Craft Malt Beer Category Sees Competitive Entries at 2026 Great American Beer Festival
The 2026 Great American Beer Festival (GABF)® Awards named the top three craft beers that showcased craft malt from Craft Maltsters Guild member malthouses. This Craft Malt Beer category was highlighted as a specialty category.
Photo © Brewers Association
NATIONAL— Last week, the Great American Beer Festival (GABF)® Awards named the top three craft beers that showcased craft malt from Craft Maltsters Guild member malthouses. This Craft Malt Beer category was highlighted as a specialty category for 2026.
Chris Williams, Brewers Association Competition Director noted during the awards ceremony that the Craft Malt Beer category had an impressively competitive 132 entries. This category, he said, carries “that small independent spirit of craft beer back to the grain.” With judging based on how they showcased malt characteristics, he added “these beers celebrate the connection between farmer, maltster, and brewer.”
Bronze in the Craft Malt Beer category went to Admiral Chiperton Sausageton III by Hop Dogma Brewing Co. with Admiral Maltings. Silver in the Craft Malt Beer category went to Two Track ESB by Free State Brewing Co. with Two Track Malting. Gold went to Jacob Mack Mild Ale by Dostal Alley Brewpub & Casino with Root Shoot Malting and Troubadour Maltings.
“Nineteen years ago, we wanted to brew a lighter, drinkable malt-based British ale, which our local pub customers now insist that we never run out of,” says Dave Thomas, Brewer Emeritus at Dostal Alley Brewpub, of the gold-winning beer. “It was always challenging to decide which GABF category we should enter into (Brown, Mild, English ale, etc.) because it's a true British-style—meaning malt, not hop, focused.”
Thomas was one of the Craft Maltsters Guild’s earliest board members and the former Director of Malting & Brewing R&D and Traveling Brewmaster for Coors Brewing Company. He was the 2020 recipient of the Soles of Malt shovel, an honor given for selfless and philanthropic stewardship of craft malt.
Beyond the Craft Malt Beer category, beers made with craft malt from the Craft Maltsters Guild’s member malthouses all over the country won awards across style categories. Some of them included Allagash White, the gold medal winner in the Belgian-Style Witbier category, made with malt from Blue Ox Malthouse and Maine Malt; Wishful Thinking Brewing Co.’s On Any Given Day, made with PA grain and malted at Double Eagle Malting malt, earned a gold medal in the Brett Beer category; Riverside Rhapsody scored two medals for beers made with malt from Riverbend Malt House: silver for Weather Re-Porter in the Robust Porter category and bronze for Baltic Porter in the Strong Porter category; and The Well In Wellington, the gluten-free, sister brewery to Grouse Malt House, earned a gold medal in the Classic Gluten-Free Ale or Lager category for their Altbier. Mieza Blendery, named 2026 0-250 Barrels Brewery and Brewer of the Year, won both bronze and silver in the Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer category for Sulking in The Brush and Minotaurs & Matadors made with malt from Murphy & Rude Malting Co.
The Guild would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Admiral Maltings, who announced their closure earlier this month, on their achievements and industry leadership over the past decade. Five of Admiral’s other customers— Smog City Brewing, Highland Park Brewery, Geisthaus Brewing Co., Drake's Brewing Company/Bear Republic, and Discretion Brewing— also won GABF medals this year with their malt.
“The depth of competition in the Craft Malt Beer category, along with medals for craft malt beers across so many other styles, illustrates the impact craft malt has on award-winning beers– and how brewers are choosing it to give their beers distinct character,” says Steve Clark, President of the Craft Maltsters Guild Board of Directors. “We’re proud to celebrate every malthouse and brewery recognized this year.”
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about the Craft Maltsters Guild.
ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD
Formed in 2013, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for Craft Maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com.
Ska Brewing Expands To Nevada, Now Serving Six States
In partnership with Cellar Craft Distributors, Durango, Colorado’s Ska Brewing launches distribution across Nevada.
DURANGO, CO– In partnership with Cellar Craft Distributors, Ska Brewing launches distribution across Nevada beginning this week.
To get the party started, Ska will celebrate at the Joker's Republic show at Red Dwarf on Saturday, October 17 and serve Modus Hoperandi, Mexican Lager, Hazy IPA, and West Coast IPA at the Craft and Kitchen Punk Rock Brunch the following morning of Sunday, October 18. After the kickoff in Vegas, these Ska beers will be available statewide across Nevada.
“Up until now, you couldn’t drink Ska Brewing beers in Vegas unless you brought them on a roadtrip— which we’ve done many times in our 31 years,” says Dave Thibodeau, Ska Brewing’s Co-Founder. “We’re stoked to add Nevada to our list of distribution states, further connecting our footprint out West.”
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Ska Brewing.
ABOUT SKA BREWING
Founded in the spirit of punk rock and a little bit of ska, Ska Brewing has been challenging the status quo and brewing beers that refuse to conform since 1995. From the iconic Mexican Logger to the rebellious Modus Hoperandi IPA, Ska Brewing is dedicated to crafting unforgettable beers and beverages that are as unique as the people who drink them. For more information, samples, or just to chat about how great peaches are, contact Ska Brewing at info@skabrewing.com or visit our website at www.skabrewing.com.
Lone Tree Brewing Vanilla Caramel Amber Returns For The Tenth Year
Ten years later, Vanilla Caramel Amber is still one of Lone Tree Brewing’s most talked about seasonal beers. Now distributed by Elite Brands.
Photo by Amy Ronk Photography
COLORADO— Lone Tree Brewing Vanilla Caramel Amber, one of the brewery’s most popular seasonal offerings, makes its return for year ten.
Lone Tree Brewing first tapped this famed autumnal beer in 2016 and the beer made its debut in cans in 2019. Brewed with vanilla beans and caramel malt (and no other added sugars), Vanilla Caramel Amber gets a generous addition of hops that balance its rich malt and toffee flavors.
“Ten years later, Vanilla Caramel Amber is still one of our most talked about seasonal beers,” says Co-Owner and Director of Brewhouse Operations Jerry Siote. “It’s a great beer for the transition of seasons— 6% ABV and full of flavor, yet still incredibly drinkable.”
Vanilla Caramel Amber is now tapped at both Lone Tree taprooms, where it will also be available in canned 12 oz. 6-packs. Look for it on draft and in cans across Colorado, distributed by Elite Brands.
Media inquiring about Lone Tree Brewing Company can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT LONE TREE BREWING CO.
Lone Tree Brewing Company was the first brewery to open in Lone Tree, Colorado in Denver’s South Metro area in 2011, and has remained a local staple for more than a decade. Now deeply rooted in this community, the brewing company is growing friends at its two tasting rooms– the original location near Park Meadows Mall in Lone Tree, and the recently opened Lone Tree Brewing Parker in the heart of Parker, Colorado. Find Lone Tree’s stylistically diverse lineup of canned beers in cans and on draft in Colorado and Kansas to enjoy with your buds. Visit the brewery online at lonetreebrewingco.com.
