Brick Store Pub To Showcase 14 Beers Made With Riverbend Craft Malt
You’re Invited To Georgia’s Largest Craft Malt Showcase Yet
DECATUR, GA— Brick Store Pub will host what might be Georgia’s largest consumer-facing showcase of craft malt to-date on September 20, featuring a tap takeover of 14 beers brewed with malt from Riverbend Malt House.
WHAT
Craft breweries across the Southeast have united to build this one-of-a-kind tap list that includes a wide array of beer styles made with Riverbend 6 and 2-Row barley varieties, wheat, rye, and corn malt in their grain bills. Participating breweries include Arches Brewing Co., Beacon Brewing Co., Bhramari Brewing, Cherry Street Brewing, Creature Comforts Brewing Co., Crooked Can Brewing Co., DSSOLVR, Hopstix, Mythk Brewing, NoFo Brew Co. & Distillery, Sceptre Brewing Arts, Sideward Brewing, Southern Brewing Co., and Trimtab Brewing Co. The beer list will include two cask ales.
Also of note at this event will be a presentation that covers a behind the scenes look at recent research and development projects at the malt house by Riverbend Malt House Co-Founder Brent Manning. This will include a hot steep demonstration of several new products. This talk begins at 3:30PM.
“This event allows beer lovers to experience first-hand the difference that artisanal malt makes on a beer’s flavor and aroma,” says Neil Callaghan, Beer Director for the Brick Store Pub. “Many of our guests’ favorite breweries have been using Riverbend’s malted barley and grains for years, and with this event we can shine a spotlight on the ingredients that make these beers so wonderful. We’re excited to showcase beers from some of Georgia’s most talented brewers and some out-of-state breweries not often poured in the state and raise a glass to Riverbend.”
WHERE & WHEN
125 E Court Square
Decatur, GA 30030
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Craft malt presentation by Brent Manning at 3:30pm
Media interested in covering this event can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BRICK STORE PUB
Since 1997, the Brick Store Pub has been celebrating craft, community and culture to it’s Decatur, Georgia neighborhood. With an internationally renowned beer program featuring thousands of vintage ales and lagers and a kitchen offering beer-inspired cuisine, the Brick Store Pub has carved a distinctive niche for itself over its quarter century history. It is currently ranked as the #1 Beer Bar in North America by RateBeer.com and has been recognized by dozens of media outlets as an international beer destination.
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. The malt house was just named number 2804 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in America. Learn more at riverbendmalt.com.
Riverbend Malt House Announces 10 Year Harvest Beers Crafted With Sunset Wheat Malt
Sunset Wheat is in stock and available for purchase, and Riverbend is eager to work with additional craft breweries on #Riverbend10 recipes featuring this malt.
ASHEVILLE, NC— Riverbend Malt House and a number of its brewing customers are excited to announce a lineup of specialty beers featuring the new Sunset Wheat Malteer.com/news/riverbend-sunset-wheat-malt, in celebration of the malt house’s last decade in business.
Earlier this month, Fonta Flora Brewery released the first of these beers, a Belgian Dark Strong-inspired ale affectionately named Bière de Riverbend. This bière, brewed with 100 percent Riverbend malts, was inspired by and adapted from the very first beer Fonta Flora ever put in bottles nearly six years ago.
These world-class brewing companies will debut beers made with Riverbend’s 10 Year Harvest malt in coming weeks and months:
Bhramari Brewing Co., Rauch Weisse
DSSOLVR, Wheated Mild
Fullsteam Brewery, Winter IPA
Green Man Brewery, Wheat Wine
Standard Beer + Food, Hefeweizen
Sunset Wheat is in stock and available for purchase, and Riverbend is eager to work with additional craft breweries on #Riverbend10 recipes featuring this malt. Place an order for Sunset Wheat by emailing orders@riverbendmalt.com.
Riverbend has published a 10 Year Harvest recipe, a Sunset Wheat-based Pale Ale. Homebrewers across the Southeast are encouraged to create their own 10 Year Harvest Pale Ales to celebrate the past 10 years of Riverbend Malt and the craft malt community that the local malthouse has helped to create. Find the recipe here.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Riverbend Malt House.
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 malt house east of the Mississippi, 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.
Riverbend Malt House Announces Expansion
New malthouse production equipment needed to meet accelerating demand for craft malt in the Southeast.
