Last Minute Liquor Store Luck Leads to Ska GABF Gold

DURANGO, CO— Over the weekend, OG craft lager brewery Ska Brewing was awarded a gold medal for its Oktoberfest in the Vienna-Style Lager category at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival, but not without a little last-minute drama.

Ska listed their newly released Oktoberfest when filling out the original festival entry form, but were caught off-guard when it came time to ship the competition beers and they had none.  “The beer was so popular that we sold through it before we had a chance to hold any back to ship,” said Kristen Muraro, Sales and Marketing Director at Ska. “I had to run to the liquor store to buy one of the last 6-packs in Durango to ship to the competition.”

Ska’s Oktoberfest is crafted with 100 percent German-sourced Munich and Vienna malts that impart nutty, bready, toasty flavors, all balanced by Noble hops.  It finishes clean and crisp. Ska are proud producers of Colorado’s first craft lager in a can, Mexican Logger, and as Muraro notes, the Oktoberfest was a natural addition to Ska’s portfolio; “this classic style really took hold in the Americas when German-speaking immigrants brought their recipes and brewing practices to Mexico in the mid-19th century.”

Ska Oktoberfest is still available while supplies last on tap at the brewery’s World Headquarters in Durango, and will return again for the fall season in 2019.

Contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com for more information about Ska Brewing or their new, award-winning Oktoberfest craft lager.

ABOUT SKA BREWING

Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and produces more than a dozen award-winning 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, Pink Vapor Stew, and Rue B. Soho. For information (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Karl Strauss Wins Sixth Gold Medal at 2018 Great American Beer Festival

Karl Strauss Brewing Company won another gold medal at last weekend’s Great American Beer Festival® (GABF) competition.

This year, GABF judges blind tasted over 8,800 different beers from 2,450 American breweries.

KARL won gold in the English-Style Summer Ale category for Liquid A/C. The beer was brewed at their satellite brewery in La Jolla. Liquid A/C also won bronze at GABF in 2016.

“We are honored to have won gold at this year’s GABF!  This medal is a testament to the talents of our brewing team.  Special shout out to our Head Brewer Lyndon Walker for this medal winning recipe.” says Matt Johnson, Brewmaster - Karl Strauss Brewing Company.

KARL has now won 13 medals at GABF since they started competing in 2009.  Liquid A/C is KARL’s sixth GABF gold medal. The brewery has also won GABF golds for Red Trolley, Windansea Wheat, Queen of Tarts Dark Sour and Honey Common.

To learn more about Karl Strauss Brewing Company’s award-winning prowess 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 Wreck Alley Imperial Stout. The brewery has won 110 medals since 2009 and was recently honored with the “Mid-Size Brewing Company of the Year” award at the Great American Beer Festival in 2016.

Media Contact:

Mark Weslar, mark.weslar@karlstrauss.com

Brink Brewing Recognized as 2018 Very Small Brewing Company of the Year; Wins Two GABF Medals

Photo © 2018 Brewers Association

CINCINNATI, OH— Over the weekend, Brink Brewing Company was named the 2018 Very Small Brewing Company of the Year by the Brewers Association at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival® after winning gold and silver medals for Moozie Milk Stout and Hold The Reins English Mild, respectively.

A great deal of effort goes into winning one let alone two GABF® medals, but rarely does that effort include a hospital stay. Kelly Montgomery, named Very Small Brewer of The Year, was in the hospital with a lung infection the weeks leading up to the dates scheduled to brew the batches submitted to this year’s competition. “We were honestly worried about making the deadline,” says Brink Brewing Co-Owner Sarah McGarry. “When he was released from the hospital Kelly jokingly said Eh, I think I’ve got just enough energy to squeeze out very small brewery of the year… “So, you can only imagine how stunned we were that it actually happened!”

Moozie is a rich Milk Stout. Like a chocolate milkshake without the straw, it features chocolate and coffee notes and is almost chewy thanks to the addition of lactose and flaked oats. This beer also boasts a bronze medal from the 2018 World Beer Cup®, silver at the inaugural Ohio Craft Brewers Cup earlier this year, a bronze from the 2017 Denver International Beer Competition and a gold medal from the 2017 U.S. Open Beer Championship after only being open for four months (one of the youngest breweries to place that year).

Hold the Reins is an English Mild, a classic “Session Ale” while still full flavored. Moderate sweetness, a bit nutty with a touch of caramel. Chocolate and roast notes give way to a dry finish. Last year Brink Brewing was awarded a gold medal for Hold The Reins in the same English Mild Ale category.

“Three GABF medals and Very Small Brewery of the Year in just 19 months of operation is even more than we ever could have hoped for, but tells us we are on the right track,” McGarry adds.

Moozie and Hold The Reins are available year-round on draft at Brink Brewing’s tasting room and at select craft-centric draft accounts in Cincinnati.

Contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com for media inquiries about Brink Brewing.

