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Archives for December 2023

Prost Brewing Co. Celebrates Northglenn Biergarten Grand Opening on Jan. 4

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DENVER, Colorado – Award-winning Colorado craft brewery Prost Brewing Co. will celebrate the Grand Opening of its Northglenn Biergarten on Thursday, Jan. 4. The Northglenn Biergarten, Prost’s fourth biergarten in Colorado, is a 10,000 sq. ft. community gathering space focused on elevated German cuisine and world-class biers. It’s the first portion of Prost’s new, nearly 60,000 sq. ft. production headquarters to open.

“Prost is about bringing good bier and good food to good people,” says Prost President David Deline. “With the opening of our Northglenn Biergarten, we’re excited to bring authentic German bier culture to more people across Colorado. This biergarten elevates traditional German cuisine in a new way and has the same modern and welcoming atmosphere that you can expect from Prost.“

German inspired and Colorado crafted, Prost’s Northglenn Biergarten features counter service for lunch and dinner. A curated menu of traditional German fare includes a sharable sausage board with sauerkraut and mustard, authentic pretzels from Colorado-based XLVII’s Bakery served with fontina fondue and German mustard, and bratwurst sausages cooked in Prost’s crisp and toasty Vienna Lager. Pair any dish with the Prost Pils, which recently took home a silver medal at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival in the German-Style Pilsner category.

The biergarten’s welcoming atmosphere blends traditional German elements like bench seating with modern industrial design. The biergarten and its activity-based outdoor venue have been thoughtfully designed to host a range of experiences, from private gatherings and family get-togethers to casual steins at the bar.

“Hospitality was the driving force behind this biergarten,” says Deline. “Our vision is a space that is welcoming and accessible for the community to get an authentic taste of Germany right here in Colorado.”

Before heading to the lawn for games or catching a live performance on the outdoor stage, guests should stop at one of the several viewing areas in the biergarten to sneak a peek at the progress on Prost’s buildout of its new, state-of-the-art production brewery. A self-guided tour outlines the brewing process and Prost’s meaningful approach to honoring German brewing traditions, from sourcing high quality ingredients to brewing authentic, classic styles. Prost will begin production at the Northglenn brewery early next year, bringing traditional German brewing techniques to life with modern brewing technology.

Join us for the Grand Opening of Prost Brewing Co.’s Northglenn Biergarten on Jan. 4 at 351 West 104th Avenue. A soft opening will run daily beginning Dec. 20. The Northglenn Biergarten is open for lunch and dinner service Monday-Thursday 2-10 pm, Friday-Saturday 11 am-11 pm, and Sunday 11 am-9 pm.

About Prost

Prost Brewing Co. is a Colorado craft brewery focused on building community and honoring German brewing traditions. Prost’s award-winning biergarten-style biers are brewed authentically with sustainably sourced German-grown hops and malts that are hand-selected for quality. Brewed with state-of-the-art precision, Prost’s lineup of German inspired, Colorado crafted biers are clear, refined and approachable, yet layered with complexity. To drink like a German, join us for a Prost Pils at one of our four destination biergartens throughout Colorado or find us at a craft beer retailer near you.

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StormBreaker Brewing Announces Fragile, a New Italian Style Pilsner

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PORTLAND, Oregon— StormBreaker Brewing, the award-winning Portland, OR brewery, has announced a new holiday-themed beer, Fragile (pronounced Fra-Gee-Lay), an Italian-style pilsner. Fragile will be released in 16oz. cans on December 15th, with a special release party happening in conjunction with the brewery’s Ugly Sweater Parties at both its St. Johns and Mississippi Ave locations on December 21st.

Fragile is brewed with Ariana, Mittelfrueh, and Tettnang hops, which together produce a crisp, easy-drinking pilsner packed with fresh herbal, grassy notes and a hint of fruitiness. While many people gravitate to dark and heavy beers during the holidays, Fragile comes in at an ABV of 5.2%, providing a lighter, lower-ABV alternative to the influx of darker, heavier beers traditionally available during the holidays.

