Beers come at us in bunches each day, hoping we will one day let the world know more about them. To tell their tales. To sing their songs. But alas. We are but humble scribes, only capable of weekly periodic roundups. Few survive the wait. Here now, are those that have endured their time in the inbox, to be known.
Cartridge Brewing debuts first Impact Beer to raise scholarship funds
The team at Cartridge Brewing always kept one goal top of mind: to find solid, successful, significant ways to make a difference and give back to the community in which they live and work. That promise is now a reality with the release of their first Impact Beer. An Impact Beer, at its core, is essentially a partnership with a local nonprofit – but one made distinct through a unique fundraising opportunity that raises both awareness and assistance, all through a special canned beer release.
The first of these is Radar, an American Dark Ale, honoring Capt. Seth Mitchell and in support of the Hero 5K, an annual Loveland, Ohio, race that raises funds for the Capt. Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship. A Loveland High School grad and hometown hero, Seth Mitchell was a Marine Corps captain and Cobra helicopter pilot who was killed in action in Afghanistan during his third tour of service. Radar itself was created as a nod to one of Seth’s mainstream favorites – a light and easy-drinking Bock-style beer that’s approachable and refreshing.
“One of the things I really liked about Cartridge, one of the reasons I decided to come here, was this Impact series of beers,” says Adam Mills, head brewer. “Pubs and breweries have historically been an important component of society … where opinions were shared, families gathered, debates settled. Far too often we only see things that are problematic in our world, but this is an opportunity to do something at the local level, address local needs … where I get to contribute. It’s Cartridge engaging with the public in a different way, and that’s what I like about it.”
Indeed Brewing scales up Pistachio Cream Ale and its one-off printed label
Indeed Brewing Company is now offering Pistachio Cream Ale year-round, transitioning it from a one-off beer to a core brand. Now in newly designed 12-ounce cans that feature artwork from Minneapolis artist Chuck U, Pistachio Cream Ale will be distributed across Minnesota and Wisconsin this week.
Pistachio Cream Ale started as an R&D project at Indeed’s pilot brewery in Milwaukee, releasing first as a tap exclusive in the Walker’s Point taproom in February 2020. The recipe was brewed on a larger scale in Minneapolis to can and distribute in May 2020. Originally planned as a limited one-off run, its instantaneous success and cult following necessitated multiple drops throughout the remainder of the year to meet demand.
Creative Director Andy Kiekhafer led the design process, working closely with Chuck U in the brand’s evolution from one-off label to printed can. “This was a first for a printed can label, going from the minor league to the majors, so to speak. The beer was a pretty big hit out of the gate, so we knew we had to get Chuck involved ASAP to translate it from labeled can to full-on printed can,” says Kiekhafer. “We wanted to keep some essence of the can people knew and at the same time update it in the world of Chuck U. The new can elevates the experience and translates the design to fit with the current Indeed printed can shelf set.”
Three delightful new beers coming from Sun King
Sun King Brewery, the second-largest craft brewery in Indiana and winner of the most medals of all individual breweries in 2020 at GABF, has launched into 2021 with a variety of new beverages with unique styles and flavor profiles.
- Mixed Emojis: These three heavily-fruited sour Berliner Weisse ales include Razz P. Berry, Penny PineApple and Vince Van Mango. All are 6% ABV | 10 IBU and based on their popularity, Sun King plans on releasing another series of Mixed Emojis later this spring or early summer.
- Indy Turns 200: An applejack cocktail-inspired ale aged in West Fork Whiskey Old Hamer bourbon barrels with apples and smoked raw sugar and created to celebrate Indianapolis’ bicentennial. Indy Turns 200 is a part of Sun King’s King’s Reserve Series, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Arts Council of Indianapolis’ Bicentennial Legends Mural Project.
- Giant Cupcake Pastry Stout: Made with Indianapolis’ Taylor’s Bakery cupcakes, cocoa nibs and vanilla for a sweet and chocolatey treat.
Proceeds for Rising Tides Raise All benefit restaurant workers
In Maryland, National Harbor, OtherSide Beverage and Aslin Brewing collaborated to create a new brew with National Harbor Restaurant workers in mind. Rising Tides Raise All will not only help to increase traffic and sales at National Harbor but OtherSide Beverage and National Harbor will donate a portion of the proceeds from Rising Tides Raise All directly back to participating restaurant’s staff.
The juicy IPA will be available and contribute donations through March 14. Its style has been described as a 5.5% juicy bomb. It’s a hazy spa brewed with chinook, Citra and mosaic. It’s dank and easy drinking, perfect for any weather.
