Dow Scoggins

Living The Dream Brewing Brews Backcountry Wilderness Wheat For Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund

January 18, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

LITTLETON, Colorado — Living The Dream Brewing presents the Backcountry Wilderness Wheat brewed to support the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund, the nonprofit arm of HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area in Highlands Ranch.

“Living the Dream Brewing Co. has been behind the mission of the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund since the very beginning in 2017,” says Lindsey McKissick, the Outreach Coordinator at the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Besides providing beer for all of the 501c3 nonprofit’s events, Living The Dream also hosts Beer for Bucks on the second Thursday of every month when $1 from each beer benefits the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund.

Designed to drink as the perfect aprés beer for any outdoor activity, Backcountry Wilderness Wheat is light and refreshing while still full of flavor. “Starting with a thirst quenching wheat beer, we added the refreshing qualities of real orange zest, coriander and grains of paradise. We finished with just enough hops to balance everything out and the beer comes in at an easy drinking 4.6% ABV.

Look for 12oz six-packs of Backcountry Wilderness Wheat at Living The Dream’s tasting room in Littleton, and for sale at select locations across the Front Range in mid January. Ten percent of sales will be donated to the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund that directly supports wildlife habitat improvements and opportunities for people in Living the Dream Brewing Co.’s local community to engage in environmental education.

In 2020, Living The Dream raised $2600 for the Backcountry Wilderness Area through Beer for Bucks. “As Living the Dream Brewing continues to grow, it’s important to us that our community involvement grows too. Working with the great people at the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund to put this beer in the market is the perfect way for us to start the new year.”

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with questions about Living The Dream Brewing or this collaboration. Contact Lindsey McKissick at lindsey.mckissick@hrcaonline.org for more information about the HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area.

ABOUT LIVING THE DREAM BREWING
Living the Dream Brewing is a craft brewery established in 2014 in Littleton, our home base for adventure in Colorado. Built on a foundation of brewing beer using only the finest ingredients, Living the Dream celebrates the people, places, and activities of the Centennial State. Live the life you’ve imagined, and join us at livingthedreambrewing.com.

ABOUT THE HRCA BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS AREA
The Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund is the 501c3 arm of the HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area. The Backcountry Wilderness Area is an 8,200-acre wildlife habitat conservation property that is owned and managed by the Highlands Ranch Community Association. The 501c3 nonprofit funds wildlife habitat conservation improvements like fire mitigation, noxious weed treatment, and maintaining water resources for wildlife alongside environmental education efforts to engage people of all ages with wild places. The mission is to improve wildlife habitat, inspire the next generation of nature stewards, and ignite a lifelong love of the outdoors for all. Learn more at hrcaonline.org/backcountry.

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AleSmith Brewing Company Rolls Out Speedway Stout Special Variant #1

January 15, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

SAN DIEGO, California – AleSmith Brewing Company is thrilled to announce the release of their first 2021 Speedway Stout Variant, to be followed by three more quarterly variant releases later this year. This will be the first time the brewery distributes their canned Speedway variants on a national scale, making this an exciting rollout for beer-lovers and out-of-staters hoping to get their hands on the limited-time variants without heading to the San Diego tasting room.

For those unfamiliar with AleSmith’s original Speedway Stout, it is best characterized by dominant chocolate and roasted malts supported by notes of dark fruit, toffee and caramel. A healthy dose of locally roasted coffee added to each batch brings out the beer’s dark chocolate flavors and enhances its drinkability. Despite its intensity, Speedway Stout’s fine carbonation and creamy mouthfeel make it very smooth and surprisingly easy to drink, yielding the perfect canvas for Head Brewer Ryan Crisp and his team of creatives to produce unique blends and variants that exemplify what makes their imperial stout so beloved, while incorporating complexities that rev up the tasting experience.

Behold the first of their 2021 Speedway lineup, Speedway Stout Special Variant #1: Speedway Stout Espresso and Madagascar Vanilla – a signature edition of their imperial stout infused with tons of Madagascar vanilla and a bold espresso blend, bestowing intense notes of chocolate, coffee, vanilla and dark fruit.

