Block & Larder To Shut Its Doors Saturday

DENVER, CO— Denver restaurateurs and brothers Jason, Aaron, and Lucas Forgy announced today their plans to close Block & Larder.

Several years after the successful launch of Freshcraft, the Forgy brothers opened the in-house finish butchery restaurant Block & Larder in Denver’s Tennyson neighborhood in 2015. “We’ve enjoyed serving this great neighborhood, and we are grateful for the incredible support of our customers, staff, and community,” says Jason Forgy. “It’s time to refocus our efforts on Freshcraft.”

Block & Larder will close on Saturday, January 26. The restaurant will operate regular business hours with special discount menus in the meantime.

If you have questions about Block & Larder’s closing, or what’s to come at Freshcraft, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT BLOCK & LARDER

Block & Larder is a Tennyson neighborhood bar & grill, opened by the owners of Freshcraft in 2015. Placing emphasis on sourcing the highest-quality meats, Block & Larder’s menu features in-house butchery, balanced by fresh salads, desserts, and a carefully curated wine, craft beer, cocktail list, and spirits selections. Learn more at blockandlarder.com.

ABOUT FRESHCRAFT

Quickly after Freshcraft’s 2010 opening in Denver’s LoDo neighborhood, the craft beer bar and scratch kitchen established itself as one of the Mile High City’s best craft beer bars. A destination spot for craft lovers, Freshcraft sports twenty taps and more than 100 selections of bottled beers from some of the most noteworthy brewing companies in Colorado and beyond. Find Freshcraft online at freshcraft.com.

Spice Trade Brewing Releases Tamarindus Indica in 12 oz. Cans

ARVADA, CO— Spice Trade Brewing follows the anticipated specialty release of their Red Wine Belgian Dubbel with a seasonal release of the red wine barrel-aged variant’s base beer, Tamarindus Indica Belgian Dubbel, in 6 packs of 12 oz. cans. Tamarindus Indica is now available across the front range in Spice Trade Brewing’s distribution footprint.

Brewed with Belgian candi sugar and the exotic tamarind fruit popular throughout India, Tamarindus Indica weighs in at 7.5% ABV and pours a deep amber color. Complex notes of plum, tart raisins, and bubblegum with a slight tobacco earthiness with a balanced and mildly malt forward finish.

Tamarindus Indica is available seasonally in 6 packs of 12 ounce cans and on draft through the winter months 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.

Elevation Beer Co. Debuts Oil Man Imperial Stout Variants

PONCHA SPRINGS, CO— Elevation Beer Co. is ready to break your dry January and instill new resolutions to “drink better beer” with the release of new variants of Oil Man Imperial Stout. Coffee, Coconut, and Vanilla variants of the breweries famed barrel-aged Imperial Stout will be available beginning January 18 in limited 750mL bottles across the brewery’s distribution footprint while supplies last.

“I only drink Oil Man a couple times a year, but when I do it is a great beer to get introspective on life with.” explains explains Elevation founder and CEO, Carlin Walsh. “It is named after my Grandfather who was a successful Oil entrepreneur starting in the 50’s – this beer is a nod to entrepreneurship, and a celebration of taking risks and being ballsy. These variants are a strong reflection of market feedback and our desire to create something familiar but new to delight and educate your palate."

Oil Man is Elevation’s seasonally available bourbon barrel-aged Imperial Stout designed to take the edge off your post-powder day adrenaline high and cure cabin fever alike. This beer pours a deep black with an unbelievable coffee-colored head. Aromatics of sweet malt and bourbon envelop the nose. The malt profile continues through the palate from beginning to end with subtle hints of chocolate, coffee, and of course, bourbon. A big beer for malt and bourbon lovers alike, Oil Man and it’s new variants are some of Elevation’s most sought-after brews.

Coffee Oil Man uses 15 pounds of freshly roasted Honduran coffee beans from the brewery’s friends at the Buena Vista Roastery. These hours-old whole beans were bagged and steeped in the beer until the flavors were perfect and lend of chocolate and roasty flavors, coffee, and bourbon!