ABOUT BRINK BREWING

Brink Brewing Co is neighborhood Craft Brewery in the College Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati. Providing quality beers in a welcoming, comfortable taproom. In less than two year a of operation they have accumulated an impressive amount of awards that now include three medals at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival®, a Bronze at the 2018 World Beer Cup®, seven U.S. Open Beer Competition medals, three Ohio Craft Brewer Cup awards, and two Denver International Beer Competition awards. For more information visit brinkbrewing.com.

Wit’s End Brewing Takes Home Gold Medal from GABF As First StrangeWit Win

DENVER, CO— Over the weekend, Wit’s End Brewing Company was the proud recipient of a gold medal for Jean-Claude Van Blond in the Belgian-Style Blonde Ale or Pale Ale category of the 2018 Great American Beer Festival®.

Jean-Claude Van Blond is a 6.8% ABV Belgian-style Blonde Ale that weighs in stronger than typical Blonde Ales. It is brewed with mostly pilsner malts and a touch of oats, with late and generous Tettnang hopping. “The result is a spicy fruity beer that is very approachable and dry, but still has an underlying deep complexity for those of us who like to dissect flavors and swirl,” says Wit’s End Brewing Founder Scott Witsoe.

In 2014, Jean-Claude Van Blond won the gold medal in the Belgian-Style Blonde Ale or Pale Ale category of GABF®, and bronze for the same category at the World Beer Cup® that took place in Denver the same year.

Late in 2017, Wit’s End moved its production to the brewhouse at Strange Craft Beer Company on Zuni Street where the two brands now share the same Head Brewer, Tyler Bies. “I’m wondering what craft beer in Colorado would have lost if Scotty Witsoe and I hadn’t gotten creative and come up with our cohabitation alternative,” says Strange Craft Founder Tim Myers. “This win a great testament to Tyler’s brewing prowess and our capable brewhouse, demonstrating that we can replicate the same award-winning recipe time after time. It starts a new chapter in our unique craft brewing story.”

For more information about Wit’s End Brewing Company or its cohabitation at Strange Craft, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT WIT’S END BREWING COMPANY

At the dawn of the fourth wave of craft beer, Scott Witsoe launched Wit’s End in 2011 on a one barrel brew house. After 6 years in business, a Great American Beer Festival®  gold medal (the 2018 win mark’s Wit’s End’s second GABF accolade), a World Beer Cup® bronze medal, and many other amazing experiences, Scott decided it was time to evolve his business. In late 2017, Wit’s End Brewing Company moved its brewing operations to Strange Craft Beer Company where Tyler Bies is now head brewer of both brewing companies. Wit’s End will remain an artisanal Denver brand that continues to be fueled by dreams and inspired by the limitless potential of craft beer… join Wit’s End on the journey! witsendbrewing.com.

Bonfire Brewing Breaks Ground On Patio Expansion

breaking ground at Bonfire Brewing on September 17, 2018

EAGLE, CO—  Bonfire Brewing broke ground today on a major expansion of their tasting room patio following an amendment to the Town of Eagle’s land use regulations passed Tuesday, September 11. The patio is slated for completion in December.

In order for Bonfire Brewing to begin this greatly anticipated project, Eagle’s Mayor and Town Board of Trustees had to approve Ordinance 30-2018 amending Chapter 9.28 of the Eagle Municipal Code Concerning Encroachments. This amendment allows Bonfire, a private entity, to “encroach” into small portions of Eagle’s public right of way, making the new patio the first thing that visitors see when they head into town on Highway 6.

Voted by Vail Daily readers as the Valley’s Best Patio in 2017, Bonfire’s expansion will include additional seating, more room for live music, and the installation of garage doors that open onto the patio from the brewery’s west side. When complete, customers will experience wrap-around outdoor space for enjoying Bonfire beers outdoors.

The Bonfire Brewing patio expansion plan will increase tasting room customer space by more than 700 square feet. The projects is estimated to be complete by December of 2019.

For more information about Bonfire Brewing or their tasting room expansion, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

Front entrance mockup

west wall mockup

ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING

Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.

Thirsty Monk Taps Trail Monk Fall IPA; First Beer of New Karma Series

Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, is proud to present a galvanized beer program to support nonprofit efforts that align with its company values with its new Karma Series— featuring a unique beer brewed each quarter with a different charitable focus.

To kick it off, Thirsty Monk introduces Trail Monk Fall IPA, a maple IPA and the first of the Karma Series, made to support the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation in Asheville, the 14ers Initiative in Denver, and Trailkeepers of Oregon in Portland. It will debut at Thirsty Monk Denver during Denver Beer Fest on Friday, September 14, at Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park in Asheville on Thursday, September 27 during the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Find Your Pint event, and a date yet to be determined at the Thirsty Monk Portland.

Trail Monk is brewed with Pilsner malt, red wheat, oats, and roasted chestnuts to create a hazy, burnt-orange color reminiscent of fall leaves. Cascade, EKG, Lemondrop and Hersbrucker hops create a unique and refreshing aroma of citrus, spice, and earth that’s fermented with Thirsty Monk’s house Belgian yeast adding baking spice and banana peel flavors. Maple syrup was added after fermentation to round out the aroma and provide a touch of maple sweetness to balance its bitterness and roasted chestnut finish.

