Freshly Canned Elevation Beer Co. Señorita Hits Colorado and Wyoming

PONCHA SPRINGS, CO— Elevation Beer Company’s award-winning Horchata Imperial Porter, Señorita, returns for its second year in 12 oz. cans, now available in 6-packs and on draft across the brewery’s distribution footprint as a seasonal release through colder months.

Available just in time for Día de los Muertos and as these cooler autumn months call for big, rich, flavorful beers; this horchata imperial porter delivers aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, and sweet milk to stir up images of the delicious Mexican drink of this beer’s namesake.

Señorita pours an off-white head with a deep dark brown body and is carefully balanced with hop bitterness from the inclusion of Northern Brewer and Chinook Hops. Sweet chocolate malts and hints of cinnamon spice compliment 8.4% ABV and 25 IBU of this Imperial Porter.

When looking at the valley that passes through dramatic mountain ranges, the Ute likely called it ‘poo-paca’ (meaning ‘footpath’), a word that early Spanish explorers likely misheard as ‘Poncha.’ To Elevation, Poncha Springs has become the footpath for our lives – we brew SEÑORITA™ as a tribute to the traditional Spanish drink we love to sip looking out at Poncha Pass, pondering the history of this great place.

Señorita’s medal count includes a 2014 World Beer Cup® bronze award, 2014 Australian International Beer Awards bronze, and a 2014 European Beer Star Awards bronze.

Celebrate Señorita season at Elevation’s Cinco Días Antes del Día de los Muertos celebration at Elevation’s  tasting room on Friday, October 26. There will be a Senorita look-alike contest (prizes for best Senor and Senorita), Sugar Skull Painting, and $1.00 tacos.

For more information on Señorita Horchata Imperial Porter and Elevation Beer Co. contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com

ABOUT ELEVATION BEER CO.

Proudly operating in the remote mountain town of Poncha Springs, Elevation Beer Co. is more than just a beer company— we are a family, a community, and a collective of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Dedicated to creating sustainable, meaningful careers in rural Colorado, we take the preservation of our home as seriously as we do the quality of our beer. Taste our flagship 8 Second Kolsch and a lineup of other usual suspects and seasonals at our tasting room, and in canned 6-packs and specialty bombers across Colorado and Wyoming. Go higher at elevationbeerco.com.

Funkwerks Lands In Northern California with Tapping Events and the Brew Street Festival

FORT COLLINS, CO — Funkwerks’ beers are now available across the entire Golden State with its recent addition of Northern California to its distribution footprint. Funkwerks will be distributed via Bay Area Beverage Company and DBI in Northern California beginning October 1, 2018. 

Draft and 6-pack offerings of Funkwerks select year-round beers— Funkwerks Saison and Raspberry Provincial— are now available in select, craft-centric establishments in in NorCal including San Francisco, East Bay, San Jose, Napa, and Sacramento, along with the brewery’s latest rendition of Winky’s Snack Packs that includes Deceit, White, Raspberry Provincial, and Saison.

Funkwerks is excited to bring its Saison and other Belgian-inspired beers to one of the largest craft beer markets in the United States. “When I was younger my father lived in San Francisco. It’s exciting to be selling beer in the Bay, where I spent a large portion of my formative drinking years,” said Brad Lincoln, President and Co-Founder. 

Funkwerks invites you to join their team at the following launch events: 

October 2nd - The Good Hop from 3pm - 10 pm

October 3rd - Three Sheets Craft Beer Bar at 5pm

October 4th - Taplands Taproom, Bottle Shop & Neighborhood Brewery at 5pm

October 5th - Hop Grenade Taproom and Bottle Shop from 5pm - 9pm 

October 11th - Pangaea Bier Cafe at 5pm

October 13th - Brew Street Festival from 2pm - 8pm 

October 18th - BuzzWorks SF at 5pm 

Earlier this year Funkwerks began distributing in Southern California and most recently the Fort Collins-based brewery began selling its beers in Nevada, bringing its distribution state-count to ten. 

