BEER RELEASE: New Belgium Mighty Arrow Spring Seasonal
MIGHTY ARROW RETURNS AS NEW BELGIUM’S SPRING SEASONAL
Ft. Collins, Colorado, February 4, 2010 – New Belgium Brewing announced that the “dog days of spring” have begun as Mighty Arrow Pale Ale returns for its second year as the brewery’s spring seasonal. Created as a tribute to the beloved pet of New Belgium Brewing’s CEO Kim Jordan, Arrow was an Aussie/Border Collie mix that literally “ran” New Belgium for 12 years.
Mighty Arrow cuts its own course through heightened hop aroma and flavor. It provides pleasurable aromas from Cascade and Amarillo hops with a honey malt base. Staying true to the American style of pale ale, Mighty Arrow has a clear golden color, six percent alcohol by volume and 35 IBU’s.
“Mighty Arrow did well last year and we’re pleased to bring it back,” says Assistant Brewmaster Grady Hull. “It offers citrus and floral tones, both of which are appreciated during the spring warm-up months.”
Mighty Arrow retails for approximately $7.99 and will be available in most New Belgium markets. To learn more about the New Belgium Brewing portfolio, visit the website at http://www.newbelgium.com.
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces eight year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.
BEER EVENT: Legend Brewing Company Turns 16
It’s Anniversary Party time. Legend Turns Sweet 16!
For those of you at the last Anniverary Party, we hope to make this year just as great. You’ll see the return of your favorite bands, great food and of course your favorite Legend Beverages. Sunday, February 21st from 3:00 till 9:00. So mark your calendars NOW and don’t miss out.
Visit Legend Brewing’s Website http://www.legendbrewing.com/
About:
Legend Brewing Company is a commercial microbrewery providing true premium beers to many of the best pubs and restaurants in Richmond and other areas of Virginia since January, 1994. Our mission is to bring to our customers the finest and freshest brews as flavorful alternatives to mass-marketed mainstream products. We’re one of the few craft breweries in this region producing both lagers and ales, which require different yeasts and maturation conditions. All Legend beers are unpasteurized and made from only two-row and specialty barley malt, hops, water and yeast.
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BEER LAW: Latest update on Colorado Grocery Store Liquor Law – HB 1279
New Fair, Common Sense Approach to Colorado’s Liquor Laws
House Bill 1279 would enable liquor stores to sell to their businesses to grocers
(please share your comments)
DENVER—A bill was introduced in the Colorado State Legislature on February 5th that would allow some neighborhood grocery stores to sell beer, wine and spirits by purchasing a retail liquor license and the business from an existing liquor store.
The primary sponsor of House Bill 1279 is Representative Liane “Buffie” McFadyen (D-Pueblo West), Speaker Pro Tempore of the House. Assistant Minority Leader Representative David Balmer (R-Aurora), Representative Edward Casso (D-Commerce City), and Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder) are co-sponsors. The primary Senate sponsor is Majority Caucus Chair Senator Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora).
Rep. McFadyen explained, “Colorado customers will see increased convenience as a result of this legislation, benefiting from one-stop shopping while continuing to enjoy a broad selection of beer, wine and spirits at their choice of liquor retailers.”
Under the proposal, individual liquor store owners will have the freedom to continue to operate their stores or to negotiate with grocery stores to sell their business. The proposal makes liquor licenses more valuable to those who have them and provides reasonable protection against competition for retail liquor store owners.
Negotiations between liquor stores and grocery stores will determine the fair value of a liquor license while local governments will maintain their authority to approve the transfer of any license.
The legislation includes reasonable protections for liquor store owners to prevent grocery stores from competing with nearby “on the property” retail liquor stores. Grocery stores would not be able to purchase a liquor license within the licensing jurisdiction if an existing retail liquor store is within 1,000 feet of the grocery store.
“This proposal protects small businesses because individual liquor stores can either choose to sell their business to their neighborhood grocery store or choose to maintain to current status quo without new competitors,” said Diane Mulligan, spokesperson for Fair Markets Colorado, a coalition that supports House Bill 1279.
State and local government would remain involved with the liquor license approval and enforcement process in the same manner as today. The transfer would be subject to a new transfer and application fee ($3,000 to the state and $3,000 to the local authority) to the state and local jurisdiction granting approval. These fees will create new revenue for state and local government for either the administration and enforcement costs or some other designated program.
