Ska Brewing Now Distributing Telluride Brewing Beers in Durango

Telluride Brewing has partnered with Ska Brewing Company on its Durango distribution. Telluride’s beers are now available at bars, restaurants, and liquor stores in Durango and in surrounding areas— and at Ska’s tasting room every once in a while, too.

“You might think the idea of another production brewery in the Southwest corner of the state would feel like competition, but Ska welcomed us with open arms even before we were open,” says Telluride Brewing President Tommy Thacher. “As we focus more on production there was no better fit in a distribution partner than our big brother Ska, who is is engrained and much more present locally than we could have been before.” 

“We have been enjoying Telluride’s high quality, consistent beer since their start,” adds Ska Brewing CEO Dave Thibodeau. “We are stoked to have more of it around, and more excuses to drink beer with our friends from Telluride.” 

Telluride Brewing Company sells cans of Face Down Brown, Tempter IPA, Fishwater Double IPA, Whacked Out Wheat, Bridal Veil Rye Pale Ale and Russell Kelly Pale Ale, as well as draft-only flavors in its distribution footprint. Telluride’s portfolio is available throughout the rest of Colorado through Elite Brands. 

For more information about Ska Brewing or its distribution arm, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT SKA BREWING

Ska Brewing Company is the premiere craft distributor for Southwestern Colorado. In addition to their own award-winning products they distribute for other breweries such as Left Hand, Stone, Marble, La Cumbre and several others. Ska services on and off-premise accounts in Durango, Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray, and Pagosa. Find Ska online at skabrewing.com.

ABOUT TELLURIDE BREWING

Telluride Brewing Company crafts gold-medal beer in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Brewed with premium malts and worthy hops, the beers it produces are distinct yet classic. In just six years, the brewery has grown from a local favorite to a state-wide sensation, serving up its beers in kegs and cans throughout Colorado. Telluride Brewing Company has earned accolades for its Whacked Out Wheat at the World Beer Cup® (2015) and Great American Beer Festival® (2015) and for its Face Down Brown at the World Beer Cup (2012) and the Great American Beer Festival (2012 & 2014, 2015). For more information, visit telluridebrewingco.com.

Sour Fest at Thirsty Monk in Asheville Returns For The 8th Year

photo by Colin Bridge

Sour Fest at Asheville-born Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer bars, is back for the eighth year March 12 to 16. This celebration of sour, wild and mixed fermentation ales from across the state, country, and the globe is Thirsty Monk’s first signature event of the year.

Sour Fest is a five-day tap takeover of sought-after sour beers at Thirsty Monk in Downtown Asheville and Biltmore Park locations. The beer list includes rare selections from Cascade Barrel House, New Belgium, Firestone Walker, Brouwerij Boon, Haw River Farmhouse Ales, Zebulon Artisan Ales, and so many more.

“I curate this tap lineup with multiple goals in mind,” says Thirsty’s Monk’s Beer Buyer and Marketing and Events Coordinator Joanna Postlethwaite. “I strive to bring together a collection of beers that explores the many flavors of sour beer— from tart, to fruit-forward, to complex and funky. I’m putting together the best examples I can find from breweries across the country and the world, as well as exceptional contributions from our talented neighboring breweries here in North Carolina.”

For a complete beer list or for more information about Thirsty Monk, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT THIRSTY MONK

Thirsty Monk, founded in 2008, brews Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operates a family of well-recognized, craft beer destinations in Asheville, NC, Denver, CO, and Portland, OR. Find the company online at monkpub.com.

The Record Company to Headline 2018 Bonfire Block Party

EAGLE, CO – Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events announced the first of two headlining bands for the fourth-annual Bonfire Block Partyheld Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2 in downtown Eagle. Grammy-nominated The Record Company performs as part of the two-day street party, and the full music lineup will be announced on March 20. Limited Early Bird tickets for the Block Party are still available and feature a VIP Experience, Two-Day Sili Packages and Two-Day Wristbands.

The Record Company’s raw and righteous rock ‘n’ roll was unleashed on its Concord Records debut album, Give it Back to You, in February 2016. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Contemporary Blues Album. “Off The Ground,” the album’s first single spent two consecutive weeks as the number one track on Triple-A radio playlists around the country, and their second, “Rita Mae Young” cracked into the top ten. In the spring of 2017, The Record Company released their top five single, “Baby, I’m Broken.”

Block Party organizers previously announced blues rocker Nicki Bluhm and Creole legends Dirty Dozen Brass Band as other Main Stage acts for the outdoor street concerts. For more information on the 2018 Bonfire Block Party and to purchase discounted Early Bird tickets, visit www.bonfireblockparty.com.