Ska Brewing Wins 18th Great American Beer Festival Medal, First in Belgian Beer Category
Ska Brewing took its 18th Great American Beer Festival® award home on Sunday, the brewery’s first in a Belgian beer category: a bronze medal for WestSKAlle in the Belgian-Style Abbey Ale category.
Photo © Brewers Association
DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing took its 18th Great American Beer Festival® award home on Sunday, the brewery’s first in a Belgian beer category: a bronze medal for WestSKAlle in the Belgian-Style Abbey Ale category.
Ska Brewing’s 18th Great American Beer Festival (GABF) medal joins four World Beer Cup medals, totaling 22 medals for Ska in two of the world’s most prestigious beer competitions. This award continues to showcase Ska’s brewers’ talents in brewing a wide variety of international beer styles.
The path of their 2026 GABF award winner, WestSKAlle, started several years earlier and several thousand miles away. In 2023, Ska took a group of longtime employees to Belgium to celebrate their 10-year anniversaries with the brewery. What could loosely be described as research at Belgian breweries and beer halls sparked a deeper interest in traditional Belgian beer styles back home in Durango.
Enter WestSKAlle, an amber-brown Trappist-style ale with a creamy head and aromas of caramel and dark fruit. The flavor is rich, balanced, and complex: herby, fruity, and deeply malty with a long, dry stone fruit finish.
“Taking our crew to Belgium reminded us how much history, technique and personality can exist in a single beer style,” said Ska Brewing Co-Founder Dave Thibodeau. “We came home wanting to explore some of those traditions ourselves. WestSKAlle grew out of that, so having this beer earn our first GABF medal in a Belgian category makes this one especially meaningful.”
Ska’s latest medal continues a run of international beer style awards, with its most recent GABF medals for beer styles rooted in four different brewing traditions: True Blonde Ale in the English-Style Pale Ale category; Oktoberfest in the Vienna-Style Lager category; Mexican Logger in the International-Style Pilsener category, and now WestSKAlle in the Belgian-Style Abbey Ale category.
“We’ve never wanted to be good at just one kind of beer,” Thibodeau said. “One of the best parts of brewing is getting interested in a style, figuring out what makes it great and then trying to do it justice. Sometimes that takes you to England, sometimes Austria, sometimes Belgium—and sometimes Mexico ends up here in Southwest Colorado through our curiosities. 22 GABF and World Beer Cup medals later, the mission remains pretty familiar: make great beer, keep learning, and try not to take ourselves too seriously while doing it.”
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Ska Brewing.
ABOUT SKA BREWING
Founded in the spirit of punk rock and a little bit of ska, Ska Brewing has been challenging the status quo and brewing beers that refuse to conform since 1995. From the iconic Mexican Logger to the rebellious Modus Hoperandi IPA, Ska Brewing is dedicated to crafting unforgettable beers and beverages that are as unique as the people who drink them. For more information, samples, or just to chat about how great peaches are, contact Ska Brewing at info@skabrewing.com or visit our website at www.skabrewing.com.
Craft Maltsters Guild Opens Registration For 2027 Malt Cup Submissions
Registration for the 2027 Malt Cup opens November 20, 2026 and runs through December 20, 2026. Once registered, maltsters can submit their samples through January 4, 2027.
NATIONAL— The Craft Maltsters Guild invites malthouses from across the globe to participate in the only malt competition in the world, now in its ninth year.
The 2027 Malt Cup gives maltsters the opportunity to receive valuable analytical and sensory feedback on their malts in this peer-to-peer competition judged by an esteemed panel of industry professionals that includes maltsters, brewers, distillers, researchers, journalists, and Cicerones. This competition awards winners in eight malt style categories, as well as a traveling Best Of Show trophy given to the single highest scoring entry of the gold winning malts. The trophy is presently in Canada with the 2026 Malt Cup Best Of Show winners, Red Shed Malting.
“Winning the Malt Cup meant the world to us— we pour our heart and soul into this business and our products,” says Matt Hamill, Maltster at Red Shed Malting. “I’m constantly touting ‘premium’ products in the market, so this recognition helped us as a sales tool and an icebreaker to get us in the door.”
Registration for the 2027 Malt Cup opens November 20, 2026 and runs through December 20, 2026. Once registered, maltsters can submit their samples through January 4, 2027. The eight categories in this prestigious competition include Caramel Malt, Distillers Malt, Light Munich, Pilsen, Pale Malt, Unique Malts, Vienna, and Wheat Malt. Details about these malt style categories, entry guidelines, judging criteria, and judging methodology can be accessed through the BAP website. The 2026 Malt Cup Awards Ceremony can be viewed at craftmalting.com.
Media inquiring about the Malt Cup or the Craft Maltsters Guild can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD
Formed in 2013, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for Craft Maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com.
Living The Dream Brewing To Release Powder Run Pistachio Cream Ale
Powder Run Pistachio strikes a balance between sweetness and nuttiness. Its rich, earthy flavors are subtle, yielding a cream ale that’s still easy drinking at 5% ABV— perfect for the transition from summer to fall.
COLORADO— Living The Dream Brewing will debut the latest iteration of the Powder Run series, Powder Run Pistachio Cream Ale, with a release party at its Highlands Ranch taproom on Friday, October 9. Cans of this beer will roll out across the state that week.
Living The Dream’s brewing team is always experimenting with new versions of Powder Run, a cream ale base that’s light-bodied with notes of vanilla and a pillowy mouthfeel. From the original award-winning Powder Run Vanilla Cream Ale to variants like Tangerine and Cinnamon Swirl, this beer is a versatile canvas for all kinds of flavor additions. Powder Run Pistachio was so popular when the brewery first served it on tap that it has gained a spot in Living The Dream’s packaged quarterly seasonal lineup.
Powder Run Pistachio strikes a balance between sweetness and nuttiness. Its rich, earthy flavors are subtle, yielding a cream ale that’s still easy drinking at 5% ABV— perfect for the transition from summer to fall.
Find Powder Run Pistachio on tap at both Living The Dream taprooms in Highlands Ranch and Sterling Ranch, and in canned 12oz 6-packs to-go. It will also be available on draft and in cans across Colorado via Colorado Craft Distributors. Use the brewery Beer Finder to locate the closest Living The Dream beer.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com for sample requests and with media inquiries about Living The Dream Brewing.
ABOUT LIVING THE DREAM BREWING
Living the Dream Brewing is a craft brewery established in 2014 in Littleton, our home base for adventure in Colorado. Built on a foundation of brewing beer using only the finest ingredients, Living the Dream celebrates the people, places, and activities of the Centennial State. Live the life you've imagined, and join us at livingthedreambrewing.com.
