Canned Craft Beer

Posted in Terrapin Beer Company, Don't Miss This, Seasonal Return

Forecast: Hazy (& juicy). Terrapin Cumulus Lupulus returns this spring

If you are a brewery that just invested thousands in a new centrifuge, the news lately might sting a little bit. Hazy IPA is now an official style according to the Brewers Association. The style is basically here to stay.  Terrapin Cumulus Lupulus, a hazy IPA that was very popular last year, will return this spring.

Think of this beer as a hop showcase. Terrapin Cumulus Lupulus brings Amarillo, Citra, Galaxy, and Mosaic hops into play, at nearly 4 pounds per barrel. If you are in the hops purchasing business, that translates to expensive.

For the drinker, those hops mean an imperial India pale ale big on citrus, passionfruit, and kiwi. “Trop hops” as we call them. The beer is unfiltered and hazy, which means a glass of resiny, juicy goodness. Not to overuse the terms hazy and juicy, but that’s what Terrapin brings to the table in this new can. 12 ounces of juicy citrus, meant to be consumed as soon as possible.

 Cumulus Lupulus is a great big juicy super hopped up unfiltered IPA with tropical fruit notes throughout the entire beer, from aroma to finish. – “Spike”, Terrapin Co-Founder & Brewmaster

Terrapin Cumulus Lupulus will return in the spring of 2018 in 12-ounce cans and draft. The brewery will again stagger market releases to ensure freshness.

Style: Imperial IPA
Hops: Amarillo, Citra, Galaxy, Mosaic
Availability: 12oz Cans, Draft.
Debut: March 2017
Latest Return: April 2018

8.1% ABV

Image: Beer Street Journal

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Jackalope Brewing, Seasonal Return

Raspberries & strawberries. Jackalope Brewing Lovebird is back in cans

Jackalope Brewing Lovebird, a limited release hefeweizen, has been canned once again.

Creating Lovebird requires nearly 200 pounds of strawberries, and raspberries. Perfect for drinking in rounds of two, or with someone you love.

The fruit adds a tartness and berry aroma, as well as a slightly pink color to the brew.

Jackalope Brewing Lovebird is available in limited quantities around Nashville, Tennessee in 12 ounce cans, and draft.

Style: Hefeweizen (w/ Strawberries, Raspberries)
Availability: 12oz Cans. Limited Release
Latest Return: Late March 2018

4.4% ABV, 12 IBUs

Image: Jackalope Brewing

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Port Brewing Company, New Releases

Nude surfing spot inspires Port Brewing Nelson the Greeter

Port Brewing Nelson the Greeter is the latest hoppy offering by the San Marcos, California based brewery.

Apparently named for a well-known clothing optional surf spot, Port Brewing Nelson The Greeter features Denali, Lemondrop, Mosaic and of course – Nelson Sauvin hops. In 2017, the brewery added Nelson into the recipe and loved the bold tropical fruit flavors it produced, prompting a second release of this beer.

Notes of Gooseberry and passion fruit dominate the nose with clean tangerine and freshly cut stone fruit notes leading to a smooth bitter citrus finish.

Port Brewing Nelson The Greeter is available both at the brewery and across Port’s distribution network in late March 2018.

Style: IPA
Hops: Denali, Lemondrop, Nelson Sauvin, Mosaic

Availability: 16oz Cans, Draft
Debut: Mid-March 2018

?? ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Reformation Brewery, New Releases

Reformation Brewery Nolan The Wander a new rotating year-round IPA

Reformation Brewery Nolan The Wander debuts in April, a new rotating IPA series. 

The Woodstock, Georgia based brewery has partnered with lifestyle company Wander North Georgia for this new release. CEO and co-founder Spencer Nix has a passion for beautiful North Georgia and hopes this release inspires others to explore the area. Nolan the Wanderer is inspired by the quote “Not All Who Wander Are Lost” – a line from J. R. R. Tolkien.

This inaugural release (aka Adventure #001) is a Simcoe dry-hopped American IPA, sporting a 7.2% alcohol by volume.

