Denver’s Thirsty Monk Brewery To Open Monday, Launch Food Flights
Thirsty Monk offers six Food Flights sourced from Uptown neighborhood restaurant partners.
photo by Colin Bridge
DENVER, CO— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer bars, opens its greatly anticipated Denver brewery and tasting room Monday in City Park West.
This Denver opening comes with the launch of Thirsty Monk’s Food Flights, selections of small, snack-sized portions expertly curated by Certified Cicerones® to pair perfectly with your chosen beer style. Thirsty Monk offers six Food Flights— Belgian, Light, Medium, Dark, Sour, and Hoppy— in an elevated box lunch-style presentation that includes four food items (a protein, a cheese, a grain, and a preserve) sourced from Uptown neighborhood restaurant partners, including Humboldt Farm, Fish, Wine; Patxi's Pizza; Jack's Uptown Grille; and Olive & Finch.
On draft currently are Thirsty Monk’s flagship lineup of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales that includes Abby Blonde, Past Life Amber Ale, Screaming Monk IPA, Clever Monk Saison, Wiser Monk Table Beer, and Easy Gose among others. Thirsty Monk Head Brewer Brian Grace, based in Denver, has been helping connect the Colorado and Asheville craft beer magics to further elevate Thirsty Monk’s quality beer offerings, and is hard at work designing the brewery’s new upcoming sour and barrel-aged programs.
“There is a such a strong Colorado - Asheville connection bound by beer. As several Colorado breweries have chosen to make the Asheville area their second home, Thirsty Monk is thrilled to be the first North Carolina brewery to make Colorado its second home. And Denver’s City Park neighborhood now truly does feel like my personal second home. This is absolutely where I would live,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO.
Thirsty Monk is located in the former Deep Draft Brewing space along Restaurant Row at 1604 E 17th Avenue. The brewpub will celebrate its grand opening on Monday, March 26 at 4pm. Regular hours will be Monday - Thursday 4pm to midnight; Friday - Saturday noon to 1:30am; and Sundays noon to 10pm.
For more information about Thirsty Monk contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008 Thirsty Monk currently operates four locations in Asheville, North Carolina including Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar, Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, as well as Bazi Bierbrasserie in Portland, OR and now its Denver brewery and tasting room. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Ska Brewing To Release Mexican Logger April 4
Ska Mexican Logger is crisp, clean, and refreshing — made for hot afternoons with a side of lime.
Mexican Logger will be available at Ska Brewing’s World Headquarters in Durango on Wednesday, April 4, where you can catch Buster’s Ghost live at 5pm and pick up the season's first 6-packs of this beloved craft lager.
Ska brewed this beer for the first time long before Mexican lager was a hot craft beer style, back in 1999. Mexican Logger was Ska’s first session beer back then, long before session beers were a thing. The beer first hit cans more than ten years later in 2011, and then won back-to-back Great American Beer Festival® awards in the International Style Pilsner category in 2015 and 2016.
Ska Mexican Logger is crisp, clean, and refreshing — made for hot afternoons with a side of lime. The beer is a crushable 5 percent ABV, and brewed with a lager yeast strain from Mexico City. That same yeast strain now ferments Ska’s Rue B. Soho Grapefruit Lager as well.
Mexican Logger will be available in 12 oz. cans and on-draft in Colorado, Arizona, Southern California, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah the first week of April.
For more information about Ska Brewing, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT SKA BREWING
Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and produces over 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 skabrewing.com.
Intentional Brett, Nordic Farmhouse Saison, and Piña Collaba— Beers You've Got To Try at the 5th Annual Collaboration Festival
Collaboration Fest sports more beers brewed with craft malt this year than ever before.
Collaboration Festival 2017, photo courtesy The Brewtography Project
Named America's most creative beer festival by Food & Wine, Collaboration Fest is back for the fifth year offering more beers brewed with craft malt than ever before.
More than 10 collaborations were made with Root Shoot Malting Company’s brewery partners crafted beers with Loveland-grown and malted barley for this year’s Collaboration Fest. These beers include Ursula Brewery's and Westbound & Down Brewing Company's Farmhouse IPA that was brewed using 100 percent Root Shoot malts and Citra, Moutere, and Loral Cryo hops; and two hazy IPAs by Lost Highway Brewing Company, with Berthoud Brewing and Peacemaker Brewing, respectively.