10+ Local Breweries Unite For Lone Tree Brewing GABF Pre-Party
Lone Tree Brewing - Main is excited to serve an epic beer list of GABF 2026 entries by 10 of their brewery friends from the South Denver Metro area.
Lone Tree Brewing’s recently painted taproom mural
LONE TREE, CO— Kick off Great American Beer Festival weekend right at Lone Tree Brewing’s main taproom, where a Great American Beer Festival® Pre-Party will feature beers from more than 10 South Denver Metro breweries on Friday, October 9.
Guests can come for the amazing beer lineup starting at 5pm, and stay for live music by Knucklehorn from 6 to 9pm. A long time in the making, Lone Tree is excited to serve this epic beer list by their brewery friends for this gathering. The breweries on tap will include 105 West Brewing Company, Two22 Brew, Alidade Brewing, Bent Barley Brewing Company, Comrade Brewing, Downhill Brewing, Launchpad Brewing, Los Dos Potrillos Cervecería, and Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. Lone Tree will also serve its GABF entries. The full tap list will be announced on Lone Tree’s Facebook event page prior to the event.
Whether guests are headed to GABF or just want to drink their way through this killer lineup without leaving the taproom, this party won’t disappoint.
“GABF is always a time for us to celebrate our community and the camaraderie that our industry is known for,” says Lone Tree Brewing Co-Owner and Director of Brewhouse Operations Jerry Siote. “We’ve long desired to host an event like this, and we’re thrilled to open our doors to so many of our beer friends in this area.”
DAY OF DETAILS
When: Friday, October 9 from 5 to 9pm
Where: Lone Tree Brewing - Main at 8200 Park Meadows Drive, Suite 8222, Lone Tree, CO 80124
The Lone Tree GABF Pre-Party is open to the public. Media who would like to attend can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT LONE TREE BREWING CO.
Lone Tree Brewing Company was the first brewery to open in Lone Tree, Colorado in Denver’s South Metro area in 2011, and has remained a local staple for more than a decade. Now deeply rooted in this community, the brewing company is growing friends at its two tasting rooms– the original location near Park Meadows Mall in Lone Tree, and the recently opened Lone Tree Brewing Parker in the heart of Parker, Colorado. Find Lone Tree’s stylistically diverse lineup of canned beers in cans and on draft in Colorado and Kansas to enjoy with your buds. Visit the brewery online at lonetreebrewingco.com.
Southwest Fresh Fest At Billy Goat Hop Farm Returns For Year Five
The beers to be poured at this festival will all be crafted with Billy Goat hops, straight off the bine and right into the brew.
MONTROSE, CO— The fifth annual Southwest Fresh Fest returns to Billy Goat Hop Farm on Saturday, October 3. This family and dog-friendly celebration of local agriculture will serve up fresh hop and seasonal beers from across Colorado, as well as live music and dancing, food trucks, yard games, and a farm tour.
“We want Fresh Fest to be more than just a beer festival,” says Audrey Gehlhausen, Co-Owner of Billy Goat Hop Farm. “It’s a chance for people to come to the hop farm, see where the hops are grown, meet the brewers who use them, and taste what those hops become in the glass. Five years later, that connection between the farm, the breweries and our community is still what makes this event so special to us.”
The beers to be poured at this festival will all be crafted with Billy Goat hops, straight off the bine and right into the brew. The fan favorite fresh hop beer will be voted upon by festival participants, and the winning brewery taking home the iconic Fresh Hop Trophy for the year.
The breweries pouring in 2026 include Breckenridge Brewery, Cabin Creek Brewing, Colorado Boy Pizzeria & Brewery, Elevation Beer Company, Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, Goldspot Brewing, Horsefly Brewing Company, Mountain Tap Brewery, Reckless Brewing Company, Shelter Distilling, Stodgy Brewing Company, Storm Peak Brewing, and Stronghouse Brew Pub. Ginger beer from Too Steppin’ Hard Ginger Beer will also be included in the ticket price, and local wine and cider are available for additional purchase.
This year’s Southwest Fresh Fest live music lineup features Jesse Meade, a soulful singer-songwriter and finger style acoustic guitarist, and Mojo Birds, a funky flock of music-makers creating a joyful, groove-driven party with a mix of roots-heavy soul, gospel-inflected harmonies, and a touch of Afro-Peruvian mojo. There will be local food from Figure 8 Farming, Uncompahgre Farms, Kendra’s Kitchen, Dippity Donuts, and Crepeful Heads.
Tickets to Southwest Fresh Fest are $35 and include custom festival glassware. Get yours at southwestfreshfest.com.
Country Lodge, Riverbend RV Park & Cabins, and the Waypoint RV Park have discounts available for festival-goers. There is free on-site parking, and guests are encouraged to designate a driver.
Check out southwestfreshfest.com for more festival details, and suggestions for what else to do in Montrose.
Southwest Fresh Fest would not be possible without the support of community sponsors, Maxfield - Peterson, P.C., RadCraft, Forage and Fetch, Rye Resurgence Project, Montrose Community Foundation, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Valley Food Partnership, Alpine Events, Visit Montrose, CropwoRx, Down Valley Flowers, and Friends of the Black Canyon.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Southwest Fresh Fest or Billy Goat Hop Farm. Download press images here.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST FRESH FEST
Southwest Fresh Fest is the first and only fresh hop beer festival in the Southwest, hosted at Billy Goat Hop Farm in Montrose, CO. Attendees and brewers alike can enjoy fresh hop beers from across the region in a rad complimentary taster glass. There will also be a Pickin’ Party with live music, local food trucks, farm tours, and games… not to mention the panoramic views from the San Juan Mountains to the Grand Mesa. Come out for the festivities and stay for the recreation, beauty, and good beers abound. Join the fun at Billy Goat Hop Farm and celebrate harvest at Southwest Fresh Fest.
Buy tickets, sign up to pour beer, or sponsor at southwestfreshfest.com.
ABOUT BILLY GOAT HOP FARM
Know your farmer, Love your beer.
Billy Goat Hop Farm is the largest hop farm in the Southwest and the only hop farm in Colorado, providing premium quality, fresh, whole cone, and pelletized hops directly to craft brewers. Starting in 2017, they've grown to 32 acres that produce 7 varieties of craft hops. The quality of their hops have gained nationwide notoriety with two Cascade Cup wins. Owners and farmers Chris and Audrey pride themselves on using sustainable practices, supporting a strong community, and creating true relationships that strengthen the craft beer supply chain.
