Living the Dream Brewing Welcomes Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Ale to Ongoing Cocktail Series

LITTLETON, CO– Living the Dream Brewing Co. has been working hard on a new and delicious addition to their Cocktail Series: Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Ale.

This cocktail-inspired beer is made with treacle, cherries, and oranges, and blended with Living the Dream’s Strong Ale for a subtly sweet richness at the finish. It’s a slow sipper that warms you from your head to your toes, perfect for hunkering down in the Colorado snow.

This new brew marks the third beer in Living the Dream’s cocktail series, preceded by a Moscow Mule, Mojito, and Margarita inspired beers. While all of those options were available in the tasting room only, this Old Fashioned is on tap and available in cans.

“We wanted to do something inventive and classic all at the same time,” Living The Dream owner Jason Bell says. “We were fortunate to get some great barrels from a local distillery and felt the flavor profile would work well, blending the fruits with the whiskey barrel influences.”

For more information about the new Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Ale, the cocktail series, or Living The Dream Brewing, contact Emily Hutto hutto@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT LIVING THE DREAM BREWING CO.

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.

Purpose Brewing & Cellars Celebrates 2nd Anniversary with Weekend-Long Party August 3 and 4

FORT COLLINS, CO —Purpose Brewing & Cellars is pulling out all the stops for a weekend-long, two-year anniversary bash at the brewery (4025 S Mason St Unit C, Fort Collins, CO 80525) on Saturday, August 3 from 2 - 9 p.m. and Sunday August 4 from 2 - 7 p.m.

“I have been floored by the amount of interest and willingness of Fort Collins beer drinkers to explore the wealth of beer dimensions that we can still create,” says Peter Bouckaert, co-owner at Purpose Brewing. “It’s not lost on me that they expect a lot out of us, which is why we’ve continued to push the boundaries of beer making.” 

Live music will be provided by the eclectic, groovy tunes of JangleTHUMP on Saturday and the lyrical musings of CSU alum Nina Forsyth on Sunday. All weekend long, enjoy some of your favorite childhood games in oversized form including, Jenga, Bananagrams, Cup-Stack, Ring Toss and more. To celebrate two wonderful years in business, Purpose will be releasing brand new beers and some familiar favorites including their famed taco beer. Z Catering will provide a delicious menu for the weekend with food items that pair perfectly with the beer lineup for the weekend.

The midtown brewery, led by Frezi and Peter Bouckaert, former New Belgium Brewing brewmaster and storied sour beer maker, opened during the summer of 2017. Since then, the small but mighty brewery welcomed brewer Mike Hiatt, and has continued to elevate consumers’ palates near and far. From mushroom beers to barley wines, the brewery releases unique, rotating beers as well as an inspired Smoeltrekker sour every week. Smoeltrekker, which means “pulling a funny face” in Flemish is the brewery owners cheeky way of naming their sour beer program. Every sour is aptly named Smoeltrekker along with the barrel number in which the delicious liquid is housed. 

“Two years young and we have barely unfolded our creative potential,” said Bouckaert. “We have so many barrels behind our bar that are just waiting to share their story and put Fort Collins on the map for outstanding sour beers.” 

For more information about Purpose Brewing’s 2-Year Anniversary Party, contact Chea Franz at chea@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT PURPOSE BREWING & CELLARS

Purpose Brewing & Cellars is a small batch craft brewery that focuses on hand-crafted beers. We focus on three main ingredients: knowledge, experience and creativity and blend these ingredients with tools such as fruit, wood, barrels, spices and whatever else that draws our inspiration. Every weekend, we offer four or five unique beers that are different from week to week. We will always have a different barrel aged beer on tap, and most of the time, a delicious sour beer. Come in and say hello and try some of our tasty creations. For more information about Purpose Brewing & Cellars, visit PurposeBrewing.com.

Ska Brewing and Peach Street Distillers Launch Boomerang Barrel Program

DURANGO, CO— The first of Ska Brewing and Peach Street Distillers’ Boomerang series beers, Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout Barrel No. 394, is now available at Animas Wine & Spirits. The beer, a 17% ABV Imperial Stout, was aged in a Peach Street Distillers whiskey barrel hand selected by the owners of Animas Wine & Spirits as part of the brewery and distillery’s new small-batch program.

