Collaborations

Shmaltz She’Brew, An All Female Brewed Imperial IPA

Shmaltz Brewing She”Brew Beer is is being released nationally, in honor of the 2nd Annual International Women’s Collaboration Day.

The brew occurred March 8th, 2015, featuring a few of craft beers amazing women, including Nikki Cavanaugh, co-founder of Rushing Duck Brewing Co.  Dora Phillip, Continue Reading →

Posted in Headlines, Shmaltz Brewing

Shmaltz She’Brew, An All Female Brewed Imperial IPA

Shmaltz Brewing She”Brew Beer is is being released nationally, in honor of the 2nd Annual International Women’s Collaboration Day.

The brew occurred March 8th, 2015, featuring a few of craft beers amazing women, including Nikki Cavanaugh, co-founder of Rushing Duck Brewing Co.  Dora Phillip, co-owner of The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, Jennifer Allen of Saratoga Eagle Sales and Service, Tara Akstull, Jaclyn Papa and Shmaltz Brewing Co. staff Brigid Clare, Liz Nagle, Amanda Gomez, Shelby Schneider, Chris Dufrain, Richie Saunders and Shmaltz Jeremy Cowan.

“International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day was created to raise awareness of women working in the beer industry and to encourage women to enjoy and embrace beer,” says Denise Ratfield, IWCBD Coordinator. “Through the efforts of hundreds of women brewing together around the world, we are achieving this goal with each successive brew. In addition to the joy of camaraderie, we gain a special satisfaction in knowing that money raised funds the Pink Boots Society scholarship program and local charities.”

The team created a triple IPA, nearly four pounds per barrel of Calypso, Citra, Crystal and Amarillo hops. Schmaltz She’Brew will be available in 22oz bottles, in select Sh’maltz markets. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Pink Boots Society scholarship fund.

Style: Imperial IPA
Hops: Calypso, Citra, Crystal, Amarillo
Malts: Flaked Oats, Maris Otter, Victory

Availability: 22oz Bottles, Draft.
Release: April 2015

11% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in New Releases, Yards Brewing

Yards Snorri’s Awakening, an Icelandic Collaboration

Yards Snorri’s Ale debuts on Friday, March 27th. The coffee pale ale is a collaboration with Iceland’s Einstök Brewery, and La Colombe Coffee Roasters.

Named in honor of 13th Century Icelandic historian and poet, Snorri Sturluson, this coffee pale ale is brewed in collaboration with Iceland’s Einstök Brewery, La Colombe Coffee Roasters and Yards. Steeped with Bravo and Chinook hops and freshly roasted beans, this crisp, copper-colored brew sings with bright citrus notes and rich coffee character.

There are multiple tap events (found below) for Yards Snorri’s Awakening starting Friday. Bottles will be raffled off at the various locations.

Style: Pale Ale (w/ Coffee.)
Hops: Bravo, Chinook
Availability: Bottles, and Draft

5.5% ABV

Tap locations on Friday, March 27th, 2015

·         Barcade 6pm

·         Sancho Pistola’s 6:30

·         Johnny Brenda’s 7:00

·         Fette Sau 7:30

·         Frankford Hall 8:00

·         Bottle Bar East 8:30

·         Fishtown Tavern 9:00

#WakeUpSnorri

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Appalachian Brewing, Don't Miss This, Pizza Boy Brewing, Troegs Brewing

Troegs, Appalachian & Pizza Boy Brewing Create (717) Collaboration Ale

For the first time ever, Troegs Brewing Company, Appalachian Brewing Company, and Pizza Boy Brewing Company are collaborating to create a one-of-a-kind limited-release beer. (717) Collaboration Ale is being brewed for the inaugural Harrisburg Beer Week running April 24 – May 2 2015.

This beer represents a joint endeavor between the three breweries combining a variety of styles to create dry-hopped characteristics of an IPA with the sweetness of the local honey, local malts from Deer Creek Malts,  saison yeast, and a hint of tartness to deliver a vibrant aroma and bone dry finish.

“We’re excited to be an integral part of the first Harrisburg Beer Week, “ said Chris Trogner. “Harrisburg will always be a part of who we are. Beer Week not only celebrates our roots but also looks to the future as we welcome new breweries and enjoy continued success of the craft beer industry in Central PA”

All three breweries will tap (717) Collaboration Ale on April 27th.

Troegs will also be canning this offering in 16oz 4-packs distributed only within the 717 area code starting 4/27/2015. A portion of the proceeds from sales will benefit Harrisburg River Rescue, the beneficiary of Harrisburg Beer Week.

“This beer is as much about the act of brewing the beer as it is about drinking it,” said John Trogner. “It’s about sharing stories and ideas with each other and our desire to explore our collective curiosities.”

(717) Collaboration Ale will tap for the first time at the kickoff event at The Abbey Bar at Appalachian Brewing Company on April 24th.


by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Half Acre Brewing, Headlines, New Belgium

New Belgium Oatmeal IPA, a Half Acre Collaboration

New Belgium Oatmeal IPA joins the brewery’s Hop Kitchen Series, a collaboration with Chicago’s Half Acre Beer Company.

The idea to create Oatmeal IPA started about four years ago when New Belgium’s brewmaster Peter Bouckaert visited Half Acre. This collab actually turned out to be two beers, the first dating back to 2013 with Avoine IPA.