This release is available January through February in 4-packs of 16-oz. cans starting this week at select AleSmith distributors nationwide. You can check out their distribution network by visiting https://alesmith.com/distribution/.

Keep up with AleSmith Brewing Company:
Website: http://alesmith.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AleSmithBrewing
Instagram: www.instagram.com/AleSmithBrewing
Tasting Room Instagram: www.instagram.com/alesmithtastingroom
Twitter: www.twitter.com/AleSmithBrewing

About AleSmith Brewing Company
Founded in 1995, AleSmith continues to be recognized by consumers and critics alike as one of the world’s foremost craft brewing companies, behind accolades which include medals won at prestigious national and international beer competitions. As a three-time winner of the Champion Brewery Award at the San Diego International Beer Competition, they received a Gold Medal in 2019 for Nut Brown English brown ale. Further recognition for individual beers includes a 2016 Gold Medal for Old Numbskull, and a 2017 Bronze Medal for Wee Heavy at the Great American Beer Festival. AleSmith is celebrating its 25th year in business and their state-of-the-art brewery occupies a 109,942 square-foot facility. AleSmith’s range of acclaimed beers, which includes Speedway Stout, Nut Brown Ale, and San Diego Pale Ale .394 is distributed in 28 U.S. states and eight countries.

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Castle Island Launches Fiver IPA Initiative

January 15, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

NORWOOD, Massachusetts – Castle Island Brewing Company has built a reputation for approachable, award-winning beer in the Commonwealth. Now, the local brewery is building a philanthropic program fueled by the sale of their fastest growing beer.

Partnering with five different local charities for 2021, Castle Island is raising proceeds for the foundations through the sale of Fiver, their fundraising-focused hazy IPA. Funds raised through 2021 will be split evenly between Mass Audubon, The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, Artists for Humanity, and Facing History and Ourselves.

Proceeds from Fiver IPA to Benefit The Five Foundations Listed Above “We are honored to be selected as one of Castle Island Brewing Company’s charity partners for 2021, and humbled to be in the company of the other deserving organizations participating in the program,” said Cynthia Wigren, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Atlantic White Shark Conservancy.

“We are grateful that every time someone enjoys a Fiver IPA this year, the Conservancy’s work to inspire a greater understanding of white sharks and conservation of the species will benefit.”

Fiver joined the ranks of Castle Island’s year-round line-up last August, and brisk sales have made it the company’s fastest growing brand. Although best known for their Keeper IPA, Castle Island is looking to capitalize on the momentum of the New England IPA category, which has grown nationally by more than 50% in the last 13 weeks according to market research firm Nielsen.

Asked how they selected the foundations to work with this year, Castle Island VP of Operations and Fiver Committee Chair, Bill O’Connor, explained: “We want to ensure the charities reflect the values of our entire company, so we formed an internal committee to steer the program and thoroughly vet the Fiver program partners.”

O’Connor added, “The idea for this program was really born out of our belief that we should all ‘Be excellent to each other.’ We saw our beer as platform to help fundraise and build awareness for organizations that are doing the hard work of making positive change every single day.”

Fiver is available in 4-packs of 16-ounce cans and limited kegs throughout their entire distribution footprint, which includes MA, RI and CT. The beer is also available at their Norwood taproom which remains open during the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about Castle Island Brewing and their mission, visit their website at https://castleislandbeer.com/ or follow their social media channels at @cibrewing.

Castle Island is an award-winning brewery dedicated to the idea that beer should be inclusive, approachable, and excellent. With a deep portfolio of ales and lagers, we make offerings that are both amazing and accessible. Whether you find yourself discovering Castle Island for the first time or have returned for another round, you can expect a stellar experience from the very first to the very last sip. You can find our beer throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut in cans and on draft, as well as at our Norwood brewery and taproom.

