Oh Hi CBD Seltzer Lands in Southern California

LOS ANGELES, CA— The Oh Hi Beverages CBD seltzer line is now available in Southern California. 

Oh Hi’s line of CBD seltzers, which includes Pomegranate, Grapefruit, Lemon Lime, and Ginger Basil Limeade flavors, are now stocked on shelves at Los Angeles grocers and gas stations. These seltzers contain 15mg of fast-acting flavorless CBD isolate and only up to 25 calories per serving. They are available in canned 12-ounce 4-packs. 

“Like our home state of Colorado, California is a state leading in cannabis educated consumers, with a lot of interest in CBD,” says John Lynch, Oh Hi’s Director of Operations. “We’re very excited to consciously expand our footprint.” 

Oh Hi Beverages CBD seltzers are currently distributed in Southwest Colorado through the Ska Brewing distribution network, and on Colorado’s Front Range through Two Six Craft Distributors. They are also available for purchase online. Oh Hi’s THC line is only available at dispensaries in Colorado via LeafLink. 

For more information about Oh Hi Beverages and its growing distribution footprint, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. Contact sales@ohhibev.com with distribution inquiries.

ABOUT OH HI BEVERAGES

Founded in 2018, Oh Hi Beverages crafts canned THC and CBD seltzers in Durango, Colorado. Oh Hi Beverages is the brainchild of Aaron Miles and Jonny Radding, the co-owners of Durango Organics, and Matt Vincent, one of the co-owners of Ska Brewing and the founder of Ska Fabricating. Collectively Aaron, Jonny, and Matt bring a breadth of business, entrepreneurship, technical, and both cannabis and beverage-specific experience to this new hard seltzer company. Learn more about Oh Hi Beverages at ohhibev.com.

Why Rapids & Grass is a Brewer's Favorite Festival, Even When They Can't Go

Photo by Zach Mahone @ South Main Co.

“The beer is great, the music is fire, and the venue is laid out wonderfully.” 

That’s Ashleigh Carter, the co-founder and head brewer of Bierstadt Lagerhaus. She’s not alone.

You know it’s a good sign when you see a brewer at a beer festival. And in this case, the Rapids & Grass festival in Buena Vista is packed full of them— especially in anticipation of the festival’s rafting component. 

Rapids & Grass is so much more than just a beer fest; it’s an opportunity to get to the mountains, enjoy the river, and get social. Although the festival has decided to skip this year, keeping public health and safety in mind, it still goes down as one of our favorite festivals -- and here’s why the brewers agree. 

“The Rapids & Grass beer festival is unlike any other beer festival I have attended. I have traveled all over the country and poured at a few different beer festivals in Europe and none of them are as laid back and chill as Rapids & Grass,” shares Skip Schwartz, wood cellar and innovation lead at WeldWerks Brewing, “Attendees have access to some of the best beer Colorado has to offer at their fingertips with a relaxed, no lines or waiting. Last year was my first time attending and I know why I will be going back in the future.  Never have I worked a festival with my shoes off and my pants rolled up and it fit into the atmosphere of the festival. Not to mention a water gun fight broke out mid-festival with a few other brewers, which was a lot of fun!” 

Jordan Wheeler, senior packaging operator at WeldWerks Brewing adds, “Ummm everything Skip said. It’s definitely a festival I want to attend every year. It will never get old pouring beautiful beer with such a beautiful backdrop.”

There’s no arguing that the festival’s venue is one that is hard to rival. It also makes for a perfect location for brewers to also kick back, relax, and hang out with each other. 

“Obviously Buena Vista is beautiful,” shares Carter, “and really the beer is just a small part of the fest.”

“What makes it unique is how many brewers actually participate,” Carter continues, “We all get to hang out and camp together the night before and night of the festival, so there is that added social aspect that makes it fun to participate.”

It’s not just the brewers who enjoy it, either. 

“It’s an honor to get to pour our whiskey amongst some of the best beers around, and it’s inspiring to see what these brewers continually offer up such bad ass expressions of their craft,” says Lenny Eckstein, founder & head distiller at Deerhammer in downtown Buena Vista, “It’s always been Deerhammer’s approach to bring innovation and creativity to whiskey. A huge part of this is fueled for us by those on the beer side of the fence.”

Not to mention, the festival draws huge crowds to the Arkansas Valley, boosting tourism and the area’s economic viability. 

“There’s this ongoing effort to bring visitation to BV throughout the year,” shares Eckstien, “The thing about Rapids and Grass is that the crowd that comes up here, who’ve maybe blazed through BV or heard of our hot springs or killer mountain bike trails, or whatever, when they come here for Rapids & Grass they are getting full exposure to the full spectrum of awesomeness that BV has to offer. Deerhammer is PACKED during Rapids and Grass. It’s a great crowd who comes here looking to enjoy this place.”

