Cascade Brewing Sour Fruit Fest announced for February 24-28

Courtesy of Cascade Brewing Co

PORTLAND, Ore. – Cascade Brewing will be hosting its Sour Fruit Fest February 24 through February 28 from Noon to close daily at the Cascade Brewing Barrel House – aka House of Sour – located at 939 SE Belmont St. The event is free to attend, beer sampling costs additional.

The Sour Fruit Fest will feature more than 50 exclusive Cascade fruit beers, with at least eight different sour fruit beers poured per day. There will also be a savory/sweet food pairing menu available, as well as vintage bottles for sale. The schedule of beers is still being finalized, but the following beers are determined:

Wednesday, 2/24: Cherry Bourbonic and Honeycot
Thursday, 2/25: Tartini, Shrieking Violet, Baked Blackberry and Blueberry Bourbonic
Friday, 2/26: Primordial Noir, Apple Crisp a la Mode, Manhattan 2014 and Pineapple Wheat
Saturday, 2/27: Key Lime Pie, Cherry Vlad, Strawberries & Cream and Candied Cantaloupe
Sunday, 2/28: Cherry Bourbonic Double Red

The following beers will rotate throughout the schedule (follow @CascadeBrewing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for live updates): Blueberriation, Brambleberry Quad, Gin Gimlet, Grapefruit Lime, Happy Holidates, Honey Ginger Lime 2011, Lower Manhattan, Oaked Kriek, Orange Ginger, Q-Cumbersome Wheat, Red White & Brew, Secret Agent Orange, Sloe-Ji Berry, Strawberry Lemonade, Supra Honeycot, Thai One On, Tropic of Cascadia, Vriendschaps, White Cherry Velvet and Wicked Red.

The Cascade Brewing Barrel House will be open regularly scheduled hours and will operate independently of the Sour Fruit Fest. For more information, visit www.cascadebrewingbarrelhouse.com

or call 503-265-8603. 

Courtesy of Cascade Brewing Co

About Cascade Brewing
Cascade Brewing has been a pioneer in the sour beer renaissance since 2006 and the proud innovator of the Northwest Sour Ale. Its distinctive sour beer blends feature fruit forward, barrel-aged ales with an emphasis on project year to year variation. These beers offer a complex array of flavors derived from the acid, the fruit and the residual flavors present in the barrels in which they age. The resulting beers offer a complex array of flavors and aromas derived from with each project year release capturing the unique subtleties of that year’s growing season. Cascade’s sour ales are brewed and blended in Portland, Oregon. Follow @CascadeBrewing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, #HouseofSour.

Walking Man Brewing Awarded ‘Best Brewpub in Washington’ for the Fifth Year

Courtesy of Walking Man Brewing

STEVENSON, WA (FEBRUARY 2016)—Once again, Walking Man Brewing was awarded the designation as ‘Best Brewpub in Washington’ by RateBeer. For the fifth consecutive year, the regional title in the brewpub category has belonged to this small production Indie brewery in the Columbia River Gorge.

Since 2000 RateBeer has remained an active forum for beer lovers to come together and share opinions of beers and beer retailers in a free environment. RateBeer is widely recognized as the most accurate and most-visited source for beer information. The annual RateBeer awards are known internationally and compile thousands of reviews for the best of the best in the beer industry.

“RateBeer Best was again the largest beer competition in the world ever—more than 300,000 beers from over 18,500 brewers worldwide were tallied. Rating volume increased by a whopping 13% year to year,” says Ratebeer’s Executive Director Joe Tucker.

Celebrate “Best Brewpub in Washington” with Walking Man Brewing
“I’m humbled by our amazing fan base. We wouldn’t be able to do what we want to do without them,” says Walking Man’s Head Brewer, James Landers.

To extend their gratitude for recognition as ‘Best Brewpub in Washington’ Walking Man Brewing invites customers, fans, friends and family to enjoy $3 pints of My Left Foot ISA through the end of February.
My Left Foot ISA – 4.4% ABV / 55 IBU

A special one-off version of our Littlefoot brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops change the flavor profile to something that leans a bit more towards citrus and passion fruit than the regular offering.

