Brooklyn Lager, the flagship of Brooklyn Brewery, is now 35 years old. It helped establish the Williamsburg-based brewery as a pioneer of the American craft beer movement, and has been a staple of the craft beer scene since — now available across the U.S. and in over 30 countries around the globe.
The revolutionary amber beer has continued to thrive since co-founders Steve Hindy and Tom Potter first introduced it in the late 80’s. In 1994, Brooklyn Brewery’s James Beard Award-winning brewmaster Garrett Oliver joined the company, and went on to refine the original Lager, the brainchild of William Moeller, a fourth-generation German-American brewmaster.
Unlike the light lagers most Americans were familiar with at that time, Brooklyn Lager’s bold flavors inspired by a pre-Prohibition American style of lager stood out and reflected the borough where it was born and bred, once a powerhouse of American beer production. Since then, the flagship lager- whose logo was designed by legendary graphic artist Milton Glaser – has won numerous prestigious awards in the industry, including the 2018 World Beer Cup Gold Medal in the American Amber Lager Category.
“Back in 1988, most people had never seen a beer that wasn’t pale yellow and virtually flavorless – the deep color and bold flavor of Brooklyn Lager was quite a shock,” says Brewmaster Garrett Oliver. “Once people tasted a few pints, though, they never wanted to be without it again. Brooklyn Lager is still pretty much the same beer that we launched 35 years ago. I actually like to think that it’s become ‘even more like itself.’ What I mean by that is that although the recipe has barely changed over the years, we now have 35 years experience brewing Brooklyn Lager, so the beer is better than ever.”
Starting March 24, Brooklyn Brewery will kick off a series of 35th anniversary celebrations for the iconic beer with a 2-day party at Teddy’s Bar & Grill, one of the very first locations to ever carry Brooklyn Lager back in 1988.
Pike Brewing releases Pink Boots beer
Just in time for International Women’s Day last week, Pike Brewing released Stronger Bonds, their Pink Boots beer for 2023. Stronger Bonds boasts notes of guava and passionfruit supported by a light malt body. This juicy double IPA is fermented with a thiolized yeast strain, unlocking aromatics not normally expressed in regular fermentation. Utilizing multi-layered hop additions and techniques, it is light gold in color with a medium hop bitterness.
Pike’s head brewer, Leslie Shore, used Amarillo, HBC 843, Idaho 7, Mosaic, YCH Pink Boots Blend ’22, and Sabro hops to create Stronger Bonds. 8.2% 4 SRM 35 IBU
“I first got involved with Pink Boots in 2012,” said Leslie Shore, head brewer of Pike Brewing. “Every year the organization grows to accept, educate, and promote women and non-binary individuals within the fermented beverage industry. It’s important for me to be a member, as finding your niche and a career in any industry is a challenge and when you don’t see anyone that looks like you it can be intimidating.”
The Pink Boots Society is an international collective of women in the brewing industry. Each year members from local chapters create a special beer in celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8. A percentage of the sales from the special beer go towards scholarships and continuing education.
Stronger Bonds is available on draft for the month of March at Pike Brewing, Pike Taproom, and select retailers in the Puget Sound. The Pink Boots Society was created to assist, inspire, and encourage women beer industry professionals to advance their careers through education.
SweetWater Gone Trippin’ is a West Coast IPA tribute to its roots
SweetWater Brewing Co. launched Gone Trippin’, a West Coast Style India Pale Ale (IPA) that pays tribute to the bold, hoppy beers SweetWater brought to the South more than 25 years ago. Gone Trippin’ is now available nationally year-round.
Gone Trippin’ (7% alcohol by volume (ABV)) is assertively hopped with Cascade, Centennial, Crystal, Chinook and Citra varieties. This array of quintessential West Coast hops delivers bitter notes accompanied by pine, citrus and floral aromas that are well balanced by a malty backbone and refreshingly dry finish.
“We crafted this beer as a celebration of the long trip that’s taken us from the West Coast to the Southeast and back again — with many stops in Colorado. We’ve Gone Fishin’ and Gone Phishin’ for years, and now we’re Gone Trippin’. We’re getting back to our roots and absolutely stoked to release this hoppy love letter to Cali, wrapped in a funky tie dyed can,” said Nick Nock, SweetWater’s head brewer. “Gone Trippin’ is a big, yet easy drinking beer that’s incredibly balanced. It’s perfectly bitter, it’s hoppy, but it’s also rounded out with a malty sweetness.”
Anderson Valley protects clean water with Coastal Ale
Anderson Valley Brewing Company (AVBC) is paying it forward to protect clean water, the world’s most important resource with the release of the new Coastal Ale. Brewed in partnership with leading nonprofit environmental organization, the Surfrider Foundation, at 4.5% ABV the Coastal Ale is light-bodied but full flavored with juicy, fruity hop aroma.