Avione (which means “oats”) was an “oat-spiked” IPA that was only available in Chicago on draft. Those who have had it, consider that a teaser beer for what Oatmeal IPA has become.

This 2015 release is honey-hued with a velvety mouthfeel that offers brilliant pine, grass and guava courtesy of Citra and Centennial dry-hopping. Oatmeal IPA is ultra-tropical and appears softer than the traditional IPA, but be warned – lurking beneath the smooth oats and toasted malts, are vibrant hops with a bitter bite.

New Belgium Oatmeal IPA is a wider release, but draft only.

Style: IPA
Hops: Citra, Centennial
Malts: Oatmeal, ???

Availability: Draft only

6% ABV, 60 IBUs

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Birdsong Brewing Co., Don't Miss This, Hi Wire Brewing

Hi-Wire/Birdsong “Bird on a Wire” Collab Debuts

Over the weekend, Hi-Wire Brewing (Asheville, NC) released a new collaboration with Charlotte, North Carolina’s Birdsong Brewing – Bird on a Wire.

Back in February, Conor Robinson of Birdsong Brewing traveled to Hi-Wire. The team came up with a peated wee heavy ale, inspired by the smokey flavors of scotch whiskey. Peated malt that was dried over a peat flame, lends Bird on a Wire its tingle of smoke flavor.

Hi-Wire/Birdsong Bird on a Wire is available now in 22oz bottles at both breweries tap rooms, and bottle shops across North Carolina.

Style: Scotch Ale
Availability: 22oz Bottles
Release: March 13th, 2015

8% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Allagash Brewing, Cantillon, Coming Soon, Headlines, Russian River Brewing

Allagash Wild Friendship Blend Tasting Opportunity Now Open

Not too long ago, Allagash Brewing (Portland, ME) and Russian River Brewing (Santa Rosa, CA) created a very special collaboration with world renown Belgian brewery, Brasserie Cantillon.

Wild Friendship Blend, born in Belgium, is a three way blend of 3 year old Cantillon Lambic, 2 1/2 year old Allagash Coolship, and 2 year old Russian River Sonambic.

Sure to be a very limited release, is Allagash’s version of Wild Friendship Blend, brewed/blended again with beer from Cantillon and Russian River. All the breweries agreed that this special collaboration would only be poured at special events.

On Saturday, May 9, 2015, Allagash will host Wild Friendship Celebration, where Wild Friendship Blend will finally be served. Attendees of the Wild Friendship Celebration will get to taste this small-batch brew of which only 1500 bottles were produced. No bottles will be sold. Additionally, three other rare beers from each brewery will be offered.

Brewery founders Jean Van Roy (Cantillon), Vinnie Cilurzo (Russian River), and Rob Tod (Allagash) will all be in attendance.  “Full Plates Full Potential,” an initiative to end childhood hunger in Maine, will receive a portion of the proceeds from the Wild Friendship Celebration.

Tickets will be available at WildFriendshipBlend.com starting on March 16 through March 23. Those wishing to attend can submit their email address for the random ticket selection process – 350 addresses will be randomly chosen to purchase two tickets.

Details about the event:

  • The event is Saturday, May 9 at Allagash Brewing Company in Portland, Maine. There will be two separate sessions: 1-4 pm and 5-8 pm.
  • Tickets for this event are $100 (plus ticket service fees) and include a souvenir glass from the event.
  • Attendees will receive 4 ounces of each of the 10 beers being poured at the event (including Wild Friendship Blend).  Admission also includes food from 3 prominent local restaurants/caterers
  • 350 tickets per session will be available, and sold through a random ticket selection process.
  • Ticket buyers and attendees must be 21 years of age. Proof of age and tickets must be presented at the door at time of entry to the event.
  • If you are selected to purchase a ticket, information on parking & transportation arrangements will be available at time of ticket purchase.

 

Style: American Wild Ale (Oak Aged)
Availability: 12.7oz Bottles

6.4% ABV 

Image via Allagash Brewing

 Allagash Wild Friendship Blend

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Left Hand Brewing, New Releases, Videos

Left Hand De’Nile Coffee Ale, For Old Chicago

Left Hand Brewing (Longmont, CO) currently has a coffee ale in select Old Chicago Restaurants across the United States. The beer debuted in early February.

Left Hand De’Nile Coffee Ale is a collaboration with Allegro Coffee, and the brewery’s Ro Guenzel. The team selected Allegro’s Blue Nile Blend coffee to nuance Left Hand’s base beer, brewed with lactose.

 First, Allegro’s Blue Nile BLEND coffee was hand-selected due to its intense berry and spice notes. Then, a unique recipe was created in order to best compliment the characteristics of the coffee. The result is a burnished, copper-colored brew with a white head that is the perfect equilibrium of maple, chocolate and coffee with a medium mouthfeel and a citrus aroma from Caliente and Amarillo hops.

Left Hand De’Nile Coffee Ale is available now at Old Chicago Restaurants (locator in new window) and the the brewery’s tap room.

Style: Amber Ale (w/ Coffee, Lactose.)
Hops: Amarillo, Caliente
Malts: 2 Row, Munich, Caramunich, Wheat, Caraaroma

Availability: Draft only
Release: Early February, 2015

5.5% ABV, 57 IBUs

by Reid Ramsay