4th Annual Rapids & Grass Beer Festival Cancelled
This would-be fourth annual festival would feature beer from 50 breweries, local bands, and world-class white water rafting on the Arkansas River.
BUENA VISTA, CO— The organizers of Rapids & Grass, Colorado’s quintessential craft beer, music, and river festival slated to return to the Arkansas Valley July 4th weekend, announced today that the beloved event is canceled to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
This would-be fourth annual festival would feature beer from 50 breweries, local bands, and world-class white water rafting on the Arkansas River. After much thought and careful consideration, festival organizers The Jailhouse, Rapidgrass, and South Main/ Surf Hotel decided to cancel this year's Rapids & Grass Beer Festival as a preventative measure to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“All of us are struggling with the continued uncertainty of what the next few months look like in Colorado, but I don't know any community stronger than the brewing industry,” said Jailhouse founder Sarah Stewart in an email to the participating breweries last week. “We will get through this and we'll all drink beers together by the river again! Until that time comes, stay safe, healthy and strong.”
Stewart and all of the Rapids & Grass crew extend their deepest gratitude to the breweries, bands, vendors and sponsors of the 2020 festival, and look forward to collaborating on the 2021 event.
Learn more about previous years of the Rapids & Grass festival at rgfest.com. Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries.
ABOUT RAPIDS & GRASS BEER FESTIVAL
Rapids and Grass is a craft beer, music, and river festival conceptualized by Jailhouse owners Sarah and Shane Stewart, Mark Morris of Rapidgrass, and Jed Selby of South Main/Surf Hotel. The festival brings craft beer from the intermountain west and world-class bluegrass music to Buena Vista where its founders are proud to call home. This legendary weekend wraps up with The Freedom Float, a 7-mile raft trip through Class 3 whitewater. Stay in the loop at rgfest.com.
Deerhammer To Release Exclusive Run of Elevation Apis IV Quad Barrel Finished Bourbon
Today Deerhammer releases Elevation Apis IV Quad Barrel Finished Bourbon.
BUENA VISTA, CO— Today Deerhammer releases a spirit that represents one of Colorado’s most compelling craft brewery-distillery collaborations: Elevation Apis IV Quad Barrel Finished Bourbon.
It starts with a beer, like all good whiskey stories do. Apis IV is a Dark Belgian-Style Ale brewed in the Trappist tradition and is one of the oldest recipes at Deerhammer’s neighbor, Elevation Beer Company in Poncha Springs. With a touch of locally sourced honey from Beekeepers Honey Boutique in Salida, the name Apis is a nod to the hardworking genus of the honeybee that help make this beer possible. Boasting notes of plum, fig, and molasses, Apis IV has a medium to heavy mouthfeel and finishes with subtle floral hops.
Deerhammer used Elevation’s Apis IV barrels to finish a batch of its Bourbon, already aged for two years in charred new oak. This barrel quickly became the honey barrel (or the beloved barrel) at the distillery and was an obvious choice when selecting an exclusive spirit to be sold at Total Wine & More in Denver, Colorado.
“This is one batch of bourbon with a very interesting journey from grain to bottle,” says Deerhammer Owner and Head Distiller, Lenny Eckstein. “I’ve never known of another spirit go into a beer barrel with such complexity to contribute to the bourbon. It’s almost like a fortified wine cask finish— the fruit notes that mingle with the malt are unreal.”
Beginning today, Deerhammer’s Elevation Apis IV Quad Barrel Finished Bourbon is available at Total Wine & More. This very limited quantity is for sale while supplies last.
For more information about this spirit, Deerhammer, or Elevation Beer Co., contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT DEERHAMMER
Steeped in Tradition. Crafted in Colorado. Amy and Lenny Eckstein founded Deerhammer in 2010. Drawn to Buena Vista, Colorado by the whitewater currents of the Arkansas River, their passion for whiskey is driven by that same adventurous spirit. As artisans and business owners, Amy and Lenny’s process is defined by a deep curiosity for the history of spirits and a thoughtful analysis of each individual step of the distilling process. Deerhammer's cornerstone contribution to the field of craft spirits, American Single Malt Whiskey, has become the company's flagship product. Deerhammer also distills a Straight Bourbon, Hickory Smoked American Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey. Find the distillery online at deerhammer.com.
