Wednesday, May 15th 2013 Oskar Blues Burning Can Beer Festival is Back on June 1st OSKAR BLUES BURNING CAN BEER FESTIVAL GROWS WITH LYONS OUTDOOR GAMES AND COLORADO BREWERS GUILD
Lyons, Colorado – The Oskar Blues Burning Can Beer Fest is back (June 1st) for the second year as part of the Lyons Outdoor Games (5/31 to 6/2) to bring you everything craft beer in a CAN offers: fresh, earth-friendly beer in a portable container that takes you to your next soul-saving outdoor adventure. Oskar Blues Brewery invites all beer lovers to celebrate the REVOLUTION of big-flavored craft beers served up in cans in their hometown of Lyons, CO. Set amidst the backdrop of beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park in Bohn Park on June 1st, 2013, Burning Can adds a national craft beer influence to the world class events of the Lyons Outdoor Games (May 31st to June 2nd). Last year Burning Can Beer Fest joined Lyons Outdoor Games and raised $18,000 for beneficiaries while exposing over 2,300 people to canned craft beer, some of which is not for sale in Colorado. Burning Can offers samples (4pm to 7pm, VIP 3pm to 7pm) of canned craft beer from 35+ innovative canning craft breweries from across the country in the middle of live music by Chain Station, food trucks, Lyons Outdoor Games 5K, Rugby, and the BMX/Mountain Bike dirt-jump & best trick bike competition (followed by DJ Chronz) as world class kayakers are running the river. The Lyons Outdoor Games kick off Friday Night (May 31st) with a FREE live concert featuring New Orleans' Dumpstaphunk and local band Interstate Stash Express set to the backdrop of Bohn Park. Now in its 12th year, the multi-sport competition of Lyons Outdoor Games has grown into a world-class celebration of mountain sports drawing heavy hitters from the outdoor industry over three days from May 31st to June 2nd. “The Lyons Outdoor Games attract world-class athletes but also offer many opportunities for beginner and intermediate athletes to learn and develop skills under the downhome, grassroots feel of Lyons, CO.” says Dave Cosgrove, Lyons Park and Recreation Director. The South Saint Vrain creek is the definition of steep, manky, roadside class V+ for boaters in Colorado and has become the stage for the renowned Adam Barron Memorial Creek race. What would a CANNED beer festival at an outdoor-sports celebration be without RECYCLING? Ball Corporation, Novelis Inc. and Alcoa Inc. have stepped up to focus on recycling initiatives. All money raised from Lyons Outdoor Games recycled cans will be donated to American Whitewater. American Whitewater is a national non-profit organization with a mission “to conserve and restore America's whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely.” Canned craft beer has many benefits including defending beer from the damages of sunlight, an air-tight seal that allows less oxygen into the beer creating a fresher tasting beverage. Not only are cans good for the beer, they are also good for the environment. Aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable and are lighter to ship, reducing the ecological impact. Last, but not least, you can take CANNED beers where your next soul-saving adventure takes you….including places where glass isn’t allowed and where you need to “pack it in, pack it out.”
All proceeds from the 2013 Burning Can event go to the Lyons Department of Parks and Recreation and the Colorado Brewers Guild, two groups that embody the soul of Oskar Blues. The Colorado Brewers Guild is a key player in the continued growth and celebration of Colorado’s craft beer industry. Lyons Outdoor Games is a tribute to the outdoor sports that helped inspire Oskar Blues to can Dale’s Pale Ale over ten years ago. For a full list of events at the 2013 Lyons Outdoor Games visit: www.lyonsoutdoorgames.com. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 day of for 4pm to 7pm event. $35 VIP Tickets are available for an early 3pm entrance and come with a commemorative Burning Can glass, no day of purchase available. Receive $5 off of the day-of ticket price if you ride your bike to the festival as Bicycle Longmont will be providing bike valet. Tickets are available at: www.burningcan.com LODGING - There is ample camping at Bohn Park and Meadow Park in Lyons and More information about lodging is available athttp://lyonsoutdoorgames.com/camping/ TRANSPORTATION – The Oskar Blues trolley will run from Longmont to Lyons all weekend, stay tuned at http://www.oskarblues.com/tunes/lyons-outdoor-games/burning-can-2013-trolley-schedule for a schedule and pick up info. RTD buses run from Boulder & Longmont to Lyons all weekend as well. http://lyonsoutdoorgames.com/lodging-transportation/ SPONSORS of Burning Can Beer Festival are: PRESENTING RECYCLING SPONSORS: Ball Corporation, Novelis Inc., Alcoa Inc. SUPPORTING SPONSORS: Boulder Business Products, Go West, Westword, Draft Magazine, Mobile Canning, Wild Goose Canning, High Country Beverage. CANNING BREWERIES ATTENDING (Some not available in CO): - Bootstrap Brewing - Breckenridge Brewery - Eddyline Brewing - NOLA Brewing Co - Crazy Mountain Brewery - Aspen Brewing Co - Bonfire Brewing - Big Choice Brewing - Moab Brewery - Dry Dock Brewing - Crystal Springs Brewing - Telluride Brewing Co - Sierra Nevada Brewing - Asher Brewing C0 - Sun King Brewing - Ska Brewing Co - Renegade Brewing Co - Pateros Creek Brewing - Twisted Pine Brewing - High Noon Saloon & Brewery - New Belgium Brewing Co - Golden Road Brewing - Maui Brewing Co - Left Hand Brewing Co - Boulder Beer Co - Avery Brewing Co - Upslope Brewing Co - Great River Brewing - Santa Fe Brewing - San Tan Brewing - 21st Amendment - Uinta Brewing Co - Sam Adams Brewing Co - Kona Brewing Co - Redhook Brewery and yours truly, Oskar Blues.
ABOUT OSKAR BLUES BREWERY ABOUT LYONS OUTDOOR GAMES ABOUT COLORADO BREWERS GUILD ABOUT AMERICAN WHITEWATER Founded in 1954, American Whitewater is a national non-profit organization with a mission “to conserve and restore America's whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely.” American Whitewater is a membership organization representing a broad diversity of individual whitewater enthusiasts, river conservationists, and more than 100 local paddling club affiliates across America. The organization is the primary advocate for the preservation and protection of whitewater rivers throughout the United States, and connects the interests of human-powered recreational river users with ecological and science-based data to achieve the goals within its mission. http://www.americanwhitewater.org/ ABOUT HUMAN MOVEMENT Posted by Russ |
Tuesday, May 7th 2013 Baltimore's Union Craft Brewing Launches Flagships Cans
Baltimore, Maryland — Union Craft Brewing Company today announced the release of its two flagship craft beers in 12 oz. cans, Duckpin Pale Ale & the 2012 Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal winning Balt Altbier. These beers have become staples on draft at many Baltimore area bars & restaurants, and will be available in 12 oz. cans at local Baltimore city retailers this week, and throughout Maryland and Washington DC in the next few weeks. Additionally, the brewing company has acquired three new 60 barrel tanks, increasing brewing capacity by 75%. “Since day one, we have been working hard to get our beer in cans and into the hands of our local beer drinkers”, said Co-Founder, Adam Benesch. “By adding these new tanks, we can now produce enough beer to accommodate the growing demand of our draft and retail accounts.” Co-Founder, Jon Zerivitz adds, “The can is the perfect package for our beer. It removes the threat of light and oxygen from affecting the quality of the beer and it can go places that glass cannot. We've been anxiously awaiting the release of the cans and are very excited to have them out in the Baltimore market.”
ABOUT UNION CRAFT BREWING COMPANY Founded in 2011, Union Craft Brewing Company is situated along the Jones Falls river and was the first production brewery to open in Baltimore City in 30 years. The brewery’s onsite tasting room is open Saturday from 1-4PM for tours and tastings. For additional information, visit us at unioncraftbrewing.com, Facebook, and Twitter. Posted by Russ |
Wednesday, April 24th 2013 Anderson Valley's El Steinber to be Brewery's First 16 oz. Release
Anderson Valley to Release First Sixteen Ounce Can “El Steinber” is latest addition to brewery’s canned portfolio Boonville, CA - Anderson Valley Brewing Company announced this week they have packaged their popular El Steinber Dark Lager in sixteen ounce cans and have begun shipping them to wholesalers around the country. Originally debuting as a draft-only offering in September 2012, this marks the first time the Northern California craft pioneer has packaged both a lager-style beer as well as releasing a “tall” pint can. “There’s no mistaking the growing demand for canned craft beers,” says Trey White, owner of Anderson Valley Brewing Company. “We recently added a second canning line that gave us the ability to use larger formats, so why not package our first full-production lager in our first sixteen ounce can?” Anderson Valley currently packages Boont Amber and Hop Ottin’ IPA year-round in twelve ounce cans while their Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice, and Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout are released seasonally.
Literally meaning “The Beer” in their native Boontling dialect, El Steinber is brewed with roasted Indio-Hispano® blue corn to create a toasty flavor and lighter body, while Midnight Wheat malt imparts a slight sweetness and deep ruby/brown hue. The earthy, spicy flavors of fresh Saaz hops are balanced by German Pilsner malts creating a smooth, clean finish to this highly drinkable American-style Dark Lager.
About Anderson Valley Brewing Company Anderson Valley Brewing is constantly striving to excite and reach new consumers with high quality craft beer. Located in the bucolic Anderson Valley region of Mendocino County, California and founded in 1987, the Anderson Valley Brewing Company is a pioneer of the American craft brewing industry. An environmentally friendly, solar powered brewery, it produces highly respected craft beers including Boont Amber Ale®, Hop Ottin’ IPA®, Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout, Summer and Winter Solstice®, and Heelch O’ Hops® Double IPA. For more information on Anderson Valley Brewing Company, visit us at www.avbc.com; Like us on Facebook; and follow AVBC on Twitter. Posted by Russ |
Sunday, April 21 2013 MobileCanningSystems Announces Affiliate Launch Schedule
Innovative Program Helping Craft Brewers LONGMONT, Colo. -- MobileCanningSystems™ LLC, the market leader in bringing a canning line to the brewery when the beer is ready, today announced the launch schedule for its next five affiliates. Joining MobileCanning Colorado and Old Dominion Mobile Canning in Virginia, the following affiliates will commence mobile canning operations over the next five months: • Michigan Mobile Canning, operating out of Kalamazoo and Traverse City MI and covering the state of Michigan Northeast Indiana on June 24th • Beer Monks Mobile Canning, based in South El Monte CA and covering the Los Angeles CA area on July 22nd • Iron Heart Canning, based in Norwalk CT and covering the New York City area, Long Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and the northeast New Jersey area on August 1st • Buckeye Canning (formerly Mobile Canning Great Lakes), based in the Cleveland OH area and covering the state of Ohio and Western Pennsylvania on August 26th • Toucan Mobile Canning, based in Chattanooga TN and covering Tennessee, Central and Northern Alabama along with Northwest Georgia on September 8th Other Mobile Canning Systems affiliates currently planning to launch operations before the end of the year include: • Mobile Can Man, based in Trumansburg, NY and covering upstate New York • Land of the Sky Mobile Canning, based in Asheville NC and covering the state south of Raleigh and Greensboro as well as South Carolina “Our MobileCanningSystems Affiliate program is expanding at a rapid rate,” said Pat Hartman, MobileCanningSystems co-Founder and Managing Partner. “We are excited to be bringing the benefits of mobile canning to craft brewers across the nation through a community of enthusiastic entrepreneurs with a passion for craft beer.” MobileCanningSystems’ Affiliate Program delivers fast, reliable production canning services to craft breweries using a Wild Goose Canning Technologies MC-250 canning line modified for mobility. In addition, the program provides production supplies, including labeled cans, allowing Mobile Canning Systems affiliates to support smaller breweries in joining the “Canned Craft Beer Revolution” at a minimal cost of entry. The MobileCanningSystems approach eliminates the need for craft brewers to outlay capital for canning equipment and for large purchases of packaging inventory that far exceed their production needs and in-house storage capacity. Based in Longmont CO, MobileCanningSystems provides its affiliates with a complete mobile canning system, training and startup support and packages all necessary production supplies to fulfill orders for its affiliates as needed to satisfy the production volume requirements of the craft breweries which they serve. “The craft brewing industry is embracing cans as the superior package and we are constantly receiving inquiries from brewers looking for a way to get started,” added Hartman. “As our MobileCanningSystems affiliate community grows so does the number of great brews throughout the nation that can be enjoyed in cans.”
About MobileCanningSystems, LLC MobileCanningSystems innovative packaging solution, delivered via its affiliates, opens new opportunity for craft brewers to distribute their product beyond their tap room and make productive, profitable use of latent brewing capacity. The MobileCanningSystems Affiliate Program has been designed to provide entrepreneurs who have a passion for craft brewing with the opportunity to quickly launch and establish a personally fulfilling, financially rewarding, and fun business in a uniquely enjoyable and exciting industry. For more information, visit www.mobilecanningsystems.com, or contact: David Whitten, Managing Director; Tel: 303.395.0639; david@mobilecanningsystems.com Posted by Russ |
Saturday, April 13th 2013 Maui Brewing & The Lost Abbey Collaborate on Lemongrass Saison
Lemongrass Saison | Celebrating Spring! Truly Local, Truly No Ka Oi LAHAINA, MAUI, HI - 13 April 2013 - Maui Brewing Co. (MBC) is happy to announce their collaboration with Lost Abbey, using 100% local Maui raised lemongrass! Lemongrass Saison is a 5.5% ABV beer utilizing White Wheat, Oats, Pilsner malt, Lemongrass, Citra and Nelson Sauvin hops. This first limited release of 2013 will be available starting mid-April in 12 oz. cans and draft. The Lost Abbey is a brewery located in San Marcos, California - famous for their Belgian-inspired beers.
In total, approximately 500 barrels will be produced out of which approximately 400 bbls will be canned and the difference to be available in draft. "All market areas where MBC is distributed will receive product but specific allocations will be based on sales," explains Garrett Marrero. How did this project come together? "Well, that was easy enough," tells Garrett, "Tomme wanted to take his family on a little vacation and although San Diego isn't bad in December, Maui is always a winner; and of course, we just had to brew together when he was on island. We have always wanted to can a saison so working with Tomme and Lost Abbey really helped put us on the right path to build a great recipe for the style." Lemongrass is a popular spring seasoning and Tomme and Garrett felt it would accentuate this traditional saison style. "The citrusy notes play well into the style. We also wanted to find a locally raised ingredient to showcase," says Garrett. Tony, our Brewpub Manager adds, "The lemongrass came from James Simpliciano's farm in Ka'anapali. He is one amongst a group of local farmers using traditional Polynesian permaculture farming methods to sustainably grow food on lands once depleted by pineapple plantations."
