Stone Brewing Co. Introduces Stone Delicious IPA, a Gluten Reduced IPA

Press Release:
ESCONDIDO, CA (Jan. 5, 2015) – Since 1996, Stone Brewing Co. has been obsessed with its mission of providing people access to high-quality, big-character craft beer. After all, great beer is for everyone and anyone with the good taste to recognize it. With that goal in mind, the company is introducing Stone Delicious IPA, a citrusy ale dry-hopped exclusively with El Dorado hops. As if that wasn’t enough, the beer has also been crafted to reduce gluten. Starting today, Stone Delicious IPA will begin arriving in 12-ounce six-packs to retail accounts and on draft¹ to restaurants and bars where Stone beer is sold.

A few years back, Stone CEO and Co-founder Greg Koch proposed developing a beer delicious enough to warrant making that its formal name…a lofty challenge coming from the man in charge. Koch also requested that the beer be brewed with ample amounts of new and unique hop varietals. After many trials, Brewmaster Mitch Steele finally tasted a hop flavor combination that lived up to that moniker.

El Dorado hops were added late in the boil, both abundantly and exclusively during the dry-hop stage, providing the beer with prevalent herbal, citrus and lemon-candy flavors and aromas. An earlier hop addition of a new variety called Lemondrop complemented the El Dorado hops perfectly, enhancing the beer’s bold lemon taste. Stone Delicious IPA has a mild, dry malt character and the copious hop traits of a traditional West Coast IPA.

Steele has taken Stone Delicious IPA a step further by creating a beer that may make it possible for individuals sensitive to gluten, or anyone looking to reduce their gluten intake, to experience Stone’s aggressive, no-holds-barred approach to craft brewing. With the addition of an enzyme from San Diego-based White Labs called Clarity-Ferm, gluten protein chains are broken down, separated and denatured to measure below 20 parts per million². This process, which is initiated during the beer's fermentation, does not affect its color or, more importantly, its wonderful aroma and decidedly delicious flavor.

White Labs tests the gluten levels of each batch, and Stone publishes the results on the beer’s dedicated webpage. To further ensure levels remain constant, Stone’s Quality Assurance team also monitors the beer by testing samples at different stages of the production process—from fermentation through packaging.

“My father-in-law is a big fan of craft beer and was recently diagnosed with a gluten intolerance,” explains Steele. “With Stone Delicious IPA, I’m thrilled that we’ve made it possible for more people, especially my father-in-law, to enjoy a delicious, hoppy Stone craft beer.”

When crafting an IPA deserving of the name Delicious, intense flavor was paramount, and that’s just what this bright, hoppy, lemony standout delivers. Stone Delicious IPA should be enjoyed fresh, and all bottles will feature an “enjoy by” date on the bottle neck.

For more information on Stone Delicious IPA, to view lab results for individual batches of bottled beer or to review frequently asked questions, please visit the beer’s dedicated webpage, stonebrewing.com/deliciousipa. 

Stone Delicious IPA Quick Facts
Name: Stone Delicious IPA
URL: stonebrewing.com/deliciousipa
Stats: 7.7% ABV, 80 IBUs
Availability: Limited 12-ounce bottles in six-packs and draft, beginning January 5
Hops bill: Calypso, El Dorado, Lemondrop, Nugget
National Distribution: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA and Puerto Rico
International Distribution: Alberta and British Columbia, Canada (on draft only); United Kingdom; Japan; and Singapore
Find Beer: find.stonebrewing.com

Tasting notes, provided by Stone Brewmaster Mitch Steele
Appearance: Pours deep gold with a white-colored head.
Aroma: Spicy, herbal and citrusy hop aromatics balanced with light-toasted malt. The spiciness is reminiscent of lemongrass.
Taste: The hop flavors really explode with a dominant flavor that reminds many on the brewing team of a lemon Starburst candy!
Palate: Medium body with a bitter, dry finish.
Overall: We went through many iterations of this beer at our Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station restaurant and brewery, using several hop recipes until we had that “Aha!” moment tasting a beer that I had asked Liberty Station Brewing Manager Kris Ketcham to brew. It was a single-hop beer called the Lost City of Liquid Gold, using 100 percent El Dorado, a new hop from Yakima, Washington. This beer gave us the last piece to the puzzle on the formulation for Stone Delicious IPA. We changed the dry hop to 100 percent El Dorado, and we achieved magnificent lemon candy and spicy hop flavors that are fun and unique.