ABOUT ELEVATION BEER CO.
Proudly operating in the remote mountain town of Poncha Springs (just 17 miles from Monarch Mountain), Elevation Beer Co. is more than just a beer company— we are a family, a community, and a collective of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Dedicated to creating sustainable, meaningful careers in rural Colorado, we take the preservation of our home as seriously as we do the quality of our beer. Taste our flagship 8 Second Kolsch and a lineup of other usual suspects and seasonals at our tasting room, and in canned 6-packs and specialty bombers across Colorado, Wyoming and soon Utah. Go higher at elevationbeerco.com.
Deerhammer Awarded 2019 Good Food Award for Cultura Cask Finished American Single Malt Whiskey
2019 marks the ninth year of the Good Food Awards and the second consecutive year Deerhammer has been recognized as a winner.
BUENA VISTA, CO— Deerhammer Distilling is the proud recipient of the 2019 Good Food Award in the spirits category for their Progeny Series: Cultura Cask Finished American Single Malt Whiskey. The distillery was recognized with the honors at the organization’s annual awards ceremony at the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center on Friday, January 11. This is the second win for Deerhammer Distilling at the Good Food Awards following a 2018 win for their American Single Malt Whiskey.
2019 marks the ninth year of the Good Food Awards and the second consecutive year Deerhammer has been recognized as a winner. This platform recognizes to tasty, authentic, and responsible food producers in 16 categories: beer, spirits, cider, charcuterie, cheese, chocolate, coffee, confections, fish, honey, oils, pantry, pickles, preserves, snacks and elixirs. This year’s competition saw 2035 entries.
Deerhammer’s Cultura Cask Finished American Single Malt was one of 401 finalists for the 2019 awards, which included 22 other finalists in the competition’s spirits category.
“It is a huge honor to take home the Good Food Award for a second time,” explains co-founder Lenny Eckstein. “It’s especially meaningful for us to be recognized this time around for such an unconventional whiskey. So much of the American whiskey landscape is absolutely dominated by the same old standard styles and flavors that have been around forever. We do things differently at Deerhammer, and the Progeny Series whiskey that won this year is a great example of exactly that. We took our 2 year American Single Malt and finished it for an additional year in barrels that we seasoned with Guatemalan cacao nibs from Cultura Craft Chocolate.”
Spirits that meet the criteria for Good Food Awards entry must be made in the United States utilizing ingredients grown and sourced responsibly without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fungicides or fertilizers as much as possible, free of artificial ingredients, and distilled without GMOs.
For more information about Deerhammer Distilling, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT DEERHAMMER DISTILLING
Steeped in Tradition. Crafted in Colorado. Amy and Lenny Eckstein founded Deerhammer in 2010. Drawn to Buena Vista, Colorado by the whitewater currents of the Arkansas River, their passion for whiskey is driven by that same adventurous spirit. As artisans and business owners, Amy and Lenny’s process is defined by a deep curiosity for the history of spirits and a thoughtful analysis of each individual step of the distilling process. Deerhammer's cornerstone contribution to the field of craft spirits, American Single Malt Whiskey, has become the company's flagship product. Deerhammer also distills a Straight Bourbon, Hickory Smoked American Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey. Find the distillery online at deerhammer.com.
ABOUT GOOD FOOD AWARDS
The Good Food Awards (GFA) celebrate exceptional American craft food and drink producers who create distinctive, handcrafted, and sustainable products. The GFA brings together thought leaders from every sector of the food industry to choose the most delicious products from all regions of the country in a blind tasting. Products are evaluated by region, allowing the GFA to showcase the rich variety of terroirs of the nation’s food culture, elevating craft producers with the ultimate aim of stimulating local food economies. After the tasting, high-scoring producers are closely vetted for compliance with GFA requirements for sustainable production practices. Winners and runners-up are evaluated by the Good Food Foundation and announced each January at the Awards Ceremony. Learn more at goodfoodfdn.org.
Eddyline Brewery Releases 2018 Grapefruit Yanker IPA; Expands Buena Vista Tasting Room
The beer comes in at 7.2 percent ABV with a small addition of mango to give it an extra citrus punch.
