Dark Sky Brewing Widens Reach Across Arizona Through Partnership With Quail Distributing

FLAGSTAFF, AZ— Since joining the Quail Distributing portfolio in March, Dark Sky Brewing continues to expand its experimental craft beer footprint in Northern Arizona, across the Phoenix Valley, and the Tucson metropolitan area. Most recently their seven canned SKUs have become available at Arizona Total Wine locations.

This partnership is the product of several years of friendship between Dark Sky and Quail, as well as an expansion of the Dark Sky Production brewery. More production space allowed the Dark Sky team to package and distribute their seasonal mainstay SKUs - Vortices Hazy Double IPA, Pit Stop Lager, Best Friend Munich Helles, After Thoughts American Pale Ale, Westie West Coast IPA, Sacred Datura Triple IPA, and Rainy Daze Hazy IPA. Now they extend their reach to even more shelves with the addition of select Total Wine stores to their expanding vendor/partner list. 

“Northern Arizona has a buzzing craft beer scene, with Dark Sky leading the way through their innovative and highly rated beers,” says Shawn Hillman with Quail Distributing.  

“Expanding our seasonal mainstay SKUs down to the valley and Tucson has been a dream of ours for the past few years; customer demand fueled the brewery expansion and we were able to make it happen this year. We hope having our beers down in the valley and Tucson will spark a need for patrons to travel to our destination Flagstaff taproom for taproom-only fun,” add Ryan & Larami Sandlin from Dark Sky Brewing.

Use the beer finder on Dark Sky Brewing’s website homepage to locate their canned SKUs across Arizona. Dark Sky lovers can visit the tasting room to purchase these cans and taste many rotating draft-only beers too. 

Media inquiring about Dark Sky Brewing, including their distribution footprint, can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT DARK SKY BREWING

Established in 2014 by Larami and Ryan Sandlin, Dark Sky Brewing has become a downtown Flagstaff institution that builds community through craft beer,  food, and philanthropy. Named in honor of its home, in the world's first International Dark Sky Place, Dark Sky Brewing is crafting a beer selection that is as unique and beautiful as every star, meteor, and comet they can see from their backyard. The micro-brewery size allows the freedom to brew everything from traditional recipes to experimentally fun brews with exotic ingredients. Committed to making that home a better place by giving back, the Dark Sky Community nonprofit organization was founded out of the brewery to serve as a launching base for other nonprofits to raise more funds and awareness. Learn more about the beers, food, and philanthropy at darkskybrewing.com.

Ska Brewing Returns To Utah

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing has returned to distribution in The Beehive State through a partnership with M&M Distribution, making Utah the eleventh state where Ska beers are available. Utahns and visitors can now find Ska beers on draft and in 12 oz. 6-packs in Tooele, Salt Lake, Wasatch, Utah, Davis, and Summit counties.  

In 2022 in a long overdue move, Ska entered into Wyoming for distribution to share its liquid with like-minded, outdoor-centric neighbors. In that same spirit, Ska now returns to Utah. 

Some of Ska’s best-selling beers, such as the 5% ABV Raspberry Blonde, were previously unavailable in Utah due to laws limiting the ABV in grocery stores, restaurants, and bars. Ska has continued to innovate and push the boundaries of craft beer at home, and in recent years Utah’s laws have changed— all allowing the brewery to bring much more of its portfolio over the state line.

“We’ve heard from a lot of folks that they’re no strangers to making the pilgrimage across the border to procure our beers to take back to Utah,” says Ska Brewing Co-Founder and CEO Dave Thibodeau. “We couldn’t be more thrilled about these legislative changes and cannot wait to once again share our flagships along with some of the new beers we’ve created just across the border.”

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries abu Ska Brewing. 

Reach out to David Noyes at dnoyes@skabrewing.com for information about carrying Ska brands at your establishment. 

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 True Blonde, Modus Hoperandi and Rue B. Soho. For information, music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Riverbend Malt House Welcomes Hickory King Corn Malt Variety To Malted Corn Portfolio

ASHEVILLE, NC— As part of its recently launched seasonal malt program, Riverbend Malt House now has a limited quantity of malted Hickory King Corn available for purchase. 

Hickory King corn is an heirloom variety that has a rich history dating back to the late 1800’s. It was developed by A.O. Lee of Hickory, Virginia, who created it from a single ear of corn he received from a friend. 

Hickory King was one of the last regionally adapted varieties to be used in American Whiskey production before the shift to Reid’s Yellow Dent, which came in from the Midwest and quickly became the choice for distillers and farmers. This variety provided the foundation for the No. 2 Yellow Dent corn that is still in use today. 

This corn variety is known for its large kernels and is used for roasting, grits, meal, tortilla flour, and hominy. Riverbend sources its Hickory King from Craig Jebson and his team at Fairview Cattle & Grain in Culpepper, Virginia. The flavor of the finished malt delivers a dry, earthy character that brings to mind homemade tortillas from your favorite taco truck. The sweetness is muted when compared to Riverbend’s Cumberland Corn malt.

“This flavor profile will add interesting depth to beer styles such as Cream Ale or Kentucky Common, contributing a light toasty, smoky aroma with a touch of baking spice without a cloying sweetness,” says Brent Manning who directs Riverbend’s product development. “It’s a great addition to Bourbon mashes too.” 

Hickory King Corn malt is available at Riverbend Malt House while supplies last. Contact your sales representative or email sales@riverbendmalt.com to place an order. 

Media inquiring about Riverbend Malt House can reach out to Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT RIVERBEND MALT HOUSE

Riverbend Malt House is on a quest to connect Southeastern family owned farms and fermenters. Co-Founders Brent Manning and Brian Simpson launched Riverbend, the first craft malt house east of the Mississippi River, in Asheville, North Carolina in 2010. Buoyed by a 70,000 square foot production facility and state of the art equipment, Riverbend Malt House helps breweries and distilleries large, small, and in-between stand out with flavor, locality, and community in an increasingly competitive landscape— all the while challenging the status quo of corporate, big-agriculture malt. Learn more at riverbendmalt.com.

The Tortilla Challenge, A Lawn Flamingo Beer Bong, and Stickers In Support Of The MJF Foundation

Are you going to slap each other across the face with these? 

The bartender was onto us. After finishing tacos and margaritas at State of Confusion, we ordered three more fresh tortillas to-go. It was the thick of summer 2022 and the #tortillachallenge was heating up TikTok feeds across the globe. 