A total of 150lbs of lemongrass was used for the whole project at a ratio of 30 lbs. per 100bbl batch. "That's a lot of lemongrass. Our whole staff teamed up at different times to get the job done and it smelled great!" explains Darren, Director of Brewery Operations. "Tony assisted greatly in working with the local farmers to allocate the lemongrass and we even went into the fields to harvest some ourselves." This beer pairs well with "chilling outdoors with friends," tells us Garrett. "Personally, I think it's awesome with chevre and salads, and great with Thai foods." The Lemongrass Saison artwork is a rendering of an old church in Kahakuloa on the northwest side of Maui -- "...we played with the Lost Abbey theme a bit and added a little Maui to it." Maui Brewing Co. is a truly Hawaiian brewery, and proud to make 100% of their beer, canned and draft, in Hawaii. Recognized as Hawaii's #1 craft beer since 2005, the company has a strong commitment to the local economy and the environment. MBC beers are packaged with the most eco-friendly materials. Cans are manufactured on Oahu and designed by local Maui artists. They have the added bonus of better protecting the beer from both light and oxygen damage which can compromise the taste. Plastic rings are dangerous to marine life and therefore, a unique, recyclable plastic carrying device is used to hold the cans. The spent grain from beer production is donated to local ranchers for cattle feed and composting. MBC is also very active in several local Hawaiian charities. About Maui Brewing Company... Founder Garrett Marrero and his wife, Melanie, operate a 7-barrel brewpub at the Kahana location as well as a 25-barrel production brewery and canning facility in Lahaina. Maui Brewing Co. is a truly local beer as 100% of their products are made in Hawaii. Contact pr@mauibrewingco.com for interviews, additional information, or media questions. To order for your retail/restaurant/resort establishment, contact sales@mauibrewingco.com. Posted by Russ |
Thursday, April 11th 2013 TailGate Beer Introduces New Superfan Series and Dodgy Knight
TAILGATE BEER INTRODUCES SUPERFAN SERIES AND DODGY KNIGHT San Diego, CA – San Diego-based brewing company, TailGate Beer, has announced the upcoming release of their first entry in its Superfan Series – Dodgy Knight. At 8% ABV and 95 IBU’s, TailGate Beer’s new Imperial IPA marks its most creative undertaking to date. In building an existing portfolio that features 5% session style craft beers, the Dodgy Knight is the company’s next step in building craft beer awareness. Dodgy Knight will be available in 12oz can 4 packs, and also 1/6bbl kegs on limited allocation throughout TailGate Beer’s current national distribution footprint. “Growing up in Northern California, near wine country, I grew accustomed to the rollout strategy of nearby wineries. Most nationally successful wineries would start with their “session” wines, and make a small portfolio,” said Wesley Keegan, Owner and Founder of TailGate Beer. “After they built enough distribution, the vintners would start their “reserve series” or similar. We drew a lot inspiration from that strategy at the outset of our business roughly 6 years ago.” Dodgy Knight, like all other TailGate Beer offerings started as one of Keegan’s experimental homebrews. With an emphasis on extreme hop bitterness, crisp malt character and well balanced finish, this beer has been years in the making. Artistically, the creativity doesn’t stop there. Resident TailGate Beer artist Scott Smith was given the idea behind the series and a blank canvas. Said Smith, “I’ve always enjoyed my artistic freedom with Wes and TailGate. But this was an opportunity few people in my trade are given. To me art is about creative license. I was given the keys to the truck, so to speak.” His completed work became the can label design and his art style will be recognizable in all forthcoming releases in the Superfan Series. The name and inspiration behind the series is the community of rabid sports fans around the world. These superfans make tailgating the 100 million person community it is in the US today. The Dodgy Knight is British superfan, Adam Goldstein. Adam is best known for his tours around the US where he tailgated every major NFL stadium and most college stadiums. He famously left his life in the UK to come tailgate in the US and cheer on his favorite team – the Chicago Bears. Adam culminated his first journey with an international book he wrote to chronicle his travels, and followed up with another tailgate tour this last fall. Among superfans, Adam is known as the Tailgate Knight. Said Goldstein, “I always thought myself the face of my beloved Bears, but when I found out I was the face of an Imperial IPA, my imperial mind was blown!” “Adam is one of the kindest, most contagious personalities I’ve ever met. He has a love of beer, food, culture, people, and fun,” said Keegan. “Adam is the living breathing epitome of a tailgating superfan. The fact that he’s from the UK only supports the fact that tailgating is a global activity not limited to only stadium parking lots. I can think of no better person to help us kick off this exciting series.” Subsequent Superfan Series will feature crowd selected superfans. TailGate Beer will open nominations and online polls on its website to help people select the next face for the next release! The second Superfan release is slated for Novmber, 2013 and is currently listed as an Imperial Stout – clocking in at 12% ABV. TailGate Beer continues expanding national distribution - with Michigan being its latest state through partnership with American Craft Excellence, a craft beer division of National Wine & Spirits. TailGate continues to hire local in market sales representatives to continue to improve current distribution and support local fans better.
About TailGate Beer Since it’s founding in 2007, TailGate Beer has created six award-winning hand-crafted ales that combine the unique character of craft brews with the drinkability demanded by everyday consumers. Originally sold in bottles and kegs, TailGate Beer launched 12-ounce cans to the marketplace, beginning in San Diego, in January 2011, eliminating its bottles, while keeping kegs available for bars and restaurants. In addition to a Gold Medal at The San Diego International Beer Competition for Blacktop Blonde (2011 and 2012), an International Gold Medal for Amber Wave (2010), and the International Gold Medal for TailGate Beer Hefeweizen (2009), all TailGate Beer styles have won California State Awards and numerous local and regional distinctions at Southern California competitions. In February 2011, Maxim Magazine named TailGate Beer’s Blacktop Blonde one of its top 52 beers in the US. For more information, please visit www.tailgatebeer.com.
Posted by Russ |
Wednesday, March 20th 2013 Sly Fox to Release New Helles Golden Lager and Pikeland Pils in Cans with Removeable Lids
Pennsylvania's Sly Fox Brewing Company has announced that they'll begin offering their Pikeland Pils and Helles Golden Lager, a new year-round beer, in an industry first can that has a removeable lid. Helles Golden Lager cans will be available throughout the Sly Fox distribution market. Pikeland Pils cans will be available exclusively at Citizen's Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. Posted by Russ |
Tuesday, March 19th 2013 Ska Announces Vernal Minthe Stout
Ska Brewing Announces Vernal Minthe Stout: 3rd Seasonal Stout Release
DURANGO, Colorado — Ska Brewing is announcing the third release in its Seasonal Stout series: Vernal Minthe Stout, a stout brewed with peppermint, spearmint, cocoa and vanilla beans. The beer will hit shelves on March 20th, the date of the spring equinox. The debut also occurs during Colorado Craft Beer Week, a week of events and tappings celebrating Colorado craft breweries and beers. “Spring is a good time to brew up a reward for making it through winter, said Ska Overlord of Brewing Operations Bill Graham. “The Vernal Minthe Stout is a treat: sweet, but with great roasted and chocolate notes for balance—and a peppermint note that reminds me of spring. I bet I’m not the only one who could use a reward about now.” As the saying goes, there’s no reward without risk. “Stout is a beer lover’s beer. It’s one of our favorite styles, but it’s not everyone’s favorite,” said Ska President and co-founder Dave Thibodeau. “There were other styles that probably would have appealed to a broader market, but then I wouldn’t have all these stouts to drink.” Craft beer drinkers in all of Ska’s U.S. markets will be able to start rewarding themselves around the spring equinox—March 20th —in keeping with the Seasonal Stout Series’ solstice and equinox release dates. The packaging for the Vernal Minthe Stout (artwork below) features a black, 12-oz. can, with Ska’s True Blonde character as the Greek goddess Persephone, who, according to Greek mythology, turned the naiad Minthe into a mint plant in a jealous rage.
Ska will unveil the Seasonal Stout Series’ fourth brand new beer in June, for release on the summer solstice.
About Ska Brewing Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and now produces over a dozen medal-winning beers including the Pinstripe Red Ale, True Blonde Ale and Steel Toe Stout. Four Ska beers are now widely available in cans: ESB Special Ale, True Blonde, Modus Hoperandi IPA and the winter seasonal Euphoria Pale Ale. For information, music and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com. Chat us up and get the latest news at facebook.com/skabrew and twitter.com/skabrewing. Posted by Russ |
Thursday, March 14th 2013 Beverage World Names Oskar Blues Craft Brewer of the Year
For Oskar Blues Brewery it seems that the ides of March are nothing to be concerned about. After celebrating 10 years of Dale's Pale Ale in a can last year, expanding distribution into several key markets recently, firing up their new Brevard, North Carolina brewery, and announcing 52% growth in 2012, Oskar Blues can also brag about being named "Craft Brewer of the Year" by Beverage World Magazine.
On the cover of this most recent issue you'll find Oskar Blues' founder/owner, Dale Katechis, riding one of his REEB bikes - yeah, if you didn't know he also started a company that makes some incredible mountain bikes - between some fermentation tanks. A very fitting image as it represents two things that have played major roles in making Oskar Blues the brewery that it is today. Congratulations from the folks here at CraftCans.Com to all the good people at Oskar Blues. This is certainly well-deserved. You guys may play hard, but you certainly work hard too! Cheers!
Posted by Russ |
Tuesday, March 12th 2013 SanTan's Mr. Pineapple Coming to Cans this Spring
SanTan Brewing packs pineapple goodness into a can this spring, hitting the Arizona market in March SanTan Brewing Company’s summer seasonal, Mr. Pineapple Wheat Ale is back and available in the can! Just in time for summer camping trips and cookouts, Mr. Pineapple hits stores in late March. Winner of a silver medal at the 2011 Great American Beer Festival competition, Mr. Pineapple is a refreshing and fruity traditional German Wheat ale using white wheat, two-row and Munich malt. It was originally developed as a signature brew for SanTan Brewing Company’s annual Luau celebration during the hot summer months in Arizona. Fresh pineapple is added during the primary fermentation then crushed and cooled to allow the natural flavors to infuse the traditional wheat beer for a refreshing twist. Mr. Pineapple is made with Columbus hops, German wheat and has a hazy straw gold color boasting a 5% ABV and 20 IBU.
12 oz cans of Mr. Pineapple will be available at valley craft beer retailers by the end of March through September, 2013. In November, 2012, SanTan Brewing Company launched Arizona’s first ever seasonal canned beer series with the introduction of Rail Slide Imperial Spiced Ale. Mr. Pineapple is the third seasonal brew to don an aluminum suit. To find a pint of Mr. Pineapple near you, visit SanTan Brewing Company’s Beer Detective online at www.santanbrewing.com/find-santan-on-tap. Posted by Russ |
Thursday, February 28th 2013 THE GUBNA RETURNS...HARRUMPH!
GUBNA was inbred from Oskar Blues Brewery’s hankering to confront 100+ IBU’s with a single hop to emphasize that complexity of character can arise from simple elements. This time around GUBNA (10% ABV, 100+ IBUs) cranks up the complexity of hops by piling Cascade hops on top of copious amounts of Summit hops and the backbone of German Dark Munich Malt and Rye Malt. North American 2-row barley combines with the other grains to lay the foundation for the hop onslaught to come. Post-fermentation dry hopping allows this monstrosity to gently coax the citrus rind and grapefruit aroma while providing a rye malt-induced spicy yet round middle and finishing with a brisk, clean bitterness.
“We get off on challenging ourselves and our beer drinkers with hops. This year’s GUBNA comes from that fire in the belly to up the ante of GUBNA’s motley hop character,” says head brewer Dave Chichura. For additional details check out Oskar Blues Brewery’s GUBNA VIDEO HERE. Oskar Blues continues to build on its 52% growth in 2012 and will launch new distribution in Michigan beginning March 4th. Last year, Oskar Blues expanded distribution to new markets for the first time in four years. The markets: Chicago, Ohio, Northern Kentucky and founder Dale Katechis’ home state of Alabama each established the largest craft beer launch in territory history topped by 14,000+ case equivalents during the first week in Ohio. GUBNA Imperial IPA is available in limited-seasonal quantities (March to May) and sold in 12oz. four-packs priced at $14.99. Oskar Blues Brewery’s GUBNA Imperial IPA is just one of an impressive line-up of boundary-busting canned beer getable in 31 states. To find out where to purchase Oskar Blues beer visit http://www.oskarblues.com/about-us/beer-locator
About Oskar Blues Brewery Founded by Dale Katechis in 1997 as a brewpub and grill, Oskar Blues Brewery launched their craft-brewed beer canning operations in 2002 in Lyons, Colo. They were the first American craft brewery to brew and can their beer. Today there are more than 200 craft breweries canning their beers. The original crew used a hand-canning line on a tabletop machine that sealed one can at a time. Oskar Blues Brewery in Longmont packaged 59,000 in 2011 and grew to 85,750 in 2012 while opening an additional brewery in Brevard, NC for 2013.
Posted by Russ |
LONGMONT, CO - This March, GUBNA Imperial IPA will celebrate its 3-year anniversary as Oskar Blues’ hoppiest craft beer in a can. With a mutated overload of hops, GUBNA will be a limited seasonal release March through May 2013. GUBNA was moved from a full time offering to a three month limited-release to complement a seasonal series featuring the cyclopean Ten FIDY Imperial Stout (October through February), and a yet to be announced third seasonal slated for June through September.
Wednesday, February 13th 2013 21st Amendment Releasing Lower De Boom Barleywine in 8.4 oz. Cans
San Francisco, CA – As the story goes, it is 1859 and Shaun and Nico have just arrived in San Francisco for the gold rush. Ten years late. Soon they find themselves in a dinghy in the middle of the Bay thanks to a forged treasure map given to them by scheming shop owner Cornelius De Boom. At the bottom of the bay they discover a treasure chest of rare and perfectly preserved beer. With this “liquid gold” they become wealthy beer barons, buy out De Boom Supply, and unceremoniously show Cornelius the back door. Today, if anyone gives them trouble, Shaun and Nico exchange looks across the bar and say “Lower De Boom.” Honoring tradition, but adding its signature creative twist, 21st Amendment Brewery today announced the release of Lower De Boom Barleywine, a powerfully balanced American-Style barleywine packed with citrusy hops. Co-founders Shaun O’Sullivan and Nico Freccia said they believe this is the first American craft beer ever to be packaged in an 8.4 ounce can, the perfect size for the traditional barleywine “nip.”
Notes Brewmaster O’Sullivan, “Historically, barleywines, with their high alcohol, were brewed for their winter warmer quality. The huge grain bill, intense hops and long conditioning time make this beer perfect for savoring from a snifter next to a roaring fire. Enjoy one now and lay another can down as this beer will age quite nicely as the hops pull back and the malt and complex flavors meld together.” Freccia adds, “When they were first brewed, barleywines were almost exclusively sold in small bottles and we wanted to recapture that tradition in a new way, with a new can. Plus, at 11.5% alcohol, any larger a serving and you might feel like the boom has been lowered on you!” Cornelius De Boom figures prominently into the story of both 21st Amendment and its new beer. De Boom was a Belgian-born ship owner, who actually made it to San Francisco in time for the gold rush in 1848. De Boom Street, named for him, is the alley which runs alongside 21st Amendment Brewery. The brewery’s De Boom Street entrance is often referred to as “lower De Boom” by brewery employees, and the name is a fitting inspiration for the new brew.