A portion of each Trail Monk full pour sold in Thirsty Monk taprooms will be donated to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative and Trailkeepers of Oregon in Asheville, Denver, and Portland respectively.

“The K in Monk actually stands for Karma,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “Thirsty Monk has been very successful with some of our organized fundraising campaigns in Asheville and we wanted to use our experience toward helping each of our cities in the best way our brewery can. What better way for a brewery to help raise money than to brew a beer? We look at the common needs our cities have and will feature a different beer and a different charitable cause each quarter, starting with our Fall beer and  a focus on outdoor trails.”

Trail Monk will have September debut dates in Asheville, Denver and Portland, and will be featured in various Karma Series fundraising events at Thirsty Monk Brewery taprooms throughout the season. Find details at monkpub.com/events.

The Karma Series is a quarterly connection to charities in Thirsty Monk’s markets that support causes the brewery feels most passionate about. Upcoming beers in the Karma Series will benefit affordable housing in the winter, LGBTQ awareness in the spring, and children’s needs in the summer.

Contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Thirsty Monk and its Karma Series.

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

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FOUNDATION

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is the primary fundraiser and trusted steward of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Foundation is forever committed to preserving the past, enhancing the present, and safeguarding the future of America’s Favorite Journey™. Learn more at brpfoundation.org/.

COLORADO FOURTEENERS INITIATIVE

Colorado Fourteeners Initiative protects and preserves the natural integrity of Colorado’s 54 14,000–foot peaks —the “Fourteeners”— through active stewardship and public education. CFI partners with the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and passionate volunteers and donors nationwide to protect Colorado’s Fourteener ecosystems from harm while continuing to make the peaks accessible to hikers without burdensome restrictions and fees. Learn more at 14ers.org.

TRAILKEEPERS OF OREGON

Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and enhance the Oregon hiking experience through advocacy, stewardship, outreach and education. TKO also hosts the Oregon Hikers Forum and the Oregon Hikers Field Guide as part of its efforts. Learn more at trailkeepersoforegon.org.

Bonfire Brewing Steps Up For The Eagle River Park Project

EAGLE, CO— Bonfire Brewing is proud to announce a Class IV sponsorship and the largest donation yet to Eagle, Colorado’s River Park Project, launched to build four world-class whitewater features and an adjacent park area on the north side of the Eagle River. Bonfire’s contribution supports ongoing work to construct additional amenities, and secures the naming rights for the Eastern Firepit that serves as a central hub for the park.

The Eagle River Park project is nestled along the Eagle River near the Eagle County Fair and Rodeo Grounds, and Chambers Park, where once a dirt lot, fencing, and semi-trucks served as the gateway to the community. The Park is a central part of the Eagle River Corridor Plan established in 2015. Following adoption of the plan in April of 2016, town of Eagle voters approved a 0.5% sales tax to fund a variety of park and trail improvements including this project. 

Most recently, a group of local residents formed a fundraising committee to help finance various elements of the park that were not funded by the town's initial bond budget. “Without hesitation, Bonfire Brewing reached out to be the first major donor of the Park,” says Town of Eagle Trustee Matt Solomon. “The Eagle River Park has been on the wishlist of boaters and residents for decades. This amenity will truly connect the Soul of the River to the Heart of our Valley. This partnership with Bonfire Brewing is an eternal representation of this balance of nature and spirit.” 

The project was one of the first initiatives that Bonfire Brewing Owner & Co-Founder Andy Jessen worked on as a member of Eagle’s Board of Trustees when he was elected in 2014. Now serving a second term, Jessen reflects that “Watching this park come to fruition as a trustee, citizen, and business owner in Eagle has been perhaps the most gratifying experience I can recall during my ten years here. Given Bonfire’s long-standing commitment to community, there was never a question of if we would directly support making it a reality— just when, and how. Naming the firepit at the center of what will serve as a gathering spot for Eagle for decades to come was a no-brainer.”

For more information about The Eagle River Park project, visit eagleoutside.com/riverpark. If you would like more information about Bonfire Brewing’s local involvement, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING

Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.

Funkwerks Announces New Winky’s Snack Pack; Winky’s Warehouse

FORT COLLINS, CO — Funkwerks is excited to announce the release of the latest iteration of their Winky’s Snack Pack. The new variety 12-packs include year-round offerings, Saison and Raspberry Provincial, as well as limited releases, Deceit and White— both available exclusively in this variety 12-pack after years of perfecting.

In addition to the new line up of beers, new Winky’s Snack Packs sport refreshed, innovative packaging complete with new graphics, punch out coasters on the sides of the box, limited edition stickers, and discount codes for Winky’s Warehouse.

