craftbeer

PORTLAND, Maine – Summer is just a sip away as award-winning Allagash Brewing Company announced the launch of two new limited seasonal beers to its portfolio: Seconds to Summer, a crisp and hoppy lager, and Floating Holiday, a dry and balanced blonde ale with lemon peel and sea salt. The duo of beers will be heading widely across the Allagash 19-state plus D.C. distribution footprint starting in May*.

Brewed with traditional hops from the Czech Republic and fermented with Belgian yeast, Seconds to Summer boasts a refreshingly hoppy flavor that you’ll be sipping all summer long. Floating Holiday is bright and crisp blonde ale brewed with lemon peel and a pinch of sea salt. Both beers stemmed from the brewery’s pilot innovation system.

“Seconds to Summer was one of our most popular pilot beers in recent memory.”said Jason Perkins, Brewmaster at Allagash. “Our team unanimously loved this easy-drinking lager, and are really excited to be able to enjoy it during the summer.”

“The pilot beer idea for Floating Holiday was to make a blonde ale with lemon peel and sea salt that was ‘crushable, crisp, and bright.’ And we definitely found that those ingredient additions of lemon and sea salt took an already dry and balanced style of beer and made it that much more refreshing,” said Perkins. “It’s the perfect beer to kick off the vacation mindset.”

You can learn more about the Allagash Brewing Company pilot system—where any employee can suggest a new beer idea.

Seconds to Summer (4.5% ABV) is a limited release available in 12-packs of 12 ounce cans, shipping out to Allagash’s full distribution right now; Floating Holiday (5.2% ABV) is available in 16 ounce cans and on draft, and will begin shipping in mid May.

*Seconds to Summer will be available in: CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, Chicagoland, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, WI and VT

Floating Holiday will be available in: CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, Chicagoland, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, WI and VT

ABOUT ALLAGASH BREWING COMPANY

Allagash Brewing Company is a Certified B Corp founded in Portland, Maine, by James Beard Award-winner Rob Tod. Since 1995, the brewery has been dedicated to crafting the best Belgian-inspired beers in the world, all while giving back to the community that has supported them along the way. Earning coveted Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup, and European Beer Star Awards, Allagash has been deemed one of the best American Breweries of the decade by Paste Magazine and one of the best breweries in America by Gear Patrol. In 2021, Allagash was named “Brewery of the Year” in its category size by the Brewers Association, and included on Inc. Magazine’s “Best in Business” list. Allagash is available in CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, Chicagoland, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT, and WI.

For More Information:
https://www.allagash.com

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LINCOLN, Nebraska – Empyrean Brewing Co.’s seasonal “Zookeeper” beer not only has a new taste, but a new package too. Zookeeper Lemon Kolsch is the brewery’s first beer to ever be released in cans in its 32-year history. The Kolsch-style ale packs refreshing flavor with real lemon puree in a cool, sleek can.

Zookeeper Lemon Kolsch is brewed in support of the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, a partnership that began in 2018. The beer’s art highlights the zoo’s giraffes, coinciding with the birth of two new baby giraffes earlier this year. The limited-edition brew is set to be available from now until mid-summer wherever Empyrean Brewing Co. is sold.

Just like previous years, Super Saver and Russ’s Market are generously donating $1 for every Zookeeper Lemon Kolsch six-pack sold. The support will help the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, which is home to 400 animals and requires roughly $13,000 a day to operate.

Jim Engelbart, operations manager at Empyrean Brewing Co. said, “We think our community’s many Zoo and beer supporters will all enjoy the bright summer flavors of this year’s Zookeeper Lemon Kolsch. We are also super excited for this to be our first beer in cans! Cans can go all the places we like to play, especially in the summer months… not to mention they are more recyclable than glass!”

Empyrean Brewing Co. has expanded into eight states since its founding in 1990. The company derives its name from the adventurous spirit of ancient civilizations and uses that philosophy to guide its new offerings. Empyrean currently offers nine core beers available year-round, a line of seasonal beers and a host of specialty and limited release-beers.