Plot your beer festival map. Taste these projects before they're gone...
Strange Craft + Freetail Brewing Co.
Strange Craft got the Collab Fest ball rolling early, the day after GABF to be exact. Jason Davis, the Director of Brewing Ops at Freetail Brewing stuck around after the festival for Denver’s first snow day of the season to help brew what will go down in history as Strange Craft’s first intentional Brett beer. Don’t ask about the unintentional ones. StrangeTail Seven is a malt-forward English IPA was finished in a Red Wine barrels inoculated with a different variety of Brettanomyces in each barrel.
Lone Tree Brewing Company + Cannonball Creek Brewing Co.
Craft malt liquor— it’s all the rage right now. And Collab Fest participants will get to taste one of the finest, crafted by the Billy Dee fans over at Lone Tree Brewing Company with their friends and fellow 40-lovers Cannonball Creek Brewing. This tall beauty was brewed with a traditional grain bill consisting of mostly pilsner malt paired with flaked corn, flaked rice and some dextrose sugar to lighten the body of the beer. A massive amount of Hallertau Blanc and Vic Secret hops went into this boil and asa dry hops, which made this malt liquor as "juicy' as your favorite hazy IPA. Weighing in at 7.6 percent ABV and 35 IBU, this beer pushes the envelope of what a malt liquor can be.
Station 26 + Sleeping Giant Brewing Company, Wibby Brewing
Station 26 Brewing Co. collaborated with Sleeping Giant to create Nordic Farmhouse Tripel Double IPA brewed with White Wheat, Pilsner, Vienna, and CaraBelge malt, Candi Sugar, and hopped with Cascade, Citra, and Mandarina Bavaria.
Station 26 has also collaborated with Longmont-based Wibby Brewing to craft a Biere de Mars with the perfect balance of malt, hops, and an Inland Island yeast induced spiciness. Station 26 founder, Justin Baccary, suggested the idea of using a French Ale strain from Inland Island and Ryan Wibby was excited about using a different yeast strain and brewing with some more interesting, aromatic hops making this a truly collaborative and unique drinking experience.
Station 26 at Wibby Brewing, photo courtesy The Brewtography Project
Bonfire Brewing + Zuni Street Brewing, Invasive Species Brewing
There’s a childhood story— well, a lot of them— behind this collaboration brew. “We all grew up together,” says Jim Rabun who brews for Bonfie Brewing, “and so it’s been great to get back together with TJ and Willy and come up with a beer inspired by all of us.” This beer is kind of like a light Porter, or a dark Belgian recipe, brewed with chocolate malt from Proximity Malting and fermented with Zuni's house Belgian yeast strain. “We decided on this beer because we are into brewing dark beers and Zuni is great at Belgian's so we decided to combine to two together,” adds Rabun.
Bonfire also worked with Florida based Invasive Species Brewing on a Hazy Piña Colada IPA, appropriately named Piña Collaba. This lighter bodied IPA displays the tropical flavors from Denali and Motueka hops, Pineapple, Coconut, Passionfruit, and an addition of Lactose for more mouthfeel and increased sweetness.
Ska Brewing + Ratio Beerworks
From the hearts of a bunch of punks who love great music and great beer comes this new twist on a White IPA. Magnetic North Norwegian White IPA hits with a classic wheat base, dry hopped with Mandarina Bavaria and Amarillo. The Nordic Farmhouse yeast strain gives notes of orange with a dry finish to this bright, citrusy, making Magnetic North a true Spring crusher.
Holly Gerard shared her Magnetic North brew day shots on her badass beertography blog and Instagram feed, Aperture of Ales. Check them out here.
Funkwerks + New Image Brewing Co.
Meet Arnie, a Kettle Sour with black tea and lemon peel. This beer will cleanse your palate after a long day of diverse flavors. Don’t wait until the end of the fest to get it, though!
Eddyline Brewery + High Alpine Brewing Co.
High Stoke Scotch Ale is a collaboration between Eddyline Brewery and High Alpine Brewing Company. A big malty nose gives way to a very slight herbal hop aroma. Rich caramel malt flavors dominate the palate, finishing with the slightest smoke impression. Mouth feel has a soft tactile feel on the tongue. Deliciously drinkable and gets even better as it warms in the glass.