“We’re so excited about this 12 pack for several reasons,” explains Funkwerks’ Co-Founder, Brad Lincoln. “Deceit and White are two exclusive release beers that we’ve worked on perfecting since the early days of Funkwerks. We also love the idea of interactive packaging, so we incorporated coasters into the 12-pack allowing consumers to punch out the coasters from its side and get a little extra use from the packaging before all the cardboard gets recycled.”

Want even more information about this new offering from Funkwerks? Check out this article by our friend Taylor Laabs at PorchDrinking.com: Fast Facts on Funkwerks’ New Winky’s Snack Pack.

ABOUT DECEIT

Funkwerks’ interpretation of a Belgian-style golden ale, Deceit is deceptively palatable. The alcohol content is deceptively masked by bold fruit and spice characteristics contributed by our unique Belgian yeast strain. This award-winning beer (2012 GABF® Gold, 2014 World Beer Cup® Silver, 2016 World Beer Cup® Bronze) is full of complexity and bright carbonation leading to a dry finish. 8.5% ABV.

ABOUT WHITE

This Belgian-Style Wit is refreshing and crisp. The opaque pale color and creamy white head result from ample amounts of wheat used in the recipe. The addition of raw oats gives a smooth mouthfeel yet finishes dry. This thirst-quenching brew was spiced with orange zest, coriander, and chamomile to build on the character of the Belgian yeast. 4.8% ABV.

ABOUT WINKY’S WAREHOUSE

Funkwerks has been hard at work expanding brewery merchandise this year including apparel, glassware, gift cards, and new bottle openers made locally by taproom regular, Cody Trigg— all found on Winky’s Warehouse, the brewery’s online store. Funkwerks offers free shipping on all orders through Winky’s Warehouse and have distributed a discount code inside each new Winky’s Snack Pack.

For more information about Funkwerks and Winky’s Snack Packs, contact Aaron Sprengeler at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT FUNKWERKS

Founded in 2009 by brewers Gordon Schuck and Brad Lincoln, Funkwerks is a specialty craft brewery specializing in Saison, Sour, and Belgian-style craft beers made in their small brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado. The 2012 winner of the Small Brewery of the Year Award at the Great American Beer Festival, Funkwerks beers are available in ten US states. Find the brewery online at funkwerks.com.

Ska Brewing Reallocates Distribution Markets, Exits Texas

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing has ceased beer sales in the great state of Texas, refining its distribution footprint to twelve states. This change will allow the brewery to focus more on its local, regional markets.

Ska might be the largest brewery in the Four Corners; however the Durango-born company still produces a relatively small amount of beer— approximately 34,000 BBL annually. Brewing near capacity coupled with the challenges of operating a brewery in a remote location led to Ska’s decision to reallocate its markets. 

“Crafting beer in the mountains makes for some big logistical challenges, and unfortunately Texas has been tough,” Ska Brewing Co-Founder and CEO Dave Thibodeau says. “Quite frankly if we ever want to enter this market again we are going to have to allocate more resources and brew and sell a lot more beer.”

Ska Brewing maintains a great relationship with its Texas distribution company Ben E. Keith Beverages, and is proud to welcome a legion of Texas-based guests to its Durango World Headquarters all year long. 

Ska Brewing beers are currently available across Colorado, Arizona, Southern California, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Utah. 

For more information about Ska Brewing, 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 award-winning 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. Ska has long been a herald for sustainable brewing practices— its World Headquarters are wind-powered and earlier in 2018 Ska decked out its roof with 223 solar panels. For information, more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Lone Tree Brewing to Release Award-Winning Hop Zombie For One Day Only

LONE TREE, CO— It’s alive! Lone Tree Brewing Co. is excited to warn you about the annual outbreak of their award-winning Imperial Red IPA, Hop Zombie. Seek shelter at Lone Tree Brewing Company, September 29 and arm yourselves with bombers of this 2017 GABF® Silver Medal-winning brew.

Now in its fifth year, this highly anticipated annual release will be available in a limited amount of bombers and on draft, September 29. Following Hop Zombie’s 2017 win at the Great American Beer Festival®, the 2018 bombers will sport a brand new label in succession with the brewery’s 2017 re-brand. The new label art, designed by Anthem Branding, features a zombie infested mountain scene with a reimagined “hop zombie” and a coffin shaped barcode. It is the last of Lone Tree’s products to take on the refreshed look and feel.

Bottles of Hop Zombie will be available exclusively at the brewery on Saturday, September 29 beginning at 11am. In past years, Hop Zombie Day has seen a line of customers in advance. The 22-ounce bombers cannot be reserved in advance, and typically sell out in one day.

Guests at Hop Zombie Day 2018 can purchase specialty Hop Zombie glassware and t-shirts designed like the beer’s label. The Baja Berto's Beachside Burritos truck will be slingin’ burritos and Ted Loughry will play in the tasting room beginning at 2pm.