For more information about Funkwerks and their growing distribution footprint, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT FUNKWERKS

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

Comrade Brewing Company Celebrates with Bronze Medal from 2018 Great American Beer Festival

DENVER, CO— Comrade Brewing, an internationally acclaimed brewery, collected a bronze medal for DEFCON Red Irish-Style Red Ale at the 32nd Great American Beer Festival® (GABF®) earning their third medal at the competition since 2014. The top three winners in the 102 beer-style categories were announced at an awards ceremony held September 22 at the Colorado Convention Center.

The award winning Irish-Style Red Ale underwent a name change in 2015 to REDCON. The beer is brewed with a blend of English crystal and chocolate malt and hopped with East Kent Goldings and presents a llight caramel sweetness, fruity esters and just a hint of chocolate with a light citrus nose. The beer is available year-round on draft and in Crowlers® and growlers to-go.

“We get a lot of recognition for our hoppy ales,” said chairman and founder David Lin. “We’re incredibly proud to bring home another medal for a brew with a lot less hops. There are thousands of exceptional beers in this year’s competition and this win is a testament to the quality, talent and consistency of our brewmaster, Marks Lanham and brewer, Mike Durland."

The 2018 GABF competition winners were selected by an international panel of 293 industry professionals judging from 8,496 entries submitted by 2,404 U.S. breweries along with 101 Pro-Am and 49 collaboration entries.

For more details on the GABF competition, including the 2018 winners list and photos, visit GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com.

For more information about Comrade Brewing and their award winning Irish-Red Ale, DEFCON, email contact@comradebrewing.com.

ABOUT COMRADE BREWING

Launched in 2014 by David Lin and Marks Lanham, Comrade Brewing is often noted as one of Denver and Colorado’s masters of the India Pale Ale style and home of the flagship Superpower IPA. Comrade also brews the World Beer Cup® winning Yellow Fever Chile Beer, the Koffee Kream Extra Coffee Milk Stout, and the REDCON Irish-Style Red Ale year-round as well an array of rotating seasonals and lots of collaboration beers with fellow brewing companies. Comrade’s trophy case now sports silver medals from the 2014 and 2015 Great American Beer Festival®, a 2016 World Beer Cup gold award, and a bronze medal from the 2018 Great American Beer Festival. Find the brewery online at www.comradebrewing.com.

Introducing Rockyard Brewing Gondolier Cherry Kriek in 22oz. Bombers

CASTLE ROCK, CO— Rockyard Brewing brings remnants of a medal-winning beer to life with their newly released Cherry Kriek-style sour ale, The Gondolier, now available in 22 oz. bombers in select locations on the Front Range.

Let The Gondolier bring a balance of sour and sweetness to your palate as it propels you through the familiar tastes of a golden sour base ale aged in cabernet wine barrels with tart red cherries.

Aged for 14 months in the same barrels as Rockyard’s 2017 GABF® Gold Medal winning Plum Creek Sour, The Gondolier is a bright, crisp, easy-drinking sour which finishes slightly sweet and pours with an alluring pinkish hue. The base was brewed with a mix of European pilsner and wheat malts with a touch of rolled oats and raw wheat. After primary fermentation with a saison yeast, it was transferred into cabernet wine barrels and topped off with nearly a pound of cherries per gallon of beer in each barrel.

“Our favorite attribute of the Gondolier is that even after 14 months aging on souring bacteria, it's not a pucker bomb,”says Rockyard Head Brewer Greg Fetzer. “We’d go so far as to say it’s a starter sour.”

The Gondolier label was designed by Denver artist Drew Button of D. Button Ink. It portrays a Venetian gondolier singing music notes resembling cherries. The character was created in reference to a time when Cherry Creek ran through Denver with the infrastructure designed to be navigable by gondola. Rockyard’s Artist, Drew Button put it best: “These boaters have distinct songs they sing as they cruise the canals to announce themselves to other boaters gliding down the narrow waterways. I have feeling this beer will leave you singing!”

The Gondolier is part of Rockyard’s Barrel Aged Series and will be available in 22 oz. bombers at select retail locations on the Front Range while supplies last..

For more information about The Gondolier and or Rockyard Brewing, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT ROCKYARD BREWING

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

An Ode To Winter: Ska Brewing Euphoria Winter Pale Ale Returns Friday

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing’s seasonal Euphoria Pale Ale returns to the brewery’s World Headquarters on Friday, and hits shelves in twelve states next week. Ska is hopeful that winter is coming alongside this beer release.

