Press Releases

Boulevard & Pretty Things Create Stingo (PR)

Kansas City — In recent years, American beer lovers have had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of interesting, often one-of-a-kind ales and lagers arising from the collaborative efforts of independent brewers. In 2010, Boulevard Brewing produced an Imperial Pilsner with esteemed Orval Continue Reading →

Golden Road Debuts Wolf Among Weeds IPA (PR)

If there was ever a ‘Wolf Among Weeds,’ it’s Golden Road Brewing’s bullish President Meg Gill.

At 27-years-old, Gill is reportedly the youngest female brewery owner in the world and her latest move was as strategic as wolf stalking it’s prey.

Yesterday Continue Reading →

Heineken Werewolf Returns (PR)

WHITE PLAINS, NY —  Newcastle Brown Ale today announced the first nationwide release of its limited edition beer, Newcastle Werewolf. On shelves now for a limited time, Werewolf is a dual-character brew that pours “blood” red, starting smooth and ending with Continue Reading →

Flying Dog and Brewdog Collaborate (PR)

Frederick, MD — At 15:37 EST on July 27, Flying Dog Brewery issued direct orders for its Brewmaster and 23-Star General Matt Lovefreedom Brophy to head to Scotland. His operative objective? Brew Dog domination.

Captaining his own destroyer, equipped with ballistic Continue Reading →

Posted in Boulevard Brewing, Press Releases, Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project

Boulevard & Pretty Things Create Stingo (PR)

Kansas City — In recent years, American beer lovers have had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of interesting, often one-of-a-kind ales and lagers arising from the collaborative efforts of independent brewers. In 2010, Boulevard Brewing produced an Imperial Pilsner with esteemed Orval brewmaster Jean-Marie Rock, and last year brewed a “White I.P.A.” with Deschutes Brewery. This time, Boulevard has partnered with Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project to resurrect an obscure but delightful 17th century English style known as “Stingo.”

The idea to work with Pretty Things, a “gypsy brewer” from Somerville, Mass., came after Boulevard employees got to know founders Dann and Martha Paquette at east coast beer festivals. Dann, who spent several years brewing in England–where he lived with the Yorkshire-born Martha–was the one who came up with the idea for a Stingo-style ale. Boulevard brewmaster Steven Pauwels was up for the challenge.  Pretty Things traveled to Boulevard in April to brew the beer.

“The Pretty Things crew brought a level of creativity and energy to this project that was infectious,” said Pauwels. “We had a great time re-inventing this deserving but nearly forgotten style, and I believe craft beer enthusiasts will enjoy the results.”

Pauwels describes Collaboration No. 3 as bold and full-bodied, with a big malty nose, hints of dark malt, chocolate, licorice, and black fruits, and just the right amount of tartness in the finish. It pairs exceptionally well with wild game, smoked meats, strong cheeses, and heavily seasoned dishes. The beer will be available in 1/6 barrel kegs and 750ml bottles with cork-and-cage finish, and is set to appear throughout Boulevard’s selling territory in August.

About Boulevard Brewing Company

Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to become one of the largest specialty brewers in the Midwest, dedicated to the craft of producing fresh, flavorful beers using traditional ingredients and the best of both old and new brewing techniques. Boulevard beers are distributed in 23 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit Boulevard.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us onTwitter.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Press Releases, SweetWater Brewing

SweetWater Takes Home 6 Medals In Open Beer Championship (PR)

ATLANTA – When the folks at SweetWater call their brews an “award-winning lineup” they have the street cred to back it up…especially after their recent victory at the 2012 U.S. Open Beer Championship. The South’s second largest craft brewery competed against some of the world’s finest brewers, entering their beers to compete among more than 1,650 beers represented in 65 various categories.

Top breweries were scored by a point system based on the number of beers that placed first, second and third throughout assorted categories for overall championship titles. All brews were assessed by a judge’s panel composed of experts from Canada, England and the United States.

Award breakdown is as follows:

Gold Medal Beers:

  • SweetWater 15th Anniversary Ale — Old Ale category
  • SweetWater IPA — American IPA category
  • SweetWater Fresh Sticky Nugs — American Brown Ale category

Silver Medal Beers:

  • SweetWater 420 — Golden or Blonde Ale category
  • SweetWater Exodus Porter — Porter category
  • SweetWater Happy Ending — Stout category

“This competition is significant because it accepts entries from breweries around the world and allows national winning homebrewers to compete,” said Dow Scoggins, Director of the U.S. Open Beer Championships.

To learn more about SweetWater Brewing Company and its award-winning lineup, visit www.sweetwaterbrew.com.

