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Archives for February 2023

Fort Myers Brewing Company Turns 10

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FORT MEYERS, Florida – Fort Myers Brewing Company is celebrating 10 years in business and will mark the occasion with a four-day 10th Anniversary Party Feb. 23-26 that features more than 50 rotating specialty craft brews, food trucks and live music.

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Rob and Jen Whyte, Fort Myers Brewing opened its doors in 2013 as Lee County’s first microbrewery, selling a few brews from a 400-square-foot taproom. Today, Fort Myers Brewing is one of the largest craft brewers in the state with a 22,000-square-foot operation and signature line of award-winning brews and seltzers.

“We were new to town when we started our brewery and hoped that the business would help us make a few new friends,” said brewery Co-owner Jen Whyte. “We never dreamed that Fort Myers Brewing would be what it is today, and it’s all thanks to Southwest Florida embracing us all those years ago.”

The brewery’s anniversary celebration features four days of beer releases that will rotate the taps throughout the weekend. Among this year’s signature brews is Fort Myers Brewing’s 10th Anniversary IPA, a 10% Double/Imperial IPA. Also on tap are the brewery’s popular Nevah’ Evah’ hazy IPA, Electric Triceratops 3 IPA and the international award-winning Chocolate Stout. The brewery is also releasing limited-edition anniversary swag that includes commemorative 16-ounce pint glasses, snifters, T-shirts and more. All items will be available for purchase in the taproom during the event, along with select canned specialty brews.

“A lot of hard work goes into making our brews, and our 10th Anniversary IPA is a special one for our brew crew,” said Co-owner Rob Whyte, whose passion for homebrewing led to the launch of Fort Myers Brewing a decade ago. “Reaching 10 years is a big milestone for our team, and we’re celebrating the way we know best – with a party. Our anniversary celebration will be our best one yet, and we’re looking forward to celebrating with all the fans and friends who have cheered us on over the years.”

A longtime destination for the region’s thriving food truck and music scene, the brewery is welcoming 14 different food trucks and seven live performances for families, friends and pets to enjoy all weekend long. Food will be dished up by new and longtime food truck partners, including Wicked Streatery, Mobstah Lobstah, King’s Tacos & Burritos, the new Smokin’ Oyster Brewery Food Truck and more. The celebration will also spotlight live shows by Ralph Curtis Band, Rock Republic, Chris Bepko, Jeff Lyons and more.

The full event schedule includes:

Thursday, Feb. 23 (2 to 10 p.m.)

  • Food Trucks: Mad Brunch, Smokin’ Oyster Brewery Food Truck, Cositas Gourmet, Island Vibez Grill, Pryceless Island Grill Food Truck
  • Live Music: Chris Bepko (3 p.m.), Briz & Lady (7 p.m.)Friday, Feb. 24 (2 to 11 p.m.)
  • Food Trucks: Wicked Streatery, South Pizza Co., Mobstah Lobstah, Cositas Gourmet, Mambo
  • Live Music: Matt Walden (4 p.m.), Rock Republic (7 p.m.)Saturday, Feb. 25 (Noon to 11 p.m.)
  • Food trucks: Wicked Streatery, Viet Yum, King’s Tacos & Burritos, Only Doubles, Beau’s BBQ
  • Live music: Virgil Cain (1 p.m.), DJ Nate (4 p.m.), Ralph Curtis Band (7 p.m.)

Sunday, Feb. 26 (Noon to 8 p.m.)

  • Kick the Keg Party
  • Food trucks: Mad Brunch, Don’t Give Up, Mambo
  • Live music: Gator Nate (noon), Jeff Lyons (4 p.m.)

The four-day celebration will be held at Fort Myers Brewing Company, 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers.

About Fort Myers Brewing Company

Established in 2013, Fort Myers Brewing Company was the first microbrewery to open in Lee County and continues to lead Southwest Florida’s surging craft beer movement. Founded by Rob and Jen Whyte, Fort Myers Brewing carries a signature line of flagship beers in addition to seasonal brews and small-batch specialties. Its ales, pilsners, stouts, IPAs and hard seltzers are winners of multiple prestigious awards, including a gold at the 2022 World Beer Cup, golds at the Best Florida Beer Competition and Great American Beer Festival, and Grand National Champion at the 2021 and 2022 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championships. Fort Myers Brewing was named “Best Large Brewery in Florida” in 2016 and received the Business Resiliency and Innovation of the Year Award at the Lee County Economic Development Office, Horizon Council and Horizon Foundation’s 2021 Industry Appreciation Awards. Its beers are poured at 1,600 locations, including bars, restaurants and retail outlets, including grocery, package and convenience stores. The brewery is located at 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers.

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Holsopple Brewing Celebrates 6th Anniversary

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LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – Lyndon-based Holsopple Brewing will celebrate its 6th anniversary this weekend, February 16th through 18th, featuring live music by three local artists as well as the release of its annual Big Hand Imperial Stout and variants.