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Stone Brewing Revives Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA

January 9, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

ESCONDIDO, California – Stone Brewing kicks off 2021 with new releases, big surprises and noteworthy innovation – but first – a classic. Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA answers the pleas of fans with its highly anticipated return 14 years later. This hop-heavy IPA is brewed with dark malt so that it pours black with a surprising punch of bitterness balanced by smooth malty character.

Stone’s persistent troop of mighty fans has effectively revived this 2007 favorite. Why all the hype? Its unmistakable piney and orange-raspberry hop character is perfectly complemented by warm notes of coffee and chocolate. It’s a beer that stops even the most adventurous beer drinkers in their tracks with its unique style and memorable flavor. On the nose – aromas of coffee, black currant and chocolate from the malt, layered with pine, citrus and tropical fruit. As its name implies, it pours black with a light tan head but don’t be deceived! It serves up an IPA-worthy dose of bitterness.

Without a doubt, Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA is the most requested Stone beer of all time. Who better to speak to the beer’s demand than Stone’s Senior Marketing Content Specialist, David Pope, who answers to the company’s 500,000 Instagram followers – the biggest social following in craft beer:

“We get ‘BRING BACK SSR’ comments on just about everything we post to socials,” noted Pope. “Pictures of Stone IPA, videos of our bottling line, a clip of a kitten playing in a Stone Buenaveza box… there’s always a ‘BRING BACK SSR’ somewhere in the comment section. Well, we heard you. It’s awesome to finally reply back with an enthusiastic ‘OK!’”

For those craving 12 ounces of nostalgia and those simply seeking the remarkable, Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA is now available nationwide in 12oz six-pack glass and 22oz bottles for a limited time. Use Stone’s Beer Finder to locate the beer near you.

QUICK FACTS
Name: Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA

Release Web: Stonebrewing.com/sublimely #SublimelySelfRighteous

Stats: 8.7% ABV; 90 IBUs

BeerAdvocate Score: 94

Availability: Nationwide Special Release

Packaging: 12oz six-pack bottles, 22oz bottles & draft

Find Beer: Find.stonebrewing.com

TASTING NOTES
Appearance: Black with reddish hue, light tan head and lively foam with good lacing

Aroma: Coffee, black currant, chocolate, piney, citrus, tropical fruit

Taste: Dark and milk chocolate, orange, raspberry, pine resin, tropical fruit, with hints of coffee

Palate: Medium body with solid bitterness and a nice drying character on the finish

FOOD PAIRINGS
Starters: Smoked Rib Tips**, Deep Fried Tofu with Orange Sauce, Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps, Stuffed Grape Leaves

Salads/Soups: Caesar Salad, Thai-Style Salad, Potato Bacon Soup, French Onion Soup

Main Courses: True Craft Burger*, Competition Ribs (Smoked St-Louis Style Ribs)**, Pork Katzu with Ponzu Sauce, Duck a l’Orange, BBQ Jack Fruit, Chile Rellenos

Desserts: Whiskey in a Jar (Chocolate Cake w/Barrel-Aged Arrogant Bastard Ale, toffee, bananas, chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream)*, Cheesecake, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Dried Candied Orange Slices dipped in Chocolate

*Menu items available at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Escondido and Liberty Station

** Menu items available at Stone Brewing – Napa

ABOUT STONE BREWING
Founded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner in 1996, the groundbreaking San Diego-based Stone Brewing is the 9th largest craft brewer in the United States. Recognized as an award-winning industry leader, Stone has been called the “All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine twice. The company operates breweries in Escondido, CA and Richmond, VA, plus nine tap room and bistro locations and the nation’s largest craft-centric beverage distributor, Stone Distributing Co. Stone’s bold, flavorful and largely hop-centric beers are available in all 50 states and more than 40 countries worldwide. To find Stone beers, visit find.stonebrewing.com. For more information on Stone Brewing and its commitment to independence, sustainability, philanthropy and the art of brewing, visit stonebrewing.com.

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NEW: The Lindemans Variety Pack!

January 5, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

Tacoma, Washington – Importer Merchant du Vin and Lindemans Brewery – brewers of the best-selling Belgian lambic ales in the US – are proud to announce the Lindemans Variety Pack.