Stochasticity Project Master of Disguise Released Today

Press Release:
ESCONDIDO, CA (Nov. 17, 2014) – Beer enthusiasts, prepare for a mind- and palate-defying experience that may change some of your preconceived notions about beer. The latest Stochasticity Project release will challenge the assumption that pale-colored ales are modest in body, or that only dark-hued beers can exhibit roasty, chocolaty and rich malty notes. Beginning today, Stochasticity Project Master of Disguise, a so-called imperial golden stout brewed with coffee beans, cocoa and coffee beans (not a typo), will start arriving in 22-ounce bottles and on draft to select markets nationwide.

The inspiration for this beer was twofold: First, after brewing Stone 11th Anniversary Ale (a black IPA now known as Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA) in 2007, it was joked that Stone should brew a golden stout. Then, on April Fool's Day 2010, Stone CEO and Co-founder Greg Koch and BrewDog Co-founder James Watt teased fans with a fictional, oxymoronic collaboration beer that was pale in color but had all the classic flavors of an imperial stout, calling it BrewDog/Stone Luciferin Golden Imperial Stout. Having tucked away the concept for that far-fetched beer, Stone Brewmaster Mitch Steele finally decided to make it a reality by developing a pilot batch recipe featuring ingredients that contributed roasty flavors and a pale color.

“To achieve the qualities of a stout, we relied on our prior experience brewing with coffee to pull flavors from the beans without affecting the hue of the beer,” explains Steele. “As the beer warms and opens up, the chocolate adds another level of complexity and helps build the traditional flavors typically associated with dark beers. It’s been really fun to see a prank with questionable viability become a reality.”

To give the beer the silky-smooth mouthfeel that is often associated with stouts, flaked oats were added to the grain bill along with Carapils, English amber and pale malts, which lent the beer a golden-colored hue. Sheets of cocoa from ChocoVivo were added in the whirlpool along with Ryan Bros Coffee, with an additional small amount of coffee added post-fermentation to replicate the typical deep, roasty, chocolaty character found in stouts. Giving off a mild spice flavor and strong bitterness, both Liberty and Nugget hops offer a perfect balance to the overall robust malt flavors. Upon first sip, fans will savor all the rich complexity of a stout presented in the unexpected form of a brilliant golden ale.

Stochasticity Project Master of Disguise is ready to be enjoyed now or may be properly cellared for several months or even years. Over time, the malt qualities will evolve and give way to richer cocoa and coffee flavors. Regardless of when the beer is enjoyed, fans will learn to not judge beer by its color... at least not this one.

Stochasticity Project Master of Disguise Quick Facts:

Name: Stochasticity Project Master of Disguise
URL: stochasticity.com/beers/master-of-disguise
Stats: 9.7% ABV, 55 IBUs
Availability: Limited 22-ounce bottles and draft, beginning Nov. 17
Hops Bill: Liberty and Nugget
Distribution: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT and WA
Find beer: find.stonebrewing.com/

The Bastards are Coming: 2014 Double Bastard Ale and Lukcy Basartd Ale Released Today

Press Release:
ESCONDIDO, CA– Feeble palates beware: The Bastards are coming. Starting today, 2014 Double Bastard Ale and Lukcy Basartd Ale will descend upon an unsuspecting nation in 22-ounce bottles and on draft at select retailers, restaurants and bars. Not to be wasted on the tentative or weak, both beers are reserved for Worthy souls with the ability to comprehend and appreciate these refined forms of “Liquid Arrogance.” They are amazing specimens to be relished, revered and respected.

Fizzy yellow beer drinkers should simply stay home…with their mothers.