House Bill 1279 is expected to be heard by the House Business Affairs and Labor committee later this month.
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Fair Markets Colorado is a coalition of Coloradans who support the new, common sense bill that would allow some grocery stores to sell liquor by purchasing a retail liquor license from an existing liquor stores. This is a safe, convenient, and free-market approach to the retail sale of liquor in Colorado. For more information, please visit www.FairMarketsColorado.org.
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BEER LAW Additional State by State information
BEER LAW pending legislation to allow full-strength beer sales in supermarkets
PR: GRITTY MCDUFF’S 2009 GROWTH IN DRAFT SALES, NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, AND NATIONAL INTEREST BODE WELL FOR 2010 PROSPECTS
GRITTY MCDUFF’S 2009 GROWTH IN DRAFT SALES, NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, AND NATIONAL INTEREST BODE WELL FOR 2010 PROSPECTS
Portland, Maine – Gritty McDuff’s (www.grittys.com) has kicked off the new year with attention from Imbibe magazine, a leading, national trade publication for drink professionals, and noteworthy growth reports for 2009.
The company’s strategic alliances and local regional and national coverage earned in 2009 are just one indicator of continued business success in 2010. Thomas Wilson, Gritty’s director of marketing, reports that sales of Gritty’s draft beers, sold in the company’s three Maine pubs and in restaurants and bars throughout New England, were up 15 percent in 2009, and the company plans to focus on increasing exposure and sales in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire this year. In addition, Gritty’s Red Claws Ale, introduced in 2009 in honor of the Maine Red Claws NBA Development League team, is the number one seller during Red Claws games at the Portland Expo.
The January issue of Imbibe calls Portland one of America’s “emerging beer meccas,” and names local bars, pubs, breweries and stores that have put the city on the beverage map. Gritty’s was named one of six breweries and brewpubs to earn a spot on the magazine’s guide to Portland, called “an up-and-coming beer city,” alongside other Portland favorites including Novare Res Bier Cafe and Shipyard Brewing Company.
“We already know that Portland is an important beer city and produces some fantastic beer selections,” said Thomas Wilson, Gritty McDuff’s director of marketing. “It’s really satisfying for the national beverage publications to be increasingly giving the city the spotlight it deserves. We’re proud to be a part of bringing attention to our ‘corner of the beer world.’”
The Imbibe coverage caps off a year of local, regional and national attention for Gritty’s. In April, Forbes.com writer Zack O’Malley Greenburg singled out the small-batch ales and ambiance offered at Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Company as just one of the many good reasons Portland was selected as America’s Most Livable City. In addition, Gritty’s was among seven beers selected by Santé magazine for inclusion in the New England Beer section of its Spirits Review.
Gritty’s also made headlines in business outlets when it entered into a groundbreaking sponsorship agreement with The Maine Red Claws (www.maineredclaws.com), the NBA Development League’s team for the Boston Celtics and the Charlotte Bobcats. Gritty’s is producing the team’s official beer, “Red Claws Ale,” for sale throughout Maine – and proving to be a sell-out item at Maine Red Claws games.
Most recently, New England Cable News covered the Maine Red Claws-Gritty McDuff’s teaming (“Red Claws Brand Proves to Be a Slam Dunk”; http://tinyurl.com/ydjh5n8). Additionally, CNBC recently aired a story about the growing popularity of D-League NBA teams (“NBA D-League on the Rise”; http://tinyurl.com/yb4xg9j), and Darren Rovell, CNBC sports business reporter, praised the team for connecting with its target audience by strategically finding the right home city and generating one of its most creative team sponsorship deals with Gritty McDuff’s. The brewing company’s sponsorship success also was picked up by Yahoo! Sports, DRAFT magazine, and Beverage
Industry News.
It was also a year of cycling and community involvement for Gritty’s. Gritty’s was named the official beer of The Dempsey Challenge (www.dempseychallenge.org), an event that benefited The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing. According to Wilson, Gritty’s plans to continue its support of the Dempsey Challenge and is planning increased involvement with the event in 2010. The Gritty’s Cycling Team also pedaled in the 25th anniversary “Trek Across Maine” in 2009, and raised and donated more than $18,000 to the American Lung Association of Maine. In addition, Gritty’s three Maine pubs hosted numerous fundraising and social events for important charitable and professional organizations, including the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine, Young Professionals Organization, the Good Shepherd Food Bank and many more organizations.
About Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Company
Since its founding in 1988, Gritty McDuff’s, Maine’s first brew pub since Prohibition, has brewed creative, quality beers that have earned awards ranging from repeat First Place wins at the annual Real Ale Festival in Chicago, to its most recent award: a silver medal at the prestigious 2007 Great British Beer Festival for Gritty’s cask-conditioned version of the 21 IPA. Gritty’s Brew Pubs also have frequently won in statewide polls the titles of “Maine’s Best Brew Pub,” “Best Maine Microbrew,” and “Best Bar.”
In addition to brewing, Gritty McDuff’s operates three popular brew pubs in Maine. Located in Portland, Freeport and Lewiston/Auburn, the locations draw crowds of all ages. Known for their four seasonal ales and five year-round ales, tempting pub fare and welcoming atmosphere, Gritty’s pubs have been named an Editor’s Pick by Condé Nast Traveler, highlighted as “a legend among New England brewpubs” by The Boston Globe, and cited by Playboy.com as one of the best bars in America. Gritty’s has earned numerous accolades from a wide variety of beer blogs and industry press outlets, as well, including Every Day with Rachael Ray, Forbes.com, DRAFT magazine, Cosmopolitan, Imbibe and Santé.
Brew Review: Allagash Curieux
Allagash Curieux
Abbey Tripel
11% ABV
From Allagash: “In October of 2004, we released the first beer in our series of Barrel Aged beers, Allagash Curieux. To make the Curieux (French for “curious”), we age our Tripel Ale in Jim Beam barrels for 8 weeks in our cellar. During the aging process in bourbon barrels, the beer is totally transformed, and many new flavors and aromas develop. Most notably, the beer picks up soft coconut and vanilla characteristics…and also a hint of bourbon flavor!”
The Curieux pours with a light amber hue with brilliant clarity crowned by a healthy white frothy head with decent retention. Head subsides leaving a very nice rich ring of lacing behind with excellent retention. Body remains a light amber with almost no activity. A secondary pour reveals a hazy body from the sediment remaining in the bottle.
The aroma immediately gives a swift hit of doughy lemony yeast that caught our attention. Beyond the dough, a light woody oak aroma started to take over. Following that, the alcohol quickly became dominant creating a slight burn to the nose. The aroma was inviting, but not over-powering.
The initial taste has a mellow sweetness that resonates with subtle vanilla. The alcohol presence of a tripel has been stripped away by the barrel-aging, leaving a very smooth finish in its place. There is a slight bit of bitterness at the end, almost sour.
The Curieux drinks very smoothly leaving an oily film on our mouths. It was so smooth and well-balanced. We knew that there was alcohol (from the bourbon-barrel presence), but it was well masked with the malt-rich body. After it settled, a drying but sticky wood-like presence was left on our tongues.
Overall, this was a very delicious beer. The bourbon presence is noticeable but not overwhelming. The smoothness and drinkability makes this beer very scary – because it will sneak up on you. If you are expecting a fruity, banana-esque Belgian triple, then you might be sad, but take a moment and appreciate the smooth, sweet Curieux.
Score:
Aroma: 8/10
Appearance: 3/5
Taste: 7/10
Finish: 4/5
Overall: 22/30
Belgian Beer Dinner at Prezo Grille and Bar in Milford
Belgian Beer Dinner at Prezo Grille with special Guest – Dan Paquette.
Get your tickets for a beer dinner on January 24 th at 5PM with Dan Paquette from Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project. We will be doing 4 out of the 7 Trappist ales. You do not want to miss this one!!!!
Where: Prezo Grille and Bar in Milford, MA.
When: Sunday, January 24th, 5:00
Phone: 508-634-0101
Cost: $60 a ticket
First Course: Colossal shrimp set on a dish of roasted corn and red pepper polenta cake, thai sause and pea shoots.
Paired with: Orval Trappist Ale
Second Course: Chilled duck confit capped with field greens tossed with gorgonzola cheese, red seedless grapes and can-dried pecans dressed with a white balsamic and strawberry viniagrette.
Paired with: Chimay Rogue
Third Course: Roasted pork loin stuffed with sharp provolone cheese, spinach, and roasted red peppers sauced with a cranberry port demi glazed and mediterranian relish.
Paired with: Westmalle Trappist Triple
Desert: Dark and white semi sweet chocolate bread pudding with a warm rum butter sauce.