ASHEVILLE, NC– Riverbend Malt House today announced the successful completion of the first batch of barley malted on its new 10-tonne Germination Kiln Vessel (GKV) unit. This state-of-the-art equipment increases the overall malthouse capacity by 40 percent, enabling Riverbend to meet growing demand for craft malt among breweries and distilleries throughout the Southeast.
“Our new unit gives us even tighter control over quality, while at the same time increasing productivity,” noted Adam Demchak, Riverbend’s VP of Engineering and Production. “And our employees love it because the cleaning and maintenance procedures are more efficient.”
The new equipment comes in response to growing consumer demand over the past 12 months. “As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become clear that local and quality factors are even more important in consumer decision making, and we need additional capacity to meet the resulting surge in demand for craft malt,” commented Riverbend Malt House CEO Scott Hickman.
An essential part of Riverbend’s mission is its commitment to its local partnerships with local farmers, craft brewers, and artisan spirits distillers. Consistent with this mission, Riverbend’s new equipment was designed, manufactured, and installed by American manufacturers, contractors and software developers.
For more information about Riverbend Malt House, 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 maltster east of the Mississippi, 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 ever-competitive landscape— all the while challenging the status quo of corporate, big-agriculture malt. Learn more at riverbendmalt.com.
Craft Industry COVID-19 Update - June 2, 2020
Here are 19 Coronavirus relief efforts that support the hospitality industry.
Small businesses across the globe continue to take hits amid Coronavirus shutdowns and policy changes. From South Africa to Istanbul, North Carolina to Latin America, and beyond— here are 19 Coronavirus relief efforts that support the hospitality industry.
Three weeks after deciding to convert their beer tanks into giant soup-making tanks, Drifter Brewing Company has fed more than 75,000 people across ten different communities in Cape Town through Operation Soup-A-Heroes.
Laws Whiskey House released a single barrel selection to support Colorado Restaurant Response. This unique single barrel bourbon has been aged 5 ½ years and has flavors of wildflower honey, butterscotch and orange peel will also be available for sale at participating Colorado Restaurant Response restaurants in May. Find a list of retailers and more details here.
Hospitality Net has been adding special coverage with specific topics pertaining to the impact Coronavirus is having on the hospitality industry. Their page contains a growing list of resources with topics that pertain to the industry, with new ones being added as they become available.
The James Beard Foundation is committed to helping independent restaurants survive the crisis, rebuild stronger, and thrive for the long term through their Open for Good campaign.
One Fair Wage’s High Road Kitchens Program launched during the COVID-19 crisis. High Road Kitchens are independent restaurants that provide food on a sliding scale to those in need, as well as providing jobs for restaurant workers and act as a subsidy for responsible restaurant owners.
The United States Bartenders’ Guild National Charity Foundation provides emergency assistance grants to bartenders and their families.
The North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild launched the #NCBeerPledge to promote health and safety as businesses begin to reopen. “The #NCBeer Pledge is our industry’s demonstration of that commitment to you.”
Hi-Wire Brewing releases a beer to benefit service industry workers in response to the impact the pandemic has had on the industry. A portion of the proceeds from every 6-pack of Donate to Service Industry Workers by Drinking This Beer sold will be donated to the USBG National Charity Foundation and the North Carolina Restaurant Workers Relief Fund.
CORE: Children of Restaurant Employees is providing support to food and beverage service employees with children diagnosed with COVID-19.
Daniel Grieves reported on chef initiatives in Latin America in the article Sharing the table with coronavirus on 50 Best Stories. Grieves is writing a book to be called Restaurants at Home, featuring 100 recipes from 100 restaurants in Istanbul. All the money raised from sponsors as well as from book sales will go into a fund for restaurant employees in need in Istanbul.
The Restaurant Workers Community Foundation created a restaurant workers’ COVID-19 Crisis Relief Fund.
After seeing the community enthusiasm for their COVID relief efforts, Athletic Brewing Company has pledged to continue their efforts till they reach $100,000 in donations to The Restaurant Employee Relief Fund.
The Independent Restaurant Coalition is lobbying Congress to advocate that the stimulus money and related programs pertain to and are tailored for independent restaurants.
Shiner Beer donated $500,000 to the TX Restaurant Relief Fund, an initiative by the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation. The fund benefits independent restaurants and their workers impacted by COVID-19 by issuing grants.
The Brewers Association has teamed up with Bottleshare to create the Believe in Beer fund, which support breweries and state brewers guilds impacted by COVID. “We’re proud to join efforts with the Brewers Association to reciprocate the love and strength that characterize the craft beer community and help the breweries that make it so special,” shares Christopher Glenn, Founder of Bottleshare.