Importer Merchant du Vin and Lindemans Brewery – brewers of the best-selling Belgian lambic ales in the US – are proud to announce the Lindemans Variety Pack.

The new Lindemans Lambic Variety Pack has one Framboise (raspberry), one Peche (peach), one Kriek (cherry) and one Apple (or Pomme) in perfect 8.45 oz. bottles, sold in basket-style four-packs. As US retailers order Lindemans Variety Packs in the days ahead, each will show up on our beer search page.

Over the past 40 years, family-owned Lindemans Brewery first defined the fruit beer category, then built it. Lindemans lambics’ layered, tart, and sharp flavors from wild-yeast fermentation gain perfect balance from sweet, aromatic fruit. A first sip of Lindemans usually makes a fan for life: grab a Lindemans Variety Pack and see for yourself!

Established in 1822, still owned by the founding family, Lindemans has earned a global reputation for quality and flavor. The planet’s ten lambic breweries are all located in Belgium’s Senne River Valley, a region only about 15 by 75 miles in size, near Brussels.

Merchant du Vin imports Samuel Smith’s from England; Traquair House from Scotland; Ayinger and Certified Organic Pinkus beers from Germany. Our Belgian beers include Lindemans lambics, Green’s gluten-free, Du Bocq and Trappist beers Orval, Rochefort, & Westmalle; and the Netherlands’ Zundert Trappist.

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Fields & Ivy Brewery Announces Kansas Lager, Brewed with 100% Barley Malt Grown in Kansas

January 2, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

Lawrence, Kansas –Fields & Ivy Brewery is set to brew up a batch of Kansas history. Kansas Lager, brewed with 100% barley malt grown in Kansas, will hit liquor store shelves in January 2021.

Kansas isn’t typically known for being an early adopter of anything. One historical exception has been the prohibition of alcohol. Kansas banned alcohol in 1881 while the rest of the country went dry 39 years later in January of 1920. Early Kansas breweries and barley growers were basically out of business by 1890. Breweries came back in the late 1980s but barley farming and malting, for beer brewing, has not. It’s believed that a Lager beer brewed with 100% Kansas grown barley malt has not been commercially bottled since 1890 or earlier.

Cory and Veronica Johnston are the founders of Fields & Ivy Brewery as well as a small local grain company called Great Plains Custom Grain. Together with their grain company business partner, Gary Van Horn, the Johnston’s have been growing barley in Kansas since 2016. After five years of learning, they have achieved “malting quality” barley and sent 10,000 lbs of their barley to be contract malted out of state. Malting involves steeping and sprouting the barley kernels then kilning them to the desired color and flavor profile. Small scale craft maltsters are popping up in the wake of the craft brewing and distilling industries.

Dan Chivetta, Fields & Ivy Brewery, Head Brewer, used about 2,200 lbs of Kansas malt to brew 40 barrels (1,240 gallons) of a Vienna style Lager. Chivetta said, “Vienna Lager would have possibly been a style brewed by the last of the pre-prohibition Kansas brewers.” “We are hoping to brew this special beer to celebrate the return of local barley source beers to Kansas and to honor the history of brewing in our region.”

Fields & Ivy Brewery will distribute Kansas Lager in 12-ounce bottles through their distribution partner Worldwide Wine and Spirits.

About Fields & Ivy Brewery
Fields & Ivy Brewery is a modern farm-to-table brewery and brew pub located in Lawrence, Kansas. Founded in 2019, Fields & Ivy features a 20-barrel production brewhouse, spacious dining room, and beautiful beer garden. Certified Brew Master, Dan Chivetta produces world-class beers with Authority of Flavor® using locally sourced grain, malt and hops. Our mostly from-scratch kitchen offers brick oven pizza, incredible starters, salads, and sandwiches.