ABOUT SWEETWATER BREWING COMPANY:

SweetWater Brewing Company is an Atlanta‐based craft brewery specializing in aggressive West Coast style beers. SweetWater’s brews are unpasteurized and designed to be consumed fresh so distribution is limited to the Southeast. The award‐winning lineup of year‐round brews includes SweetWater 420, IPA, Exodus Porter, Blue, LowRYEder and Georgia Brown. SweetWater also features a Catch and Release series of beers available on a limited basis throughout the year, and an experimental, one‐time‐only Dank Tank series. The SweetWater Brewery, open for tours every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5:30‐7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 2:30‐4:30 p.m., is located at 195 Ottley Dr NE, Atlanta GA 30324. For more information about SweetWater Brewing Company, please visit www.sweetwaterbrew.com. For more of a social relationship with SweetWater Brewing Company follow @sweetwaterbrew on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sweetwaterbrew.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Golden Road Brewing, Press Releases

Golden Road Debuts Wolf Among Weeds IPA (PR)

If there was ever a ‘Wolf Among Weeds,’ it’s Golden Road Brewing’s bullish President Meg Gill.

At 27-years-old, Gill is reportedly the youngest female brewery owner in the world and her latest move was as strategic as wolf stalking it’s prey.

Yesterday she launched the company’s newest canned offering, ‘Wolf Among Weeds IPA,’ a hop-heavy Double IPA that checks in at 8-percent ABV. It’s the first installment in Gill’s recently established ‘Custom IPA Series,’ which she said will serve as Golden Road’s seasonal program.

“We felt like we had an opportunity, that, instead of doing a traditional seasonal program based on winter ‘dark beer’ months or summer ‘light beer’ months, we could bring both a style and a category to life in Los Angeles,” she said. “We felt like the IPA category was a good investment and that it would also attract new consumers to craft beer in general.”

Gill said the new beer is definitely a departure from the company’s current offerings — Point The Way IPA and Hefeweizen — which she admits are more approachable and built for everyday consumption.

“These are 4-packs that are more ‘dare to be adventurous’ and less sessionable,” she said.

And the release of Wolf Among Weeds is no doubt timed to coincide with the August 2nd celebration of ‘IPA Day,’ a toast for beer enthusiasts around the globe to celebrate the popular hoppy style.

Only 548 cases of the beer were made, all of which have since been sold to distributors.

“We kept about 30 cases for the pub, but those sold out immediately,” she said.

An extremely limited amount of Wolf Among Weeds is available at Whole Foods and specialty beer shops around Los Angeles. It retails for $11.99 per 4-pack, the same price point as Golden Road’s 6-pack core offerings.

Gill said she plans to make at least one more addition to the Custom IPA Series this year and will then look to add third and fourth IPA’s in 2013 to complete a full ‘seasonal’ schedule.

Release from Golden Road Brewing is below: 

LOS ANGELES, CA — Just in time for National IPA Day on August 2nd, Golden Road Brewing is proud to debut their Custom IPA Series with their newest canned beer, Wolf Among Weeds, a hop-heavy Double IPA.

Named after the hop species it showcases, Humulus Lupulus, Wolf Among Weeds is the inaugural beer in Golden Road’s Custom IPA series, which celebrates California’s enthusiasm for hop-forward IPAs. Says Golden Road President Meg Gill, “Wolf is our newest tribute to California, a balanced IPA that really lets the hops shine. It’s no secret that people in Southern California absolutely love IPAs — so to honor that love we’re excited to create a line of custom IPAs that build on that style and get creative with new offerings.” Fans of the hop-heavy style will be pleased to know Golden Road plans to release two to three custom IPAs into the series annually.

Wolf Among Weeds joins Golden Road’s two flagship canned beers, Point the Way IPA and Golden Road Hefeweizen on the shelf, and is available for sale at the Pub at Golden Road Brewing, and in limited release throughout the greater Los Angeles area.  With an 8% ABV this beer boasts fresh pine sap and tropical fruit notes that are mirrored in its aroma and flavor profile. Beers in the Custom IPA Line will be available in Golden Road’s signature tall-boy 16oz cans, and will retail in packs of four.

About:

Golden Road Brewing was founded in October 2011 by Tony Yanow and Meg Gill, who are committed to bringing fresh beer to market in the most sustainable way possible.  Golden Road Brewing is the maker of Los Angeles’ only canned craft beer, packaged in 16 once cans to deliver an honest pint. Golden Road Brewing and The Pub at Golden Road Brewing are located at 5410 W. San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, CA 90039. For more information, please visitwww.goldenroad.la

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Heineken NV, Press Releases

Heineken Werewolf Returns (PR)

WHITE PLAINS, NY —  Newcastle Brown Ale today announced the first nationwide release of its limited edition beer, Newcastle Werewolf. On shelves now for a limited time, Werewolf is a dual-character brew that pours “blood” red, starting smooth and ending with a bite.

