A Beer For The Times: Ska Brewing Presents Moral Panic Brut IPA

photo by Garrett Allen

DURANGO, CO— Moral Panic, a Brut IPA from Ska Brewing, debuts at the brewery in cans this Friday, November 30 and hits the brewery distribution footprint beginning December 7. This refreshing, dry finishing IPA satisfies brewery Co-Founder and CEO Dave Thibodeau’s urge to name a beer Moral Panic and quenches palates gravitating toward this emerging trend. 

“In sociology, moral panic is the process of arousing social concern over an issue, legitimate or not,” Thibodeau says. “On one hand we may be referring to Mods & Rockers, Satanism or Dungeons & Dragons, or the Haze craze — no matter what comes of the Brut IPA style, we certainly are enjoying drinking it right now.” 

Over its 23 years in business Thibodeau and crew have witnessed its evolution and ultimate subcategorization. “We’re excited about this emerging Brut category because these beers are everything we love about IPA without any lingering bitterness, which makes them super approachable.”

Ska’s Moral Panic is no exception. Galaxy and Citra hops give it a tropical nose, and at only 5.7 percent ABV, this beer is one of the lower ABV Bruts on the market. As the producer of one of the country’s original canned IPAs, Modus Hoperandi, Ska has long been an IPA house committed to crafting many different styles of India Pale Ale that you can always find on tap at the brewery’s Durango World Headquarters. 

Ska’s brewers developed the Brut IPA recipe on their Mod pilot system, and they are excited to elevate it to a larger-scale, packaged brew. This is Ska’s first year-round packaged beer to hit all its markets since the release of Rue B. Soho. It might just be Colorado’s first year-round canned Brut IPA, too.

Find Moral Panic Brut IPA in canned, 12 oz. 6-packs and select draft accounts in all twelve of Ska’s distribution states. Contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com if you’d like more information about the beer, the beer style, or Ska Brewing.

LAUNCH EVENTS

You’re invited to join Ska for Moral Panic’s descent upon humanity at these launch events.

Friday, November 30

Durango: Ska Brewing World Headquarters, 5-7PM

This event will include two for $5 cans of Moral Panic, food pairing options from The Container, and a chance to meet the folks who brewed this beer for you.

Friday, December 7

Denver: Tap XIV Uptown, 4-7PM

Saturday, December 8

Colorado Springs: Tap Traders, 7-9PM

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 Modus Hoperandi (which will celebrate its first decade on the planet in summer of 2019), Modus Mandarina, and Decadent Double IPA. For information (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit skabrewing.com.

Elevation Beer Company Acide Returns in 12 Oz. Cans

PONCHA SPRINGS, CO— The cats at Elevation Beer Co. are stoked to announce the righteous return of Acide, their award-winning kettle sour saison and original variant of the Acide series. Acide is truckin’ for its third year in 6 packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft across Colorado and Wyoming while supplies last.

The French translation of sour, Acide, is the brewery’s trip into the increasingly popular style of kettle soured beers and has since spawned several fruit variants including Peach, Pineapple, and Pomegranate Acide. The use of Lactobacillus in this brew lends an approachable level of puckering sourness, pleasant acidity, and a tart refreshing finish on your tongue.

“This was the first beer we ever kettle soured,” explains co-founder Christian Koch. “We fell in love with the idea of a drinkable, low abv, dry hopped sour. It’s super sessionable and dry hopped exclusively with Amarillo hops which give it a nice orange/citrus flavor that really complements the tartness.”

Acide is 4% ABV with 10 IBU and pours straw colored with brilliant clarity and visuals. Lemony and floral aromas arise from a good dose of Amarillo hops and meld with a subtle graininess making Acide a hit with brewery staff and patrons alike. 

For more information about Elevation Beer Co. and Acide, 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.

Station 26 Announces 2018 Nightfall of Diamonds Variant List

DENVER, CO— Darkness falls on Station 26 Brewing Co. this Black Friday with the annual release of their famed Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout. It's the highly anticipated annual release of the beer formerly known as Dark Star Imperial Stout— now called Nightfall of Diamonds.

Nightfall of Diamonds will be released on draft today at 11am. This year’s variant list includes Chai, S’mores, German Chocolate, Mexican Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Manhattan, Strawberry Balsamic, Moghli, and vintages of the base beer from 2016 and 2017. Get more event information on Facebook.

If you’d like more information about Nightfall of Diamonds, 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.

