Beer Info

Beer News, Beer Releases and New Breweries

Archives for November 2023

The Tale of Two Maples From Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

by

LEXINGTON, Kentucky— Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, announces a second-time limited release Bourbon expression in conjunction with a third-time limited release Kentucky Bourbon Barrel-Aged Beer just in time for the holidays. Town Branch Maple Barrel Stout Finished Bourbon (SRP $69.99 / 750ml) and Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout (SRP $19.99 / 4pk Cans) are now available nationwide in limited quantities.

In late 2021, Lexington made its first release of Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout after 18-months of aging in barrels that had previously held Kentucky bourbon whiskey and then maple syrup as a second fill. This first release of the award-winning beer inspired a multi-year commission of several releases to come between beer and spirits in pursuance of the Life of the Barrel.

After decanting the inaugural batch of Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout barrels, they were quickly allocated to the distillery production team and re-filled with Town Branch Bourbon to let those barrels finish, achieving flavors of the beer alongside traditional flavors of bourbon. The blending team at Town Branch Distillery acknowledges that “Not all ex-beer barrels work for finishing bourbon, but something like a big 12% abv Imperial Maple Stout was too good to pass up the opportunity to try, especially from our own brewing team.”

Over a year later in September 2022, the first release of Town Branch Maple Barrel Stout Finished Bourbon saw about half the barrels blended and released in tandem with the second release of Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout in honor of National Bourbon Heritage Month. The result, a distinctly finished Bourbon where flavors of beer-meets-bourbon collide, all the while building upon the DNA of all the products to rest within the Life of the Barrel. The remaining bourbon barrels not emptied would continue their finishing journey for an extended period.

Skip forward to 2023 – after the Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout took home a Gold Medal “Style Winner” for Worlds Best Flavoured Stout in the 2022 World Beer Awards, the dynamic duo again would be commissioned for release. Town Branch Maple Barrel Stout Finished Bourbon will release this year, older, wiser and this time around with double the finishing time as was the previous release.

What’s next? – with a handful of bourbon barrels still resting in the projects original ex- Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout barrels and scheduled to be released in 2024 with over 3-years finishing time, the brewery has also already laid down another brew to align for release.

Brand Highlights:

Town Branch Maple Barrel Stout Finished Bourbon (SRP $69.99/750ml)

A unique expression of Town Branch Bourbon finished in freshly decanted Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout barrels to add flavors of the beer alongside traditional flavors of bourbon.

2022 Release – 1-year finishing time in barrel

2023 Release – 2-years finishing time in barrel

Mash Bill: Town Branch Bourbon, finished (72% Corn, 15% Rye, 13% Malted Barley)

ABV: 47% / 94 Proof

Estimated Availability: 2022 = 1,100 cases / 2023 = 750 cases

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Dark hue from double finishing

Aroma: Hints of roasted malt, cocoa, oak, and maple syrup

Palate: Roasted malt, cocoa, brown sugar, cherry, and vanilla

Finish: Oak, caramel, and rich maple syrup

Kentucky Maple Barrel Imperial Stout (SRP $19.99 / 4pk Cans)

A bold imperial stout brewed with brown sugar, evoking flavors of roasted malt and cocoa. This brew was aged for 18-months in freshly decanted maple syrup bourbon barrels.

Malt Types: Carapils, Chocolate, Crystal 80 and 2-Row Pale Ale

ABV: 12% / 24 Proof

Estimated Availability: November YR1 = 2,200 cs / YR2 = 2,300 cs / YR3 (current release) = 1,950 cs

Cellar Regiment:

Temperature Cellared: 42-degrees Fahrenheit

Barrel Type: Freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon Barrels

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Dark and toffee

Aroma:Caramel and sweet roasty notes

Palate: Rich and full

Finish: Sweet molasses and full

About the Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

Located in Lexington, Ky., Lexington Brewing Co. began in 1890 and was revitalized in 1999 by the late Dr. Pearse Lyons and his son Dr. Mark Lyons as Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. Dr. Pearse Lyons was a visionary Irish entrepreneur and scientist with a master’s degree in brewing and a Ph.D. in yeast fermentation. Lyons also founded Alltech, a global animal health and nutrition company. Today, both businesses are led by his son, Dr. Mark Lyons, who represents the seventh generation of the Lyons family to be in the brewing, distilling and cooperage industry. Lexington Brewing & Distilling is home to the world-renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale and Town Branch Distillery, a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Every emptied barrel is sustainably upcycled from the distillery to the brewery to produce world-class beer and spirits.