Distillers from all around the nation have been responding to the pandemic by pivoting their operations to include the production of hand sanitizer. The Distilled Spirits Council has created a COVID-19 Hand Sanitizer Connection Portal as a resource for distillers looking to produce hand sanitizer, including a map of distillers that are producing hand sanitizer, a list of necessary ingredients and supplies, and distribution methods.
Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, seeks to raise $2 million for COVID relief efforts with Operation Crush COVID-19. Rather than selling Laguna Madre, a limited-edition, 8-year-old bourbon, as planned this summer, they’ll be making all 2,004 bottles available elusively to donors who support their cause.
The Above and Beyond Foundation is dedicated to providing financial relief to help hospitality workers who have been laid off due to the pandemic. Learn more about their efforts here.
Pendleton® Whisky, who has close ties to the Western sports community, knows that many athletes within that community are facing challenges due to cancelled events and fewer chances to ride. They’ve donated $100k towards COVID relief efforts for their community.
Thirsty Monk To Release Third of Karma Series Beers, Unity Gose
Thirsty Monk is tapping the third of their Karma Series beers, Unity Gose, in support of LGBTQ equality and inclusion.
DENVER, CO— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, is tapping the third of their Karma Series beers, Unity Gose, in early May. Brewed in support of LGBTQ equality and inclusion, this lemon kiwi Gose will be available on tap in Asheville, Denver and Portland locations while supplies last.
Unity Gose gets the party started with flavors and aromas of bright lemon, subtle kiwi and a crisp yet rounded mouthfeel, finished with the additions of salt and lactose. At 4 percent ABV, this Gose is very much like a lemon Radler; complex, juicy, refreshing and brewed for patio sipping and the cheerful days of spring and summer.
A portion of the proceeds from Unity Gose will support 501c3s Campaign for Southern Equality in Asheville, One Colorado in Denver, and Basic Rights Oregon in Portland.
“Just as a Monk’s life is dedicated to service, Thirsty Monk has deep, soulful principles that guide everything we do.” explains Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “Unity and acceptance of all people is near and dear to our hearts.”
Karma Series beers support nonprofit efforts that align with Thirsty Monk’s company values, featuring a unique beer brewed each quarter with a different charitable focus. Unity Gose is preceded by Trail Monk in support of trail restoration, Monk’s Cottage to benefit affordable housing, and will be followed by a beer during the summer to support youth needs.
“We’re thrilled to use our Karma Series to bring attention to non-profit groups dedicated to sharing this message of love and acceptance,” says Bialik. “And after all, Thirsty Monk’s original location IS a three story giant purple building!”
Contact Chea Franz at chea@radcraftbeer.com for more details about the Karma Series and Thirsty Monk.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s Cicerone-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
ABOUT THE NONPROFITS
BASIC RIGHTS OREGON
Basic Rights Oregon works fearlessly and tirelessly to build a strong, vibrant, powerful, and progressive movement for LGBTQ equality. LGBTQ Oregonians exist in every community, and we understand that we have to engage in strategic, values-based coalitions to address the many needs of our communities. As such, building alliances with progressive groups that advocate for working families, racial justice, immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and campaign reform will be essential to winning policies that meet the varied needs of our diverse community.
CAMPAIGN FOR SOUTHERN EQUALITY
The Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) is working to build a South where LGBTQ people are equal in every part of life. A South where your zipcode doesn’t determine your rights. Where all of us are free to be who we truly are and love who we truly love.
We use a range of tools, including direct services, direct action, litigation, grant-making, and long-term organizing strategies to respond to immediate community needs, support a new generation of LGBTQ leaders, and build political power over the long term.
Our work is rooted in empathy and in commitments to equity in race, gender, and class, and we take part in rapid response organizing around issues of racial justice, immigration rights, voting rights, and health care
ONE COLORADO
One Colorado is the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families. We effectively advocate for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families by lobbying the General Assembly, the executive branch, and local governments on issues like safe schools, transgender equality, relationship recognition, and LGBTQ health and human services.
Thirsty Monk Releases Crooked Stave Collaboration, Grace Sour Blend
Grace Sour Blend is a blended sour comprised of barrel and foudre-aged beers from Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project.
DENVER, CO— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, is proud to announce Grace Sour Blend, bridging Thirsty Monk Head Brewer, Brian Grace, with his historical residency at Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project. Grace Sour Blend debuts on tap at all Thirsty Monk locations on Wednesday, April 10th.