Spice Trade Brewing Releases Limited Run of Red Wine Belgian Dubbel

ARVADA, CO— Spice Trade Brewing Red Wine Belgian Dubbel is now available in 22oz bombers. Aged for twelve months in a red wine barrel, this beer is complex and drinks with notes of tart red fruit and tamarind.

"Our Red Wine Belgian Dubbel is one of three barrel aged releases that goes into bombers every year and is great to pair with holiday meals. It has a mild acidity, tanic backbone and blend of red fruit notes that work well with any food you would drink red wine with,” says Head Brewer Jeff Tyler. “If you're looking to cook at home we have a great recipe for a pan seared ribeye with goat cheese and balsamic reduction on our website. Cheers!" 

Find Red Wine Belgian Dubbel in select liquor stores and the Arvada brewpub while supplies last.

ABOUT SPICE TRADE BREWING

Spice Trade Brewing produces unique beer styles inspired by culinary ingredients and traditions from around the world. Formerly Yak & Yeti Brewpub, Spice Trade is now a stand-alone brewery operating out of Yak & Yeti Restaurant in Arvada Colorado under the direction of Head Brewer Jeff Tyler who joined the company in summer 2016. The brewery hand-crafts a wide variety of beer in small batches on a 7 barrel brewhouse with a focus on high quality, ingredient centered beer. Find Spice Trade online at spicetradebrewing.com.

Where To Shop For Brewery Merch This Season

While the shoppers rage the shopping mall on Black Friday, beer lovers can flock to craft breweries for liquid relief from the crazed holiday, specialty beers, and merch deals galore.

Funkwerks Cyber Sale and Black Friday Giveaway

On Friday, November 23 Funkwerks will be offering free tote bags in their tasting room with each purchase of merch and beers to-go while supplies last.

Funkwerks is also offering 20% off all merchandise on Winky’s Warehouse, the brewery’s online store, beginning Friday, November 23 through Monday, November 25. Winky’s Warehouse offers free shipping on all orders and features something for everyone on your lists including apparel, glassware, gift cards, and new custom bottle openers made locally by a taproom regular in Fort Collins. During this season of giving, Funkwerks will be donating 20% of the profits from their shirts, tanks, and hoodies to local water charities.

25% Off at Strange Craft

Get 25% on all merchandise in the StrangeWit tasting room in Denver on Black Friday. While you’re shopping, snag a pour of the Sweet Potato & Green Chili Ale that made its yearly debut on Wednesday, November 21.

Gift Cards + Free Beer at Thirsty Monk

Purchase a $25 gift card at Thirsty Monk and enjoy a beer on the house. Monk also has an array of merch options for the beer lovers in your life, including $12 growlers that come with growler fill cards!

$2 Beers for Shoppers at Call to Arms Brewing

How often do you get discounted beer when you make a Black Friday purchase? Luckily CTA has you covered. On Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, buy any piece of merchandise from Call to Arms and get a $2 core beer.

A Day of Deals at Maxline Brewing

Skip the holiday rush (or reward yourself for enduring it) and head to Maxline where they will be offering a ton of Black Friday specials throughout the day, including 50% off periodic table of Fort Collins t-shirts, and 15% off merchandise from 1 to 2pm.

Black Friday at Brink Brewing

Brink will also have "gift bags" available up for purchase at its Black Friday celebration if you want to jump start your holiday shopping. Brink Brewing will be opening early, and can promise dark beer goodness that will bring you all the warm and fuzzies and won't require being trampled to death in the doorway of a big box retailer.

DIY Gift Sets from Elevation Beer Co.

Nothing says Happy Holidays like beer, especially if it’s Elevation Oil Man with a bag of the coffee that was aged in its barrel or bottles of Red Wine-aged Apis IV with jars of the local honey used in the beer’s production. Get it all at Elevation Beer Company’s tasting room with a beer in hand. If you’re headed to Monarch Mountain, don’t miss Elevation’s beanies and sunshields. Shop online, too!

Join the 1623 Family

1623 Brewing launches their new online store on Black Friday with two items: long-sleeve tees and trucker hats. More to come in 2019. Shop now.

Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Gear up with KARL for the holidays! Head to the company’s new merch store now until December 14th and use the code KARL50 for free shipping on orders over $50.

Fresh off San Diego Beer Week, Karl Strauss Makes $8.5K Donation to San Diego Brewers Guild

SAN DIEGO, CA —  Karl Strauss Brewing Company is a proud supporter of the San Diego Brewers Guild and their efforts to promote and represent local, independent craft breweries. Karl Strauss has a long history of caring for their community, and in keeping with this tradition, they are making a donation to the Guild fresh off of another successful San Diego Beer Week.