We aren’t really trend or hashtag chasers at RadCraft. Sure, it’s important to keep your thumb on the pulse when you’re managing a brand’s online presence— but if there’s not a compelling why? to learning the latest dance sequence or a donation to follow dumping a bucket full of ice on your head, I say it’s all just noise.

Contribute breath not noise. It’s one of my one-liners. And I really mean it. 

That’s why I surprised myself when I suggested we find a hilarious location to do the tortilla challenge along what we called Tour De RadCraft 2022. This 3+ week long road trip included more than 30 brewery, distillery, malthouse, and farm visits to our partners and friends. The remote nature of our work means that we don’t always meet our collaborators in person right away, and I was on a mission to meet some people face-to-face before another summer became fall. 

It went without saying that we would stop in Chattanooga to see the one-and-only LT Butts. 

We’ll get back to the tortillas, but first it’s important to introduce this hardworking, humble brewer who we’re lucky to know. We met LaTroya Butts when she came to work at Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado. She eventually moved home to Chattanooga, Tennessee to work at Five Wit’s Brewing Company, and she would go on to receive scholarships from The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling and the Cicerone program via the Black Beer Chick #roadto100 initiative to further her brewing career. To-date, LaTroya is working at Resident Culture Brewing in Charlotte, North Carolina. She’s grateful for all of the people and organizations who have been a part of her journey thus far.

Time To Meet Frieda. 

The research and development for Five Wit’s Brewing took place in the owner’s pool house, “on a tiny system we called Pool City,” Butts says. “They had giant flamingo floaties and shirts, and flamingos just became the vibe. Then I came along. Everyone who knows me knows I love flamingos… and my flamingo beer bong named Frieda. Elliot [who co-owns Five Wit’s] once asked me what flavor Frieda was because he thought she should have a beer, just to see what happens…” 

The result was Frieda Sour Ale— an effervescent kettle sour with just the right balance of strawberry and pineapple flavors. Frieda wasn’t just a yard flamingo beer bong or the name of a beer in a can; she became a company mascot. To-date, Five Wit’s has an outside patio adorned with yard flamingos who watch over the brewery. Inside, the OG Frieda and a new twin sister flamingo live in the brewhouse. Frieda isn’t just a beer bong anymore; She is a summertime ethos; a symbol of well-crafted refreshment; an embodiment of the freedom that comes with long, warm days and the pride of independently brewed craft beer. 

Back To The Tortillas.  

Flash forward four years. We arrive at this Frieda shrine on our roadtrip, taste this remarkable sour ale, and take LaTroya to dinner at the Mexican restaurant across the street. One thing led to another and soon enough we were plotting our video. At Five Wit’s, it all comes back to Frieda.

So we took Frieda and her twin sister off gently from their resting places on the fermentation tanks full of their namesake sour beer, fired up the GoPro, took some swigs of said sour beer, and got grooving on multiple rounds of rock-paper-scissors. 

Cheyenne brought her A-game, and nearly lost her glasses. Em needed a pep talk to strengthen her tortilla slaps. LaTroya could barely contain her laughter. 

Here’s the final product. I want you all to know that no yard flamingos were harmed in the making of this video. 

So Why Does All This Matter? 

Because at RadCraft we love a good story. This one ties in some of our favorite people, with roots at one of our favorite establishments, Bonfire Brewing. And now, because we can’t help ourselves, the narrative continues with its own hashtags– and stickers, too. 

After receiving her scholarship, LaTroya sent us an email that read “I'm happy to be a part of the change we strive to make and couldn't thank everyone behind the Michael James Jackson Foundation enough for making this invaluable experience happen for me. I hope to someday pay it forward!”

So that, my friends, is what we’re here to do. Pay it forward. We turned this silly Instagram trend and inside joke into a campaign to raise money for The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling. Many of you purchased Frieda stickers last year, for which proceeds went directly to the foundation that funds technical education and career advancement for black, indigenous, and people of color in the brewing and distilling industries. We hope you’ll visit their website, learn more, and get involved yourselves. 

Thanks to LaTroya (@asaptroya) for being an endless source of inspiration, laughter, and flamingo puns. 

Cheers! 

- Em Hutto

Ska Brewing and Steamworks Brewing Release 2023 Faceplant For The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic

Brew day at Steamworks Brewing

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing and Steamworks Brewing Co. will release the 2023 batch of Faceplant on Friday, May 26 at both brewery locations. This year’s recipe will again include Tailwind Nutrition electrolytes.

This collaboration beer, the original joint effort, is a 27 year-long tradition between the two breweries. Last year, Durango local company Tailwind Nutrition got on board to celebrate 50 years of this iconic bike race with the addition of their orange blossom electrolytes in the recipe. “This year’s Faceplant is very similar to last year in that it’s an ale-lager hybrid that has a pleasant orange citrus flavor and aroma and a slightly orange hue. The citrus character is derived from the use of Mandarina Bavaria hops, Tailwind’s mandarin electrolyte mix, sweet orange peels and orange blossom honey,” says Steamworks Head Brewer Ken Martin. “At about 6% ABV it should be light, refreshing, and… hydrating?”  

"The Faceplant partnership is the essence of what Durango is all about," says IHBC Race Director Ian Burnett. "It really shows the amazing respect and support Durango has to bring together two breweries in the same town to create a beer. This support is the kind of fun partnership that has kept the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic going for 51 years." 

On Friday, May 26 local and visiting cyclists are invited to the Iron Horse Unofficial Bike Rally & Tapping Party at Ska Brewing at 4:20pm. The event includes a free commemorative pint glass, a Faceplant beer, tunes by DJ Mountain Menace, and a chance to win door prizes for all riders 21 and over before a 3-mile group ride to Steamworks Brewing. 

The 2023 batch of Faceplant Lager is available on-tap only at Ska and Steamworks for Iron Horse Weekend and while supplies last. 

Media inquiring about Ska Brewing can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT THE IRON HORSE BIKE CLASSIC 

The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is a 3-day cycling festival, which includes a 47-mile bike race and tour over two 10,000’ passes from Durango to Silverton, Colorado. The tradition began in 1971 when Tom Mayer challenged his brother Jim to see if he could ride the route faster than the train. Today the Iron Horse includes mountain bike and gravel events as well as numerous other cycling festivities around town. ironhorsebicycleclassic.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 skabrewing.com.

ABOUT STEAMWORKS BREWING COMPANY

Steamworks Brewing Company has been making award-winning beer in Durango for over 25 years. With 19 taps to choose from at their brewpub just one block off Main Avenue in historic downtown, there’s always a craft beer style available for every palate to pair with their eclectic food menu options. Visit steamworksbrewing.com to see what’s currently on tap and to view our extensive food menu.