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SweetWater Brewing Gives 2020 the Finger with Latest Dank Tank Release: EFF 2020

December 30, 2020 by Dow Scoggins

ATLANTA, Georgia – SweetWater Brewing Company (“SweetWater”) is pouring one out for the year with their latest beer in their Dank Tank Series, EFF 2020, just in time to wash the taste of 2020 goodbye. The limited release EFF 2020 Triple IPA is packed with Citra, Sultan, Vic Secret and Azacca hops for notes of peach, tropical citrus, pineapple and pine, and comes in at 55-60 IBUs and 9.2% ABV.

Available on draft and for purchase in 16-oz tall boys where distributed, even the beer can’s art gives 2020 a heated double finger, just in time to prevent drinkers from being sucked into the swirling black hole that was the year.

“This year, 2020 hit us hard so we decided to answer back by raising a hand and slapping it back behind us,” said Nick Nock, Head Brewer at SweetWater. “To do that we had to dominate and go big and bold, busting out a beer at 9.2% ABV, representing we conquered 2020. Despite being in your face, EFF 2020 is still silky smooth with a bouquet tropical citrus to welcome in 2021. Every sip leaves you with a lingering smile waiting for another taste.”

EFF 2020 Triple IPA Fast Facts:
Malt: 2-row, Flaked Wheat and Oat Flakes
Hops: Citra, Sultana, Vic Secret, Azacca
ABV: 9.2%IBUs: 55-60
Packaging: Draft and 16-oz cans
Find this heady end-of-year, limited-release brew now, because when it’s gone, it’s gone.

About SweetWater Brewing Company
SweetWater Brewing Company is an Atlanta-based craft brewery living by the motto “Don’t Float the Mainstream!” In 2020 SweetWater was acquired by Aphria Inc., (TSX: APHA and Nasdaq: APHA), a leading global cannabis company inspiring and empowering the worldwide community to live their very best life. SweetWater Brewing Co. celebrated 23 years of heady brews in 2020 and is a top 15 craft brewery in the nation, according to Brewers Association. The award-winning lineup of year-round beersincludes H.A.Z.Y. IPA, SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale, IPA, Blue blueberry wheat ale, Goin’ Coastal IPA with pineapple, and Hop Hash Easy IPA, Guide Beer lager and Hydroponics Seltzer. Additionally, seasonal releases offer palate pleasing variety, along with an experimental, one-time-only Dank Tank series, 420Strain Series and progressive barrel aged styles in The Woodlands Project series.

SweetWater is passionate about protecting natural resources and habitats and is recognized for itscontributions to environmental initiatives throughout its distribution footprint. Supporting theconservation of some of the nation’s most threatened rivers, streams and coastlines is a cause near and dear to the brewery, as clean water is also vital to the creation of their tasty brews. Visit SweetWater Brewery – located at 195 Ottley Drive in the heart of Atlanta – for tours of the main brewery, and pints and bites in the newly renovated taproom and restaurant. For more information about SweetWater Brewing Company and brewery hours, please visit www.sweetwaterbrew.com. Follow SweetWater Brewing Company on Twitter/ Instagram @sweetwaterbrew, and become a fan at facebook.com/sweetwaterbrew.

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Duckfoot Brewery Co. to Release Frank Zappa Tribute IPA – Why Does It Hurt When IPA?

December 27, 2020 by Dow Scoggins

SAN DIEGO, California — The ZAPPA TRUST and San Diego-based Duckfoot Brewery Co have teamed up to launch a new FRANK ZAPPA tribute beer, Why Does It Hurt When IPA? It’s set to debut on ZAPPA’s birthday, December 21.

It’s a wild, improvisational jam of an IPA, brewed with ZAPPA hops, Simcoe and Cascade. The West Coast-style IPA has notes of passion fruit, spice and grapefruit(a favorite of FRANK ZAPPA’s) with a clean and dry finish. The can features never-before-published photos of Frank which pair nicely with the beer itself. In addition, the label explains more, “the Zappa hop, like the man, has a hugely eclectic style. Published flavor notes have ranged from passion fruit, mint, spicy, savory, fruity cereal, and uh…purple. (Try the beer, you’ll get it). Just like Frank, this hop is one of a kind and awesome.”