In preparation for Beer Week, KARL served as the host brewery for the annual collaboration beer release from the San Diego Brewers Guild, the Capital of Craft IPA. KARL’s team members helped sell this beer to accounts throughout the region and KARL is donating a portion of their Capital of Craft sales to the Guild.

In addition to Capital of Craft, KARL’s donation to the Guild includes a portion of the proceeds from their second annual Collabapalooza event, hosted Saturday November 10 in North Park. Collabapalooza featured more than 50 local, independent breweries and an epic beer list of one-off collaborations and rare releases.

“Collabapalooza captured the collaborative spirit of the San Diego brewing community. There was a sense of camaraderie everywhere you turned. People learning about beers, sharing stories, reminiscing with old friends and bonding with new ones… it was a really special event and we’re honored to donate a portion of the proceeds to the San Diego Brewers Guild.” – Matt Rattner, Co-Founder & President, Karl Strauss Brewing Company.

In total, Karl Strauss is donating $8,500 to the San Diego Brewers Guild.

To learn more about Karl Strauss and their ongoing support of the San Diego Brewers Guild and various other nonprofits, visit www.karlstrauss.com

To learn more about the San Diego Brewers Guild and ways you can support, visit www.sdbeer.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 honored with the “Mid-Size Brewing Company of the Year” award at the Great American Beer Festival in 2016. For more information, visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739. Share it. Cheers.

Ska Brewing Cru D’Etat Back For Third Year

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing Cru D’Etat is now available at the brewery World Headquarters, and hitting the company’s twelve-state distribution footprint next week. 

A Belgian specialty ale, Cru d’Etat has a sweet, rum-like flavor that weighs in at 11.5% ABV. This tart and complex ale has aged in an old wine foeder for nearly two years, creating flavors of caramel and raisins with a hint of alcohol heat. This concoction will have you going wild in the streets. 

Ska releases Cru D’Etat every two years in rotation with Ska Face Barleywine-style Ale that comes out every other year. Grab one of the 500mL bottles while it lasts. 

Contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com for more information about Ska Brewing’s Cru D’Etat or any of its seasonal, specialty beer releases. 

ABOUT SKA BREWING

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

Lone Tree Brewing Celebrates 7th Anniversary with Charity Casino Night and Special Beer Releases

LONE TREE, CO— Shuffle up and deal! Lone Tree Brewing Company welcomes you to a day of celebration followed by an evening of high stakes donating with their 7th Anniversary Party and charity casino night on Saturday, December 8. Celebratory tappings of limited anniversary beers will commence at 11am followed by a casino night benefiting the Freedom Service Dogs of America beginning at 4pm.

Lone Tree Brewing will kick off their special anniversary tappings with their Rosé Brut IPA at 11am followed by some extremely limited firkins at 1pm (Mango Habanero Pale Ale), 3pm (Sour Margarita), and 7pm (Old Fashioned), and an anniversary Dopplebock on tap at 5pm. In addition to the special anniversary beers Lone Tree Brewing will have a limited run (only 120 were made) of commemorative stemmed glassware available for purchase featuring the brewery’s logo donned in a gold leaf art deco design.

Food will be available throughout the day from local food truck, Mama Said Eat with a menu of Vegas-style apps including Devil on Horseback (dates stuffed with cream cheese, wrapped in bacon), shrimp and sausage skewers, Monte Carlo Sliders, and more.

The perfect beer for a cold winter night—Lone Tree's Dopplebock is a “very malty German Lager. This beer was lagered for over three months and comes in at 7.7% ABV with 22 IBU with dark copper color, slight sweetness, and a toast flavor in the finish.

A first of the style for Lone Tree, Rose' Brut IPA is crisp, hoppy and beautiful. Brewed with more than 60 lbs. of tropical hops (and an additional 44 lbs. as a dry hop), this beer received 15 lbs. of Malbec grapes straight to the kettle to impart a stunning, pink Rose'-esque hue.

Following the special tappings Lone Tree invites you to their charity casino night. From 4-7pm the brewery will have roulette and blackjack tables available to play for and benefit the Freedom Service Dogs of America. For a $5 or $10 donation, participants will receive chips to play games and to be entered in a raffle of door prizes beginning at 8pm with no necessary attendance to win. All games are to benefit charity, no prizes (other than bragging rights) will be awarded for winners. Fancy clothes are encouraged but not necessary.