ABOUT TAILWIND NUTRITION 

Celebrating its 11th anniversary in 2023, Tailwind Nutrition manufactures all-natural sports nutrition products that are free of GMOs, dairy, soy, and gluten, are easy to digest, and support an athlete’s fueling and recovery needs during exercise. Owned, operated and manufactured in Durango, CO, Tailwind Nutrition’s specially formulated drink mixes help athletes perform and compete at their highest level without the worry of food allergies or sensitivities. Tailwind is all you need. Really. For more information visit tailwindnutrition.com.

Lone Tree Brewing Presents One-Of-A-Kind Hopped Beverage Made With Terpenes: Ufloric Sparkling Water

LONE TREE, CO— As the NA beverage segment spikes and more drinkers get excited about alternative RTD drinks, Lone Tree Brewing is pleased to present a new product in a category all its own. Introducing Ufloric— a hopped, hemp-infused, non alcoholic, enhanced water that’s about to elevate the Colorado craft beverage game.

Ufloric is Lone Tree’s response to customer curiosity about non-alcoholic options and the budding cannabis scene in Colorado. “I see it as a bridge between beer and cannabis,” says Lone Tree Sales & Marketing Director Dennis Stack. “We are enjoying a lot of NA beers and CBD beverages hitting the market right now, and we wanted to add breadth to what’s already available.” 

Made with hop and hemp oils, or terpenes, this refreshing new bubbly water has no ABV, no THC, and no CBD; but it does boast an earthy aroma reminiscent of fresh-cut grass, and crisp, clean hop and fruit flavors. It has a subtle calming effect that evokes feelings of euphoria for which it is named. 

Ufloric will be available in canned 12oz. 6-packs in three flavors: Naked, Citrus, and Berry. 

Lone Tree Brewing Ufloric is now available on tap and in cans at the brewery. It hits select Colorado stores next week. These sales partners are excited to introduce not just this new product, but a fresh beverage category to their offerings. 

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Ufloric. 

ABOUT LONE TREE BREWING CO. 

Lone Tree Brewing Company was the first brewery to open in Lone Tree, Colorado in Denver’s South Metro area in 2011, and has remained a local staple for a decade. Lone Tree creates community around a stylistically diverse lineup of flagship, seasonal, and limited release beers that are sold in cans and on draft across Colorado, and in select locations in Kansas. Find the brewery online at lonetreebrewingco.com.

Four Ounces To Creative Freedom; Ska Brewing Releases Limited Specialty Beers In 16oz. Cans

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing has even more beer for their customers— four ounces more to be exact. After twenty years of packaging its craft in aluminum, the brewery debuts 16oz. cans today. Skull Juice Juicy Double IPA and Prickly Pear Sour will be available in this new format in very limited quantities while supplies last, with more speciality releases to follow. 

When Ska first started canning in 2003, they were one of the first craft breweries in the country to can their liquid. Now with the implementation of the CanCollar® Corsair™ provided by WestRock, long awaited 16oz. 4-packs have become a reality. 

Skull Juice Juicy DIPA is a golden, tropical hazy hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Idaho 7 hops. It boasts aromas of pineapple, guava, and orange. The can captures its barbaric and tropical vibes with a multi-toned tiling of the iconic Ska skeleton chewing on hops. 

Prickly Pear Sour Ale pours a beautiful reddish pink hue from the addition of real fruit added for fermentation. It’s a smooth-drinker with a noticeable tartness and a slightly melon sweetness. A bold, black and white graphic meets colorful cacti on this can’s groovy label. 

More surface area on these can means more room for creative design, so this new package format was a flex opportunity for Ska’s inspired Designer Cara Nosek. The new can artwork is a departure from Ska’s typical branding with the signature checkerboard stripe, while still including bold colors and comic book elements that the brewery is known for. 

Taste these fresh beers on tap at Ska Brewing’s World Headquarters in Durango today at 4pm, and find the new cans across Ska’s distribution footprint. Later this year, Ska will release more small-batch, experimental beers from their Mod pilot system in 16oz. can format. 

Media inquiring about Ska Brewing can 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.

Deerhammer and Eddyline Brewery Are Building The Crank N’ Hammer Trail In Buena Vista With Distilled Beer

BUENA VISTA, CO— Deerhammer and Eddyline debuted Trail Forge last year, a project now five years in the making that has raised $25,000 in funds for the creation of the new Crank 'n Hammer trail in Buena Vista. The next single barrel bottling of Trail Forge will be available in May. 

The concept for Trail Forge was conceived in 2018 as an unexpected excess of IPA cans that Eddyline wanted to make good use of while the beer was fresh. A squad of volunteers from the Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition hand poured each of these cans, 10,000 gallons worth, of Crank Yanker into the still at Deerhammer. “All of the volunteers thought it was so awesome that this work was going to make whiskey that was going to make trails,” says Deerhammer Founder & Owner Lenny Eckstein. “And that’s exactly what happened.” 

The Crank n’ Hammer trail is a 2.1 mile section connecting Camp Elevation South with Fistful of Dollars, a loop that will avoid car traffic on CR 304. Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado will be building a portion of this highly anticipated bikeway on May 13 and 14, and the full distance is slated for completion during the upcoming warm months.

Buena Vista institutions Deerhammer and Eddyline were both founded in part because of the surrounding Arkansas Valley trail system that they biked on long before they crafted spirits and beers for the growing number of locals and visitors in the area. Owners Lenny Eckstein of Deerhammer and Brian England of Eddyline have only gotten more passionate about these nearby trails as they raise their families in the area, and cultivate community over pints and drams aprés mountain biking. Over the years they have collaborated on various barrel aged beer projects, with their latest endeavor to craft Deerhammer whiskey from Eddyline beer inspired by and in support of Buena Vista’s extensive trail system. 

This unique category of spirits— referred to Bierschnapps in Germany– is beer distilled into spirit. The grain bill on its own might yield a malt whiskey, “but with the flavor addition of the hops added in the boil and post-fermentation, this spirit takes a turn away from more traditional whiskey notes,” says Eckstein. “It hits a hybrid flavor profile that would likely intrigue any whiskey purist, and at the same time lure in those that typically reach for a hoppy beer rather than a pour of whiskey.” 

The latest expression of Trail Forge was aged 4.5 years and will be at a cask strength of 110 proof. “The extra time in the barrel definitely rounds out the typical citrus hop notes into more of a subtle, fruit-forward essence,” says Eckstein. “Cantaloupe meets blueberries meets lemongrass and peppercorn. It almost hits me more like a brandy than a whiskey.” 