“We are thrilled to partner with Wander North Georgia and have their authentic, wandering spirit along for this journey. We both share a love for North Georgia and passion to have a lasting value in our community that goes beyond our day-to-day business and this co-branded beer is just the beginning of bringing our community a taste of that very real commitment.” – Spencer Nix, CEO, and co-founder of Reformation Brewery

Reformation Brewery Nolan the Wanderer replaces Atlas as the brewery’s year-round IPA.

Style: IPA
Hops: Simcoe

Availability: 12oz Cans, Draft. Rotating Recipe
Debut: April 2018

7.2% ABV

Image: Reformation Brewery

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Saint Arnold Brewing, New Releases

New Year-Round Release: Saint Arnold Orange Show

Saint Arnold Orange Show has been added to the Houston, Texas-based brewery’s year-round lineup this month.

The base beer is a blonde ale, brewed with fresh blood oranges. 2,200 pounds of puree to be exact. That’s around a half a pound of puree per gallon.

A strong citrus aroma comes from the purée added during fermentation and the Centennial and Citra hops. The combination of sweet and slightly tart flavors make it a balanced, light bodied beer.

Saint Arnold Orange Show is named for a folk art monument in Houston’s East End Neighborhood. The 3,000 square foot structure was designed by the late Jefferson Davis McKissack, a Houston postal worker.

Orange Show is available in 12-ounce cans and draft in Texas and Louisana, year-round starting in March 2018.

Style: Blonde Ale (w/ Blood Oranges.)
Hops: Centennial, Citra
Availability: 12oz Cans, Draft. Year-Round
Distribution: TX, LA

Debut: March 2018

5.3% ABV

Image: Saint Arnold

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Hi Wire Brewing, New Releases

New England IPA: Hi-Wire Hazy & Juicy & Hoppy & Fresh

The New England style IPA will be alive and well in 2018. Hi-Wire Hazy & Juicy & Hoppy & Fresh is on the way.

The beer is so much like the “Helvetica List” t-shirts. You’ve seen them. They are usually white on black, with a list of four related cultural references and a lot of ampersands. (Ex. Me & You & Yo Momma & Yo Cousin Too, from OutKast.).

Asheville’s Hi-Wire already has some pretty sleek can designs – like Pink Drink & 10W-40. Whether or not the brewery was going for the “Helvetica List” idea, what they have done really makes for great new can design. Hi-Wire Hazy & Juicy & Hoppy & Fresh has debuted in Asheville, North Carolina.

The name describes this beer in full – hazy, juicy, and hoppy. Fresh is how you should be drinking it.

Hi-Wire Hazy & Juicy & Hoppy & Fresh will be a 16-ounce can release.

Style: IPA
Availability: 16oz Cans
Debut: March 2018

7.5% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in New Releases, Victory Brewing Company

Victory Summer Love gets a new look, 15 packs

The weather is about to get warmer, the days are about to get longer, and Victory Summer Love has returned with a fresh look.

For 9 years now, Victory Summer Love has the “unofficial” start to summer for the Downington, Pennsylvania based brewery. In 2015, the brewery debuted the summer sipper in 12-ounce cans, ensuring the beer’s place at every outdoor event all season long.

In 2018, Victory is giving you more love to drink. Not only is Summer Love sporting a new look, but you’ll also find it in new 15-packs.

“Summer Love is designed for easy, yet flavorful drinking. The hop selection played a big part. We chose hops like Citra that produce a pleasant, citrusy dryness. Brewing a beer light in body with a clean, citrusy finish makes it the perfect thirst quencher for our fans to enjoy.” – Ron Barchet, Victory Co-Founder and Brewmaster

Victory Summer Love is available in 12-oucne bottles, as well as 12 & 16-ounce cans from March to August 2018.

Style: Blonde Ale
Hops: Whole flower Tettnang Tettnang, Simcoe and Citra hops
Malts: Imported 2 row German malts
Can Debut: Mid-May, 2015
Latest Return: March 2018

5.2% ABV

 

by Reid Ramsay