For more information about Lone Tree’s Hop Zombie release and other award-winning brews, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
 

ABOUT HOP ZOMBIE, 9% ABV, 90 IBU

Behold the beast. Hop Zombie is Lone Tree Brewing Co.’s most anticipated release of the year. It’s a complex, bold IPA that’s deep red in color with rich malts balanced by huge hop flavor and aroma created by eight different hops (Citra, Columbus, Cascade, Mosaic, Simcoe, Amarillo, Centennial, and Motueka). Hop Zombie is a beer brewed to bring you back from the grave.

ABOUT LONE TREE BREWING COMPANY

Lone Tree Brewing Company was the first brewery in Lone Tree, Colorado that opened near Park Meadows Mall in 2011. The neighborhood-focused, family-friendly brewery and tasting room regularly hosts community events that gather around a stylistically diverse lineup of flagship, seasonal, and limited release beers. Lone Tree's cans and 22-ounce bombers are sold across the state of Colorado and in select locations in Kansas. Lone Tree’s draft beer is poured at many bars and restaurants in its distribution footprint as well. Find the brewery online at lonetreebrewingco.com.

Ska Brewing Celebrates 23 Years in Business; Announces Brewery List for Anniversary Invitational

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing will celebrate its 23rd year in business this Saturday, September 8 with headliner Big D and the Kids Table as well as the Doped Up Dollies at its 23rd Anniversary Celebration and Brewer’s Invitational. 

The Bands

Big D and The Kids Table out of Boston will headline this annual celebration, with their sister band Doped Up Dollies opening. Both bands are playing in Durango for the first time. Learn more about them here.

The Beer

Ska will pour two anniversary beers at this celebration: MoSka Mule and the 2018 Barrel-Aged 23rd Anniversary Ale. MoSka Mule, which debuted in June in cans across Ska’s distribution footprint, is brewed with ginger and lime to create the flavors of a traditional Moscow Mule cocktail. Ska’s 23rd Anniversary Ale— Ska’s most sour beer yet— was aged on a single Sutcliffe Vineyards’ American Oak Red Wine Barrel and made exclusively for release at Ska’s World Headquarters in Durango. It will be available at the anniversary party and in 500mL bottles at Ska’s tasting room while supplies last. Proceeds for the 23rd Anniversary Ale will benefit La Plata Open Space Conservancy.

The Brewery Guests

More than 20 of Ska’s brewery friends will pour their beers at this event. Participating breweries include Animas Brewing Company, Avery Brewing Company, Brew Pub & Kitchen, Carver Brewing Company, Dark Sky Brewing, Dolores River Company, Elevation Beer Company, Great Divide Brewing Company, Huss Brewing Company, La Cumbre Brewing Company, Left Hand Brewing Company, Marble Brewery, Odell Brewing Company, O.H.S.O Brewery, Oskar Blues Brewery, Ouray Brewing, Pagosa Brewing, Ratio Beerworks, Riff Raff Brewing Company, Santa Fe Brewing Company, Steamworks Brewing Company, Stone Brewing, Telluride Brewing Company, Three Barrel Brewing Company, and Three Rivers Brewery.

For more information about Ska Brewing’s anniversary celebration or with any other media inquiries about the brewery, 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 award-winning 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. Ska has long been a herald for sustainable brewing practices— its World Headquarters are wind-powered and earlier in 2018 Ska decked out its roof with 223 solar panels. For information, more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Funkwerks Expands Distribution Into Nevada

FORT COLLINS, CO — Funkwerks is proud to announce the expansion of its distribution to Nevada with draft beer, 6-packs, and variety 12-packs available via Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits in Nevada beginning tomorrow, September 5th.

Draft and 6-packs offerings of Funkwerks select year-round beers— Funkwerks Saison, Tropic King, and Raspberry Provincial— will be available in select, craft-centric establishments across Nevada along with the brewery’s latest rendition of Winky’s Snack Packs that includes Tropic King, Raspberry Provincial, Boysenberry Provincial, and Saison.

Funkwerks’ Co-Founder Brad Lincoln has fond memories of visiting Nevada from his undergraduate, pre-brewing school days. He is excited to bring the Funkwerks brand to Nevada’s dynamic and up-and-coming beer scene. 

Funkwerks’ beer is now be available in select locations across ten states including Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri, California, and now Nevada.

For more information about Funkwerks and their new footprint in Nevada, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT FUNKWERKS

Founded in 2009 by brewers Gordon Schuck and Brad Lincoln, Funkwerks is a specialty craft brewery specializing in Saison, Sour, and Belgian-style craft beers made in their small brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado. The 2012 winner of the Small Brewery of the Year Award at the Great American Beer Festival, Funkwerks beers are available in ten US states. Find the brewery online at funkwerks.com.

Strange Craft Beer Co. Taps Official Metropolitan State University Inauguration Beer

Next Peak brew day at Strange Craft

DENVER, CO— Strange Craft Beer Co. is proud to release Next Peak, a single-hopped Pale Ale brewed to commemorate the formal installation of Janine Davidson, Ph.D. as president of MSU Denver. This beer, brewed in collaboration with Metropolitan State’s Beer Industry Program students, faculty and staff, will tap on Tuesday, September 4 at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the university’s new brewing lab.

