Portland, Maine – Maine craft brewer Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Company (www.grittys.com) has once again been selected as the official brew pub of The Dempsey Challenge (www.dempseychallenge.org), event organizers announced today. The high-profile run, walk and cycling event, established last year by actor and Lewiston, Maine, native Patrick Dempsey to benefit The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing, has been expanded to a two-day format this year, to be held October 2-3 in Lewiston, Maine. The second annual event is expected to draw thousands of participants and spectators.

According to Thomas Wilson, Gritty’s marketing director, in addition to being the official brew pub of the Dempsey Challenge for the second year, Gritty’s has created several new ways to promote the event and raise additional funds for the cause through on-premise offerings, a golf tournament, and an expanded cycling presence.

“We had a fantastic time at the Dempsey Challenge last year, and we wanted to be even more involved this year,” he explained. “By establishing a pre-event golf tournament and sponsoring a Gritty’s team in this year’s race, we hope to more than double our contribution to this worthy cause in 2010.”

New this year, members of Gritty’s official cycling team will participate in the 50-mile trek on October 3, alongside world-class and novice cyclists. Team members will solicit additional per-mile donations before the race and, as a result, Wilson anticipates a significant team donation to the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing. Those interested in joining Gritty’s cycling team can register online at www.dempseychallenge.org.

In another new show of support this year, the first Gritty’s Dempsey Challenge golf tournament will be held at the Martindale Country Club in Auburn on July 19, with net proceeds from the event going directly to the Dempsey Challenge. The tournament will feature a scramble format with plenty of prizes, lunch and giveaways. To register for Gritty’s Dempsey Challenge golf tournament, contact Wilson at thomas@grittys.com by July 2.

“The support of local businesses and Maine-based companies such as Gritty McDuff’s made the inaugural Dempsey Challenge an unparalleled success,” said Wendy Tardif, Dempsey Challenge event manager. “We’re grateful that Gritty’s is not only participating again this year, but also growing its participation and finding creative ways to both involve the community and increase donations to the cause.”

As the official brew pub of the event, the brewers at Gritty’s Lewiston/Auburn pub are gearing up to brew the annual batch of “Gritty’s Dempsey Challenge Courage Ale.” The signature brew will be sold on tap at the Lewiston/Auburn pub beginning in July, and $1 from each pint served will be donated to the Challenge. This delicious golden pale ale also will be sold at The Challenge to the thousands of participating adults.

Once again, an official Dempsey Challenge jersey signed by Patrick Dempsey will be given to the lucky winner of a free drawing at Gritty’s Lewiston/Auburn pub. Gritty’s fans can register to win the highly sought-after prize by stopping by the pub to enter between August 1 and October 4. The winner will be selected on October 5.

The Dempsey Challenge has been expanded to a two-day format this year. Saturday events include the Kid’s Fun Run and the 5 and 10K run/walk, while the signature Dempsey Challenge cycling events will be held on Sunday, October 3, and will feature cycling routes of 10, 25, 50 and 100 miles.

A free, weekend-long Festival in the Park will also highlight the event. In addition to an array of vendors and family-friendly activities, such as a KidZone, live music, entertainment and an art workshop, the Festival will focus on wellness with a health expo, information about cancer prevention and early detection, and health screenings. The activities throughout the weekend will be held at Simard-Payne Police Memorial Park in Lewiston.

Founded in March 2008, The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center provides high-quality education, support and wellness services at no cost to cancer patients and their caregivers. In 2009, the Dempsey Center had over 7,000 direct patient contacts and served over 2,000 on its toll-free cancer helpline.

For further information, visit www.dempseychallenge.org.

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 a silver medal at the prestigious Great British Beer Festival for Gritty’s cask-conditioned version of the brewer’s 21 IPA. 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.

In addition to brewing, Gritty McDuff’s operates three popular brew pubs in Maine. Located in Portland, Freeport, and Lewiston/Auburn, the pubs draw crowds of all ages and have frequently won in statewide polls the titles of “Maine’s Best Brew Pub,” “Best Maine Microbrew,” and “Best Bar.” 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.