BUENA VISTA, CO — Eddyline Brewery is excited to announce the release of its seasonal Grapefruit Yanker IPA, a grapefruit infused version of its best selling Crank Yanker IPA.
“Grapefruit Crank Yanker, blew it out of the park for us last year, and we decided to extend its run in 2018,” say’s Eddyline CEO Brian England, “It sold out much faster than we anticipated and we had fans and accounts asking us all winter when it would come back.”
The beer comes in at 7.2 percent ABV with a small addition of mango to give it an extra citrus punch.
“It is the perfect beer to kick off spring, and we plan on making it well into the summer,” says England, "We are excited to be doing what we do best, making great beer for any adventure.”
Eddyline is currently finishing the remodel of its Buena Vista tasting room, adding more seats to help accommodate the area’s bustling increase in business.
“Buena Vista has seen an incredible increase in visitors since we first opened in 2009,” adds England. “We had guests lining out the door all summer and hope by adding a few more seats we can help quench the thirst of the hikers, bikers, and rafters that come in for a well earned pint after a day in the great outdoors.”
Grapefruit Crank Yanker IPA is available at Eddyline’s Buena Vista locations, and in 16 oz. cans across Colorado in cans beginning this week.
For more information about Eddyline Brewery, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT EDDYLINE BREWERY
Eddyline Taproom & Brewery is one of Colorado’s fastest growing microbreweries. Since 2009, Eddyline has been focused on creating unique ales and lagers of the highest quality while representing the state’s outdoor enthusiasts. Our 16-ounce cans are infinitely recyclable, preserve the quality and freshness of the beer and are easily transportable for your favorite outdoor adventures. Eddyline works closely with local groups to help improve trails, river parks, and strongly believes in being an active steward of the local Chaffee County community. Find the brewery online at eddylinebrewing.com.
Deerhammer Distilling Introduces Port Cask Finish American Single Malt Whiskey
This whiskey is the first extension of Deerhammer’s flagship American Single Malt, aged for a total of three years both in oak and port wine barrels.
BUENA VISTA, CO — Deerhammer Distilling’s Port Cask Finish American Single Malt is now available in liquor stores across Colorado’s Front Range and at the tasting room in downtown Buena Vista. This whiskey is the first extension of Deerhammer’s flagship American Single Malt, aged for a total of three years both in oak and port wine barrels.
This exclusive Deerhammer expression marries tradition with innovation. The distillery’s American Single Malt has redefined the flavor, and future, of independent American craft whiskey. This whiskey is now routed down the traditional road of fortified wine cask finishing. A selection of Deerhammer’s finest two year matured, American Single Malt Whiskey was selected and transferred to ex-port wine casks for an additional year of maturation time. The results are characterized through nuanced flavors of dark fruit, caramel, and tannins, which enhance the complexity of our mainstay whiskey. Each component has been crafted with the intention of delivering a whiskey to be savored.
Only 2500 bottles of Port Cask Finish American Single Malt Whiskey will be available for purchase.
For more information about Port Cask Finish American Single Malt, or with any other media inquiries, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT DEERHAMMER DISTILLING
Steeped in Tradition. Crafted in Colorado.
Amy and Lenny Eckstein founded Deerhammer in 2010. Drawn to Buena Vista, Colorado by the whitewater currents of the Arkansas River, their passion for whiskey is driven by that same adventurous spirit. As artisans and business owners, Amy and Lenny’s process is defined by a deep curiosity for the history of spirits and a thoughtful analysis of each individual step of the distilling process. Deerhammer's cornerstone contribution to the field of American craft spirits, Single Malt Whiskey, has become the company's flagship product. Deerhammer also distills Whitewater Whiskey, Buena Vista Brandy, and Dutch Style Gin. Find the distillery online at deerhammer.com.
The Jailhouse Craft Beer Bar to Celebrate First Anniversary on July 15, 2017
The Jailhouse Craft Beer Bar on East Main Street in Buena Vista is celebrating its first anniversary on Saturday, July 15th with a mini beer festival and live music.
BUENA VISTA, CO— The Jailhouse Craft Beer Bar on East Main Street in Buena Vista is celebrating its first anniversary on Saturday, July 15 with a mini beer festival and live music.