Strange Craft + Fiction Beer Company
The Stranger Than Fiction is a strong Saison was brewed with oats and spelt before it fermented with a blend of Strange Craft's house Belgian yeast and Brettanomyces and barrel aged on plums and blackberries. See what they did there?
Strange Craft + Metropolitan State University
Strange Craft also brewed a third Collab Fest beer with Metropolitan State University creating Nitro Raspberry Porter, a traditional English Porter finished on Raspberries.
Stranger Than Fiction brew day at Fiction Beer Company, photo courtesy The Brewtography Project
Bonfire Brewing Nominated for Vail Valley Business of the Year
Bonfire Brewing is among 15 nominees for the Business of the Year category.
The Vail Valley Partnership, the region's chamber of commerce, recently announced the nominees for the organization's 2018 Success Awards. Bonfire Brewing is among 15 nominees for the Business of the Year category. There are additional categories for New Business of the Year Award (for which Bonfire Brewing's next door neighbor Pickup's Pizza is nominated) and Small Business of the Year (for which Bonfire's friends and event collaborators Yoga Off Broadway is nominated). Congratulations to Bonfire Brewing, their friends in Eagle, and all of the exceptional businesses nominated for the 2018 awards.
Ska Brewing Debuts Mod Project #4: Berliner Weisse
The fourth beer in Ska Brewing’s Mod Project hits stores across the brewery’s distribution footprint this week.
The fourth beer in Ska Brewing’s Mod Project hits stores across the brewery’s distribution footprint this week.
“Meet Berliner Weisse, my favorite spring offering,” says Ska Brewing Sales & Marketing Director Kristen Muraro. “This beer is so bright and refreshing, and only 4.5 percent ABV.”
Berliner Weisse has a light citrus aroma with a hint of champagne. The flavor of Ska’s Berliner Weisse starts out with a refreshing tartness that evolves into a crisp lemony character that finishes dry with a hint of melon— and no bitterness. It’s fairly simple, and pretty darn perfect for springtime shenanigans.
Berliner Weisse follows Pink Vapor Stew, Tart Mexican Logger, and Sour Apple Gose from the Mod Project at Ska. The project delivers assorted, seven-barrel-batches of blended and experimental offerings, with varying levels of tartness to complement the blend of local fruits used in producing them. The Mod Project is available in 12 oz. cans in Colorado, Arizona, Southern California, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah.
For more information about Ska Brewing’s Mod Project, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT SKA BREWING
Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and produces over 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.
Eddyline Brewery Releases 2018 Grapefruit Yanker IPA; Expands Buena Vista Tasting Room
The beer comes in at 7.2 percent ABV with a small addition of mango to give it an extra citrus punch.
BUENA VISTA, CO — Eddyline Brewery is excited to announce the release of its seasonal Grapefruit Yanker IPA, a grapefruit infused version of its best selling Crank Yanker IPA.
“Grapefruit Crank Yanker, blew it out of the park for us last year, and we decided to extend its run in 2018,” say’s Eddyline CEO Brian England, “It sold out much faster than we anticipated and we had fans and accounts asking us all winter when it would come back.”
The beer comes in at 7.2 percent ABV with a small addition of mango to give it an extra citrus punch.
“It is the perfect beer to kick off spring, and we plan on making it well into the summer,” says England, "We are excited to be doing what we do best, making great beer for any adventure.”
Eddyline is currently finishing the remodel of its Buena Vista tasting room, adding more seats to help accommodate the area’s bustling increase in business.
“Buena Vista has seen an incredible increase in visitors since we first opened in 2009,” adds England. “We had guests lining out the door all summer and hope by adding a few more seats we can help quench the thirst of the hikers, bikers, and rafters that come in for a well earned pint after a day in the great outdoors.”
Grapefruit Crank Yanker IPA is available at Eddyline’s Buena Vista locations, and in 16 oz. cans across Colorado in cans beginning this week.
For more information about Eddyline Brewery, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.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.
Bonfire Brewing Releases New WtFO Double IPA Cans
WtFO is a Double IPA named after WFO, a previously unnamed run at Vail Mountain, and with a nod to the experimental nature of the beer, which contains an ever changing slate of lupulin in all its forms.
