SweetWater plans second brewery out west

So frequently these days, a west coast brewery makes plans, or has already built, a second brewery on the east coast. (We’re looking at you New Belgium, Sierra Nevada, Stone, Oskar Blues.)

Soon, the reverse will be true.

Atlanta, Georgia’s SweetWater Brewery Continue Reading →

Perennial Meriwether

Perennial Meriwether, a saison brewed in collaboration with The Commons Brewery.

 

Perennial Anniversaria 2015

Perennial Anniversaria 2015, 100% Brettanomyces-fermented Belgian-style pale ale pulled from our solera system 7.7%

Posted in Free Will Brewing, New Beers

Free Will Brewing Peach Sour

Free Will Brewing Peach Sour

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Brewery Expansions, Headlines, SweetWater Brewing

SweetWater plans second brewery out west

So frequently these days, a west coast brewery makes plans, or has already built, a second brewery on the east coast. (We’re looking at you New Belgium, Sierra Nevada, Stone, Oskar Blues.)

Soon, the reverse will be true.

Atlanta, Georgia’s SweetWater Brewery has taken the first steps to build out west. Recently, the brewery purchased Pyramid’s old brewing system, with plans on building location #2 west of the Mississippi.

“Our focus on making a quality liquid and building a strong brand has created an incredible inertia. And while we’re continuing to develop the East Coast, it’s time for us to simultaneously start looking to the West,” says SweetWater founder and Big Kahuna, Freddy Bensch. The company is exploring location options in all western states. The discovery process for the potential third brewery in the central U.S. is just beginning.

The new equipment includes a 4-vessel system, that includes a 130 barre brewhouse, 31 fermentation tanks, and 3 silos. This will give the new brewery an annual potential capacity of 420,000 barrels a year.

Sweetwater is currently looking for locations in western states, and no timeline has been given for the build.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in New Beers, Perennial Artisan Ales, The Commons Brewery

Perennial Meriwether

Perennial Meriwether, a saison brewed in collaboration with The Commons Brewery.

 

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in New Beers, Perennial Artisan Ales

Perennial Anniversaria 2015

Perennial Anniversaria 2015, 100% Brettanomyces-fermented Belgian-style pale ale pulled from our solera system 7.7%

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Anheuser-Busch, Don't Miss This, New Releases

Anheuser-Busch releases Bud Light Apple, in one state only

Anheuser-Busch has joined the “apple train” with the addition of Bud Light Apple. A-B InBev’s biggest competition MillerCoors has found great success with the addition of Redd’s Apple Ale. So much so, that the brand extension has added Strawberry, Sweet Tea, and Cranberry editions.

You’ll recall this isn’t the first time that Anheuser-Busch has released a spin on their most popular brand Bud Light. Specifically, the Bud Light “Rita” Series, with Lemon-Ade-Rita, Mang-O-Rita, Lime-A-Rita just to name a few.

The Rita Series was such a popular addition for A-B that it prompted Dos Equis to release Dos-A-Rita.

Anheuser-Busch has launched this new beer, in the state of Georgia only as a limited release. Interestingly, since the first mention of this beer appeared on Beer Street Journal, the brewery agreed to acquisition terms with SABMiller. If that deal goes through, the mega-brewery would own both Redd’s Apple Ale, and Bud Light Apple.

Let’s not forget the Anheuser-Busch marketing team’s strike against peach pumpkin ales, and this summer’s shot at watermelon wheat beers. I guess the Anheuser-Busch market research has proven that people cheer when you bring apples to the party. Just ask MillerCoors.

Style: Light Lager (w/ Apple)
Availability: 12oz Bottles, 16oz Aluminum Bottles, Draft.
Release: November, 2015

4.2% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Hopworks, New Releases

Hopworks Motherland Russian Imperial Stout arrives in 22s

Hopworks Motherland Russian Imperial Stout bottles have returned. The beer is a part of the brewery’s Imperial Series.

A fortifying tonic for the people. Rich and smooth, Motherland is as black as a Siberian winter night but warming enough to weather it. Aromas of anise and cherry mingle with bittersweet chocolate and a warming, spicy finish. Answer the call and raise a glass to Motherland.

Hopworks Motherland Russian Imperial Stout is a 22 ounce bottle offering.

Style: Russian Imperial Stout
Availability: 22oz Bottles, Draft. Nov-Jan
Release: November, 2015

9.8% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Don't Miss This, The Hop Concept Brewing

The Hop Concept IPA Hull Melon & Blanc kicks off new dry-hopping series

The Hop Concept IPA Hull Melon & Blanc is coming in December, rounding out a year hop forward releases.

The Hop Freshener series debuted this year, devoted to exploring the flavor spectrum of hops, while educating the drinker on flavors and characteristics. The name is simplify the beer’s dominant trait.

The Hop Concept IPAs will focus more on the dry-hopping influences, meant to be a deeper dive into the hop experience.

The Hop Concept IPA Hull Melon & Blanc places these two hops into focus to start the new hop chapter.

“It’s a great way for the brew team to continue delve into new hop varietals. It’s an ingredient they’re very passionate about ”, said Lead Brewer Steve Burchill. “It’s also possible some of these new combinations could work their way in to more established brands in the future.”

The Hop Concept IPA Hull Melon & Blanc is a 22 ounce bottle offering and draft. Limited release.

Style: Imperial IPA
Hops: Hull Melon, Blanc

Flavor: Huge aromas of bright passion fruit, pineapple and grapefruit will lead the charge from the Hallertau Blanc hops, while the Hull Melon hops will yield balancing floral honeydew melon and strawberry notes.
Availability: 22oz Bottles, Draft

Release: December, 2015

8% ABV

by Reid Ramsay