MSU faculty and staff helped to brew Next Peak at Strange Craft last month alongside brewery owner Tim Myers, who is also an instructor for MSU’s Beer Industry Program. This Pale Ale was crafted with Pale and Vienna malt from Root Shoot Malting Co. and generous additions of Denali hops in the whirlpool and as dry hops. Denali hops deliver huge flavors of pineapple and citrus with a low bitterness. It’s malt profile lends supporting notes of bread and honey. Next Peak finishes dry, crisp, and delicious.

Next Peak will be tapped at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 4 for MSU’s new Beer Industry Program QA/QC Labs in the Tivoli Student Union on campus. This $3.7M project includes the addition of the Quality Analysis & Quality Control (QA/QC) Labs and Brewing Production Labs that are operational alongside a Sensory Analysis Lab, a Microbiological Fermentation Lab, a Packaging Lab, and a Draft Training Center. For more information about the new lab, visit msudenver.edu/beer.

Also on September 4, Next Peak will tap at Strange Craft’s tasting room on Zuni Street. Additionally this beer will be available at the Inauguration Soirée after the official inauguration  ceremony for new MSU president Janine Davidson.

For more information about Next Peak or Strange Craft’s partnership with Metropolitan State University, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT STRANGE CRAFT BEER CO.

When Strange Craft Beer Co. opened south of Denver’s Mile High Stadium in May 2010, it was the first nanobrewery in the city brewing one barrel of beer at a time. Strange has since become a destination spot for Colorado beer drinkers, and taken home two Great American Beer Festival® medals and two World Beer Cup® awards. Visit the brewery online at strangecraft.com.

Barrels & Bottles Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

Head brewer, Greg Moore, fills an añejo tequila barrel from 38-State Distilling with Dusty Bottoms, a tamarind Berliner Weisse. Photo: Aaron Sprengeler

GOLDEN, CO— Barrels & Bottles will celebrate their Fifth anniversary Sunday, September 2 from 12pm-8pm. The brewery will host 45+ beers on tap in their tasting room and back parking lot with all beers, wines, and wine slushies available for just $5.

Barrels & Bottles’ 5th Anniversary tap list will feature beers from the Mockery Brewing Tap Bus Bell's Brewery, Melvin Brewing, Cigar City Brewing, River North Brewery, Firestone Walker, Surly Brewing Co., Maui Brewing, Bierstadt Lagerhaus, Delirium, Comrade Brewing, and many more— including rare barrel-aged beers from Barrels & Bottle.

The brewery will be tapping their special barrel-aged Barleywine, That Sauce, as well as their Anejo Barrel-Aged Dusty Bottoms— a variant of their tamarind Berliner Weisse brewed earlier this year in collaboration with Former head brewers Shaun Salyards (Red Truck Brewing) and Cory Carvatt (Little Machine Beer) for the brewery’s 300th brew.

In addition to the amazing beer lineup, the brewery will also be hosting live music all day (featuring Tim Stiles, Ruben Gonzalez, Kenny Lee Young, and Matt Weatherbee & the Gnarbillys), four food trucks (Bob's Atomic Burgers, Anthony's Pizza, Smokey J's BBQ, and Espy's Street Eats), Anniversary t-shirts printed on site from EB Brands, and limited-edition glassware to commemorate the fifth anniversary.

For more information about Barrels & Bottle's 5th Anniversary Celebration contact Aaron Sprengeler at coop@radraftbeer.com.

ABOUT BARRELS & BOTTLES BREWERY

Zach and Abby George opened Barrels & Bottles on 12th Street in downtown Golden in October 2013. The brewpub has 27 beer taps, 24 wines on tap, and a slushie machine for serving its infamous wine slushies. Barrels & Bottles also serves farm-fresh food menu with cheese platters, baguettes, and various beer-friendly small plates. The brewpub was named Golden Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year in 2014. Find Barrels & Bottles online at barrelsbottles.com.

Asheville’s Thirsty Monk to Celebrate Rare, Unusual Beers at 9th Annual Thirsty Fest

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.

Station 26 Brewing Co. To Release Palley's Comet and Divided Rye For Phish Dicks Weekend

DENVER, CO— Stun the puppy! Burn the Whale! Station 26 Brewing Co. is excited to welcome Phish fans back to Denver by releasing two special Phish-themed beers, August 31-September 2 during Labor Day weekend. Both beers will be available on tap throughout the weekend and in specially-designed 32oz crowlers available in limited supply each day at the brewery’s Park Hill taproom.

Station 26 will release Palley’s Comet, a Vermont-style Pale Ale brewed with Apollo, Galaxy, and Comet hops; and Divided Rye, a crisp and drinkable ale brewed with rye malt and lightly dry-hopped. Palley’s Comet and Divided Rye will be on tap each day beginning at 11am with a limited amount of crowlers of each available for purchase Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before the shows.

Both beers feature specially-designed, Phish-themed crowler labels as collector's item for fans.

