Wednesday, May 10, 2017

HOPWORKS URBAN BREWERY JOINS 1% FOR THE PLANET GLOBAL MOVEMENT

Courtesy of Hopworks Brewing Co
“Good Beer Does Good” Campaign Spotlights Three Beers and Three Sustainable Causes – Forests, Bicycle Transportation, and Clean Water

Portland, Ore., May 10 2017, — Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB), the first Certified B Corporation brewery in the Northwest is proud to announce it is a member of 1% for the Planet, giving back 1% of its annual beer sales to environmental causes. The 1% for the Planet network links businesses, individuals, and nonprofits to create partnerships that protect the planet.

To spotlight the 1% for the Planet commitment, Hopworks this week launched its “Good Beer Does Good” campaign via a series of videos highlighting the connection between their three core beers and specific causes. The first new video is viewable at https://vimeo.com/215903676.
  •        Gear Up IPA and forests – Hopworks supports protecting forests and wilderness areas for future generations by giving back to organizations like Oregon Wild and Forest Park Conservancy.
  •        Organic HUB Pilsner and bicycle transportation – A committed bike-friendly business, Hopworks supports bicycle transportation and organizations such as The Street Trust and Northwest Trail Alliance. Check out the video at https://vimeo.com/215904070
  •        Organic Wave Train and clean water - In addition to being water conscious brewers, Hopworks supports charities that are focused on clean water and watershed protection such as Salmon-Safe and The Freshwater Trust. 
Courtesy of Hopworks Urban Brewery
“We are excited to welcome Hopworks Urban Brewery to our global network,” said Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet. “To help drive positive environmental change, our member companies have donated more than $150 million to date. Currently three percent of philanthropic giving goes to the environment and of that total, three percent comes from businesses. The planet needs more help and we are thrilled that Hopworks has committed to giving back through its ‘Good Beer Does Good’ initiative as a business member of 1% for the Planet.” 

“We make the best beer we can, as sustainably as possible,” said Hopworks Brewmaster and Founder, Christian Ettinger. “Joining 1% for the Planet is a natural extension of our approach to business as a B Corporation brewery working on the triple bottom line. We are proud to support these great organizations with similar ethos because we want to invest in forests, bikes, and water. ‘Good Beer Does Good’ demonstrates that we can make a positive impact on the planet with a beer in our hands.”
To kick off this new focused giving direction, Hopworks invites the community to raise a pint for the planet at the Hopworks Bikebar located at 3947 N. Williams Ave., Portland, OR 97227 on May 16 from 4-11 pm, with a formal toast at 6 pm. Mention The Street Trust and Hopworks will send a portion of the proceeds from your tab to The Street Trust. Event details are available at: http://hopworksbeer.com/2017/05/08/profit-share-night-with-the-street-trust/

Courtesy of Hopworks Urban Brewery
For more information on “Good Beer Does Good” and to see how Hopworks is putting beer money to good use, check out these videos:
To learn more about 1% for the Planet and how to get involved, visit: http://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/index.php
Courtesy of Hopworks Urban Brewery
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 locally-sourced, organic and Salmon Safe hops, the company’s 20-barrel brewery in Portlad produces 12,000 barrels of beer and cider a year for HUB’s brewpubs and for distribution throughout the West. 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 Long Root Ale received Brewbound’s “Marketing Initiative Award of the Year” in 2016. More info at: hopworksbeer.com

Full Sail Releases Kentucky Cream Barrel Aged Pale Ale

Courtesy of Full Sail Brewing Co
Full Sail’s Kentucky Cream Showcases Classic American Bourbon Ingredients
Aging in Woodford Reserve casks lends this pale ale a warm, slightly spicy finish  
Hood River, Oregon – May 10, 2017 – The brewmasters at Full Sail are celebrating the flavors and ingredients of classic American bourbon with the release of their Kentucky Cream Bourbon Barrel Aged Pale Ale. Brewed in February 2016 and aged for over a year in Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon, and Old Forester barrels, Kentucky Cream is a medium-bodied, honey-colored pale ale that’s smooth on the palate with a slightly spicy, warm finish.

“We looked to bourbon, the whiskey that made Kentucky famous, for this latest barrel aged release,” says Full Sail Brewmaster Jim Kelter. “Deconstructing this American classic, the grains most often used for bourbon (in this case corn, barley, and rye) were incorporated into a pale ale, racked post-ferment into bourbon barrels, and left to rest for one year.” The result is Kentucky Cream Bourbon Barrel Aged Pale Ale, with aromas of ripe cherries, vanilla and tobacco leaf and oak that lead to flavors of caramel, honey and dried fruit.