As home to over 400 animals—40 of which are endangered, the Lincoln Children’s Zoo serves as a place for Nebraska’s youth to learn about animals and the importance of their conservation. Donations are always appreciated to support its ongoing education, conservation and animal care programs.

For More Information:
https://empyreanbrewingco.com/beers/zookeeper-lemon-kolsch/

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VLEZENBEEK, Belgium – Lindemans, one of the oldest Belgian lambic beer brewers in the world, is celebrating its bicentennial with a limited edition lambic, Cuvée Francisca. Founded in 1822 by Francisca Josina Vandersmissen and Joos Frans Lindemans, the brewery produces one of the world’s oldest beer styles with the greatest care and immense passion.

To celebrate the brewery’s rich 200-year heritage, Lindemans is releasing an exclusive anniversary beer: Cuvée Francisca. Inspired by and named after Lindemans first lady, Francisca Josina Vandersmissen, it is a unique blend of a four-year-old lambic from the oak casks T1001 (20%), T1006 (35%), T1017 (35%) and 10% young lambic from foeder (oak cask) T1014; it’s dry yet complex, making it a nicely balanced old gueuze for beer enthusiasts as well as those new to the style. First fermented in wooden casks and then refermented in a bottle for 12 months, it carries a distinct taste of oak, citrus and notes of vanilla with a sherry aroma. The jubilee blend has a refreshingly sour yet crisp finish, and pours a golden blonde color.

Francisca Josina Vandersmissen was born in Hof ter Kwadewegen in Belgium’s Pajottenland a region known for its noble beer lineage, as it is the only location in the world where authentic lambic can be brewed. Soon after Francisca married Joos Frans Lindemans in 1822, they moved into the Vandermissen farm brewery and thus Lindeman’s Brewery was born. Two hundred years and six generations later, Lindemans Brewery is still owned by the founding family and is now led by cousins and co-owners, Dirk and Geert Lindemans, and continues to operate in its same founding region.

“It’s an honour to carry on my family’s liquid heritage as the sixth generation of Lindemans brewers.” said Dirk Lindemans, co-owner and managing director of Lindemans Brewery. “What started out as a small family business has grown into an international renowned lambic brewery bringing new flavor profiles and experiences to fans all over the world. We wouldn’t be where we are today without Francisca Josina Vandersmissen and Joos Frans Lindemans, and we’re thrilled to be celebrating our 200th anniversary with a namesake beer in her honor.” added Geert Lindemans co-owner and managing director.

A limited release of only 25,000 bottles worldwide, Cuvée Francisca is available for purchase in 750 ml bottles in shops across the country. This batch is available as a limited release only.

About Lindemans Brewery 

Since 1822, the Lindemans family has been brewing lambic in Vlezenbeek in the heart of Pajottenland, Belgium. Lindemans Brewery is the largest, independent, family lambic brewery. Due to the sharp increase in sales abroad, the company has become an established name in the international beer world. In 2021 Lindemans produced more than 113,000 hectolitres and currently has 70 employees. Lindemans is imported to the US by Merchant du Vin.

For More Information:
https://www.lindemans.com/en-us

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EAST ANGLIA, UK – Bruha has relaunched its canned beer range in a new larger 440ml format.

East Anglia based brand, Bruha, creates a range of clean, clear and crisp beers to appeal to those aspirational drinkers that want a modern but accessible premium beer they can enjoy every day.

The pack size change aims to give consumers more value, whilst also aligning with the brand’s eco-friendly credentials.

“We want to give consumers more for their money. 330ml is a popular pack size, particularly in the craft beer sector, however we want to create a point of difference with this slightly larger format,” explains Bruha MD Rob Breakwell. “Our aim is to balance the premium nature of our beer with good value. Plus from an environmental point of view, it costs the same to fill a 440ml can as it does to fill a smaller can, so this slightly larger size is more eco-friendly.”