Lower De Boom is chestnut brown in the glass with complex notes of toffee malt, vanilla, burnt bread pudding and piney hops with a slight oak flavor. It is the latest installment in 21st Amendment Brewery’s Insurrection Series, a limited edition, once-in-awhile 4-pack release of a very special beer that rises up in revolt against common notions of what canned beer can be. It will be available in stores and on draft in bars February-March in all seventeen of 21st Amendment’s distribution territories, including CA, OR, WA, AK, ID, MN, OH, MA, NY, NJ, DC, MD, DE, PA, VA, GA and NC. For up to date availability, events and promotions, visit 21A’s website at www.21st-Amendment.com. Hey, we’re Nico & Shaun. We live for great beer. When we opened the 21st Amendment Brewpub in San Francisco in 2000, we vowed to do things differently. To us, the 21st Amendment means much more than just an end to Prohibition. It means the right to brew beer, the freedom to be innovative, and the obligation to have fun. Posted by Russ |
Saturday, January 26th 2013 Good People to Release Pale Ale and Coffee Oatmeal Stout in Cans
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Good People Brewing Company has just completed an expansion that will allow its production capacity to increase nearly three-fold. With that increased production comes that ability to increase its packaging portfolio. Pale Ale will be the first to reap the benefits and see its canned debut. It is the fourth Good People offering to be canned. Pale Ale is Good People’s flagship and part of the “Ales From the Heart of Dixie” line-up – Good People’s five ales available throughout the entire year. Pale Ale is their most versatile offering, and considered the most accessible year-round beer. “As Alabama’s oldest and largest brewery, we take a great deal of responsibility and pride in the fact that we can distribute to the entire state of Alabama, our home state,” says Michael Sellers, co-owner of Good People Brewing Company. “The expansion allows us that ability.” The recent expansion is the catalyst for Pale Ale being canned and opens the door for Coffee Oatmeal Stout, the fifth, and final, member of the “Ales From the Heart of Dixie” to be canned as well. This will allow both retailers and customers the freedom to select their favorite styles from Good People’s diverse catalog. “It’s huge for us,” confirms Sellers. “We want to be everywhere, all over the state. A lot of places don’t offer draft beer, so by having our entire line-up in cans, it allows to access to places where we otherwise couldn’t offer our entire line-up. It also means more choice for our customers.” The brewery is also working on plans to eventually offer their seasonal offerings in package. Michael and Jason are excited about the upcoming release. They will be available for interviews to discuss the Pale Ale release. They can be reached at 205.286.2337 or via email at Michael@GoodPeopleBrewing.Com and Jason@GoodPeopleBrewing.Com Jason Malone, Eric Schultenover, and Michael Sellers founded Good People Brewing Company in 2007. Initially sold only in select locations in Birmingham, Good People is now sold all over the city and throughout the entire state of Alabama, including Auburn, Dothan, Florence, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa. The taproom is open daily, and tours of the taproom/brewery are offered on Saturday afternoons. For more information, visit goodpeoplebrewing.com, Facebook, and follow on Twitter Posted by Russ |
Thursday, January 17th 2013 Sun King Announces First Two King's Reserve Series Releases
Indianapolis, Ind. – Sun King Brewing Company will release two beers in the new King's Reserve can on January 28th. The King's Reserve is a new 16 oz. resealable Alumi-Tek can that is manufactured by Ball Corporation in Monticello, IN. Sun King and Colorado's Oskar Blues pioneered the use of this vessel last year with the release of Chaka and The Deuce. "We are excited to share two very special, award winning beers in a brand new package! Batch 333: The Velvet Fog was a 2012 World Beer Cup Gold Medal Winner in the Belgian-style Dark Strong Ale category, and Bourbon Barrel Johan was a 2011 Great American Beer Festival Silver Medal Winner in the Barrel Aged Strong Beer category." said Sun King owner/brewer Clay Robinson. Johan the Barleywine was the first batch of beer produced at Sun King on July 1, 2009, a small portion of which was placed in Bourbon barrels to age. This process imparts even more depth of character to the beer, allowing it to pick up flavor from the Bourbon as well as the oak. There are only 250 cans of Bourbon Barrel Johan available for $25.00 per can with a limit of one per person. Half of the allotment will be available for online reservations beginning January 21st at 12:00 PM (EST) and the other half will be available in the Tasting Room on January 28th. Online reservations will have one week to pick up their beer and whatever is not picked up will be made available to the general public on February 4th. Batch 333: The Velvet Fog will also be released on January 28th and will be available in liquor stores throughout central Indiana, as well as at the brewery. The Velvet Fog is a Belgian-style Quadruple that was named one of Draft Magazine's 'Top 25 Beers of 2012' in addition to the aforementioned World Beer Cup® Medal. Velvet Fog will be sold in two packs for a suggested retail of $17.50. For more information on these releases, including which liquor stores they will be available at, please follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
About Sun King Brewing Company Sun King Brewing Company is the brainchild of Dave Colt and Clay Robinson. With the help of family and friends – Omar Robinson, Andy Fagg and Steve Koers–the first keg of Sun King beer rolled out the door for delivery in July 2009. Now available on tap and in cans at hundreds of locations around central Indiana, Sun King has grown into the second-largest beer brewer in the state of Indiana. The company's commitment to handcrafted seasonal and specialty beers has been rewarded with multiple medals at the Indiana Brewers Cup, Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup competitions. Visit www.sunkingbrewing.com for more information. Posted by Russ |
Thursday, January 3rd 2013 SanTan's Sex Panther Makes Canned Debut on January 7th!
(Chandler, AZ) — Craft beer fanatics and lovers of all things smooth and chocolate know that Sex Panther brings the flavor while taming the panther within. Sex Panther is made with Colonial Rosewood Cocoa and a large dose of chocolate malt—there’s no chance of missing the chocolaty flavors in this brew! With hints of truffles and molasses, summit hops are added to balance the sweetness. Then, white wheat is added to give Sex Panther a smooth, creamy head that lasts all night long. Sex Panther has a 6.9% ABV and a silky dark chocolate shine. This brew pairs perfectly with smoked meats and sweet treats.
For the first time ever, Sex Panther will be available in 12 oz cans as well as on tap throughout Arizona from January-March, 2013! In November, SanTan Brewing Company launched Arizona’s first ever seasonal canned beer series with the introduction of Rail Slide Imperial Spiced Ale. Sex Panther is the second seasonal brew to don an aluminum suit. To find a pint of Sex Panther near you, visit SanTan Brewing Company’s Beer Detective online at www.santanbrewing.com/find-santan-on-tap.
About SanTan Brewing Company Open since 2007 under the leadership of head brewer and owner, Anthony Canecchia, SanTan Brewing Company has established a strong reputation as Arizona’s favorite craft beer. In addition to brewing, SanTan features a friendly neighborhood brewpub in Downtown Chandler, which has quickly become one of the top local food and beer destinations in the East Valley. In 2009, SanTan Brewing began distributing their core and seasonal brews throughout the state of Arizona, operating with a mission to pair craft beer with craft food that would inspire great conversation and good times. The brewpub and SanTan beers have won numerous national and statewide awards including a silver medal at the 2011 Great American Beer Festival, a gold medal at the 2012 US Open Beer Championships and 2011 Best Brewery in Arizona, selected by the Phoenix New Times. Visit SanTan Brewing Company at 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, AZ. They’re open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.- 1 a.m. and Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Also, check out SanTan Brewing Company online at www.santanbrewing.com and become a fan on Facebook or follow them on Twitter for more information on upcoming specials and promotions.
About HDE Agency HDE Agency is a full service agency dedicated to expanding client visibility and establishing marketable brand positioning. We offer a wide range of brand development services including public relations, design, advertising, social media, print collateral and event production. By establishing a strong foundation of action based campaigns, HDE Agency strives to transform our clients’ goals and objectives into tangible efforts measurable by an increase of customers, sales and community relationships. Visit HDE Agency online at www.hdeagency.com for a complete list of services and learn about our current projects, events and community engagements through the HDE Agency blog at www.hdeagency.com/blog. HDE Agency can help you expand your reach! Posted by Russ |
Wednesday, January 2nd 2013 Wachusett Brewing Company to Release Cans of Light IPA
Westminster, MA — Wachusett Brewing Company celebrated Wachusett Mountain Ski Area’s 50 year anniversary by creating the "World’s 1st Light IPA". An easy drinking session IPA coming in at 4% ABV with 37 IBUs and only 121 calories. The beer was released at Wachusett Mountain on Saturday, December 15th, 2012 for a private event in honor of the Crowley family celebrating 50 years of business. Wachusett Brewing Company will add the signature Light IPA to their 12 oz. can portfolio and release a limited amount of draft in March 2013. Wachusett Light IPA will be available year round along with their other 12 oz. canned products; Green Monsta IPA and Blueberry Ale. Also released in cans March 2013 will be flagship Country Pale Ale and Summer Ale in newly designed packaging.
Posted by Russ |
Tuesday, December 11th 2012 Ska's Hibernal Vinifera Stout To Be Released on December 21st
Ska Brewing Announces Hibernal Vinifera Stout: DURANGO, Colorado — Ska Brewing is announcing the second release in its Seasonal Stout series: Hibernal Vinifera Stout, an oak-aged foreign-style stout brewed with Malbec grapes. The beer—in keeping with the series’ solstice and equinox release dates—will be released on the winter solstice, December 21st. “Winter weather causes most of us to start craving heartier food, and beer is no exception. This beer is 8% Alcohol By Volume (ABV), and the Malbec grapes and oak aging will complement that with a richness and depth that are perfect for the winter season,” said Ska Brewing Overlord of Brewing Operations Bill Graham. “This will be a great beer to have during the cold, short days ahead.” The packaging for the Hibernal Vinifera Stout, pictured below, features a black, 12-oz. can, with Ska’s True Blonde character as the Sumerian goddess of grapes and the cold season, Ngeshtin-ana. As with all four of the stouts in the Seasonal Stout series, the beer will be released in cans, and distributed in all of Ska’s markets. According to Ska President and Co-founder Dave Thibodeau, Ska will complete the Seasonal Stout series with two more new, canned seasonal stouts in March and June of 2013. “The Hibernal Vinifera Stout follows on the heels of our Mayan-themed stout, and assuming the 12/21/12 calamity-howlers are wrong, we’ll all live to see its release. Come to think of it, we probably ought to name a beer ‘calamity-howler,’ in honor of all the crazy predictions that don’t come true.”
About Ska Brewing Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and now produces over a dozen medal-winning beers including the Pinstripe Red Ale, True Blonde Ale and Steel Toe Stout. Four Ska beers are now widely available in cans: ESB Special Ale, True Blonde, Modus Hoperandi IPA and the winter seasonal Euphoria Pale Ale. For information, music and a good time, visit www.SkaBrewing.com. Chat us up and get the latest news at Facebook.com/skabrew and Twitter.com/skabrewing. and .
Posted by Russ |
Tuesday, December 11th 2012 SoCal's Hangar 24 Craft Brewery Cans Hitting Shelves Next Week
REDLANDS, CALIF. – Hangar 24 Craft Brewery, one of the top 100 craft brewers in the country, has become the first Southern California craft brewery to both can and bottle beer with the release of 12-ounce cans of Helles Lager and Orange Wheat. Hangar 24’s new line of 12-ounce cans are currently available in its tasting room and will distribute to on and off-premise locations in California starting on Dec. 17. The craft brewer is also completing its latest facility expansion to increase production and renovate its tasting room, among other enhancements. “Aluminum cans will never replace our bottles, but we wanted to give our fans a new way to enjoy Hangar 24,” said Hangar 24 Owner and Master Brewer Ben Cook. “Our new line of aluminum cans gives everyone the option to enjoy Hangar 24 in places where glass is not ideal.” Along with the portability and durability that aluminum cans provide aluminum is also environmentally friendly and protects the beer from light and oxygen, both of which can alter a beer’s flavor. In addition to adding aluminum cans to its lineup, Hangar 24 is simultaneously completing the latest expansion to its brewing facility in Redlands, CA. This expansion increases the annual brewing capacity to 35,000 barrels enabling the California craft brewery to keep up with the strong demand. “The additional improvements that we made at the brewery will allow us to increase our production to meet the higher demand for years to come and to offer all of our fans an improved tasting room experience,” said Cook. Hangar 24’s expanded brewing facility includes three new fermenting tanks, as well as a truck loading dock, space for a new bottling line to be installed next summer, a lab for testing new recipes and renovated office space. Hangar 24 will also move the current cold box to the new space to accommodate the 500 sq. ft. tasting room expansion and remodel, which will create more room for beer sampling and growler fills. Hangar 24 is available throughout Southern California and its famed Central Coast. For a full list of on- and off-premise locations carrying Hangar 24 craft beer, please visit Hangar 24 Brewery
About Hangar 24 Hangar 24 Craft Brewery began with a true passion for good beer, the absolute love of flying and the pure enjoyment of being around great friends. Owner and master Brewer Ben Cook and his buddies used to meet at Hangar 24 after an afternoon of flying to trade stories, talk aviation, play music and share a few cold ones that Ben just finished brewing at home. These days, the location where these fine beers are brewed has changed, but the quality time spent enjoying a delicious, handcrafted beer and conversation is the same as ever. Hangar 24 Craft Brewery employs more than 50 team members and its distribution is now spanned throughout Southern California with its addition of another company, Hangar 24 Craft Distribution. Its annual capacity now stands at approximately 35,000 and its Brewery and Distribution Center together employ nearly 100 people. Posted by Russ |
Thursday, November 15th 2012 Oskar Blues and Ska Brewing Create Ten Year Caniversary Collaboration
Craft Can Pioneers Oskar Blues Brewery and Ska Brewing CANlaborate on “oSKAr the G’Rauch Smoked IPA” to celebrate the Ten Year CANiversary of Dale’s Pale Ale and Craft Beer In-A-Can.