Baere Brewing, Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales, Cerebral Brewing, Elevation Beer Company, and Melvin Brewing will be pouring during the mini beer fest from 2 - 6 p.m. Live music will start on the outdoor stage at 3 p.m. with Boulder based rock band Augustus followed up by Denver based bluegrass band The River Arkansas 6 - 8 pm.
The Jailhouse recently extended its liquor license to include the lot next door, which houses The Watershed BV – a community shared space – an outdoor stage, where all the live music will be taking place, and The Bearded Lady food truck.
The Jailhouse Craft Beer Bar will be open before, during, and after the mini beer fest with service as usual and a special selection of beers filling its 10 taps. Guests are welcome to bring their beers to the beer fest area to enjoy the music, but a wristband is required to sample beers from the beer tents. Tickets are $20 for unlimited tasting from the beer tents and access to live music. Tickets will be available for purchase at The Jailhouse leading up to the event and at the door on July 15.
The Mini Beer Fest is also a benefit for Chaffee County Search & Rescue North, who will be selling $3 Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) cards at the door— each card purchase helps to reimburse the volunteer teams for costs incurred for rescue missions. CCSAR will also host demos and classes on the hour during the festival inside The Watershed BV.
For more information about The Jailhouse or its first anniversary celebration, contact Sarah Haughey at sarah@thejailhousebv.com.
ABOUT THE JAILHOUSE CRAFT BEER BAR
The Jailhouse is a craft beer bar located in the historic 1880s jailhouse in Buena Vista, Colorado. Featuring 10 rotating taps of craft beers from across Colorado, the United States, and abroad, plus bottles, cans, and wine, The Jailhouse offers something for every palate. Find The Jailhouse online at thejailhousebv.com
Deerhammer Distilling Produces Record Numbers, Announces Progeny Series
BUENA VISTA, CO — Last year, Deerhammer Distilling produced more handcrafted spirits than ever before and experienced record growth in sales, which are up by 262 percent statewide, among other milestones.
Here is Deerhammer Distilling’s 2016 Year In Review
In 2016, Deerhammer distilled 6,217 gallons of whiskey. The majority of this volume represents the distillery’s flagship product Single Malt Whiskey. Deerhammer only distributes its spirits in the state of Colorado.
Last year Deerhammer reinvigorated its package with new glass bottles that have a traditional whiskey shape with sleek curvature. The new label designs are cleaner and bolder, with incorporated visual elements that commemorate why Deerhammer crafts whiskey in Buena Vista— including compass points on each corner to highlight the distillery’s rugged mountain surroundings. Also included in the new design is a small illustration of nearby Mount Princeton, river waves, wind, and diamond trailhead markers. The new labels were designed by Tim Praetzel out of Austin, Texas.
Looking Ahead
Next month at the Colorado Brewers Guild’s Collaboration Fest, Locavore Beer Works and Aquanaut Brewing will serve a beer that was aged in Deerhammer Single Malt Whiskey barrels. Look for more details about this beer on Deerhammer’s Facebook page.
Next for Deerhammer is the roll out of the Progeny Series, a lineup of small-batch spirits created through inspired partnerships with other crafters in Colorado, including a whiskey and chocolate pairing with Cultura Chocolate, and other collaborations with Wit’s End Brewing Company, Call To Arms Brewing, Crooked Stave, and Colorado Cider Company.
For more information about Deerhammer Distilling, or with any other media inquiries, feel free to contact RadCraft at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT DEERHAMMER DISTILLING
Steeped in Tradition. Crafted in Colorado.
Amy and Lenny Eckstein founded Deerhammer in 2010. Drawn to Buena Vista, Colorado by the whitewater currents of the Arkansas River, their passion for whiskey is driven by that same adventurous spirit. As artisans and business owners, Amy and Lenny’s process is defined by a deep curiosity for the history of spirits and a thoughtful analysis of each individual step of the distilling process. Deerhammer's cornerstone contribution to the field of American craft spirits, Single Malt Whiskey, has become the company's flagship product. Deerhammer also distills Whitewater Whiskey, Buena Vista Brandy, and Dutch Style Gin. Find the distillery online at deerhammer.com.