The brewery will open early at 11am each day, August 31-September 2, with food available from Order 26 Food Truck and live music on the tasting room patio each day beginning at 2pm featuring Deliciosa on Friday, August 31; Ratasurus, Saturday, September 1; and Bottlerocket Hurricane on Sunday, September 2.

Click here for more information about Phish Dicks weekend at Station 26, or contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
 

ABOUT STATION 26 BREWING CO.

Station 26 Brewing Co. brews craft beers in a 1960 fire station in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood. The brewery was founded in 2013 by Justin Baccary and friends. It is the closest brewery to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, located at 7045 E 38th Avenue. Find the brewery online at www.station26brewing.co.

Comrade Brewing Registers 'Superpower' Trademark After TTAB Rules Beer and Fruit Juice Not Related

DENVER, CO— On Thursday, August 2, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) ruled that Comrade Brewing Co. LLC could register its “Superpower” as a trademark for beer, shooting down a challenge filed by the company behind POM Wonderful and Fiji Water. This came with the ruling that consumers will not confuse a juice called “Antioxidant Superpower” with a beer called “Superpower,” rejecting the argument that the two types of beverage were closely related for trademark purposes.

In past cases, the board has held that wine and spirits are closely related to beer in the minds of consumers, but it said The Wonderful Co. had failed to show that a soft drink such as fruit juice had the same kind of connection. “Simply put, opposer has not submitted sufficient evidence that consumers are accustomed to encountering these goods under the same mark,” Judge Peter W. Cataldo wrote for a three-judge panel.

Comrade Brewing has been brewing its flagship Superpower IPA since they opened in 2014, and have since won silver medals at the 2014 and 2015 Great American Beer Festival® for their wet-hopped versions of this beloved Colorado IPA.

The Wonderful Co. uses “Antioxidant Superpower" as a slogan for its POM Wonderful pomegranate juice. It has had the phrase registered as a federal trademark for fruit juices since 2003.

“Particularly in light of the differences between the goods but also because the two marks had key differences in appearance,” Cataldo wrote, “the board sided with Comrade Brewing.”

"The result is what we expected and contended from the start," explains Comrade Brewing owner David Lin. "We're pleased with the result and appreciate the passion and efforts of our lawyers at beerattorney.com in defending this matter."

Comrade Brewing has filed for the ‘Superpower’ trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and is currently waiting for approval.

“Operating this brewery has thrown us a lot of curveballs,” explains Lin. “If I’m being completely honest the potential confusion between antioxidant juice and craft beer was more surprising to me than the day someone crashed their truck through our front door. We’re going to laugh this one off over a couple of Superpowers.”

Superpower IPA is an American IPA with loads of Pacific Northwest hops that lend huge pine and grapefruit hop aroma and citrus flavors. Its bitterness is balanced with a crisp, light malt character. Superpower is on tap year-round at the Comrade Brewing tasting room.

For more information about Superpower IPA, or with questions about this TTAB ruling, email contact@comradebrewing.com.

ABOUT COMRADE BREWING

Launched in 2014 by David Lin and Marks Lanham, Comrade Brewing is often noted as one of Denver and Colorado’s masters of the India Pale Ale style, home of the flagship Superpower IPA. Comrade also brews the World Beer Cup® winning Yellow Fever Chile Beer, the Koffee Kream Extra Coffee Milk Stout, and the Redcon Irish Red Ale year-round, as well an array of rotating seasonals and lots of collaboration beers with fellow brewing companies. Comrade’s trophy case now sports silver medals from the 2014 and 2015 Great American Beer Festival® and a 2016 World Beer Cup® gold award, among others. Find the brewery online at comradebrewing.com.

ABOUT BEERATTORNEY.COM

Beerattorney.com is a Drumm Law brand, focusing on meeting the legal needs of craft breweries, including trademarks, business law, distribution, licensing, among other areas.  Learn more about the Beer Attorneys at beerattorney.com. 

Rockyard Canning 2018 Blue Ale for ZPIII Memorial Softball Tournament

CASTLE ROCK, CO— Today Rockyard Brewing canned a limited run of its Blue Ale, brewed in honor of the first annual ZPIII Memorial Softball Tournament. This tournament, slated for September 9, was organized to honor and memorialize Douglas County’s fallen officers.

Rockyard Brewing collaborated with Douglas County, Adams County, and El Paso County’s sheriff’s offices to craft the Blue Ale, a Kristalweisse with added blueberries, for the ZPIII Memorial Softball Tournament. Blue Ale weighs in at a sessionable 5.2% ABV. This fruit-forward beer has traditional Hefeweizen flavors of banana and clove.

Blue Ale is a refreshing reminder of the sacrifices that law enforcement officers make each day. It will be available in cans only at the tournament, with proceeds supporting the Douglas County Fallen Officers Fund. The beer will tap at Rockyard’s tasting room the first week of September, and will only be available while supplies last.

Representatives from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office during canning day.