Created by local mountain biker Brinkley Messick, who has helped to build many trails in Buena Vista and beyond, the collectible Trail Forge label artwork features beer and whiskey elements, and local topography to boot. This second bottling of Trail Forge will become available at Deerhammer and Eddyline in May, just in time to welcome peak mountain biking season in the Arkansas Valley. 

For more information about Trail Forge, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT DEERHAMMER

Steeped in Tradition. Crafted in Colorado. 

Amy and Lenny Eckstein founded Deerhammer in 2010. Drawn to Buena Vista, Colorado by the whitewater currents of the Arkansas River, their passion for whiskey is driven by that same adventurous spirit. As artisans and business owners, Amy and Lenny’s process is defined by a deep curiosity for the history of spirits and a thoughtful analysis of each individual step of the distilling process. Deerhammer's cornerstone contribution to the field of American craft spirits, Single Malt Whiskey, has become the company's flagship product. Deerhammer also distills Whitewater Whiskey, Buena Vista Brandy, and Dutch Style Gin. Find the distillery online at deerhammer.com.

ABOUT EDDYLINE BREWERY

Eddyline Taproom & Brewery is one of Colorado’s fastest growing microbreweries. Since 2009, Eddyline has been focused on creating unique ales and lagers of the highest quality while representing the state’s outdoor enthusiasts. Our 16-ounce cans are infinitely recyclable, preserve the quality and freshness of the beer and are easily transportable for your favorite outdoor adventures. Eddyline works closely with local groups to help improve trails, river parks, and strongly believes in being an active steward of the local Chaffee County community. Find the brewery online at eddylinebrewing.com.

RadCraft Presents Near Beer, A Celebration of Place, at Harding House Brewing During The 2023 Craft Brewers Conference

NASHVILLE, TN— The Farm to Table movement is alive and well in the beverage industry as breweries with hyper-local ethos are popping up around the country. This event is a celebration of some of those breweries who are inspired by place. 

Come taste those places at Near Beer at Harding House Brewing Company in The Nations neighborhood of West Nashville during the Craft Brewers Conference on Tuesday, May 9 from 5 to 10pm. The breweries pouring include Scratch Brewing Company from Ava, Illinois, Fonta Flora Brewing from Nebo, North Carolina, Fullsteam Brewery from Durham, North Carolina, and Free Range Brewing from Charlotte, North Carolina. Most of the breweries participating are Craft Malt Certified™, some of them grow their own ingredients, and all of them engage with nearby farms to source their recipes. 

“Our unofficial industry tagline is buy local, but craft breweries don’t always do that themselves,” says the Co-Founder of Harding House Nate Underwood, who spearheaded Near Beer. “We wanted to celebrate and hang out with those breweries who walk the walk. Purchasing local agricultural ingredients isn’t always easy or inexpensive, so we’ve got to stick together. Using local malt, hops, and ingredients is what makes craft beer fun, flavorful, and diverse.” 

Near Beer is open to the public, and CBC ticket holders will receive beer discounts. 

Media interested in credentials to this event can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT HARDING HOUSE BREWING CO. 

Homebrewer-turned-brewmaster Nate Underwood brought his passion for local agriculture into his brewing style at Harding House Brewing Co. This brewery is named after the nickname given to a house he lived in on Harding Place here in Nashville, the place where the inspiration for the brewery originated. Co-owned by Matt Fung-A-Fat, Tyler Pate and Cameron Jones, Harding House strives to better the community in which it exists. This includes providing quality jobs and creating new agricultural economies. Harding House is committed to using the brewery as a place for the people of Nashville to gather and grow together. Learn more at hardinghousebrew.com. 

ABOUT RADCRAFT 

Founded in 2012 by Emily Hutto, RadCraft provides communications support for the beverage industry. From breweries and distilleries to maltsters and their affiliates, RadCraft’s partners are makers of thoughtful products and cultivators of radical ideas. Beers and spirits should tell stories about brands, and RadCraft loves a good story. Learn more at radcraftbeer.com.

Pink Vapor Stew By Ska Brewing Is A 2023 Good Food Awards Winner

PORTLAND, OR– Ska Brewing Pink Vapor Stew was named a winner at the Good Food Awards ceremony on Friday, April 21. 2023 marks the second year that this beer has won this prestigious competition celebrating tasty, authentic, and responsibly made products.

Pink Vapor Stew was among 2,000 entries in the 2023 Good Food Awards. In January, the Good Food Foundation 501 (c) 3 announced it as one of 32 finalists in this year's beer category. Over the weekend, it joined 17 other beers in the winner’s circle. 

Inspired by smoothies and crafted with real fruits and vegetables, Pink Vapor Stew is a fan favorite— for its subtle tartness, tropical hop notes, and bright pink hue. It’s available year-round in 12oz. 6-packs across Ska’s 11-state distribution footprint, and in select international locations. 

Media inquiring about Ska Brewing can 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 True Blonde, Modus Hoperandi and Rue B. Soho. For information, music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Lone Tree Brewing Releases Award-Winning Mexican Lager in 12-Packs

LONE TREE, CO— After fielding requests for more of its most popular recipe for years, Lone Tree Brewing is finally giving customers what they desire: 12-packs of Mexican Lager. 

Mexican Lager is one of the 11-year-old brewery’s classic recipes that has undoubtedly helped to familiarize the Colorado beer market with this now trending lager style. Lone Tree Brewing first packaged this crowd favorite, formerly known as Summer Siesta on draft, after its 2015 Great American Beer Festival® (GABF) win. It earned a silver medal in the American Style Lager category that year, making Lone Tree the first craft brewery to win in that style category (followed closely by Sycamore Brewing who won a bronze medal in the category). In 2017, Lone Tree Mexican Lager received the gold medal, the first time an independent brewery has come out on top in this style category. The lager got a new look in 2018 when the brewery refreshed its branding.

“We’ve gotten requests to package Mexican Lager in an accessible 12-pack for years now,” says Lone Tree Brewing Sales & Marketing Director Dennis Stack. “We anticipated that craft lagers by the dozen would go on trend across the Colorado beer scene soon, and it seems that time is now… just in time to celebrate Cinco De Mayo and the longer days ahead.” 

Mexican Lager 12-packs will join 6-packs of the famed lager on shelves across Colorado and in select locations in Kansas in coming weeks. 

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Lone Tree Brewing Co. 

ABOUT LONE TREE BREWING CO. 