Longmont, Colorado - Craft beer in-a-can pioneers Oskar Blues Brewery and SKA Brewing have come together to create a CANlaboration beer to celebrate the 10 Year CANiversary of Dale’s Pale Ale. The Smoked IPA, “oSKAr the G’Rauch”, is the first official brewing collaboration between the two breweries that share much of the same Colorado lifestyle. Hell, you can’t spell Oskar without Ska. The two brewers are ColoRADo kindred spirits of sorts, both hailing from inspiring mountain towns that shape their quality of life while doing things their own deranged way. Oskar Blues became the first American craft brewer to brew and can their beer with Dale’s Pale Ale in November of 2002 and SKA Brewing moved to can their ESB Special Ale a few months later. The two breweries have been leaders of the canned beer movement ever since. They have ridden the five-day “Tour of Bouldurango” charity bike ride from Boulder, CO to Durango, Co that was organized by Adam Avery. A few years ago Ska purchased Oskar Blues’ canning line and the Oskar Blues crew delivered it through a snow storm to help install the machine and turned the adventure into a week-long ski vacation. “We talked about doing a special beer for our CANiversary and we instantly knew we wanted to brew it with the Ska crew. We’re always looking for a reason to get together with those guys.” said Oskar Blues beer traffic control freak Jeremy Rudolf. “We couldn't be more humbled, brewing this beer with the fantastic brewers and our great friends at Oskar Blues. Ten years ago OB took a great leap of faith with their decision to put Dale's Pale Ale in cans, and we followed suit just months later, and have successfully ridden their coattails for the entire last decade.” said Ska’s Dave Thibodeau. About the beer…What did oSKAr the G’Rauch say to the face? Slap! Aromas of freshly-peeled orange and apricots with a touch of……..smoke? Juicy citrus and fruit flavors dominate but don’t overpower the slightly sweet malt structure. Finish is all citrus rind ping-ponging with some smoky phenols. 8.5% ABV. MANY IBU. 19.2 oz. cans of the Smoked IPA will debut at the 10th CANiversary party at Oskar Blues Grill & Brew in Lyons, CO Saturday, November 17th. The celebration will feature FREE LIVE MUSIC (6pm to 9pm) by “Erik The Viking”and “Interstate Stash Express” before a SOLD OUT show by Los Angeles’s “The White Buffalo” at 9:30pm to 1am. Get all the details about the Dale’s Pale Ale 10 Year CANiversary on November 12th, 2012. https://www.facebook.com/OskarBluesCANS/events#!/events/349401091819904/ Limited quantities of “oSKAr the G’Rauch” will be available in 19.2 oz. Single-Serve Cans and 16oz. 4-packs at the Oskar Blues Tasty Weasel Taproom and Oskar Blues locations while supplies last. About Oskar Blues Brewery About Ska Brewing Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and now produces over a dozen award-winning beers including the Pinstripe Red Ale, True Blonde Ale and Steel Toe Stout. Four Ska beers are now widely available in cans: ESB Special Ale, True Blonde, Modus Hoperandi IPA and the winter seasonal Euphoria Pale Ale. For information, music and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com. Find out what “calamity howlers” are, chat us up, and get the latest news at facebook.com/skabrew and twitter.com/skabrewing.
Posted by Kelly |
Thursday, October 11th 2012 Indeed Brewing Company Flagship Beers Now Available in Cans
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Indeed Brewing Company announces the start of their in-house canning operations. The brewery, which opened its taproom and began wholesale keg distribution in August, will increase production to include packaging 12-oz. aluminum cans.
The company will offer six-packs of their two flagship beers, Midnight Ryder American Black Ale and Day Tripper Pale Ale. The cans, which feature illustrations by local artist Chuck U, will debut in select liquor stores beginning Thursday, October 11 with plans to increase distribution metro-wide as the company grows. “We’re really anxious to be able to get our beer out there in cans. Canning was such a big part of our start-up plan from the beginning, and the opportunity to share our beer with more people is really exciting,” says co-owner Tom Whisenand.
Statewide, Indeed is the only local craft brewery to offer their beer in 12-oz. aluminum cans. “We wanted to package in 12-oz cans for many reasons, one of which is that they fit in really well with the types of things we like to do. It’s great to be able to throw some cans in a backpack and go for a hike or a bike ride, something that is really hard to do with bottles,” says co-owner Nathan Berndt. The trend in canning craft beer continues to grow as more consumers become aware of the advantages of cans. “Cans are just better containers for beer,” says Berndt. “They are completely light resistant, which make them the ideal package for our hand-crafted beer.”
For a complete list of locations that offer Indeed beer, visit: www.IndeedBrewing.com. Posted by Russ |
Saturday, September 29th 2012 Maui Brewing and Dogfish Head Collaboration Cans Coming Soon
Liquid Bread...Fruit?! LAHAINA, MAUI, HI - 29 September 2012 - Maui Brewing Co. (MBC) is very proud to announce the upcoming release of their first collaboration with Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales (DFH) of Milton, Delaware. Liquid Breadfruit is an Imperial Golden Ale brewed with 'ulu (local Maui breadfruit) and toasted papaya seeds. This unique beer also utilizes "DNA" (Delaware Native Ale), a special yeast, captured outside a peach farm in Delaware. Liquid Breadfruit marks the third in the quarterly limited releases announced by MBC earlier this year. Earlier releases have been La Perouse White (Spring 2012) and Sobrehumano Palena'ole (Summer 2012). Liquid Breadfruit will be released in October. Craft brewing wunderkinds Garrett Marrero (MBC) and Sam Calagione (DFH) had talked about a collaboration brew. After reading an invitation from Garrett to her dad, Sam's young daughter, Grier, just couldn't hold back her excitement at the possibility of traveling to Hawaii. So, in part, thanks to a little girl's inquisitiveness and ensuing persistence, plans for the collaboration really started to come together. So, how was the idea for a breadfruit beer born? Sam recalls, "One day I saw an article in a newspaper about breadfruit and it sounded enticing. We had isolated a yeast native to Delaware that has a lot of tropical notes ... I said 'DANG' to myself and shot Garrett an email asking him what he thought about breadfruit." The response was extremely positive and, together, the brewers at DFH and MBC started developing the recipe. This collaborative effort pulled in many ideas - including the use of toasted papaya seeds, Calypso hops and adding additional bread-inspired grains in the beer. And, the name, seemed simple enough to Sam - he says, "I thought it would be cool to call the beer LIQUID BREADFRUIT - since beer has been called 'liquid bread' for centuries." The Breadfruit Institute of Hana, Maui, Hawaii is an organization that promotes the conservation and use of breadfruit for food and reforestation. Garrett and Sam spoke with Ian Cole and Diane Ragone to learn more about this very important, staple crop of Polynesian cultures. The fruit and seeds of all species of breadfruit are edible and nutritious, providing protein and minerals, and the tree can also provide materials for construction, medicine, fabric, glue, insect repellent, animal feed and more. While this "tree of bread" has the potential to play a large role in alleviating hunger in many parts of the world, it intrigued this duo to do what they do best - to push the boundaries of craft beer! Approximately 2500 lbs. of breadfruit was harvested for the Liquid Breadfruit Project; and 10.5 lbs. of papaya seeds painstakingly harvested by staff and local farmers markets. Approximately 400 barrels will be produced out of which 4300 cases will be canned and the difference to be available in draft. All market areas where MBC is distributed will receive product but specific allocations will be based on sales. "The only downside to this project is that we had originally scheduled LB for a September release but due to a late breadfruit harvest, this schedule has been pushed back to October," tells us Garrett Marrero. "But all good things take time. Sam and I enjoyed working together on this project and we look forward to being able to share it with our fellow craft beer lovers. The pub batch brewed as a test in April was a HUGE hit at our annual Maui Brewer's Festival." Fans will be sure to enjoy the whimsical and brightly colored graphics on the packaging as well as what is in the can. When Sam sampled the first batch, he said, "it tasted like what it feels like to be on Maui...like nature magnified: tropical and refreshing and lovely." Maui Brewing Co. is a truly Hawaiian brewery, and proud to make 100% of their beer, canned and draft, in Hawaii. Recognized as Hawaii's #1 craft beer since 2005, the company has a strong commitment to the local economy and the environment. MBC beers are packaged with the most eco-friendly materials. Cans are manufactured on Oahu and designed by local Maui artists. They have the added bonus of better protecting the beer from both light and oxygen damage which can compromise the taste. Plastic rings are dangerous to marine life and therefore, a unique, recyclable plastic carrying device is used to hold the cans. The spent grain from beer production is donated to local ranchers for cattle feed and composting. MBC is also very active in several local Hawaiian charities. Founder Garrett Marrero and his wife, Melanie, operate a 7-barrel brewpub at the Kahana location as well as a 25-barrel production brewery and canning facility in Lahaina. Maui Brewing Co. is a truly local beer as 100% of their products are made in Hawaii. Contact pr@mauibrewingco.com for interviews, additional information, or media questions. Posted by Russ |
Monday, August 13th 2012 Baxter Brewing Set to Release Cans of Hayride Autumn Ale
Press Release LEWISTON – AUBURN, MAINE Autumn in New England is a special time in a special place, and Baxter Brewing Company, the acclaimed all-canned craft brewery in Lewiston, Maine, greets the season with the eagerly anticipated release of Hayride Autumn Ale, the second beer in the brewery’s line of limited edition seasonal varieties. Cold conditioned on a bed of American oak, Hayride is a blend of rye malts and exotic New Zealand hops, enhanced with touches of peppercorns, ginger and sweet orange peel, which produces a unique beer perfectly timed for leaf-peeping, apple picking, evenings around the campfire, and hayrides.
The autumnal brew pairs especially well with stews, beef roasts, stuffed squash and pumpkin pie. “We were thrilled by the how enthusiastically our first seasonal, Celsius Summer Ale, was greeted by the beer community,” said Baxter Head Brewer Ben Low, who designed both recipes. “The only complaints we got were that no one could keep it in stock,” added company President Luke Livingston. That was especially true after Esquire magazine called it one of only “eight Just-Right Summer Beers - The ones you're always looking for when it's hot out but can never seem to find.” “Hayride is the second in a continuing series of seasonal varieties,” Livingston explained. “We will now always have a seasonal beer in distribution along with our year-’round varieties – Pamola Xtra Pale Ale, Amber Road amber ale, and Stowaway IPA. But based on how quickly everyone sold out of Celsius, I’d guess that there’s going to be a lot of early interest in Hayride, too,” he added. Hayride Autumn Ale will be available beginning the first week of September, 2012 on draught and in 6-pack cans wherever craft beer is sold. Baxter beers are distributed in Maine by Nappi and Pine State Distributors and in Massachusetts by the member distributors of the Massachusetts Beverage Alliance.
More about Baxter Brewing: Located in the Civil War-era Bates Mill Complex in Lewiston, Maine, Baxter was the first brewery in the country to brew more than 5,000 barrels of beer in their first year of operation and was named the 2011 “New Brewery of the Year” by BevNet Magazine. They are also the first brewery in New England to package 100% of its beer solely in metal containers (aluminum cans and stainless steel kegs). The brewery also offsets 100% of its electrical usage every year with EPA-backed wind power credits. Visit their Site or on Facebook.
Posted by Russ |
Wednesday, May 9th 2012 AmeriCAN Canned Craft Beer Fest Coming to Scottsdale on May 19th
Over 40 Local & National Breweries To Serve Up 150 Unique Craft Brews
Scottsdale Civic Center set to host canned craft beer festival pouring ice cold beer from more than 40 breweries across the country and featuring headlining performance by Reel Big Fish Scottsdale, AZ (May 8, 2012)— Event producer, HDE Agency announced that the growing list of breweries participating in the Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival includes more than 40 local and national breweries. Among the breweries set to represent the craft beer movement on Saturday, May 19 at the Scottsdale Civic Center are several Arizona based breweries including SanTan Brewing Company, Four Peaks Brewing, Grand Canyon Brewing and Lumberyard Brewing. Alongside the local brand, breweries from across the country participating this year include Oskar Blues Brewing, SKA Brewing, Maui Brewing, Black Star Brewing, NOLA Brewing, Redhook Brewing, Sierra Nevada and 7 Seas Brewing.
In all, there will be 150 different brews served, several of which are extremely rare beers not previously available in Arizona. Rare beers coming in from across the country include Monk’s Blood a Belgian Dark Ale, 8.3% ABV, from San Francisco based, 21st Amendment Brewery. Then, all the way from Brooklyn, NY, Sixpoint Brewery will feature three of their best brews including the Righteous Ale, the Crisp and the Bengali Tiger—a homebrewed IPA, that’s bright orange in color with an abundance of citrus hop bitterness and a full pine and grapefruit bouquet in the aroma, ABV 6.4%. Other rare beers to expect include Sunlight Cream Ale and Wee Mac—a Scottish style brown with a hazelnut character and rich toffee undertones, 5.3% ABV from Sun King Brewing in Indianapolis. Also, all the way from Jackson, WY, Snake River Brewing will crack open cans off their Snake River Pale Ale and Pako's EYE-P-A. Finally, Tallgrass Brewing Company from Manhattan, KS will bring the smooth tastes of Midwestern comfort in a can with their Halcyon Unfiltered Wheat, Oasis and Buffalo Sweat—made with a cream sugar to balance the roasted barley to create a rich, complex and delicious brew, 5.0% ABV.
“Last year, we celebrated the canned craft beer revolution and we were impressed at the resoundingly positive feedback from festival goers,” said Anthony Canecchia, owner and head brewer of SanTan Brewing Company. “Beer fans are beginning to appreciate that the can is the superior package for craft beer, and it is our intention to continue educating the world of this fact.” Patrons will enjoy this bounty of frosty brews accompanied by rockin’ beats when Reel Big Fish and 2Tone Lizard Kings headline the Second Annual Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival from 2-6 p.m. Local bands will perform from noon-1:45 p.m. Reel Big Fish are best known for such hits as Sell Out, Everything Sucks and Turn the Radio Off. General admission includes entry into the festival with collectible 4 oz. sample can, which can be used to sample up to 20 beers from participating breweries. This is a 21 and over event, no exceptions. Ticket purchasers and all guests must be 21 or over and must present a valid picture ID upon admission. Designated driver tickets are also available for $10 and include non-alcoholic beverages. Presale general admission tickets for the Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival are available for $25 at www.cannedcraftbeerfest.com. General admission on the day of is $35. For the ultimate beer lover, VIP tickets are $100 and include general entry with a 4 oz. souvenir can, VIP lanyard for all access and exclusive entry into VIP Beer Garden, unlimited catered food and treats, private restrooms, meet and greet with brewers, and a seat at the Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Championship Awards Ceremony (presale only, while supplies last). Presented by SanTan Brewing Company, the Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival will celebrate the craft beer movement with an awards ceremony, live music, food, a VIP tent, Beer Science Garden and Beer Olympics activities.
This year, the canned craft beer festival has moved to a new venue–the Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater, there festival goers will enjoy more space, more beer and a rockin’ afternoon of ska-punk entertainment. The event runs from 1-6 p.m. Doors open at noon for VIP ticket holders. The Scottsdale Civic Center is located at 3939 North Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. A portion of event proceeds will benefit the Scottsdale Cultural Council, serving Scottsdale residents, visitors, cultural institutions and artists by creating and advancing high quality arts and cultural experiences and opportunities. For more information about the Scottsdale Cultural Council. Event sponsors include, Draft Magazine, Grimaldi’s, Red Hook, World Class Beer, Arizona Society of Home Brewers, Crescent Crown Distributing, Cask, The Full Pint, YELP, The Brew Bros, Hopunion, Local Dines, Discount Cab, CraftCans.com, ReXam, Brewers Supply Group, Marty’s Trophies & Awards and Briess Malt & Ingredients.