Euphoria’s big malt backbone meets caramel sweetness and just a touch of chocolate, with epic grapefruit hop aroma and flavor provided by a huge dry hop addition that really make this seasonal beer shine. It all comes together as a warming, yet refreshing pale ale that powder junkies spend all year looking forward to. After the 416 Fire, this year especially. 

Euphoria was first brewed as a beer for Purgatory Ski Resort before Ska teamed up with their friends at Venture Snowboards located in Silverton, CO to brew the recipe and create a custom snowboard with Ska artwork. This tradition now returns for the twelfth year. 

“I’ve always said that hops are warming,” says Ska Brewing Co-Founder and CEO Dave Thibodeau. “As a winter Pale Ale, this beer is just a bit darker than your typical pale. It’s a great backcountry beer.” 

Kickoff the prospect of snowboarding season with Ska Brewing this Friday September 28 at the brewery’s World Headquarters at 5pm. Ska and Venture Snowboards will debut this year’s custom snowboard and host a Euphoria celebration in November— more information will soon be available about this event at skabrewing.com.

Find Euphoria in 6-packs in all twelve of Ska’s distribution states through colder months. Contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com with any more questions about this beer’s backstory or availability. 

ABOUT SKA BREWING

Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and produces more than a dozen award-winning beers fueled with Ska music, and lots of it. Pioneers in the canned craft beer movement, Ska Brewing is known for an array of styles in 12 oz cans that include Mexican Logger, Modus Hoperandi, and Rue B. Soho. For information (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit skabrewing.com.

ABOUT VENTURE SNOWBOARDS

Founded in 1999, Venture is an independent, grassroots snowboard manufacturer based in Silverton, Colorado. Venture crafts high-quality, freeride snowboards and splitboards from scratch using sustainable woods and wind power. Learn more at venturesnowboards.com.

Thirsty Monk Takes Home First GABF Medal In Company History For Denver-Brewed Abby Blonde Ale

DENVER, CO— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, was awarded a bronze medal for its Denver-brewed flagship Abby Blonde Ale in the Belgian and French-Style Ale category at the largest Great American Beer Festival® yet. This is the brewery’s first GABF award and Abby Blonde’s second medal this year.

Named after the brewery owner’s youngest child, Abby Blonde is a classic Belgian Style made with Franco-Belges Pilsner malt, wheat, and traditional sugar. Weighing in at 7.3% ABV, this slightly hazy, golden brew was fermented with Thirsty Monk’s in-house Belgian yeast strain, offering a plethora of flavors including banana and light clove.

When asked about how she felt about the win, young Abby announced that “It’s really hard to be famous. And Abby Blonde won a medal and Brother Noah didn’t.” Brother Noah is Thirsty Monk’s Belgian Chocolate Stout, named after Abby’s brother Noah. “I’ve got a unique form of sibling rivalry at my home,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “Abby Blonde is one of our best selling beers and has medaled twice in the past year, but Brother Noah has higher Untappd reviews. And both kids know where their beers stand.”

“I am so proud of Brian, Norm, and Chris, our lead brewing team, and the entire Monk staff for their constant representation of our beers to our patrons. We are so honored to be recognized for our Abby Blonde this year,” continues Bialik.

For more information about Thirsty Monk or Abby Blonde, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT THIRSTY MONK

Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk currently operates three locations in Asheville, North Carolina including Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, and Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar; and Thirsty Monk Denver, CO and Thirsty Monk Portland, OR. The brewery family has been the recipient of several beer awards just this year, including a gold medal in the Belgian-Style Table Beer category in the Best of Craft Beer Awards  and gold and silver medals at the US Open Beer Championship. Find the company online at monkpub.com.

Last Minute Liquor Store Luck Leads to Ska GABF Gold

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT SKA BREWING

Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and produces more than a dozen award-winning beers fueled with Ska music, and lots of it. Pioneers in the canned craft beer movement, Ska Brewing is known for an array of styles in 12 oz cans that include Mexican Logger, Modus Hoperandi, Pink Vapor Stew, and Rue B. Soho. For information (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

To learn more about Karl Strauss Brewing Company’s award-winning prowess visit www.karlstrauss.com.