Paired with: Trappistes Rochefort 10.
“A Fab-looking beer dinner in Milford, just off 495, on January 24th. Jackie Cruse-Cawley of Prezo Grille and Bar has put together a great menu featuring Trappist beers and brewer Dann will be taking a Pretty Things break to host the event and regale the room with the history and tales of the great Trappist brewers of western Europe. It’s a great opportunity to come and meet us at a small event while drinking some seriously good beers that inspire us every day. Martha will be there too!”
BEER RELEASE: New Belgium Ranger India Pale Ale
NEW BELGIUM BREWING PRESENTS RANGER INDIA PALE ALE
Ranger IPA Debuts with New Packaging, Launching New Belgium’s Explore Series
Ft. Collins, Colorado – Ever met a New Belgium Beer Ranger? They are the friendly folks who ensure that New Belgium beers are available in local markets where the beer is served. Spanning 26 states from the Pacific to the Atlantic, Beer Rangers do their best to protect, to pour and to partake. Because of their selfless dedication to keep taps flowing and shelves stocked, New Belgium Brewing has created a beer in their honor: Ranger IPA. This year-round India Pale Ale is a unique addition to the New Belgium portfolio, and answers Rangers’ (and their local beer drinkers’) call for something new and hoppy in 2010.
While IPA is not technically a Belgian style, it was recently agreed upon that a hoppy offering from New Belgium was in order. Simcoe, Chinook and Cascade hops lead off the beer, with Cascade added again for dry-hopping. We’re talking three pounds of hops per barrel resulting in a bright, citrus blast of hops riding a substantial, malty base. Pale and dark caramel malts bring out the hop aroma and flavor from start to finish. Ranger IPA offers 70 IBUs and is 6.5% ABV.
“The Belgian tradition of thinking outside the box freed us up to create a beer we all love that falls outside a conventional interpretation of Belgian ‘style’,†said Assistant Brewmaster Grady Hull. “It was fun to play with some new elements – this is by far the hoppiest beer we have ever produced.â€
The new offering, Ranger IPA, and its closest friends, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, are getting fresh, vivid graphics under the Explore Series. These four beers’ departure from New Belgium’s traditional watercolor packaging will make eyes pop and bottle caps fly.
Ranger IPA retails for approximately $7.99 and is offered in most states where New Belgium is sold.
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces eight year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.
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BEER RELEASE: Karl Strauss Fullsuit Belgian-Style Brown Ale
Fullsuit Belgian-Style Brown Ale is a So-Cal Winter Warmer
San Diego, CA - Karl Strauss Brewing Company is releasing their new winter seasonal, Fullsuit Belgian-Style Brown Ale. While the company has long brewed a variety of seasonals, Fullsuit is only the second seasonal offering to be bottled, following Oktoberfest. Fullsuit is a medium-bodied Belgian ale with toasted malt flavors, oak undertones, and a dry warming finish.
“We wanted to brew a flavorful beer that was still sessionable as the weather starts to cool,†says Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewmaster. “You know it’s winter in San Diego when the surfers start to paddle out in their fullsuits, so the name seemed fitting.â€
Brewed with a blend of brown and caramel malts, and fermented with a Belgian yeast strain, Fullsuit is an extremely flavorful example of a quaffable winter warmer. Rolled oats were added during the mash to create a creamy mouthfeel while saaz hops were added for aroma. After fermentation, Fullsuit was aged with French oak chips to impart subtle vanilla and oak undertones that complement the slightly peppery character from the Belgian yeast. Mahogany-brown in color and finishing at 6.3% ABV, Fullsuit has a dry, slightly warming finish perfect for those brisk Southern California nights.
“Belgian beers are great to pair with food because of their full flavors and complexity. Fullsuit is one of those beers that pair perfectly with a hearty meal or can just be sipped on a cold night,†says Segura. Fullsuit pairs well with steaks, chops, and dishes with mushrooms because the toasted malt flavors in the beer bring out the natural sweetness of the caramelized meats while the slightly peppery Belgian character in the beer plays off the earthiness of the mushrooms.
The company plans on bottling 2,000 cases of Fullsuit Belgian-Style Brown Ale for distribution throughout Southern California. “I’m stoked that our new bottling line gives us the flexibility to put out a beer like Fullsuit. I know people are going to enjoy this beer,†says Segura. Expect six packs to hit shelves in early December and run through February. For more information, visit www.karlstrauss.com.
