Brewing Co: Peach Nomadic Double IPA
Falling Sky Brewing: Blue Balloons Belgian Pale
Falling Sky Brewing: Chester Copperpot ESB
Hopworks Urban Brewery: Gear Up IPA
Hopworks Urban Brewery: Holden Caulfield
Hopworks Urban Brewery: Massive Peach
Hopworks Urban Brewery: Pack Life
Pyramid Brewing Co: 1977 Lager
Pyramid Brewing Co: Apricot Ale
Pyramid Brewing Co: Pyramid Pale
Pyramid Brewing Co: Snow Cap Winter Ale
Widmer Brothers Brewing: BRRR Hoppy Red Ale
Widmer Brothers Brewing: PDX Pils Northern German Pilsner
Widmer Brothers Brewing: Skinny Jeans Light Pale Ale
Widmer Brothers Brewing: Steel Bridge Porter Robust Porter