Lone Tree Brewing Company was the first brewery to open in Lone Tree, Colorado in Denver’s South Metro area in 2011, and has remained a local staple for a decade. Lone Tree creates community around a stylistically diverse lineup of flagship, seasonal, and limited release beers that are sold in cans and on draft across Colorado, and in select locations in Kansas. Find the brewery online at lonetreebrewingco.com.

Bootleg Biology, Harding House Brewing Co., and Riverbend Malt House Present Inaugural Southern Lager Invitational During 2023 Craft Brewers Conference

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE— Bootleg Biology, Harding House Brewing Co., and Riverbend Malt House have engaged the South’s leading tastemakers to craft their expressions of ‘Modern Southern Lager’ to kickoff the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) on Sunday, May 7 at Harding House Brewing Company in The Nations neighborhood of West Nashville. 

So what is a Modern Southern Lager? Open to interpretation, this unofficial beer style ​​tends to be a dry-finishing, lower-ABV beer with a big frothy head and a hint of corn sweetness that is counterbalanced by relatively assertive hop bitterness. It pairs well with sweltering heat.

Think of this style as an update to the Pre-Prohibition Lagers that relied on 6-row barley and flaked corn to provide a lighter alternative to the all malt lagers from Europe. Now, new 2-row winter barleys are flourishing across the South and malt companies like Asheville’s Riverbend Malt House are offering craft brewers access to high quality, locally-malted barley and corn that update this style with bolder flavors. 

Riverbend and yeast laboratory Bootleg Biology have encouraged craft brewers across the South to brew their answer to the question ‘What is a Modern Southern Lager’ to serve at a celebration of long, cold fermentation at this upcoming CBC event. They’ve teamed up with host Harding House Brewing, whose dedication to local agriculture shines in unique beers brewed with plants native to Tennessee and partnerships with organizations aiming to shorten supply chains. 

Harding House and several other craft breweries in the South are currently fermenting lagers made with Riverbend malt and unique yeast strains from Bootleg Biology—  including ARL: The Southern Lager Yeast— to serve at this innovative beer showcase. “When it comes to Pilsner,” says Jeff Mello of Bootleg Biology, “The South has something to say. The lager movement is strong in our region, and it will be defined in the glass at this event.”  Look for Czech, German, and American styles reimagined with local ingredients!

Here is the current brewery list: 

BarrieHaus Beer Co. 

Barrique Brewing & Blending

The Brutalist in collaboration with King State Beer 

Cahaba Brewing Co.

Cellarest Beer Project 

Cherry Street Brewing

DSSOLVR

East Nashville Beer Works

Fait La Force Brewing collaboration with Our Mutual Friend

Fonta Flora Brewery

Fullsteam Brewery

Harding House Brewing Co. 

Inner Voice Brewing

Little Animals Brewery

New Anthem Beer Project 

Sceptre Brewing Arts

Soul and Spirits Brewery

TennFold Brewing

The Southern Lager Invitational will take place on Sunday, May 7 at Harding House Brewing Co. from 7 to 10pm. All CBC participants get free entry with proof of conference participation. This inaugural event is made possible by sponsors Boelter, who are providing custom glassware for all participants, and Dynamark. Bad Luck Burger Club will be slinging their famous smash burgers. Frothy Monkey Bakery will bring breads to taste made from spent Southern Lager grain. 

Media interested in attending and or covering the Southern Lager Invitational can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT BOOTLEG BIOLOGY

Bootleg Biology is a full-service yeast lab for professional brewers and homebrewers. 

From our location in Nashville, TN, we’ve earned a reputation for creative cultures that meet the rigorous demands of a brewery while still satisfying brewers’ goals to push the envelope.

From crispy lagers and juicy IPAs to complex mixed fermentations, Bootleg has a culture for every brew. All of our yeast is made fresh, ensuring optimal viability and keeping you on schedule.

Our lab offers a wide range of quality control testing to ensure your product meets your high standards, including PCR testing for common contaminants, IBU testing, selective media plating and more. 

ABOUT HARDING HOUSE BREWING CO.

Homebrewer-turned-brewmaster Nate Underwood brought his passion for local agriculture into his brewing style at Harding House Brewing Co. This brewery is named after the nickname given to a house he lived in on Harding Place here in Nashville, the place where the inspiration for the brewery originated. Co-owned by Matt Fung-A-Fat, Tyler Pate and Cameron Jones, Harding House strives to better the community in which it exists. This includes providing quality jobs and creating new agricultural economies. Harding House is committed to using the brewery as a place for the people of Nashville to gather and grow together. Learn more at hardinghousebrew.com. 

ABOUT RIVERBEND MALT HOUSE

Riverbend Malt House is on a quest to connect Southeastern family owned farms and fermenters. Co-Founders Brent Manning and Brian Simpson launched Riverbend, the first craft malt house east of the Mississippi River, in Asheville, North Carolina in 2010. Buoyed by a 70,000 square foot production facility and state of the art equipment, Riverbend Malt House helps breweries and distilleries large, small, and in-between stand out with flavor, locality, and community in an increasingly competitive landscape— all the while challenging the status quo of corporate, big-agriculture malt. Learn more at riverbendmalt.com.

Ska Brewing is first North American brewery to implement CanCollar® Corsair™ for plastics replacement in its packaging

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing has completed the installation of a CanCollar® Corsair™ provided by WestRock. Ska is the first craft brewery in North America to implement this automation solution, which will enable the company’s transition from plastic rings to a fiber-based solution for its multipack product wraps.

Ska has never been keen on plastic packaging, but recently identified an alternative that supports its sustainability goals.

Enter WestRock, a global paper and packaging leader dedicated to sustainability whose portfolio includes solutions for craft and artisanal beverage producers. The company’s CanCollar® Corsair™ machine automatically applies various CanCollar® paperboard-based multipack formats to 24-pack trays of product, which gives Ska the ability to package all of its canned brand offerings — including four-packs and six-packs — using a solution that reduces plastics consumption by up to 95 percent when compared to alternative plastic multipack options.

“The CanCollar, which promotes circularity, will immediately reduce the amount of plastic Ska contributes to the environment by approximately four tons per year,” says Ska Brewing COO Steve Breezley. “This contributes to a reduction in overall waste and the carbon footprint associated with the shipping and storage of our products. The innovation, ethos and ethics behind this solution are what we’re all about.”

The installation of the CanCollar® Corsair™ is one of Ska’s ongoing, never-finished efforts to build a more sustainable future,” says Co-Founder and CEO Dave Thibodeau. “We saw the opportunity to implement this fiber-based CanCollar and we’re jumping on it. We hope it will become the industry standard moving forward.”