For more information about Lone Tree Brewing Company’s Anniversary Party or their 7 years in business, 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, and in select locations in Kansas. 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 Releases Barrel-Aged Beers Series No. 2, Bumpier & Grindier

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing don’t see nothin’ wrong with a little bit of bump n’ grind. So much in fact, the brewers decided to bump up their delicious, award-winning Steel Toe Milk Stout like, age it it bourbon barrels, and blend it with local cold-brewed coffee to create Bumpier & Grindier Imperial Coffee Cream Stout, available in 500 ml bombers for one day only.

THE BEER

Bumpier & Grindier was aged American Oak Bourbon Barrels from their friends and long time sister company, Peach Street Distillers, then blended it with hand-selected roasts of Desert Sun Roasters' cold-brewed coffee. The result is a Bumpier & Grindier Imperial Coffee Cream Stout; the 2nd installation in Ska’s Barrel-Aged Beers program—following the brewery’s Whiskey Sour released earlier this year.

“We decided to call upon two of our friends for this second installation of our Barrel-Aged Beers series to help make it even more memorable,” explains Ska Brewing Sales & Marketing Director Kristen Muraro. “Our sister company, Peach Street Distillers, hold a very close place with us at Ska Brewing. We’ve also have had a long relationship with our neighbors at Desert Sun Roasters and used their coffee as the key ingredient for our original Bump n’ Grind coffee stout— it only seemed natural to rope them in on this even Bumpier & Grindier iteration.”

THE EVENT

Bumpier & Grindier will be available in 500 mL bottles at Ska’s World Headquarters in Durango, Colorado on Friday, November 16. Guests can reserve their bottles for an exclusive beer and food pairing that will take place from 5 to 7pm featuring unique, limited edition Ska beers and an opportunity to meet the brewers and ask questions. $12.99 reserves your bottle at the table– get yours by emailing kira@skabrewing.com or calling 970-247-5792.

For more information on Ska Brewing and their Barrel-Aged Beer program 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, Rue B. Soho and the Mod Project— beers with varying levels of tartness to complement the blend of local fruits used in producing them. For information (a lot of it), music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Elevation Beer Company Named The Official Brewery of Monarch Mountain

PONCHA SPRINGS, CO— Elevation Beer Company and Monarch Mountain are pleased to announce an ongoing partnership that includes the naming of Elevation as the Official Brewery of Monarch Mountain and vice versa— Monarch Mountain as the Official Ski Area of Elevation Beer Co.

Elevation and Monarch Mountain have collaborated on promotions since the brewery opened in 2012 and this season will be no exception. Monarch will place Elevation’s logo on its trail maps; Elevation will don the Monarch logo on 12 oz. cans of Little Mo’—a porter named after a milk run of the same name at Monarch Mountain— and grant 15% off to Monarch season pass holders in their tasting room.

Elevation will kickoff Monarch Mountain’s opening with Ullrvation on Friday, November 23, at the Elevation tasting room. In folklore, this party is meant to please Ullr (the Norse god of snow, archery, and skiing) with ceremonial burning of skis and tempt the other snow gods (and Murphy’s Law). This celebration will include snow dances, car washing, and earning good snow karma by raising money for the Friends of CAIC. “Monarch is still all natural snow, no snow making guns,” explains Elevation’s Andy Astor. “We are dependent on Mother Nature and the snow gods for good winters, and we really really need one down here this season.”

The celebration will include beer, bonfires, and a shuttle service to Salida from the brewery if you pay honor to the snow gods a little too hard. The party will also host a raffle to benefit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) and the Friends of CIAC with chances to win a season pass to Monarch Mountain, Elevation Beer Co. skis, GrassStick bamboo ski poles, and more.

“The ski industry and beer industry have some common threads, and are culturally pretty similar (lots of beards and general awesomeness),” explains Astor. “Both industries are seeing increased consolidation, which can affect consumers. Elevation is locally and independently owned and operated, as is Monarch. There is also a nice vibe of authenticity and inclusivity at both Monarch and in our taproom. We are proud to be the official brewery of Monarch Mountain.”

If you’d like more information about Elevation Beer Company and its partnership with Monarch Mountain, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT ELEVATION BEER CO.

Proudly operating in the remote mountain town of Poncha Springs (just 17 miles from Monarch Mountain), 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, Wyoming and soon Utah. Go higher at elevationbeerco.com.

ABOUT MONARCH MOUNTAIN

Perched at the top of the continental divide, Monarch Mountain is a ski area that has something for everyone. Monarch boasts 1,162 vertical feet of diverse, skiable terrain that can accommodate skiers and snowboarders of all levels from beginner to expert. Known for its amazing powder among avid riders, Monarch receives more than 350” of natural snow every year. What Monarch boasts in annual snowfall, it lacks in crowds, so you can find ample stashes even days after a storm. In this day and age where the ski area landscape is dominated by large corporations, Monarch, which has been operating since 1939, remains fiercely independent because they believe that having many independent ski areas is the best way to insure creative innovation, elevate the guest experience, and keep skiing affordable for locals. Find the mountain online at skimonarch.com.