“Fragile pays homage to one of our favorite holiday movies, A Christmas Story,” stated Rob Lutz, StormBreaker Brewing’s brewmaster and co-owner. “We love finding new ways to honor our favorite holiday traditions while also creating new ones, which is why we decided to brew a light Italian-style pilsner that is perfect for all types of beer drinkers.”

StormBreaker Brewing will feature Fragile during its Ugly Sweater Parties on Thursday, December 21st. These Parties not only give guests an opportunity to get their hands on this limited beer, but also a chance to celebrate the upcoming holidays with their best holiday flair. Guests who wear and take a picture in their ugly sweaters will:

  • Be entered to win a $25 gift card to StormBreaker Brewing, redeemable at all StormBreaker locations.
  • Receive 10% off pints.
  • Receive Buy One, Get One discounts on select four packs of beer to-go.

A special holiday-themed cocktail and mocktail menu will be available featuring concoctions like:

  • Apple Mocktini – made with an apple reduction, ginger, lemon, orange juice, cardamom, and walnut bitters with a dash of cinnamon and garnished with a dried apple slice. This mocktail is available at both the Mississippi Street and St. John’s locations.
  • Who You Calling Ugly-Cranberry Rosemary French 75 – made with gin, lemon, cranberry, rosemary simple syrup, and sparkling wine. Garnished with a fresh cranberry and toasted rosemary. Available only at the Mississippi Street location.
  • Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer- a cocktail made with tequila, lime, apple reduction, ginger, orange juice, walnut, and cardamom bitters, with a dash of cinnamon. Shaken and served over ice, garnished with a sugar rim and a dry apple slice. Available only at the St. John’s location.

StormBreaker Brewing will also debut its new non-alcoholic option, New Element, a grapefruit sparkling water made in-house with fresh grapefruit, orange, and lemon juices – and no sweeteners.

“We are excited to roll out our new holiday-inspired cocktail and mocktail menu just in time for our Ugly Sweater Parties,” continued Lutz. “Being able to provide a range of different drink options beyond beer has always been something we’ve focused on. Our goal is to make StormBreaker a welcoming place for everyone, regardless of whether they consume alcohol or not. Our team had a lot of fun brainstorming new flavor combinations that embody the spirit of the holiday season.”

Fragile (Fra-Gee-Lay) will be available on draft and in cans to-go at all StormBreaker locations: Mississippi Ave., St. John’s, and the Beer Cart at The Yard in Montavilla.

About StormBreaker Brewing

StormBreaker Brewing is an award-winning craft brewery co-founded in Portland, Oregon by Dan Malech and Rob Lutz in 2014. The brewery focuses on a wide range of craft beer and specialty craft cocktails and mocktails in two distinct locations, and strives to constantly produce innovative and high quality offerings. And don’t forget about the StormerBreaker Beer Cart located inside The Yard at Montavilla at NE 82nd and Davis, serving up beer, wine, cider and cocktails available onsite or to go.

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Modern Times Releases Visible Ink Espresso Macaroon Stout

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SAN DIEGO, California— Modern Times Beer announces the release of its newest seasonal beer, Visible Ink Espresso Macaroon Stout.

Visible Ink is an exquisite Espresso Macaroon Stout brewed with an expertly crafted grain bill for roasty and complex flavor. The addition of toasted coconut flakes, vanilla, and Modern Times’ house-roasted Idea Machine coffee makes it a true winter delight with toasted biscuit, coffee, and caramel aroma.

“We created this beer as an ode to our Monsters’ Park Imperial Stout, but at an easy-drinking 6.0% ABV,” said Justin Holmes, New Projects Manager. “Expect waves of coconut and coffee to grace your tasting palate, ending in a miraculous symphony of dark beer perfection.”