About SanTan Brewing Company Open since 2007, SanTan Brewing Company has made a name for itself as Arizona’s favorite craft beer destination, operating with a commitment to advance the culture of craft beer. SanTan Brewing Company accomplishes this goal through beer production using the highest quality ingredients and methods. In addition to great beer, SanTan has gained a loyal following of craft beer enthusiasts in the Arizona area by offering delicious food, happy hour specials, live music and participating in beer festivals. Visit SanTan Brewing Company at 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, AZ. They’re open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight and Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Also, check out SanTan Brewing Company online at www.santanbrewing.com and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SanTanBrewingCo or follow them www.twitter.com/SanTanBrewing for more information on upcoming specials and promotions.
About HDE Agency HDE Agency is a full service agency dedicated to expanding client visibility and establishing marketable brand positioning. We offer a wide range of brand development services including public relations, design, advertising, social media, print collateral and event production. By establishing a strong foundation of action based campaigns, HDE Agency strives to transform our clients’ goals and objectives into tangible efforts measurable by an increase of customers, sales and community relationships. HDE Agency is one of the largest producers of special events in Arizona with an impressive roster of more than a dozen annual signature events. HDE’s roster of special events includes the Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest, Taste. Chandler’s Culinary Festival, Chandler Summer Splash & Dash and Ameri-CAN Canned Craft Beer Festival. HDE’s most notable signature event, The Great American Barbeque & Beer Festival, was designated as an official centennial event in the City of Chandler for 2012. Visit HDE Agency online at www.hdeagency.com for a complete list of services and learn about our current projects, events and community engagements through the HDE Agency blog at www.hdeagency.com/blog. HDE Agency can help you expand your reach! Posted by Russ |
Friday, May 4th 2012 Canny Award Winners Announced: Best of Craft Beer Can Designs
‘Canny’ Awards Honor Best of Craft Beer Can Designs Winners Receive Awards at Craft Brewers Conference BROOMFIELD, Colo., May 4, 2012—The best can graphics in the craft beer industry were on display as part of the first annual “Canny” Awards, a competition that recognizes the high-quality, captivating graphics featured on craft beer in cans. Awards were presented during the Craft Brewers Conference, May 2-5 in San Diego, California.
During this inaugural competition, 83 craft breweries submitted 231 entries in seven categories. The "Craft Can of the Year Award" went to Bitter American Extra Pale Ale by 21st Amendment Brewery, with second place going to The Corruption IPA by DC Brau and third place to Johnny’s America IPA by Moab Brewery. Category winning entries include:
Best Shelf Presence:
Best Graphics Design:
Best Use of Color:
Best Seasonal:
Best Character:
Best Illustration of Beer Name:
Best Local Tie-In (State, Town, Geography, Local Activity): The judges panel included: Donna DiGiola of The Art Institute of California-San Diego, Dr. Amy Galpin of The San Diego Museum of Art, Dave Mevoli of L. Knife & Sons, Randy Mosher of Randy Mosher Design, Tom McCormick of California Craft Brewers Association, Robert Fondren of Brewery Collectibles Club of America, Ginger Johnson of WomenEnjoyingBeer.com, Jay Brooks of Brooks On Beer, Ashley Routson of the Beer Wrench Blog, Evan Hughes of Draft Magazine, Chris Fumary and Matt Kennedy of Brewbound/BevNet, and Matt Thomas of Whole Foods. The “Canny” Awards honor craft beer and the distinctive graphics created in an industry known for unique brands and brews. The competition is sponsored by four leading suppliers to the canned craft beer industry – Ball Corporation, Cask Brewing Systems, Hi-Cone and Mumm Products. Winners received a custom Canny Award trophy that includes their can graphics and recognition at the Craft Brewers Conference and in industry publications. A complete set of listed winners is available on the “Canny Awards” Facebook page and Twitter. Ball Corporation is a supplier of high quality packaging for beverage, food and household products customers, and of aerospace and other technologies and services, primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 14,500 people worldwide and reported 2011 sales of more than $8.6 billion. For the latest Ball news and for other company information, please visit http://www.ball.com. Cask Brewing Systems launched the canned craft beer revolution when it introduced affordable, small footprint, high-performance canning systems. Cask Brewing puts cans in the hands of craft brewers and their customers worldwide. Hi-Cone is a leading supplier of plastic-based multipackaging systems for global beer, soft drink, pharmaceutical and general consumer products industries. Hi-Cone is a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW), a diversified manufacturer of advanced industrial technology. Mumm Products is a leading supplier of beverage multi-pack packaging and equipment to craft brewers and retailers. Mumm offers tailored products for craft brewers in partnership with Hi-Cone. Mumm supplies low-weight photodegradable carriers to minimize environmental impact and highly efficient application equipment to save labor. Posted by Russ |
Wednesday, May 2nd 2012 Oskar Blues Announces NC Brewery
OSKAR BLUES FINDS DOWNHOME VIBE Longmont, CO. Funky little Oskar Blues Grill & Brew started 15 years ago when Dale Katechis and his high school sweet-heart stumbled across the small town of Lyons, Colorado while on a road trip north from their home in Alabama. That Rocky Mountain trip continues east as Dale finds the same downhome feeling in the rolling hills of Pisgah National Forrest of Brevard, North Carolina. Oskar Blues, named “The hottest place to be on a Saturday night in Colorado” by Rolling Stone Magazine, has announced plans for a restaurant/music venue and brewery location just off the bike path to Bracken Mountain in the small downtown of Brevard, N.C. The brewery plans to have the soul-savin’ live music venue and brewery up and running by December 2012.
Oskar Blues, one of the fastest growing breweries in the country, sells over 35 percent of their beer east of the big muddy river, making for a great opportunity to look into a local location in that area. They have secured a contract on a 30,000 square foot brewery space along with a 6,000 square foot restaurant/music venue location in downtown Brevard.
Oskar Blues has worked hard to keep that hands-on feel with small Colorado projects like their Hops & Heifers Farm, that provides homegrown beef, pork and vegetables to their restaurants, and handmade mountain bikes with REEB Cycles as the brewery & restaurants have been blessed with growth. “It’s important to us to keep that trailside comradery amongst each other and the community.” said Katechis.
Click HERE to read the Mountain Flyer Magazine article around Oskar Blues Brewery’s recent trip to “The Assault on the Carolinas” cycling event in Brevard, NC. You can also view images from the Oskar Blues built REEB Cycles HERE via Facebook.
ABOUT OSKAR BLUES Three-dimensional brewing since 1999, Oskar Blues began the “Canned Beer Apocalypse” in 2002 when Dale’s Pale Ale became America’s 1st CANNED craft beer. For additional info, interviews, images or samples please contact Chad Melis at chad@oskarblues.com, # 720.273.8888 or visit www.oskarblues.com Posted by Russ |
Tuesday, May 1st 2012 Oskar Blues & Sun King's Chaka to be First Ever Craft Beer in 16 oz. Resealable Aluminum Bottles
OSKAR BLUES BREWERY AND SUN KING BREWERY COLLABORATE IN CRAFT BEER’S NEWEST CAN PACKAGE Longmont, Colo –Colorado-based Oskar Blues Brewery and Indiana-based Sun King Brewery have created a CANlaboration project to unite the brewer’s friendship and passion for pushing the boundaries of craft beer in a can. The two brewers have traveled between locations for months and are excited to bring you CHAKA, a limited-release Belgian-style ale -- the first craft beer to be packaged in the Alumi-Tek® re-sealable pint bottle from Ball Corporation. CHAKA will be released May 3rd 2012, at the Craft Brewers Conference in San Diego in each attendee’s hotel room and special events throughout the weekend. The following week the brewers will make limited quantities at Oskar Blues Tasty Weasel and in Sun King’s home market. The connection between these two breweries is deeper than the fact that they both can their beer. Oskar Blues head brewer, Dave Chichura, began his professional brewing career in Indianapolis fifteen years ago where he became friends with Dave Colt and Clay Robinson, the two brewers who created Sun King. The three friends have been talking for years about working together on a collaborative beer, so when the opportunity came to assist in the introduction of a new packaging option for craft beer, it was an easy yes. The end result is an 8 percent A.B.V. Belgian-style ale crafted with a blend of ingredients from each brewery’s home state: Shagbark Hickory syrup from Hickoryworks in Trafalgar, Ind.; grain from Colorado Malting Company; and a special yeast blend from Brewing Science Institute, also in Colorado. Brewers from both breweries worked together to formulate the recipe and traveled between Colorado and Indiana to brew at both locations.
“Until we undertook this project, only large breweries and beverage companies had access to this type of packaging,” said Clay Robinson, Sun King co-founder. “Sun King and Oskar Blues worked closely with the Ball Corporation and Cask Brewing Systems to design and build a simple, functional small scale system that will allow craft brewers to take advantage of this unique packaging option.” Oskar Blues is a pioneer in the craft canning movement as the first American craft brewery to can their beer with the release of Dale’s Pale Ale in 2002. They have grown to become the largest American craft brewery to package beer exclusively in cans, producing 59,000 barrels of beer in 2011. Sun King began crafting beer in the summer of 2009 and has grown to become one of Indiana’s largest breweries, producing nearly 10,000 barrels of beer in 2011. Sun King was the first Indiana craft brewery to can their beer and the first brewery ever to create a customizable can for their seasonal and specialty beer releases. “Unique packaging like the Alumi-Tek bottle provides both Oskar Blues and Sun King the differentiation we need to make our limited-release beers and B.Stiff & Sons Old Fashioned Root Beer (Oskar Blues Brewery) distinct from our core lines.” said Chad Melis, marketing director of Oskar Blues Brewery. “Craft beer in aluminum bottles is another step forward in the evolution of craft beer.”
CHAKA will be available in limited supply at Oskar Blues locations and to-go via The Tasty Weasel Taproom in $15.99 6-packs. You can get your hands on CHAKA and meet the brewers from both breweries at the below Craft Brewers Conference events in San Diego: Wednesday May 2nd 9pm – BLIND LADY ALE HOUSE Can Diego Event – Featuring Canned Craft Beer from 6 Industry leading Breweries Thursday May 3rd 7pm – TIPSY CROW CHAKA After Party – CHAKA plus Barrel Aged offerings from Oskar Blues Brewery.
About Oskar Blues Brewery Founded by Dale Katechis in 1997 as a brewpub and grill, Oskar Blues Brewery launched their craft-brewed beer canning operations in 2002 in Lyons, Colo. They were the first American craft brewery to can their beer. Today more than 173 craft breweries are canning their beers. The original crew used a hand-canning line on a tabletop machine that sealed one can at a time. Oskar Blues Brewery in Longmont packaged 41,000 barrels in 2010 and grew to 59,000 in 2011. Visit www.oskarblues.com for more information.
About Sun King Brewing Company Sun King Brewing Company is the brainchild of Dave Colt and Clay Robinson. With the help of family and friends – Omar Robinson, Andy Fagg and Steve Koers – the first keg of Sun King beer rolled out the door for delivery in July 2009. Sun King is the first full-scale production brewery in Indianapolis since Indianapolis Brewing Company closed its doors in 1948. Now available on tap and in cans at hundreds of locations around central Indiana, Sun King has grown into the third-largest beer brewer in the state of Indiana. The company's commitment to handcrafted seasonal and specialty beers has been rewarded with multiple medals at the Indiana Brewers Cup, Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup competitions. Visit www.sunkingbrewing.com for more information. About Ball Corporation Ball Corporation is a supplier of high quality packaging for beverage, food and household products customers, and of aerospace and other technologies and services, primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 14,500 people worldwide and reported 2011 sales of more than $8.6 billion. For the latest Ball news and for other company information, please visit www.ball.com About Cask Brewing Systems Cask Brewing Systems launched the canned craft beer revolution when it introduced affordable, small footprint, high-performance canning systems. Cask Brewing puts cans in the hands of craft brewers and their customers worldwide. Visit www.cask.com for more information.
Posted by Russ |
Thursday, April 26th 2012 Oskar Blues Presents Burning Can June 9th in Lyons, Colorado
Lyons, Colorado – The Oskar Blues born Burning Can Beer Fest is back for round two and they’re teaming up with Lyons Outdoor Games to bring you everything craft beer in a CAN offers: fresh, earth-friendly beer in a portable container that takes you to your next soul-saving outdoor adventure. As Dale’s Pale Ale approaches its tenth year, Oskar Blues invites all beer lovers to celebrate the REVOLUTION of big-flavored craft beers served up in cans in their hometown of Lyons, CO. Set amidst the backdrop of beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park in Bohn Park on June 9th, 2012, Burning Can adds a national craft beer twist to the world class events of the Lyons Outdoor Games. Burning Can offers samples of canned craft beer from 25+ innovative breweries across the country jammed in the middle of live music, food trucks (including Oskar Blues’ Bonewagon), Burning Can 1 Mile Run and the dirt-jump bike competition as world class kayakers are running the river. Now in its 11th year, the multi-sport competition of the Lyons Outdoor Games has grown into a world-class celebration of mountain sports drawing heavy hitters from the outdoor industry over three days from June 8th to 10th. “The Lyons Outdoor Games attract world-class athletes but also offer many opportunities for beginner and intermediate athletes to learn and develop skills under the downhome, grassroots feel of Lyons, CO.” says Dave Cosgrove, Lyon’s Park and Recreation Director. The South Saint Vrain creek is the definition of steep, manky, roadside class V+ for boaters in Colorado and has become the stage for the renowned Adam Barron Memorial Creek race. This race is the highlight of the Lyons Outdoor Games kayaking events providing world class athletes an opportunity to “sack up”. Tao Berman is a reigning two-time champion, while World champion Scott Shipley is determined to dethrone the king and ward off the young guns thinking they’re up to the task. In addition to kayaking and biking, the Games offer events for fly fishing, climbers, runners and even dogs (yep, there are two dog events – the K9 Cannonball & K9 Speed Retriever!). On Saturday, June 9th, is the Burning Can 1 mile run, a jump-start-your-day running race around town that puts you right where you want to end up – at the beer fest!
What would a CANNED beer festival at an outdoor-sports celebration be without recycling? Green Girls Recycling, based out of Boulder, has signed up to be our official recycling team. All money raised from Lyons Outdoor Games recycled cans will be donated to our beneficiaries. Canned craft beer has many benefits including defending beer from the damages of sunlight, an air-tight seal that allows less oxygen into the beer creating a fresher tasting beverage. Aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable and are lighter to ship, reducing the environmental impact. Last, but not least, you can take CANNED beers where your next soul-saving adventure takes you….including places where glass isn’t allowed and where you need to “pack it in, pack it out.” Oskar Blues will feature live music all weekend at their Grill & Brew location including a soon to be named big act for Sunday. All proceeds from the event go to the Lyons Department of Parks and Recreation and the Colorado Brewers Guild, two groups that embody the soul of Oskar Blues. The Colorado Brewers Guild is a key player in the continued growth and celebration of Colorado’s craft beer industry. Lyons Outdoor Games is a tribute to the sports of the great outdoors. For a full list of events at the 2012 Lyons Outdoor Games visit: www.lyonsoutdoorgames.com. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 day of. Receive $5 off of the day-of ticket price if you ride your bike to the festival as Bicycle Longmont will be providing bike valet. Tickets are available at http://2012burningcanbeerfestival.eventbrite.com/ There is ample camping at Bohn Park and Meadow Park in Lyons and More information about lodging is available at http://www.lyons-colorado.com/lodging/lodging.htm#camping.