Launched by Rob Breakwell and Marc Medland in 2020, Bruha now brews 20,000 litres of beer a month in its brewery based on the Norfolk/Suffolk in the heart of farming country where the best barley is grown.

There are three beers in the Bruha range, which will now be available in 440ml cans.  Bruha Session Pale a 3.9% session strength pale ale using the very best East Anglian malted barley combined with Citra and Centennial hops to give a wonderful full flavoured beer with fantastic citrus notes for every day drinking.  Bruha Lager, a 4% pilsner-style lager using the very best East Anglian malted barley combined with Amarillo and Cascade hops. A great premium flavour for every day drinking.

Bruha IPA 5.6% is made using the very best East Anglian malted barley combined with Simcoe and Chinook hops to create a signature Indian Pale Ale. Bruha IPA is bursting with tropical fruit flavours and background pine aromas to give maximum flavour.  Continues Rob, “Bruha is aimed at the modern drinker. Someone who loves a good pint, but isn’t interested in fads or trying ‘the next big thing’. We want to become an essential beer brand for the region and beyond and be known for creating aspirational beers that are consistently delicious.”

For More Information:
https://www.bruhabrewing.co.uk/

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PASO ROBLES, California – “My love for the Sidecar cocktail goes right in line with my appreciation for Cognacs,” said Barrel Program Manager Eric Ponce. “This is a beer I’ve long wanted to make, and I finally got the perfect barrels to do it.”

Gold Rider is rolling out now in 12-ounce bottles as a limited release in all Firestone Walker markets. It also available at Firestone Walker locations and online at Firestone Beer, and is featured in the new “Spirited Fruits” collection available exclusively to Brewmaster’s Collective beer club members.

Riding High

The story of Gold Rider began when Ponce and his team brewed a base beer with an infusion of Central Coast white wine juice. After fermentation, they aged the beer in 500-liter XXO French Cognac barrels for two years, with a separate portion matured in orange bitters barrels.

Finally, they incorporated a touch of fresh-squeezed lemon juice to elevate the experience with citrusy acidity. The result is a distinctive barrel-aged beer whose ingredients and flavors faithfully mirror the experience of enjoying a classic Sidecar. Aromas of lemon, vanilla and toffee mingle with hazelnut and honey flavors along a lively, vibrant mouthfeel.

The Cognac barrels—all aged 14 to 20 years old—imparted a high-end character that ultimately defines the Gold Rider tasting experience. “These ‘extra extra old’ barrels come from one of France’s great Cognac houses,” Ponce said. “You get this refined Cognac character that can only come from barrels like these.”

The traditional Sidecar is made with Cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice. The origins of the cocktail are unknown, but it is thought to have been invented in London or Paris around the end of World War I. It was named after the sidecar passenger motorcycle attachment that was popular at that time.

For Ponce, his affection for the Sidecar is personal. “This beer is inspired by my grandmother,” he says. “She always had a bottle of cheap brandy and would only sip some on Sunday evenings, always straight. As I got older, I acquired a taste for Armagnac and Cognac and the cocktails made from them. I persuaded her to give them a taste. Today, my grandmother still takes her brandy neat, but now she also lets me make her a Sidecar when I visit.”

Gold Rider lands as the latest release from Firestone Walker’s Vintage program. This program began in 2005 with the creation of the brewery’s first Anniversary Ale barrel-aged blend. Ever since, the resulting beers have flown under the banner of the Vintage series, which has become one of the most extensive spirits barrel-aging programs in the craft industry.

About Firestone Walker

Founded by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker in 1996, Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a California beer company with three innovative brewing facilities. Firestone Walker’s main brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio ranging from iconic pale ales to vintage barrel-aged beers. The Barrelworks facility in Buellton makes eccentric wild ales, while the Propagator pilot brewhouse in Venice specializes in R&D beers and limited local offerings. Firestone Walker is also the brewery behind 805, one of the nation’s fastest-growing beers. Firestone Walker was recently named “Best American Brewery of the Decade” by Paste Magazine.