Find Visible Ink now on draft and to-go in 4-pack 16oz cans at Modern Times taprooms in Point Loma, North Park, and Encinitas, and coming soon to shelves at fine retailers.

About Modern Times Beer

Founded in 2013, Modern Times Beer is an intrepid cadre of brewers, coffee roasters, culinary wizards, creative powerhouses, and beer-slingers. MT is based in San Diego with its production brewery, roastery, and tasting room in Point Loma, tasting room in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, and restaurant/tasting room in Encinitas. Modern Times Beer is distributed throughout California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii, Texas, and Washington. In 2022, Modern Times Beer + Coffee joined Craft ‘Ohana, a family of beverage brands including Maui Brewing Co, Maui Hard Seltzer, and Kupu Spirits.

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AleSmith Extends Non-Alcoholic Lineup With New NA Speedway

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SAN DIEGO, California— AleSmith Brewing Company is excited to announce the introduction of Non-Alcoholic Speedway, a dark brew based off the brewery’s legacy iconic Speedway Stout. Following the successful release of their Non-Alcoholic IPA, AleSmith is thrilled to expand their non-alcoholic offerings with this new addition.

Non-Alcoholic Speedway is a dark brew with coffee less than 0.5% ABV that offers the same bold flavor and complexity as the beloved Speedway Stout, featuring notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and roasted malts. Crafted with the highest quality ingredients, Non-Alcoholic Speedway provides a tasteful experience, without the alcohol.

The inspiration behind creating a non-alcoholic beer came from the changing consumer preferences observed by AleSmith. With an increasing demand for non-alcoholic options in their Tasting Room, the brewery wanted to cater to those guests while maintaining the essence of a craft beer. The feedback received from customers and industry peers has been overwhelmingly positive. Their Non-Alcoholic IPA also received recognition this year through awards, including a Bronze at the California Craft Brewers Cup and a Silver at the San Diego Beer News Awards.

While the Non-Alcoholic Speedway and IPA have been well-received, AleSmith is committed to developing even more non-alcoholic options. Test batches are currently underway at the brewery, with plans to introduce a seasonal non-alcoholic beer in the second half of 2024. Additionally, AleSmith has already experimented with other non-alcoholic creations, including a hop water infused with Nelson Sauvin hops, which is now available on tap in their Tasting Room.

Non-Alcoholic Speedway 6-packs are starting to hit shelves now throughout California, Arizona, Minnesota, Ohio, and other states where AleSmith is distributed. Consumers can find Non-Alcoholic Speedway at select retailers and locations that carry AleSmith products. Non-Alcoholic Speedway is also available to purchase on the AleSmith online store with shipping available to 42 states.

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Get Your “K*t” Together with Kit NA Brewing: The Ultimate Dry January Experience

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PORTLAND, Maine— Kit NA Brewing, a non-alcoholic beer company celebrating inclusivity and connection, is working this season to assist resolutioners and Dry January participants to get their proverbial “K*t” together. Now through January 2024, with a unique and inspirational Dry January experience that breaks away from the traditional, Kit NA Brewing redefines Dry January and makes it a month of holistic wellbeing, fun, and charity with a limited edition “Kit,” available at kitna.beer.

While many embark on Dry January to detox and rejuvenate, Kit NA Brewing is taking it up a notch with a special package that’s bound to get everyone excited. Dubbed the “K*t”, this exclusive Dry January offer is available to consumers who donate through the brand’s website throughout January and while supplies last. All proceeds will go to Kit NA’s Mental Health Organization Partner, Sound Mind Live, fostering awareness, conversation, and community around mental health through the power of music.