If You Go:

What: Bonfire Block Party

Where:  Broadway and Second Streets, Eagle

When: Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2, 2018

Cost: $17/$32/$95 (Limited Early Bird ticketing)

More: www.bonfireblockparty.com

Photo: The Record Company will appear as a headlining band for the fourth-annual Bonfire Block Party in Eagle, CO taking place Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2, 2018. Limited Early Bird ticketing is available and the full musical lineup will be announced on March 20, 2018.

RadCraft 2017 Year In Review

RadCraft’s partners brewed more than 93,000 BBL of beer, malted 400,000 pounds of barley, and distilled a small but significant volume of American Single Malt whiskey in 2017.

photo by Emily Sierra Photography

Last year our partners employed 1,154 people across the country, and served their world-class beer in five states. They debuted more than 15 packaged products on the market, which included Strange Craft’s 125th anniversary beer for The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa and Deerhammer’s first extension of their flagship product, Port Cask Finish American Single Malt.

RadCraft partners contributed more than $100,000 to charitable efforts throughout the calendar year.

A few of RadCraft’s tribe dug deep into their brands, refreshing and in some cases completely overhauling their label design and beyond. Lone Tree Brewing Co. underwent a complete company rebrand via Anthem Branding in the spring, and later in the year Bonfire Brewing began refreshing their canned beer labels one by one.

Lone Tree Brewing Company was awarded a gold medal for its Mexican Lager and a silver medal for its Hop Zombie IPA at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival® in the American Style Lager or Light Lager category and the Imperial Red Ale category, respectively. RadCraft partners also brought home awards from the San Diego International Beer Festival and the Colorado State Fair, among others.

Strange Craft joined forces with Wit's End Brewing Co. on Denver's first brewery co-tasting room and brewhouse at Strange's location on Zuni Street. Wit’s End Head Brewer Tyler Bies took over as Head Brewer of both brewing operations in December 2017.

Asheville-born Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer bars expanded its family of pubs to Denver, Colorado and Portland, Oregon. The Monkification of these locations is underway.

That’s only a snapshot of what our partners are up to. Here are their complete 2017 Year in Reviews.

Barrels & Bottles Brewery

Bonfire Brewing

Deerhammer

Karl Strauss Brewing Co.

Lone Tree Brewing Co.

Station 26 Brewing Co.

Strange Craft Beer Co. / Wit’s End Brewing Co.

Thirsty Monk

RadCraft secured more than 2,000 earned media placements for our partners in 2017. We helped with the launch of a new brewery brand— congratulations to Spice Trade Brewing on all of its successes in year one— and the development of online presence for a company that’s been thriving for more than 13 years— props to The MBM Group, which also hired its first managing partner Anna Nadasdy this year.  

photo by Colin Bridge

In February, RadCraft Founder Emily Hutto launched the #dailystout campaign. Learn more about the effort and its 2018 development here.

In May, Little Shop of Floral made more than 20 bouquets of #GrowlerFlowers using our old growlers for our Moms on Mother’s Day. This was the soft launch of The Growler Flowers Project, a hashtag on Instagram and Twitter. There is so much more to come.

Over the summer we challenged beer-loving photographers to submit their depiction of “Summer Beer” in the Summer Session Photo Contest. The winner, Chris Rand, won our hearts with this photo of Bella and a Mountain Tap Brewery Crowler.

Throughout the year RadCraft had the honor of participating in several educational functions dedicated to professionals in the craft marketing space. If you would like resources from any of these conferences and events, feel free to reach out.

In January, our Founder Emily Hutto gave a presentation at the January Business of Beer event at Comrade Brewing advocating social media as a market research tool.

In March she moderated a panel during Colorado Craft Beer Week that celebrated the community of the breweries along the C-470 Corridor (Keep up the #C470beer hashtag, folks!), and another discussion on best practices for brewpub marketing at the inaugural Beer Marketing & Tourism Conference.

In November she had the opportunity to speak at both the North Carolina Craft Brewers Conference and the Colorado Brewers Summit about best practices for brewery blogging and brewery public relations strategies, respectively. 

Also in 2017, RadCraft was stoked to be included in two podcast episodes, both focused on our favorite topic: craft beer marketing. Thank you to Steve Schmidt at Market the Brew and Ryan Wheaton at Branding Brews for their time and great conversations!

Market The Brew, Episode 030: PR: Authentic Narratives for Unique Breweries

Branding Brews, Episode BB020: Creating a Content Calendar

In December, RadCraft celebrated its 5th anniversary. Read our reflections on five years in business here.

photo by The Brewtography Project

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2018

We're currently in the throws of Stout Month, using the hashtag #dailystout to document our fundraising efforts for Water For Good. 

We're excited to welcome Ska Brewing to our tribe of radical crafters. Say hello to Ska, everyone! 

We're heading to Nashville for the Craft Brewers Conference in April, where we're collaborating with fellow craft marketing companies— Promote The Brew, CODO Design, and more— as co-expo vendors. Get ready.