Grace Sour Blend is a blended sour comprised of barrel and foudre-aged beers brewed, cellared, and now hand-selected by Thirsty Monk head brewer, Brian Grace during his 3 years as Head Brewer at Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project.
This project comes after the announcement of Thirsty Monk’s newly developed barrel house, The Woodshed in Denver. This barrel aging facility currently houses Thirsty Monk’s budding sour beer program featuring two foeders and a diverse selection of wine and spirit barrels for which Grace is brewing black, burgundy and golden base, inoculated with wild yeast and bacteria before the addition of fruit, and eventual blending and bottle conditioning.
“I still keep in touch with the team at Crooked Stave including several collaborations since my departure,” explains Grace. “I was discussing with Crooked Stave owner and Brewmaster, Chad Yakobson about how Thirsty Monk is in need of barrel-aged sour offerings while our beers continue to age at The Woodshed. Chad suggested I create a blend with barrel-aged beers in their cellar that I brewed while working there.”
Grace Sour Blend is burgundy in color, with aromas of red wine, leathery Brettanomyces, oak and a light berry bouquet. Flavors swim in a medley of berry fruit and skins, red wine, mild oak and a balanced Brettanomyces funk. The care Grace took in hand selecting this blend is evident in its smooth complexity, showcasing a new direction that the Thirsty Monk family is excited to explore and add to its well rounded beer list.
“As far as the flavor goes I had a clean slate and wasn’t required to make a blend that needed to taste like any other beer,” explains Grace. “So I spent a few days tasting through their cellar, exploring the different flavors of barrels (including gin, wine, and foeder aged barrels) and came up with a unique blend just for Thirsty Monk.”
If you have questions about Thirsty Monk, The Woodshed Barrel House and their developing sour program contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s Cicerone-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
ABOUT CROOKED STAVE
Founded in Denver, CO in late 2010 as an artisan beer project, Crooked Stave is the culmination of brewmaster and “Brettanomyces Guru” Chad Yakobson’s open source master’s research, The Brettanomyces Project. Crooked Stave’s progressive approach to brewing blends science and art through creativity and passion. The resulting creations, most of which use Brettanomyces yeasts and mature in oak, are beers of extraordinary complexity. The brewery has also started receiving accolades of late for it’s non-sour beers, specifically its new line of “Private Reserve” barrel-aged Imperial Stouts. Learn more at crookedstave.com.
Thirsty Monk Releases Second of Karma Series Beers, Monk's Cottage
This Belgian Strong Ale was brewed with Pilsner malt, floor-malted Dark malt, Munich, and Special Belgian malt.
DENVER, CO— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, has tapped the second of their Karma Series beers at its Denver location. Monk’s Cottage is a Belgian Dark Strong for which proceeds will benefit nonprofits supporting affordable housing in Asheville and Denver.
This Belgian Strong Ale was brewed with Pilsner malt, floor-malted Dark malt, Munich, and Special Belgian malt that create a deep reddish-brown color and aromas of sweet malt, raisins, plums, banana and pipe tobacco. This beer tastes like rum cake with hints of cocoa powder covered banana and anise. It drinks easier than it's 8.75% ABV with a warm, malty finish.
A portion of the proceeds from Monk’s Cottage will support Beloved Community Village in Denver, and Pisgah Legal Services in Asheville.
“For our Winter Karma Series, our beer Monk’s Cottage will benefit Affordable Housing causes. The Colorado charity selected is Beloved Community Village- a small community of Tiny Houses that offers stable housing for formerly homeless folks,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “Affordable Housing is near and dear to my heart. Thirsty Monk’s sister company Compact Cottages builds affordable housing, and I chair the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee in Asheville and grew up in subsidized affordable housing. Karma Series is our way of giving back and bringing attention to some passionate charitable organizations, all doing amazing service.”
Karma Series beers support nonprofit efforts that align with Thirsty Monk’s company values, featuring a unique beer brewed each quarter with a different charitable focus. The first of this series was Trail Monk that supported trail restoration earlier this fall, and next up will be beers benefitting LGBTQ awareness in the spring and children’s needs in the summer.
Contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com for more details about the Karma Series and Thirsty Monk.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s Cicerone-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Thirsty Monk Presents 6th Annual New Year's Eve Keg Drop in Biltmore Park
New York City drops a ball, Atlanta drops a peach, and Miami drops an orange. Asheville drops a keg!