“We’re honored to have been Lyndon’s neighborhood brewery for the last six years,” said Sam Gambill, Holsopple’s co-owner and head brewer. “We’re inviting the community to join us this weekend to celebrate everything we’ve done together while also looking forward to the next six years. We’ll have plenty of beer, music, and pizza from our neighbors at Twin Spires Pizza.”

On Thursday, February 16th, guests can expect to find on-draft tastings of previous years’ Big Hand Imperial Stout, Holsopple’s annual bourbon barrel-aged birthday release, on draft from 2021, 2022, and 2023.

On Friday, February 17th, the Americana Trio, The Feral Mountain Men, will take the stage from 7-10 pm while featured variants of Big Hand Imperial Stout become available, including:

  • Big Hand Peanut Butter
  • Big Hand Toasted Coconut
  • Big Hand Chocolate Covered Cherry

The celebration will continue on Saturday, February 18th, with live music by Andrew Lee from 2:30-5:30 PM and The Misty Mountain String Band from 7-10 pm.

About Holsopple Brewing

Holsopple Brewing, established in 2017 in Louisville’s Lyndon neighborhood, offers a variety of ales, lagers, IPAs, sours, and fruited beers, all brewed on-premises. The brewery features a family-friendly atmosphere and live music on weekends.

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Cheerwine and NoDa Brewing Company Introduce Cheerwine Ale

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SALISBURY, North Carolina – Two of North Carolina’s most popular family-owned beverage companies are giving Carolinians something to ‘cheer’ about when Cheerwine Ale hits retailers’ shelves today.

Cheerwine, the iconic 106-year-old cherry soda from Salisbury, N.C., and popular Charlotte-based brewery NoDa Brewing Company’s Cheerwine Ale (5.2% ABV | 18 IBUs), is a crisp, refreshing wheat ale infused with the South’s favorite cherry soda.

“Cheerwine makes the perfect ingredient in food and beverages because its unique cherry flavor complements so many different tastes,” says Joy Ritchie Harper, vice-president of marketing for Cheerwine and fifth-generation founding family member. “For years, people have incorporated Cheerwine into barbecue sauces, cocktails, desserts and more, and now we’re adding beer to that list.”

Cheerwine Ale, which is great for craft beer novices and experts alike, is a smooth-drinking, well-balanced brew with a perfect amount of Cheerwine that doesn’t overpower the beer’s flavor. Cheerwine Ale will be part of NoDa Brewing Company’s year-round lineup.

“Cheerwine and NoDa are synonymous with North Carolina, and both our fan bases have fond memories of enjoying our beverages during their most cheerful times – from summer vacations to the holidays and all points in between,” says Jacob Virgil, director of strategic development for NoDa Brewing Company. “Similarly, Cheerwine Ale can be enjoyed year round – it’s an approachable craft beer perfect for all occasions. We’re excited to bring fans the perfect marriage of these two North Carolina staples.”

“Like Cheerwine, NoDa is an iconic Carolina original. As one of Charlotte’s first craft breweries, it’s a classic brand led by passionate people and the perfect partner to produce a Cheerwine-infused beer,” says Harper.

Cheerwine Ale, which comes in 16 oz. four-pack cans, is now available at select North Carolina retailers. It’s also available on draft at a number of Charlotte and Triangle restaurants and bars, as well as the brewery’s Charlotte and Chapel Hill taprooms.

Over the coming weeks, Cheerwine Ale will roll out in additional North Carolina retailers and throughout South Carolina.

For more information, please visit: nodabrewing.com/cheerwine.

Cheerwine: Uniquely SouthernCreated in 1917 by L.D. Peeler, Cheerwine is a one-of-a-kind soft drink with a unique cherry flavor. It is an iconic brand from Salisbury, North Carolina. Owned by the Carolina Beverage Corporation, the 106-year-old company is still privately owned and managed by the same founding family, five generations of whom have worked there. Cliff Ritchie leads Cheerwine as president and CEO. Available in supermarkets, restaurants, mass merchandisers and convenience stores in select states nationwide and cheerwine.com. For more information, follow Cheerwine on Facebook at facebook.com/cheerwine or on Twitter and Instagram @drinkcheerwine.

NoDa Brewing Company

With a collective passion for home brewing and exemplary craft beer, Suzie Ford (President & Co-Founder), Todd Ford (Vice President & Co-Founder), and Chad Henderson (Head Brewer & Co-Owner) teamed up in 2011 to create NoDa Brewing Co, a craft brewing identity that would connect to and grow alongside their beloved city of Charlotte. In 2014 NoDa Brewing Co.’s Hop Drop N Roll IPA won gold in the IPA category at the World Beer Cup, putting NoDa Brewing Co. on the map. Today you can find NoDa Brewing Co. in all major retailers, and local bars and restaurants throughout the Carolinas. For more information visit nodabrewing.com or follow them on Instagram and Twitter @nodabrewing and at facebook.com/NoDaBrewingCompany.