“While Get Your K*T Together is all about being yourself, Kit NA Brewing is also committed to educating the masses about the non-alcoholic fun to be had,” shares Will Fisher, Co-Founder of Kit NA Brewing. “Throughout December and January, we’ll have Kit’s that help make the Dry January experience one to celebrate and remember, all the while giving back to an important cause and raising awareness for mental health”

Get Your “K*t” Together is not just a slogan; it’s a movement. Kit NA Brewing encourages everyone, whether you’re a seasoned Dry January participant or new to the concept, to join this revolution of self-improvement and make a difference. Enjoy great non-alcoholic beer, inspire yourself with motivational messages, and support a worthy cause. Get Your K*t Together with Kit NA Brewing this Dry January!

About Kit NA Brewing

Kit NA Brewing, founded in 2021 by co-founders Rob Barrett and Will Fisher, is a non-alcoholic brewery that enables consumers to have a beer that is true to them. Their dedication to creating exceptional NA beer has earned them worldwide recognition and numerous awards. Kit NA Brewing’s mission is to provide high-quality craft beer without the buzz, allowing individuals to enjoy a true craft beer experience without compromise.

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Urban South Brewery Introduces Driftee, the Newest THC Seltzer

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NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — Urban South Brewery, a trailblazer in the craft beverage industry, is thrilled to announce its latest innovation, Driftee—a non-alcoholic, Delta-9 THC seltzer that is set to take Louisiana’s craft beverage scene to new heights.

Driftee offers a unique blend of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC in a sparkling seltzer form. This guilt-free formula contains zero carbs, calories, or sugar and is available in three enticing flavors—Lemon Lavender, Tangerine Ginger, and Grapefruit. This exciting new beverage option joins Urban South Brewery’s renowned product lineup, which includes favorites such as Paradise Park American Lager, Holy Roller Hazy IPA, Juvie Juice, and a variety of hard seltzers.

Urban South Brewery, known for its local and global acclaim, is proud to produce and package Driftee in Louisiana. This strategic move not only reflects the brewery’s commitment to supporting the local economy, but also sets a precedent for production within the state.

The brewery has entered into a partnership with Wines Unlimited, a leading beverage distributor, to ensure that Driftee reaches every corner of Louisiana. Consumers can find Driftee at major grocery chains, including the popular Rouses, making it immediately accessible to a wide audience.

“At Urban South, we’re always pushing boundaries, and Driftee is a testament to our commitment to innovation,” said Jacob Landry, Founder of Urban South Brewery. “Driftee isn’t just a beverage; it’s an experience. Crafting this THC-infused seltzer has been a labor of love, and we’re proud to bring something different to the communities we serve.”

As one of only two THC seltzers produced in Louisiana, Urban South Brewery is not just launching a seltzer, but solidifying its reputation as the craft beverage pioneers of the South.

About Urban South Brewery

Founded in 2016, award-winning Urban South Brewery has established itself as one of the leading Southern regional craft breweries. From its original New Orleans taproom, to its satellite location in Texas – Urban South – HTX, to its recently acquired Perfect Plain Brewing Co. in Pensacola, Florida, the brewery produces high-quality, affordable beers that are easy to drink and a great way to enhance any occasion. Known for its flagship Paradise Park American Lager and Holy Roller IPA, fruited sours and hard seltzers, recent accolades include: 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship (Gold and Bronze), 2021 Can Can Awards (Gold and Bronze, 2020 U.S. Open Beverage Championship (Silver) and 2020 Great American Beer Festival (Gold). Urban South prides itself on being a strong community partner with a belief that beer is a family affair.

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The 2023 Year in Beer

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Boulder, Colorado — As 2023 draws to a close, the Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers—recaps a year that proved challenging for many small and independent brewers facing a mature, competitive marketplace. Its midyear survey indicated a production dip, with all signs pointing to production being down in 2023, the first time outside of a unique 2020 that independent brewers have seen such a decline. Craft’s challenges come in the context of a slow-growth environment for all beer. Pricing, demographics, and marketing/branding continue to be factors in beer’s continued share loss within beverage alcohol.