To our friends Sarah, Shane, and their great Rapids & Grass partners, we love you and we miss you. Thank you for bringing world-class beer and music to Buena Vista. 

— Words by Karen Mills

Lone Tree Brewing Debuts Golden Berry Belgian-Style Ale

LONE TREE, CO— It’s a fruit-packed summer at Lone Tree Brewing Company, where visitors can now find cans of Golden Berry Ale, the latest in Lone Tree’s rotating small-batch can series. Six-packs of Golden Berry Ale are also available across Colorado and Kansas in select craft establishments.

"This beer was inspired by a trip to Belgium,” says Dennis O’Harrow, Lone Tree’s Head Brewer. “It’s very fruit-forward with a unique almost banana-like character that comes from the esters in the yeast strain we use.” 

Golden Berry Ale is a higher octane, Belgian-Style Ale that’s surprisingly quaffable for its 8% ABV. Belgian Golden Strong Ale at its base with both raspberry and blackberry juice and puree, this new selection from Lone Tree has arrived right in time for the heat of the summer. Find it in cans at Lone Tree Brewing Company and across Colorado and Kansas for a limited time.

For more information about the Lone Tree Brewing Company Golden Berry Ale, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

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 are sold across the state of Colorado, and in select locations in Kansas. Its draft beer is poured at many bars and restaurants across its distribution footprint as well. Find the brewery online at lonetreebrewingco.com.

Bonfire Block Party Presents the Funky Times All-Star Band at the Eagle County Fairgrounds

EAGLE, CO— When Bonfire Brewing made the difficult decision to cancel the annual Block Party, they promised to bring some form of live music to the Vail Valley this summer. They’ve delivered with back-to-back performances from the Funky Times All-Star Band, a talent-packed group of musicians led by previous Block Party headliner Robert Randolph, on July 17 and 18 at the Eagle County Fairgrounds.

Popular local bands The Runaway Grooms and The Evolution will kick off Friday and Saturday night’s festivities, respectively, followed by Marcus King, Robert Randolph, J.J. Johnson, Nigel Hall, and Duane Betts all sharing the stage.

Tickets for these shows are on sale now and can be purchased on Eventbrite. Only 500 tickets are available for each evening, and are selling rapidly. Ticket holders will then be divided into groups of 125 people, with social distancing inside those groups. Masks are required to enter the venue, and when not in your designated seating area. Ample sanitation stations will be placed throughout the venue, along with two food trucks, and multiple bars. 

“We’ve worked for months to pull something involving live outdoor music together, and we’re excited to set a strong example with a professional event that we hope shows that live music can return safely,” says Bonfire Brewing Co-Owner Amanda Jessen. “We all feel the need for something like this, and while it’s not the traditional Block Party with 5,000 people in the streets of Eagle, it’s a start, and it gets some of the struggling folks in this industry back to work.”

Find more information about the shows at bonfireblockparty.com, and contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries. 

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. 

And now for something completely different: A Can Release from Bierstadt Lagerhaus

July 3, 2020 Denver, CO - Bierstadt Lagerhaus, known for its silly adherence to traditional and outdated brewing techniques, a pathetic number of choices at the taproom and a stunted imagination with regard to beer styles has made something.......else. On July 12th we are releasing BFL. BFL is a 12% Lager; not a “we calculated and wished for this to be 12%, but an honest-to-science, measured at a lab 12%. Speaking of these unnecessary outdated techniques: We did a reiterated mash using an exploded version of our Märzen recipe and double decocted it. Twice. We floated it and fermented it at 9 C. It was krausened to help it further attenuate. In a bold nod to tradition, no sugars, enzymes or malt extracts were used and it’s unfiltered. Please for the sake of anything that is still good in this world, don’t Google any of that if you don’t already understand the lingo. It is our job to prattle on about the methods we used, and your job to get it down your neck. Let’s keep these divisions clear.

As far as the character of this beer, think barleywine strength albeit without a faceload of esters. Think of it as a Lager wine, only please don’t. That is a stupid term and we refuse to be responsible for its usage.

Paul Vismara designed the label and it is perfect for the beer and these times. A giant comet is depicted hurling through space, we can only guess at its destination-earth. Of course it’s earth, after the imminent locust invasion this summer and a shit show of an election this fall, the only way 2020 can end is with a extinction level comet this winter.

For the 12th, please, as you lineup the night before, keep social distancing guidelines in mind. No saving spaces in the line, no proxies and limit one can per ID. The preceding two sentences are bullshit. We make beer, you buy beer. That is as complex as we want this relationship to be.

