     Kate the Great Bottling Day at Portsmouth Brewery Kate the Great Day is only a week away and the folks at Portsmouth Brewery (Portsmouth, NH) are busy getting things ready. In the video below Head brewer Tod Mott explains how Kate the Great is bottled and why this beer is so special.
900 bottles of this luxurious Russian Imperial Stout will change hands in a matter of hours beginning at 9 am on Monday, March 1st. If you want your two allotted bottles be sure to get there early! For more you can visit the Portsmouth Brewery site.
Posted by Russ Labels: Beer Releases |
    Flying Dog to release "Raging Bitch" to celebrate 20 years of brewing beer!
How do you celebrate 20 years of brewing beer? Release a new beer commemorating the achievement and make sure it is something special. That is what Flying Dog will be doing next month when Raging Bitch, a Belgian-style IPA, hits the shelves. Personally I am digging this relatively new style and look forward to giving this a try. From the folks at Flying Dog: FREDERICK, MD, December 10th—Flying Dog Brewery proudly announces the launch of RAGING BITCH, a Belgian-style IPA, to celebrate its 20th Anniversary in 2010. Raging Bitch, both the beer and the art that graces its label, prove that even after 20 years Flying Dog is as edgy and provocative as ever. The cutting edge art on the Raging Bitch label is yet another contribution from Ralph Steadman, who has created original art for all of Flying Dog’s beers. “The Raging Bitch label is my personal favorite”, said Stephanie Kerchner, Director of Marketing for Flying Dog. “This package reflects everything that Flying Dog stands for and the women of Flying Dog absolutely love it”, she added. The beer itself, an American IPA fermented with Belgian yeast, is beautifully balanced between the Belgian fruity and citrus hop characteristics at the relatively high alcohol at 8.3% ABV. Raging Bitch comes on the heels of Flying Dog being honored as Mid Sized Brewing Company of the Year at this year’s Great American Beer Festival Flying Dog and after winning a string of medals and honors across Europe and Asia. “This has truly been a milestone year for Flying Dog. It is very exciting to be celebrating our 20th Anniversary and Brewery of the Year going into 2010 with Raging Bitch,” said Kerchner. The decision to celebrate its 20th Anniversary with the Belgian IPA became apparent after multiple successful batches and great consumer, distributor and retailer feedback. “Raging Bitch represents what is fun about the recipe creation process and what goes into creating high-quality craft beer. The brewers of Flying Dog are very excited to have a beer like this to celebrate our 20th anniversary,” says Matt Brophy, Sr. VP of Brewing Operations. Flying Dog will be hosting a 20th Anniversary party at the Brewery and events in major markets across the country throughout 2010. “Details are still in the process of being finalized but I can assure you the events will all be true Flying Dog celebrations full of Raging Bitch and Gonzo spirit,” says Kerchner. Raging Bitch will begin shipping on December 8th and will be available in 6-packs and draft in January of 2010. Raging Bitch 750 ml limited edition hand-corked champagne bottles, which include a numbered poster are available for purchase at the Frederick, MD brewery on Saturdays during tours. About Flying Dog - Flying Dog was founded in Aspen, CO in 1990, relocated to Frederick, MD in 2008, and is currently Maryland’s largest brewery. The Flying Dog Brewery is located at 4607 Wedgewood Blvd., in Frederick, MD and its world-class “litter of ales” is available in 48 states and 29 countries Flying Dog’s core values of “purposeful, provocative and irreverence” flow through the veins of the brewery’s founding owners George Stranahan and Richard McIntyre. George and Richard were good friends with the “Gonzo Journalist” Hunter S. Thompson, who coined the brand’s tagline “Good People Drink Good Beer,” and also with the “Gonzo Artist” Ralph Steadman, who illustrates the brand’s packaging. For more information please visit www.flyingdogales.com.