From the choice of aluminum cans over bottles and the recycling of bowling alley lanes and old denim in the tasting room design, to the reduction of water consumption in the brewhouse and so many other initiatives to reduce waste, Ska Brewing has been a thought leader paving the way for environmental innovation over the course of its nearly 28 years in business. The brewery would love to share these strategies with anyone who asks.

Beer lovers can look for all of Ska’s canned brand offerings to sport recyclable fiber collars applied by the CanCollar® Corsair™ on shelves starting in April.

Media inquiring about Ska Brewing or their sustainability objectives can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. Questions about WestRock can be directed to Robby Johnson at robby.b.johnson@westrock.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 True Blonde, Modus Hoperandi and Rue B. Soho. For information, music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

ABOUT WESTROCK

WestRock (NYSE: WRK) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions, with more than 50,000 teammates in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Our integrated packaging capabilities offer end-to-end solutions to help customers address their greatest challenges.

Ska Brewing Keeps Spring Tradition Alive With 2023 Mexican Logger Release, Including 12-Packs

DURANGO, CO– Spring weather in Southwest Colorado might be traditionally inconsistent, but one thing locals and visitors can count on is the release of Ska Brewing’s Mexican Logger to kick off the season. Now two dozen years old, this craft lager returns on tap, in cans, and in a brand new 12-pack to Ska’s World Headquarters on Wednesday, March 29. 

Highly decorated and cult-followed, Mexican Logger first debuted on draft in 1999. Crisp and clean from cold fermentation, this beer is made with a yeast strain from Mexico City to honor the roots of this now popularized lager style. In 2011 it became one of, if not the, first American craft lagers to hit a can. 

Now for the first time, this fan favorite is available in 12-pack format. The Ska team is excited to share this long-awaited and requested SKU, which customers can pick up at the Mexican Logger release party. 

On Wednesday, March 29, Ska will welcome patio season with Mexican Logger’s 2023 release at 5pm— rain, snow, or shine. Baracutanga, a seven-piece band representing Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and the USA with a distinct Latin sound, will perform live while guests can enjoy beer and food specials. One lucky lager-lover will go home with a custom Ska Brewing paddleboard. 

Twelve and 6-packs of Mexican Logger will arrive on shelves across Ska’s distribution footprint later this week, replacing its winter alternative Mexican-style Lager Dark.

Media assets for Mexican Logger are available for download here. Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with any questions. 

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.

Maine’s First Maltster Blue Ox Malthouse Wins Two Prestigious Malt Cup Awards

LISBON FALLS, ME— Blue Ox Malthouse was awarded two Malt Cup awards by the Craft Maltsters Guild on March 17 at the annual Craft Malt Conference held this month in Portland, Maine. This esteemed international competition is the only recognition program of its kind for the malting grain industry. The award comes at the 10 year anniversary of Blue Ox Malthouse’s incorporation to become Maine’s first malthouse. 

Among the 90 total entries from 34 malthouses in four malt categories, Blue Ox received bronze Malt Cup awards in the Pale and Light Munich categories. Entries were scored by 200 judges that included barley breeders, brewers, distillers, maltsters, Beer Judge Certification Program participants, and Cicerones in three rounds of comprehensive analysis that included the hot steep process. 

Blue Ox’s light, clean, and crisp Pale has mild sweet and grainy aromas and is fully modified for high extract and enzyme potential. It’s malted to elevate the foundation of lighter beer styles like Kolsch, Blondes and Pales. Their Light Munich style yields lightly toasted bread crust flavors rounded by a deep biscuity sweetness with hints of peanut butter. It’s malted to build character for many beer styles. 

Both these styles are built of malting barley grown and sourced from Aroostook County Maine–consistent with Blue Ox Malthouse’s mission to support and build local robust, resilient, supply chains. Unusually, these products are also made using the traditional floor malting techniques–a hands-on artisanal approach in which grain is germinated on concrete floors and turned by hand. This method is more common in Europe and Blue Ox Malthouse is one of the few North American malthouses dedicated to using this style of production. 

Now in its fifth year, the Malt Cup is facilitated by the Craft Maltsters Guild— the trade association supporting the work of craft malthouses across the globe— in collaboration with Montana State University’s Malt Quality Lab and sensory analysis company DraughtLab. 

“We’ve known for years that we are making top quality, world-class products that present Maine and Maine grains in the best light possible. It is great to have that validated in such a competitive, high caliber competition,” says Joel Alex, Founder and CEO of Blue Ox Malthouse. Additionally Alex went on to say that “perhaps the most meaningful part for me is the recognition this gives our staff for the great work they do every day to bring these products to life. Winning for the first time while we were hosting the conference here in our home state with our tenth anniversary coming up next month is particularly special!” 

Media inquiring about Blue Ox Malthouse can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT BLUE OX MALTHOUSE 

Launched in 2013 by homebrewer and community organizer-turned-maltster Joel Alex, Blue Ox Malthouse is Maine's first malting operation. Blue Ox Malthouse seeks to push the possibilities of craft beer and spirits, and support Maine agriculture by connecting these two groups through world class quality Maine-made malt. Reinvigorating a centuries-old floor malting tradition, Blue Ox is committed to growing the connection between brewers and farmers while striving to grow more sustainable food systems and serve as a model for sustainable and rural economic development. Learn more at blueoxmalthouse.com.

The Ska Lager Joins Canned Craft Lager Lineup at Ska Brewing

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing is psyched to present the next lager in its year-round canned lineup: The Ska Lager will debut at the brewery World Headquarters on Thursday, March 9 and hit shelves next week. 

The Ska Lager came to fruition much like Ska Brewing’s OG craft Lager Mexican Logger circa 1999: the brewing team’s beer style of choice is clean, refreshing lager that can be sipped any time of year— or time of day. 

The 4.8% ABV Ska Lager is a no-nonsense, snappy, crisp, bright, easy-drinking lager with the gentlest floral aroma lent from its additions of Tettnang and Bravo hops. It’s a beer that makes you want another beer. 

The Ska Lager joins Ska’s decorated and well-known canned lager family that includes Mexican Logger and its dark, winter sister Mexican-Style Lager Dark, Rue B. Soho Grapefruit Lager, and Ska Oktoberfest.

Grab a can of The Ska Lager at its release party on Thursday, March 9 at Ska Brewing’s World Headquarters where Rob Webster will play live at 5pm. 

Media inquiring about Ska Brewing’s lager program and The Ska Lager can 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 True Blonde, Modus Hoperandi and Rue B. Soho. For information, music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Lone Tree Brewing Hefeweizen Returns For Spring

LONE TREE, CO— Lone Tree Brewing Company Hefeweizen is now available across Colorado and Kansas for the spring season. 