Billy Goat Hop Farm is now open to the public with camping, tours, and ‘Fridays on the Farm’ events with live music and food trucks— a unique opportunity to drink beer made with hops grown on the farm, learn about hop farming and processing, and sleep next to hop bines with amazing views of the San Juan Mountains. Learn more at billygoathopfarm.com.
Cellarest Beer Project Debuts Bimble Coffee Blonde Lager In Collaboration With Riverbend Malt House and Asheville’s Coffee Library
Cellarest Beer Project just released Bimble, blonde-hued lager made with Riverbend Malt House’s most recent pallet coffee blend by Coffee Library.
ASHEVILLE, NC— Cellarest Beer Project just released Bimble, blonde-hued lager made with Riverbend Malt House’s most recent pallet coffee blend by Coffee Library. Cans of this storied beer will be available soon.
In 2025, Riverbend Malt House launched their pallet coffee program in tandem with local coffee roaster Coffee Library. The Asheville-based maltster wanted to thank their customers who purchased full pallets of malt with an added treat— because most brewing teams are fueled by morning coffee, partnering with Coffee Library on a specialty blend was a natural fit. Brewers absolutely loved it, and the program continued with a second blend last year. Now, Riverbend is excited to involve West Asheville’s beloved Cellarest Beer Project, who have invested in local ingredients since day one, in the third blend of their unfolding coffee program.
Enter Bimble Coffee Blonde Lager. The teams at Riverbend and Cellarest gathered for a cupping at Coffee Library to select two coffees to be included in the blend: one from Brazil and another from Mexico. The naturally processed Brazilian coffee is of the Catuai varietal of the coffee plant, grown and harvested at an altitude of 1100 MASL in the Cerrado Mineiro Region of the Minas Gerais state. The washed processing Mexican coffee was grown and harvested in the Zangolica, Veracruz region of Mexico at an altitude ranging from 1250-1700 MASL. The Brazilian coffee’s notes of almond, brown sugar, and milk chocolate beautifully complement the notes of cinnamon, cocoa, and baking spice flavors of the Mexican coffee.
“I wanted to encourage more cocoa and depth to the Mexican coffee's brown sugar and cinnamon notes, and the Brazilian seemed to provide that,” says Cellarest Co-Founder and Director of Fermentation Mark R. Goodwin.
“The Mexico coffee provides that nice warm, subtle spice and the Brazil enhances the creaminess and cocoa, chocolate notes,” adds Noah Marines, Head Roaster and Certified Q Arabica Grader at Coffee Library.
The resulting beer has incredible depth of flavor with a range of notes from fresh coffee and to cocoa, cinnamon, and brown sugar; to light toffee and honey covered biscuits from its malt additions. Bimble was made with Riverbend Southern Select, Great Chit, Vienna, and Double Kilned Munich styles and hopped with Willamette hops. It was fermented cold with Cellarest’s preferred German Lager yeast inside of an acacia wood foudre.
Bimble, a word that represents a relaxed— even aimless— journey taken without haste, is an apt name for this exploration of flavors. The result of these rambles between this trifecta of local Asheville businesses is now on draft at Cellarest Beer Project. Sixteen ounce canned 4-packs will be available to-go from the brewery in coming weeks. Follow @cellarestbeerproject on Instagram and Facebook for can release details.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Bimble and the Riverbend Malt House pallet coffee program.
ABOUT CELLAREST BEER PROJECT
Cellarest was co-founded by native North Carolinians Harrison Fahrer and Mark Goodwin in 2020. A longstanding dream of Mark’s, he wanted to showcase his passion for brewing and extend his experience with wood aging and wood fermenting lagers and wild mixed culture beers. Today Cellarest exists as a carbon neutral, community focused brewery in West Asheville. The brewery uses 100% NC malted grains always, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, to share our penchant for quality collaboration and craft brewing with locals and visitors alike. Learn more at cellarestbeerproject.com.
ABOUT COFFEE LIBRARY
Coffee Library is an innovative specialty coffee company known for its expertise in blend architecture and its unconventional approach to coffee as an experience. The company works with hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, hospitality brands, corporations and consumers to create everything from unique private label blends to full service wholesale programs, while specializing in brand collaborations, corporate gifting and immersive coffee experiences. With capabilities spanning coffee consulting, sourcing, roasting, equipment/maintenance, barista training, menu development and experiential design, Coffee Library approaches the entire coffee journey as an opportunity to turn your brand into a multi-sensory experience. Visit Coffee Library online at coffeelibrary.com.
ABOUT RIVERBEND MALT HOUSE
Riverbend Malt House is on a quest to connect Southeastern family owned farms and fermenters. Co-Founders Brent Manning and Brian Simpson launched Riverbend, the first craft malthouse east of the Mississippi River, in Asheville, North Carolina in 2010. Buoyed by a 70,000 foot production facility and state of the art equipment, Riverbend Malt House helps breweries and distilleries large, small, and in-between stand out with flavor, locality, and community in an increasingly competitive landscape— all the while challenging the status quo of corporate, big-agriculture malt. Learn more at riverbendmalt.com.
Barrels & Bottles Brewery Presents The Fifth Annual Krispy King Lager Competition
This renowned Great American Beer Festival pre-game is going down on Thursday, October 8 at Barrels & Bottles Brewery in Golden
2025 Krispy King Lager Competition winners: Cannonball Creek Brewing
GOLDEN, CO— Returning for its fifth year, the majestic Krispy King Lager Competition at Barrels & Bottles Brewery will serve its largest assortment of lagers yet— with 47 expressions from across the country competing for the crown. This renowned Great American Beer Festival® pre-game is going down on Thursday, October 8.
Brewers from more than 15 states will compete for the title of crispiest, cleanest, most excellent lager at this famed event, which will also feature live music from A-Mac of Kash'd, and emcee and DJ Matthew Rising. There will be eats from Woody's Wood Fired Pizza, onsite screen printing of Krispy King tees, and a DIY trucker hat station.
The 2026 celebration will include a brewer’s VIP tent with two lagers made by Cannonball Creek Brewing (the 2025 Krispy King champions) and Bierstadt Lagerhaus (returning judges and Krispy King supporters since day one). Cannonball Creek is serving an Italian Pilsner made with Adeena hops from Crosby Hops, malt from Root Shoot Malting, and yeast from the Brewing Science Institute (BSI). This lager will be canned and available for purchase to-go. The featured Bierstadt collaboration was made with hops from Charles Faram, Synergy Select Pils malt from Briess Malt, and yeast from BSI.
On the list of 2026 Krispy King competitors are more past winners Wayfinder Beer, as well as first-time participants Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Good Word Brewing, Lucky Envelope Brewing, Schilling Beer Co, Urban Roots Brewing, and Wooly Pig Farm Brewery. Nearly half of the breweries hail from Colorado, with entrants from across the state. Find the complete list of breweries bringing krispy lagers that are less than 5.5% ABV at krispykinglager.com.