“While many individual businesses are struggling, there is good news in the continued overall popularity of the category. Yes, things are more challenging, but independent brewers still sell more than one out of eight beers in the United States; beer drinkers spend roughly one out of four of their beer dollars on a beer from a small and independent brewer; and the industry remains a source of jobs and community across the country,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association.

Federally and on the state level, the Brewers Association continued its work to ensure small brewers have equitable access to markets, fair tax rates, and sensible regulations. The Brewers Association prioritized working closely with state guilds nationwide to modernize outdated laws and regulations, with efforts supporting shipping craft beer directly to consumers, beer franchise law reform, and self-distribution authorization for small and independent craft brewers.

“While the Brewers Association, along with state guilds, will continue to fight for additional market access in areas such as direct-to-consumer shipping, many of craft’s current challenges will require new strategies to reach new and existing customers in new occasions with new flavors and innovations,” said Watson. “To grow in 2024, small brewers can work to take share within the same pie or grow the pie in new ways.”

Supply chain issues moderated somewhat in 2023, but climate change and persisting disruptions challenged brewers throughout the year. Climatic stresses affected the two primary agricultural inputs in brewing: barley and hops. The 2023 North American barley harvest was larger than in 2022 but still below the five-year average. Barley quality issues persisted, particularly in the Canadian prairie provinces and parts of Montana, where precipitation remained below average and temperatures stayed above normal. In the U.S., hop acreage strung for harvest decreased due to the large volume of hops in inventory, but growing conditions produced above-average yields in most varieties. Climatic conditions continued to be challenging in Europe, with the quantity of hops harvested remaining well below average. The supply of CO2 stabilized somewhat, but spot shortages continued to affect some regions.

View the complete 2023 Year in Beer report.

For a deeper dive into 2023 and predictions for 2024, Brewers Association members are invited to attend the “Ten Points and Predictions for 2024” webinar on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 10:00 a.m. MT with chief economist Bart Watson. Register here.

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Migration Brewing Announces Barrel Aged Frankie Stout Release

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PORTLAND, Oregon – Migration Brewing will be releasing its popular barrel aged Frankie Imperial Stout to the local market for the 2023 holiday season. This popular winter warmer recently won a silver medal at the 2022 Oregon Beer Awards and has been aged 12 months in American Whiskey Barrels from local distillery Westward. The beer will be available in 500ml bottles at local specialty shops around the Portland metro area starting in late November. The beer will also be available on draft and in bottles at all Migration pubs.

“This is always one of our favorite collaborations. We’ve had the pleasure to work with Westward over the past 5 years and this is the latest iteration of our partnership,” said Mike Branes, Co-Founder and Head Brewer at Migration Brewing. “We’ve been making Frankie Stout for over 10 years now and it’s developed a cult following at our pubs. We consider this to be our premier brand, and we really enjoy providing a limited release to some of our favorite beer shops,” notes Branes.

Frankie Imperial Stout is brewed to be a complex, yet smooth drinking wintertime favorite. The 2023 Frankie has huge flavors of roast, chocolate and dried fruits coming from a unique combination of an expressive English ale yeast and an American yeast used during fermentation. Frankie exhibits deep aromas of dried cherry, fruit and Belgian chocolate, and is deceptively easy to drink. Made with high-end cocoa powder exclusively from Valrhona, a premier French chocolatier, as well as cacao nibs from TCHO, an artisanal chocolate maker in San Francisco, this year’s Frankie is a truly unique offering.

About Migration Brewing

Migration Brewing started in 2010 when four friends came together over a passion for craft beer and a dream of opening a brewpub. With a lot of bootstrapping and a little luck, they have since opened four pub locations within Portland. As an award-winning brewery, the Migration team takes great pride in producing world-class beers that embrace innovation while respecting classic styles.