Specs:
6.3% ABV
24 IBU
35 SRM
“A quality session this time of year calls for a Fullsuit. The frigid North Pacific Current rolls in, generating first-class swells and mild hypothermia. While a few brave souls zip up and paddle out with no hesitation, most of us stay on dry land and salute their commitment with a winter warmer of a different kind.â€
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UPDATED PACKAGING: Karl Strauss Brewing Company
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About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Two college grads, a 75-year-old master brewer, and a passion for beer… when Karl Strauss Brewing Company started brewing full-flavored, quality handcrafted beer in 1989, it was the first craft brewery to open in San Diego in more than 50 years. Today, you can enjoy our flagship beers, special releases, and seasonals at any of our six brewery restaurants or other fine drinking establishments throughout Southern California. For more information visit karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739.
http://twitter.com/karl_strauss
http://facebook.com/KarlStraussBrewingCompany
BEER RELEASE: Marshall Brewing Company – Big Jamoke Porter
Ladies and Gentleman: Big Jamoke has left the building…
Look for the Big Jamoke to be available in liquor stores in 22 oz. bombers at the end of December.
Big Jamoke is an American Robust Porter named for the B-25 that Brewmaster Eric Marshall’s grandfather flew in WW II. A blend of five malts from Munich to Chocolate provide a deep mahogany color and aroma of toffee and roasted coffee.
On the palate this beer is full-bodied with hints of bittersweet chocolate and toffee… while finishing smooth and dry from the addition of earthy hops.
Suggested pairings: Brie or other earthy cheese, ham, barbeque, smoked meats, and any bittersweet chocolate dessert such as espresso flavored lava cake.
ABV – 6.8%.
IBU – 55.
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Beer Event: SweetWater’s Cask Ale Festival with a twist (March 2010)
SweetWater Give’s Retailers and Lucky Customers the opportunity to “Brew Their Cask Offâ€
ATLANTA – SweetWater Brewing Company is putting a personal touch on cask ale festivals by inviting some lucky ducks to come down to the brewery and create their own version of a cask ale. The “Brew Your Cask Off†Cask Ale Festival on March 20th, 2010 will feature 70+ cask entries all made on site at SweetWater Brewery by the fortunate folks who are invited or won the chance to brew their own recipe.
“We are creating a couple of base beers for them to start with and then letting their wild creative side take over from there!†said Mark Medlin, SweetWater’s Brewmaster. He will be overseeing all of the casks to make sure the final products are as tasty as the inspired recipes these amateur brewers had intended them to be. “Of course, we’ll have a few casks of our own for the festival as well.â€
Those invited will be given a Cask recipe form and work directly with Hop City, a local package store and home brew shop, to pull together their master list of ingredients to go in their casks. They will have access to a diverse amount of yeast strains, spices, fruits, dozens of varieties of hops, and a plethora of offbeat adjuncts and additions. The only limits for this will be their creativity! All entries will be professionally judged prior to the tasting with awards for the Best Brews being given out during the Festival. Folks attending will also have their voices and votes heard as well with the People’s Choice award for the top cask.
The diverse list of guest brewers will include retailers of SweetWater brews, National and local beer media, home brewing societies, a few nonprofit organizations, and a some celebrities who will be stepping up to the plate to show off their skills. The non-profits will have the ability to not only have a cask entered into the festival, but also to raise some money for their organizations by auctioning off that privilege as well. Once on board, the guest brewers will work with Hop City package and home brew supply store to acquire all the necessary ingredients to create their masterpiece.
Kraig Torres, owner of Hop City says “We are so excited to be a part of Sweetwater’s upcoming ‘Brew Your Cask-Off’ Pro-Am. We are huge fans of the beer and highly passionate home-brewers; frankly we aren’t surprised Sweetwater has found a way to tap into both of these outlets! Our entire team – including our experts in beer, wine and home brewing – have contributed ideas for ingredients that will make each entrant’s beer truly unique. Considering we stock more than 1,500 beers here at Hop City, we had plenty of resources for inspiration. We know it’s going to be one heck of a contest. As always, Sweetwater has found a novel way to grab the attention of the beer world here in Atlanta and beyond.”
For more information on SweetWater’s “Brew Your Cask Off†Cask Ale Festival, to see the full list of guest brewers, and to order your tickets for this one-of-a-kind event visit www.brewyourcaskoff.com
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