We couldn't do what we do without our partners, our collaborators, and our friends in the craft beer community. Raising our glasses to everyone who contributed to a successful 2017 at RadCraft. Cheers to 2018! 

Station 26 Brewing Co. Debuts Canned Six-Packs of Juicy Banger IPA

DENVER, CO — Station 26 Brewing Company’s Juicy Banger IPA is now available in canned six-packs across the brewery’s distribution footprint in Colorado.

Since its debut in 2014, Station 26’s award-winning Juicy Banger IPA has won over the hearts of hop-loving Colorado beer drinkers. It’s a 7.4 percent ABV IPA brewed with Centennial, Citra, and Mosaic hops that yield flavors of apricot, papaya, and honey.

”Canning Juicy Banger IPA makes the beer more accessible to hopheads across the Front Range," says Station 26 founder Justin Baccary. "We are excited to share our flagship beer with friends new and old."

Juicy Banger IPA joins Station 26’s canned beer family that also includes Colorado Cream Ale, Tangerine Cream, American Copper, and Pale Ale. It is now available in six-packs across the Denver Metro and Boulder areas.

For more information about Station 26, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT STATION 26 BREWING CO. 

Station 26 Brewing Co. brews craft beers in a 1960 fire station in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood. The brewery was founded in 2013 by Justin Baccary and friends. It’s an ideal first stop for travelers coming from Denver International Airport. Find the brewery online at www.station26brewing.co.

Four Styles of Stout to Track Down This Stout Month

Emily Hutto and Dan Rabin, photo by The Brewtography Project

Beer and travel author Dan Rabin and RadCraft founder Emily Hutto, gave a talk at the Denver Press Club in November about the variety among styles of the beloved Stout beer style. Thanks again to The Press Club for having us, and thanks to Dan for this great idea. He wanted to convey the true spectrum that is Stout styles, and he's largely responsible for choosing the beer list below.

It should be noted that Dan was one of the first contributors to the #DailyStout campaign for Water for Good, too! 

Here are four varieties of Stouts, with examples of each style to boot. Happy Stout Month!

Dry Irish Stout: Carlow Brewing Co. (aka O’Hara’s Brewery) O’Hara’s Irish Stout, 4.3% ABV 40 IBU

This family-owned brewery began operating in 1996 as a pioneer in Irish craft brewing. While the Dry Irish Stout style is generally synonymous with Guinness, there’s a perception among many that the Guinness brewed today by the Irish corporate giant lacks the robust character of the Guinness of old. O’Hara’s Irish Stout is often described as “authentic,” “traditional,“ and “how stouts used to taste.” Indeed, the beer hits all the right notes stylistically with a smooth malt base, coffee-like roastiness, dry finish and low alcohol content conducive to partaking in multiple pints. Its flavors are best expressed when served cool, not cold.

Sweet Stout: Finkel & Garf Brewing Co. Oatmeal Milk Stout, 5.5% ABV, 36 IBU

Stylistically, this Boulder-brewed stout represents a hybrid of Sweet Stout and Oatmeal Stout. F&G is committed to subtlety and approachability in its beers, and this one in particular is brewed to debunk assumptions that dark and “sweet” beers are scary, chewy, or cloying. It has just the right roundness of roast, dark chocolate, and malt sweetness that washes down smooth and slightly sweet. The silky mouthfeel of this stout is created through the use of about 10 percent oats in its grain bill. F&G Oatmeal Milk Stout is the 2017 GABF gold medal winner in the Sweet or Cream Stout category.

Foreign Export Stout: Left Hand Brewing Co. Fade to Black Vol. 1, 8.5% ABV 30 IBU

Longmont’s Left Hand Brewing may be best known for its smooth milk stout, but the brewery’s seasonal Fade to Black Vol. 1 Foreign Export Stout has garnered its own collection of prestigious awards including three gold medals and one silver at the Great American Beer Festival, and a gold medal at the 2016 World Beer Cup. The beer is big, bold, complex and highly satisfying. As it warms, a variety of flavors emerge including coffee, chocolate, licorice and dark fruits. At 8.5%, it toes the line, but doesn’t quite enter the terrain of Imperial Stouts.

Imperial Stout: Great Divide Brewing Co. Yeti Imperial Stout, 9.5% ABV, 75 IBU

This beer is big in every way. Made by the home of Colorado’s original strong ale (Hibernation Ale, first brewed in in 1995), Great Divide’s infamous Yeti is a classic example of the Imperial Stout style, winner of three Great American Beer Festival awards in the Imperial Stout category. It’s a liquid balancing act between big, roasty malt flavor and bold hop flavor and aroma. Stout in general and specifically Yeti has been a great canvas for brewing creations, which at Great Divide have been an array of Yeti varietals including Espresso Oak-Aged and Oatmeal Yeti.