Strange Craft Taps 2018 Batch of Gingerbread Man

DENVER, CO— Strange Craft Beer Co. is gearing up for the holiday season with their annual release of Gingerbread Man, available on draft and in crowlers Wednesday, November 14 at the StrangeWit tasting room.

Concocted with sugar, spice, and hops so nice— Gingerbread Man is an American brown ale packed with all the spices and goodies you’d expect from Grandma's gingerbread cookie recipe. Notes of cinnamon, ginger, cloves and allspice culminate to create the perfect company on a cold winter night.

“Gingerbread Man is one of my favorite seasonal beers,” says owner, Tim Myers.” It signals the beginning of the holiday season— and the American Brown style plays so well with Grandma’s cookie recipe spices that it tastes like you’re biting into a Gingerbread cookie. Now if only I could figure out how to get the frosting to stick.”

Gingerbread man will be available on draft and in crowlers to-go at the StrangeWit tasting room while supplies last. Catch the Gingerbread Man before he runs off 'til next year!

For more information about Gingerbread Man or Strange Craft Beer Co. contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT STRANGE CRAFT BEER CO.

When Strange Craft Beer Co. opened south of Denver’s Mile High Stadium in May 2010, it was the first nanobrewery in the city brewing one barrel of beer at a time. Strange has since become a destination spot for Colorado beer drinkers, and taken home multiple Great American Beer Festival® medals and World Beer Cup® awards. Late in 2017, Strange Craft joined forces with Wit’s End Brewing Company to create Denver’s first co-tasting room. Both brands are brewed on Strange Craft’s now 10BBL brewhouse and served at Strange Craft’s original (now shared) space on Zuni Street. Learn more at strangecraft.com.

Ska Brewing Sour Apple Gose Returns

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing’s Sour Apple Gose returns in cans for a second year. This tart, refreshing beer in Ska’s experimental Mod Project series is now available across their twelve-state distribution footprint while supplies last. 

The scent of sweet apple blossoms complements the soft honey notes and fresh lemon tartness in this sour beer that gets a zesty boost from the addition of Citra hops. Sour Apple Gose is 5.1% ABV and 11 IBU. 

Sour Apple Gose followed Pink Vapor Stew— a sour beer brewed with beets, carrots, ginger and apples— when Ska first rolled out the Mod Project in 2017. 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. 

“I’m excited to bring back my favorite of this series,” says Ska Brewing Sales & Marketing Director Kristen Muraro. “It’s perfect for holiday toasting.” 

Sour Apple Gose is available in 12 oz. cans and on draft in select locations in Colorado, Arizona, Southern California, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Utah. 

For more information about Ska Brewing or its Mod Project for experimental beers, 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 including Modus Hoperandi, Mexican Logger, Euphoria and Pinstripe. For information (a lot of it), music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Karl Strauss Grows Hoppyalis 55 Percent; Hires Industry Veteran To Lead Sales Team; Adds 20,000 Sq. Ft. Of Warehouse Space To Meet Demand

SAN DIEGO, CA— Despite softness in the beer category and the craft beer segment, Karl Strauss Brewing Company has grown off-premise dollar sales by 12.3% in Southern California through the first 3 quarters of 2018. KARL’s growth is being fueled by explosive growth for Aurora Hoppyalis, which is up 55% year to date, and Red Trolley, which is up 5% year to date. KARL’s dollar sales rate of velocity is up 14.4% year to date, meaning more people are pulling KARL beers off of retail store shelves more frequently than they were a year ago.   

To help drive continued sales growth, Karl Strauss recently hired industry veteran Chad Heath to lead the brewery’s Sales team. Heath brings more than 10 years of craft beer sales leadership experience to KARL.  

To meet growing demand, Karl Strauss recently signed a long-term lease for 20,000 square feet of additional warehouse space next to the main brewery on Santa Fe Street in Pacific Beach, San Diego. This space includes a 6,200 square foot cold box and significant dry goods storage to meet growing market demand for Karl Strauss and the brewery partners they distribute on-premise.

To learn more about Karl Strauss, visit www.karlstrauss.com. 