Simply put we have about 900 16oz cans to sell, 4 per transaction, $12 per can, pre-sale starts on the 8th online (www.bierstadtlager.com), pick up the 12th . Wear a mask and don’t be a jerk. Yuan Wonton will be in the house. Come get some.

ABOUT BIERSTADT LAGERHAUS

At Bierstadt we craft lagers the traditional way, and nothing more. Discover what we believe at bierstadtlager.com.

Ska Brewing To Take Your Tastebuds On Vacation with Tropical Hazy IPA

DURANGO, CO— You might not be able to go on a tropical vacation with your buds right now, but your tastebuds can still escape to tropical fruit paradise with a 6-pack of Ska Brewing’s new release, Tropical Hazy IPA. 

With a plush mouthfeel, this Hazy IPA explodes with tropical hop flavors and a soft malt body. Its low actual bitterness allows bright, fruity characteristics to shine. Brewed with papaya and pineapple and weighing in at a crushable but substantial 6% ABV, Tropical Hazy IPA is like a virtual vacation in your mouth. 

This new hazy offering from Ska Brewing comes the summer after the brewery’s first hazy IPA can debut. The Hazy IPA sparked the brewery brand refresh last year, and Ska has been experimenting in the hazy department since. 

Tropical Hazy IPA arrives across Ska’s national distribution footprint just in time for summer, and it will be available year-round in canned 6-packs going forward. It is also currently available on tap at the brewery’s World Headquarters in Durango. 

For more information about Ska’s Tropical Hazy IPA or delve into the hazy IPA subcategory, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@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 (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Lone Tree Brewing Company Releases 25th Anniversary Lager for the City of Lone Tree

LONE TREE, CO— In celebration of the city of Lone Tree's 25th anniversary, Lone Tree Brewing Company brings back a tried-and-true classic recipe for a special one-time release as the city’s official anniversary lager. Mountain Mama German Style Helles Lager tapped at the brewing company this week to celebrate the silver anniversary of Lone Tree, Colorado.

Since its inception as a city in 1995, Lone Tree has evolved quickly to become one of the states fastest-growing cities. Lone Tree Brewing Company came along in 2011 as the city’s first brewery. “The South Denver Metro area  needed a brewery, and we’ve been proud to call this community home,” says Lone Tree Founder John Winter. “Our community has embraced this tasting room as their third place, for their gatherings and causes. They’ve made us a staple in their fridges at home. We don’t take that lightly— it’s an incredible honor.”

“In Colorado, your city’s reputation is closely tied to the quality of your brewery," says Lone Tree Mayor Jackie Millet. "We are thrilled the award winning Lone Tree Brewing Company chose to grow their business in our city! Thanks for helping us celebrate and commemorate the City’s incorporation with the creation of the Anniversary Lager!”

The anniversary lager, a German Style Helles recipe, will be available on draft and in canned 6-packs at the brewery on Park Meadows Drive. Cans will also be available at local accounts like Lukas Liquors, Highlands Wine Seller, and Safeway on Yosemite and Lincoln while supplies last.

For more information about Lone Tree’s 25th anniversary lager made by Lone Tree Brewing Company, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

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 are sold across the state of Colorado, and in select locations in Kansas. Its draft beer is poured at many bars and restaurants across its distribution footprint as well. Find the brewery online at lonetreebrewingco.com.

Ska Fabricating #SexyCans Photo Contest Returns For Summer

DURANGO, CO—  The third round of the Ska Fabricating #SexyCans photo contest returns on June 1. This contest celebrates the thriving online craft beverage community and the rise of canned beverage artistry around the world. Ska Fab will reward this contest’s winner with a donation in their name at Plastic Oceans, a nonprofit organization raising awareness about plastic pollution.

The #SexyCans contest is every drinker’s opportunity to turn a picture of their favorite beverage can into an awesome prize! Beginning June 1, submit your favorite craft can photos to this contest by posting them to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #sexycans and tagging @skafabricating. Post as many entries as you like - the more, the merrier! Every participant will receive a package of winter Ska Fab schwag.

All entries are due by August 1, 2020 with the Ska Fabricating staff-chosen winner will be announced. All entrants must be at least 21 years old. Ska Fab will make a donation to Plastic Oceans in the names of the first, second, and third place winners. This organization was Ska Fab’s nonprofit partner for their 2020 Craft After Dark event that was cancelled in April.

The 2020 summer #sexycans contest winners will also receive swag packs from Ska Fabricating and their sister companies Ska Brewing and Oh Hi Beverages. 

