I never look at weather forecasts, so waking up to a fresh coat of snow, like I did today, is always a surprise. My oh my, the contrasting beauty and tyranny of it all. On the one hand, it is majestic. An entirely new blank landscape, laid down overnight, comprised of billions and billions of individual flakes. On the other hand, simply an outstretched middle finger. I see a similar metaphor applying to the amount of beer releases each week. Like Ohio snow, new craft brands are released from the heavens in an infinite cycle. Each morning I awake to a pile of beer news so thick I must shovel it from my driveway. Assessing them as a whole is daunting. Madness, even. Yet, I appreciate the whole for its individual components. The uniqueness of each beer. Revel in the splendor. Then, with clear head, share the four that stood out the most.
Don’t forget to add your beer news to the pile at [email protected].
Roosters Brewing ‘mashes the patriarchy’ for International Women’s Day
On International Women’s Day the world celebrated female leaders, changemakers and the many historic milestones in moving equality forward. But in Utah, one group of gals is trying to make a little history of their own and kick preconceived notions to the curb. Roosters Brewing Co., based out of Ogden, Utah, gathered up a handful of female brewers from across the state to host Utah’s first “Pink Boots Brew Day.” Beginning about 9 a.m., ladies from breweries across the state began to convene: Uinta, Red Rock, Utah Brewers Co-Op, Proper Brewing, Strap Tank, Epic, Kiitos and Talisman, plus the executive director of the local Brewers Guild. Using a malt mash up from participating brewers and a Pink Boots exclusive hop blend, the ladies got straight to work on a Cascadian Dark Ale.
The collaborative brew — “Mash the Patriarchy” — will take a couple weeks to ferment, but once it’s kegged it will be pouring across the state of Utah, starting with a few local restaurants and, of course, the participating breweries. So, what’s the big deal getting some female brewers together to brew an ale together? The whole point is to draw attention to the disparity of women in the workforce, particularly in the craft brew segment.
“Ever since joining the Pink Boots Society two years ago, and brewing Femintation last year, I’ve been trying to connect with women in Utah’s beer industry,” said Jacquie Wright King, the girl boss brewer from Roosters leading the charge on Collaborative Brew Day. “Last summer, Julie Schuler from Strap Tank brewing started up a Utah Chapter of Pink Boots. With the formulation of the Utah Chapter, I thought this was naturally the next step.”
Jacquie got the ball rolling for the Women’s Day event which also serves as the first official “Pink Boots Brew Day” for the Utah chapter. She goes on to explain her excitement for this historic day, “Women still only account for 2 percent of head brewers nationwide. We obviously are a very, very small portion of this industry, so events like this help women and girls everywhere realize that it is attainable to work in beer!”
New Realm Brewing releases its first cans
New Realm Brewing will release its firsy two headliners, Hoplandia IPA and Euphonia Pilsner, in 12-oz aluminum cans in early April. Available at the brewery, as well as locations throughout Atlanta, local thirst seekers and hop gazers can now venture outside the Beltline to share some well-crafted refreshment.
Budding with sought-after hops and a heavenly hit of citrus and peach, Hoplandia is no ordinary IPA. It’s not confined to the style of the West Coast, East Coast or whatever coast. This lush IPA is something sublimely different and now in cans, more Atlantans will be able to experience Hoplandia for themselves.
“Hoplandia is for those that crave piney, citrusy hop flavors and Euphonia Pilsner, our refreshing, easy sipping pils has been a favorite amongst our brewers and guests at our bar,” said Mitch Steele, brewmaster and cofounder of New Realm Brewing.
Hoplandia IPA:
- Hops: Warrior, Simcoe and Centennial
- Malts: Pale, Pilsner and Crystal
- 7.3 percent ABV/75 IBUs
- Appearance: Light, golden color
- Availability: 12oz six pack cans and draft
- Distribution: GA only
- Release: Early April
Sun King Brewery throwing anniversary party with Dr. Dog concert and new IPA
Sun King Brewery will host its annual anniversary concert (SKB9) on June 16 at its downtown Indianapolis brewery, marking nine years of creating traditional seasonal and unique specialty beer. This SKB9 will feature a grapefruit jungle IPA release and headlining performance from Philadelphia’s indie-rock darlings Dr. Dog, as well as support from Sandy Alex G and more to be announced.
Sun King Brewery anniversary concerts have become a staple on the summer events calendar attracting sellout crowds and dedicated craft beer drinkers. With a history of hosting up-and-coming musical acts early in their careers, as well as regional and national artists, Sun King Brewery has become a go-to destination for live music and award-winning craft beer in Indiana.
“Music is at the heart of everything we do here at Sun King,” said Sun King Brewery Cofounder and Owner Clay Robinson. “Dave Colt and I dreamed up the concept while locked away in a small brewery listening to and sharing all of our favorite music while we worked. We sponsor concert series and small studio shows throughout the year, but once a year we throw our own big party at our downtown Indy brewery showcasing many of the great beers we craft and featuring bands that we love.”
Tickets are available for purchase online via Ticketfly or either of the Sun King Brewery tap rooms (downtown Indianapolis and Fishers). General admission tickets are on sale now for $25, a well as a limited amount of four-pack tickets for $90. VIP experience tickets can be purchased for $50 and include premium amenities, private restrooms and access to a private bar area.
Full Sail Brewery award-winners now in 19.2-oz cans
Oregon-based Full Sail Brewery‘s Session Premium Lager and Sesiόn Cerveza Mexican Style Lager are worthy of new containers, and they are now getting them. Session Lager has won more than 20 gold medals, and Sesiόn Cerveza recently took home a silver medal from the GABF and both of these award-winning brews are now available in 19.2-oz cans.
“Sesiόn Cerveza did really well this past summer and won some great awards, so now we’re excited to offer this refreshing cerveza as well as our classic Session Lager in 19.2-oz cans too,” says Full Sail Brewmaster Greg Doss. “It’s especially great for convenience stores, and it’s the perfect size to throw in a cooler for fishing.”
When Full Sail launched the Session brand 12 years ago, it quickly became the hottest new craft-beer brand on the market, which has since brought home more than 100 medals, including 58 golds. Session Lager is now available year-round in 11-oz stubby bottles in six-packs and 12-packs, 12-oz aluminum cans six-packs, in single-serve 19.2-oz cans and on draft.