VACATIONLAND SUMMER ALE

No one deserves an early summer like a Mainer, so here’s the next best thing. Vacationland Summer Ale is back!

Vacationland Summer Ale (VSA)is an Extra Special Golden Ale that’s light in color but full-bodied, with a snappy hop finish. A bit of extra time in the conditioning tank rounds out and mellows the ale. We use generous portions of pale malt with just a touch of wheat malt to give VSA a unique flavor that’s richer than most summer brews. Cascade leaf hops add a delicate and forward hop character as well.

Look for VSA at all three Gritty’s Brew Pubs and all over the great state of Maine on draft and in 12oz bottles.

Summer. If you drink it, it will come!

The people have spoken and Gritty’s is THE place to be! Gritty McDuff’s Voted Best Brew Pub‏


Portland, April 2010: Maine craft brewer Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Company (www.grittys.com) has earned the title of “Best Brew Pub,” according to the readers of the Portland Phoenix.

“Each and every day, we strive to craft the most authentic English-style ales, prepare the tastiest pub fare and create the perfect brew pub atmosphere we can, so it’s very rewarding to be honored by our community,” said Thomas Wilson, marketing director for Gritty’s.

Last year, Gritty McDuff’s was recognized in the annual Phoenix Readers’ Poll with the additional distinction as a Dynasty Award winner, presented to organizations that have received top billing in their category for 10 years or more, making this Gritty’s 11th win!

Head to Gritty’s Auburn for an all day pre-summer party!

Where: Gritty’s Lewiston/Auburn
When: Saturday, May 1st
Time: 11am-close

Enjoy the live music though out the day & night featuring Chronic Funk, Continuum & more! Dig into their special-priced backyard BBQ menu, with everything from smoked ribs to freshly prepared Maine seafood with all the classic sides & a few new ones.

But the star of the show will be Jay’s Bar Fly Blond Ale; a light wheat-styled ale made with Pale, Wheat, Carmalt and Munich malts & finished with Cascade leaf hops making it the perfect ale to usher in summertime with

$2 Blond Ales all day long!

So come sit in the sunshine and make this a party to remember.

Cheers!

Lewiston/Auburn
68 Main Street
Auburn, Maine 04210

I’ve made a collection of beer events on St. Patrick’s day. These events are all across the east coast, so check them out to see what’s in your area.

Enjoy!!

Sean
2Beerguys.com

Drink Craft Beer, You’ve Earned It!!!

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Cape Ann Brewing Company
Gloucester, MA

Top o’tha mornin’ to ya! ‘Ere’s to hopin’ all ye lad’s and lass’ have had a fine weekend and have managed to keep yer britches dry in this foul weather we’ve been havin’. As ye might be guessin’, we are just a wee bit excited for /Lá Fhéile Pádraig, /otherwise known outside Eire as St. Paddy’s Day. Ok…I’ve run out of irish things to say….

• 3/17 – St. Patrick’s Day! Complimentary Corned Beef & Cabbage, courtesy of CABC and Duckworth’s Beach Gourmet.
• 3/18 – Hair of the dog…come on down and recover from that colossal hangover with the hair of the dog that bit’cha!

http://www.capeannbrewing.com/

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Gardner Ale House – St. Patrick’s Day is Wednesday – You’re Invited!‏
Gardner, MA

You are invited to come on out to the Ale House for our St. Patty’s Day hullabaloo. We break out the highly anticipated ROCKER RED Irish Red Ale at lunch (11:30 AM). With that we have Corned Beef & Cabbage or a straight ahead Corned Beef Sandwich with mustard. With that you might like a touch of the Dew (Tullamore Dew), or another fine Irish Whiskey. Perhaps a very fine, dry Irish Stout, as in our Naked Stout. Dew drop in, anytime, all day long. Irish tunes, food and drink. Irish bartenders, too.