Ska Brewing Releases Rue B. Soho Grapefruit Lager

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing is excited to announce the release of Rue B. Soho, a refreshing lager brewed with cascade hops and grapefruit (5.1% ABV). Rue B. Soho, Ska’s first new release of 2018, marks the only 2018 release for Ska that will be distributed throughout all of their markets.

“This beer has seen enormous success in our tasting room this past year,” says Kristen Muraro, director of sales and marketing at Ska. “It would be nothing short of selfish not to share it with the world, or at least our friends in the 10 other states we’re distributed in."

With Rue B. Soho, Ska is building off the success of the brewery’s other popular lagers, including their award-winning Mexican Logger which shares the same yeast. Muraro said the uber-clean lager strain is the secret to showcasing the Ruby Red citrus and the classic grapefruit character of Cascade hops.

At first your nose is treated to the aroma of bright and crisp citrus, followed by a tart and light taste of grapefruit juice and carbonation on your tongue. It’s lightly acidulated, and at only 20 IBUs, it is incredibly refreshing.

Rue B. Soho will be available in 12 oz and 6-pack cans. 

To stay up-to-date on more of these kick ass developments going on at Ska, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT SKA BREWING

Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and produces more than a dozen award-winning beers.  Pioneers in the canned craft beer movement, Ska Brewing is known for an array of styles in 12 oz cans including Modus Hoperandi, Mexican Logger, Euphoria and Pinstripe.  For information (a lot of it), music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com. Plug in to the latest updates, beer releases and shenanigans at facebook.com/skabrewing and twitter.com/skabrewing. 

Thirsty Monk Wins Best of Craft Beer Award; Named Best Bar in NC by RateBeer.com

Thirsty Monk took home a gold medal in the Belgian-Style Table Beer category in the Best of Craft Beer Awards today. 

Wiser Monk is a refreshing Belgian-style table beer with mild hints of fruit and spice on the nose, flavors of light grains, and a trace of herbal hop in its clean finish. It weighs in at 4.5 percent ABV. Wiser Monk was one of 11 entries in the 2018 Best of Craft Beer Awards. This year's silver medal was awarded to Birds Fly South Ale Project for Weatherman and bronze to Abbey Brewing Company for Monks' Ale. Find the complete list of 2018 winners here.

Also this month Thirsty Monk Brewery & Pub was named the best bar in North Carolina in the RateBeer.com Best Places for Beer by Subregion for 2017. Find that list here.

Winter Craft Celebrates Independence in Year Four

Joining the movement to help consumers understand which craft breweries are independent, WCBF only accepting independently operated brewers.

On March 3, 2018 ROTR Events will be celebrating the 4th annual Winter Craft Beer Festival (WCBF) here in Boulder. The event will take place again at the 29th Street mall in Boulder in the covered and heated portion of the underground parking structure. Last year Winter Craft boasted 50 breweries from eight states in attendance and the organizers are predicting a similar lineup to last year’s, with one twist. “The world of craft has become murky and confusing. So we will only be inviting independent brewers to this year’s fest, says co-founder Ross Bowdey. We don’t care how big the brewery is or where they come from, but we want to help the independent brewers continue to grow. Our attendees will leave knowing the breweries who attended are some of the best independent breweries in Colorado and beyond.” The event will also include food trucks, live music and many other fun surprises.

Ross Bowdey and Trevor Rhodes started the festival back in 2015 to celebrate the different styles of craft beer that show up in the winter months. They chose to host it in their hometown Boulder, Colorado as they felt it had the space for a larger style festival and has proven to be a craft beer mecca. “Beer festivals can be a great way to introduce all levels of beer drinkers to new things happening in the industry.” says co-founder Ross Bowdey. “*Beginner drinkers* have an opportunity to taste lesser known styles like saisons, sours or even tea infused beer. They get to discover what a large spectrum of beer styles exist today. The “beer nerds” will have a chance to try new styles from some of their favorite breweries and to figure out which up and coming taprooms to fill their growlers at this winter season.”

The festival raises funds for a local nonprofit, Community Cycles. Through the partnership last year they were able to raise over $4,000 for this great organization and hope to double that in 2018. WCBF has also had a great relationship with our premier sponsors, Hazel’s Beverage World in Boulder and KBCO radio, since the very beginning. “One of our main goals in starting the event was to create a space where brewers, sponsors, vendors, food trucks, our nonprofit partner, our venue and our attendees all leave the day feeling that they won. A major part of Craft Beer’s DNA is community and we want this to be a great extension of creating that community.”

WCBF has multiple levels of ticketing for the event. General admission gets you four hours of unlimited two-ounce samples of all the beers and ciders. VIP entry gets you in an hour early and this year they will get exclusive access to rare beers from 20+ of the brewers in attendance. They also have a $5 entry for designated drivers to encourage responsible drinking. “One of the reasons we love hosting WCBF at 29th street is its central location. When the festival ends at 5pm you don’t have to call it a night. People can keep the fun going at the nearby restaurants and shops that are all within walking distance.”