Coconut Oil Man was aged for two weeks with 150 lbs (10 lbs/BBL) of organic coconut. More than half of the coconut was hand toasted to add rich toasty notes to the beer.

Vanilla Oil Man uses four pounds of real Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans to the batch creating a big vanilla aroma and flavor and velvety mouthfeel.

For more information about Elevation Beer Co. and the new Oil Man Variants, 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.

Deerhammer Awarded 2019 Good Food Award for Cultura Cask Finished American Single Malt Whiskey

BUENA VISTA, CO— Deerhammer Distilling is the proud recipient of the 2019 Good Food Award in the spirits category for their Progeny Series: Cultura Cask Finished American Single Malt Whiskey. The distillery was recognized with the honors at the organization’s annual awards ceremony at the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center on Friday, January 11. This is the second win for Deerhammer Distilling at the Good Food Awards following a 2018 win for their American Single Malt Whiskey.

2019 marks the ninth year of the Good Food Awards and the second consecutive year Deerhammer has been recognized as a winner. This platform recognizes to tasty, authentic, and responsible food producers in 16 categories: beer, spirits, cider, charcuterie, cheese, chocolate, coffee, confections, fish, honey, oils, pantry, pickles, preserves, snacks and elixirs. This year’s competition saw 2035 entries.

Deerhammer’s Cultura Cask Finished American Single Malt was one of 401 finalists for the 2019 awards, which included 22 other finalists in the competition’s spirits category.

“It is a huge honor to take home the Good Food Award for a second time,” explains co-founder Lenny Eckstein. “It’s especially meaningful for us to be recognized this time around for such an unconventional whiskey. So much of the American whiskey landscape is absolutely dominated by the same old standard styles and flavors that have been around forever. We do things differently at Deerhammer, and the Progeny Series whiskey that won this year is a great example of exactly that. We took our 2 year American Single Malt and finished it for an additional year in barrels that we seasoned with Guatemalan cacao nibs from Cultura Craft Chocolate.”

Spirits that meet the criteria for Good Food Awards entry must be made in the United States utilizing ingredients grown and sourced responsibly without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fungicides or fertilizers as much as possible, free of artificial ingredients, and distilled without GMOs.

For more information about Deerhammer Distilling, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT DEERHAMMER DISTILLING

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

ABOUT GOOD FOOD AWARDS

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

Thirsty Monk Releases Second of Karma Series Beers, Monk's Cottage

DENVER, CO— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, has tapped the second of their Karma Series beers at its Denver location. Monk’s Cottage is a Belgian Dark Strong for which proceeds will benefit nonprofits supporting affordable housing in Asheville and Denver.

This Belgian Strong Ale was brewed with Pilsner malt, floor-malted Dark malt, Munich, and Special Belgian malt that create a deep reddish-brown color and aromas of sweet malt, raisins, plums, banana and pipe tobacco. This beer tastes like rum cake with hints of cocoa powder covered banana and anise. It drinks easier than it's 8.75% ABV with a warm, malty finish.

A portion of the proceeds from Monk’s Cottage will support Beloved Community Village in Denver, and Pisgah Legal Services in Asheville.

“For our Winter Karma Series, our beer Monk’s Cottage will benefit Affordable Housing causes. The Colorado charity selected is Beloved Community Village- a small community of Tiny Houses that offers stable housing for formerly homeless folks,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “Affordable Housing is near and dear to my heart. Thirsty Monk’s sister company Compact Cottages builds affordable housing, and I chair the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee in Asheville and grew up in subsidized affordable housing. Karma Series is our way of giving back and bringing attention to some passionate charitable organizations, all doing amazing service.”

Karma Series beers support nonprofit efforts that align with Thirsty Monk’s company values,  featuring a unique beer brewed each quarter with a different charitable focus. The first of this series was Trail Monk that supported trail restoration earlier this fall, and next up will be beers benefitting LGBTQ awareness in the spring and children’s needs in the summer.

Contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com for more details about the Karma Series and Thirsty Monk.

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.

Ska Brewing Is A 2019 Good Food Awards Winner

True Blonde at Honeyville in Durango

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Ska Brewing True Blonde was recognized as a winner at the 2019 Good Food Awards this evening at the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center. 

Ska Brewing’s Sales & Marketing Director received the award on the brewery’s behalf. “We appreciate that the Good Food Awards supports collaborative products like our True Blonde Ale,” she says. “It’s an honor to say that the beer spoke for itself in the blind tasting.” 

Ska’s True Blonde is one of its oldest and most decorated beer recipes. It’s a crisp, medium-bodied blonde ale that is crafted with honey from Durango’s specialty honey producer, Honeyville. True Blonde has been the recipient of four Great American Beer Festival® medals and two World Beer Cup® awards. It has also been recognized at the Colorado State Fair, the LA County Fair,  the European Beer Star awards, the Australian International Beer Awards, and the L.A. International Beer Competition. 

2019 marks the ninth year for the Good Food Awards, which include 16 categories his year. Ska Brewing was among 21 finalists in the beer category.

For more information about Ska Brewing or True Blonde Ale, or to schedule an interview with Kristen Muraro who received the award on behalf of 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 (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

ABOUT GOOD FOOD AWARDS 

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

A Celebration of Regional Malt: Proximity Malt and Ska Brewing Collaborate on Green Silo Saison

DURANGO, CO— Last month Ska Brewing and Proximity Malt collaborated on a Dark Rye Saison, Green Silo Saison, to recognize their partnership. Named for Ska Brewing’s new green silo filled with Proximity Malt, this beer will be available in limited 12-ounce canned 6-packs on January 11.

Ska Brewing supports Proximity Malt’s commitment to shorten supply chains by providing local, sustainable, and consistently malted barley, so much so that they added a large green silo outside their tasting room to hold more Proximity Malt. 

The Green Silo Saison was created by a conference call between the great minds of Ska Brewing, Proximity Malt, and Steve Dresler— a retired brewmaster from Sierra Nevada. Dave Kuske, Proximity Malt’s VP of Operations, described the recipe development process: “We wanted to think outside the box and showcase the spicy notes and characteristics of our chocolate rye with a brown Saison.“ 

Green Silo Saison finishes with all of the traits you’d expect from a Saison, with the delicate notes of silky chocolate, banana, and dark cherries. The spiciness on the nose has notes of subtle black pepper, allspice, clove and nutmeg— all from the use of malt, not additional spices.

“Proximity takes great pride in working as the intermediary between the brewers and the growers. We are excited to support their commitment to the region by working together and purchasing malt grown right here in our home state,” explained Ska Brewing’s CEO Dave Thibodeau. Ska utilizes Proximity’s base and specialty malts in many of its recipes. 

For more information, 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 (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

ABOUT PROXIMITY MALT

Proximity Malt selects premium grain varieties and partners with local growers to ensure the best possible local supply. Creating efficiencies in the supply chain from field to glass reduces both costs and negative environmental impacts. Their advanced malting and roasting technologies also improve the quality, performance and flavor of malt.  Proximity Malt operates malthouses in two locations: Monte Vista, CO and Laurel, DE— making them the first and largest malt company dedicated to the unique needs of craft brewing, distilling and culinary businesses. Learn more at proximitymalt.com. 

Bonfire Block Party Announces Three Bands: Early Bird Tickets Now On Sale for 2019 Event

North Mississippi Allstars, one of the featured bands at the 2019 Bonfire Block Party in Eagle.

Eagle, CO— Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events today announced the first three bands in their 2019 Block Party lineup. The annual street party is slated for Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1, with a special Sayonara Sunday closing concert on June 2, 2019. The three bands, The Lil Smokies, North Mississippi Allstars and Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears will join eight additional bands, all to be announced by March 19. Early Bird tickets are now on sale.

