Urban South Brewery announced its latest innovation, Driftee, a non-alcoholic, Delta-9 THC sparkling seltzer. Delta-9 is a hemp-derived THC. This guilt-free formula contains zero carbs, calories, or sugar and is available in three enticing flavors—Lemon Lavender, Tangerine Ginger, and Grapefruit. As one of only two THC seltzers produced in Louisiana, Urban South Brewery is not just launching a seltzer, but solidifying its reputation as the craft beverage pioneers of the South.
Urban South Brewery will be producing and packaging Driftee in Louisiana. This strategic move not only reflects the brewery’s commitment to supporting the local economy, but also sets a precedent for production within the state.
The brewery has entered into a partnership with Wines Unlimited, a leading beverage distributor, to ensure that Driftee reaches every corner of Louisiana. Consumers can find Driftee at major grocery chains, including the popular Rouses, making it immediately accessible to a wide audience.
“At Urban South, we’re always pushing boundaries, and Driftee is a testament to our commitment to innovation,” said Jacob Landry, Founder of Urban South Brewery. “Driftee isn’t just a beverage; it’s an experience. Crafting this THC-infused seltzer has been a labor of love, and we’re proud to bring something different to the communities we serve.”
My Yard Live Beer collaborates with employee James Zoul and childhood friends on 4 Wise Dudes Winter IPA
My Yard Live Beer Co. will release 4 Wise Dudes Winter IPA on Friday, December 8 as part of its 4DUDESBREW collaboration series, which was started in 2021 by employee James Zoul, who has special needs, and his three friends, who also have special needs.
The 4 Wise Dudes Winter IPA will initially be available only at the brewery and only on draft, with possible subsequent distribution to restaurants and bars in San Diego. One dollar from every pint sold will be donated to a non-profit organization of choice of the group that makes up 4DUDESBREW.
The 4 Dudes friend group includes Nick Bahen, Mike Roth, and Matt Zimmerman, and they worked with Director of Brewing Operations Benjamin “Shaggy” Blaney to create the beer. 4 Wise Dudes Winter IPA has a 7% alcohol-by-volume (ABV), and it was brewed with Centennial, Amarillo, and Chinook hops.
“It’s been an amazing experience to have the opportunity to work with the 4Dudes over the last two years,” said My Yard Live Managing Partner Jamie Minotti. “From our Head Brewer, Shaggy, to our Venue Manager, Ryan, everyone on our team has had a hand in supporting the project. But, ultimately, it’s The 4 Dudes that makes it what it is. They have given us, and the community, so much more in their passion, energy, love, and spirit than we could ever return. It’s really hard to put into words. You have to meet them in person.”
The release party on December 10 will feature music from Kyle Merrill Band and a “community toast” with complimentary tasters of 4 Wise Dudes Winter IPA for everyone 21+ in attendance. A raffle will be conducted throughout the afternoon to give away four packs of beer, gift cards, and other prizes.
The previous three beers in the series were 4DUDESBREW West Coast IPA in December 2021, Quatro Amigos MX Lager in May 2022, Hazy Dudes Hazy IPA in February 2023, and a re-release of Quatro Amigos MX Lager August 2023 (also now available in cans). Previous beneficiaries from these brews were Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, Big Shrimp Foundation, REINS Therapeutic Horsemanship Program, Southern California Care Community, and The ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter. More than $12,000 has been donated thus far.
Summit Brewing adds to Sága Goddess series
After the successful release of Sága Hazy IPA in the spring of 2023, Minnesota-based Summit Brewing is adding a new style to the Sága Goddess series this December: Sága Imperial IPA. The new Sága Imperial is an epic yet perfectly balanced 9% ABV IPA with notes of tangerine, sweet stone fruit, and caramel flavors complimented by a honey malt base.
“For over a decade, Summit drinkers have embraced our Sága IPA which has consistently made it a top performer in our portfolio. This provided us with an opportunity to capitalize on the name recognition and brand equity behind Sága IPA in order to meet the growing demand of consumer choice when it comes to their preferred IPA style,” says Summit Brewing CEO, Brandon Bland. “Our launch of the Sága Imperial IPA is the next step in the buildout of this series and should give those drinkers who enjoy the higher ABV options a brand that they can trust will deliver the quality and consistency they have come to expect from Summit beers.”
Sycamore Brewing is leaving its Christmas Cookie Winter Ales out for Santa
Charlotte-based Sycamore Brewing announced the return of its seasonal Christmas Cookie Winter Ale (7.5% ABV) and limited supply of Barrel-Aged Christmas Cookie Winter Ale (8.1% ABV). Both beers are now available for at select stores in seven states as well as the Sycamore Brewing taproom located in Charlotte’s South End.
“Much like the countdown to Christmas, the release of our annual Christmas Cookie beers are full of excitement and anticipation,” says Sycamore Brewing Co-Owner, Sarah Taylor Brigham. “Brewed just once a year and filled with Christmas cheer, this year’s Christmas Cookie is bound to be Santa’s favorite!”
Christmas Cookie Winter Ale is an ode to Santa’s favorite treat – fresh baked cookies. The holiday-inspired beer tastes just like spiced sugar cookies hot from the oven. Deliciously comforting flavors of caramel, rich toffee, honey, and figs are backed by additions of fresh cinnamon, ginger, orange zest and vanilla that result in a malt-forward blonde ale with a satisfying, sweet and balanced spicy finish.
Bruz Beers wins big at European Beer Star competition
Colorado-based Belgian-style brewery Bruz Beers just won a Gold Award at the European Beer Star competition in Germany. The European Beer Star is the largest beer competition in Europe and a major worldwide competition, with entries from 47 countries.
Bruz Beers won gold in the Wood & Barrel-Aged Sour Beer category for its Oak Marionette on Peaches– a Belgian-style Flanders Red-Brown ale aged on a copious quantity of Palisade peaches grown in Colorado.
“This is a huge honor for us,” says Bruz Beers Co-Founder Ryan Evans. “The European Beer Star is Europe’s premier beer competition. For a small, boutique brewery in Denver to take gold here is something we could only dream about a few years ago.”
Oak Marionette on Peaches is the brainchild of Head Brewer Dave Olson. “We have made a lot of fruit beers before, but what made Oak Marionette special is the base beer– a Flanders ale aged in one of our oak fouders (large, vertical oak fermenters). For this special beer, we insisted on using Colorado’s famous Palisade peaches, which we brought in fresh and added to the fermenter with minimal processing. The sour ale and the flavorful Colorado peaches are a match made in heaven!”
Urban Artifact debuts its first non-alcoholic beer
Urban Artifact‘s goal has always been to show as many folks as possible how incredible Fruit Tarts are and to let them explore new flavors. After years in the lab, and some unique investments in the brewery, they finally have the tools to expand into NA beers.
Introducing its first non-alcoholic Fruit Tart, Seedless is refreshingly light and it carries the subtle sweetness of the real fruit inside. Two Seedless flavors are available: Strawberry and Mango. They will be available throughout our distribution network in 6-pack 12 oz cans.
“Seedless isn’t just a non-alcoholic beverage; it’s a testament of our commitment to crafting exceptional Fruit Tarts that are accessible to everyone. Whenever you want real flavor, fruit belongs,” the Urban team says.
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