“Our new friends (but they feel like old friends) at Duck Foot Brewing Co are making a delicious new brew using the Zappa hop,” AHMET ZAPPA says. “Stay home, be safe and enjoy Why Does It Hurt When IPA? responsibly. All the Zappa Trust proceeds from this batch will go to support the music community in need. Music is the Best!”

“We are so beyond thrilled to be making a beer for one of our favorite musicians of all time,” Matt Delvecchio, Head Quack/Founder, Duck Foot Brewing Co adds.

Look for AHMET and the Duck Foot Brewing Co team to do an online meeting in the new year to discuss everything about the beer and take questions from fans around the world.

Why Does It Hurt When IPA? comes at the end of a busy year for ZAPPA. Beyond the releases of The Mothers 1970 and Halloween 81 earlier in the year, last month saw the debut of the long-awaited and highly-acclaimed Alex Winter documentary, “Zappa.” The film tells the story about the prolific genius composer, free speech activist, cultural ambassador to Czechoslovakia and legendary musician,Frank Zappa. It was accompanied by the surprise digital release of the corresponding Zappa Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. A perfect complement to the film, the 68-track soundtrack is available to stream and download now via Zappa Records/UMe. “Zappa” is now available everywhere in the U.S. from Magnolia Pictures.

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Alaskan Brewing’s Baltic Porter Returns

December 27, 2020 by Dow Scoggins

JUNEAU, Alaska – Alaskan Baltic Porter is back as the latest brew for Alaskan Brewing’s limited Pilot Series. This rich and warming brew is a deep, dense beer with an intricate array of aromas and flavors that’s perfect for cold and dark winter nights, and for special occasions like the holidays.

“It’s always fun to brew this fan-favorite, and it also takes a lot of attention to detail,” said Alaskan Head Brewer Rob Day. “It has so many elements – with a blend of specialty malts, dark black cherries, brown sugar, gourmet vanilla beans, and finished on oak. And it is definitely a beer you can drink right away, but lots of folks like to age it to enhance the vanilla and cherry.”

First brewed in 2008 and most recently in 2017, fans have aged every vintage of Alaskan Baltic Porter, enjoying this rare beer on special occasions and in vertical tastings. Age enhances the smooth mouthfeel and malt sweetness as well as the fruit flavors.

Day’s tasting notes on Alaskan Baltic Porter emphasize deep maltiness, vanilla and cherry intensity and a warming from the 9.8% ABV. The color is jet-black from the deeply roasted malts, with hints of bourbon and toffee present from start to finish.

“Baltic Porters were originally brewed stronger and more hoppy than many other dark beers to endure the trip to remote communities along the Baltic Sea,” remarked Day. “So, it’s robust, with toasted French oak, and dried fruit notes. Here in Alaska, the warmth is also a very attractive feature especially in winter.”

The name and label of Baltic Porter links this beer to the Russian period of Alaska history, with the copula of a Russian Orthodox church featured prominently. These traditional onion-domed copulas are still present in many communities in Alaska, as well as other settlements along the Baltic Sea.

Day recommends drinking it right away, or aging for up to 10 years. “If anyone is still holding onto a 2008, I would recommend planning a special occasion to enjoy that one. I think after 10 years or so, this beer has probably peaked. An excellent way to taste this beer is to get a new bottle and compare it to the aged beer – you’re really able to pick out the changes in flavor that way.”

Alaskan Baltic Porter will be on shelves in 22-ounce bottles and on draft in select locations beginning in December and will available for approximately three months.

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First-Ever Exclusive Christmas Village Kolsch Debuts in Philadelphia

December 24, 2020 by Dow Scoggins

PHILADELPHIA — Christmas Village in Philadelphia’s last call at Love Park for the 2020 season is on Christmas Eve at 5:00pm. However, the authentic open-air German-style Christmas market has one final gift to give Philadelphia before closing up shop for the holidays. For the beer lover, the last minute shopper, or those wanting to soak up those famous vibes after tomorrow, Christmas Village debuts a brand-new exclusive Christmas Village Kolsch, brewed and canned by local independent brewery Bar Hygge/ Brewery Techne. The new beer is available in cans to go with a specially created label that incorporates the iconic scenery of Christmas Village at Love Park including The Alm and the Grill Hut. The cans are sold in four packs of one pint cans for $18.00. This is the first-ever Christmas Village inspired beer, and the only exclusive can available since Christmas Village and Bar Hygge/ Brewery Techne starting partnering together back in 2018.