The Lil Smokies perform their version of progressive bluegrass to an ever-growing Colorado fanbase. Their award-winning sound defies convention and is delivered with a rock ‘n’ roll punch. Grammy-winning North Mississippi Allstars bring their fatback funk and slippery soul to the 2019 Block Party. Their most recent album, Prayer for Peace hit number one on the Billboard Blues Album Chart. No strangers to large festival stages like Coachella and Bonnaroo, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears will not disappoint on the Broadway Main Stage with their hill country blues and southern soul that will shake you to your core.

Early Bird Two-Day General Admission tickets are on sale now and the street party includes 11 bands along with Bonfire Brewing craft beer and food vendors. New for 2019, the Block Party will feature three stages for the event. A limited number of Two-Day VIP Experience tickets are also available and include a dedicated viewing area, catered dinner each evening and access to a full bar. Kids 12 and under are free for General Admission and 2 and under are free for the VIP Experience.

A portion of all Bonfire Block Party proceeds will benefit nonprofit partner, The Cycle Effect. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.bonfireblockparty.com.

If You Go:
What: 2019 Bonfire Block Party
Where:  Broadway and Second Streets, Eagle
When: Friday, May 31 - Sunday, June 2, 2019
Cost: $30/$40/$45/$140 (Early Bird & Regular Pricing)

More: www.bonfireblockparty.com

Back By Popular Demand, Boat Shoes Hazy IPA Returns as Year-Round Beer for Karl Strauss

SAN DIEGO— Karl Strauss Brewing Company is thrilled to announce the long anticipated return of Boat Shoes Hazy IPA. Beginning on January 1st, this fan favorite will join KARL’s core lineup and become the newest year-round offering for the brewery.

Boat Shoes was originally born out of Karl Strauss’ Small Batch program. Head Brewer Sean Albrecht (the talent behind Mosaic Session IPA as well) first tried his hand at this New England-style IPA at KARL’s satellite brewery in 4S Ranch. The initial batch built an immediate cult following and sold out within days. Since then, it has been released several times with much fanfare – including some of the company’s highest engaged posts on Instagram, and more than 1,500 ratings on Untappd so far. Beyond that, Boat Shoes Hazy IPA nearly won a nationwide blind taste test when it received the Bronze Medal in Brewing News’ National IPA Championship. As for the name itself…

“I was back east for CBC [Craft Brewers Conference]. Everyone was wearing boat shoes and the name just stuck. Hazy IPAs are refreshing and easy-drinking, so the name fits nicely with the style of beer. You can’t really be stressed out wearing Boat Shoes.” — Sean Albrecht, Head Brewer, Karl Strauss Brewing Company.

Beginning on January 1st, Boat Shoes Hazy IPA will be pouring on draft at Karl Strauss’ Tasting Room and Brewpubs, as well as select craft beer bars throughout California.  Boat Shoes will also be available throughout the year in limited release quantities of 4-pack 16oz cans. Check out the company’s beer finder tool at www.karlstrauss.com to see where you can buy Karl Strauss beers near you.

To learn more about Boat Shoes Hazy IPA, visit www.karlstrauss.com.

ABOUT BOAT SHOES HAZY IPA

ABV: 7.2%

IBU: 55

Hop Bill: Pacifica, Simcoe, Mosaic, Pekko, and Galaxy

Label Copy:

Boat shoes are much more than footwear – they’re a state of mind. They say to those around you, “Hey. I’m practical, but I’m also stylish. I may or may not actually own a boat. But I definitely care about the finer things in life, like weekend jaunts to the coast, salty ocean breezes, and hazy India Pale Ales.” Boat Shoes Hazy IPA has flavors of citrus and sweet fruit that linger through a juicy finish. This unfiltered brew is intensely hopped and pairs perfectly with your nautical lifestyle, actual boat not required.