Facts:

Source: IRI, Southern California, Grocery Channel, Year To Date Ending September 30, 2018

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 honored with the “Mid-Size Brewing Company of the Year” award at the Great American Beer Festival in 2016. For more information, visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739. Share it. Cheers.

Media Contact

Mark Weslar: mark.weslar@karlstrauss.com

Introducing Elevation Beer Company Imperial Stout in 12 Oz. Cans

PONCHA SPRINGS, CO— Elevation Beer Co. is unveiling Imperial Stout as the latest seasonal release in their lineup of approachable and award-winning beers. Imperial Stout will be available across Elevation’s distribution footprint in six-packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft beginning November 9 while supplies last.

Weighing in at 10% ABV, Imperial Stout is a non-barrel-aged version of Oil Man, the brewery’s famed bourbon barrel-aged Imperial Stout that is available seasonally in 750ml bombers. “We had pulled some single kegs off of a tank for Oil Man in years past and it was a big hit,” explains Elevation Co-Founder and Director of Brewing Operations, Christian Koch. “So we wanted to do it again and put it in a can. Oil Man without the barrel is big, high body, and high ABV.”

Imperial Stout packs generous notes of chocolate accompanied by a characteristic roastiness. The alcohol and malt sweetness are beautifully balanced by the addition of Northern Brewer and Chinook hops making for a slightly hoppier version of the original barrel-aged variant.

For more information about Elevation Beer Co. Imperial Stout in cans, 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.

Ska Brewing and Venture Snowboards Kickoff Winter Saturday November 3 at World Headquarters

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing and Silverton’s Venture Snowboards will ring in the winter months with their 14th Annual Season Kickoff Party on Saturday, November 3, at the Ska World Headquarters, 225 Girard St, Durango, CO 81303. Admission is free.

The Snowboard

In an effort to benefit the Friends of the San Juans, Ska and Venture will be giving away prizes from Silverton Mountain, Purgatory Resort, and more; including the chance to win a Ska-branded Venture snowboard featuring graphics from the label of Ska’s new Brut IPA, Moral Panic.

The Music

The Kick Off party will feature music from Durango-based Hip-Hop band, Diabolical Sound Platoon.

The Beer 

Ska Brewing’s seasonal Euphoria Pale Ale will be on draft at the brewery and available in 6-packs to-go. This beer was 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. Euphoria has big malt backbone, caramel sweetness and just a touch of chocolate, with epic grapefruit hop aroma and flavor.  

For more information about Ska Brewing’s Season Kickoff Party 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. For information, more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Bonfire Brewing Announces New Head Brewer Zack Kaplan

EAGLE, CO— Bonfire Brewing has a new Head Brewer, Zack Kaplan, who joined the team in September with a breadth of knowledge and brewing experience informed by his many years in the Colorado and San Diego beer communities.

Kaplan most recently worked as head brewer of Odyssey Beerwerks in Arvada, and has previously worked in brewing operations at Denver Beer Company, Upslope, Saint Archer, and Green Flash Brewing. “I'm excited to join Bonfire and continue to build upon the awesome foundation that Andy and Amanda have created,” Kaplan says about Bonfire Brewing’s owners.

“I'm looking forward to contributing my skills as a brewer, and helping to lead the creative development of kick ass beers designed to be enjoyed throughout our beautiful state of Colorado! Eagle is a great community with the best blend of outdoor activities— I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.”

“Amanda and I hit it off with Zack right away over beers at Cannonball Creek this summer,” Jessen recalls. “It’s our first time bringing in a brewer from outside the company. We wanted someone with broad experience that could bring a different element to the team, but also someone who fit in with our outdoor ethos.”

Amanda Jessen adds, “Thriving in the Valley requires a unique combination of passion for the outdoors, and drive in your career. Over the course of several conversations with Zack, we became confident that he had the right mix for success here.”

Kaplan’s first order of business is to keep Bonfire’s production running smoothly, cranking out their flagship beers including the Brush Creek Blonde, Demshitz Brown, Firestarter IPA, Kindler Pale, and WtFO Double IPA. He’s also experimenting with a small batch Pale Ale, and a Kellerweiss in collaboration with Vail Brewing Company. These beers will hit taps in coming weeks.

For more bio information about Kaplan, or with any other media inquiries 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.

Rockyard Brewing’s Curiosity Revives Historical Grodziskie Style in Castle Rock

CASTLE ROCK, CO— Rockyard Brewing is awakening a monster with Grodzilla Iz Coming, a historical Grodziskie style beer.