“The Christmas Village Kolsch is custom made for us with our beer partner Bar Hygge/ Brewery Techne,” said Christmas Village Project Manager Nancy Schmalz. “We have been working with brewer Duffy Lonergan for three years now. They recently started canning their own beers and we talked about the idea of coming up with a very special beer that embodies the spirit of Christmas Village. We worked together for several months coming up with this special exclusive product and we are thrilled that visitors are loving it.”

The new Christmas Village Kolsch is a Golden Ale, brewed in German style. It comes in at 5.8% and is the lightest draft beer at Christmas Village in 2020. It joins the ranks of other beers by Bar Hygge/ Brewery Techne such as the Lemon Meringue IPA and the Wohlig Weissbier. The cans are available in to-go as four packs only. Beer lovers and shoppers can find them in the crowd-controlled food court in the middle of Love Park. Once inside the food court, head to The Alm (beer garden) and look for the beer booth just past the giant grill hut.
For inspiration behind the beer and the process, Schmalz worked with Lonergan this past summer on the selections for Love Park and the new season. High on the priority list was bringing a Kölsch (German style) beer to the market for the first time. Lonergan had been to Germany himself and was very familiar with the Kölsch style. As the season approached, the teams at Christmas Village and Bar Hygge/ Brewery Techne perfected the beer and debuted it in time for Christmas.

“Sales for the Christmas Village Kolsch are going extremely well considering it is the hidden gem of the market,” added Schmalz. “We wanted to introduce the beer slowly and test the reaction – and people are loving it! It is a great gift for the last minute Santa’s out there – and it’s a great way to bring home a four-pack and experience a taste of our beloved Christmas Village on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and for New Year’s. We are already exploring and talking about bringing it back for 2021 on a larger scale. We will make that decision formally after we close for the year and begin preparations for next year.”

Bar Hygge and Brewery Techne are located just blocks from Christmas Village in the Fairmount neighborhood, at 1720 Fairmount Avenue. There beer lovers can enjoy a rotating selection of adventurous, finely crafted beer from Brewery Techne, Bar Hygge’s in-house brewery. Lagers, ales, and saisons are all on tap, along with a hard cider or two.

Hygge is a Danish concept, embodying a feeling or mood, that comes from taking genuine pleasure in making ordinary, every day things more meaningful, beautiful or special. For the team behind Bar Hygge, it means creating a warm atmosphere where guests can enjoy the good things in life with friends and family. Bar Hygge is not a Danish-themed restaurant. Chef Julie Kline presents a new/contemporary American menu with seasonal changes and a focus on neighborhood comfort food.

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN PHILADELPHIA
Christmas Village in Philadelphia, the authentic open-air German-style Christmas Market at LOVE Park and City Hall, is excited to announce its return from Thanksgiving Day, November 26 through Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020 with a considerably modified layout and extensive safety precautions in response to COVID-19. In its 13th season, the outdoor market will once again host a Preview Weekend on Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22.

In accordance with all city and statewide guidelines, Christmas Village in Philadelphia will be set up in a socially distanced and safe way featuring only half the amount of vendors. This year, visitors can still dine on and enjoy their favorite European dishes including Bratwurst, Raclette Cheese and Schnitzel in a fenced-off and crowd-controlled outdoor food court with spacing between tables.

This year’s outdoor shopping area will be set up with a one-way system around the outer limits of LOVE Park for a linear and spaced walking concept allowing proper social distancing. All vendors will be ten feet apart from each other at minimum. Vendors around the outer perimeter will also all face outward toward the street. Waiting areas for access to the food court and shopping will all be socially distanced.

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