Wood barrel aging is an art form. When done right, it’s a wonderful thing. Full Sail brewers honor the barrel aging tradition by pouring creativity, innovation and passion into small, limited-release beers. Full Sail’s Brewmaster Reserve series highlights the direct connection with farmers, celebrates the art of barrel aging and explores the effects of time. Full Sail’s bourbon beers, carefully aged in bourbon casks, tempt patience and grow smoother and even more interesting with time. They cellar well, so store a few bottles in a dark, cool place and be patient, and you will be rewarded for your effort and restraint. 

This special beer is brewed and racked in small batches, and is only available in limited quantities. Kentucky Cream Bourbon Barrel Aged Pale Ale is available this May just in time for American Craft Beer Week in limited release in 22 oz. bottles and draft. 10% ABV, 40 IBUs.

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.

Firestone Walker Releasing Luponic Distortion Revolution No. 006

Courtesy of Firestone Walker Brewing Co
NOW IN ROTATION: REVOLUTION NO. 006

Michigan-Grown Hops Take Center Stage in
Latest Release of Luponic Distortion

Paso Robles, CA: The next release in Firestone Walker’s Luponic Distortion revolving hop series begins rolling out next week with Revolution No. 006—a blend of seven hop varieties led by two hops grown in the up-and-coming region of Michigan.

Luponic Distortion Revolution No. 006 ultimately provides a vivid taste of a unique hop “terroir.”

“This beer showcases what happens when you take two familiar Northwest hop varieties and grow them 2,000 miles to the east,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “The typical piney, dank attributes of these hops are transformed into something much brighter, with a racy citrus quality that adds yet another new layer to the lore of Luponic Distortion.”

Luponic Distortion is not a single beer, but rather an ongoing series of beers that revolves approximately every 90 days. While the base beer always remains the same, each revolution features a different hop blend built around experimental hops, designed to showcase the growing possibilities of pure hop aromas and flavors.

Northwest Meets Midwest

The journey of Luponic Distortion Revolution No. 006 dates back several years, when Matt befriended Nunzino Pizza, founder of Michigan’s Hop Head Farms. They met through mutual Midwest connections, and later toured numerous German hop farms together in 2013.

“These guys are really committed to the German style of cultivation and kilning,” Brynildson said. “Their hops have been on my radar for several years now, and I’ve just been waiting for the chance.”

Opportunity Knocks

That chance came when Matt recently brewed a collaboration beer on the East Coast that featured hops grown by Hop Head Farms.

“We had a bunch of their hops on the table, and I was rubbing and smelling them, and the wheels started turning,” Brynildson said. “I was blown away by the different aromas of these familiar American hops when grown in Michigan. Two in particular stood out, and I made a call to Hop Head Farms and was able to secure just enough for the dry hopping of Revolution No. 006.”

The result is a beer that detours from Revolution No. 005’s more tropical tones and into a bright, citrusy grapefruit territory.

“Luponic Distortion Revolution No. 006 is a perfect example of how terroir plays into hop growing, and how it ultimately shapes beer flavor and aroma,” Brynildson said.

Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a pioneering regional craft brewery founded in 1996 and located on the coast of California. Firestone Walker’s main brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio ranging from iconic pale ales to vintage barrel-aged beers. The Barrelworks facility in Buellton makes eccentric wild ales, while the Propagator pilot brewhouse in Venice specializes in R&D beers and limited local offerings. For more information: FirestoneBeer.com.

Double Mountain Releasing Double Mountain Hopped Whiskey





Hood River - Double Mountain Hopped Whiskey: Co-developed by Double Mountain Brewery and Hood River Distillers, Batch #001 of Double Mountain Hopped Whiskey pays homage to the bright flavors of fresh hops. Smooth citrus and floral flavors complement the sweetness found in 100% corn whiskey. It is currently available at the Hood River Distillers Tasting Room and will be on shelves soon at liquor stores throughout the Northwest.

“I’ve always been torn between my affection of hoppy beers and whiskey. Now I don’t have to choose.” Matt Swihart, Brewmaster

Double Mountain Hopped Whiskey
82 proof
Hops: Apollo and Cascade

Special Release Parties
Thursday, May 18th 5-7pm                                                 
Double Mountain Taproom
4336 SE Woodstock Blvd
Portland, OR 97206

Thursday, June 1st 5-7pm
Hood River Distillers Tasting Room
304 Oak Street #3
Hood River, OR 97031

About Double Mountain Brewery and Taproom: Double Mountain Brewery and Taproom was established in 2007 in the heart of downtown Hood River, OR. Founder Matt Swihart opened the brewery with a clear mission: make great beer for craft beer fans. Their unique location lends to not only using pure and clean glacial water for their beers, but they also take advantage of regionally grown hops. With their reusable bottle program, customers love the softer environmental footprint and know they are part of a solution to sustainability. They can be found on tap and in bottles throughout the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. Learn more at www.doublemountainbrewery.com
Pictures courtesy of Double Mountain Brewing Co

Coin Toss Brewing Taproom Expands to Six Days a Week

Courtesy of Coin Toss Brewing Co
OREGON CITY, Ore – May 10, 2017 – Oregon City’s Coin Toss Brewing has expanded its taproom hours to better serve the local community. The Coin Toss Taproom is now open six days a week, from Tuesday through Sunday; prior to this, the taproom was only open Thursday through Sunday.