Posted by Russ Labels: Beer Releases |
  Imperial Stout Trooper Release
Don't know what to get the beer loving Star Wars geek in your life? Look no further then New England Brewing Company's Imperial Stout Trooper. If you aren't familiar with this release its a big stout that has had quite a following since it was first released a few years back by the New Haven, CT brewery. Modest supplies always sell out and the demand is nationwide despite the limited distribution. "We distribute in CT, MA, RI, NY? and FL. We listened to the BA (BeerAdvocate) voice and made IST more affordable and brewed twice as much this year. Our target shelf price is $13.99 for a 750ml- not bad, right? Better than $10 for a 12 oz. The bourbon barrel aged IST will be a brewery only release, but the 750s will go to the stores who have supported us to keep it fair. There may be a very limited growler opportunity TBA." - Rob Leonard from New England Brewing Company If you happen to live in one of those states listed then you'll want to start looking for this the week of December 21st as that is when it is slated to hit the shelves.
Posted by Russ Labels: Beer Releases |
 Sierra Nevada Releases "Glissade"
Fresh off the release of the highly sought after "Life and Limb (and Limb and Life), Sierra Nevada has come out with yet another new beer. This newest release, called "Glissade" is a Golden Bock. From the Sierra Nevada site: As winter begins its slide toward the sunny days of spring, we bring you Glissade Golden Bock to help you enjoy the ride. Glissade is a remarkably mellow take on the traditional spring bock. With restrained sweetness, we emphasize subtle malt flavor, balanced against delicate aromas of spicy and floral European hops. This complex balance helps Glissade slide across the palate—bracing us against the last cold nights of winter, while its bright golden color turns our thoughts toward spring. Specs: ABV - 6.4% by volume Yeast - Lager Yeast Malts Two-row Pale, Europils, Munich & Crystal Bittering hops - German Magnum & German Perle Finishing hops - German Spalter, Slovenian Aurora & Styrian IBUs - 42 Availability - hits the shelves in January of 2010 First off, I can't tell you how happy I am to see Sierra Nevada releasing more and more new offerings. It wasn't long ago that they were pretty much stuck in a very predictable release schedule without much new being pushed out the door. Its like they woke up one morning and said enough, lets do some new things around here! I look forward to giving this one a try. Glissading - the usually voluntary act of descending a steep slope of snow in a controlled manner either for the sheer thrill of the ride or to bypass tedious scree. Glissading is an alternative to plunge stepping and also cuts down on descent time. Posted by Russ Labels: Beer Releases |
   BrewDog's Tactical Nuclear Penguin is world's strongest beer at 32%!
Move over Sam Adams Utopias, there is a new king of the high alcohol beer kingdom. The good folks at BrewDog (Fraserburgh, Scotland) have once again pushed the limits and made the headlines (on both sides of the Atlantic) with their newest release called Tactical Nuclear Penguin. This stout, if it can be called that, is big, bold and weighs in at 32%, or 64-proof, and is over twice as strong as even the most ambitious American barleywines. The beer itself was produced using an ice beer method, where the beer itself is frozen and the ice is removed to produce a more concentrated and therefore more alcoholic product. Utopias was actually brewed to its 27% strength using some ridiculous mutant yeast that can somehow stay alive in that amount of alcohol. Anyways, its good to know the difference between how each was brewed. About BrewDog's process: "The incredible strength was attained when the beer, which started life as a 10 percent imperial stout, was aged for 16 months in two different whiskey casks before being stored in a freezer at a ball-shriveling -20°C for three weeks." Only 500 12 oz. bottles of TNP were produced, with half going on sale for £30 each (about $50) and the rest going for £250 (around $411) with a share in the company included. My guess is that we will never see a bottle of this for sale on the shelves here in the States, but if the brewers want to send me a bottle I'd certainly write about my experience! If you live in the UK, you can buy this beer online from the BrewDog site, but it does appear that supplies are going quickly...