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 Releases Official Beer of 41st Annual Durango Snowdown

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing has teamed up with Snowdown, Durango’s premier winter celebration, to create a sure-fire cure to your cabin fever. Snowdown Comic Excelsior-Style Amber Lager will be available in the Durango area on draft and in limited 6-packs of 12 oz. cans beginning Friday, January 4. 

The Beer

Snowdown Comic Can was brewed to celebrate and commemorate the 41st Annual Snowdown and coincide with the 2019 theme, A Comic Con Snowdown. An amber lager packed with roasted, malty sweetness— Snowdown Comic Can is expertly balanced with a dry bitterness from just the right touch of noble and citrus hop aromas and weighs in at sessionable 5.3% ABV and 28 IBUs.

Snowdown Comic Excelsior-Style Amber Lager will be released on draft and in cans at Ska’s Durango World Headquarters on Friday, January 4 at 5pm. Guests can buy two cans for $5 at this event, which will also feature special giveaways. Capes are encouraged.

The Celebration

Durango has been hosting a Snowdown celebration each winter for over 40 years. More that 100 events and activities are crammed into a 5-day window (January 30- February 3). Beard growing contests, joke off, hot wing eating contest, beer plunge, outhouse stuffing and a light parade are all on the agenda. The festival spreads across town, with many local businesses hosting celebrations and events.

For more information on Snowdown Comic Can and 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. For information (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Thirsty Monk Presents 6th Annual New Year's Eve Keg Drop in Biltmore Park

ASHEVILLE, NC— New York City drops a ball, Atlanta drops a peach, and Miami drops an orange. Asheville drops a keg! Thirsty Monk announces its 6th Annual New Year's Eve Keg Drop Celebration at its Biltmore Park Town Square location.

This year’s Keg Drop has grown to include its new craft cocktail bar, Monk's Flask. Ring in the New Year at Biltmore Park as we welcome 2019, sipping on Thirsty Monk Brewery beers, craft spirits and a special cocktail menu.

The Keg

The Biltmore Park brewery’s two-story golden keg will be lit up and glowing on the patio on New Year’s Eve, descending at midnight as we tap a keg of Must Love Coconut IPA, and toast to 2019! The Keg Drop Celebration is free to attend, with ample parking available.

The Beer

If you’re in the mood for an escape from the typical IPA, and want to be whisked away from winter to a tropical paradise, then Must Love Coconut IPA is for you. Brewed with toasted coconut and a blast of Citra and Centennial hops, this Belgian-style IPA is a totally tropical experience. Flavors of stone fruit, tropical fruit and–you guessed it–coconut, take you straight to your own island oasis, with hints of spice and citrus peeking through the palm trees. This special, fan-favorite release makes an annual appearance on tap, especially for New Year festivities.

WHEN: Monday, December 31, 5pm - Tuesday, January 1, 1am

WHERE: Thirsty Monk South at Biltmore Park Town Square

2 Town Square Blvd #170, Asheville, NC 28803

CONTACT: Emily Hutto, coop@radcraftbeer.com

Bonfire Brewing Releases Rope Drop Hazy IPA in 12 oz. Cans

EAGLE, CO— Excitement grows through the slopes of the Vail Valley as Bonfire Brewing celebrates a season in full swing. Introducing Rope Drop Hazy IPA, a limited release available in six packs of 12 oz. cans and on draft while supplies last. Rope Drop will be released at the Bonfire tasting room on Monday, December 24 at 12:24pm and will gradually become available throughout its distribution footprint beginning Wednesday, December 26.

Rope Drop is Bonfire’s first canned Hazy IPA and contains huge tropical fruit and citrus notes from a combination of Citra, Mosaic, Eldorado and Ekuanot hops. These varietals, in conjunction with late boil additions and double dry hopping, provide an aroma bursting with tropical flavors of papaya, pineapple, mango, orange, and hints of fresh pine.

“Rope Drop is brewed to trigger that feeling you get when you roll up on a slope that is just opened (or just about to open) and you get to make the first giant pillowy turns down it,” explains, co-founder, Andy Jessen. “It's like winning the lottery. This release is also appropriate for the time of year as most ski resorts are getting close to 100% open and dropping all of their in-bounds ropes. Finally, it's dropping the rope on a brand new year!”

