Details on new year-round beers from Left Hand, Alpine Beer, Braxton Brewing

We don’t run a ton of new beer news because there are a million new beers every day. We have other hobbies, ya know. But there is something about a new year-round beers being added to a lineup that feels more notable — planting that flag into the grain and saying, this is going to be one of things that defines us.

There happened to be a few such announcements this week. Drum roll please…

Braxton Brewing changes up core lineup

Braxton Brewing Co. is introducing a change to its core beer lineup. Revamp, a new tropical forward IPA, will be replacing Crank Shaft IPA. It will be produced year round and will replace Crank Shaft in 12-ounce cans on store shelves in March. Revamp is a 6.5 percent ABV, 60 IBU crisp, tropical fruit-forward IPA. Revamp will be previewed at Cincy Winter Beerfest on Friday, Feb. 17, as well as available in company’ s taproom. Cans will be released in the taproom on Friday, March 10.

So, what gives with the switch?

“This is a project that we have been working on for quite a while. The IPA Style accounts for approximately 44 percent of the craft beer segment, and it is something that the brewing team has been studying heavily,” said Evan Rouse, Braxton Brewing Co.’ s co-founder and COO. “Crank Shaft was a beer we were happy with when we opened in 2015, but it never resonated with the consumer. It was too dark, too malty and not enough IPA-y. Our team went to work — studying what was popular and trending and what the consumer truly wants.”

Brewed with Amarillo, Citra, Simcoe and Chinook, Revamp boasts tropical fruit flavors and a bright citrus aroma. Braxton’ s core lineup now consists of: Storm Golden Cream Ale, Revamp IPA, Twisted Bit Dortmunder Lager and Dead Blow Tropical Stout.

Alpine Beer coming strong with 3 new year-rounders

Diving into 2017 with broad U.S. distribution, Alpine Beer Co. says it is adding three new, year-round beers, including two canned offerings — a first for the brand.

Twelve-ounce cans of Willy Wheat Ale and Truck Trail Ale (an American Pale) will hit select markets in early summer. In addition, Windows Up IPA already began shipping to retailers nationally in January and is quickly becoming an Alpine bestseller.

Windows Up IPA

Windows Up is a single IPA made with Mosaic and Citra hops. It pours a hazy straw color and is topped with bright white beer foam. Piney aromas mingle with fruity notes, while hints of citrus fruit and an overall lingering resinous quality lend a touch of complexity to this dank IPA and is 7 percent ABV.

Truck Trail Ale

Truck Trail is named for the Anderson Truck Trail in Alpine, Calif., and is a tribute to rural American back roads where locals go for off-roading and other shenanigans. This American Pale Ale features a balanced blend of Cascade and Centennial hops. It pours a golden yellow with an eggshell colored beer foam and its bold hop-bitterness is perfectly balanced by a mellow, malty sweetness. Dominant notes of fresh pine needles and zesty citrus rind make this a classic example of the style. Truck Trail will be available in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans and is 5.5 percent ABV.

Willy American Wheat Cans

An old-school recipe and beloved Alpine classic, Willy is a light, crisp and refreshing American Wheat Ale featuring a prominent wheat backbone and Amarillo hops. Its pale-hued liquid contrasts beautifully against the bright, white beer foam. Hints of clean orange zest and lemon rind are balanced by an approachable wheat character, making this a refreshing and flavorful choice for craft beer lovers and newbies alike. Willy will be available in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans and is 5 percent ABV.

In addition to the new releases, the Alpine Beer Co. portfolio consists of the following full-time, front line beers: Duet IPA, Willy Vanilly American Wheat Ale with Vanilla, Mandarin Nectar Orange Blossom Honey Ale with Orange Zest and Coriander, Hoppy Birthday Pale Ale.

Left Hand Brewing debuting a Kölsch

Left Hand Brewing Co. is releasing a variety of seasonal and limited releases for the late winter/spring season, including cans, bottles and 22-ounce offerings. From coffee to wildflower honey, the spring mix of beers will bring something for everyone.

But the beer that will be a mainstay year-round, starting in March, is Travelin’ Light — a Kölsch style ale to be available year round. We hear it will be golden, crisp and refreshing and at 4.8 percent ABV, Travelin’ Light is perfect for mellow days and a thirst-quencher for the sunshine.