ASHEVILLE, NC— New York City drops a ball, Atlanta drops a peach, and Miami drops an orange. Asheville drops a keg! Thirsty Monk announces its 6th Annual New Year's Eve Keg Drop Celebration at its Biltmore Park Town Square location.
This year’s Keg Drop has grown to include its new craft cocktail bar, Monk's Flask. Ring in the New Year at Biltmore Park as we welcome 2019, sipping on Thirsty Monk Brewery beers, craft spirits and a special cocktail menu.
The Keg
The Biltmore Park brewery’s two-story golden keg will be lit up and glowing on the patio on New Year’s Eve, descending at midnight as we tap a keg of Must Love Coconut IPA, and toast to 2019! The Keg Drop Celebration is free to attend, with ample parking available.
The Beer
If you’re in the mood for an escape from the typical IPA, and want to be whisked away from winter to a tropical paradise, then Must Love Coconut IPA is for you. Brewed with toasted coconut and a blast of Citra and Centennial hops, this Belgian-style IPA is a totally tropical experience. Flavors of stone fruit, tropical fruit and–you guessed it–coconut, take you straight to your own island oasis, with hints of spice and citrus peeking through the palm trees. This special, fan-favorite release makes an annual appearance on tap, especially for New Year festivities.
WHEN: Monday, December 31, 5pm - Tuesday, January 1, 1am
WHERE: Thirsty Monk South at Biltmore Park Town Square
2 Town Square Blvd #170, Asheville, NC 28803
CONTACT: Emily Hutto, coop@radcraftbeer.com
Asheville’s Thirsty Monk to Celebrate Rare, Unusual Beers at 9th Annual Thirsty Fest
Whether you’re a fan of sours and wild ales, or big, bold and barrel-aged beers, this is your week to get the best of the best in one place.
ASHEVILLE, NC – Thirsty Monk is bringing the rare, the exceptional and the downright unusual to Western North Carolina, tapping a variety of specialty beers at its 9th annual Thirsty Fest, September 3rd–7th, 2018 at the flagship Thirsty Monk location in Downtown Asheville,
and at its South Asheville location in Biltmore Park.
Each year, Thirsty Monk’s world class beer bars choose a selection of the best of their reserve kegs for a week dedicated to particularly outstanding and uncommon brews. Thirsty Fest-goers have the opportunity to enjoy exciting finds hardly ever poured in Western North Carolina. Whether you’re a fan of sours and wild ales, or big, bold and barrel-aged beers, this is your week to get the best of the best in one place.
Featured beers include: Thirsty Monk Barrel Aged Brother Noah, Thirsty Monk Roaring Monk DIPA, Allagash Brettanomyces Pilsner & Saison Gratis, Founders KBS, Bruery Terreux Tart of Darkness with Blackcurrant, Cascade Belmont Street Bramble, Firestone Walker Stickee Monkee, Boulevard The Changeling and many more.
Tap list and event updates will be announced through Thirsty Monk’s Facebook page, with live tap lists available at monkpub.com during Thirsty Fest.
For more information about Thirsty Fest or Thirsty Monk, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk currently operates four locations in Asheville, North Carolina including Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar, and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, Thirsty Monk Denver and Thirsty Monk Portland. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Thirsty Monk Takes Home Two Medals From 2018 U.S. Open Beer Championship
This marks the first year Thirsty Monk has won a medal at the U.S. Open Beer Championship.
ASHEVILLE, NC— Thirsty Monk was the proud recipient of two medals at 2018 U.S. Open Beer Championship, July 10 in Oxford, OH. The brewery’s Denver location took home Gold in the French/Belgian Ale Category for Abby Blonde, and the brewery’s Asheville location took home Silver for Screaming Monk Belgian IPA, in the American-Belgo-Style Ale Category.
This marks the first year Thirsty Monk has won a medal at the U.S. Open Beer Championship. The Gold medal-winning Abby Blonde and Silver medal Screaming Monk are both now available on draft and in growler fills at all Thirsty Monk locations in Asheville, Denver, and Portland, OR.
Named after the brewery owner’s youngest child, Abby Blonde is a classic Belgian Style made with Franco-Belges Pilsner malt, wheat, and traditional sugar. Weighing in at 7.3% ABV, this slightly hazy, golden brew was fermented with Thirsty Monk’s in-house Belgian yeast strain, offering a plethora of flavors including banana and light clove.