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Introducing East Brother Beer Co.’s Holiday Series

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RICHMOND, California – As the holiday season approaches, East Brother is excited to announce a special addition to the festive cheer: our limited-edition Barrel-Aged Series. This series introduces two meticulously crafted barrel-aged beers – the Russian Imperial Stout and the Belgian Tripel. The Barrel-Aged Series is our ode to the brewers of yesteryear, a nod to the artisans who believed that time and patience were ingredients just as crucial as malt and yeast. Each has been aged for an entire year in carefully selected bourbon barrels, embodying a commitment to quality and tradition.

This release is not just about introducing two exceptional beers; it’s about embracing the spirit of the holidays. This is a time that people seek out unique, memorable experiences and gifts. Our Barrel-Aged Series offers just that – a rare and thoughtful present for beer lovers and a delightful addition to holiday gatherings. In a year where many are seeking comfort in the familiar, we’re bringing a touch of the extraordinary to the table.

About the Barrel-Aged Beers:

Barrel-Aged Russian Imperial Stout (11.7% ABV): Bold and dark, this stout weaves together flavors of dark cacao, coffee, toasted oak and bourbon. It’s a complex narrative in a glass, perfect for savoring during those long winter nights.

Barrel-Aged Belgian Tripel (10.3% ABV): This beer combines the timeless Belgian yeast character with notes of vanilla, oak and sweet cacao, enriched by the bourbon barrel’s embrace. It’s a smooth sipper, ideal for toasting the year’s end, and celebrating new beginnings ahead.

Each Holiday Gift Box, priced at $45, is a curated experience of our Barrel-Aged Series. You can choose between a box featuring two 16oz cans of the Barrel-Aged Russian Imperial Stout, or the Barrel-Aged Belgian Tripel, accompanied by a seasonal-themed commemorative glass. These boxes make the perfect holiday gift, offering a taste of our year-long journey in brewing, wrapped up in a package ideal for sharing with friends, family, or savoring yourself.

Don’t miss out! Visit East Brother Beer Co at eastbrotherbeer.com/drinkbarrelaged to secure your share. Available for pickup starting December 15th. Join us in toasting the holidays with a glass of something extraordinary. Here’s to good beer, good company, and the enduring spirit of craftsmanship.

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Living The Dream Brewing To Relocate To Sterling Ranch And Highlands Ranch Locations

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LITTLETON, Colorado— After nine years in its current location, Living The Dream Brewing is moving into two new locations in the area that will accommodate their expanding customer base and staff and build capacity for the Littleton craft brewery’s increasing beer production. The move will be complete by January 2024.

The Living The Dream Brewing brewery and taproom will be relocated to 9150 Commerce Center Cir #300 in Highlands Ranch in mid-January, shortly after Living The Dream begins taproom operations at its second location in The Sterling Center in Sterling Ranch at 8155 Piney River Ave, Littleton, CO 80125.

“Littleton and Highlands Ranch are home base for us, and it was critical for us that we stay in the area,” says Living The Dream Founder Jason Bell. “We’ve been searching for a new space for a while now, looking for more seating, parking, and overall accessibility. We want to make our customers more comfortable and create opportunities for our growing staff.”

Living The Dream’s new Highlands Ranch location is more accessible to foot traffic, with more indoor seating and brewing capacity than the brewery currently occupies.

Guests can sign up for the brewery newsletter for the most up-to-date information on its migration to Highlands Ranch and Sterling Ranch.

Media can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com for more information about Living The Dream Brewing Co.

ABOUT LIVING THE DREAM BREWING

Since its founding in 2018, Living the Dream Brewing Co. has been a labor of love for owners Jason and Lisa Bell, who turned their passion for craft beer into a thriving community hub in Littleton, Colorado. Each day begins with the hum of the brewhouse, where the team perfects recipes that blend bold flavors with local spirit. The taproom pulses with friends sharing stories over IPAs and stouts, a testament to the Bells’ vision of quality and connection. For Jason and Lisa, living the dream means crafting exceptional brews while fostering a space where every pour feels like a celebration.

Visit Living The Dream online at livingthedreambrewing.com.

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