New hours are Tuesday through Friday from 3pm to 8pm; Saturday from 12pm to 8pm; and Sunday from 12pm to 6pm.

“We’ve been hearing from customers and the community alike that they’d like to see our OPEN sign on more days,” said Coin Toss Brewing founder Tim Hohl. “We are thrilled to oblige and look forward to seeing our thirsty regulars and new faces six days a week.”

For more information, visit www.cointossbrewing.com. Follow the brewery on social media @cointossbrewing.


Courtesy of Coin Toss Brewing Co

About Coin Toss Brewing Co.
Coin Toss Brewing Company was founded with a nod to the region’s rich history, its pioneering spirit, and for the legendary toss of the penny that gave Portland its name (sorry, Boston). The brewery and taproom is located at 14214 Fir Street, Suite H, in Oregon City.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Fort George 3-way Collaboration with Reuben’s Brews & Great Notion Releasing June 2017

Courtesy of Fort George Brewing Co


[Astoria, Oregon] Fort George’s 3-Way IPA has become a signal for the start of summer. Once a year Fort George extends an invitation to two breweries, chosen for their mastery in the art of IPAs. The goal is to come together, exchange knowledge, forge lasting friendships, and along the way create an IPA that everyone is excited to drink. That collaboration is then brewed, packed into a brilliant new 16-ounce can, and sent out for the pure enjoyment of the Pacific Northwest.

This year’s 3-Way IPA collaboration has been in development since last year. The owner/brewers from Reuben’s Brews (Seattle, WA) and Great Notion Brewing (Portland, OR) traveled out to the far-northwest tip of Oregon in early November. As is tradition, guests were treated to the completely unique Astoria experience. While details of that night remain hazy, everyone was up and ready to meet the following morning.

Beta Batches - Courtesy of Fort George Brewing Co
Day two is when the real heavy lifting began. Hidden away among the aging barrels in the Lovell Building at Fort George, all three parties sat down to sample beer and pitch recipe ideas for this year’s 3-Way IPA. The general style was agreed upon: juicy, light in color, juicy & fruit-forward, extra juicy, with oats and wheat for a smooth, juicy mouthfeel. Hop varieties were recommended. Yeast strains were discussed. Each suggestion was offered with a corresponding beer sample. Trays and trays of glassware went back and forth from the Lovell Taproom until the meeting table was an obstacle course of crowlers and cans.

At the end of the day a consensus was reached. Azacca, X331 (now called Strata), Mosaic, and Citra were picked for the hop additions. And with months until the release date, multiple test batches were scheduled utilizing a variety of yeasts. Throughout the Beta IPA test batch process, seven small batches were brewed with hands-on participation from everyone. Copious notes were sent after every batch: subtle adjustments to temperatures, dry-hopping schedules, cuts in malts, can we make it more hoppy, CAN WE MAKE IT MORE JUICY?!? The participation among collaborators was unprecedented, and each batch was a chance to learn, refine, and perfect another pint.

Now it is mid-May and the fermenters are filling. This fruit-forward haze of Azacca, X331, Mosaic, and Citra hops plays on a balanced bassline of malt with a wicked unfiltered keytar solo. 3-Way IPA 2017 is a juicy collaboration that strikes a smooth, electric gold riff on a Vermont style. Look for 3-Way IPA releasing in Astoria for Memorial Day Weekend and throughout the Pacific Northwest beginning June 1st. Join all three collaborators at the following 3-Way IPA release parties:

Astoria 3-Way IPA Trolley Tour
When: Thursday, May 25th from 6pm to 9pm
Where: 39th Street Riverwalk Trolley Stop in Astoria
What: Your trolley ticket buys a tour on Old 300 for a private night along the Astoria Riverwalk including stops for hop-forward pints from Reuben’s, Great Notion, and Fort George. The final destination is the Captain’s Suite at Pier 39 for the absolute freshest 3-Way IPA you will ever get, canned only hours before at Fort George Brewery.

Portland 3-Way IPA Release Party
When: Friday, June 9th from 6pm to 9pm
Where: Alberta Street Pub, 1036 NE Alberta St.
What: Join Fort George, Reuben’s, and Great Notion as they kick-start Portland Beer Week. Live music from Portland supergroup Boys II Gentlemen plus plenty of taps from the collaborators including 3-Way IPA.
How: No cover. Robot costumes are optional, but highly recommended.