Screaming Monk is jam-packed with citrus and earthy hops, well-complimented by background Belgian fruity esters. Body and bitterness balance to give an experience aggressive enough for the average hop-head and complex enough for an appreciator of Belgian styles. Imagine a monk at the top of a quiet mountain taking sips of his beer and shouting, “I LOVE HOPS!”
If you have questions about Thirsty Monk’s recent U.S. Open Beer Championship win, or any other media inquiries about this family of Belgian-rooted breweries and pubs across the country, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk currently operates four locations in Asheville, North Carolina including Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar, and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub; and Thirsty Monk Denver, CO and now Thirsty Monk Portland, OR. The brewery family has been the recent recipient of several beer awards, including a gold medal in the Belgian-Style Table Beer category in the Best of Craft Beer Awards earlier this year. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Thirsty Monk Celebrates AVL Beer Week With The 5th Annual Not So BIG Beer Festival
This festival will feature a selection of rare and specialty beers from America’s top breweries.
Thirsty Monk presents the 5th Annual Not So Big BIG Beer Festival, Wednesday, May 30th, 2018 during Asheville Beer Week!
This festival will feature a selection of rare and specialty beers from America’s top breweries in an intimate outdoor/covered setting at the TM Warehouse space at 92 Thompson St. in Biltmore Village. This intimate beer festival will have several rare and one-off beers all in one place, curated for guests by the Thirsty Monk, especially for Asheville Beer Week 2018.
The tap list at this festival includes rare selections from Haw River Farmhouse Ales, Founders Brewing, Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, Brewery Ommegang, Birds Fly South Ale Project, Allagash Brewing and many more. Food will be catered on site by Thirsty Monk's culinary team, including a special Festival Food Flight, with snack-sized items chosen by Certified Cicerones to pair with your festival beers. Learn more about Food Flights here.
"The Not So Big BIG Beer Festival is widely celebrated as one of the legacy highlight events that anchors the middle of AVL Beer Week," says Thirsty’s Monk’s Beer Buyer and Marketing and Events Coordinator Joanna Postlethwaite. "Attendees can expect a stellar tap list, all while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere and scenic location."
5:30pm-9:30PM 92 Thompson St., Asheville, 28803
Tickets are available at http://bit.ly/notsobigfest18.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008 Thirsty Monk currently operates four locations in Asheville, North Carolina including Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar, and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, as well as Bazi Bierbrasserie in Portland, OR and now its Denver brewery and tasting room. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Thirsty Monk Introduces Food Flights in North Carolina
Food Flights are selections of small, snack-sized portions expertly curated by Certified Cicerones® to pair perfectly with your chosen beer style.
ASHEVILLE, NC— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer bars, introduced its Food Flights program at its flagship downtown Asheville location earlier this month.
Food Flights are selections of small, snack-sized portions expertly curated by Certified Cicerones® to pair perfectly with your chosen beer style. Thirsty Monk offers six Food Flights— Belgian, Light, Medium, Dark, Sour/Fruity, and Hoppy— in an elevated box lunch-style presentation that includes four food items (a protein, a cheese, a grain, and a preserve). This new offering debuted in Denver with the opening of Thirsty Monk’s newest location last month and will be available at Thirsty Monk’s Downtown location going forward. Food Flights will be added to the menu at Thirsty Monk’s Biltmore Park location and Thirsty Monk’s newest Portland, Oregon location later this spring.
All of the proteins, preserves, and grains in Thirsty Monk’s Food Flights in Asheville are made in house, including the six different house-baked crackers.
“Thirsty Monk has never been accused of being a follow the pack kind of brewery, and we continue our leadership role by bypassing the food truck and creating an entirely new way of brewery snacking,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “We’ve been crafting our Food Flights for the past year and are so excited to now share these expertly beer-paired snack packs with our Thirsty Monk guests.The intent of our Food Flights are to elevate the beer tasting and Old World pub experience with an affordable tasty bite of education. All of the individual Food Flights are crafted to enhance the taste of the paired beer style and pass on some food and beer pairing knowledge. Our new coasters suggest beer style-specific food pairings and cooking styles that our patrons can experiment with at home. And most importantly, Food Flights are meant to be fun and encourage friends to share a unique snacking and beer sipping adventure.”