For more information about #sexycans or Ska Fabricating, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT SKA FABRICATING

Founded by Ska Brewing Co-Owner Matt Vincent, Ska Fabricating automates packaging lines for craft businesses, specializing in depalletizers, palletizers, conveyance systems, rinsing, drying, fill detection and date coding products. With more than 800 customers worldwide, Ska Fab has the products and experience to help you increase your production while saving expenses. Learn more at skafabricating.com.

Craft Industry COVID-19 Update - June 2, 2020

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. The United States Bartenders’ Guild National Charity Foundation provides emergency assistance grants to bartenders and their families.

7. 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.”

8. 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.

9. CORE: Children of Restaurant Employees is providing support to food and beverage service employees with children diagnosed with COVID-19.

10. 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.

11. The Restaurant Workers Community Foundation created a restaurant workers’ COVID-19 Crisis Relief Fund.

12. 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.

13. The Independent Restaurant Coalition is lobbying Congress to advocate that the stimulus money and related programs pertain to and are tailored for independent restaurants. 

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

Oh Hi Beverages Launches Online Shop For CBD Seltzer

DURANGO, CO— Oh Hi Beverages is stoked to launch an online shop for its CBD seltzer line. Mix packs and canned 4-packs are now available for purchase at cbdohhi.com.

Oh Hi’s canned CBD seltzer line sports the same four flavors as the company’s THC seltzers: Pomegranate, Grapefruit, Lemon Lime, and Ginger Basil Limeade. Each contains 15mg of fast-acting flavorless CBD isolate, only 5 mg of pure cane sugar, and 25 calories or less. These seltzers are available for online purchase in 4, 12, and 24-packs.

“We at Oh Hi Beverages are super excited to finally offer our CBD sparkling seltzer for purchase online,” says co-founder Jonny Radding, who is also the co-founder of Durango Organics. “This  will help our customers to conveniently order Oh Hi from the safety of their homes. We hope you enjoy our beverages as much as we do! Stay safe out there, Oh Hi fans.”

In December of 2019, Oh Hi Beverages first canned its CBD seltzer line to be distributed in Southwest Colorado through the Ska Brewing distribution network, and on Colorado’s Front Range through Two Six Craft Distributors. The addition of Oh Hi’s online store will allow customers from across the Lower 48 United States to purchase CBD seltzer for delivery at their doorsteps. 

For more information about Oh Hi Beverages and its THC and CBD seltzers, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT OH HI BEVERAGES

Founded in 2018, Oh Hi Beverages crafts canned THC and CBD seltzers in Durango, Colorado. Oh Hi Beverages is the brainchild of Aaron Miles and Jonny Radding, the co-owners of Durango Organics, and Matt Vincent, one of the co-owners of Ska Brewing and the founder of Ska Fabricating. Collectively Aaron, Jonny, and Matt bring a breadth of business, entrepreneurship, technical, and both cannabis and beverage-specific experience to this new hard seltzer company. Learn more about Oh Hi Beverages at ohhibev.com.

Ska Brewing Low Calorie and Low Carb Aggrolite IPA Arrives For Swimsuit Season

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing’s latest canned offering is a delicious sidekick for athletes and adventurists. The low-calorie, low-carb Aggrolite IPA is now available across Ska’s nationwide distribution footprint. 

Aggrolite IPA is a collaboration with one of Ska’s favorite bands, The Aggrolites, who played at the brewery’s 24th anniversary invitational in 2019. The Aggrolites started as a a compilation of two bands, one reggae and one ska in genre, that came together in Los Angeles in 2002 to create the soul and funk-inspired “dirty reggae music” that they’re known for. 

Aggrolite is light-bodied with slight citrus and pine notes from the use of Cascade, Mandarina Bavaria, and El Dorado hops, and a light golden orange color. This beer contains only 99 calories and 4g of carbohydrates per can, with 4.2% ABV. Aggrolite pairs well with bike rides, boating, and bikinis. 

Show Ska your Aggrolite activities with the #SkaAggrolites hashtag, and tag @skabrewing for a chance to be featured. 

Find Aggrolite at select retailers across its thirteen state distribution footprint, and in cans at Ska’s World Headquarters in Durango, Colorado. Please check the Ska Website, www.skabrewing.com, for adjusted hours and to-go offerings. 

For more details on Ska’s Aggrolite IPA, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@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 (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Bierstadt Lagerhaus Releases Collaboration with Neighbor Finn's Manor

DENVER, CO— Bierstadt Lagerhaus and their RiNo neighbor Finn’s Manor have teamed up to release a beer sourced from Mexico. With strong roots in tradition, Bierstadt takes the four ingredients, water, yeast, malt, and hops, a strict Reinheitsgebot process, and their resurrected brew kettle from Germany to perfect the classic lagers they are passionate about. Although they are rooted in tradition, it doesn’t stop them from deviating from their three core offerings to create these seasonal “fun” batches of beer to enjoy, such as Cerveza Clara y Mas Fina Especial.