Originally created to honor the one-year anniversary of Arrogant Bastard Ale—itself an over-the-top ale that led to the establishment of the now widely recognized American Strong Ale beer category - Double Bastard was first released November 1998 and has since been released on an annual basis. The beer debuted as the amped-up evil uncle of its already aggressive predecessor, with the bottle warning: “This is one lacerative muther of an ale.”

First unleashed upon the world in November 2010, Lukcy Basartd Ale was created to celebrate every form of Arrogance for Arrogant Bastard Ale’s (lucky) 13th anniversary by blending Arrogant Bastard Ale, Double Bastard Ale and OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale, and then dry-hopping the result to the hilt. The LB has been making a brief appearance every other year since.

While Lukcy Basartd Ale should be consumed right away and without delay when it’s at its brash freshest, the massive Double Bastard Ale can be massively enjoyed sooner, later, or whenever you damn well please, as it may be properly cellared for months or even years.

2014 Double Bastard Ale Quick Facts
Name: 2014 Double Bastard Ale
URL: arrogantbastard.com/doublebastard/
Stats: 11% ABV, IBUs – CLASSIFIED
Availability: Limited three-liter bottles, Arrogant Bastard Box, 22-ounce bottles and draft, beginning October 27
Hops bill: CLASSIFIED
Distribution: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA and Puerto Rico
Find this beer: find.stonebrewing.com

 

Lukcy Basartd Ale Quick Facts
Name: Lukcy Basartd Ale
URL: arrogantbastard.com/lukcybasartd/
Stats: 8.5% ABV, IBUs – CLASSIFIED
Availability: Arrogant Bastard Box, limited 22-ounce bottles and draft, beginning October 27
Hops bill: CLASSIFIED
Distribution: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA and Puerto Rico
Find this beer: find.stonebrewing.com/

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New Stone Brewing Release:Smoked Porter With Chocolate and Orange Peel

Another Interesting beer coming out of the Stone Brewing Camp. See press release below.

Press Release:

ESCONDIDO, CA (Oct. 20, 2014) – In time for fall, Stone Brewing Co. is introducing a new, citrus-rich chocolaty iteration of the classic year-round Stone Smoked Porter. Today, Stone Smoked Porter w/Chocolate & Orange Peel begins shipping in 22-ounce bottles and on draft at retailers, bars and restaurants in select markets nationwide.

“Since 2006, we’ve done experimental cask creations with Stone Smoked Porter and discovered how well it pairs with a broad range of ingredients, from chipotle peppers to vanilla beans,” explains Stone Brewmaster Mitch Steele. “When trying out different combinations for this specific limited release, I was really impressed with how well chocolate and orange peel worked together and knew it had to be shared with our fans on a large scale.”

Orange peel was added post-fermentation to bring about a citrusy aroma and lingering, tangy flavor. The cocoa flavors come from the dark malts and addition of chocolate from Los Angeles-based ChocoVivo, which naturally augment the beer’s sweet, robust flavor. Magnum and Mt. Hood hops provide complex flavors, aromatics and a balanced bitterness that doesn’t overpower the chocolate and citrus qualities of the beer.

To fully enjoy the robust flavors present in Stone Smoked Porter w/Chocolate & Orange Peel, the beer should be enjoyed within 120 days from the “bottled on” date found on the bottle neck. 

Stone Smoked Porter w/Chocolate & Orange Peel Quick Facts

Name: Stone Smoked Porter w/Chocolate & Orange Peel   URL: stonebrewing.com/porter/chocolateorange   Stats: 5.9% ABV, 53 IBUs Availability: Limited 22-ounce bottles and draft, beginning October 20 Hops bill: Magnum and Mt. Hood Distribution: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, TV, WA, and Puerto Rico Find this beer: find.stonebrewing.com

Tasting notes, provided by Stone Brewmaster Mitch Steele

Appearance: Pours deep brown with a tan head. Aroma: Peat-smoked malt, orange peel and coffee with hints of cocoa. Taste: First impression is the smoky flavor from the peat-smoked malt that characterizes our regular Stone Smoked Porter, followed immediately by a blast of orange peel and citrus. Cocoa and roast malt characters follow, but the orange peel is particularly prominent in the aftertaste. Palate: Medium body with a light sweetness and citrus tang, along with balanced hop bitterness. Overall: This is a fun beer to brew. We’ve loved this orange and chocolate flavor in beer for a long time, and our team has made several casks of this particular version that are always very popular. The orange notes blend in well with the dark-roasted malt character, and the peat-smoked malt adds layers of flavor.