For More Information:
https://www.firestonebeer.com

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SAN DIEGO, California – Second Chance Beer Company has been busy brewing their latest creation – Buddy – a crushable American lager with a crisp, refreshing finish. Second Chance prides itself on being more than just an award-winning brewery. It’s a company that is proud to be a part of a strong community of craft beer lovers who advocate for good. The brewery embraces diversity, values innovation and gives back without compromise. While there are many breweries that take charitable action and subscribe to a “people first” mentality, Second Chance is San Diego’s only “pups-first, drink-second” brewery.

In the spirit of giving back without compromise, Second Chance will donate a portion of all proceeds from Buddy Lager to local dog rescues such as The Animal Pad and Second Chance Rescue. Both rescues are non-profit organizations dedicated to saving homeless dogs and giving them a second chance at life.

”Giving pups a second chance is at the core of what we do at Second Chance Beer Company. We’ve done dog adoptions and fundraisers since we opened in 2015, and over the last couple years, we started fostering rescue pups, a few of which have been adopted by our team and regular guests. It’s rewarding to see them thriving in their furever homes. Buddy Lager is a way for fans to support our efforts – and enjoy a delicious beer at the same time,” explains CEO and Co-Owner, Virginia Morrison.

As stated on the Buddy Lager cans, “It doesn’t matter where you’re going, it’s who you have beside you on the journey.” Available in four-packs of 16-oz cans, you can get your hands on Buddy Lager at select retailers including Second Chance Beer Company tasting rooms (North Park & Carmel Mtn Ranch), Total Wines (Mission Valley & Carmel Mtn Ranch (opening soon)), Barrel Republic (Escondido), Arrowood Golf Course (Oceanside), Hideout Bar & Grill (Pacific Beach), Iron Pig Alehouse (Pacific Beach), Amplified Ale Works (East Village) and Cass Street Bar & Grill (Pacific Beach).

ABV: 4.6%

About Second Chance Beer Company

Second Chance Beer Company was founded in September 2015 by Marty Mendiola and Virginia Morrison. The San Diego-based, award-winning craft brewery has a brewery and tasting room in Carmel Mountain Ranch and a beer lounge and tasting room in North Park. Its beer also can be found in restaurants, bars and retailers in San Diego and Orange Counties and throughout Arizona. In addition to making award-winning beer, Second Chance’s mission is to give pups a second chance through support of dog rescues. The Second Chance Team is proud to offer a diverse menu of craft beers, hard seltzers, beer cocktails, and non-alcoholic options, to ensure their tasting rooms are spaces where everyone is welcome to form connections, share stories, and champion good deeds.

For More Information:
https://www.secondchancebeer.com/

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BALTIMORE, Maryland – To elevate a fan-favorite recipe, DuClaw Brewing Company added ‘Sweet Baby Swirl!’ to its lineup of ‘Sweet Baby Jesus!’ variations. This brew offers a few distinct characteristics, as this is the only white stout in the series, and the first to feature a golden appearance.

The introduction of vanilla is warm and enticing, proving to pair well with the classic flavors of silky chocolate and smooth peanut butter.

“As we continue to transform the original ‘Sweet Baby Jesus!’ recipe, we know that subtle and smart tweaks can make all the difference,” said Dave Benfield, CEO and Founder of DuClaw Brewing Company. “If you crave a slightly creamier sip, this is the recipe to try.”

This addition follows the release of ‘Sweet Baby Chai!’ which was the first of four ‘Sweet Baby Jesus!’ variations to be released this year.

‘Sweet Baby Swirl!’ is a light to medium-bodied 6.2% ABV white stout and is now available in 12oz cans, and available on draft or nitro kegs at select locations.

About DuClaw Brewing Company

Baltimore-based and fearlessly innovating in craft beer since 1996: Craft Be Cherished. Rules Be Damned. DuClaw beer is available in 24 U.S. states and DC, as well as in Canada and France.

Find DuClaw distributed in:

Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia.