Posted by Russ Labels: Beer News, Beer Releases |
  Pretty Things Releases "Babayaga"
The newest member of the Pretty Things family is set to hit the shelves this week. Babayaga, a winter seasonal, is "a 7% export-strength woodland stout. We smoked some malt with rosemary, and added a few other embellishments. This beer is inspired by Eastern European folklore, by woodland, streams, cold dark nights and woodsmoke." From the Pretty Things site: "This was brewed at Westport, MA by Dann and Martha with help from our friends Adam and Br. Brian. The mash contained over 4000lb of malt (the biggest beer we've done) and there were also rye, oats and wheat in the grist. Fermented with a mix of English and Belgian yeast strains." Be on the look out, I know I will....
Posted by Russ Labels: Beer Releases |
 2010 Smuttynose Big Beer Releases
For all those of you that are fans of Smuttynose Brewing Company and their Big Beer Series, here is their 2010 release schedule. Barleywine* - Early January, 2010. Imperial Stout - mid February, 2010. Maibock - mid March, 2010. Gravitation Quad - early May, 2010. Farmhouse Ale - mid June, 2010. Collaboration Beer** - early August, 2010. S'Muttonator Doppelbock - mid September, 2010. Baltic Porter - early November, 2010. Wheat Wine - mid December, 2010 * Held over from 2009 Series. ** Several possible brewery collaborations are in the works. More details will follow when we have them. You'll notice that Big A IPA is not on the list, this is because it is becoming a regular year-round offering and will be available in 12 oz. bottles starting next year. Also, a bit of a mystery is the "Collaboration Beer" for August. I can't wait to find out what that will be. I've already heard they've brewed a strong rye ale for Julio's Liquors that will be aged in rye whisky barrels from Buffalo Trace, so that will be one to pick up if you are anywhere near Westborough, MA. I heart Smuttynose.
Posted by Russ Labels: Beer Releases, Smuttynose Big Beer Series |
  Sam Adams Debuts Barrel-Aged Series
From the brewery that brought you the gateway beer known as Boston Lager as well as the almighty Utopias, comes this funkily packaged "Barrel Room Collection". The collection includes three pretty unique beers each having been aged in oak barrels. If the bottle shape doesn't draw you in the price tag might. As the current market of barrel-aged beers continues to get out of hand, these 750 mL corked bottles are retailing for $9.99 each. Not too bad if you ask me. The tough part is finding them as they are only being released in MA, ME, NH and in Denver. From left to right: Samuel Adams Stony Brook Red: This unique brew defies traditional beer style definition. The rich, malty brew combines notes of tart fruit from the yeast with a toasty oak character from the barrel aging. The long dry finish is almost wine-like. This is a beer that is satisfying on its own and also pairs well with many foods such as braised or roasted meats, beef stews and strong salty cheeses. (~9% ABV) Samuel Adams New World Tripel: Pale gold in color, this ale is big, flavorful and complex. A special Belgian yeast strain adds tropical fruit and spice notes to the crisp dry ale, while Saaz hops add a subtle herbal note. (~10% ABV) Samuel Adams American Kriek: The intense black cherry character in this beer comes from Balaton cherries, which were discovered in Hungary and are now grown in Michigan. These special cherries are prized for their depth of flavor. The tartness from the cherries is balanced by a rich, malty character with toasted oak notes added from the barrel aging. (~7% ABV) I'll keep my eyes open for these and if I find them I'll grab them, drink them and write some reviews. Cheers!
Posted by Russ Labels: Beer Releases |
 Stone's 09.09.09 Vertical Epic Ale Today is the day!