Suggested pairings, provided by Stone Craft Beer Ambassador "Dr." Bill Sysak

Appetizers: Goat-cheese stuffed mushrooms, coconut shrimp, bacon-wrapped dates, pulled pork sliders, hummus, artichoke dip
Soups: Beef stew, lentil, New England-style clam chowder, French onion soup, chili con carne
Entrees: Pork tenderloin, lamb chops, filet mignon, stuffed Poblano peppers, Indian yellow curry
Desserts: Tiramisu, chocolate lava cake, oatmeal cookies, pecan pie, vanilla ice cream

 

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Sierra Nevada Releasing Snowpack A Mixed Seasonal 12-Pack.

SIERRA NEVADA FENDS OFF THE COLD WITH BRAND NEW “SNOWPACK”

Press Release:
Chico, CA—October 1, 2014—Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. filled its third and final seasonal mixed 12-pack of the year with beers that ward off winter’s bite. Aptly named, Snowpack features two brand new beers and two steadfast recipes. The variety pack starts heading to distributors this week and will be available through January 2015. Whether harnessing the comfort of coffee or borrowing a little bit of summer from the Southern Hemisphere, Snowpack helps uplift those hunkering down for the storm.

• Boomerang IPA is a blend of American brewing style with Southern Hemisphere flavor. Sierra Nevada added heaps of vibrant Australian hops to this bold beer. With a light, balanced malt body and compelling floral and fruity hop aromas, Boomerang is an intriguing international spin on the classic IPA.
• Coffee Stout combines the best of Sierra Nevada’s two favorite brews—coffee and beer. The brewery blended the hearty flavors of coffee with dark roasted malts to create a complex and layered mix of dark chocolate, caramel and light fruity notes punctuated with a roasty, dry finish for the perfect cold-weather drink.
• Porter was part of Sierra Nevada’s inaugural lineup decades ago. Its big malt flavor earned it permanence, and craft drinkers continue to relish the rich, bittersweet and roasted gem. Medium bodied and balanced by crisp American hops, Porter is a great finale to a long winter’s day of work.
• Pale Ale began as a home brewer’s dream, grew into an icon, and inspired countless brewers to follow a passion of their own. Its unique piney and grapefruit aromas from the use of whole-cone American hops have fascinated beer drinkers for decades and made this beer a classic, yet it remains new, complex and surprising to beer drinkers every day. It is—as it always has been—all natural, bottle conditioned and refreshingly bold. 

“This mixed pack is a fun cross section of our brewery, a bit of a timeline” said Ken Grossman, Sierra Nevada’s founder. “I remember roasting malted barley in my own kitchen in the early days of Porter, and today we’re using coffee to create really complex flavors. I took road trips in the 70s to get my hands on Cascade hops, and here we are teaming up with friends in Australia who are growing new and exciting varieties. Snowpack shows how fun of a ride craft beer continues to be.”

As Snowpack makes its way into stores, folks can track down the variety pack using Sierra Nevada’s Beer Locator. The brewery is dialing in its 2015 lineup, which will weave in a fourth seasonal variety 12-pack to fill the calendar with even more diversity for craft drinkers

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BEER CAMP ACROSS AMERICA MIXED 12-PACK Release