The top five Krispy King Lager Competition winners will be announced at 7pm. The brewer that comes in first will earn the distinguished Krispy King crown and cape, and the reverence of lager lovers everywhere.
“Five years ago we just invited a few of our local brewery friends and drank some delicious, light, crispy lagers. We never thought this event would grow to what it is today,” say Barrels & Bottles Founders Abby and Zach George. “Now, we are still drinking delicious, light, crispy lagers with our old and new friends. We can't ask for much more than that!”
DAY OF DETAILS
When: Thursday, October 8 from 2 to 9pm
Where: Barrels & Bottles Brewery in Golden, Colorado at 1055 Orchard Street.
The Krispy King Lager Competition is open to the public and free to attend.
Transportation from Downtown Denver to Barrels & Bottles Brewery is currently being coordinated, and details will be available soon at krispykinglager.com. Guests are encouraged to travel safely via RTD Train Rail Station, Uber or Lyft, or designated drivers.
Media inquiring about Krispy King can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BARRELS & BOTTLES BREWERY
Barrels & Bottles Brewery was formed in Abby and Zach George’s mind many years before they opened their first location in 2013. They met overseas and both found a passion for great people, food and drinks. Nowadays you can find them at their Camp George West location, either pouring you a beer, serving you food and or enjoying a pint with friends and neighbors. Learn more at barrelsbottles.com.
Kick Fizz Hemp Beverages Debut In Oklahoma
Oklahomans can now enjoy Kick Fizz award-winning THC and CBD beverages across Oklahoma through a partnership with Thirst Wine Merchants.
OKLAHOMA— Kick Fizz by Kick Beverage Company Inc. is now available in the Sooner State. Oklahomans can now enjoy these award-winning THC and CBD beverages across Oklahoma through a partnership with Thirst Wine Merchants.
Having just expanded into Texas, Oklahoma was a natural move for the growing Kick Fizz brand. "Oklahoma sits right beside Texas, and the energy we're seeing there rolls straight across the border,” says Kick Beverage Company Inc. Co-Founder Julie Rhodes, “so bringing Kick Fizz to Oklahoma felt like the obvious next step. We're proud to be doing it with Thirst Wine Merchants, an Oklahoma beverage distribution team that’s celebrating 20 years in business this year— they really know this state and its people.”
Made for long days outside and slow nights, Kick Fizz is a perfect fit for Oklahoma living. Find cans of the two flavors of Kick Fizz— Day Drinking and Evening Buzz—in both 2mg and 5mg dosages in liquor and package stores, bars, restaurants, smoke shops, recreational venues, music venues, golf courses and country clubs, grocery, and health food and wellness retailers.
Media with questions about Kick Fizz can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT KICK BEVERAGE COMPANY INC.
Kick Fizz is produced by Kick Beverage Company Inc., born in 2023 with the mission to create drinks that redefine how we socialize and imbibe. With unique flavors crafted to keep the energy flowing without the crash, Kick Fizz captures the transformative power of THC and CBD to enhance lives with wellness, creativity, and the perfect blend of nature and science! Both flavors of Kick Fizz earned multiple medals at the 2025 America's Best Beverages Awards, and the brand was named the Best CBD/THC Beverage at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America’s 2026 Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition. Find Kick Fizz online at www.kickfizz.com.
ABOUT THIRST WINE MERCHANTS
Thirst Wine Merchants is an Oklahoma-owned distributor established in 2006 and based in Oklahoma City, with a curated portfolio of fine wines and craft spirits from mostly family-owned producers. The team is known for a relationship-first, education-driven approach and delivers statewide with a refrigerated fleet. Learn more at thirstwine.com
Bruz Beers To Open New Location In Golden and Close Bruz Off Fax
Bruz Beers will close its Bruz Off Fax location in September. Denver’s Midtown neighborhood Bruz Beers will stay open, while plans for a new location in Golden are underway.
DENVER, CO— Bruz Beers, crafter of Badass Belgian Beers and international beer tour guides, will close its Bruz Off Fax location in September. The now ten-year-old original location in Denver’s Midtown neighborhood will stay open with business as usual, while plans for a new location in Golden are underway.
After six years in the heart of the Colfax Avenue corridor, the Bruz Off Fax chapter is ending to make way for Bruz Beers’ Golden taproom in planning. Owners Ryan and Rachel Evans are proud Golden residents, and very excited to bring their Belgian-inspired beer culture home.
“We accomplished what we wanted at Bruz Off Fax,” say Ryan and Rachel Evans of Bruz Beers. “We built a special place where people could hang out and feel welcome while sipping some great beer. Colfax will always have a special place in our hearts. Thank you to our loyal fans for all of the memories!”
Bruz Off Fax customers can enjoy the taproom through September 24. They can also enjoy the same badass Belgian beers and great vibes at the original Bruz Beers production facility and taproom at 1675 West 67th Avenue #100. Stay tuned on Bruz’s social media channels for a going-away bash.
In Golden, Bruz has created their vision for their new space in the former Golden Animal Hospital with the help of local Golden architect Ewers Architecture. The former building owners selected Bruz specifically to carry on the building’s legacy and create community in this notable property. Slated for opening in 2028, guests can look forward to a two-story outdoor patio overlooking the foothills, with a sunset view— and a cold beer in hand of course.
“Being Golden residents, we are looking forward to building something special for our community,” add Ryan and Rachel Evans. “Joining the ranks of one of the nation's premier beer towns is truly thrilling, especially given Golden's stellar reputation. We look forward to bringing not only our Bruz Beers brand, but also one of the best selections of Belgian import beers in the region.”
Sign up for the Bruz Beers Bruzletter to get future updates about the new Golden location.
Media inquiring about Bruz Beers can contact Ryan Evans at ryan@bruzbeers.com.
ABOUT BRUZ BEERS
The acclaimed Bruz Beers was named one of the 13 Best Craft Breweries in America by Hop Culture, has won countless awards and medals, and is dedicated to brewing traditional Belgian-style beers and innovative Belgian-inspired brews. It offers a wide range of Belgian-style seasonal and limited-release beers on tap, as well as for takeaway in crowlers, bottles, and cans. Visit Bruz online at bruzbeers.com.
Kick Fizz Hemp Beverages Enter North Carolina
Kick Fizz by Kick Beverage Company Inc. is now available across North Carolina through a distribution partnership with Tryon Distributing.
NORTH CAROLINA— Now two years young with a growing trophy case, Kick Fizz by Kick Beverage Company Inc. is now available across North Carolina through a distribution partnership with Tryon Distributing.