“As we make the transition into fall, consumers seek out mellow, slightly malty brews to match the changing temperature,” said Charles van Es, brand director for Newcastle, HEINEKEN USA. “Our Limited Edition Werewolf stays true to the characteristics of Newcastle Brown Ale, but offers a seasonally advantageous palate — sweet berry fruit in the front and a bite of bitterness at the finish. In addition the creative label design, complete with an “Escaped From Britain” necker, further define our ‘No Bollocks’ direct messaging that consumers have really gotten behind this year.”

Brewed with rye malts, making Werewolf naturally blood-red in color, Newcastle Werewolf has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.5 percent with 23.4 International Bittering Units (IBUs). The seasonal offering from Newcastle presents mellow overtones of slight berry fruit and roasted caramel notes with a lingering deep bite of bitterness from Fuggle and Golding hops.

Newcastle Werewolf is available nationally from August 2012 through October 2012 in 6-packs and 12-packs priced comparably to Newcastle Brown Ale. Werewolf will also be available on draught at pubs in select markets.

About Newcastle Brown Ale:

A No Bollocks beer brand, Newcastle Brown Ale was first brewed in 1927 to satisfy hardworking Geordie thirst in the town of Newcastle, England. Colonel Jim Porter crafted the ale with its own distinct golden brown color, lightly hopped taste and character that quickly became a local favorite. Best served cold, Newcastle Brown Ale has since become a world favorite as a dark beer that’s easy to drink. Newcastle Brown Ale is imported by the nation’s premier beer importer, HEINEKEN USA, headquartered in White Plains, New York. For more information, please visitwww.NewcastleBrown.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/newcastle. 

About HEINEKEN USA:

HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world’s most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world’s most international beer brand; Heineken Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. HEINEKEN USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico. For a safe ride home, download the HEINEKEN USA-sponsored Taxi MagicTM application from your smartphone. Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com or on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/Heineken.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Press Releases

National Constitution Center Debuts Prohibition Exhibit (PR)

Philadelphia, PA) — The era of flappers and suffragists, bootleggers and temperance lobbyists, and real-life legends like Al Capone and Carry Nation will come vividly to life in the National Constitution Center’s world-premiere exhibition American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition. Spanning the dawn of the temperance movement in the early 1800s, through the Roaring Twenties, to the unprecedented repeal of a constitutional amendment during the Great Depression, this first comprehensive exhibition about Prohibition will explore America’s most colorful and complex constitutional hiccup. American Spirits will debut at the Center from October 19, 2012 to April 28, 2013, before embarking on a nationwide tour.

The tour will extend into 2016, bringing the exhibition to cities across the country, including Seattle, WA; St. Paul, MN; St. Louis, MO; Austin, TX; and Grand Rapids, MI. [Complete tour schedule to be announced at a later date.]

American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition is created by the National Constitution Center and curated by Daniel Okrent, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition. Okrent collaborated with filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick on the documentary Prohibition, which aired on PBS in fall 2011.

“Prohibition left an indelible mark on America, redefining the role of the federal government and leaving its mark on everything from our personal habits to our tax policies,” said exhibition curator Daniel Okrent. “And though it may have been a wild card in our constitutional history, it came into being through the invention and deployment of political tactics and strategies still in play today.”

“American Spirits reveals the real stories behind hit dramas like HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and also provides timely perspectives on current constitutional debates about the government’s role in our lives,” said National Constitution Center President and CEO David Eisner. “From the ratification of the 18th Amendment to its repeal with the 21st Amendment, we can learn powerful lessons from this fascinating and politically charged story.”

The 5,000-square-foot exhibition will feature over 120 rare artifacts, including:

Original ratification copies of the 18th and 21st Amendments
A hatchet used by Carry Nation during one of her barroom-smashing raids
A Prohibition Bureau Badge issued by the Department of Justice in 1931
Temperance propaganda, including pamphlets, school lesson manuals, speeches, and hymnals
The phone used by Roy Olmstead, the defendant in the landmark Olmstead v. United States wiretapping case, to run his bootlegging empire
Flapper dresses, cocktail couture, and other women’s and men’s fashion accessories from the 1920s
Original home manufacturing items used for making moonshine, homebrewed beer, and other illegal and highly potent liquor
One of the first crates of Budweiser produced after the “Beer Act,” which passed in April 1933 and changed the legal limit for “intoxicating” beverages to 3.2% per volume to allow for the return of beer production.