Our Content Editor Karen Mills caught up with Bierstadt Lagerhaus about this unique new beer. Here’s what co-owner Ashleigh Carter had to say.

What inspired this particular recipe?

We got the idea talking to Thomas owner of Finn's Manor (an incredible cocktail and beer bar). They have a great Mezcal selection and actually took their staff to Oaxaca to learn about it. He proposed the idea of a beer for Cinco de Mayo/spring that took actual corn from Mexico and we thought about it and figured we could pull it off as long as we were able to find the corn. Thomas looked around and found this company called Masienda that have loads of different heirloom whole corn from Oaxaca.

How did you decide on Oaxaca corn?

Pretty easily actually. Once we were set on how we could incorporate the corn, we got 6 samples from Masienda to choose from. We all decided unanimously on the Bolita Azul and Bolita Belatove, a blue and purple/red corn with really wonderful floral sweet corn aroma. We actually bought a little mill to grind it all up. We then used a cereal mash for the corn, cooled it down and added the malt, and treated it like one of our regular beers. Single decoction house yeast and fermented at 48F. I think it turned out great. Light, subtle corn aroma and sweetness, and balanced bitterness. Add a lime!

Any additional insights to the beer itself?

We loved this beer so much that we will probably make it every year as our spring seasonal. Not many collaborations or one-offs ever make it into the regular rotation but this was a really special and fun beer.

ABOUT BIERSTADT LAGERHAUS

At Bierstadt we craft lagers the traditional way, and nothing more. Discover what we believe at bierstadtlager.com.

Bonfire Brewing Continues Patio Expansion Project

EAGLE, CO— Bonfire Brewing broke even more ground on its continued patio expansion last week to increase seating and entertainment space for customers this summer. Bonfire is working closely with local partners to execute this project during uncertain times. 

The new additions to Bonfire’s award-winning patio include fresh concrete complete with sleeves for removable fence posts, adding an additional 500 square feet of safe, level, and licensed outdoor space for customers to enjoy Bonfire beers. Not to mention this upgrade means there will always be a shady spot for refuge from the Colorado sun, no matter the time of day.

Bonfire has always been deeply ingrained in the Eagle community, and this expansion is no exception. The brewery’s landlord manned a Skid-Steer that he owns to help haul concrete and level dirt, and a local contractor offered Bonfire an exceptional price on concrete so they could execute the project as inexpensively as possible. The Town of Eagle might be on a spending freeze in response to COVID-19, however they waived the permit and review fees, and provided technical support to help facilitate the project.

“One of the primary motivations for launching this project is to open up more outdoor customer areas in anticipation of continued distancing requirements, if and when we are permitted to reopen for on-premise service,” says Bonfire Co-Owner Andy Jessen. “It was always part of the original vision for the patio expansion, and now seemed like the perfect time to go for it.” 

Without bar hours to staff, Bonfire team members have been working on an array of projects to update the tasting room, this patio work included. While starting the demo work, the team uncovered a small piece of Eagle history— a portion of the original Town of Eagle sidewalk in pristine condition. It sits below the grade of the building pad, likely covered up in the 1960’s or 70’s. 

The Bonfire crew also saved the hops in the planter boxes that have been growing on Second Street since the brewery’s first summer of business in 2011, and will replant them in an expanded urban hop farm at the tap room this growing season. They are also rebuilding the planter box for the signature pine tree growing in front of the brewery in downtown Eagle. The Bonfire team also has exciting plans for expanded bike parking, and fun ideas for the first round of furnishings in the new space— stay tuned on their social media channels for updates as the project continues.

For more information about Bonfire Brewing or its destination patio, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@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.

Laws Whiskey House Announces Distribution Partnership with Republic National Distributing Company in Five Strategic Markets

DENVER, CO— Laws Whiskey House, the award-winning Denver-based distillery, is proud to announce a new strategic distribution partnership with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), the nation’s second largest distributor of fine wine and spirits. RNDC will distribute Laws Whiskey’s comprehensive portfolio of premium products across the following states: Texas, Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C.

With the addition of these five markets to their national distribution footprint, Laws Whiskey is now available in seven of the top 10 whiskey markets in the country. 