The move into North Carolina is exciting for the Kick Fizz team because it’s home to one of the strongest hemp beverage markets in the country with sophisticated retailers and consumers who are most discerning about what makes these THC and CBD beverages stand out: approachable dosages with flavor-forward recipes made with real fruit. Not to mention, North Carolina’s thriving outdoor culture aligns with Kick Fizz’s occasion-first approach, from the trail to the tailgate to the evening night cap.
Tryon Distributing is a North Carolina institution advocating to support the hemp beverage category’s continued success. with expert knowledge of the industry. “Partnering with Tryon Distributing means the world to me,” says Kick Beverage Company Inc. Co-Founder Julie Rhodes. “They're a family-owned team that has earned deep trust across this state, and that's exactly who you want opening the door for you. We are truly honored to partner with such an amazing and well-respected distribution partner.” And “whether it's a hike, a barbecue, or a quiet night on the porch, North Carolinians know how to make a moment out of anything— and we cannot wait to be part of it. Welcome to your moment, North Carolina."
Melissa Bruno Johnston, VP of Strategic Development at Tryon Distributing adds, “From the fun packaging, exceptional liquid earning multiple awards, and the fantastic people behind the brand – we knew Kick Fizz was a winner from the start. We look forward to growing this partnership and giving our entire cannabis beverage certified sales team another wonderful brand to bring to market.”
Cans of the two flavors of Kick Fizz— Day Drinking and Evening Buzz—in both 2mg and 5mg dosages will be distributed statewide, with sales representation from Counter Measures Corp. Look for it at bars and restaurants, liquor and package stores, grocery, and convenience stores; plus recreational and music venues, golf courses and country clubs, and health food and wellness retailers.
Media with questions about Kick Fizz can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT KICK BEVERAGE COMPANY INC.
Kick Fizz is produced by Kick Beverage Company Inc., born in 2023 with the mission to create drinks that redefine how we socialize and imbibe. With unique flavors crafted to keep the energy flowing without the crash, Kick Fizz captures the transformative power of THC and CBD to enhance lives with wellness, creativity, and the perfect blend of nature and science! Both flavors of Kick Fizz earned multiple medals at the 2025 America's Best Beverages Awards, and the brand was named the Best CBD/THC Beverage at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America’s 2026 Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition. Find Kick Fizz online at www.kickfizz.com.
ABOUT TRYON DISTRIBUTING
Tryon Distributing is a family-owned, independent North Carolina wholesaler founded in 1985 and headquartered in Charlotte. It serves the entire state through multiple distribution centers and is best known for its fine wine and craft beer portfolio, with craft beer having grown to roughly half of its business over the years. Tryon has been recognized as a craft wholesaler of the year and has been active in North Carolina beverage advocacy, including support for the hemp beverage category. Learn more at tryondist.com.
Kick Fizz Hemp Beverages Now Available Across Texas
Kick Fizz by Kick Beverage Company Inc. is now available across the great state of Texas through a partnership with ALVFOR LLC.
TEXAS— After a stellar first year on the market that included multiple wins in prestigious beverage competitions, Kick Fizz by Kick Beverage Company Inc. is now available across the great state of Texas through a partnership with ALVFOR LLC.
After seeing a large volume of online sales from Texas, one of the biggest and fastest-growing hemp beverage markets in the country, the team at Kick Fizz was thrilled for the opportunity to bring their products to shelves in the Lone Star State. "Texas has been on our radar since the day we launched, but for me it's personal,” explains Kick Beverage Company Inc. Co-Founder Julie Rhodes. “I spent more than eight years cutting my teeth on the supplier side of specialty beer sales in Texas, so the beverage world there already feels like home turf. So many of our earliest fans have been ordering Kick Fizz online from right there in the state, and getting to put a cold can in their hands on shelves across Texas feels less like an expansion and more like showing up where we were always headed.”
Cans of the two flavors of Kick Fizz— Day Drinking and Evening Buzz—in both 2mg and 5mg dosages are now distributed through Alvfor LLC. Find them at liquor and package stores, bars, restaurants, smoke shops, recreational venues, music venues, golf courses and country clubs, grocery, and health food and wellness retailers. Locate the nearest Kick Fizz on the Kick Fizz Product Finder.
“Texans know how to turn any day into an occasion, from time outside to a quiet night in, and that's exactly what we made Kick Fizz for,” Rhodes adds. “We could not be more excited to introduce the brand to the whole state and say, welcome to your moment."
Media with questions about Kick Fizz’s short but mighty history and Texas distribution can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT KICK BEVERAGE COMPANY INC.
Kick Fizz is produced by Kick Beverage Company Inc., born in 2023 with the mission to create drinks that redefine how we socialize and imbibe. With unique flavors crafted to keep the energy flowing without the crash, Kick Fizz captures the transformative power of THC and CBD to enhance lives with wellness, creativity, and the perfect blend of nature and science! Both flavors of Kick Fizz earned multiple medals at the 2025 America's Best Beverages Awards, and the brand was named the Best CBD/THC Beverage at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America’s 2026 Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition. Find Kick Fizz online at www.kickfizz.com.
ABOUT ALVFOR LLC
At ALVFOR, LLC, we believe that exceptional beverage brands deserve a distribution partner that reflects their quality and ambition. Founded in Texas, ALVFOR was created to provide a specialized, fully compliant distribution pathway for premium spirits, wines, and craft beverages seeking a reliable presence in the U.S. market. With professional experience in international trade, logistics, and regulated beverage operations, our team understands the challenges that small and mid-sized brands face when entering a highly competitive environment. We meet these needs with a model built on precision, transparency, and responsible market execution, ensuring every partner receives consistent, dependable, detail-driven support. With statewide coverage throughout Texas and a team bringing over 25 years of combined industry experience, ALVFOR offers structured, high-quality distribution services designed to help brands establish themselves and grow with confidence. At ALVFOR, our purpose is clear: to provide a trusted, compliant, and efficient distribution experience that empowers remarkable brands to navigate one of the world's most dynamic beverage markets. Visit alvforllc.com to learn more.
Craft Maltsters Guild To Celebrate Third Annual Craft Malt Month
Find the full calendar of events and submit yours at CraftMaltMonth.com.
NATIONAL— Craft Malt Month by the Craft Maltsters Guild is a celebration of this grassroots movement toward more resilient and sustainable grain supply chains that make better tasting beer and spirits.
Now in its third year, Craft Malt Month will take place in September of 2026. This is a community-wide celebration of farmers, maltsters, brewers, distillers, and consumers that spreads the word about the small grains movement and why it matters.
"Craft Malt Month is our chance to pull back the curtain on what makes great craft beer and spirits ... the malt! Every event, pour, and post this September helps build a stronger, more informed community while supporting those who grow, malt, brew, and distill,” says Steve Clark, President of the Craft Maltsters Guild Board of Directors. “We encourage everyone, from lifelong industry folks to first-time craft beer and spirit drinkers, to join in."