This monster of a beer, Grodzilla Iz Coming, was brewed solely out of curiosity. A Grodziskie is a historical style, low alcohol beer, brewed with a large amount of oak smoked wheat malt for a full flavor glass. The gentle, yet obvious smoke flavor stems from the 100% German oak-smoked wheat.

Rockyard’s Head Brewer, Greg Fetzer, describes the flavor of this distinct brew the best: “It's not a campfire smoke flavor you'd get from a traditional rauch malt but more of a sausage or bacon smoke flavor. We tell consumers that Grodzilla Iz Coming is similar to lightly smoked Pilsner.”

The Grodzilla Iz Coming is light and crisp enough to cut through the heaviness of the Bubba Burger and Pulled Pork Sandwich on Rockyard’s pub menu, with added complexity from the pork’s underlying smoke flavor. This beer is also used as an ingredient in Rockyard’s barbecue sauce while Grodzilla Iz Coming is available on tap in Rockyard Brewing’s tasting room, while supplies last.

For more information regarding Rockyard Brewing, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT ROCKYARD BREWING

.Rockyard is the longest running brewpub in Douglas County, 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 the state of Colorado. Find the brewery online at www.rockyard.com.

Elevation Beer Co. False Summit Returns for Fall

PONCHA SPRINGS, CO— Elevation Beer Company’s barrel-aged Belgian-style Quad returns this year in 750mL bombers for the season. This Quadrupel Ale aged in Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrels has been one of the brewery’s seasonal, large-format offerings since 2013.

Aromas of dark fruits, vanilla, and bourbon seep off False Summit’s milk chocolate head. As the beer warms, notes of caramel, oak and dark Belgian candi sugar come more prevalent. This barrel-aged Quadruple, like the final stretch of a mountain’s peak, is complex and rewarding— an experience to be shared with good company. This beauty weighs in at 11.1% ABV with 30 IBUs.

False Summit is available in 750 mL bottles throughout Colorado and Wyoming, and on draft in limited volume seasonally while supplies last. The beer is also available on draft and in bombers to-go at Elevation’s tasting room in Poncha Springs.

For more information about or photography of False Summit, 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.

Brooklyn Brewery Now Available In Colorado

Brooklyn Lager’s refreshed packaging

BROOKLYN, NY— Brooklyn Brewery, the eleventh largest independent craft brewer and a pioneer of the American craft beer revolution, is proud to announce Colorado as the latest addition to their distribution footprint. Brooklyn Brewery beers will be available across the State of Craft Beer® beginning November 1st.

“We’re excited to bring Brooklyn to the epicenter of the craft beer revolution,” says Brooklyn founder Steve Hindy. “I’ve spent many enjoyable times in Colorado, working with the Brewers Association and pouring beer at GABF®. It will be a pleasure to drink Brooklyn Lager there.”

Brooklyn's flagship Brooklyn Lager, Bel Air Sour, Defender IPA, seasonal releases, the Brooklyn Mix can variety 12 pack, and various draft-only Brooklyn Limited creations from brewmaster Garrett Oliver will join some of the industry's most beloved craft brands on taps and shelves across the state this fall.

Brooklyn is partnering with Elite Brands to distribute on the Front Range, and High Country Beverage in Northern Colorado and the Western Slope. Brooklyn shares a sales and distribution platform with Funkwerks and 21st Amendment, which will open distribution in Colorado before the end of the year.

“I finally get to drink my own beers in Colorado!” adds Dave Duffy, Brooklyn’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing and Colorado resident. “We’re honored to stand with some of the best brewers in the world and continue to build momentum for craft beer.”    

You are invited to join the Brooklyn Brewery team at these Colorado launch events:

Monday, October 29

The Mayor Of Old Town, Fort Collins; 6-9pm

Tuesday, October 30

Falling Rock Tap House, Denver; 5:30-8pm

Wednesday, October 31

Parry’s Pizza, Northglenn; 5-7pm

Romero’s K9 Club & Taphouse Dog Costume Party, Lafayette; 6-9pm

Tap & Handle, Fort Collins; 6-8pm

Thursday, November 1

Applejack Wine & Spirits, Wheat Ridge; 2-4pm

Argonaut Liquor, Denver; 3-6pm

Supermarket Liquor, Fort Collins; 4-6pm

Parry’s Pizza, Highlands Ranch; 5-7pm

Oskar Blues, Longmont; 5-7pm

Euclid Hall, Denver; 7-9pm

Friday, November 2

Bullfrog Liquor, Fort Collins; 4-6pm

Saturday, November 3

Mile High Wine & Spirits, Denver; 3-6pm

Tuesday, November 6

The Laureate Publick House, Loveland; 5-8pm

Wednesday, November 7

Choice City, Fort Collins; 5-7pm

For more information about Brooklyn Brewery in Colorado, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT BROOKLYN BREWERY

The Brooklyn Brewery is a leading global independent craft brewer and a pioneer of the American craft beer revolution. From our home in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, we draw inspiration from our local community of innovators and makers to spread the culture and creativity of craft beer to 29 states and 30 countries on 5 continents. Learn more at brooklynbrewery.com.