Interactive elements and immersive environments will bring to life the sights, sounds, and experiences of the time period. Wayne Wheeler’s Amazing Amendment Machine, a dazzling 20-foot-long, eight-foot-tall carnival-inspired contraption, will trace how the temperance movement culminated in the 18th Amendment. In addition, visitors can:

Sit in a pew of a recreated early 1900s church to learn about the rise of the Anti-Saloon League and take a quiz to find out if you would have been a “wet” or a “dry”
Test their knowledge of what could and could not be consumed under the rules of the 18th Amendment during the “Is it Legal?” interactive touchscreen game
Explore a re-created speakeasy complete with a bar, dance floor, bandstand, and powder room and learn how to dance the Charleston
Play the role of a federal Prohibition agent chasing rumrunners in a custom-built video game where you drive your own speedboat
Join gangsters in a criminal lineup for a memorable photo opportunity.

Visitors will have an opportunity at the end of the exhibition to explore the legacy of Prohibition in today’s regulatory landscape. Displays will show why and how laws differ from state to state and how the idea of drinking responsibly has evolved since the 1930s to reflect what we know about alcohol today.

To complement the exhibition, the Center is developing a variety of engaging activities and resource materials for students, teachers, and families that illuminate the amendment process, the role of liquor in American history, and the cultural revolution of the 1920s. Daniel Okrent, Ken Burns, and Lynn Novick will lend their voices and commentary to a special iPod audio tour that will guide visitors through the exhibition. Additionally, a theatrical performance — a hallmark of the Center’s exhibition experience — will take place inside the speakeasy. There, an actor playing the role of a bartender will explore the impact of the speakeasy on fashion, music, and culture during the Roaring Twenties.

A series of evening events and themed parties will further engage audiences in this colorful cultural moment. Guests ages 21+ can get a sneak peek of the exhibition prior to its public opening during the “Bootlegger’s Ball” on Thursday, October 18, 2012, when the Center’s Grand Hall Lobby will be transformed into a speakeasy complete with a live jazz band. Two additional parties are planned for Thursday, February 14, 2013 and Thursday, April 4, 2013.

The Center also is partnering with local businesses including Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, Sugar House Casino, Eastern State Penitentiary, and the Moshulu Restaurant on special themed packages for groups. Marketing and promotional support is provided by Philly Beer Week.

Admission to American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition is $17.50 for adults, $16 for seniors and students, and $11 for children ages 4-12. Group rates also are available. Admission to the Center’s main exhibition, The Story of We the People, including the award-winning theatrical production Freedom Rising, is included. For ticket information, call 215.409.6700 or visitwww.constitutioncenter.org.

American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor.

The National Constitution Center is the first and only nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to the most powerful vision of freedom ever expressed: the U.S. Constitution. Located on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia, the birthplace of American freedom, the Center illuminates constitutional ideals and inspires active citizenship through a state-of-the-art museum experience, including hundreds of interactive exhibits, films and rare artifacts; must-see feature exhibitions; the internationally acclaimed, 360-degree theatrical production Freedom Rising; and the iconic Signers’ Hall, where visitors can sign the Constitution alongside 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers. As America’s forum for constitutional dialogue, the Center engages diverse, distinguished leaders of government, public policy, journalism and scholarship in timely public discussions and debates. The Center also houses the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, the national hub for constitutional education, which offers cutting-edge civic learning resources both onsite and online. Freedom is calling. Answer it at the National Constitution Center. For more information, call 215.409.6700 or visit www.constitutioncenter.org.

Visit the museum this summer as we celebrate freedom and the Constitution’s 225th anniversary! Step inside and be inspired by our 360-degree multimedia theatrical production Freedom Rising, and sign the Constitution alongside 42 bronze statues of the Founding Fathers inSigners’ Hall.

Plus, don’t miss our buzzed-about Bruce Springsteen exhibition — here through September 3. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in the creative process and the role of artists in politics and pro

Freedom is calling. Celebrate it at the National Constitution Center.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in New Belgium, Press Releases

New Belgium Releases Double Collaborations This Month (PR)

(Fort Collins, CO) — New Belgium Brewing’s Lips of Faith Series (http://www.newbelgium.com/beer.aspx) has proven to be the perfect opportunity for partnerships with other breweries — and musicians, too. The third round of Lips of Faith beers in 2012 includes two collaborative efforts; Super India Pale Ale was created in tandem with Alpine Beer Company and Peach Porch Lounger is the result of G. Love’s and New Belgium’s mutual love for beer and music.