Malthouses, breweries, and distilleries are planning Guild fundraisers, events, and educational opportunities to celebrate Craft Malt Month across North America. Find the full calendar of events and submit yours at CraftMaltMonth.com.
All are encouraged to join the conversation by using the #CraftMaltMonth hashtag and tagging the Guild @craftmalting on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and X throughout September.
For more information about Craft Malt Month, visit craftmaltmonth.com. Media inquiring about Craft Malt Month and the Craft Maltsters Guild can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD
Formed in 2013, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for Craft Maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com.
Riverbend Malt House Introduces Ridgeline Red
In response to their brewing customers’ requests for a red-hued malt option with versatile usage opportunities across ale and lager styles, Riverbend Malt House presents Ridgeline Red.
ASHEVILLE, NC— In response to their brewing customers’ requests for a red-hued malt option with versatile usage opportunities across ale and lager styles, Riverbend Malt House presents Ridgeline Red.
Fresh off the kiln and now available for purchase, this new malt opens with an inviting aroma of toasted grains, bread crust, and rich honey before shifting into a complex layer of figs and raisins. It closes with a palate-cleansing loose leaf tea finish. Great for red ales and lagers of all kinds, Ridgeline Red can be used for up to 100% of the grain bill, yielding brilliant amber color.
After recent trials, here’s what these brewers across the Southeast had to say about Ridgeline Red:
“It worked great as a base malt and was on par with the efficiency of Riverbend pilsner in my brewhouse. The pH was lower than I anticipated though— good to expect and adjust in the mash.” — Mark Goodwin, Cellarest Beer Project
"Thanks for trusting us to pilot some of this new malt. I think the beer and color are awesome!" — Jason Ford, NOFO Brew Co.
“We made our Holler Atcha West Coast IPA with Ridgeline Red; it looks and tastes exactly as it should!” — Ray Dobens, Salt Face Mule Brewing Co.
Find a Ridgeline Red flavor wheel and even more details at riverbendmalt.com. Place an order by emailing orders@riverbendmalt.com. Media inquiring about Riverbend Malt House can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT RIVERBEND MALT HOUSE
Riverbend Malt House is on a quest to connect Southeastern family owned farms and fermenters. Co-Founders Brent Manning and Brian Simpson launched Riverbend, the first craft malthouse east of the Mississippi River, in Asheville, North Carolina in 2010. Buoyed by a 70,000 foot production facility and state of the art equipment, Riverbend Malt House helps breweries and distilleries large, small, and in-between stand out with flavor, locality, and community in an increasingly competitive landscape— all the while challenging the status quo of corporate, big-agriculture malt. Learn more at riverbendmalt.com.
Celebrate Oktoberfest Season With Lone Tree Brewing Lagers
Oktoberfest season will tap at Lone Tree Brewing on August 7 when the brewery releases their traditional Oktoberfest in cans. They’ll bring back their classic Helles recipe in the tasting rooms at their Oktoberfest celebrations in September.
COLORADO— Oktoberfest season will tap at Lone Tree Brewing on August 7 when the brewery releases their traditional Oktoberfest in cans. They’ll bring back their classic Helles recipe in the tasting rooms at their Oktoberfest celebrations in September.
Crafted with traditional European malts and German Hallertau Mittelfruh hops, the amber-hued Lone Tree Oktoberfest is a 5.5% ABV lager with rich, toasty and bready flavors, minimal bitterness, and a dry finish. Find it on tap and in canned 12oz. 6-packs at both of the brewery tasting rooms in Lone Tree and Parker, and distributed across Colorado by Elite Brands— all while supplies last.
Lone Tree Helles, originally named Mountain Mama Helles, will return for German-style lager season exclusively at Lone Tree Brewing Main near Park Meadows Mall and at Lone Tree Brewing Parker. Similar to Oktoberfest, the selected malts showcase all the foundational German attributes from Weyermann’s heirloom varieties. The Lone Tree brewers chose to ferment the Helles with another iconic yeast strain to mimic the traditional Augustiner flavor profiles, leaving the drinker with a rich, malty-sweet experience. It will be on draft alongside Oktoberfest at each of the taprooms Oktoberfest celebrations, slated for September 5 (Parker) and September 12 (Lone Tree), and available in limited 6-packs to-go.
“We rarely get to make Helles anymore, and we have always loved this style,” says Jerry Siote, Lone Tree Brewing Director of Operations. “The new label provides a refreshed look that fits in perfectly with our flagship and seasonal lineups, while reminding our drinkers of a classic lager that opened the doors for us 15 years ago — look for it in our mixed packs this season.”
Check Lone Tree Brewing’s Facebook and Instagram channels for Oktoberfest event details. Media interested in attending or sampling these beers can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT LONE TREE BREWING
Lone Tree Brewing Company was the first brewery to open in Lone Tree, Colorado in Denver’s South Metro area in 2011, and has remained a local staple for more than a decade. Now deeply rooted in this community, the brewing company is growing friends at its two tasting rooms– the original location near Park Meadows Mall in Lone Tree, and Lone Tree Brewing Parker in the heart of Parker, Colorado. Visit the brewery online at lonetreebrewingco.com.
Alaskan Brewing Co. Commemorates 40 Years with Limited Edition 40 Pack
To celebrate four decades of crafting authentically Alaskan, community and employee-owned beer, Alaskan Brewing Co. has released a variety pack like no brewery has released before.
JUNEAU, AK— For Alaskan Brewing Co., 40 years is both an amazing milestone and a stepping stone along the path of its continued legacy. To celebrate four decades of crafting authentically Alaskan, community and employee-owned beer, the brewery has released a variety pack like no brewery has released before. Introducing the Alaskan 40 pack.
Loaded with four cans each of ten of Alaskan’s signature beers, this 40 pack is perhaps the largest variety pack ever assembled by a craft brewery. It includes Alaskan Amber, Husky IPA, Kölsch, Icy Bay IPA, White Ale, Class 5 Pale Ale, Juneau Juice IPA, Excursion West Coast IPA, Ascender Pale Ale, and Wildness. It was made as a thank you from Alaskan to its fans to give them a reason to gather that’s also reasonably priced.
“What I love about our 40 pack and what I’d love to see come back is that notion of ‘lets go have a beer’,” says Geoff Larson, Alaskan Co-Founder. “Let's sit down and talk and have a beer. Invite friends over, open up the 40-pack, celebrate, and enjoy.”
As pioneering leaders in the craft beverage industry, Alaskan Brewing adds this 40 pack to a history of innovations implemented, awards achieved, and even patents acquired over the years. Founders Geoff and Marcy Larson’s vision for their truly Alaskan operation, run by Alaskans and inspired by the surrounding wilderness has come to life through the tenacity and grit required to live and work in its vast frontier.