“With the beginning of Cherry Blossom season and people’s desire to get outdoors and enjoy some patio dining, this is the ideal time to release a new spring themed beer at National Harbor while giving back to the local community” said Jackie Saunders, AVP marketing, National Harbor. “Rising tides truly do raise all and allowing our guests to help give back while enjoying an awesome new beer, we hope this brings more people to come try it.”
Nude coming to the U.S. from Canada
Nude Beverages, a top-selling Canadian ready-to-drink (RTD) and flavored malt beverage (FMB) brand that is both sugar and sweetener-free, announced the U.S. launch of Nude Hard Iced Tea, a true American-style iced tea with zero carbonation, zero caffeine, and brewed with black tea. This latest release follows Nude’s 2020 U.S. launch of its flagship product, Nude Hard Seltzer.
Nude was created with a mission to develop a healthier alternative in their category, and for nearly four years, the brand has won over the hearts of Canadian consumers with their clean, canned cocktails. Nude’s proven success with their Iced Tea in Canada, released in May 2019, paved the way for U.S. expansion.
“We tested over 500 formulations of the iced tea before landing on our final formula, and it’s that attention to detail that makes us a category leader,” said Nude Beverages CEO and Founder Julius Makarewicz. “We saw that consumers were wanting more sugar-free options, and so we knew the next step was to bring Nude Hard Iced Tea to the U.S. We’re excited to introduce our American fans to a new line and expect even more expansion to come this year.”
Ferment Brewing adds to Top and Bottom Ferment Series
Ferment Brewing Co. has released three new canned offerings: Nitro Dry Stout and Something Like… in the brewery’s Top Ferment Series, while Pils Bernina is a new addition to the Bottom Ferment Series. The Top and Bottom Ferment Series both feature 16-ounce cans filled with experimental, one-off and seasonal ales and lagers, respectively.
Nitro Dry Stout embodies the spirit of the midnight-black ales of Dublin. A pale mash and unique black sparge technique imparts a gentle acidity to the beer along with a clean, delicate roast character in this surprisingly refreshing dark ale that’s canned with nitrogen (4.5% ABV). Something LIke… is a hazy pale ale brewed with Ekuanot and Strata hops (6% ABV). The beer is similar to Something Like Mind Control, Ferment’s collaboration with Moonraker Brewing Co. in Auburn, California. Pils Bernina is Ferment’s take on an Italian-style Pilsner—it’s bright and boldly loaded with Noble hops (6% ABV).
Montavilla Brew Works is canning a celebration to Oregon’s birthday
Montavilla Brew Works (MBW) has announced the canning of a new West Coast IPA that celebrates living in Oregon and coincides with the state’s 161st birthday. Lovin’ Oregon was brewed in collaboration with Heart in Oregon, a Portland company whose sticker featuring a green heart in the center of the state is ubiquitous in the Northwest.
Lovin’ Oregon is a West Coast IPA brewed with pilsner and pale malts that support a medium-light body, easy drinkability and a dry finish. Falconer’s Flight hops impart tropical and fruity flavors while maintaining a restrained yet suitable bitterness. This IPA is dry hopped with Citra and Strata hops with aromas of grapefruit, lime, tropical fruit and dank herb. The beer comes in at 6.5% ABV.
“This collaboration between MBW and Heart in Oregon is what makes this job so rewarding,” said Michael Kora, MBW founder and head brewer. “We’ve always enjoyed partnering with other local businesses that share our vision of keeping things local, serving the community, and supporting each other in good times and bad. 2020 was an incredibly challenging year, particularly for small businesses like ours that had to pivot their business model to accommodate Covid-related safety protocols. It made sense to collaborate with Heart in Oregon, not only to celebrate Oregon’s 161st birthday but to celebrate surviving 2020 in the resilient state we live in.”
Praise be Level Crossing’s Red Feather Series
Level Crossing Brewing Co. is set to release its second beer in its 2021 Red Feather Series this Friday. Eternal Pursuit is a Belgian Style Dark Strong Ale and measures in at a sturdy 8.8% ABV. This heavenly beer provides a delightful mash bill, Belgian Pilsner, Belgian Pale, Belgian Special B, Flaked Barley, and Chocolate Rye fulfill the need. Rounding out the grain bill, Hallertauer Magnum, Styrian Goldings, and Saaz hop combination complete the kettle.
Eternal Pursuit has complex malty aromas of black cherry, raisins, plum and dried figs. The low hop bitterness allows the combination of fresh stone fruit, caramel malt and hints of chocolate-covered banana flavors to shine through. This beer has a higher carbonation level by design offering a medium body which finishes dry with residual alcohol warmth lingering in the mouth.
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