The lineup of brewers at WCBF promises to be the best ever as they bring in new and old independent brewers from around Colorado and across the country. The current lineup boasts 45 breweries from eight states accounting for 183 GABF medals. Melvin, Surly & New Holland are some of the out of state additions this year, with great Colorado stalwarts like Left Hand, Odell & Great Divide. “There is no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Boulder”, says Bowdey, “Amazing beer, people, music, and food, all for a good cause. This fourth year is not to be missed.”

If you would like more information on Winter Craft Beer Festival, contact Ross Bowdey at 303.748.3478 or ross@wintercraftbeerfestival.com.

Lessons Learned From A Month of #DailyStout Tasting

Photo by Jeff Tyler

In Colorado, February is Stout Month. It’s a short but passionate 28 days dedicated to the full-bodied, roasty, coffee-esque, malt-forward wonder that is the Stout beer style.

I love Stout, but I don’t always reach for it over other styles. I also love a good challenge.

So when a friend suggested I fully explore this beer style by tasting a different Stout every day last February, I gladly accepted. And to what was often the chagrin of my partner, I did it.

I tasted a different Stout each day in February 2017 and documented the process on social media using hashtag #dailystout. I held myself accountable for tasting at least one different Stout every day. Thirst Magazine caught on to what I was up to and they published this article about my Stout recommendations.

Stout came to be my daily liquid bread— after a month I had discovered its versatility, and I craved it. When Stout Month ended, #dailystout did not. I kept tasting and researching the style. One year later, here’s what I’ve come to know about Stout…

• There is a style of Stout for everyone.

• Stout comes with a dark beer stigma, and the style is generally misunderstood— even among craft beer drinkers.

• Stout is not Porter.

• Stout Month is one of my favorite craft marketing campaigns.

• Stout is for whiskey lovers.

• Stout can develop incredible nuanced flavor and aroma over time, if you know a thing or two about cellaring beers.

• Stout is a food-friendly beer, perfect for pairings.

• Stout is a blank canvas for a cornucopia of abstract beer ingredients.

• Stout is scarce in island communities. More on that later.

• Stout is a foundation for good causes.

2018 Stout Month is upon us and the #dailystout ritual returns! This year it’s dedicated to raising funds for the conservation of clean water, a resource that the brewing industry continues to consume more and more of. I've recruited fellow Stout tasters too. 

Throughout the month of February, we're drinking #dailystout to raise funds for Water For Good. This organization creates long-term partnerships with communities in Africa, empowering them with sustainable access to clean water and transformational development solutions. Water For Good was a natural partner for our #dailystout campaign because Africa is responsible for much of the world’s production and consumption of Stout... And we think what they're up to is pretty rad.

Whether you can donate or not, we hope you’ll join the #dailystout hashtag on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to help us spread the word.

Cheers to Stout Month!

 — Emily Hutto, RadCraft Founder

Bonfire Brewing Partners With Outdoor Adventure Quest on 2018 Winter Adventure Quest, February 9-11

EAGLE, CO — Bonfire Brewing Company is stoked to announce a partnership with Outdoor Adventure Quest and provide yet another opportunity to get out, explore Colorado, and enjoy great beer. 

Outdoor Adventure Quest is a “build-your-own-adventure” challenge with more than 1,000 challenge tasks spanning 12 sporting categories including hiking, biking, climbing, paddle, camping, outdoor education, and breweries. Teams will be able to earn points at Bonfire Brewing by picking up beer-to-go, playing games, and spinning the “Beer Wheel”. 

Questers will spend February 9–11 exploring Colorado, earning points along the way through the Outdoor Adventure Quest App’s live scoreboard. Teams can start and end anywhere in the state, and if they gather ‘round at Bonfire Brewing to plan or conclude their adventure they’ll score some bonus points.

Participants can sign up for the Winter Adventure Quest at outdooradventurequest.com and are invited to meet at Bonfire Brewing before the Quest to plan out their adventure with teammates. Use the code BONFIRE at checkout for 50 percent off registration. Participants who use the code receive a free beer at the taproom with proof of their confirmation email.

For more information about Bonfire Brewing, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com. With inquiries about Outdoor Adventure Quest, contact Lindsey Beres at lindsey.beres@outdooradventurequest.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.

Order’s Up at Station 26 Brewing Company’s New Food Truck, Order 26

DENVER, CO — The Order 26 Food Truck at Station 26 Brewing Company is now open for business under the leadership of Station 26 Operations Manager Dustin Darker and Head Chef Jac Gregory.

Order 26 is a New American Mobile Diner with seasonal and rotating daily specials to complement the staple items, such as the Truck-fil-a Chicken Sandwich and Smothered Tots. The truck has monthly pop-ups in the works too— look for more on its upcoming Chinese New Year celebration and Ramen Pop-Up soon. Click here for the menu.