“The opportunity to partner with a dynamic sales and marketing organization such as Republic National Distributing Company in these high-profile markets represents a major leap forward for the Laws Whiskey portfolio of brands,” said Patrick Larkin, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Laws Whiskey House. “We are truly excited to be able to bring our award-winning Four Grain Straight Bourbon and San Luis Valley Straight Rye, along with their respective Bottle in Bond expressions, to fellow passionate whiskey enthusiasts as we continue to expand our brands national presence.”

For more information about Laws Whiskey contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.

About LAWS WHISKEY HOUSE

Established in 2011, Laws Whiskey House is a purpose driven, grain-to-glass whiskey distillery founded on the principle that the soul of its whiskey is comprised of the people who grow it, the people who make it, and the people who drink it. Using the traditional method of open-air, on grain fermentation, Laws' whiskeys feature high altitude grown American mother grains and mountain spring water while aging in 53-gallon charred American oak barrels. With a collection of award-winning whiskey, including several Bottled in Bond expressions, Laws Whiskey House invites you to visit their tasting room in Denver's historic Gates neighborhood and enjoy the Laws experience. For more information visit www.lawswhiskeyhouse.com.

About REPUBLIC NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY 

RNDC, a world-class distributor of fine wines and spirits in North America, has operations in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.  Young’s Market Company, a partner of RNDC, distributes wines, spirits and select beverages in the western United States including Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, Visit www.RNDC-USA.con or www.youngsmakret.com. 

Ska Street Brewstillery Opens For Take-Out in Boulder During Safer-In-Place

Photo by The Brewtography Project

BOULDER, CO— After having to close its doors just one hour and eleven minutes after statewide on-site dining was shuttered, Ska Street Brewstillery will reopen to the public Wednesday, May 6 to serve a new to-go menu.

The limited menu at Ska Street Brewstillery will include some of the new establishment’s signature sandwiches such as The Dave and the Breeze BLT, as well as a new Family Meal menu with serving size options from 2 to 10 people. Many of the menu items are vegetarian and vegan. There will also be Ska beers, Peach Street spirits, and cocktails to-go. 

Ska Street Brewstillery will be open Wednesday through Friday from 3pm to 7pm, and Saturday from noon to 7pm. Orders must be placed online or over the phone to minimize onsite contact and exposure. 

 “This is truly unprecedented for us all— homeschooling our kids, cancelling family and friend gatherings, postponing our travel and exploration of not just Colorado but our wide and wonderful world,” says Ska Street’s General Manager Katie Nierling. “We hope there is a silver lining in this all— we are stronger together and because of one another.”

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about the Ska Street Brewstillery, Ska Brewing, or Peach Street Distillers. 

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 (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

ABOUT PEACH STREET DISTILLERS

Peach Street Distillers was founded in 2005 in the heart of Colorado’s Fruit and Wine region, Palisade Colorado, where the high desert meets the mountains. The warm days and cool nights in Palisade make the local fruits and grains unimaginably delicious. Living the very definition of “craft” we do everything the hard way to turn these fermentable raw materials into extraordinary spirits. Because, this is what we consider fun and what makes for a mighty fine drink. Peach Street Distillers is Colorado’s oldest continuously owned and operated distillery. Visit Peach Street at www.peachstreetdistillers.com for more about the spirits and the spirits squad.

Laws Whiskey House Releases Bottled in Bond Four Grain Straight Bourbon - Six Year

DENVER, CO— Laws Whiskey House, the award winning Denver based distillery, is proud to announce the annual release of its Bottled in Bond Four Grain Straight Bourbon. Aged six years, this distinctive offering of the company’s flagship bourbon exemplifies the craftsmanship, patience, and perseverance that are the hallmarks of the Laws There Are No Shortcuts mantra. This whiskey has an SRP of $75 and is now available across Laws national distribution footprint with approximately 500 9L cases produced.

As the first Colorado distillery to produce a bonded whiskey, Laws Whiskey House continues to set the standard for Bottled-In-Bond expressions. Since that inaugural release, Laws has expanded their Bonded portfolio to six different expressions including Bourbon, Rye, Malt, Wheat, and Corn whiskies. 

“Patience is an important part of all excellent whiskey,” says founder and CEO Al Laws. “Time in conjunction with the vintage nature of the Bottled in Bond act creates the basis for this special release. For Laws Whiskey House, Bottled-In-Bond expressions are ingrained in our culture. They exemplify who we are as whiskey makers.”

The Laws Bottled in Bond Four Grain Straight Bourbon – Six Year is made with the same bourbon mash bill as the Laws flagship Four Grain Bourbon, with 60 percent corn, 20 percent heirloom wheat, 10 percent heirloom rye, and 10 percent heirloom malted barley. All of these grains are grown and harvested from family-owned Colorado Farms. Furthermore, the distillery’s traditional practice of open air, on-grain fermentation captures the essence of Colorado’s terroir and produces a truly unapologetic authentic American Whiskey. 

The Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897 was an important turning point in the history of bourbon that set forth exacting standards that offered consumers a guarantee of transparency, process, and quality. Specifically, it stipulated that the whiskey must be the product of one distilling season, from one distillery, aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof. 123 years later, this designation continues to offer those same guarantees, providing consumers with the knowledge of where, how, and when Bourbon was produced and aged.  

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com for more information about Bottled in Bond Four Grain Straight Bourbon - Six Year and with any other media inquiries about Laws Whiskey House.

ABOUT LAWS WHISKEY HOUSE

Established in 2011, Laws Whiskey House is a purpose driven, grain to glass whiskey distillery founded on the principle that the soul of its whiskey is comprised of the people who grow it, the people who make it, and the people who drink it. Using the traditional method of open-air, on grain fermentation, Laws' whiskeys feature high altitude grown American mother grains and mountain spring water while aging in 53-gallon charred American oak barrels. With a collection of award-winning whiskey, including several Bottled in Bond expressions, Laws Whiskey House invites you to visit their tasting room in Denver's historic Gates neighborhood and enjoy the Laws experience. For more information visit www.lawswhiskeyhouse.com.

The Empourium To Release A Plethora of Piñatas Mexican Lager For First Friday in May

DENVER, CO— Coronavirus can’t stop The Empourium from their First Friday beer release tradition. The Berkeley neighborhood brewery will release A Plethora of Piñatas Mexican Lager on Friday, May 1— just in time for Cinco de Mayo (Zoom) celebrations.

This Mexican Lager is crafted with flaked corn in its grain bill that imparts soft mouthfeel and a tinge of malt sweetness on the finish. True to its style, A Plethora of Piñatas is light, clean, and crisp— and a sessionable 4.9% ABV. 

The Empourium hits another home run on 80’s pop culture-inspired beer names, this one a reference to the western comedy Three Amigos circa 1986. “This movie always makes us giggle!” says Head Brewer and Co-Owner Greg Fetzer.

The Little Red's Kitchen food truck will be available for takeaway orders and The Empourium will have beer available to-go from 2 to 6pm on Friday, May 1. 

Contact Erin Hamrick at erin@radcraftbeer.com for more information The Empourium Brewing Company.

ABOUT THE EMPOURIUM BREWING COMPANY

Located in the heart of Denver’s Berkeley Neighborhood, The Empourium is a gathering place for all— patrons and beer styles alike. Armed with true to style recipes and local pride, owners Greg and Sara Fetzer, Mike Cugini, and Justin Vallely focus their efforts to craft a warm, lively community hub centered around balanced, sessionable beers guaranteed to bring people together. Visit The Empourium at 4385 W. 42nd Avenue or online at theempourium.com.

4th Annual Rapids & Grass Beer Festival Cancelled

BUENA VISTA, CO— The organizers of Rapids & Grass, Colorado’s quintessential craft beer, music, and river festival slated to return to the Arkansas Valley July 4th weekend, announced today that the beloved event is canceled to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

This would-be fourth annual festival would feature beer from 50 breweries, local bands, and world-class white water rafting on the Arkansas River. After much thought and careful consideration, festival organizers The Jailhouse, Rapidgrass, and South Main/ Surf Hotel decided to cancel this year's Rapids & Grass Beer Festival as a preventative measure to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“All of us are struggling with the continued uncertainty of what the next few months look like in Colorado, but I don't know any community stronger than the brewing industry,” said Jailhouse founder Sarah Stewart in an email to the participating breweries last week. “We will get through this and we'll all drink beers together by the river again! Until that time comes, stay safe, healthy and strong.” 

Stewart and all of the Rapids & Grass crew extend their deepest gratitude to the breweries, bands, vendors and sponsors of the 2020 festival, and look forward to collaborating on the 2021 event.

Learn more about previous years of the Rapids & Grass festival at rgfest.com. Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries. 

ABOUT RAPIDS & GRASS BEER FESTIVAL

Rapids and Grass is a craft beer, music, and river festival conceptualized by Jailhouse owners Sarah and Shane Stewart, Mark Morris of Rapidgrass, and Jed Selby of South Main/Surf Hotel. The festival brings craft beer from the intermountain west and world-class bluegrass music to Buena Vista where its founders are proud to call home. This legendary weekend wraps up with The Freedom Float, a 7-mile raft trip through Class 3 whitewater. Stay in the loop at rgfest.com.