For More Information:
https://duclaw.com/

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CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Sycamore Brewing, the largest Charlotte-born brewery and top three craft brewery in the state of North Carolina, announces the return of its popular Rainbow Dust (7.2% ABV) India Pale Ale.

“Rainbow Dust is a fan favorite. We constantly get comments and messages about when this limited-edition beer will be returning,” says Sycamore Brewing’s co-owner, Sarah Taylor Brigham. “I’m happy to say it’s available across our distribution footprint now!”

Sycamore’s Rainbow Dust is “magic in a can.” It is brewed with six very rare hops and features tasting notes bursting of ripe melon, berry and tropical fruits. Fans can find this beer on draft and in cans at Sycamore’s Charlotte-based taproom, while four-packs are also available for purchase throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Ohio.

About Sycamore Brewing

Sycamore Brewing, a Charlotte-based brewery, has been producing award-winning craft liquids since 2013 and is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team, Justin and Sarah Brigham. Sycamore has grown and expanded at whirlwind speed since opening its doors and has consequently quadrupled its total beer production since 2018. Sycamore operates a bustling taproom and beer garden complete with craft beer, live music, food trucks and more, and has consistently been ranked as one of the top Uber stops in Charlotte. In the fall of 2022, the company will open a café inside its taproom, expanding its offerings and further establishing Sycamore Brewing as a gathering place for good times and great beer.  Sycamore beer is available in NC, SC, VA, TN, KY, GA, and OH, with additional states to be added this year.

For More Information:
https://www.sycamorebrew.com/

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PORTLAND, Oregon – Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB), the first B Corp brewery in the Pacific Northwest, has set a new limited release loose in the wild: Chuckle Cones Whole Cone IPA.

This well-balanced and flavorful IPA has a rich golden hue and aromas of peach, pineapple and sweet orange.  The beer features guava and apricot hop flavors with a balanced finish. The name is a nod to the whole Chinook and Idaho 7 hop cones added in the hop back during brewing, which puts the fruity terpenes front and center.

“This beer was fun to make, as a callback to earlier days of brewing before hop pellets,” said Ryan Pappe, head brewer at Hopworks. “Adding those whole cones in the hop back gives Chuckle Cones next-level fruity, citrusy flavors and aromas that just make you want to keep tasting!”

Chuckle Cones Whole Cone IPA clocks in at 66 IBU and 6.7% ABV. It’s brewed and fermented with Cascade, Centennial, El Dorado and Mosaic hops, with whole cone Chinook and Idaho 7 hops in the hop back.

Chuckle Cones is available as a limited release through May on tap and in 16 oz. 4-packs at grocers, bottle shops, and at Hopworks’ two locations on SE Powell Boulevard in Portland and SE Mill Plain Boulevard in Vancouver, Washington.

About Hopworks Urban Brewery 

Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 2008 by Christian and Brandie Ettinger, Hopworks Urban Brewery creates world-class beer and food with sustainable business practices that protect the environment and support our community. Family-owned and operated, Hopworks sources thoughtfully, operates efficiently and minimizes waste in an effort to protect the planet. The company’s 20-barrel brewery produces 10,000 barrels of beer a year for Hopworks’ brewpubs and distribution throughout Cascadia. Hopworks is the first Certified B Corporation brewery in the Pacific Northwest.

For More Information:
https://www.hopworksbeer.com/

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BROOKLYN, New York – Threes Brewing has released a can-conditioned rendition of Closer To The Point, a portfolio Spelt Saison. The spelt used was sourced from Thrall Family Malt in Windsor, Connecticut, which is consistent with the tradition of using local grains in Saison, and with Threes’ passion for working with small farms.

This can-conditioned release is characterized by smaller, more effervescent bubbles compared to its bottled counterpart, and possesses notes of peach leaves, white pepper, and proofing bread dough. Complex layers of flavor make this beer exciting, while maintaining its refreshing and easy-drinking characteristics.

Head Brewer Matt Levy calls this version of Closer To The Point “the ultimate spring beer.”

For More Information:
https://shop.threesbrewing.com/

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