“The addition of Order 26 is an improvement on our craft beer business model without diluting our brand,” says Station 26 Founder Justin Baccary. Order 26 will offer Station 26 customers consistent, quality food options that reflect the brewing company’s overall mission— it will use compostable plates and silverware, recycle its cooking oil for bio-fuel, and offer beer pairing suggestions for its menu items.

Order 26 will be open daily from 3-9pm M-F, 1-9pm Saturday, and 1-8pm Sunday. Later in 2018, guests can expect collaborations with local chefs, lunch hours, and more.

Learn more about Order 26 on the Station 26 Brewing blog. 

For more information about Order 26 at Station 26 Brewing Co., contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT STATION 26 BREWING CO. 

Station 26 Brewing Co. brews craft beers in a 1960 fire station in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood. The brewery was founded in 2013 by Justin Baccary and friends. It’s an ideal first stop for travelers coming from Denver International Airport. Find the brewery online at www.station26brewing.co.

Dirty Dozen Brass Band To Play Fourth-Annual Bonfire Block Party

EAGLE, CO – Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events announced the second of eight musical acts for the fourth-annual Bonfire Block Party held Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2 in downtown Eagle. New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band will perform as part of the two-day street party, with the full music lineup to be announced on March 20. Limited Early Bird tickets for the Block Party are now on sale and feature a VIP Experience, Two-Day Sili Packages and Two-Day Wristbands.

Celebrating 40 years since their founding in 1977, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band has taken the tradition of a brass band and incorporated it into a musical fusion of Bebop Jazz, Funk and R&B/Soul. Described by the Band as “musical gumbo,” their rollicking sound has brought the Dirty Dozen to five continents and 30 countries - with 12 studio albums to their name and collaborations with artists from all genres like Modest Mouse, Widespread Panic and Norah Jones. The Brass Band is considered a music machine and their high-octane live shows have brought them fans from around the world.  

Organizers previously announced blues rocker Nicki Bluhm as another Main Stage act for the Block Party. For more information on the 2018 Bonfire Block Party and to purchase discounted Early Bird tickets, visit www.bonfireblockparty.com.

If You Go:

What: Bonfire Block Party

Where:  Broadway and Second Streets, Eagle

When: Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2, 2018

Cost: $17/$32/$95 (Limited Early Bird ticketing)

More: www.bonfireblockparty.com

Photo: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band will play the fourth-annual Bonfire Block Party in Eagle, CO taking place Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2, 2018. Limited Early Bird ticketing is available and the full musical lineup will be announced March 20, 2018.

Deerhammer American Single Malt Wins 2018 Good Food Award

Photo by Kassia Borreson of the Good Food Awards blind tasting

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Deerhammer Distilling’s American Single Malt was named a winner in the spirits category of the 2018 Good Food Awards today at the organization’s annual awards ceremony at the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center. 

Now in its eighth year, the Good Food Awards are given to tasty, authentic and responsible food producers in 15 categories: spirits, beer, cider, charcuterie, cheese, chocolate, coffee, confections, preserved fish, honey, oils pantry, pickles, preserves, and elixirs. Deerhammer American Single Malt was one of 279 finalists for the 2018 awards, which include 15 other spirits category finalists. This year’s judges included Summer-Jane Bell, the president of the US Bartender’s Guild, and Sue AnderBois, the director of Food Strategy of the State of Rhode Island, among several other food and beverage professionals and spirits writers.

Good Food Awards entries must be made in the United States, utilize ingredients that are grown and sourced responsibly and grown without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fungicides or fertilizers as much as possible, free of artificial ingredients, and distilled without GMOs. 

"It’s great to finally see the American Single Malt category gain some recognition, but even more awesome to be recognized by the Good Food Awards that takes the judging criteria seriously for American whiskey,” says Deerhammer founder and head distiller Lenny Eckstein. “This award is a huge honor for us.”

For more information about Deerhammer's American Single Malt, or with any other media inquiries, feel free to contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com. For more information about the Good Food Awards, contact Madeline Wheeler at madeline@postcardcomm.com.

ABOUT DEERHAMMER DISTILLING

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 THE GOOD FOOD AWARDS

The Good Food Awards (GFA) celebrate exceptional American craft food and drink producers who create distinctive, handcrafted, and sustainable products. The GFA brings together thought leaders from every sector of the food industry to choose the most delicious products from all regions of the country in a blind tasting. Products are evaluated by region, allowing the GFA to showcase the rich variety of terroirs of the nation’s food culture, elevating craft producers with the ultimate aim of stimulating local food economies. After the tasting, high-scoring producers are closely vetted for compliance with GFA requirements for sustainable production practices. Winners and runners-up are evaluated by the Good Food Foundation and announced each January at the Awards Ceremony. Learn more at goodfoodawards.org.

Smoke ’em if You Got ’em On Saturday February 10 at the Bierstadt Rauchbock Release

Click the image for complete event poster.

