Seasonal Return

Posted in NoDa Brewing, Seasonal Return

NoDa Gordgeous Pumpkin Ale returns for a 8th time

NoDa Gordgeous Pumpkin Ale will make its seasonal appearance on August 13th. This North Carolina brewed pumpkin ale touts 100+ pounds of organic sugar and caramelized brown sugar, freshly cracked spices, and 42 pounds of pumpkin.

The recipe started as head brewer Chad Henderson’s homebrew recipe more than a decade ago. (At one point he told Beer Street Journal a giant pumpkin was involved in the process, either in brewing or tapping. Never did get clarity.) NoDa Gordgeous has been a fall offering each year since debuting in 2013.

NoDa Gordgeous is available in 16-ounce cans (4 packs) and draft as an early fall seasonal.

Style: Pumpkin Beer (w/ Brown Sugar, Cardamom, Cloves, Ginger Root, Allspice)
Availability: 16oz Cans, Draft
Latest Return: Early August 2021

6.4% ABV, 29 IBUs

Posted in Bell's Brewing, Seasonal Return

Bell’s Oktoberfest returns; continuing a tasty streak

Bell's Octoberfest bottle

Bell’s Oktoberfest finally returned to bottles after a 5-year hiatus in 2016. Thank the brewery’s (then) much-needed brewhouse expansion for that malty glass of festbier fans had been missing. Now in 2021 it seems Oktoberfest is staying a seasonal. 

In the past, this edition of the fall lager is one of the first to sell out. While you are splashing around in the pool in the heat, this beer has been lagering for at least six weeks, just waiting for fall.

With herbal hop aromas, this balanced amber lager focuses on lightly toasted malt that lends body without too much sweetness. Perfect for a week-long wedding celebration in Germany or the start of the Michigan autumn.

Bell’s Oktoberfest is now available in 12-ounce bottles, in both 6 & 12 packs and draft.

Style: Oktoberfest
Availability: 12oz Bottles, Draft. Seasonal.
Latest Return: August 2021

5.5% ABV

Image: Beer Street Journal

Posted in Highland Brewing, Seasonal Return

One of the best returns: Highland Clawhammer Oktoberfest

Highland Clawhammer Bottle

The first time we had Highland Clawhammer Oktoberfest was back in 2010. Even then, it skyrocketed to what we considered one of the best festbiers in brewed in America. 

11 years later, neither this beer, or our opinion have changed. (Besides the label.) 

Summer is flying by, as it always seems after Independence Day. You’re not out of July before oktoberfests start popping up – mainly because of the lead time to produce a lager like this. 

Maybe after all years, it’s worth saying. This beer is as timeless as it is delicious. It’s toasty, light colored, rich, full-bodied, crisp and clean. German inspired, but American brewed. Yet another reason to love fall. 

For the 11th time we announce this beer hitting shelves again. If you haven’t, perhaps it’s time to grab a stein and go for it.

Style: Oktoberfest/Marzen
Hops: Hallertau Mittlefrue & German Spalt Select
Malts: 2-Row, Munich, Vienna, Caramel, Pilsner

Availability: 12oz Bottles, Draft. Seasonal Release.

5% ABV 25 IBU’s

PIC: Beer Street Journal

Posted in Bell's Brewing, Don't Miss This, Seasonal Return

Bell’s Double Two Hearted Ale makes summer return

Bell’s Double Two Hearted Ale makes another return to shelves in July 2021.

For years, Bell’s Two Hearted Ale overtook Russian River Pliny the Elder as #1 India Pale Ale in America, according to Zymurgy Magazine, published by the American Homebrewer’s Association. Elder had the spot for seven years straight. Two Hearted Ale has both “classic” and “epic” statuses in our book.

In the past, you might have been lucky to come across Bell’s Double Two Hearted Ale on draft. It’s a hoppier and definitely boozier edition of its famous predecessor, to the tune of 11% alcohol by volume. If you’re a fan of Two Hearted Ale, this bigger edition really delivers. 

Expect 12-ounce bottles and draft of Double Two Hearted Ale to starting hitting shelves within the week. 

Style: Imperial IPA
Availability: 12oz Bottles (New), Draft.
Debut (Bottles): July 2019
Latest Return: July 2021

11% ABV

PIC: Beer Street Journal

Posted in New Realm Brewing, Seasonal Return

New Realm Tyrannosaurus Flex turns 3, goes metallic

New Realm Tyrannosaurus Flex 3rd Anniversary

New Realm Tyrannosaurus Flex first debuted onHalloween week 2019. The dinosaurs may be gone, but this beer is back from seasonal extinction.

This imperial can of haze is rocking a sweet 80’s vibe and one of the largest land predators to ever exist. The New Realm team used all New Zealand hops for this release – specifically Moteuka, Wai-ti, and Rakau.

Brewed exclusively with hops from New Zealand…combined with Norwegian Kviek yeast gives this monster DIPA a cretaceous amount of juicy, fruity notes such as mango, pineapple, peach, apricot, and citrus.

To celebrate the 3rd release of Flex, the brewery created a special edition metallic label. 

New Realm Tyrannosaurus Flex is a part of the brewery’s ongoing “Monsters & Myths” Double IPA Series. Available in 16-ounce cans and draft at both the Atlanta and Virginia Beach, and new Charleston, South Carolina locations for a limited time.

Style: Juicy/Hazy IPA (Imperial IPA)
Hops: Motueka, Wai-Ti, Rakau
Malts: Proximity Pale, Flaked Oats, Wheat
Yeast: Kviek

Availability: 16oz Cans, Draft. Limited Release.
Debut: Late October 2019
Latest Return: July 2021

8.5% ABV, 35 IBUS

Posted in Ratio Beerworks, Seasonal Return

Ratio Beerworks Major Nights lime heavy gose kicks off summer

Ratio Major Nights Gose

Ratio Beerworks Major Nights, a salted sour lime gose, returns to Denver to start the summer.

This brewery described “mildly salty, traditional German-style Gose” features the zest of over 400 limes, plus coriander and red Hawaiian sea salt.

Ratio Beerworks Major Nights will be available in 12-ounce cans and draft when the brewery opens in June 11th.

Style: Gose (w/ Coriander. Sea Salt. Limes.)
Availability: 12oz Cans, Draft. Seasonal Release.
Latest Return: June 2021

?? ABV

Posted in Creature Comforts, Seasonal Return

Creature Comforts Galactic Space Circus makes a June appearance

Creature Comforts Galactic Space Circus Can

Creature Comforts Galactic Space Circus has returned tot he brewery’s lineup to kick of June.

This India pale ale is brewed with the ever so high demand Galaxy hop – one the stars of their year-round Tropicalia – plus lactose milk sugar. This spacey IPA was first released back in 2017.

The flavor is bold with pineapple, mango, a touch of floral notes, and an orange Fanta finish.

Creature Comforts Galactic Space Circus is available  16-ounce cans at both the brewery and limited distribution in early June 2021.

Style: IPA (w/ Lactose)
Hops: Galaxy

Availability: 16oz Cans, Draft. Limited Distribution.
Latest Release: June 2021

6.8% ABV

Image: Beer Street Journal