Yet another big day for any of you collecting the entire "Vertical Epic" series from Stone. This year's release sounds absolutely amazing. From the Stone site: "The Stone 09.09.09 Vertical Epic Ale is a bit of departure from the last two Stone Vertical Epic Ale editions, which were golden in color. The newest one can best be described as a Belgian style Imperial Porter. The beer is deep brown, with intense roasted character provided by chocolate malt. During the brewing process, we also added dark candi sugar, vanilla bean, and tangerine peel to complement the flavors of the porter. The vanilla bean addition is fascinating, as it actually enhances the chocolate character from the roasted malts, and the candi sugar adds a nice hint of molasses flavor to the finish. The tangerine actually turned out to be quite subtle on the finish (and didn’t impart as much of an orange flavor as we reported earlier), and combines nicely with the chocolate malt character. We aged this beer on French Oak chips, which contributes a smooth and subtle woody undertone and even more vanilla flavors. All in all the Stone 09.09.09 Vertical Epic Ale is a very complex beer, the flavors evolve and develop as the beer warms in your glass, making the enjoyment of it a very fun and delicious experience! Tasting notes from Stone head brewer Mitch Steele: Appearance: This beer pours deep brown with a thick, frothy, creamy head of tan foam. Aroma: Many layers, starting off with chocolate and coffee from the chocolate malt, and vanilla notes from both the vanilla bean and French Oak. A balanced oak flavor comes through in the mix. As the beer warms, the influence of the Belgian yeast is more evident, as tropical fruit and spice flavors become more pronounced. Flavor: Begins with chocolate roast malt character and vanilla. The vanilla accentuates the chocolate nicely. Layered in are banana esters, and hints of clove, and then the finish is a bit stronger on the oak with hints of molasses and citrus from the tangerine peel. Palate: Medium body, very complex, and finishes very smooth. The 8.7% alcohol is not overly evident, and the flavors blend together nicely. Overall: A delicious, complex beer. It should age nicely over the next three years, and the flavors should continue to meld together wonderfully.
Posted by Russ Labels: Beer Releases |
  TwinBeer Six-Pack (Great Beers Coming this Fall!) Its not just bland Autumn Ales, Oktoberfests and Pumpkin Beers that arrive as the temperatures begin to cool. Here are six beers that are being released this fall that any beer lover will surely want to try.
Name: The Oracle
Name: Aloha Plenty Brewery: Maui Brewing/Stone Brewing/Ken Schmidt Style: Coffee Porter w/macadamia and coconut Release: Late August-September Note: This sounds absolutely delicious, even better than Maui's CoCoNut Porter.
Name: Life & Limb Brewery: Dogfish Head/Sierra Nevada Style: A "10% ABV strong beer that defies style characteristics-brewed with pure maple syrup from the Calagione family farm in Massachusetts and estate barley grown on the Grossman "farm" at the brewery in Chico. The beer is alive with yeast-a blend of both breweries' house strains-bottle conditioned for added complexity and shelf life, and naturally carbonated with birch syrup fresh from Alaska; it is the first beer we know of ever to use birch syrup in the brew. If stored under good conditions, this rich, full-bodied beer should age well for years." Release: November Note: Two giants of the micro world teaming up for a very unique beer.
Name: Sui Generis Brewery: Avery Brewing Company Style: Barrel-aged Sour Ale. Release: September Note: The name means "a species that heads its own genre", in reference to the taxonomical hierarchy. This is "a complex ale aged and artfully blended from several types of oak barrels, and displays a delightful lactic sourness complimented by hints of brett, oak, and acetic." Wow.
Name: Quercus Vitis Humulus Brewery: Otter Creek Brewing Company Style: Barrel Aged Ale brewed w/grapes Release: Early October Note: This is the next beer in the Otter Creek Imperial Series, so far they've had an Imperial IPA and a Russian Imperial Stout. This one, a "French Oak-aged Ale brewed with French Grape Juice and Fermented with Champagne Yeast" should be quite interesting.
Name: Yakima Twilight Brewery: Victory Brewing Company Style: Double/Imperial IPA Release: Late summer/early fall Note: Yakima Twilight is replacing Hop Wallop, now a year round release, as their new seasonal. Posted by Russ Labels: TwinBeer Six-Packs, Beer Releases |
Smuttynose to make Big A IPA a year-round release!
Oh happy day! This just in from the Smuttynose/Portsmouth Brewery newsletter! "Rumors, rumors, rumors. We love starting rumors... Our famous Big A IPA, stalwart of our Big Beer Series, will finally make the transition to full-time availability in 12-ounce bottles, some time before the end of the year. You heard it here first." My favorite Smutty release will soon be available all year round in a smaller, more manageable size. Some of the best beer news I've heard all summer! Posted by Russ Labels: Beer Releases |