St. Patty’s Day Open House & All Day Party

• 11:30 AM – Rocker Red (Irish Red Ale), Naked Stout (Dry Irish Stout), Magner’s Hard Irish Cider, Fine Irish Whiskeys, Specialty Drinks including the Long Ireland
• 11:30 AM (Continued…) – Irish Lunch with Corned Beef Sandwich ($8) and Corned Beef & Cabbage Lunch Special ($8)
• 5 PM Dinner – Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner ($12) Plus our Regular Menu and more Specials
• Free Jameson Stuff – We’ve got enough Jameson in the house to sink a ship…along with it we have stuff to give away like Jameson Logo Pint Glasses, T-shirts, Swizzle Stix, Pins that Light up…all that crazy stuff.
• 7 PM till 11 PM – CAVES ON MARS on their tour dubbed “Irish For A Day”

www.gardnerale.com

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Gritty McDuff’s – St Patrick’s Day at Gritty’s
Portland, Maine

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day early at our special “Irish Style Beer Dinner” on Tuesday, March 16th at Gritty’s Portland. Call ahead for details and to book your reservation NOW! An amazing 5 course dinner paired with your favorite Gritty’s beers. Just $30 per person. This special Irish Style Beer Dinner starts at 6pm.
Call 772-2739 for reservations.

March 17th St Patrick’s Day at Gritty’s!
Special St Patrick Day Menus in all locations, special beer, Bagpipers and Celtic Music at Portland and L/A Brew Pubs! Plenty of fun and great beer: Irish Red Ale, Oatmeal Stout and more!
http://www.grittys.com/

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FX Matt Brewing Company (Saranac) – You don’t have to be Irish to get a little Irish in you this St. Patrick’s Day…
Utica, NY

Just drink Saranac Irish Red Ale and Saranac Irish Stout! They are the perfect beers to get you in the spirit of ‘ol St. Patrick. We brewed these two lucky beers with Irish inspiration that we’re sure you’ll love. You can read more on each of theses brews through the links above, and when you’re out celebrating, be sure to ask for a Saranac!

While digging through some historical artifacts, we found the picture posted here. The photo is F.X. Matt II (Fred’s father and Nick’s brother, pictured on right) with Peter Coleman, owner of Coleman’s Irish Pub, in our aging cellar next to the tank of green beer we exclusively brewed for them in 1989.

Coleman’s is a bar located in Syracuse, NY at the top of Tipperary Hill. This area, known for its Irish flare (just check out the traffic light reversed to resemble the Irish Flag), hosts Green Beer Sunday every year to kick off St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The festivities include a parade where they deliver green beer in a tanker in front of the pub.

Although the green beer they serve now is not ours, we actually made Coleman’s green beer right here in the Brewery at that time. How cool is that? Today, you can enjoy Saranac Irish Red there on tap. We thought you would enjoy this story about a tradition known near and far. Slainte!

Did You Know? Saranac Irish Stout is the 50th variety of Saranac ever brewed. http://www.saranac.com

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Cigar City Brewing Company – CCB Tasting Room Open For St. Patrick’s Day
Orlando, Florida.

St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Wednesday and while we usually aren’t open Wednesday evenings, we have this really great Irish-Style Dry Stout called Patio Tools and we can’t think of a better day to drink it then on St. Patrick’s Day. So we’ll be keeping the Tasting Room open till 9PM on St. Patty’s Day. So stop by and quaff of a pint of Patio Tools Irish-Style Dry Stout (or one of our other fine ales) or just grab a growler to take home for your St. Patty’s Day revelry! http://www.cigarcitybeer.com/

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Marshall Brewing Company – The “Ale” with Local Roots
Tulsa, OK.

March 16th – One Day St. Patrick’s Day Sale

• St. Patrick’s Day T-Shirts = $20 (photo attached, limited supply)
• Glassware = One for $5 or three for $10
• Regularly stocked tees = $15 & $20
• Tin Logo Signs = $30
• Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
• Payment: Cash or Check only
• Location: 618 S. Wheeling Ave, Tulsa, OK

http://marshallbrewing.com/

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Legend Brewing Newsletter – St. Patrick’s Day‏

Richmond, VA
It looks like it will 70 degrees and sunny on the deck for St. Patrick’s day. We’ll have all the great Irish lunch and dinner specials and live entertainment as well.