Karl Strauss Brings Back Collabapalooza For San Diego Beer Week

Collabapalooza 2017

San Diego, CA — Karl Strauss Brewing Company is throwing its second annual indie beer collaboration celebration! The brewery has rallied together 30+ independent local breweries to throw a killer party during San Diego Beer Week, all in celebration of the city’s collaborative brewing community. Collabapalooza was voted “Best Beer Event of 2017” by the readers of The West Coaster craft beer newspaper, and will make its highly anticipated return on November 10th, 2018.

Each participating brewery will pour two beers — a small batch or rare beer of their choice, as well as a beer brewed in collaboration with another independent San Diego brewery. In addition to unlimited samples of these one-off collaborations and rare releases, Collabapalooza will have food from local vendors available for purchase, live screen printed t-shirts, and a ton more to be announced in the coming weeks.

“We were really pumped about the feedback from last year! The event had great energy and the beer list was phenomenal, so we’re looking forward to seeing what our brewing friends have up their sleeves this year. It’s really something to see so many independent brewers join together and collaborate with one another. It’s what our community is all about!” — Paul Segura, Brewmaster of R&D, Karl Strauss Brewing Company.

Karl Strauss has been committed to supporting their local community since they helped kick off San Diego’s craft beer scene in 1989. Collabapalooza is a prime example of this support, as proceeds from the event will benefit both the San Diego Brewers Guild and the North Park Main Street Association.

The festival will take place on Saturday, November 10th from 1pm to 5pm in the parking lot behind the North Park Observatory. General admission tickets to the festival will include a commemorative Collabapalooza taster glass & unlimited 2oz samples starting at 2pm. An exclusive VIP session will be held from 1pm to 2pm offering priority access to the festival and the first tastes of the incredible beer list, along with a Collabapalooza t-shirt.

To learn more about Collabapalooza and purchase tickets to the festival, visit www.karlstrauss.com.

Participating Breweries

Collaborations with Karl Strauss

Pizza Port Brewing Co

Stone Brewing

Burgeon Beer Company

SouthNorte Beer Co

Thr3e Punk Ales Brewing

The Lost Abbey

Bay City Brewing

Pink Boots Society

Nickel Beer Co. & South Park Brewing

Plus the following collaborations amongst San Diego breweries

Abnormal Beer Co with Green Flash Brewing & Alpine Beer Company

AleSmith Brewing Company with Newtopia Cider

Amplified Ale Works with TapRoom

Bagby Beer Company with Benchmark Brewing Company

Bear Roots Brewing Co with Escondido Brewing Co

Benchmark Brewing Company with OB Brewery

Black Plague Brewing Company with Pat Korn of Cellar 3

Booze Brothers Brewing Co with Culver Beer Co

Burgeon Beer Company with Rip Current Brewing Company

Burning Beard Brewing with Nickel Beer Co

Coronado Brewing Company with BNS Brewing Co

Council Brewing Company with Gravity Heights

Duck Foot Brewing Co with Mike Hess Brewing Co

Eppig Brewing with Modern Times Beer

Fall Brewing Company with Barley Forge Brewing Co

Half Door Brewing Co with Benchmark Brewing Company

Mother Earth Brewing Company with Battlemage Brewing

North Park Beer Co with Burgeon Beer Company

Pure Project with Modern Times Beer

Resident Brewing Co with Thunderhawk Alements

Rouleur Brewing Company with Papa Marce’s Cerveceria

San Diego Brewing Company with Thorn Brewing Co

San Diego Brewers Guild featuring Capital of Craft IPA

Second Chance Beer Company with New English Brewing Company

South Park Brewing Company with Wild Barrel Brewing

SouthNorte Beer Co with Cerveceria Insurgente

Thorn Brewing Co with Thr3e Punk Ales Brewing

Thr3e Punk Ales Brewing with Chula Vista Brewery and Groundswell Brewing Company

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 honored with the “Mid-Size Brewing Company of the Year” award at the Great American Beer Festival in 2016. For more information, visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739. Share it. Cheers.

Media Contact

Mark Weslar: mark.weslar@karlstrauss.com, 760.707.2426