AVBC is donating 5% of the gross profit from the sale of all Coastal Ale packaged beer directly to Surfrider. With sustainability as a shared focus, AVBC is proud to be able to contribute to the important work that the Surfrider Foundation does to support and protect coastal and water-centric ecosystems.
Established 35 years ago, surrounded by the towering redwoods that dominate Mendocino County’s coastal ecosystem, AVBC is one of California’s longest-running independent breweries and a long-standing leader in sustainable and environmentally-friendly brewing.
“As we head into our 35th year of production, the time felt right to craft a beer with a mission to give back and protect the planet,” said President and CEO Kevin McGee. “The Surfrider Foundation has been an effective and powerful force, dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches. We’re proud and humbled to be able to support their efforts and hope people enjoy Coastal Ale for exactly what it is – an expertly-crafted, easy-going beer brewed with a sincere commitment to safeguarding our water for future generations.”
Harpoon offers another healthy-for-you beer
Just kidding. It is about time Harpoon Brewery quit all of that running and working out and is now ready to get baked and give in to the munchies. Harpoon and Flour Bakery + Café have collaborated on a Sticky Bun Stout, a pastry stout brewed with natural flavors and real sticky buns from Flour Bakery + Café. The idea came about when members of the Harpoon Product Innovation Team went out for coffee and pastries at the local Flour Bakery at the Seaport Innovation & Design Building.
“At Harpoon, inspiration finds us in many forms – whether experimenting with a new hop variety, learning an innovative brewing technique, or taking a trip to the neighborhood bakery,” said Dan Kenary, Harpoon CEO and co-founder. “We are thrilled to partner with Flour, who shares our passion for creating awesome products and welcoming hospitality.”
Harpoon Sticky Bun Stout is made with real Sticky Sticky Buns and features notes of toasted pecans, caramel, brown sugar and cinnamon. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Camp Harbor View, who works with more than 1,000 young Bostonians and their families each year to offer a one-of-a-kind summer camp for students in grades 6-8, year-round leadership development for students in grades 9-12 and comprehensive family services, including college and career planning, scholarships, clinical support and resource coordination — all at no cost to families.
Coronado Brewing and Societe Brewing team up on The Mariner
Coronado Brewing and Societe Brewing, two of San Diego’s most beloved breweries, have teamed up to create The Mariner, a West Coast Double IPA brewed with El Dorado, Simcoe, and Citra hops. The collaboration beer will be available starting March 3rd on draft and in 16oz 4-packs at all Coronado Brewing Company locations and will hit Coronado’s distribution network the week of March 6th.
The Mariner is a big, bold, and aromatic beer that combines the India Pale Ale expertise of both breweries. The bold hop blend is used to create a complex flavor profile that includes notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and pine. A late addition of an experimental hop, HBC 638, adds an extra punch of hop fruitiness. The beer boasts an 8.0% ABV and is sure to satisfy hopheads and craft beer enthusiasts alike.
“We were eager to work with Coronado Brewing on The Mariner,” said Douglas Constantiner, CEO of Societe Brewing. “Both of our breweries are known for producing high-quality IPAs, so we knew that our collaboration had to be a big, hoppy beer. The Mariner is a testament to our shared passion for brewing great beer and our commitment to pushing the limits of what’s possible in craft brewing.”
Look out this May for part two of the collaboration, brewed and packaged at Societe’s own brewery in Miramar, San Diego.
Switchback Brewing cans Roasted Red, Karsten Premium Lager
Switchback Brewing Co. released their Roasted Red Ale and Karsten Premium Lager in 16oz cans for the first time. Big reason why? The recent addition of a new Quadrel Techline high speed labeler. The brewery now can create out-of-the-box labels that truly fit the personality of each beer
“The new equipment eliminates color and print limitations of mass-produced pre-printed cans which we used to have to order by the truckload.” says Brewery Founder and Brewmaster, Bill Cherry.
Switchback’s graphic designer, Interrobang Design Collective, whom they have worked with since the Brewery’s founding, utilized many of the creative features that Amherst Label offers to make dynamic cans that come alive as you rotate them.
Roasted Red Ale was the second beer ever released by Switchback and quickly became a cult favorite. This deep mahogany-red colored ale leads with a rich caramel maltiness balanced with a bold hop signature, followed by a delicate cocoa roasted finish. The newly designed label is an expression of Vermont’s fifth season – mud season, featuring a red barn board pattern accented by icy metallic lettering. This is the time of year to embrace the extra sunlight and enjoy robust beer outside!
Karsten Lager is crisp, clean and expertly crafted. It features Switchback’s delicious malt signature, balanced by noble hops with just a hint of sweetness. Modest to the bone despite the skill it takes to make, this beer is made for drinking not crowing about.
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