After a successful launch of Lone Tree’s Hefeweizen in cans in 2022, the brewery is excited to bring back this seasonal offering both in 12 oz. 6-packs and on draft. It’s a classic German-style Hefeweizen recipe that Head Brewer Dennis O’Harrow designed to mimic the unfiltered wheat beers he enjoyed while traveling in Munich. Brewed with Noble hops and wheat, and fermented with Weihenstephan yeast, Lone Tree Hefeweizen has notes of banana, spice, and clove that blend seamlessly to make it an easy sipper with only 5.4% ABV, perfect for welcoming warmer days. 

“It’s exciting when a time-honored style like this Hefeweizen made with traditional ingredients is top-performing in the modern-day Colorado craft beer market,” says Lone Tree Sales and Marketing Director Dennis Stack. “Consumers are asking for bright, easy drinking, low ABV beers in 2023— and this wheat ale is the answer.” 

Find Hefeweizen on tap at Lone Tree and in canned 6-packs while supplies last. 

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Lone Tree Brewing Co.

ABOUT LONE TREE BREWING CO. 

Lone Tree Brewing Company was the first brewery to open in Lone Tree, Colorado in Denver’s South Metro area in 2011, and has remained a local staple for a decade. Lone Tree creates community around a stylistically diverse lineup of flagship, seasonal, and limited release beers that are sold in cans and on draft across Colorado, and in select locations in Kansas. Find the brewery online at lonetreebrewingco.com.

Resolute Brewing Rebrands, Invests More In Local Malt, Shares Community Influence in 2022 Year In Review

COLORADO— For Resolute Brewing, community is everything. The brewery just reported numbers, philanthropic impact, a greater investment in local ingredients, and an ongoing rebrand. 

Here is their 2022 Year In Review. 

In 2022, Resolute embarked upon a rebrand to present a more refined aesthetic. They debuted their new logo, glassware, and merchandise in the fall, and have 2023 plans to integrate the new branding into the design of their taprooms. 

Resolute Brewing produced around 1000 BBL of beer in 2022 by Head Brewer Kyle Larkin and Brewers Nico Cervantes and Ethan Munoz. Its original location in Centennial is the site of brewing operations, while the Arvada Tap & Cellar location is the home of the company’s barrel aging projects. Of note in 2022 was Resolute’s shift to Denver local Leopold Bros. as their primary base malt provider. 

“Leopold Bros. is producing super high quality floor malted grain,” says Larkin. “Their Pilsner malt is in many of our mainstays, and we use as much of their other malt styles as we can. I love sourcing locally and we’re grateful to have such a strong connection with our maltster.” 

Larkin and the whole Resolute team were overjoyed to receive the brewery’s first Great American Beer Festival® medal for their German-Style Doppelbock category for Execrator Doppelbock. Resolute was also awarded a gold medal at the 2022 Best of Craft Beer Awards for the Doinkinbonk Porter. 

Throughout the year, Resolute hosted events for and donated more than $5000 to more than 20 local philanthropic organizations including; Hog Haven Farm, Special Olympics, Project Helping, Ray of Hope Cancer foundation, Rainbow Alley and Pawsitive Restoration.

Resolute is extremely proud to provide community spaces that, beyond serving as comfortable gathering places, also give back to their communities in Centennial and Arvada. These taprooms function under the leadership of General Manager Jamie Gibbs, Arvada Taproom Manager Ashley Nikel, and 13 rockstar bartenders committed to great hospitality. Resolute has 19 team members total, including Lucas Wattles who supports Resolute’s can distribution across Colorado’s Front Range. 

Resolute is excited for the year ahead, with collaborations, new beers, and more community events underway. Stay tuned on their website and social media channels for updates. 

Media inquiring about Resolute Brewing can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT RESOLUTE BREWING CO. 

Resolute Brewing Company serves beer crafted by friends, for friends. The brewery was founded in Centennial, Colorado in 2016 to serve the metro Denver community with unrelenting dedication to classic, high quality beer styles. This resolve has since expanded into Arvada with the opening of Resolute Tap & Cellar in 2019, and across the state through distribution via Colorado Craft Distributors. Find Resolute Brewing online at resolutebrewingco.com. 

Ska Brewing Reports 2022 Impact; Previews New Sustainability Initiatives

Photo of Ska’s xeriscaped beer garden courtesy The Brewtography Project

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing is coming off of a dynamic year in business engaged in the craft beer, music, art, biking, and local Southwest Colorado communities in which it is ingrained— with even bigger plans to support its community with sustainability initiatives in 2023. 

Here is Ska Brewing’s 2022 Year In Review.

BEER

In 2022, Ska Brewing brewed approximately 25,000 BBL of beer that was served on tap at the brewery World Headquarters and distributed nationwide. Ska’s distribution footprint grew to 11 states last year with the addition of Wyoming in the fall.

Ska debuted several new canned beers last year, such as the new age Checkered Future IPA that brought together old school hops and new brewing techniques; Raspberry Blonde Ale that gave a fresh take on a classic style; the Faceplant Lager brewed with Tailwind Nutrition electrolytes; and the Peppermint Bark Stout crafted with Animas Chocolate Company peppermint bark. The brewery also brought back famed mainstays Mexican Logger, Oktoberfest, Euphoria Pale Ale, and Mexican Lager Style Dark. 

Up next in Ska’s canned beer lineup is The Ska Lager, a snappy, crisp, bright, and easy-drinking at only 4.8% ABV. This new no-nonsense offering will hit shelves in March. 

MUSIC 

Ska Brewing was born out of an affinity for music, which the brewery continues to stoke by hosting Ska, punk, and other relevant bands of all shapes and sizes to play at the brewery. The legendary third wave Ska group Hepcat and opener Rude Girl Revue traveled to Durango to perform an epic show at Ska’s 27th Anniversary Party and Brewer’s Invitational. 

SOUTHWEST COLORADO 

Ska was a proud supporter of many events that took place in its hometown Durango, Colorado— including Durango’s annual winter festival Snowdown, the 50th anniversary of The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, the Durango Independent Film Festival, Animas River Days, Downtown 4th of July Celebration, Singlespeed Cyclocross World Championships, Thirsty 13 and many more.

Ska partnered with Fort Lewis College on multiple efforts, including a hop biotransformation research project that yielded the Skyhawk Single Hop IPA; and a hard seltzer branding deep dive with the Fennell-Saegert Student Marketing Agency.