Seattle 3-Way IPA Release Party
When: Saturday, June 10th from 5pm to 9pm
Where: Reuben’s Brews, 5010 14th Ave. NW
What: Reuben’s hosts the 3-Way IPA festivities, and they’ll have plenty of Great Notion and Fort George on tap along with 3-Way IPA. Live music mix from DJ Draft Punk.
How: No cover with a chance of a laser lightshow.

For more information about Fort George’s 3-Way IPA go to: fortgeorgebrewery.com/3-way. Available at Pacific Northwest venues starting June 2017 -- drink fresh and keep those cans cold-stored.

Sharing America’s Craft Culture – One Beer at a Time

 #beeritforward During American Craft Beer Week®, May 15-21

Boulder, COMay 9, 2017—For the twelfth consecutive year, small and independent brewers across all 50 states will be participating in American Craft Beer Week (ACBW), May 15-21. In the spirit of America’s craft beer culture, camaraderie and collaboration, beer lovers everywhere are encouraged to #beeritforward and share a craft beer.

Presented by CraftBeer.com—the beer lover site published by the Brewers Association—American Craft Beer Week celebrates America’s 5,300 small and independent brewers through a host of events encouraging beer enthusiasts everywhere to engage in simple acts of craft beer kindness.

“Small, independent brewers are known for their commitment to their communities. They beer it forward year-round through grassroots initiatives and charity work that in turn have a significant impact on our local economies,” said Julia Herz, publisher of CraftBeer.com and craft beer program director at the Brewers Association. “This American Craft Beer Week, we invite the beer-loving public to embrace the theme, and find ways to ‘beer it forward’ as part of the fun.”

To help beer lovers make the right sharing choices, CraftBeer.com put together a handy chart to guide them through the expansive selection process. CraftBeer.com has you covered, simplifying the decision making into a few easy to follow steps.

Courtesy of Craftbeer.com
For help in choosing the right craft beer to share, visit CraftBeer.com’s Guide to Sharing.
 
New this year, CraftBeer.com will team up with Geeks Who Drink, a pub trivia organization, to incorporate ACBW into trivia at more than 800 locations across the country. Do not be intimidated to play, Geeks Who Drink is for all levels of beer knowledge and enjoyment. From Monday to Thursday, there will be one round of Pub Trivia dedicated to ACBW. Participating locations can be found on the Quiz Schedule.

Find a brewery to celebrate near you with CraftBeer.com’s Brewery Finder, join the conversation on Twitter with #beeritforward and #ACBW and look for updates on the CraftBeer.com Facebook page and find ways to celebrate on the official ACBW calendar.


About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The Brewers Association (BA) represents more than 70 percent of the brewing industry, and its members make more than 99 percent of the beer brewed in the U.S. The BA organizes events including the World Beer CupSMGreat American Beer Festival®, Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America®SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food ExperienceHomebrew ConNational Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The New Brewer magazine and its Brewers Publications division is the largest publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature for today’s craft brewers and homebrewers.

Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association and the free Brew Guru™ mobile app. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

Speakeasy Ales & Lagers Secures Future with Sale of Company Assets

Courtesy of Speakeasy Brewing Co
San Francisco, CA - (May 8, 2017) 
Speakeasy Ales & Lagers is happy to announce that the company’s brewing equipment and beer brands have been purchased by Hunters Point Brewery, a new company founded by Ces Butner, former owner of Horizon Beverage Company in Oakland, CA. Beers by Speakeasy Ales & Lagers will continue being produced at the San Francisco brewery, securing twenty years of independent brewing history and tradition. The deal was finalized on May 8, 2017, and terms of the purchase were not disclosed.
“I worked with Speakeasy Ales & Lagers for five to six years as a distributor,” said Ces Butner. “We were one the first companies to expand their distribution beyond San Francisco. There was a tremendous amount of growth and interest in the Speakeasy brands. It was one of the best craft breweries we worked with and the beer quality is very high. I thought it would be a shame if the brand, and one of the few production breweries left in San Francisco, disappeared because of financial problems. Keeping Speakeasy’s San Francisco born and brewed tradition alive is very important to me.”
Sam Cappione has been appointed Vice President and General Manager to oversee all aspects of company operations. The eight employees who remained at Speakeasy Ales & Lagers during the sale of company assets will continue working at the brewery. Additional staff will be hired in the next few weeks and months to fill key positions in operations, sales, packaging, the tap room, and brewing departments. The tap room will be opened as soon as possible.    

There will be no changes to the Speakeasy beer lineup at this time. According to Ces Butner, “The beer quality will remain the same and we have every confidence that the current distribution network and territories will stay intact. We’ll be working closely with all the distributors. Right now we just need to revive the Speakeasy brands, and I’m prepared to do just that.”