ABOUT OSKAR BLUES BREWERY ABOUT LYONS OUTDOOR GAMES ABOUT COLORADO BREWERS GUILD ABOUT HUMAN MOVEMENT
Posted by Russ |
Monday, April 23rd 2012 Tin Roof Launches Blonde Ale Cans
TIN ROOF BREWING COMPANY LAUNCHES TIN ROOF BLONDE CANS BATON ROUGE, LA (April 23,2012) - Tin Roof Brewing Co. is kicking off the summer with two very exciting announcements. First, the brewery is pleased to launch the very popular Tin Roof Blonde in 12oz aluminum cans. The cans will hit store shelves in the Baton Rouge area starting Tuesday, April 24th. Other local markets, including New Orleans and the Northshore area, will begin seeing Tin Roof Blonde cans in early May. "We’re extremely excited to finally have Tin Roof Blonde in cans” said William McGehee, Tin Roof co-founder. “Louisiana outdoor activities are heating up, and this beer in a can is the perfect fit.” Cans are rapidly becoming a popular package for well respected craft breweries across the country. They are lighter than bottles, chill faster, and require less fuel to transport. “Cans are also the most recycled package in the world, and they protect the beer from the degrading effects of light and oxygen," McGehee added. Tin Roof is also thrilled to announce their first seasonal offering, Tin Roof Watermelon Wheat. The American wheat beer is brewed with Louisiana watermelon and is set to release in just a few short weeks. Tin Roof Watermelon Wheat will be available on draft only for several months this year. According to Tom Daigrepont, Tin Roof’s brewmaster, the recipe for the new brew has been in development for several months. “We’ve worked really hard perfecting this beer,” said Daigrepont. “We had to experiment with several different yeast strains until we found one that melded just right with the watermelon.” The brewery credits their commitment to the use of local ingredients as their inspiration for the unique brew.
About Tin Roof Brewing Tin Roof Brewing Company was founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and began operations in November 2010. Brewery tours and tastings are held every Friday from 5:00-7:00. For more information, follow Tin Roof on Twitter, find them on Facebook, or visit www.tinroofbeer.com.
Posted by Russ |
Tuesday, April 17th 2012 Upslope Releases Belgian Pale Ale
Upslope Brewing Company announces the continuation of its Limited Release Series. Second in the can, but first to the podium, Upslope Brewing Company is proud to announce its Limited Release Belgian Style Pale Ale. This bright, Belgian-inspired ale has a fruity aroma, with a flavorful and light body. The finish is crisp and dry, and laced with coriander.
“The beer that won our brewery’s first medal has always been a special one”, says Matt Cutter, Founder. “It was the 2009 Great American Beer Festival and our brewery was only ten months old. We were awarded a bronze in the Pro-Am Category which celebrates the bridging between home and production brewers. We were still essentially homebrewers ourselves.”
About Upslope Brewing Company Upslope Brewing Company, a microbrewery located in Boulder, Colorado, taps into the beer enthusiasts’ active lifestyle by offering superior quality hand-crafted ales in cans. The teaming of fine ales in cans allows Upslope’s products to be fresh, portable and delicious. Posted by Russ |
Tuesday, April 10th 2012 Baxter Releasing Celsius Summer Brewery's First Canned Seasonal
A NEW SUMMER TASTE FOR NEW ENGLAND LEWISTON, MAINE; April 10, 2012 Baxter Brewing Company, the acclaimed all-cans craft brewery in Lewiston, Maine, will release its first seasonal beer, Celsius Summer Ale, next week. “With our distribution now taking us to over 1,000 locations in Maine, and across the state of Massachusetts, we’ve had lots of demand for a series of seasonal varieties,” said Baxter founder and CEO, Luke Livingston. “And there’s no better way to start than with this really special, deliberately different new ale, ideal for warmer weather and warm weather activities; just right for picnics and the beach, sailing, hiking, softball; golf, with balls or discs; or just kicking back and relaxing.” The distinctive recipe for Baxter’s Celsius Summer Ale is the brainchild of interim head brewer, Ben Low. “Celsius has a solid base of citrusy American hops,” Low said, “which gives us a crisp bitterness, without overpowering the summery touches that make this beer so unique: lemon and lime peel, Kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass. And while it’s intended to accompany warm-weather activities, it pairs great with summer foods, too – lobster, clams, oysters; green salads, curried chicken salad; burgers and hot dogs; Italian ice. Did I mention lobster? I think this is the start of another great New England summer tradition.” “This may be the most refreshing beer I’ve ever tasted,” Livingston added. “Celsius is the first of what will be a continuing series of seasonal beers. We’ve been really gratified by the extraordinary reception for our first three varieties (Stowaway IPA, Amber Road amber ale, and Pamola Xtra Pale Ale), and we’re thrilled to be able to provide a seasonal selection from now on, too.” Celsius Summer Ale is already available on tap in the Baxter Brewing tasting room in the historic Bates Mill, 130 Mill Street, Lewiston, Maine. Tours are conducted at noon, 2:00 and 4:00, Thursdays through Sundays, or by appointment.
More about Baxter Brewing: Located in the Civil War-era Bates Mill Complex in Lewiston, Maine, Baxter was the first brewery in the country to brew more than 5,000 barrels of beer in their first year of operation and was named the 2011 “New Brewery of the Year” by BevNet Magazine. They are also the first brewery in New England to package 100% of its beer solely in metal containers (aluminum cans and stainless steel kegs). The brewery also offsets 100% of its electrical usage every year with EPA-backed wind power credits. Baxter Brewing varieties are distributed in Maine by Nappi Distributors and Pine State Distributors; and in Massachusetts by the affiliates of the Massachusetts Beverage Alliance. Posted by Russ |
Tuesday, April 3rd 2012 Maui to Can Sobrehumano Palena'ole Collaboration with Jolly Pumpkin
Maui Brewing Co. Announces Collaboration with Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales LAHAINA, MAUI, HI - Maui Brewing Co. (MBC) is proud to announce a collaboration with Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales (JPAA) of Ann Arbor, Michigan to create a very special beer, Sobrehumano Palena 'ole. This will be Maui Brewing's first collaboration released in a can. The release is scheduled for June 8 at SAVOR, an annual craft beer and food exposition held in Washington DC, and will reach all 11 states Maui Brewing Co. beers are available. Sobrehumano Palena 'ole is a red ale brewed with liliko'i and cherries. MBC and JPAA will both brew this beer; however MBC will use standard fermentation while the JPAA version is a barrel aged sour. The beers will be packaged both by MBC (in cans) and JPAA (in bottles). MBC will produce approximately 4000 cases and 80 barrels in draft of the Maui version.
Sobrehumano Palena 'ole is a red ale brewed with liliko'i and cherries. Ron Jeffries of JPAA tells us a little about how this project came together, "John and Garrett were planning their collaborations for 2012 and because John is from Michigan and coming home for the holidays my name came up. This whole idea came together really fast -- just weeks before John's visit. It's been a very challenging blend to develop -- I'm super-excited about it and a little intimidated at the same time. I've been enchanted by Hawaii for years and it's been great to work with everyone at MBC and get to know them. I always enjoy collaborations but this one is something really special." Just like the beer itself, the name, Sobrehumano Palena 'ole, is a blended Spanish-Hawaiian term meaning "superhuman" and "without limits". John Walsh of Maui Brewing Co. says, "I think the names for the beer are a perfect fit. When we started this there were literally no limitations or boundaries placed on the project whatsoever. That type of latitude is rare. Collaborating with Ron and Jolly Pumpkin has been a dream of mine for years. It's an honor to see it become reality." John was also behind the idea of the artwork that will grace the MBC cans and JPAA bottles. While each design is different, both renditions include an acknowledgment of the distance in miles from Lahaina, Hawaii to Ann Arbor, Michigan. "The idea for the artwork has been floating around in my head for years. Given Ron's love of Hawaii and our shared interest in paddle boarding, it came together nicely," comments John. About Maui Brewing Company Maui Brewing Co. is a truly Hawaiian brewery, and proud to be wholly produced in Hawaii. Recognized as Hawaii's #1 craft beer since 2005, the company has a strong commitment to the local economy and the environment. MBC beers are packaged with the most eco-friendly materials. Cans are manufactured on Oahu and designed by local Maui artists. They have the added bonus of better protecting the beer from both light and oxygen damage a which can compromise the taste. Plastic rings are dangerous to marine life and therefore, a unique, recyclable plastic carrying device is used to hold the cans. The spent grain from beer production is donated to local ranchers for cattle feed and composting. MBC is also very active in several local Hawaiian charities. Founder Garrett Marrero and his wife, Melanie, operate a 7-barrel brewpub at the Kahana location as well as a 25-barrel production brewery and canning facility in Lahaina. Maui Brewing Co. is a truly local beer as 100% of their products are made in Hawaii. Posted by Russ |
Sunday, April 1st 2012 MillerCoors to Release Cans of Coors Light India Pale Ale |
Friday, February 10th 2012 Brewery Vivant Becomes First LEED Certified Commercial Brewery
Congratulations to Jason and Kris at Brewery Vivant! This is a great achievement and symbolizes their dedication to being environmentally conscious and to being a concerned member of their community. Lots of great things lie ahead for this Michigan brewery. Cheers! Brewery Vivant becomes first LEED certified commercial brewery in the United States. Mayor George Heartwell of Grand Rapids to commemorate the event at the plaque dedication ceremony. Brewery Vivant was awarded LEED Silver (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) designation for their sustainably designed microbrewery and pub located in the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids. The environmentally conscious business becomes the first commercial brewery to achieve such designation which is governed by the Washington DC Based USGBC (United States Green Building Council). GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Brewery Vivant owned by husband wife team Jason & Kris Spaulding, opened its bustling neighborhood pub and microbrewery just over a year ago in a historic funeral home built near the turn of the 20th century. Despite the challenges and extensive renovations needed to convert the existing building into the manufacturing and public site, the company feels great about its location. "This project proved to be a real challenge as not only did we need to retrofit an existing building to LEED standards, but we also had to conform to Historic Preservation standards” comments Keith Winn, President of Catalyst Partners whose company managed the LEED portion of the project. Winn adds “Despite the challenge, we loved working on this project as it ended up having such a positive impact on the neighborhood. The owners made a big commitment to repurpose a building that was a vacant eyesore and transformed it into a vibrant community-gathering place.” According to a recent study by the National Trust for Historic Buildings retrofitting an existing building to make it at least 30 percent more efficient is almost always a better bet for the environment than constructing a new building. The brewery, which specializes in Belgian and French inspired beers, has incorporated many sustainable practices into their day-to-day operations. Their company goals are not just financially motivated. “Being a sustainable company means being concerned about more than just the bottom line. When we make decisions we weigh the impacts on our community as well as the environment.” says Kris Spaulding, Sustainability Director and Co-Owner of Brewery Vivant. The company offsets 100% of their energy usage through purchasing RECs (Renewable Energy Credits). Kris adds “While the brewery does not have a turbine on the roof, we purchased RECs from Renewable Choice Energy so that all the energy the we use each year is replaced by energy produced renewably on a wind farm.” The company distributes its beer throughout the State of Michigan and plans to enter the Chicago market this summer. However, don’t look for bottles of beer sitting on shelves, the brewery only ships its beer in aluminum cans. “After researching the full environmental impact of canning vs bottling it was an easy decision once the data was in front of us. Not only are the cans better for the environment but our beer will actually taste better out of a can as the beer is better protected from the negative effects of sunlight and oxygen.” comments Jason Spaulding Brewery Vivant President. “People also love to take our beer where bottles can’t go like camping, boating and golfing. Until recently there were almost no craft beer options.” The LEED plaque will be dedicated by Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell at a ceremony taking place at the Brewery Vivant Pub on Feb 16 at 5:30PM. The company will debut its East Hills Organic Ale made with organic grains and 100% Michigan grown organic hops. A portion of proceeds sold this day go to benefit FRESH. Field Research in Earth Science Happenings is a summer program designed to help middle school students in the Grand Rapids Public School System gain a firm background in science and help them become comfortable in nature.
For further information and details please see the Sustainability and News/Media section of our website. Posted by Russ |
Friday, February 10th 2012 Intution Ale Works First Florida Craft Brewery to Can their Beer
We've got a winner in the race to be the first Florida craft brewery to can their beer! Intuition Ale Works will begin selling cans of their People's Pale Ale tomorrow!
Intuition Ale Works Releases Beer in Cans Jacksonville, FL – On Saturday Intuition Ale Works will begin selling cans of People’s Pale Ale, their flagship ale, out of their Riverside tap room. The craft brewery is the first in the state of Florida to sell their product in cans. According to owner and brewer Ben Davis, “it was something of a race as there are three Florida-based craft breweries that will can their brews this year.” Intuition Ale Works will can three of their brands. I-10 IPA and Jon Boat Coastal Ale will join People’s Pale Ale as Davis works out the kinks in the canning process. All three styles should be available sometime in mid-March at retail locations in the Jacksonville area where better craft beer is sold. The cans will be released in Saint Augustine and Fernandina later this year. Intuition Ale Works will be working closely with their distributor, Champion Brands, to manage the growth and distribution of their canned products. Davis says it was an easy decision to choose cans instead of bottles. “Cans preserve the quality of beer better than bottles because they are airtight and keep out light. They are also better suited to the Florida climate and lifestyle as they cool down more quickly and are better for taking on a boat, a golf course or the pool since you don’t have to worry about broken glass.” Davis also cites environmental advantages to using cans as they are easier to recycle, more often recycled and weigh less than glass. Cans of People’s Pale Ale will be available from the 720 King Street brewery by the six-pack or the case beginning Saturday at 1pm until their initial stock runs out. For more information, please visit www.intuitionale.com or contact Cari Sánchez-Potter at (904) 540-6390 or cari@intuitionale.com. Posted by Russ |
Tuesday, January 24th 2012 Two Brothers Brewing to Release Outlaw IPA in Cans in April Exciting news from the folks at Two Brother Brewing Company! Look for cans of their Outlaw IPA this April! Check it out...Cheers!
Posted by Russ |
Friday, November 4th 2011 Ball to Bring Imperial Pint-Sized Cans to North American Market
For most of the past decade craft brewers that have chosen to can their beers have been doing so in 12- or 16-oz. cans. That is likely to change in the near future with this news from Ball Corporation, the can manafacturer which supplies a majority of the aluminum cans for the craft brewing industry. Which brewery will be the first to utilize this new can size? We shall have to wait and see...