Each year, Ska donates upwards of $50,000 in product, money and time to nonprofits organizations such as La Plata Open Space Conservancy, Manna Soup Kitchen, Fort Lewis College, United Way, KSUT, KDUR, Women’s Resource Center, LaPlata County Humane Society, and Trails 2000, among many others.

Ska Distributing continued to serve the Southwest Colorado market by bringing craft beer brands to the area from across the state and beyond, including new auditions to the portfolio: Bruz Beers and Weldwerks Brewing Co. 

COMMUNITY

Outside of its hometown, Ska engaged with the beer community at large through collaborations with Living The Dream Brewing in Littleton, Colorado and Manhattan Brewing in Manhattan, Kansas. 

Beyond beer and music, Ska is passionate about art— especially art that showcases Ska music. During the Ska anniversary weekend in September, Ska hosted San Diego-based artist Nan Coffey for an art show that brewery visitors can still peruse on the second floor of the building. 

Beyond beer, music, and art, Ska is passionate about biking. The brewery was a sponsor for Rides & Vibes in Grand Junction, the Fruita Fat Tire Festival, and 12 Hours Mesa Verde, among others. This year, Ska is stoked to be the official beer of the Session Series, Triple Bypass, Salida76, and Beti Bike Bash by Team Evergreen Cycling. 

SUSTAINABILITY 

Ska has long committed to reducing waste and developing brewery and distribution systems that minimize its carbon footprint— from recycled jeans in the walls as insulation and reused bowling alley wood as tables, to solar panels, solar lighting, wind energy credits, and recycling of all cardboard, paper, plastic, glass and metal waste. Ska was one of the first craft breweries in the country to package its beer in infinitely recyclable aluminum cans, and now has many packaging systems in place to further conserve resources, including Ionized air rinse instead of water rinsing and an efficient, on-demand, de-aerated water system. These are just a few of Ska’s sustainability programs that the brewery is constantly improving upon.

In 2023, Ska is pleased to continue these efforts alongside the implementation of two sizable and unprecedented sustainability initiatives. The brewery is installing a machine that will allow for the transition of all can collars from plastic to paperboard, making Ska one of the first breweries ever to utilize this equipment in the move away from plastic packaging materials. 

Secondly, Durango’s Table To Farm Compost will now be the recipient of all of Ska’s spent grain. This transition from cattle feed and landfill to compost will reduce methane emissions and align with Ska’s commitment to local partnerships. 

Ska will publish more information about these efforts in coming weeks. 

Media inquiring about Ska Brewing can 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 True Blonde, Modus Hoperandi and Rue B. Soho. For information, music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Living The Dream Brewing Continues To Increase Production and Community Engagement After Expanding Distribution Statewide in Colorado

LITTLETON, CO— Living The Dream Brewing reported continued momentum in 2022 after their statewide distribution expansion. This past year brought new beers, several awards, and many philanthropic opportunities for the brewery, which donated more than $13,000 to local causes. Here is the 2022 Living The Dream Brewing Year in Review. 

PRODUCTION & SALES

The installation of new equipment in 2020 for capacity and its increase in production in 2021 poised Living The Dream for a new distribution agreement with Colorado Craft Distributors in 2022. Since the companies announced their partnership last May, the brewery continues to increase production and sales. 

Now Colorado residents and visitors can find cans of Living The Dream mainstay beers— Powder Run Vanilla Cream Ale and its variants, 7-Speed IPA, Mountain Drive American Ale, and  Fly Reel Amber Ale— as well as canned seasonals across the Centennial State year round. 

TEAM

The Living The Dream team continued to grow and is now up to 15 employees.  

In 2022 the brewery promoted Michael Acerra to General Manager, hired Jayme Hillian to manage events and social media, and continued brewing operations under the leadership of Head Brewer Rob Meehan.

BEER

Living the Dream Brewing released an array of specialty beers in 2022, including Powder Run Vanilla Cream Ale variants Lemon Bar, Key Lime Pie, Tangerine, Horchata, and the famed holiday seasonal Gingerbread. Root Beer Float is the newest addition to this series, and currently available in cans and on tap while supplies last. 

Living The Dream debuted the High Line Pilsner in cans over the summer, and released many experimental batches on draft throughout the year. These beers included Sunrise Tangerine Wheat, several dark and traditional German-style lagers, and the Port Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout made in collaboration with Littleton’s ROCKER Spirits. 

ACCOLADES

Living the Dream received six awards in the 2022 Denver International Beer Competition: Gold for Velvet Imperial Stout and Port-Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout; Silver for 7 Speed IPA, Guava Mountain Gose, and Powder Run Cream Ale; and Bronze for Fly Reel Amber Ale. The brewery also took home a silver award in the American Style Fruit Beer – Tangerine category of the 2022 U.S. Beer Open Championship. 

COMMUNITY 

Living The Dream invested in its taproom experience in 2022 by adding pinball machines and a pool table, hosting numerous events and a variety of food trucks, and installing new heated patio tents for year-round, comfortable outdoor seating.

Living The Dream’s continued its partnership with the Highlands Ranch Community Association, which includes sponsoring the Highlands Ranch Race Series and hosting a monthly Beer For Bucks night, raised more than $2400 for the association in 2022. Among the brewery’s other philanthropic initiatives were the 2nd Annual Daniel Vogt Memorial in partnership with Proud Souls Barbecue & Provisions that raised more than $11,000 for the American Cancer Society. 

Living The Dream also teamed up with Physio Racing, Runners Edge, and Fire Pit Runners on group runs and rides throughout the year.

Living The Dream collaborated with two fellow Colorado breweries– Base Camp Beer Works and Ska Brewing— for the 2022 Colorado Brewers Guild’s Collaboration Festival that took place in April. In October, the brewery continued its support of the beer community at large as a sponsor of the 40th annual Great American Beer Festival. 

Living The Dream is proud to partner with RadCraft on its communications strategy, which in 2022 included a revamp of its website in collaboration with Midwest Coast Media. 

MOVING FORWARD

The brewery is teaming up on brew days with New Terrain Brewing and Payette Brewing for the 2023 Collaboration Festival, and experimenting with fresh flavors for upcoming beer releases. Customers can look forward to Living The Dream’s 9th anniversary celebration this summer. 

Media inquiring about Living The Dream can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT LIVING THE DREAM BREWING

Living the Dream Brewing is a craft brewery established in 2014 in Littleton, our home base for adventure in Colorado. Built on a foundation of brewing beer using only the finest ingredients, Living the Dream celebrates the people, places, and activities of the Centennial State. Live the life you have imagined, and join us at livingthedreambrewing.com.