For more information about Food Flights, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008 Thirsty Monk currently operates four locations in Asheville, North Carolina including Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar, and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, as well as Bazi Bierbrasserie in Portland, OR and now its Denver brewery and tasting room. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Sour Fest at Thirsty Monk in Asheville Returns For The 8th Year
This celebration of sour, wild and mixed fermentation ales from across the state, country, and the globe is Thirsty Monk’s first signature event of the year.
photo by Colin Bridge
Sour Fest at Asheville-born Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer bars, is back for the eighth year March 12 to 16. This celebration of sour, wild and mixed fermentation ales from across the state, country, and the globe is Thirsty Monk’s first signature event of the year.
Sour Fest is a five-day tap takeover of sought-after sour beers at Thirsty Monk in Downtown Asheville and Biltmore Park locations. The beer list includes rare selections from Cascade Barrel House, New Belgium, Firestone Walker, Brouwerij Boon, Haw River Farmhouse Ales, Zebulon Artisan Ales, and so many more.
“I curate this tap lineup with multiple goals in mind,” says Thirsty’s Monk’s Beer Buyer and Marketing and Events Coordinator Joanna Postlethwaite. “I strive to bring together a collection of beers that explores the many flavors of sour beer— from tart, to fruit-forward, to complex and funky. I’m putting together the best examples I can find from breweries across the country and the world, as well as exceptional contributions from our talented neighboring breweries here in North Carolina.”
For a complete beer list or for more information about Thirsty Monk, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Thirsty Monk, founded in 2008, brews Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operates a family of well-recognized, craft beer destinations in Asheville, NC, Denver, CO, and Portland, OR. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Thirsty Monk Wins Best of Craft Beer Award; Named Best Bar in NC by RateBeer.com
Thirsty Monk took home a gold medal in the Belgian-Style Table Beer category in the Best of Craft Beer Awards and was named the best bar in North Carolina in the RateBeer.com Best Places for Beer by Subregion for 2017.
Thirsty Monk took home a gold medal in the Belgian-Style Table Beer category in the Best of Craft Beer Awards today.
Wiser Monk is a refreshing Belgian-style table beer with mild hints of fruit and spice on the nose, flavors of light grains, and a trace of herbal hop in its clean finish. It weighs in at 4.5 percent ABV. Wiser Monk was one of 11 entries in the 2018 Best of Craft Beer Awards. This year's silver medal was awarded to Birds Fly South Ale Project for Weatherman and bronze to Abbey Brewing Company for Monks' Ale. Find the complete list of 2018 winners here.
Also this month Thirsty Monk Brewery & Pub was named the best bar in North Carolina in the RateBeer.com Best Places for Beer by Subregion for 2017. Find that list here.
Portland's Bazi Bierbrasserie Joins Thirsty Monk Family
Portland’s premiere Belgian and European beer bar announced today its plan to join the Thirsty Monk, Inc. family of breweries and pubs.
Photo by Stephanie Yao Long via the Oregonian
PORTLAND, OR— Bazi Bierbrasserie (1522 SE 32 nd Ave – Hawthorne District), Portland’s premiere Belgian and European beer bar announced today its plan to join the Thirsty Monk, Inc. family of breweries and pubs.
“It is with much delight that I announce Bazi Bierbrasserie will be joining the Thirsty Monk family, an organization that shares the same passion for Belgian beer and values a sense of community” says Bazi Owner Hilda Stevens. “This provides an opportunity for my employees’ growth aspirations in the service industry while also aligning with an institution that embraces crafting exceptional Belgian-inspired beers and providing a superior customer experience."
Over the past six years, Bazi Bierbrasserie has become a Belgo aficionado oasis, quickly receiving recognition in hop-centric Portland and at the national level. Bazi Bierbrasserie was named “Top 100 Beer Bars in America” by DRAFT Magazine for three consecutive years, “Top Beer Bars in Portland” by the Oregonian and Thrillist, “Portland No. 1 Soccer Pub” by the Oregonian, and “SE Portland Best Happy Hours” by Willamette Week.
"Bazi and Thirsty Monk have been on such similar paths since inception, with the experiences we offer patrons and seats on the same “Top 100 Beer Bars” lists," says Thirsty Monk CEO Barry Bialik. "Hilda’s values, attention to detail, and compassion towards her employees resonates strong at Bazi, and those are all shared values of Thirsty Monk that make this additional of them to our family feel even more natural."
Stevens will stay on staff at the Portland Thirsty Monk to help though the transition to ensure clientele continues to receive the same level of customer service they've come to expect at Bazi. "I’ve lived in Portland for 20 years and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to grow a business in such a welcoming community, but after Hurricane Harvey my priorities have changed personally. My intention is to eventually head south to be closer to my siblings and parents in Houston," she says.