The new Boomerang series is one more way for sister companies Ska Brewing and Peach Street Distillers to collaborate with one another. Within this series the companies plan to invite key accounts to choose their own barrels at Peach Street for which specialty beers will age, to be served exclusively for sale at each respective business. “This is a great opportunity to do something unique in the craft world, where people from both productions teams can collaborate on styles and flavors to match the barrel character to the beer they will be filled with,” says Peach Street Director of Sales Dustin LeMoine. “Buyers at exceptional liquor stores know their customers better than anyone, and with their input we can put together a program that combines craft interests from all over the palate, keeps things Colorado local from grain to glass (and shelf), and tastes pretty damn amazing… Why wouldn't we?”

The first of the Boomerang Series beers is Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout Barrel No. 394, a 17% ABV Imperial Stout. This is the highest ABV beer that Ska Brewing has brewed in almost 24 years of business.

Currently in the works for the Boomerang program are a prickly pear sour ale in Peach Street Anjeo-aged Dagave Gold barrels, several twists on giant imperial stouts in various Whiskey barrels, an Imperial Maple Brown. “This is just the beginning,” LeMoine adds. “Ska Brewing and Peach Street Distillers are focused on elevating the game of barrel aging in Colorado.”

To learn more about Ska Brewing and Peach Street Distillers’ Boomerang program, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT SKA BREWING

Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and produces more than a dozen awardwinning beers fueled with Ska music, and lots of it. Pioneers in the canned craft beer movement, Ska Brewing is known for an array of styles in 12 oz cans that include Mexican Logger, Modus Hoperandi, and Rue B. Soho. For information (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Purpose Brewing & Cellars to Tap Rare Sixtel Keg of pH1

FORT COLLINS, CO— In the midst of CBC shenanigans and the second bomb cyclone, Peter Bouckaert of Purpose Brewing & Cellars has found a sixtel keg of pH1. This honey-colored soft sour was aged in the legendary pH1 barrel where it developed a beautiful complexity of its own. The last time the public was able to try this beer was for Purpose’s one-year anniversary last August. 

The pH1 barrel itself has been on quite a journey. One of the original nine barrels from New Belgium’s sour beer program in 1998, Peter released these barrels, giving them homes at other breweries with each barrel providing a story to tell. pH1 traveled to Santa Rosa, CA., where it housed Russian River’s Beatification, was delivered back to New Belgium in 2014, and made its way to Rare Barrel in Berkeley, CA where the sour beer company blended a beer with New Belgium. In October 2017, pH1 returned to Purpose Brewing where it now rests. Get the full story on ph1 here.

pH1 will tap tomorrow starting at 12:30 p.m. Good to the last drop, this super rare, limited release is one for the books. Come in and try it at Purpose before it’s gone!

Thirsty Monk Releases Crooked Stave Collaboration, Grace Sour Blend

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.

Deerhammer To Release Exclusive Run of 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.

Elevation Releases Apis IV Quad Aged in Red Wine Barrels

PONCHA SPRINGS, CO— After patiently resting in red wine barrels for 4 months, one of Elevation Beer Company’s oldest recipes— the Apis IV Quad— hits the Colorado and Wyoming marketplaces in 750mL bombers this week as an exciting variant on their classic Quadruple.

Apis IV is a Dark Belgian-Style Ale brewed in the Trappist tradition. With a touch of locally sourced honey from Beekeepers Honey Boutique in Salida, CO the name Apis is a nod to the hardworking genus of the honeybee. Boasting notes of plum, fig, and molasses, Apis IV has a medium to heavy mouthfeel and finishes with subtle floral hops.

This year’s special barrel-aged Apis IV release was aged for 4 months in David Arthur Meritaggio blend barrels imparting a brilliant deep ruby color with a tan head and aroma notes of port wine, golden raisin, fig, and honey.

Red Wine Barrel-Aged Apis IV is available on Colorado and Wyoming shelves in limited quantities while supplies last. Get it on draft while you can at Elevation’s tasting room in Poncha Springs.

For more information about the history of Apis IV or this new red wine rendition, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.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.