ABOUT KARL STRAUSS BREWING COMPANY

Karl Strauss Brewing Company has been proudly independent since 1989, pioneering the craft beer scene with innovative beer releases like Aurora Hoppyalis IPA, Queen of Tarts Dark Sour, and Wreck Alley Imperial Stout. The brewery has won 110 medals since 2009 and was recently honored with the “Mid-Size Brewing Company of the Year” award at the Great American Beer Festival in 2016.

Media Contact:

Mark Weslar, mark.weslar@karlstrauss.com

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

Photo © 2018 Brewers Association

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT BRINK BREWING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT WIT’S END BREWING COMPANY

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

Odyssey Beerkwerks Hosts Arvada Firefighter Fundraiser and Beer Release, September 29

ARVADA, COLORADO– Odyssey Beerwerks is partnering with Arvada Fire Fighters Local 4056, Friends of Arvada Fire, and the Arvada Professional Firefighters Foundation to raise money for a 9-11 memorial at Arvada Fire Station #2. The fundraiser will take place at the Odyssey Beerwerks taproom (5535 W. 56th Ave, Ste. 107, Arvada) on Saturday, September 29 from 2-9pm and features the release of the Old Dodge Irish Red Ale, a beer brewed in collaboration with Arvada firefighters.

The party will kick off at 2pm with the official beer tapping at 3pm. Old Dodge Irish Red Ale is malt-focused ale that brings out the hearty flavors of fall with rich caramel and slightly roasted malts to create a solid foundation for a touch of smoked malt in the finish. The Old Dodge is named after Arvada’s first motorized fire engine from 1923, which will be on display during the fundraiser. 

Firefighters from Arvada and all over Colorado will be in attendance with Old Dodge pint glasses and t-shirts available for purchase. Food truck Pambasos will be serving up authentic Mexican fare all day and Denver-based band, The Duke Street Kings, will be playing rock and roll and blues later in the evening

“The Old Dodge beer release is extra special, because this beer was brewed with Arvada firefighters,” says Chris Hill, owner of Odyssey Beerwerks. “It was a fun day having them come and participate in all steps of the brewing process.” 

All proceeds from sales of the Old Dodge Irish Red Ale on September 29 will go towards the 9-11 Memorial fund along with a portion from sales of other beer styles.

For more information about Odyssey Beerwerks’s Old Dodge beer release or participation in the fundraiser, contact Chris or Deana Hill at info@odysseybeerwerks.com

ABOUT ODYSSEY BEERWERKS

Start a beer journey at Odyssey Beerwerks in Arvada, Colorado, where we’ve been brewing a wide variety of award-winning craft beers for locals and wanderers alike since 2013. Visit the taproom and enjoy fun and frequent events, live music, food trucks, and more. Find our beers on draft and in cans in liquor stores, bars, and restaurants across Colorado’s Front Range. Follow us online to keep up with our latest news and events: odysseybeerwerks.com, Facebook, and Instagram.


ABOUT FRIENDS OF ARVADA FIRE

The Friends of Arvada Fire Protection District (FAFPD), a 501c3 charity, was formed to raise money for and otherwise support the Arvada Fire Protection District (AFPD). Those members who formed FAFPD envision an organization that will reduce AFPD’s financial burden and allow AFPD to spend more of its time focusing on its mission of responding to emergencies within the community. The majority of FAFPD’s efforts are centered around fundraising and grant-writing. The money raised by FAFPD will be used to support AFPD both administratively and in connection with its Operations Division and various safety and educational programs supported by the Life Safety Division.

ABOUT ARVADA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION

The Arvada Professional Fire Fighters Foundation (APFFF), a 501c3 corporation, provides assistance to firefighters (or to their families) who have been injured or killed in the line of duty or are otherwise experiencing serious illness or financial hardship; supports the efforts of other nonprofit organizations that focus on treating burns or other fire-related injuries, as well as nonprofit organization that focus on other health-related issues that are commonly experienced by fire fighters; and supports schools and other youth-focused community organizations.

Bonfire Brewing Breaks Ground On Patio Expansion

breaking ground at Bonfire Brewing on September 17, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

Front entrance mockup

west wall mockup

ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THIRSTY MONK

Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s Cicerone-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.