Ball Corporation First to Introduce Popular European Can Size in North America BROOMFIELD, Colo., Nov. 4, 2011— Ball Corporation [NYSE: BLL], the largest supplier of beverage cans in the world, is the first beverage can supplier to manufacture a 568mL can – about 19.2 ounces – in North America. The new can size extends Ball’s global beverage can portfolio leadership. "The 568mL can, often called a royal or imperial pint in the United Kingdom, offers Ball’s North American customers a new option to differentiate their brands and appeal to consumers,” said Robert M. Miles, vice president, sales, for Ball's metal beverage packaging division, Americas. "Can size has proven to be an important element of branding and Ball now offers more than 20 can sizes worldwide.” The sleek looking 568mL beverage can’s unique size – approximately the height of a 24-ounce can and the diameter of a 16-ounce can – provides beverage makers with valuable on-the-shelf differentiation and is ideal for energy drinks, teas, alcoholic beverages and other premium products. As with all Ball aluminum beverage cans and aluminum bottles, the 568mL can contains the highest percent of recycled content on average of any beverage substrate, chills quickly, is stackable and 100 percent recyclable. Ball Corporation is a supplier of high quality packaging for beverage, food and household products customers, and of aerospace and other technologies and services, primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 14,500 people worldwide and reported 2010 sales of more than $7.6 billion. For the latest Ball news and for other company information, please visit http://www.ball.com/. Posted by Russ |
Friday, October 28th 2011 Craft Beer's First Belgian-Style Tripel in a Can: Velvet Rooster
Manhattan, Kansas - Tallgrass Brewing Company is releasing the industry's first canned Belgian-style Tripel under the auspicious name of "Velvet Rooster." Velvet Rooster began shipping this week in 4-packs of 16-ounce cans and in kegs. "Andrew Hood, our head brewer, put together this amazing brew as his first test batch when he came to Tallgrass. I tasted it and wanted to can it that day," said Tallgrass founder Jeff Gill. "Traditionally, Belgian-style Tripels take themselves very seriously, but we just couldn't do that. We had to give it our Tallgrass-twist, and Velvet Rooster was born."
Velvet Rooster is in the Trappist tradition of Belgian Tripels with sweet tones gently hiding its strong alcohol bite (8.5% ABV). The beer pours a golden straw color and is topped with a lofty pure white head that unveils the beer's strong floral and fruit aromas.
The taste is clean but complex, starting with hints of fruit and sweet malt, with just a touch of candy sweetness at the end. The beer's Champagne-like effervescence provides a crisp offset to its sweet finish. According to www.craftcans.com, a website dedicated to promoting craft beer in cans, Velvet Rooster is the first of its kind. "As far as I know, Tallgrass's Velvet Rooster is the first canned Tripel in the world," said Craftcans.com co-founder Russ Phillips. "Tripels are usually in serious looking bottles with stuffy names. I wonder what the Trappist Monks would think of their heritage in a 16-ounce can with a psychedelic rooster on it?"
The Tallgrass website playfully says of their latest creation,"It is smooth and carefully crafted, like a fine velvet painting." In association with National Craft Beer Week in May, Tallgrass gave the public a limited preview of the brew. Velvet Rooster was a featured craft beer at select Old Chicago Restaurants in the Midwest. This small sampling left many people asking when they could take home a can of this amazing brew. The answer is now.
Tallgrass Brewing Company was started in Manhattan, Kansas, in 2007, by homebrewer/ex-geologist Jeff Gill and his wife Tricia. Tallgrass’s products include Velvet Rooster, Ale, IPA, Buffalo Sweat Stout, Halcyon Unfiltered Wheat, and Oasis. Tallgrass declared its "Canifesto" in May of 2010 and began exclusively using cans for its non-draft product. Tallgrass is now distributed in 15 states.
Posted by Russ |
Thursday, September 8th 2011 CANFEST tickets are now on sale!
Taste an eclectic collection of canned beer at Reno’s CANFEST Tickets are on sale now for the 3rd annual international canned beer festival RENO, NV – CANFEST, the world’s first international canned beer festival, is bringing the can back in style, proving to consumers that some of the world’s most unique combinations of hops and malts are now available in a new generation of canned beer. CANFEST will showcase an alluring variety of canned beers in the Reno Ballroom for the third consecutive year on November 12. Tickets are on sale for the event now. With each $25 ticket, attendees will receive unlimited tastings from a diverse collection of brewers including Big Sky Brewing Co., Oskar Blues Brewery, Anderson Valley Brewing Co., Tallgrass Brewing Co., Santa Fe Brewing Co., and many more. Many brews sampled at the event are unavailable in the immediate Western region of the U.S. “CANFEST provides beer enthusiasts opportunities to taste anything from a Montana pale ale, Colorado traditional pilsner, and West Coast unfiltered Porters, all in one place,” said Doug Booth, co-founder of Buckbean Brewing, organizer of the event. “Once people see the variety available in cans, their perception of canned beer will never be the same.”
CANFEST is made possible by event sponsors The Aluminum Association, Mutineer Magazine, Buckbean Brewing Co., Abbi Public Relations, The Silver Legacy Resort & Casino, Wound-Up Studio, and Bourns Productions. Buckbean Brewing, the largest production microbrewery in Western Nevada, founded CANFEST in 2008 to celebrate the benefits of canning beer. Long regarded as a symbol of inferior beer, the can has come into its own in recent years as beer drinkers realize that cans offer superior protection from sunlight and oxygen infiltration, and the containers are much more portable and environmentally friendly than their glass counterpart. In 2002, the first microbrewery began canning craft beer; today over 130 breweries can at least one of their beers, according to the CraftCans.com database. Tickets purchased online prior to the event are $25. As an incentive to buy early, if you purchase before October 13 it’s automatically a VIP ticket, no price difference. A VIP ticket to the only international canned beer festival in the world allows guests to enter the festival one hour early, where you can participate in Mutineer magazine’s VIP hour, and sample the wide collection of brews before general ticket holders. To purchase tickets online visit Ticketmaster.com or the Silver Legacy’s onsite box office. For more information on CANFEST contact Constance Aguilar from Abbi Public Relations at constance@abbipr.com or by calling 775.323.2977. For more information on CANFEST, please visit canfestreno.com.
Posted by Russ |
Thursday, August 25th 2011 Sun King's Oktoberfest to be Brewery's First Canned Seasonal
Sun King Shows Off Its O-face FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: August 25 (Indianapolis) – Fall is nearly here and Sun King is celebrating the coming season with the release of Oktoberfest, our take on the classic German lager. Oktoberfest will be tapped on Thurs., Sept. 1 and the tapping will be accompanied by live music from Alpine Express and food from King David's Dogs. The tapping ends at 9 p.m. but the party will extend well into Sept. as Oktoberfest is the first seasonal beer to be canned by Sun King Brewing Co. During the second week of Sept., cases will be delivered to select Indianapolis-area liquor stores as well as the coolers in Sun King's Tasting Room. Sun King will publicize these locations via the company's official Facebook and Twitter profiles. Sun King's Oktoberfest has a clean malty start with a slightly spicy hop note and a crisp, dry finish. If you would like to speak with us about this tapping or any other issues pertaining to Sun King, craft beer, or Indiana’s growing brewing industry, please contact Neal Taflinger at (317) 602-3702 or taffy@sunkingbrewing.com.
About Sun King Brewing Co.: Founded in 2009 by two award-winning commercial brewers, a mechanical engineer, and a veteran of the food distribution business, Sun King Brewing Co. won Indianapolis’ heart in 2010 with its lineup of stellar house beers (Sun Light Cream Ale, Wee Mac Scottish Ale, Bitter Druid ESB, and Osiris Pale Ale) and artfully crafted seasonal and specialty Lagers, Pilsners, Porters, Stouts, American IPAs, Belgian Wits, American Wheat beers. Less than two years after rolling the first full keg out the door, Sun King has grown into the third-largest beer brewer in the state of Indiana. The company’s commitment to handcrafted seasonal and specialty beers has been rewarded with multiple medals at the Indiana Brewers Cup, Great American Beer Festival®, and World Beer Cup® competitions.
Posted by Russ |
Thursday, July 7th 2011 New Belgium Brewing Announces Can Line Expansion
Ft. Collins, CO – July 7, 2011 - New Belgium Brewing is pleased to announce it is breaking ground on a 16,000 sq. foot can line addition to its bottling hall. The new system, manufactured by KHS, will increase New Belgium’s canning volume capacity six fold.
“Cans have been a great addition to the packaging portfolio for us,” said New Belgium spokesperson, Bryan Simpson. “We first introduced Fat Tire cans in 2008 and we’ve since added Sunshine Wheat and Ranger IPA. Sales have been ahead of projection and we’re fortunate to be able to accommodate demand.” New Belgium’s current can line features a 9-head filler with a capacity of 60 cans per minute while the new system will feature a 40-head filler capable of filling 360 cans per minute. The system can package both 12-oz and 16-oz cans. The addition itself will be constructed just east of New Belgium’s current bottling facility on the brewery’s fifty-acre campus in Fort Collins, CO. The building process should run through the end of the year with first beer off the line some time in January. Neenan Company of Fort Collins is contracted for construction.
We wanted to know more about this move from New Belgium and what it means as far as future canned offerings go and canned beer output by the brewery. Thanks to Brian Simpson from New Belgium for being so quick to answer our questions! Cheers! (CC) Was this a move brought on by demand or one that was made based on where the market is going? (BS) Demand. We were somewhat optimistic going in but demand has exceeded our expectation right out the gate.
(CC) What does this new canning line mean as far as canned beer output from New Belgium? (BS) Volume-wise we can potentially produce six times the volume we could on our current system but that is likely a ways out. Our hope is to double can production in the next couple years.
(CC) Does this mean a lot more cans of Ranger IPA hitting shelves (we truly hope so)? (BS) I think it's safe to say all currently canned brands (Fat Tire, Ranger and Sunshine Wheat) will all increase in volume.
(CC) We saw that the new canning line can accommodate both 12- and 16 oz cans, any thoughts on whether New Belgium might put some beers in pint cans? (BS) That'd be fun wouldn't it? ;^) Can't imagine we'd resist that opportunity.
(CC) Will we see some new offerings in cans from New Belgium once this canning line is up and running? (BS) We're definitely looking at existing brands and potential new brands for a good fit and given the fact that we like to experiment and play around I think that's almost a definite.
About New Belgium Brewing Company New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces eight year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com. For further information, please contact: Bryan Simpson, 970-494-2698 Posted by Russ |
Monday, June 27th 2011 Sun King's Johan the Barleywine Specialty Can Release Information
Sun King's first beer becomes its first specialty can release! WHAT: Johan the Barleywine Can Release WHEN: 11 a.m. on Friday, July 1. WHERE: Sun King Brewing Company 135 N. College Ave., (317) 602-3702 COST: Free to attend, $15 per can of Johan the Barleywine, limit two per customer KEY POINTS: Sun King's first beer becomes its first canned specialty beer. Sun King pioneered the customizable can, which will be the small package delivery system for the brewery's seasonal, specialty, and barrel-aged beers. Johan the Barleywine has been aged for two years. Sun King is releasing 700 16-ounce cans of Johan the Barleywine - once it's gone, this recipe will never be made again.
Again, if customers wish to reserve the right to purchase up to two (2) cans of Johan the Barleywine, please go here immediately and claim your tickets. This can release is likely to sell out quickly so please don't delay. If you miss your chance to reserve cans ahead of time, we will have a second allotment of 350 cans available for purchase on a first come, first served basis starting on Fri., July 1.
For more about Sun King's "customizable can" check out: Posted by Russ |
Tuesday, June 21 2011 Canned Craft Beer is Coming to LA
NEW ARTISANAL BREWERY LAUNCHING IN LOS ANGELES Further establishing L.A.’s craft beer acclaim, Tony Yanow and Meg Gill Los Angeles, CA (June 2011) – The ever-growing craft beer scene in Los Angeles is about to get bigger. Come September, L.A. will get a new craft beer brand of its own: Golden Road Brewing in North Atwater Village, CA. The start-up artisanal brewery will aim to begin production of more than a thousand barrels in its first year and grow in the coming years. At the helms will be CEO and co-founder Tony Yanow (Tony’s Darts Away), who has tapped some of the most talented and well-regarded professionals in the craft brewing industry to bring Golden Road Brewing to full fruition: Meg Gill (formerly of Oskar Blues Brewery and Speakeasy Ales and Lagers) is the other co-founder and will serve as president. She will be one of the youngest female brewery owners in the world. Jon Carpenter (formerly of Dogfish Head) will bring a true mix of art and science to his role as Brewmaster. “We are all craft beer fanatics and we are all passionate about building a business that produces world class beer here in L.A.,” said Yanow. “Having Meg and Jon as the two cornerstones here, I have great confidence that we can achieve our goals. We’ve got the makings of one hell of a team.” San Diego native Jon Carpenter is excited about moving back to Southern California: “I can’t wait to get back out west and brew some beer. I am sad to leave Dogfish Head but the opportunity to work here and build Golden Road from the ground up was too good to pass on.” Golden Road will concentrate primarily on brewing hoppy California-style ales and will branch into other styles as well. The team is holding exact product descriptions close to their chests until they perfect their recipes on production scale batches. One thing they are not being quiet about is their decision to can beer rather than using the craft standard of bottles. “We’ve already purchased our first canning line,” said Gill. “And we feel great knowing we’ll be putting our products in the right package, so we can deliver flavor, and economy to our drinkers without sacrificing our commitment to quality or the environment.”