Karl Strauss Celebrates 30th Anniversary With City Proclamation, Beer Releases & Retro Merch

SAN DIEGO, CA — On February 1, Karl Strauss Brewing Company kicks off a month long celebration of 30 years pioneering craft beer with an impressive line-up of limited release beers, an epic party & retro merchandise.  At the center of the festivities will be a city declaration naming February 2— the anniversary date of KARL opening for business— an official Day in History by Mayor Kevin Faulconer and the city of San Diego.

The declaration was made official by a proclamation from the Mayor’s office and will be announced on Saturday, February 2nd at KARL’s Tasting Room & Beer Garden in Pacific Beach during the brewery’s anniversary party.  “I applaud Karl Strauss Brewing Company for advancing the art of brewing in San Diego and around the world, and congratulate them for 30 years of achievement and success,” stated Councilmember Chris Cate, City of San Diego.

Part of KARL’s month long celebration includes releasing a barrel aged Imperial Stout, a collaboration beer with Drake’s Brewing Company and a series of throwback beers from their 1989 beer recipe book.  

The 30th Anniversary Barrel Aged Imperial Stout was aged in rye whiskey barrels for twelve months and is graced with rich aromas and flavors of chocolate, toffee, and espresso tied together by a warm, lingering finish. This big & boozy beer comes in at 14.4% ABV and will be available in draft and 500ml bottles across California.  

The collaboration beer release with Drake’s Brewing Company is a hazy IPA brewed with Simcoe, Cascade, Mosaic, and Amarillo hops.  The beer is aptly named “Level 30 Complete”, honoring the fact that both breweries turn 30 years young in 2019.  This juicy IPA will be available in draft and 16oz cans across California.  

Small batches of four throwback KARL beers will also be released at the company’s Brewpubs and Tasting room each Thursday night in February.  These beers will feature their original beer names and recipes which were pulled from KARL’s 1989 recipe book.

On Saturday, February 2nd at KARL’s Tasting Room & Beer Garden in Pacific Beach, the brewery will throw their annual anniversary party, Changing of the Barrels.  Event attendees will get unlimited tasters of 30 different beers, a tantalizing spread of food pairings, commemorative glassware, a limited edition hand-bottled 500ml of the 30th Anniversary Imperial Stout, and a chance to taste the 31st Anniversary beer before it spends a year in barrels.

And all month beer drinkers can get retro merchandise including glassware and T-shirts showcasing KARL’s old school graphics.  

To learn more about KARL’s 30th celebration plans, visit  www.karlstrauss.com. 

ABOUT KARL STRAUSS BREWING COMPANY

Karl Strauss Brewing Company has been proudly independent since 1989, pioneering the craft beer scene with innovative beer releases like Aurora Hoppyalis IPA, Queen of Tarts Dark Sour, and Boat Shoes Hazy IPA. The brewery has won 110 medals since 2009 and was honored with the “Mid-Size Brewing Company of the Year” award at the Great American Beer Festival in 2016. For more information, visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739. Share it. Cheers. 

Spice Trade Brewing Releases Limited Run of Red Wine Belgian Dubbel

ARVADA, CO— Spice Trade Brewing Red Wine Belgian Dubbel is now available in 22oz bombers. Aged for twelve months in a red wine barrel, this beer is complex and drinks with notes of tart red fruit and tamarind.

"Our Red Wine Belgian Dubbel is one of three barrel aged releases that goes into bombers every year and is great to pair with holiday meals. It has a mild acidity, tanic backbone and blend of red fruit notes that work well with any food you would drink red wine with,” says Head Brewer Jeff Tyler. “If you're looking to cook at home we have a great recipe for a pan seared ribeye with goat cheese and balsamic reduction on our website. Cheers!" 

Find Red Wine Belgian Dubbel in select liquor stores and the Arvada brewpub while supplies last.

ABOUT SPICE TRADE BREWING

Spice Trade Brewing produces unique beer styles inspired by culinary ingredients and traditions from around the world. Formerly Yak & Yeti Brewpub, Spice Trade is now a stand-alone brewery operating out of Yak & Yeti Restaurant in Arvada Colorado under the direction of Head Brewer Jeff Tyler who joined the company in summer 2016. The brewery hand-crafts a wide variety of beer in small batches on a 7 barrel brewhouse with a focus on high quality, ingredient centered beer. Find Spice Trade online at spicetradebrewing.com.