DENVER, CO — On February 10 at noon, Bierstadt Lagerhaus releases its stunningly smokey Rauchbock at the Rauchbock Parka Party, and some people will really dislike it. These are of course the same people that whine about Islay malts, brilliant Mezcals and smelling like smoke after cooking on a campfire. These are people we at Bierstadt would rather not spend any time with so if this describes you, please stay away. If on the other hand, you enjoy all of the things mentioned above, plus barbecue and maybe even a cigar or two, you are not going to want to miss it. That and we already dis-invited sniveling whiners so the company, and the conversation should be glorious.

The party will go from noon to late and will include barbecue from the smoke masters at Owlbear, a Mezcal tasting from our friends at Finn’s Manor, and Cigar rolling from Palma.  It is a celebration of all things smoked and smokey.  BYO parka so you can get outside to enjoy the cigars.

Event attendance is free. Please RSVP via Eventbrite.                      

ABOUT BIERSTADT

Bierstadt Lagerhaus is a Lager Brewery specializing in German Style Lagers, located in the heart of Denver’s RiNo Art District – and we only whine very occasionally. Find us online at bierstadtlager.com.

Lone Tree Brewing Horchata Stout Now Available

Photo by Colin Bridge

LONE TREE, CO — Lone Tree Brewing Company’s seasonal Horchata Stout hits Colorado shelves in bombers this week. This popular wintertime beer is back for the third year, and only available while supplies last. 

Horchata Stout is a 6 percent ABV stout brewed with chocolate, cinnamon, and lactose. It was first brewed in collaboration with The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant as a nod to the popular Mexican rice and almond milk beverage. "Together we developed a recipe that incorporated the creamy texture of Horchata and the slight spice of cinnamon,” says Lone Tree Sales Manager Bridgette Geiger.

Horchata Stout belongs to Lone Tree Brewing Company’s Branching Out series of experimental, limited quantity beers in large format bottles. These beers were first served draft-only at Lone Tree and by popular demand have become the brewery’s packaged offerings. The Branching Out Series also includes Bière de Printemps, India Pale Lager, Cranberry Saison, English Old Ale, and Triple IPA.

A very limited number of Horchata Stout bombers will be distributed across Colorado. The beer is also on draft while supplies last at the brewery’s tasting room. 

For more information about Lone Tree Brewing’s Horchata Stout contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT LONE TREE BREWING COMPANY

Take Root, Grow Friends

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

RadCraft Reflects on 5 Rad Years in Business

Photo by The Brewtography Project

Good things come in fives— like human senses, and arms on a starfish. And the number of years that we've been in business helping fermented malted barley crafters tell stories about their brands. Rarely, though, do we tell stories about our own brand. In observance of the cooperative's fifth anniversary, RadCraft's founder Emily Hutto reflects on the company's evolution. 

Holiday Pre-Sale Tickets Available Now for 2018 Bonfire Block Party in Eagle, CO

Photo by John-Ryan Lockman/Showlove Media

EAGLE, CO – Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events announced a special holiday sale on discounted two-day wristbands, event-branded SiliPints and the newly-created VIP experience for the fourth annual Bonfire Block Party, a beer and music street party, slated for Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2, 2018 in downtown Eagle. The event, voted the Best of Vail’s Best Summer Festival, showcases main stage and side stage music along with food vendors and Bonfire Brewing craft beer releases. A portion of all proceeds benefit nonprofit partner, The Cycle Effect. The special holiday sale continues through January 1 and offers the guaranteed lowest ticket prices for the 2018 event.

New for 2018, the Block Party offers a VIP experience for concertgoers that includes a covered tent with seating, dedicated viewing area, complimentary catering, full bar service, Bonfire craft beer and a 2018 branded glow-in-the-dark SiliPint tumbler. Holiday sale pricing for VIP tickets is $85 per person and will increase to $95 per person on January 2. Two-day holiday sale general admission tickets are only $12 and two-day GA tickets with a 2018 SiliPint are $27. Both GA ticket prices will increase on January 2.

Eight bands will play over the two-day event on the Broadway Main Stage and the Second Street Side Stage, adjacent to Bonfire Brewing in Eagle. The full music lineup will be released in early 2018. Past musical acts include the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, SunSquabi, Robert Randolph & The Family Band and the Sam Bush Band.

For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.bonfireblockparty.com.

If You Go:

What: 4th Annual Bonfire Block Party

Where:  Broadway and Second Streets, Eagle

When: Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2, 2018

Cost: $12/$27/$85 (Special holiday pricing through January 1, 2018)

More: www.bonfireblockparty.com

Photo: The Sam Bush Band headlined 2017’s Bonfire Block Party in Eagle, CO

Deerhammer American Single Malt Whiskey is a 2018 Good Food Awards Finalist

BUENA VISTA, CO — Deerhammer American Single Malt Whiskey was named a finalist in the spirits category of the 2018 Good Food Awards! 