Sierra Nevada continues it media buzz pushing the upcoming Beer Camp Across America Beer Festivals with the release of the Beer Camp Across America Mixed 12 pack.  The Pacific Northwest makes its mark on the 12 pack with Ninkasi Brewing of Eugene, Oregon. Ninkasi was picked as one of the 12 breweries to partner with Sierra Nevada and Beer Camp Across America. Ninkasi’s contribution is the Double Latte Coffee Milk Stout.  You should see 12 packs (10 bottles & 2 cans) arriving everywhere. Don't forget to pick up your tickets to a Beer Camp Across America beer Festival, its sure to be a blast

SIERRA NEVADA RELEASES BEER CAMP ACROSS AMERICA MIXED 12-PACK

The variety pack, including 10 bottles and two cans, is a first in craft beer

Chico, CA—July 7, 2014—Less than two weeks shy of the kickoff to Beer Camp Across America, an unprecedented seven-city traveling beer festival, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has released a one-time-only Beer Camp Across America mixed 12-pack to beer shelves across the nation.

Sierra Nevada partnered with a dozen exceptional craft breweries to create 12 different beers for one mixed 12-pack—including 10 bottles and two cans—a first in the craft beer world. These brewers will board the Beer Camp Across America tour bus later this month and hit the open road to take part in the largest craft beer celebration in history.

“A lot of creativity and hard work went into the Beer Camp Across America 12-pack, and we’re excited to finally share it with drinkers,” said Ken Grossman, founder of Sierra Nevada. “We’ll pour these beers at every festival stop with hundreds of other craft brewers who are pushing the boundaries of our industry. It’s a traveling party, and we’re going to have a great time.”

The Beer Camp Across America 12-pack features the following coveted breweries, which were selected for their innovation and reputation for brewing world-class beers. Craft drinkers can explore all dozen beers in full detail at www.SierraNevada.com/BeerCamp.

Allagash Brewing Company, Portland, ME | Myron’s Walk Belgian-Style Pale Ale
Asheville Brewers Alliance, Asheville, NC | Tater Ridge Scottish Ale
Ballast Point Brewing Company, San Diego, CA | Electric Ray India Pale Lager
Bell’s Brewery, Inc., Kalamazoo, MI | Maillard’s Odyssey Imperial Dark Ale
Cigar City Brewing, Tampa, FL | Yonder Bock Tropical Maibock (CAN)
Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Paso Robles, CA | Torpedo Pilsner
New Glarus Brewing Company, New Glarus, WI | There and Back English-Style Bitter
Ninkasi Brewing Company, Eugene, OR | Double Latte Coffee Milk Stout
Oskar Blues Brewery, Longmont, CO/Brevard, NC | CANfusion Rye Bock (CAN)
Russian River Brewing Company, Santa Rosa, CA | Yvan the Great Belgian-Style Blonde
3 Floyds Brewing Company, Munster, IN | Chico King Pale Ale
Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, PA | Alt Route Altbier

More than 700 craft brewers from around the country have already signed on for the multi-weekend Beer Camp Across America tour, which kicks off July 19 in Chico, Calif. With around 1,400 total craft beers on tap, collectively representing almost every state in the union, the event is shaping up to be unlike any to date.

Tickets for the seven Beer Camp Across America festivals are on sale at www.SierraNevada.com/BeerCamp. General admission is $65, which includes a commemorative tasting glass and unlimited tastings where possible, as well as live music from the provocative Oregon-based MarchFourth Marching Band. Local food trucks will be on hand with tasty offerings for purchase. The tour path:

• Sat, July 19: Northwest Edition at Sierra Nevada Hop Field in Chico, CA, 12-5 p.m.
• Sun, July 20: Southwest Edition at Embarcadero North in San Diego, CA, 1-6 p.m.
• Fri, July 25: Rocky Mountain Edition at Civic Center Park in Denver, CO, 5-10 p.m.
• Sun, July 27: Midwest Edition at Navy Pier in Chicago, IL, 12-5 p.m.
• Fri, August 1: New England Edition at Thompson’s Point in Portland, ME, 5-10 p.m.
• Sat, August 2: Mid-Atlantic Edition at Penn Treaty Park in Philadelphia, PA, 12-5 p.m.
• Sun, August 3: Southeast Edition in Mills River, NC, 1-6 p.m.