It’s going to be so much fun even St. Patrick is going to make an appearance! Come on by and spend St. Patrick’s day with us on the deck at Legend.

For more details visit the web site: http://www.legendbrewing.com/

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Rohrbach Brewing Company – Irish Happenings!‏
Rochester, NY

You know St. Patrick’s Day is not far off when happy lads and lassies all around Rochester are enjoying pints of fine McDermott’s Irish Ale. If your favorite establishment doesn’t serve this fine traditional Irish ale please suggest that they do. McDermott’s Irish Ale is also available in growlers at fine beer store in the area. Also, stop for our famous corned beef and cabbage lunch or dinner available through the 17th. Cheers!

The Rohrbach Brewing Company http://www.Rohrbachs.com

Fat Tuesday Beer Dinner
Gritty McDuff’s Auburn, Tuesday, February 16th!
An amazing 5 course dinner and each course is paired with your favorite Gritty’s beers.  Call 367-BREW to book your reservations.

Where: Auburn, Maine.

How Much: $30.00 per person.

Start time: 6:00 p.m.

Menu:

• HOT CAJUN CRAB DIP, Served with house made beer bread. Paired with our Brown Ale
• SMOKED CHICKEN & SAUSAGE GUMBO, A Cajun classic with a few pub twists.  Paired with our Best Bitter
• CRISPY SWEET & SOUR SALAD,  Tart apples & sweet potato paired with crispy fried okra. Paired with our IPA
• CRAWFISH MAC & CHEESE, Served with a roasted tomato pepper relish. Paired with our Black Fly Stout
• KINGS CAKE, The cake of king’s with lots of surprises! Paired with Chocolate Porter

Address:

Lewiston/Auburn
68 Main Street
Auburn, Maine 04210
phone – 207.376.BREW

Other related articles:

PR: GRITTY MCDUFF’S 2009 GROWTH IN DRAFT SALES, NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, AND NATIONAL INTEREST BODE WELL FOR 2010 PROSPECTS

What’s new at Gritty McDuff’s? (Maine)

Beer Profile: Gritty McDuffs Christmas Ale

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.

The Maine Red Claws (www.maineredclaws.com), the new, NBA Development League’s team for the Boston Celtics and the Charlotte Bobcats, have teamed up with Maine craft brewer Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Company (www.grittys.com). The arrangement authorizes Gritty’s not only to produce the team’s official beer, “Red Claws Ale,” for sale at The Portland Exposition Building itself (“The Expo,” the Red Claws’ home court), but also to offer it throughout Maine in bars, restaurants, and market retailers – a creative move in NBA circles.

“Having this kind of product-focused relationship with an NBA development team is huge news for Gritty’s and for Portland,” agreed Richard Pfeffer, Gritty’s co-owner and publican. “We worked with the Maine Red Claws staff to create a genuinely unique sponsorship, and we all believe it’s an ideal way to raise awareness of and support for Portland’s new basketball team throughout the Northeast.”

Availability of Red Claws Ale

As official beer of the Maine Red Claws, Gritty McDuff’s beer will be the only Maine microbrew product available during games at The Expo (239 Park Avenue). Beginning December 10, Gritty’s also will be offering its signature Red Claws Ale on draught at Gritty’s three Maine brew pub locations (Portland, Freeport, and Lewiston/Auburn) and in select bars and restaurants in Maine.

Twenty-two ounce bottles of Red Claws Ale will be available at many area retailers. A sought-after item among collectors and beer and sports enthusiasts, Red Claws Ale tap handles also will be available at Gritty’s Brewtique in Portland by the first of the year.

Throughout the NBA season (December 4, 2009 – April 3, 2010), Gritty’s will offer a variety of game-night specials. In addition, Gritty’s will toast wins, new players, and the play-off season with a variety of pub specials and events throughout the season, with plans underway for a “Team Draft” party for fans during the official NBA Draft.