About Town Branch Distillery

Located in Lexington, Ky., Town Branch Distillery is the first new distillery to open in Lexington, Ky. since Prohibition and part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It crafts the award-winning Town Branch Bourbon, Town Branch True Cask Bourbon, Town Branch Rye, Town Branch Malt and Bluegrass Sundown, a Bourbon-infused coffee liqueur. Town Branch Bourbon plays an integral role in production, where the used barrels are upcycled to craft a range of whiskey and barrel-aged beers internally over the lifetime of each barrel, including the flagship brew, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale.

About Kentucky Barrel-Aged Beers

The Kentucky range of beers by Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail focuses on the art of barrel-aging beer as one of the largest barrel-aged beer brands in the world. With its easy access to freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon barrels and its inclusion as 1 of 18 Kentucky Bourbon Trail Distilleries (Town Branch Distillery), Lexington capitalizes on the freshness of the barrel to create a style of barrel-aged beer unlike any other brewery in America. It crafts the world-renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Imperial Milk Stout, Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale and an assortment of Kentucky Barrel-Aged Seasonal/Specialty releases.

About Alltech

Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Our diverse portfolio of products and services improves the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact. We are a global leader in the agriculture industry. Our team produces specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed and biologicals, backed by science and an unparalleled platform of services. Strengthened by more than 40 years of scientific research, we carry forward a legacy of innovation and a unique culture that views challenges through an entrepreneurial lens. As a private, family-owned company, we adapt quickly to our customers’ needs and focus on advanced innovation. We believe agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet. Our more than 5,000 talented team members worldwide share our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™. Together, we can provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources. Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, USA, Alltech serves customers in more than 120 countries, has five bioscience centers, and operates more than 80 manufacturing facilities across the globe.

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

2023 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer Winners Announced

by

CHICAGO, Illinois: The Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer (FoBAB) is North America’s largest and most distinguished barrel-aged beer festival and competition. Hosted by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, FoBAB features samples from hundreds of craft breweries and a fierce competition for hardware and bragging rights. FoBAB hosted its 20th annual festival and competition on November 3rd -4th and had hundreds of breweries participate in 12 categories. Below are the winners of the 2023 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer.

Cider/Perry/Mead
Gold: Final Act – Garagiste Meadery
Silver: Rye Barrel Aged Marion – Superstition Meadery
Bronze: Wealthy Financier – Listermann Fermatorium

Wild Beer Mixed Culture/Acidic W/Fruit
Gold: Peach Horizon – 10 Barrel West Side
Silver: Routes Du Cidre – Idyll Forest Artisan Ales
Bronze: Soiree – Idyll Forest Artisan Ales

Wild Beer Mixed Culture/Acidic
Gold: Oblivion – Wicked Weed Brewing
Silver: Cuvee De Josh – Pretentious Barrel House
Bronze: Polyflora – Brewery Bhavana

Wild Brett Beer
Gold: Oaked Val D’Or – Hidden Hand Brewery
Silver: Palace of Gold – Full Mile Beer Co. & Kitchen
Bronze: Oak Rado – Penrose Brewing Company

Specialty & Experimental Beer
Gold: Mezcal Barrel Aged Beer For Tacos – Off Color Brewing – Production
Silver: Astral Predator – Cerebral Brewing – Congress Park
Bronze: All That Was Promised – Magnanimous Brewing

Fruit Beer
Gold: Icky Bob Thornton – Haymarket Pub and Brewery
Silver: Tako Michu – 10 Barrel West Side
Bronze: Polynesian Passion – Sun King Brewery-Fishers

Other Dark Beer
Gold: Bravissimo – Firestone Walker Propagator
Silver: Orin – Half Acre
Bronze Skateboard Jesus – 10 Barrel East Side

Lagers
Gold: Dark Crator – Boulevard Brewing Company
Silver: Brewers’ Reserve Bourbon Barrel-Aged Honey Bock – Lakefront Brewery
Bronze: Barrel-Aged Generator Doppelbock – Metropolitan Brewing

Other Pale Beer
Gold: Tripel G – Belgian Style Tripel – Sketchbook Brewing Co. Skokie
Silver: Boost – HighGrain Brewing Company
Bronze: Muon – Loose Ends Brewing

Barley Wine/Wheat Wine
Gold: Moments of Silent Banter – Taproom Beer Co.
Silver: Owl of Athena – Solemn Oath Brewery
Bronze: Two Faced Terror – False Idol Brewing

Specialty Strong Porter & Stout
Gold: BBA Ego Death W Vanilla – Resident Culture Brewing
Silver: Veneration of the Dead – Ever Grain Brewing
Bronze: BA Cuppa Stuffff – Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

Strong Porter & Stout
Gold: Mehndi 2023 – More Brewing Company
Silver: Slappa Da Base – Mikerphone Brewing
Bronze: Double BA Temple of Minerva – Jackie O’s Brewery

Best of Show
Runner Up: Mehndi 2023 – More Brewing Company
Winner: Oaked Val D’Or – Hidden Hand Brewery

For more information on the 2023 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer, Click Here.