EAGLE, CO — Bonfire Brewing’s packaging redesign continues with the introduction of WtfO Double IPA in 12 oz. cans, set to hit stores in six packs this week. Bonfire began this artwork refresh last year with new Demshitz Brown Ale and Kinder Pale Ale cans.
WtFO is a Double IPA named after WFO, a previously unnamed run at Vail Mountain, and with a nod to the experimental nature of the beer, which contains an ever changing slate of lupulin in all its forms. The debut cans feature Summit, Citra, Amarillo, and Mosaic hop varietals for notes of grapefruit, tropical fruit, and tangerine.
“We've used, and may use again, lupulin powder in the beer,” explains Bonfire Co-Owner Andy Jessen. “We'll dabble with fresh hops if available, and could also explore the use of hop oils and concentrates. Who knows? In any event, we expect it to change regularly as we use this beer to explore the boundaries of the style.” The new WtFO cans display a dazzling cosmos overlooking a mountain corridor, encapsulating the spirit of experimentation and the great state of Colorado.
Bonfire plans to release cans of WtFO in their home market of Eagle County beginning this week, with shipment to additional markets around the state the following week. WtFO is also regularly available on draft at Bonfire’s tasting room.
Redesigns for Firestarter IPA and Brush Creek Blonde Ale 12 oz. cans are set to follow the release of WtFO and will be available beginning April 2018.
For more information about Bonfire Brewing, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING
Craft enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers gather around Bonfire Brewing in Eagle, Colorado, where the beers are driven by quality, curiosity, and community. Founded in 2010, Bonfire continues on their path of sustainable growth with cans of their year-round beers available in liquor stores and restaurants across Colorado. Gather ‘round Bonfire online at bonfirebrewing.com.
Lone Tree Brewing Welcomes Spring With 2018 Bière de Printemps
The bright lemon notes from this beer’s yeast finish out the experience and open the senses to the aromatics of spring.
photo by Colin Bridge
LONE TREE, CO — Lone Tree Brewing Company’s 2018 batch of Bière de Printemps is now available in bombers while supplies last. This spring seasonal belongs to Lone Tree’s Branching Out Series of small-batch, specialty beers.
Bière de Printemps, a Bière de Mars, is a palate-awakening French-style spring ale fermented with French Ale Yeast that yields spicy aromas and subtle citrus notes. It is brewed with Noble Hops and a touch of soft winter wheat. The bright lemon notes from this beer’s yeast finish out the experience and open the senses to the aromatics of spring. These first sips of springtime weigh in at 8 percent ABV and 25 IBU.
Bière de Printemps was bottled for the first time in 2017, and this year it returns with refreshed artwork that was created during the brewery’s rebrand via Anthem Branding. It is available on draft at Lone Tree’s tasting room and in bombers across Colorado while supplies last.
For more information about Bière de Printemps contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT LONE TREE BREWING COMPANY
Lone Tree Brewing Company was the first brewery in Lone Tree, Colorado that opened near Park Meadows Mall in 2011. The neighborhood-focused, family-friendly brewery and tasting room regularly hosts community events that gather around a stylistically diverse lineup of flagship, seasonal, and limited release beers. Lone Tree's cans 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.
Ska Brewing Now Distributing Telluride Brewing Beers in Durango
Telluride’s Brewing 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.
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
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.
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
Grammy-nominated The Record Company performs as part of the two-day street party. The full music lineup will be announced on March 20, 2018.
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
In 2017, RadCraft's partners brewed more than 93,000 BBL of beer, employed 1,154 people, and contributed more than $100,000 to charity.
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.
Strange Craft Beer Co. / Wit’s End Brewing Co.
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
This award-winning beer is now available in canned six-packs across the brewery’s distribution footprint in Colorado.
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
Talking Stout styles with Dan Rabin. Here are four varieties of Stouts, with examples of each style to boot. Happy 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
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.
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 and was named the best bar in North Carolina in the RateBeer.com Best Places for Beer by Subregion for 2017.
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.
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
We drank Stout every day for a month, and here's what we found out.
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…
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
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.
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
The Order 26 Food Truck at Station 26 Brewing Company is now open for business daily.
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.