Scottish Style Ale

It takes a brave beer to stand up to a Maine winter. Gritty McDuff’s Scottish Ale returns to help you weather the season. Scottish Style Ale is our interpretation of the robust brews native to Scotland. Generous quantities of Pale malt along with Munich and Caramalts give this ale a deep and complex profile.

Scottish Style Ale is just a shade darker than our Bitter, with a rich, slightly sweet first impression on the palate that rounds out to a satisfying maltiness and a medium-dry hop finish. At 6.3% ABV it’s hearty but not overwhelming. Sure to please the Braveheart in all of us. Look for Scottish Ale on tap at all three Gritty locations and in 12 and 22oz bottles all over the great state of Maine this winter.

Gritty’s Brew Pub locations:

Portland
Address: 396 Fore Street. Portland, Maine 04101
Phone: 207.772.BREW

Freeport
Address: Lower Main Street. Freeport, Maine 04032
Phone: 207.865.4321

Lewiston/Auburn
Address: 68 Main Street. Auburn, Maine 04210
Phone: 207.376.BREW

Christmas Ale (Pick it up – if you can still find it!!!)
December belongs to one beer and one beer only:  Christmas Ale!  available on draft and in six-packs. Our Christmas Ale is a robust E.S.B. (Extra Special Bitter) full of holiday cheer. Christmas Ale has a lovely, dark red/amber color and a rich, full-bodied, malty taste with a slightly roasted undertone.

We brew our Christmas Ale using only the finest English Pale and Crystal Malts, with a touch of Roasted Barley as well. A blend of Clusters, Styrian Goldings, Saaz and Yakima Goldings leaf hops round out this hearty brew. Gritty’s Christmas Ale has no additives, fruits or spices. It’s just a good honest ale, perfect for the season.

Other Related Articles:

Beer Profile: Gritty McDuffs Christmas Ale
Beer Release: Gritty’s Halloween Ale – Is it too early to get your spook on?
GRITTY MCDUFF’S BREWING COMPANY UPDATES ‘GRITTY DOZEN’ VARIETY PACK

About Gritty McDuff’s

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 their 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 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.

About the Maine Red Claws

2009-10 will mark the inaugural season for the Maine Red Claws. The NBA D-League team will begin play in November at the Portland Expo Building. The franchise is owned and operated by Maine Basketball, LLC, which is principally owned by Bill Ryan Sr., the chairman of TD Bank, and Bill Ryan Jr., owner and operator of Oxford Plains Speedway. Jon Jennings, a partner in Maine Basketball, LLC and former Boston Celtics assistant coach, is the team’s president and general manager.

Portland, ME — Gritty McDuff’s (www.grittys.com), Maine’s oldest brew pub since Prohibition, is capping off another successful year with release of its seasonal “Christmas Ale,” and a nod for its “Best Brown Ale” in Santé magazine’s annual Food+Wine+Spirits Review.

Available now through December 31, Gritty’s Christmas Ale is a robust bitter that will be served on draft at Gritty’s three Maine brew pub locations (Portland, Freeport and Lewiston/Auburn). The ale also will be available on draft in select bars and restaurants throughout the region and at beer retailers throughout New England in 6- and 12-packs, 22-ounce bottles and mini-kegs.

“This robust Extra Special Bitter-style beer has a full-bodied, malty taste,” according to Gritty’s Marketing Director Thomas Wilson. “Its slightly roasted undertone is just the right flavor for the season and offers a nice palate for holiday food pairings. Gritty’s Christmas Ale is always a party pleaser.”

Made with English Pale and Crystal Malts and a touch of Roasted Barley, a blend of Clusters, Styrian Goldings, Saaz and Yakima Goldings leaf hops round out this hearty brew. The dark red-amber color ale has no additives, fruits or spices, and has an ABV of 6.2%.

In related business news, Gritty’s “Best Brown Ale” earned a slot on Santé magazine’s list of five “Best New England Beers.” The smooth, dark, red-amber ale was described in the piece as “a great session beer” with “big bold flavors…balanced by flavors of pine and citrus.”