Peach Street Distillers Pear Brandy Named Best Brandy in the USA

Peach Street 2020 American Distilling Institute awards

PALISADE, CO— Peach Street Distillers was honored with a gold medal at the  American Distilling Institute’s 2020 Judging Awards last week, and with gold earlier this month at the American Craft Spirits Association Awards for best brandy in the United States.  

Peach Street’s Pear Brandy is crafted from a 100 percent pear base, with pears grown a matter of blocks from the distillery in downtown Palisade, Colorado. The pears are pressed, fermented, and distilled onsite before they age in French oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years.

Peach Street Distillers has now received 31 ADI medals in total. The distillery was proud to take home five medals for its five entries this year— a gold medal for Pear Brandy; as well as silver medals for American Whiskey, Colorado Straight Bourbon, and Smoked Rye Whiskey; and a bronze for Amaro.

The American Distilling Institute accepts entries in all classes and categories of craft spirits from small, independently owned distillers, blenders, bitters makers, and producers of aperitif and fortified wines. Each year, both United States and international entries are tasted blind and evaluated by expert panels of judges made up of distillers, journalists, bar owners, bartenders, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and importers. Learn more at distilling.com.

2020 marks the first year that Peach Street submitted spirits to the American Craft Spirits Awards, which honor excellence in the categories of Vodka/Grain, Gin, Brandy, Rum, Whiskey, and Specialty Spirits. In addition to a gold medal for Pear Brandy Peach Street also took home a gold for Colorado Straight Bourbon. A carefully selected group of more than 30 expert judges evaluated more than 500 entries for this year’s competition. Learn more at americancraftspirits.org.

“Our rickhouse is more well known for holding Bourbon and Whiskey, but it’s a great honor to win two gold medals in the same voting season for one of our more delicate expressions in Pear Brandy,” says Dustin Lemoine, Peach Street’s Director of Sales. “The local growers and the climate of Palisade, Colorado make it all possible. We’ve actually got a couple barrels of Pear Brandy that will be turning 6 years old this fall.” 

For more information about Peach Street Distillers’ decorated Pear Brandy, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT PEACH STREET DISTILLERS

Peach Street Distillers was founded in 2005 in the heart of Colorado’s fruit and wine region, Palisade Colorado, where the high desert meets the mountains. The warm days and cool nights in Palisade make the local fruits and grains unimaginably delicious. Living the very definition of “craft” Peach Street does everything the hard way to turn these fermentable raw materials into extraordinary spirits. Peach Street Distillers is Colorado’s oldest independently owned and operated distillery. Visit the distillery online at peachstreetdistillers.com for more about the spirits and the spirits squad.

Ska Fabricating Debuts Magic Bus Fully Automated Can Depalletizer

The Magic Bus at Allagash Brewing Co.

DURANGO, CO—  The latest product from Ska Fabricating, the Magic Bus, joins the fabrication company’s portfolio of canning options today. The Magic Bus is a fully automated can depalletizer with pallet management capable of speeds up to 600 CPM. It is ideal for any application where speed is important, increased automation is needed, and operator involvement can be minimized, and is now available to beverage companies worldwide.  

The Magic Bus is all about two things: speed and true automation. Gone are the days of pouring time and labor into the manual handling of pallets, top frames and tier sheets on canning lines— the Magic Bus allows packaging teams to “set it and forget it” by simply loading cans, debanding, and pressing start. A standard two-pallet infeed pulls pallets of cans into a depalletizer, where they are automatically emptied, stacked, and have their top frame and tier sheets removed and stored. Learn more about this radical new machine in this video. 

Two craft breweries have already implemented use of the Magic Bus in their canning operations. This new product can be found in the wild at Allagash Brewing in Portland, Maine and Maui Brewing on Maui island in Hawaii. 

“It’s a pallet loader that lets us queue up a full pallet of empty cans in an infeed system that will then automatically index that next pallet into the depalletizer rather than waiting for a fork lift driver to do it. It’s one more way of making sure we keep the filler running and don’t starve it of cans. We were the first to install one of these systems from Ska.” - Sean Diffley, Engineering Director at Allagash Brewing Co.

Join the Ska Fabricating team for The Magic Bus virtual release party on Friday, April 24 at 10am MST, with a live demonstration of this new product followed by a q&a segment with Ska Fab’s fabrication experts. 

Ska Fabricating is now accepting orders for the Magic Bus. Contact sales@skafabricating.com for more information. 

ABOUT SKA FABRICATING

Founded by Ska Brewing Co-Owner Matt Vincent, Ska Fabricating automates packaging lines for craft businesses, specializing in depalletizers, palletizers, conveyance systems, rinsing, drying, filling and date coding products. With more than 800 customers worldwide, Ska Fab has the products and experience to help you increase your production while saving expenses. Learn more at skafabricating.com.