For more information about Rockyard Blue Ale or the brewery’s partnership with the ZPIII Memorial Softball Tournament, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT ROCKYARD BREWING CO.

Rockyard is the longest running brewpub in Douglas County, founded in 1999 by four Colorado-born siblings. Rockyard’s beers have won medals at many prestigious beer competitions including the Great American Beer Festival®, World Beer Cup® and the Colorado State Fair. Rockyard’s beer can be found in many retail locations and craft-centric bars and restaurants throughout the state of Colorado. Find the brewery online at www.rockyard.com.

Brink Brewing Awarded Three Medals, Named Best Southwest Ohio Brewery at Ohio Craft Brewers Cup

Brink Brewing's Gold Medal-winning New England/Hazy IPA, Afterglow. Photo by Samantha Reid

CINCINNATI, OH— Brink Brewing continues their medal-winning streak after competing in the inaugural Ohio Craft Brewers Cup on July 28— taking home gold, silver, and bronze medals. The brewery was named Best Southwest Ohio Brewery of 2018. 

The competition called for twenty-nine style categories of beer with Brink Brewing earning three medals including Gold for Afterglow in New England/Hazy IPA category, Silver for Moozie in the Stout category, and Bronze for Hold the Reins in the Brown/Dark Ale category.

These medals follow the brewery’s awards from last month’s U.S. Open Beer Championships where they took home four medals including gold for Hold the Reins and a silver medal Moozie.

Hold the Reins is an English Mild, a classic “Session Ale” while still full flavored. Moderate sweetness, a bit nutty with a touch of caramel. Chocolate and roast notes give way to a dry finish. Hold the Reins also recently won Gold at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival®.

Moozie is a rich Milk Stout. Like a chocolate milkshake without the straw, it features chocolate and coffee notes and is almost chewy thanks to the addition of lactose and flaked oats. This beer also boasts a bronze medal from the 2018 World Beer Cup®, a bronze from the 2017 Denver International Beer Competition, and a gold medal at the 2017 U.S. Open Beer Chamionship and a silver medal in 2018.

Moozie is a rich Milk Stout. Like a chocolate milkshake without the straw, it features chocolate and coffee notes, and is almost chewy thanks to the addition of lactose and flaked oats. This beer also boasts a bronze medal from the 2018 World Beer Cup®, a bronze from the 2017 Denver International Beer Competition, and more medals (gold in 2017 and silver in 2018) from the U.S. Open Beer Championship.

Afterglow is a "New England" style IPA featuring old-school hops combined with new school brewing techniques and almost double the normal charge of dry hops. Brewed with Amarillo, Centennial, and Citra, it is bursting with citrusy hop flavors and has a tropical, citrus, and pine aroma.

If you have questions about Brink Brewing’s recent Ohio Craft Brewers Cup win, or any other media inquiries, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT BRINK BREWING

Brink Brewing Co is neighborhood Craft Brewery in the College Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati. Providing quality beers in a welcoming, comfortable taproom. In their one year of operation they have accumulated an impressive amount of awards including a Gold at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival®, a Bronze at the 2018 World Beer Cup®, seven U.S. Open Beer Competition medals, three Ohio Craft Brewer Cup awards, and two Denver International Beer Competition awards. For more information please visit brinkbrewing.com.

Ska Brewing Gets Oktoberfest Act Together; Rolls Out German-Style Lager in Cans

DURANGO, CO—  Twenty years ago a friend told Ska Brewing’s founder Dave Thibodeau that Ska music was simply Polka gone bad. “It was a zinger,” he says, “And I had no comeback until now.” 

That comeback is Oktoberfest Lager in a can. The brewery will release its German-Style Lager in canned 6-packs for the first time at its World Headquarters this Friday August 3. The beer will be available seasonally, encouraging skanking at Oktoberfest celebrations across Ska’s distribution footprint while supplies last. 

Ska’s Oktoberfest is crafted with 100 percent German-sourced Munich and Vienna malts that impart nutty, bready, toasty flavors, all balanced by Noble hops. It finishes clean and crisp. 

This beer’s label sports the Headless Horseman (a Ska-themed skull-less cowboy, really) with a traditional blue and white checkerboard Bavarian flag as the backdrop.

“We appreciate and respect good, clean lagers because we know the care that goes into fermenting them,” Thibodeau says. Home to one of the country’s first craft lagers in a can, Ska’s brewing team crafts its seasonal Mexican Logger in warmer months and craves it all winter long. "This year we’re stepping up our seasonal lager game with this traditional Oktoberfest,” he adds.

On Friday, The Container Restaurant at Ska Brewing’s World Headquarters will serve house pretzels with Rude Boy Lager mustard, Pinstripe Red Ale brats, and house sauerkraut. Pints of the new Oktoberfest Lager will cost $3 each. 

Six-packs of 12-ounce cans of Oktoberfest will be available across Ska’s distribution footprint beginning next week and seasonally while supplies last. 

For more information about Ska’s new canned Oktoberfest, 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 award-winning 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, music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.