New Belgium and Southern California’s Alpine Beer Company came together for the love of IPAs to make Super India Pale Ale. Amarillo, Columbus, Simcoe and Centennial hops bring bitterness to the forefront, balanced with Pale, C-80 and Carapils malts. The tropical and citrus tones of the American hops dominate the flavor of the copper-colored beer. ABV is 9% and there are 70 IBUs.

Peach Porch Lounger is the lovechild Saison of musician G. Love and New Belgium. The glowing orange beer is a groovy mix of peaches, hominy grits, molasses and lemon peel with pale and biscuit malts. Brettanomyces yeast brings a bold, sweet nose and the beer ends with a dry finish. ABV is 9.4%.

“The ability to share passions — with brewers, musicians or anyone else — is another reason to love the creative nature of Belgian beer,” said New Belgium brewer Grady Hull. “As longtime fans of G. Love, working together was clearly a wonderful opportunity; and anyone who is unfamiliar with Alpine Beer Company is in for a treat.”

Super India Pale Ale and Peach Porch Lounger will be available this August in select markets while supplies last. Pricing varies by market.

The Lips of Faith series offers limited edition selections that showcase New Belgium’s more esoteric and palate-elevating creations. They are only available in certain locations and for a short period of time. New Belgium’s Clips of Faith, a traveling beer and film tour, also gives people across the country a chance to sample beer from the Lips of Faith portfolio. To learn more about the tour, which runs through October, visit www.clipsoffaith.com.

To find New Belgium beers in your area, you can use the New Belgium Libation Location tool: http://www.newbelgium.com/beer.aspx. You can also follow New Belgium on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/newbelgium.

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 nine year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Ranger IPA, Belgo IPA, Shift Pale Lager, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey 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.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Brewdog, Flying Dog Brewing, Press Releases

Flying Dog and Brewdog Collaborate (PR)

Frederick, MD — At 15:37 EST on July 27, Flying Dog Brewery issued direct orders for its Brewmaster and 23-Star General Matt Lovefreedom Brophy to head to Scotland. His operative objective? Brew Dog domination.

Captaining his own destroyer, equipped with ballistic missile submarines and PCs pre-loaded with Minesweeper, Brophy will set sail for Nessie’s homeland Tuesday and arrive on the white sand beaches August 23.

Closely guarded in the ship’s hull will be International Arms Race, the Zero IBU IPA and cause of this all-out war between the two breweries.

At the end of March, Flying Dog and BrewDog decided on the terms of their combative collaboration. Hops were banned from the battlefield, but after 84 hours of negotiation, a host of other weapons to impart bitterness — spearmint, bay leaves, rosemary, juniper berries, and elderflower — were agreed on. Then, it was decided that each brewery would craft it’s own version of the beer, which highlights the human element of the brewing process and does not require the Flying Dog staff to socialize with any Scots.

“Collaboration was never an option,” Brophy said. “It’s a long word that takes entirely too long to type. So, we challenged BrewDog to a battle of the brewing arts and they accepted. Now, it’s time to face off.”

On August 23, Brophy and BrewDog Captain James Watt will begin a tour of BrewDog pubs in both Scotland and England. Civilians can seek refuge from war and try each brewery’s International Arms Race at the following:

  • Thursday, August 23 at Aberdeen, 7 pm
  • Friday, August 24 at Glasgow, 7 pm
  • Saturday, August 25 at Newcastle, 4 pm
  • Sunday, August 26 at Manchester, 2 pm
  • Monday, August 27 at Camden, 7 pm

Brophy held a private preview of the Flying Dog Zero IBU IPA with Ewan McGregor, Craig Ferguson, Gerard Butler, and Brian Cox. Their overwhelming response to the beer and support for American liberty provided further validation for Brophy, but also furthered Watts’ doubt, self-loathing, and hatred for Bald Eagles.

“We keep hearing from James that it will be bloody,” Brophy said. “Consider that a warning.”

If left standing, Watt and skirt-wearing cohorts will join Brophy on his home turf in September to premiere each brewery’s version International Arms Race in the United States.

About Flying Dog Brewery:

“Good Beer, No Shit.” Located in Frederick, MD, Flying Dog is Maryland’s largest brewery. As its tagline proclaims, Flying Dog is committed to producing world-class craft beer and continues to push the envelope with experimental and limited-edition releases. Recent accolades include Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale ranked as the #1 American Pale Ale in the U.S. by The New York Times and Raging Bitch Belgian-Style IPA named one of the best new beers in 2010 by multiple sources. For more information, please visitwww.flyingdogbrewery.com.

by Reid Ramsay