Weighing in at 6% ABV and 45 IBU, Rope Drop was fermented with London Ale yeast strain to provide a soft, yet juicy profile. Just like the perfect powder day, this hazy IPA drinks extremely smooth with very little bitterness. Made to be enjoyed with your après crew after an amazing day on the slopes.

For more information about Bonfire Brewing and their latest releases, 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.

Thirsty Monk Launches New Asheville Cocktail and Wine Bar, Monk’s Flask

ASHEVILLE, NC— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, is excited to open its new space in Biltmore Park on Wednesday, December 19. Monk's Flask will serve as Biltmore Park’s neighborhood cocktail bar, specializing in craft cocktails, wine by the glass and bottle, beer and spirit pairing flights, and a curated food menu.

Monk’s Flask brings together the worlds of beer and spirits, celebrating the synergy between the two. “It is enticing and exciting to have a space to be able to enjoy beers like CocoNorm Coconut Porter with a paired side of Bourbon, to sip side by side, or blend together,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO

This common ground between spirits, beer, and wine is featured at Monk’s Flask through the aging vessels of their barrel-aged beer program. Wooden barrels will not only adorn Monk’s Flask, but will also be housing Thirsty Monk Brewery’s sour and fruited mixed fermentation beers under the direction of Head Brewer Brian Grace— in tandem with its Denver Woodshed facility.

“As a South Asheville resident, I found good cocktail options, especially in intimate settings, limited. Thirsty Monk fills me up with our comfortable pub setting, and I’m looking forward to Monk’s Flask offering a slightly more intimate space for cocktail and wine sipping. When I look at the wood barrels around Monk’s Flask, I can just dream of what deliciousness our brewers Brian and Chris are going to fill them with,” says Bialik.

Monk’s Flask is located at 2 Town Square Blvd, #160, in the adjacent space to the current Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park. For more information about Monk’s Flask or any of Thirsty Monk’s other locations, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

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 and now Monk’s Flask), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s expertly-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.

Ska Brewing Launches Distribution in Oklahoma

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing beers are now available in Oklahoma via Boardwalk Distribution, Oklahoma’s locally owned and operated independent craft distribution house. This new market brings the brewery’s state distribution count to thirteen.

Cans and drafts of True Blonde Ale, Rue B Soho, Euphoria, Modus Hoperandi, Modus Mandarina, Pink Vapor Stew, and Ska’s latest year-round release Moral Panic hit Oklahoma this week, as did Ska’s Mixed- Up and Hoptions IPA 12-packs. Seasonals like Mexican Logger will be available in Oklahoma as well.

"Boardwalk Distribution is more than excited to team up with Ska Brewing for distribution across the state of Oklahoma,” says Freddy Lamport Vice President of Boardwalk’s Beer Division. “Ska Brewing has been one of those amazing breweries that has always been outside the Okie consumer's hands... well not any more! We believe their brand, mantra and style is in perfect alignment with our core beliefs and are very happy to welcome them to our portfolio.”

Ska’s distribution in the Sooner State is a long time coming for brewery Co-Owner and Oklahoma native Matt Vincent. “The laws in the state allow better opportunities for good, cold beer to be imported into it... Plus my mom is sick of driving to Kansas to buy Ska beer.”

In January, members of the Ska Brewing crew will head to Oklahoma to drink Ska beer at several launch events. More details on these shenanigans will soon be available on Ska’s website and social media channels.

Ska Brewing distributes its award-winning beers in thirteen states— Colorado, Arizona, Southern California, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah, and now Oklahoma.

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. For information (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Strange Craft Big Malty Is Back

DENVER, CO— Strange Craft’s winter seasonal Big Malty returns after a two-year hiatus to the StrangeWit co-tasting room today at noon.