ABOUT THE NONPROFITS

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FOUNDATION

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

COLORADO FOURTEENERS INITIATIVE

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

TRAILKEEPERS OF OREGON

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

Bonfire Brewing Steps Up For The Eagle River Park Project

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT BONFIRE BREWING

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

(Rad)Craft Night at Strange Craft, Monday September 17

RadCraft is taking over Monday night Craft Night at Strange Craft to kick off the 2018 Great American Beer Festival!

Colorado beer author Ed Sealover will join us to sign copies of his book Colorado Excursions with History, Hikes and Hops. From 6-6:15, 21+ guests can enjoy Strange Craft samples while Ed talks shop.

Guests can also enjoy a showcase local wood designer and manufacturer Spooky Bat Designs. Spooky Bat makes custom tap handles, coasters, wooden magnets, wooden bookmarks, and so much more.

The first 20 guests to arrive at this event get a free pretzel necklace-making kit to ready themselves for the Great American Beer Festival!

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT DECEIT

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

ABOUT WHITE

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

ABOUT WINKY’S WAREHOUSE

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

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

ABOUT FUNKWERKS

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

Ska Brewing Reallocates Distribution Markets, Exits Texas

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT SKA BREWING

Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and produces more than a dozen award-winning beers fueled with Ska music, and lots of it. Pioneers in the canned craft beer movement, Ska Brewing is known for an array of styles in 12 oz cans that include Mexican Logger, Modus Hoperandi, and Rue B. Soho. Ska has long been a herald for sustainable brewing practices— its World Headquarters are wind-powered and earlier in 2018 Ska decked out its roof with 223 solar panels. For information, more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT HOP ZOMBIE, 9% ABV, 90 IBU

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

ABOUT LONE TREE BREWING COMPANY

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

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

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

The Bands

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

The Beer

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

The Brewery Guests

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

For more information about Ska Brewing’s anniversary celebration or with any other media inquiries about the brewery, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT SKA BREWING

Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and produces more than a dozen award-winning beers fueled with Ska music, and lots of it. Pioneers in the canned craft beer movement, Ska Brewing is known for an array of styles in 12 oz cans that include Mexican Logger, Modus Hoperandi, and Rue B. Soho. Ska has long been a herald for sustainable brewing practices— its World Headquarters are wind-powered and earlier in 2018 Ska decked out its roof with 223 solar panels. For information, more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Odyssey Beerwerks Announces Jeff Griffith As Director of Brewery Operations

ARVADA, COLORADO – Odyssey Beerwerks has named Jeff Griffith as Director of Brewery Operations. Griffith comes to Odyssey with more than 13 years of professional brewing experience, most recently as head brewer of FATE Brewing in Boulder.

During his tenure at FATE, Griffith helped open the 10 barrel brewpub in 2013 and developed the beer portfolio into what it is today. Awards for Griffith’s beers include GABF Gold in 2014 in the German-Style Kölsch category and numerous state and North American medals. 

Griffith began his professional brewing career at Golden City Brewing in 2005 after homebrewing for over 10 years. His use of unique ingredients and techniques produces innovative yet easily drinkable beers. 

Griffith will continue to brew Odyssey’s well-known flagships Ghost Drifter Pale Ale, Heliocentric Hefeweizen, Psycho Penguin Vanilla Porter, and Palm Tree Caribbean Lager, and looks to expand seasonal offerings to include barrel aged sours and other, more eclectic barrel aged beers. He is excited to brew for a full production brewery— Odyssey cans and distributes five core beers plus rotating seasonals— and develop new and interesting recipes while fine-tuning the flagship beers.

“We look forward to all of the fun and creative beers that Jeff is going to brew, as well as applying his experience and expertise to refining our core line-up and beer production schedule,” says Chris Hill, owner of Odyssey Beerwerks. 

For more information about Odyssey Beerwerks, contact Chris or Deana Hill at info@odysseybeerwerks.com. 

ABOUT ODYSSEY BEERWERKS

Start a beer journey at Odyssey Beerwerks in Arvada, Colorado, where we’ve been brewing a wide variety of award-winning craft beers for locals and wanderers alike since 2013. Visit the taproom and enjoy fun and frequent events, live music, food trucks, and more. Find our beers on draft and in cans in liquor stores, bars, and restaurants across Colorado’s Front Range. Follow us online to keep up with our latest news and events: odysseybeerwerks.com, Facebook, and Instagram.