Bazi will officially become part of the Thirsty Monk family in mid-December, and the space will take on the Thirsty Monk name in early 2018. Plans include adding a small batch brewhouse in Portland.
Thirsty Monk is also expanding to Denver, Colorado. Read that press release here.
For information about this news, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Thirsty Monk, founded in 2008, brews Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales in Asheville, NC, a world recognized craft beer destination. Thirsty Monk currently operates Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk craft cocktail bar, and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, all in Asheville. Thirsty Monk is expanding its brewing operation to Denver, CO later this year. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
ABOUT BAZI BIERBRASSERIE
If Monks lived in Portland, this would be their watering hole. Bazi brings centuries of Belgian-inspired beer and food under one roof plus a premium liquor selection. Explore with a nationally recognized Bier-Cocktail or simply sip on a glass of wine. As a Euro-centric establishment Bazi embraces bringing community together through sports. The bar is an official Thorns, Timbers, Liverpool FC and American Outlaws partner, and showcase these and other events on our 114" HDTV with surround sound. Named “No 1 Soccer Pub” by The Oregonian 2016, “Top 100 Beer Bars in America” by DRAFT Magazine 2014, 1015, 2016 and “Top 10 Best Beer Bars in Portland” by The Oregonian, 2014. Located in the heart of the Hawthorne District, tucked away just off of SE 32nd Avenue. Find Bazi online at bazipdx.com.
Asheville’s Thirsty Monk To Expand into Denver and Portland
Asheville, North Carolina-born Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer bars, is expanding into Denver, Colorado and Portland, Oregon.
DENVER, CO and PORTLAND, OR— Asheville, North Carolina-born Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer bars, announced today its expansion into Denver, Colorado and Portland, Oregon. Brian Grace, former Crooked Stave Head Brewer and Jolly Pumpkin Production Manager, has been hired as Head Brewer of the entire brewery group to assist with this growth. He will be based in Denver.
“Denver and Portland will be much more than just second homes to Thirsty Monk,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “We will embrace the beer, food, and craft cultures in each of the cities, and operate as a true local brewery and pub. Thirsty Monk has always been about sharing beer knowledge and the European pub culture. Being in Denver and Portland will help us learn from some of the country’s best craft beer markets, and to design beers influenced by all the communities we call home.”
Asheville brewing operations will remain under the tutelage of Norm Penn, who has been promoted to Vice President of Thirsty Monk. Thirsty Monk Downtown and Biltmore Park will continue to serve the growing selection of Thirsty Monk beers along side curated, rotating guest taps. “As our Brother Noah Belgian Chocolate Stout is brewed in Asheville using chocolate nibs from our friends at French Broad Chocolate, Brother Noah brewed in Denver will utilize a local Colorado chocolatier and Brother Noah brewed in Portland will be made with local Oregon chocolate. “Imagine that vertical tasting!” says Penn.
DENVER, COLORADO
Thirsty Monk will close on the purchase of a 12-Barrel existing brewery in Denver this month and will start immediate beer production there. Plans include a remodel of the existing taproom, slated for grand opening after Thanksgiving 2017. Head Brewer Brian Grace will be based in Denver, brewing Thirsty Monk beers and spearheading the creation of open fermentation, barrel aging and sour programs.
Brian Grace began his brewing career with Moylan’s in California before heading to Jolly Pumpkin in Michigan and then Crooked Stave in Denver. “We are so excited to have Brian join our Monk family, not just because he’s a well-respected Head Brewer, but also, he’s a creative and kind person. Good people make better beer,” says Bialik.
PORTLAND, OREGON
In November, Thirsty Monk will close on the purchase of a well-known Portland beer bar. Operations will continue under the Portland location’s existing name until sometime early 2018, when it will shift to serve Thirsty Monk beers out of Denver. Thirsty Monk also plans to install a small batch brewhouse in its Portland location, and serve a selection of guest taps while brewing operations get going.
“We’re expanding Thirsty Monk in a whole new way, linking a network of localized brewing hubs. Smart growth, craft-style. No need to sell the soul to expand. Our soul, creative spirit and community roots are what we and our beers are all about,” adds Bialik.
For more information about Thirsty Monk’s expansion, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Thirsty Monk, founded in 2008, brews Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales in Asheville, NC, a world recognized craft beer destination. Thirsty Monk currently operates Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk craft cocktail bar, and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, all in Asheville. Find the company online at monkpub.com.