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

Bell’s Brewery to Celebrate Historic Event With 5 Great Lakes Breweries

by

COMSTOCK, Michigan— Bell’s Brewery announces the return of their 32nd annual Eccentric Day on December 1st, featuring all new elements to this fan-favorite “Bell’s Holiday.” Hosted at the brewery’s Eccentric Café in downtown Kalamazoo, the all-day celebration will showcase five new collaboration beers featuring local and regional breweries, live music, a costume contest, and an abundance of food & drinks.

Originating as the coworker holiday party over three decades ago, Eccentric Day has evolved into what is now a highly anticipated event in Southwest Michigan each year. “At its core, Eccentric Day has always been about celebrating with each other, with our community, and enjoying all that makes the craft beer community truly extraordinary,” said Carrie Yunker, Executive Vice President of Bell’s. “As we discussed plans for this year’s event, collectively, we recognized an opportunity to bring Eccentric Day back to its’ roots while at the same time bringing a renewed sense of energy to the celebration and all that it’s meant to be.”

Featuring a long history of annual Eccentric Ale releases, specialty brews are a hallmark of the event. “Guest brewers have always been an integral part of Eccentric Day, but with five collaborating breweries this year, we’re doubling down and ensuring that the beer is the star of the show,” said Bell’s Brewmaster, Andy Farrell. In partnership with3 Floyds Brewing, Upper Hand Brewery, Brewery Vivant alongside Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits, One Well Brewing, and Wax Wings Brewing Co, Eccentric Day will mark the release of five beers on draft, with two available in package.

The five collaboration beers that will be available are:

  • 3 Floyds Brewing’s Ale – 7.0%, available on draft and in 6-pk 12oz bottles at Bell’s General Store
  • Brewery Vivant & Broad Leaf’s Pineapple Kiwi Saison – 5% ABV, available on draft
  • One Well Brewing’s Blueberry Thai Basil Porter – 6.66% ABV, available on draft
  • Wax Wings Brewing Co.’s New England Double IPA – 10% ABV, available on draft
  • Upper Hand Brewery’s Barrel Aged Sour – 12.7% ABV, available on draft and in 750ml bottles at Bell’s General Store

“Inviting these incredibly talented brewers in to collaborate on recipes, share a brew day together, and ultimately create something that our communities love is one of the greatest parts of Eccentric Day every year. Being able to do that with these partners from our regional brewing community this year is incredibly exciting for us all,” said Farrell.

In addition to partnering with the guest breweries on collaboration beers, Bell’s is furthering support within the community by donating $15,000 towards community-based nonprofit organizations. The donation will be a combination of supporting nonprofit organizations of the guest breweries’ choice, as well as a $5000 donation to Communities in Schools of Kalamazoo to provide winter apparel for children in need. “Eccentric Day has grown each year as a direct result of support from our local community. It’s always been important to us to give back to the community, so expanding that support to organizations of our collaborating breweries’ choosing only made sense,” said Carrie Yunker. “We’re looking forward to working together to select organizations doing impactful and important work in our communities.”

Eccentric Day attendees must be 21 or older and must have a valid ID to enter. Admission is free. Attendees are invited to come in costume, as Bell’s will be hosting a costume contest on site, offering prizes such as a behind the scenes tour of Bell’s Comstock facility, alongside a beer paired dinner by Bell’s Executive Chef Kristofer McDonough. The event will also feature live entertainment by returning act Andrew Rathbun Jazz Band, Run 4 Cover, and Kalamazoo DJ.

About Bell’s Brewery

Bell’s Brewery began in 1985 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with Larry Bell, a quest for better beer and a 15-gallon soup kettle. Since then, Bell’s has grown into one of the largest craft breweries in America, thanks to its iconic brands such as Two Hearted IPA, Oberon Ale and Hopslam Ale. Bell’s believes that business – and beer – can be powerful tools to renew our trust not only in each other, but the world around us. Bell’s ‘Inspired Brewing’ philosophy represents our collective responsibility to create meaningful change by resourcing responsibly as stewards of our environment, by re-igniting and celebrating our distinct senses of creativity, and by re-energizing the common belief we can come together to make good on the promise of a more prosperous future for all.

Bell’s distributes its best-in-class beer nationwide, in addition to Puerto Rico. It currently brews more than 20 beers for distribution out of its Comstock, Michigan brewery as well as many small-batch beers that are served at the Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.