The recent news from Gritty’s caps off a year of growth and promising business developments for the Maine-based craft-brewing company. Beer experts and enthusiasts welcomed Gritty’s new “21 IPA,” crafted to mark Gritty’s 21 years of brewing, which debuted at the Maine Brewers Festival and went on to earn a silver medal at the prestigious Great British Beer Festival. Gritty’s also earned coverage and accolades from a variety of regional and national press throughout the year, including Forbes.com, Every Day with Rachael Ray, DRAFT, Cosmopolitan, The Boston Globe and BonAppetit.com. A favorite on the Portland dining and brewing scene, Gritty’s was voted “Best Brew Pub” by readers of The Phoenix and, for the tenth straight year, “Portland’s Best Bar” in the annual readers poll sponsored by the Maine Sunday Telegram.

Gritty McDuff’s beers are available throughout New England in a growing number of bars, restaurants, pubs, taverns, supermarkets, beer and wine shops, convenience stores, and other beer retailers in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Other related articles:

Beer Release: Gritty’s Halloween Ale – Is it too early to get your spook on?
BEER Profiles: Vacationland Summer – Exit 11 – Helles Blond Bock and More
Gritty McDuff is named official beer of the Dempsey Challenge Cycling Fundraiser

Excellent Beer and Award-Winning Pubs

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 their 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 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.

Vacationland Summer Ale

Vacationland Summer Ale has hit the shelves and is featured on tap at all Gritty’s Brew Pubs. Vacationland is an Extra Special Golden Ale that’s light in color but full-bodied, with a snappy hop finish. A bit of extra time in the conditioning tank rounds out and mellows the ale. We use generous portions of pale malt with just a touch of wheat malt to give VSA unique flavor that’s richer than most summer brews. Cascade leaf hops add a delicate and forward hop character as well. Summer. If you drink it, it will come!

Click here for the 2BeerGuys.com Review (score 16 of 30) – Ale – 4.9%

Exit 11 Hoppy American Wheat Ale

Exit 11 Hoppy American Wheat Ale is the second in their wildly popular Exit Series of Big Bottle Beers. Exit 11 is a confluence of styles and ingredients, just as Exit 11 is the point in New Jersey where the Garden State Parkway, the New Jersey Turnpike and several other highways come together.

Exit 11 is an American-style wheat beer brewed with English ale yeast and three Pacific Northwest hops, Columbus, Palisade and Amarillo. It is brewed with 50% Belgian pale malt and 50% white wheat, and is an ideal summer thirst quencher, with its bouquet of tangerines and apricots. Exit 11 is available only during this one-time release, and only until it sells out across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Harpoon Helles Blond Bock

The 27th beer in the limited edition Harpoon 100 Barrel Series, Helles Blond Bock. This light amber beer has a bready aroma, creamy smooth mouthfeel, and a clean, lingering sweetness at the finish.
This beer was brewed by Harpoon Brewer and Quality Control Manager Jaime Schier. Jaime also brewed 100 Barrel Series editions Wit Beer (#2) and Saison (#14).
Brewer Jaime Schier set out to create a beer with a robust body that was light in color and delicate on the palate. Jaime combined Pale Ale malt, Munich malt, and Black malt to give the beer its intense malt flavor. A German Bock yeast accentuates the malt character, yielding a slightly sweet aroma. German Noble hops add a touch of bitterness to balance the malt.

This Helles Bock recipe called for the most malt per batch ever brewed at Harpoon. Enjoy it on a warm, sunny day, with a big basket of pretzels and mustard.

ABOUT Helles Blond Bock
- Brew Date: 4/17/09
- Packaging Date: 5/15/09

BEER SPECIFICATIONS
- Style: Helles Bock
- Original Gravity: 17.1
- Alcohol by Volume: (ABV) 7.4%
- IBU’S: 15

Big Bohemian Pilsner
Are you ready for something…. BIG? Harpoon Leviathan Big Bohemian Pilsner has been bottled! This latest installment of the Harpoon Leviathan Series was brewed in the centuries-old tradition of Czech and Bohemian brewers. Harpoon Big Bohemian is a large lager with a clean maltiness and a huge aromatic hop character.