“L.A. is one of the fastest growing craft beer communities in the country. We have a few great breweries around L.A. and many up north and down south. We see the beers that are being demanded by drinkers but a lot of them just aren’t easily available or accessible to the general public,” said Yanow. “With Golden Road Brewing, we really want to help bridge that gap by providing local, reliably top quality craft beers that people can easily find and will really enjoy.” Golden Road Brewing will be laid out in a three-building campus at the northernmost tip of Atwater Village. The distinctive primary colored buildings are easy to spot, just off Interstate 5 and Highway 134. The blue building will be production, the red building will be barrel room & storage and the yellow building will be for offices, on-site sales, and eventually a pub and beer garden. Tours of the brewery will be available to the general public. Golden Road Brewing is located at 5410 W. San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, CA 90039. Golden Road on Facebook For more information regarding Golden Road Brewing, please contact also check out DrinkEatTravel for some great pictures! Posted by Russ |
Friday, May 13th 2011 AmeriCAN Canned Craft Beer Festival to Stream Awards Ceremony Online
Best canned beers will be honored at a special ceremony THIS Sunday, and YOU can view the ceremony at www.cannedcraftbeerfest.com Chandler, Ariz. – May 13, 2011 – The Ameri”CAN” Canned Craft Beer Festival, presented by Whole Foods Market, will host its awards ceremony on Sunday, May 15, and the event will be streamed online at www.cannedcraftbeerfest.com. The judging session will take place from 9 am - 4 pm on May 15. A private Awards Dinner is scheduled from 5 pm-8 pm from the Courtyard Marriott Chandler Fashion Center, but is closed to the public. Anthony Canecchia, the owner and head brew master of SanTan Brewing Company, will emcee the awards ceremony. The awards ceremony will precede the inaugural Ameri”CAN” Canned Craft Beer Festival scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2011, from 2 pm through 6 pm in Historic Downtown Chandler, AJ Chandler Park West (3 S. San Marcos Place). Both events conclude American Craft Beer Week. Select canned beers will receive Gold, Silver and Bronze medals awarded in nine categories: IPA; American Pale Ale; English Pale Ale; Wheat Beers; Stouts and Porters; Ambers and Browns; Golds, Blondes, Pilsners and Light Lagers; Fruit; and Specialty Beer. All beer will be judged according to the 2011 Beer Style Guidelines. All judges are professional brewers, BJCP certified or Cicerones certified. The ACCBF awards medals for excellence in 10 categories and does not necessarily award medals to the top three finishers in a particular category. When judges decide a category contains three excellent examples of the style, they award gold, silver and bronze medals for the first, second and third place beers, respectively. Gold - A world-class beer that accurately exemplifies the specified style, displaying the proper balance of taste, aroma and appearance. Silver - An excellent beer that may vary slightly from style parameters while maintaining close adherence to the style and displaying excellent taste, aroma and appearance. Bronze - A fine example of the style that may vary slightly from style parameters and/or have minor deviations in taste, aroma or appearance. If judges believe that no beer in the category meets the quality and style-accuracy criteria, they may elect not to award a medal. Judges may award a beer with a silver or bronze medal and yet not award a gold medal. An unprecedented lineup of national and local breweries will participate in the competition including 21st Amendment Brewing (CA), Anderson Valley Brewing Company (CA), Bavik (Belgium), Baxter (ME), Big Sky Brewing Company (MT), Blue Moon Brewing Company (CO), Bohemian (UT), Breckenridge Brewing (CO), Buckbean (NV), Caldera (OR), Crispin Cider (MN), Four Peaks Brewing (AZ), Grand Canyon Brewing (AZ), Leinenkugel’s (WI), Lumberyard Brewing (AZ), Mammoth (CA), Maui Brewing (HI), Mogollon Brewing Co. (AZ), Mudshark Brewing (AZ), New Belgium Brewing Company (CO), Oskar Blues Brewery (CO), Papago Brewing (AZ), Prescott Brewing Co.(AZ), SanTan Brewing Company (AZ), SKA Brewing Company (CO), Sun King Brewing (IN), Tailgate Brewing (CA), Tallgrass Brewing (KS) and Wittekerke (Belgium). Ameri”CAN” Canned Craft Beer Festival is presented by Whole Foods Market and brought to you by Draft Magazine, Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, Marriott Courtyard/ Fairfield Chandler, Ball Corp, Hopunion, World Class Beverages, Breiss, CraftCans.com, Fullpint.com, Marty’s Trophies, and hosted by SanTan Brewing Co. A portion of event proceeds will benefit Ear Candy, a 501c3 Phoenix charity that provides youth access to music education. For more information, visit www.cannedcraftbeerfest.com.
Posted by Russ |
Wednesday, March 2nd 2011 Narragansett Bock Cans Released Providence, RI – The Famous Narragansett Beer announces the seasonal release of its spring craft brew, Narragansett Bock. Distributed throughout New England at leading package stores, bars and restaurants, Bock will be available on draught and, for the first time, in ‘Gansett’s signature 16oz. Tallboy cans. Narragansett Bock is brewed under the supervision of award-winning Brewmaster Sean Larkin at Trinity Brew House in Providence, RI and Cottrell Brewery in Pawcatuck, CT with light and dark Munich malts, Pilsner malt, Malted Wheat, and hopped with Northern Brewers and Hallertau hops. A traditional Bavarian helles lager beer, Narragansett Bock is deeply flavorful with a rich golden color and full body. Drier, hoppier, and slightly more bitter than a traditional bock, it still has a relatively low hop flavor, making for an extremely approachable craft experience. Narragansett Bock is 6.5% Alcohol by Volume and 32 IBUs. Narragansett Bock originally debuted in the 1930s after the repeal of Prohibition. Its popularity grew quickly due in large part to the annual Bock Beer Festivals held on the brewery’s grounds each spring. The English translation of ‘Bock’ is literally ‘ram,’ and is the reason that the ‘Gansett’s Bock Tallboy can features the animal in paying homage to German lore surrounding the beer’s history. Many believe the brew’s name originates from the abundance of billy goats that descended from the mountains in spring when the beer was brewed, while others claim that the term was used metaphorically to reference the strength of the beer. For further information on Narragansett Bock or to find a retailer near you, visit: www.narragansettbeer.com/products/bock
ABOUT NARRAGANSETT BEER: Narragansett Beer….. Brewed since 1890, ‘Gansett is a straight-forward,quality beer that has been a New England tradition for generations, producinga classic family of award winning American lagers & ales. Today ‘Gansett is produced at top-rated breweries in Rochester, NY and Latrobe, PA, with their craft-brews being produced in Providence, RI and Pawcatuck, CT. Narragansett Lager is available for purchase in local restaurants, bars and liquor stores throughout New England, Florida, Southern New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Western North Carolina. Thirsty for more? Visit: www.narragansettbeer.com Posted by Russ |
Monday, January 17th 2011 San Diego's TailGate Beer Announces Distribution in Cans
AWARD WINNING CRAFT BREWING COMPANY, TAILGATE BEER, The Official Beer of Tailgating™ is the first San Diego-based (San Diego, CA) January 17, 2011 - San Diego-based craft brewing company, TailGate Beer, has announced that the first shipment of 12-ounce cans of its Blacktop Blonde will arrive in San Diego and be available to consumers by the end of January. The first-ever San Diego brewing company to offer award-winning craft beer in a can, TailGate Beer bridges the gap between the unique characteristics of craft brews and the “drinkability” of mainstream beer enjoyed by most consumers in the form of cans. “I’m very excited to be bringing our 12-ounce cans of TailGate Beer Blacktop Blonde first to our hometown of San Diego,” said owner and founder, Wesley Keegan. “San Diego is renowned for its great craft beer industry and we’re proud to be the first locally-based brewing company to bring cans to the market here and soon, throughout the country.” Founded solely on his own savings and finances in 2007, Wesley Keegan, a San Diego resident, believes TailGate Beer offers a marriage of both the craft beer loving and tailgating lifestyles. “People everywhere like to tailgate and the lifestyle it represents - from the big game to a backyard gathering- and we’ve found that consumers want an inexpensive, quality brew that’s going to compliment that casual setting. TailGate Beer provides just that- a hand crafted, award winning beer that is delicious, price competitive and easy to drink in a can!” Keegan and his late father came up with the idea for TailGate Beer in 2004. With moral support from his father, Keegan, originally a casual home brewer, initially piloted a few batches of recipes of his own design for entry into the Great American Beer Festival. After receiving recognition and acclaim from his peers, Keegan entered into a contract brewing operation, which has since blossomed into a full-fledged partner brewing agreement. After his father’s sudden passing in 2010, Keegan has moved forward to making his father’s dream for TailGate Beer become reality. Despite impressive growth, Keegan still remains present to physically brew every batch of TailGate Beer, just as his father and he had planned. Distribution plans include an initial focus on the west coast and the Midwest. In March, TailGate expects to release the gold medal winning Hefeweizen in a can.
About TailGate Beer Since its founding in 2007, TailGate Beer has created six award-winning hand-crafted ales that combine the unique character of craft brews with the drinkability demanded by everyday consumers. Originally sold in bottles and kegs, TailGate Beer launched 12-ounce cans to the market, beginning in San Diego, in January 2011, eliminating its bottles, while keeping kegs available for bars and restaurants. In addition to an International Gold Medal for Amber Wave (2010) and the International Gold Medal for TailGate Beer Hefeweizen (2009), all TailGate Beer styles have won California State Awards and numerous local and regional distinctions at Southern California competitions. In January 2011, Maxim Magazine named TailGate Beer’s Blacktop Blonde in its 3rd Annual Beer Awards. For more information visit www.tailgatebeer.com.
Posted by Russ |
Thursday, December 23rd 2010 Ska Brewing Moves To Regional Craft Brewer Status
Good things come in threes! This is our third Ska Brewing related post in a row and its certainly great news for them. They've maxed out of microbrewery status and moved on to regional craft brewery status. Congrats to everyone at Ska, what a way to end the year! We look forward to next year and great things ahead. - CraftCans.Com
Ska Brewing Moves To Regional Craft Brewer Status DURANGO, COLO., (Dec. 23, 2010) —Ska Brewing announced today that they have brewed more than 15,000 barrels of beer in 2010, moving them from the “microbrewery” designation to the more important sounding “regional craft brewery” designation. This change means that Ska is no longer the largest microbrewery in the United States, and instead has just become the nation’s smallest regional craft brewery. The American Brewers Association designates breweries that produce less than 15,000 barrels a year as microbreweries, while regional craft breweries are those that produce between 15,000 and 2,000,000 barrels annually. As of July 31, 2010, the Brewers Association reported 534 microbreweries in the United Sates, and 71 regional craft breweries. Dave Thibodeau, Ska President and Co-Founder, tells the story: “It’s amazing how much your life can change in the course of a day. Just yesterday we were king of the ‘micros’ at 14,957 barrels, ruling the land with an iron-clad brew glove, and now here we are 20 hours later scraping the bottom of the regional barrel.” The change in status caps a year of milestones for the Colorado regional craft brewery in which they celebrated their 15th anniversary, announced double-digit sales growth and had over a dozen signs made that say “REGIONAL CRAFT BREWER PARKING ONLY”. “I put one up this morning,” says Thibodeau.
About Ska Brewing Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and now produces over a dozen award-winning beers including the Pinstripe Red Ale, True Blonde Ale and Steel Toe Stout. Three Ska beers are now widely available in cans: ESB Special Ale, True Blonde, and Modus Hoperandi India Pale Ale. For more information, music and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com. Posted by Russ |
Friday, December 3rd 2010 Maine's Baxter Brewing Breaks Last Barrier, Has Labels Approved
(LEWISTON, MAINE) DECEMBER 2, 2010 – With all its equipment, licensing and permitting in place, the last remaining impediment to production for Baxter Brewing Co., in the historic Bates Mill, Lewiston, Maine, was federal approval of its labels. That approval was issued by the Alcohol and Tobacco Taxation and Trade Bureau (TTB) today, clearing the way for the innovative new venture to start brewing beer. “Since all our beer will go into cans – and kegs – and not bottles, we will not be using paper labels. So having the content of our labels receive federal approval is really, really significant,” explained Baxter founder and President, Luke Livingston. “Our labels will be imprinted directly on our cans, so we couldn’t have our cans fabricated until the content was approved. And we have to order cans by the truckload, so there’s considerable lead time,” he added. Cans will be supplied by Ball Corporation, and will be filled and packaged on state-of-the-art equipment provided by Cask Brewing Systems of Calgary, Alberta, CN; it is the only such equipment in use in New England. “This ensures that we will have full distribution throughout Maine in January (2011),” Livingston said. The brewery plans to release its two flagship varieties – Pamola Xtra Pale Ale and Stowaway IPA – in January. Distribution will be provided by Pinestate Beverage of Gardiner, ME and Nappi Distributors of Gorham.
Pomola Xtra Pale Ale, named for the Abenkai god of weather on Mt. Katahdin, features subtle, sophisticated flavors from choice barley and select hops combined with cold conditioning that give this beer its exceptional drinkability. Technical Specifications: 4.9% ABV / 27.5 IBU’s 5 Different premium malts including 1 from Aroostook County, Maine 4 different hops, 2 from small Willamette Valley, Oregon growers Pure, soft water from Lake Auburn, Maine
Stowaway IPA is an agressively hopped, west coast-styled IPA, unique among IPA varieties brewed in New England. Its bold, complex flavors with a solid malt backbone and assertive hop profile, along with cold conditioning give this beer its crisp, clean finish. Technical Specifications: 6.9% ABV / 69 IBU’s 5 different premium malts including 1 from Aroostook County, Maine 6 different hops, 2 from small Willamette Valley, Oregon growers Aggressively dry hopped during conditioning Pure, soft water from Lake Auburn, Maine
About Baxter Brewing Company Founded by company President & CEO Luke Livingston (who is joined by Director of Brewing Operations/Head Brewer Michael LaCharite), Baxter Brewing Co., LLC is the first craft brewery in New England to can its entire line of beers. Located in the historic Bates Mill in Lewiston, Maine, Baxter beers will be distributed throughout the state of Maine in the winter of 2010/2011 and across northern New England in 2011-2012. CRAFTCANS.COM NOTE: The cans above are just mock-ups and are not real. Posted by Russ |
Tuesday, September 28th 2010 Oskar Blues releases lineup of hot sauces made with 5 of their beers
I seriously want to try some of these brand new hot sauces from Oskar Blues! In fact, I want to make some wings with each of these and pair them with their respective beers. Call me OCD. Below is the press release I just received from the folks at Oskar Blues: LONGMONT, Colo. – Looking for the perfect gift for those that like it HOT? Nothing goes down better with hot food than an ice-cold craft beer. For this reason Oskar Blues Brewery, producer of the number one craft beer in a can has created a line of beer infused hot sauces that include one of each of their craft beers. Enjoy your favorite Oskar Blues beer and choose from Old Chub Scotch Ale Hot Sauce, Dale’s Pale Ale Hot Sauce, Mama’s Little Yella Pils Hot Sauce, Gordon Hot Sauce and Ten FIDY Hot Sauce, to add to your meals. Mama’s Little Yella Pils Hot Sauce: Hot Mama! Hot sauce made with Mama's Little Yella Pils and Serrano peppers. Dale’s Pale Ale Hot Sauce: Chipotle hot sauce infused with Dale's Pale Ale. Old Chub Scotch Ale Hot Sauce: Old Chub Scotch Ale blends beautifully with this cayenne hot sauce. Gordon Imperial Red Hot Sauce: Sweet and Hot, mango Habaneras hot sauce infused with Gordon. Great on shrimp or fish tacos.
Posted by Russ |
Friday, September 24th 2010 BYOB (Bring Your Oskar Blues) Cans
BYOB (Bring Your Oskar Blues) TO HOLIDAY PARTIES LONGMONT, Colo. – What are you bringing to holiday parties this year? BYOB. Next time you are in the liquor store shopping for a holiday party, remember BYOB (Bring Your Oskar Blues). BYOB, the number one craft beer in a can that is turning heads and blowing minds of what to expect from a craft beer in a can. BYOB and know that even the hardest to please wine drinking partier will go head-over-heals for one of Oskar Blues’ six taste bud tantalizing brews.
Posted by Russ |