About Walking Man Brewing
Nestled in the small town of Stevenson, WA in the scenic Columbia River Gorge, Walking Man Brewing began impacting the Northwest craft beer scene in late 2000. Garnering medals and honors in some of the top beer competitions in the world, it has long since become a destination for beer enthusiasts from around the globe.

Walking Man Brewing is located at 240 SW 1st Street in Stevenson, Washington, just 45 minutes east of Portland, across the Bridge of the Gods. For more information including brewpub hours, menus and happenings, visit www.walkingmanbeer.com or contact the brewery at (509) 427-5520, info@walkingmanbeer.com.

Cascade Brewing To Distribute Its Northwest Sour Ales In The UK

Courtesy of Cascade Brewing Co

Cascade Brewing signs agreement with James Clay

to distribute its Northwest sour ales in the United Kingdom

Brewery also announces deals in the works with a number of states

PORTLAND, Ore  – Cascade Brewing has announced a partnership with James Clay to distribute its bottled Northwest sour ales throughout the United Kingdom. The agreement brings Cascade ales to the UK for the first time; the first batch of Strawberry, Blackcap Raspberry, Sang Noir and Cranberry starting hitting retailers at the end of January.


Cascade Brewing is known for its award-winning Northwest sour ales that feature a clean profile produced by a house culture of lactobacillus bacteria. The beers frequently rely on the use of fresh ingredients grown exclusively in the Pacific Northwest, including as cherries, apricots, berries and grapes. Its blending house currently holds more than 1,400 French oak, Kentucky Bourbon and Northwest wine barrels — plus nine foudres (a Flemish word meaning huge oak barrel).

James Clay is an independent importer and distributor of specialist beers and beverages from Europe, the United States and worldwide, along with quality UK craft beer brands. Cascade joins the distributor’s already strong lineup of American craft beers including Anchor, Brooklyn, Flying Dog, Left Hand and Victory.

"We have been closely following developments in the American sour brewing scene for some time and are delighted to be able to share some of the leading examples being produced by Cascade Brewing with British beer drinkers,” explained James Clay, founder of the distribution company.

Added Clay, “We are excited to see the reaction of Cascade Brewing’s innovative sour beers in the UK and are positive that they will colorfully contribute the increasingly bright British beer picture."

Cascade Brewing has also announced they are in talks with distributors in Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington DC and Wisconsin; the brewery will share specific details when the deals are finalized. 

For more information about Cascade Brewing, visit www.CascadeBrewing.com. For more information about James Clay, visit http://www.jamesclay.co.uk.

About Cascade Brewing
Cascade Brewing has been a pioneer in the sour beer renaissance since 2006 and the proud innovator of the Northwest Sour Ale. Its distinctive sour beer blends feature fruit forward, barrel-aged ales with an emphasis on project year to year variation. These beers offer a complex array of flavors derived from the acid, the fruit and the residual flavors present in the barrels in which they age. The resulting beers offer a complex array of flavors and aromas derived from with each project year release capturing the unique subtleties of that year’s growing season. Cascade’s sour ales are brewed and blended in Portland, Oregon.

23rd Annual Hillsdale Brewfest – Feb. 20, 2016

Courtesy of McMennamins

For the 23^rd 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:

• History of New Belgium’s sour program - http://bit.ly/1Zo6f1S;
• Building Foeders - http://bit.ly/1OeeHYW;
• History of Sour Beer - http://bit.ly/1IZh1nV.

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

Blind Lady Ale House

5:00 p.m.

Includes three unique beers from each brewery including both versions of MerBear

 

Friday, February 26

Fathom Bistro

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:

Website: http://coronadobrewing.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coronadobrewingcompany 

Instagram: @CoronadoBrewing

Twitter: @CoronadoBrewing 

#MermaidSighting #MerBearRyeIPA 

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 19^th - February 26^th & February 28^th - March 6^th.) 

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.

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.