About Leviathan Big Bohemian Pilsner:
- Style: Imperial Pilsner
- Original Gravity: 19.5
- Alcohol by Volume: 9%
- IBU’S: 75
- Available in 4-packs and in limited release on draft.
- Recommended Serving Temperature 42-46° F
- Original Released: May 2009.

This installment of the Harpoon Leviathan Series was brewed in the centuries-old tradition of Czech and Bohemian brewers. Harpoon Big Bohemian is a large lager with a clean maltiness and a huge aromatic hop character.

Continental Pilsner, pale two-row, and Carafoam malt was used to brew this big, strong beer, true to the Leviathan Series. Pilsner malt is the classic ingredient of this classic style and the Carafoam malt produces a nice, frothy head. This malt mixture combined with Czech Saaz hops, the quintessential hop of the style, yields an assertive but not overly aggressive beer. The finish is dry with a lingering floral hop character.

Magic Hat – Wacko Summer Seasonal

As Magic Hat’s new summer seasonal offering, Wacko will be available from the call of the first cricket until the final blueberry falls from the bush (April 1st to August 1st). Look for it in six-packs, 12-paks, in the new Summer Scene Variety 12-pak, and on draft at discriminating purveyors of better beverages.

Crisp like the morning, cool like the evening and quenching all day long. It’s the beer that dances to the beet of summer. Pop the top and let your summer lose. Wacko is the song of summer.

A delicious, beet-red like summer beer with a big malty aroma, a subdued hop bite and clean, slightly sweet finish.

Marvel at its one-of-a-kind beet-red color! Raise the waiting glass and breathe deep of its big malty aroma! Revel in its inviting body and savor its sensationally smooth and slightly sweet essence! Wacko is a wholly original creation summoned from Pale malts and Columbus hops to which beet sugar and natural beet juice have been added to extraordinary effect. The resulting manifestation of fermentational arts is a brewing miracle that’s rated at 15 IBUs and possesses an ABV of 4.5%.

BEER SPECIFICATIONS
Yeast – English Ale
Alcohol – 4.5%
IBUs – 15
Gravity – 11
Malts – Pale
Hops – Columbus
Extra Ingredients – Beet Sugar
Available Wherever Warm Breezes Wander

Left Hand Brewing Company - St. Vrain Tripel

Back from a 2-year hiatus is our limited edition St. Vrain Tripel Ale. If you’ve been out to the brewery, you must have seen the ‘raging’ mighty St. Vrain Creek that churns due west of the brewery in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. Named after Ceran St. Vrain, an early settler to the valley who built a trading fort in the area. A reflection of this dedicated spirit can also be found in the beers of Belgium, where brewers, often monks, developed beer styles over the past 900 years of distinctive character. At 20.5 plato, St. Vrain is a classic Belgian Style Tripel. It’s beautifully light in color and lightly bittered with Stisselspalt hops. A touch of sweetness from clear Belgian candy sugar tempers the warm spiciness hidden within beers of this gravity. To maximize authenticity, the entire brewing staff shaved their heads and bathed in baptismal ecstasy on the banks of the St. Vrain. 9.0% ABV, 17 IBU’s.

Who’s getting it: Colorado, Alaska, Florida (Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Panhandle), Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan (western), Minnesota, Missouri, New York (Long Island and NYC), North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia and Washington (western).

Left Hand Brewing Company – Oktoberfest Märzen Lager

The beer pours an alluringly clear copper color, with a short white head and good lacing. The malt bouquet is accented by toasty, bready aromas. As you lift your stein in high anticipation, your palate is well rewarded for its patience. The sweetness of the German malts dominate upfront, while the noble pedigree hops allow for a proper dry finish, true to style. Medium-bodied, with the subtle elegance of a well-balanced beer. Clean and crisp, this Märzen Lager can easily become your session beer this Fall. 6.0% ABV with 27 IBU’s. Beer Advocate Magazine said of it in their October 2007 issue: “We sized this one up and it came through like a champ. A complex but drinkable malt bomb on the taste buds.”

Who’s getting it: every single state that Left Hand is in!