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Rincon Reservation Road Brewery will Celebrate 3rd Anniversary with Special New Berliner Beer Launch

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Rincon Reservation Road BrewerySan Diego, CA. – Rincon Reservation Road Brewery (3R Brewery) is celebrating its 3rd anniversary as it keeps seeing a fast growth in the craft beer universe. The brewery will present a special Berliner Weisse anniversary beer to honor its 3 years of history.

“This is a very meaningful milestone for us for so many reasons,” said Rik Mazzetti, Chairman, REDCO Board. “The number three not only represents three years of accomplishments; it is also a very special number for the indigenous population, which is why it is also part of our brand’s 3R Brewery nickname, which we’re so proud to keep building.”

3R Brewery is the first and only certified Native American owned and operated brewery on tribal land in Southern California. The company started operating in 2020 and while it is a young brand, 3R Brewery’s record of achievements clearly indicates why this craft beer brand is securing such an important position in the craft beer industry.

3R Brewery has been named one of the “12 Best New Breweries of 2021” by Hop Culture and was a recent finalist at 2022 Brewbound Pitch Slam.  Its beers can be found in North County in several big box stores, casinos, and restaurants throughout San Diego. Some of the most iconic spots where its presence is making craft beer lovers happy are the new Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, Harrah’s Resort California, Morongo, Golden Acorn, Pechanga, and even at the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park.

3R Brewery is also looking forward to being included in Disney California Adventure’s Annual Wine & Food Festival 2023, as the brand keeps enticing new customers and conquering new local and national markets. Values such as a commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the company’s cultural heritage are embedded into the brand: “Our goal is to engage people with our heritage while making quality craft beer from sustainable ingredients inspired by our culture. And we’re fortunate to see that craft beer lovers are thoroughly enjoying it,” Mr. Mazzetti added.

Along with its original Valley Center location, 3R Brewery opened a tasting room in March 2022 in Ocean Beach. “This expansion made it even easier for people in San Diego, as well as tourists, to go on a beer tasting journey into Rincon Reservation Road even if they’re not on tribal land,” the company’s Chairman further observed.

About Rincon Reservation

Known as the original Californians, the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians have prevailed for over 14,000 years. In times past, our ancestors traveled along a trail of the San Luis Rey River, that ran from its headwaters located in the Warner Hot Springs area of Palomar Mountain, to its mouth at modern day Oceanside.

For more information please visit https://www.3rbrewery.com/ourstory

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San Francisco Beer Week: Heretic Brewing, Calicraft Brewing & Hopsteiner Combine Powers to Brew Evil & Co. Triple IPA

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San Francisco BeersSAN FRANCISCO, California – Releasing February 11th at Heretic Brewing, and on February 18th at Calicraft Brewing, Evil & Co. is a boundary pushing Triple IPA brewed to celebrate SF Beer Week!

“We couldn’t be more amped to collaborate with our friends at Heretic Brewing and Hopsteiner on Evil & Co. Triple IPA. We’ve always loved the great Bay Area Triple IPAs and are extremely excited to add one to the pantheon. Just like Calicraft, Evil & Co. is experimental, progressive, and like no other.”

Thomas Vo, Brewmaster, Calicraft Brewing

“This year we introduce Evil & Co., the first of our planned annual collaboration between breweries and hop suppliers we feel share the philosophy of Heretic; Don’t drink ordinary beer. For our inaugural brew, we are partnering with Calicraft Brewing Company and Hopsteiner to bring you an 11.5% ABV Triple IPA featuring Hopflow, 17701 hops, Salvo, Lupulin Cascade, and Citra, resulting in notes of  peach, yuzu, melon, and apricot.”

In addition to releasing Evil & Co. Triple IPA for SF Beer Week, both breweries will be pouring beer at the SF Beer Week Opening Gala at 21st Amendment Brewery and Taproom in San Leandro the night of February 11th.

About the Companies

Calicraft Brewing Company was founded in 2012 in Walnut Creek, CA. Inspired by the people, places, and perspectives of California – Calicraft creates beverages that inspire people to challenge the status quo. With brews ranging from fan favorites like Cool Kidz IPA and Karl the Fog Hazy IPA, to category blurring beverages like Bloom: Untraditional ciders – Calicraft pushes the boundaries of style and taste. Calicraft – More than Beer.

Heretic Brewing Company was founded in 2010 in Fairfield, CA and have worked tirelessly to keep the industry growing and thriving, with a passion for quality craft beverages. Heretic: Don’t Drink Ordinary Beer.

For More Information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7M5du8Bpgw&feature=youtu.be

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