In its eighth year, Good Food Awards are given to tasty, authentic and responsible food producers in 15 categories: spirits, beer, cider, charcuterie, cheese, chocolate, coffee, confections, preserved fish, honey, oils pantry, pickles, preserves, and elixirs. Deerhammer American Single Malt is one of 279 finalists for the 2018 awards, which include 15 other spirits category finalists and seven other finalists across categories originating from the state of Colorado. Finalists were chosen from a pool of 2,057 entries.

Spirits that meet the criteria for Good Food Awards entry can trace all of their ingredients, from base distillate to added ingredients, without the use of genetically modified crops and without artificial additives.

Beginning its life as porter-style malted barley whiskey, Deerhammer's American Single Malt is shaped by open-air fermentation and double distillation through direct-fire copper pot stills. It is aged in charred virgin white oak casks for at least two years in Buena Vista's high alpine climate that maximizes the flavor potential of the mash, due to dramatic temperature shifts that can range from 40-80° in a single day. The result is a complex whiskey with notes of sweet coffee, cacao, caramel and spices. 

The winners of the 2018 Good Food Awards will be announced on January 19, 2018.

For more information about Deerhammer contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com. For more information about the Good Food Awards, contact Madeline Wheeler at madeline@postcardcomm.com. 

ABOUT DEERHAMMER DISTILLING

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 THE GOOD FOOD AWARDS

The Good Food Awards (GFA) celebrate exceptional American craft food and drink producers who create distinctive, handcrafted, and sustainable products. The GFA brings together thought leaders from every sector of the food industry to choose the most delicious products from all regions of the country in a blind tasting. Products are evaluated by region, allowing the GFA to showcase the rich variety of terroirs of the nation’s food culture, elevating craft producers with the ultimate aim of stimulating local food economies. After the tasting, high-scoring producers are closely vetted for compliance with GFA requirements for sustainable production practices. Winners and runners-up are evaluated by the Good Food Foundation and announced each January at the Awards Ceremony. Learn more at goodfoodawards.org.

What Lone Tree Brewing Company's GABF Win Means For Craft

Photos by Colin Bridge, Words by Brody Leonard

Since its genesis in 1987, the Great American Beer Festival’s “American-Style Lager” category has been dominated by the goliaths of the beer industry. Pabst Blue Ribbon, Coors Banquet and other such frat party fodder took home the gold year after year. That is until 2017, when the little guys brought out the big guns. This year, Lone Tree Brewing Co. took gold with one well-placed missile: their Mexican Lager.

Straight out of Lone Tree, CO, this small brewery is serving up some game-changing beers. Formerly known as their Summer Siesta Mexican Lager, this brew’s medal marks the first time an independently owned brewery has come out on top in this style category. With movements such as Take Back Craft gaining momentum, this is big news in the brewing community.

That said, it’s not the first time a craft brewery has come close to dethroning the likes of Pabst, Coors and Miller. Lone Tree’s Mexican Lager (under its previous name) earned a silver medal at GABF 2015.

North Carolina-based Sycamore Brewing has also had success in this style category. Their Sun Grown Fresh Craft Lager earned bronze this year, as did their Southern Girl Lager in 2015. In fact, their 2015 bronze medal prompted them to collaborate with Lone Tree Brewing on an Imperial Pale Lager. The result, Breakthrough IPL, was a celebration of the two breweries almost unseating Pabst that year.

This year, almost is no longer. While Lone Tree’s head brewer, Josh West, humbly attributes the win to a “lucky alignment of the judges’ tastes that day,” happenstance seems unlikely.  

Crisp and crushable, Mexican Lagers have been a trending style in the craft beer world. There is no specific Mexican Lager category at GABF— yet— and accordingly, this style is judged under the umbrella of American-Style Lager.

This broad category attracted 75 entries this year. Lone Tree’s victory amounts to more than the gustatory whims of a panel of beer-drinking experts.

After all, the judging process at GABF is an intensive process. Without knowing the beer’s brand or brewery, judges sit down and taste brews to determine three world-class beers in each category. The GABF Awards Philosophy states that a beer must display “the proper balance of taste, aroma and appearance” in order to be awarded a gold medal.

According to the U.S. Brewers Association, an exemplary American-Style Lager should boast a straw or golden hue. Malt sweetness should be very low, as should hop aroma and overall bitterness. In short, “American Lagers [should be] very clean and crisp, and aggressively carbonated.”

Given GABF’s rigorous judging process and the competition-heavy category, Mexican Lager’s performance stands as a testament to the passion and prowess of Josh West and the rest of Lone Tree’s team.

“We were one medal away from winning Small Brewery of the Year,” remarked West. “This year’s medals are immensely motivating — we’re very excited to see what we can do at next year’s Great American Beer Festival.”