Craft beer lovers in Alaska and Alaskan’s additional 24-state footprint can find the Alaskan 40 pack starting now in select retailers while supplies last. Share your 40th anniversary celebrations on social media with @alaskanbrewing and the hashtag #Alaskan40
Media are invited to join Alaskan Brewing Co. leaders at a virtual 40th anniversary press conference, slated for Tuesday, August 25 at 1pm Pacific. RSVP to this exclusive media event and inquire about the Alaskan Brewing 40 pack by emailing Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT ALASKAN BREWING CO.
In 1986, Geoff and Marcy Larson founded Alaskan Brewing Company, the first brewery to operate in Juneau, Alaska in almost 100 years– and they want to be around for a hundred more. This employee and community-owned craft beer institution remains authentic to its name: each beverage is brewed and packaged in Juneau, by Alaskans, using local ingredients and inspired by historical recipes and the Alaskan lifestyle. Their highly decorated beers, crafted with pure Alaska waters and Alaskan ingenuity, are available in 24 of the Lower 48 states and counting. Visit Alaskan online at alaskanbeer.com.
Oktoberfest Season Taps At Ska Brewing
The award-winning Ska Brewing Oktoberfest will be available across the brewery’s distribution footprint out west while supplies last.
DURANGO, CO— Oktoberfest season begins this Fresh Beer Friday at Ska Brewing’s World Headquarters when the Ska Oktoberfest taps and rolls out in cans. This award-winning lager will be available across the brewery’s distribution footprint out west while supplies last.
Back in 2018 when Ska first debuted their Oktoberfest in cans, the beer scored a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival® in the Vienna-style Lager category. It has since earned awards at the European Beer Star and The Stockholm Beer and Whiskey Festival. Crafted with all-European Munich and Vienna malts and classic German lagering techniques, this amber-brown hued lager is nutty, bready, and toasty with a clean, neutral yeast flavor on the finish.
“We realize releasing an Oktoberfest while it’s still 105 degrees outside is a little like putting up Christmas lights before Halloween,” said Ska Brewing Co-Founder Dave Thibodeau. “But the beer is ready, fall will get here eventually, and patience is only our virtue until the lagering is done.”
Get this lager on tap at Ska Brewing in Durango beginning this Friday at 11am. The brewery will offer up German-inspired eats that day, and guests can score a specialty stein made for the occasion. It will be on tap from there on out, but only while supplies last.
Ska is also excited to serve their Oktoberfest at Durango’s resurrected Oktoberfest celebration from September 26-27, as well as Oktoberfest Cortez and Montrose Oktoberfest— also on September 26.
For more information about Ska Brewing’s Oktoberfest Lager or any of their internationally renowned beers, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT SKA BREWING
Founded in the spirit of punk rock and a little bit of ska, Ska Brewing has been challenging the status quo and brewing beers that refuse to conform since 1995. From the iconic Mexican Logger to the rebellious Modus Hoperandi IPA, Ska Brewing is dedicated to crafting unforgettable beers and beverages that are as unique as the people who drink them. For more information, samples, or just to chat about how great peaches are, contact Ska Brewing at info@skabrewing.com or visit our website at www.skabrewing.com.
Murphy & Rude Malting Co. Joins Forces With Carolina Malt House In Strategic Partnership
Strategic partnership and merger of operations in the craft malt industry— combining Murphy & Rude's specialty malt, roasting equipment, and roasting expertise with Carolina Malt House's world-class, custom-designed base malt and high-kiln malting machinery
CLEVELAND, NC— Murphy & Rude Malting Co. and Carolina Malt House are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership and merger of operations, combining Murphy & Rude's specialty malt, roasting equipment, and roasting expertise with Carolina Malt House's world-class, custom-designed base malt and high-kiln malting machinery.
These two time-honored craft maltsters from Virginia and North Carolina believe this partnership will greatly benefit brewers and distillers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern regions with more product diversity and more affordable pricing of the thoughtfully grown and sourced ingredients that both companies already prioritize. It not only retains both brands' deep commitment to regionally grown grains and the distinctive flavors of craft malt, but also leverages each respective maltster’s expertise and equipment to form a one-stop shop with more diversified product offerings and a wider geographic footprint.
Murphy & Rude’s roasting equipment will be relocated to Carolina Malt House in Cleveland, North Carolina, where all of its malts will now be manufactured. Customers can expect the same high standards they are accustomed to, including the continued production of Murphy & Rude’s Virginia Pils, which will continue to be crafted with 100 percent Virginia-grown barley. Other Murphy & Rude Malting products, including English Pale, five Crystal malts, and eight dry-roasted malts will soon be offered alongside Carolina Malt's variety of base and high-kilned malt selections to form a diverse portfolio of 32 total malt products.
“I could not be happier with the partnership we were able to architect with the superb team at Carolina Malt House,” says Jeff Bloem, Founder and Head Maltster of Murphy & Rude Malting Co. While our brand quality, industry reputation, and tailored customer experience has always been a strong point for us; our ability to scale, expand our customer reach, and offer more competitive pricing has proven difficult over the last two years in the face of continuous economic and business headwinds. Given the correction market currently facing craft beer and spirits, we believe we are in a much better position working collaboratively than continuing to go-it-alone. My hope is that the efficiencies gained from a dually beneficial partnership like this will lift all boats and prove to be the innovative business structure that lights the path forward.”
“We're excited about adding Jeff's valuable knowledge to our combined organization and offering an even wider selection of malt products to create local, world-class flavor and freshness,” adds Aaron Goss, Carolina Malt Co-Founder.
Moving forward, customers will see continued quality and value improvements as these two teams combine their knowledge to produce the best malt possible.
To place an order of Murphy & Rude malt, contact Jeff Bloem at jeff@murphyrudemalting.com.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Murphy & Rude Malting Co.
ABOUT MURPHY & RUDE MALTING CO.
Murphy & Rude Malting is Virginia’s first and only maltster creating radical malts for differentiating products, leveraging processes rooted in traditional methods (their ol' dog Murphy) and then combined with innovation and adventurous creativity (Rudy, or Rude...the puppy). Opening as a specialty-focused malthouse in 2018, Murphy & Rude is committed to providing a diversity of character malts to craft breweries and distilleries as traceably and thoughtfully as possible. Find them online at murphyrudemalting.com.
ABOUT CAROLINA MALT HOUSE
Carolina Malt House also hit the market in 2018. Co-Founded by Aaron Goss and built DIY by local millwrights and smiths, this world-class malting facility makes it possible for craft breweries and distilleries to claim that their beverages are truly local. The capacity of this state-of-the-art malthouse supplies malt with the consistency of macro-producers, with the creativity, attention to detail, and personalization of a small, local supplier working with family farmers. Learn more at carolinamalt.com.