Big Malty is an English Strong Ale with 7.5% ABV. Its a smooth, malt-forward beer brewed with seven different malts, including Maris Otter, Caramel, Honey, Aromatic and Biscuit barley varieties. Big Malty is also crafted with local wildflower honey from Colorado’s Clark's Honey Farm that adds unique complexity and a touch of perceived sweetness to this winter warmer.

For more information about Big Malty, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT STRANGE CRAFT BEER COMPANY

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.

Karl Strauss Supports Wildfire Relief Efforts with Two Beer Releases

photo by Dustin Hall, The Brewtography Project

SAN DIEGO, CA— Karl Strauss Brewing Company is supporting those affected by the California wildfires currently devastating the brewery’s home state through two charitable beers set to release Friday, December 21 with the proceeds to benefit relief efforts. KARL will also institute an internal Beer it Forward donation system to match employee donations for aid efforts.

On November 27, Karl Strauss Brewing Co. brewed a 7bbl batch of Resilience IPA to support the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund along with a 7bbl batch of Strauss Relief Brut IPA – an American Brut IPA brewed with a light malt profile along with Cascade, Simcoe, Strata, and Nelson hops to showcase piney aromatics, tropical notes and a clean, super dry finish. Proceeds from Strauss Relief Brut IPA will support the California Fire Foundation, specifically toward those impacted by the LA County fires.

Join KARL on Friday, December 21 at their main brewery and tasting room in Pacific Beach or any of their brewpubs in Southern California to show your support as they tap the two charitable beers. Purchase a pint or offer a donation to help the brewery raise proceeds for both the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund and the California Fire Foundation.

To learn more about the organizations receiving funds and to contribute yourself, visit Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund and California Fire Foundation.

Holiday Pre-Sale Tickets Now Available for 2019 Bonfire Block Party in Eagle, CO

The Record Company headlined 2018’s Bonfire Block Party in Eagle, CO, voted Best Summer Festival in Vail by Vail Daily readers two years in a row. Photo by John-Ryan Lockman/Showlove Media

EAGLE, CO— Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events once again team up for the fifth installment of the Bonfire Block Party, an annual street party slated for May 31 – June 2, 2019 in Downtown Eagle. A special holiday pre-sale starts Friday for all 2019 Block Party tickets including Two-Day General Admission Wristbands, Two-Day Sili Packages, a Two-Day VIP Experience and a Sayonara Sunday closing concert. The Bonfire Block Party is the two year-winner of the Best of Vail’s Best Summer Festival and showcases nationally-renowned bands, along with food vendors and Bonfire Brewing craft beer releases. As in years past, a portion of all proceeds benefit nonprofit partner, The Cycle Effect. The limited holiday sale offers the guaranteed lowest ticket prices for the 2019 event.

New for 2019, the Block Party will feature three stages and an expanded VIP Experience for concertgoers. 2018’s event featured two stages and an inaugural VIP Experience that sold out to rave reviews.  2019’s VIP Experience includes a covered tent with seating, dedicated viewing area, complimentary catered dinner, full bar service, Bonfire craft beer and a 2019 branded glow-in-the-dark SiliPint tumbler. While supplies last, the Block Party holiday pre-sale pricing for two-day VIP tickets is $100 per person, two-day general admission wristbands are $25, two-day GA tickets with a branded 2019 SiliPint (Sili Packages) are $40 and the Sayonara Sunday concert is $35 and includes a complimentary catered breakfast. All prices will increase when Early Bird ticketing begins.  

 An unprecedented 13 bands will play over the two-day event on the Broadway Main Stage, second stage and the Bonfire Side Stage, adjacent to Bonfire Brewing in Eagle. The full music lineup will be released in early 2019. Past musical acts include The Record Company, Galactic, Sam Bush, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Con Brio, Tea Leaf Green, Nicki Bluhm and more.

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

If You Go:

What: 2019 Bonfire Block Party
Where:  Broadway and Second Streets, Eagle
When: Friday, May 31 - Sunday, June 2, 2019
Cost: $25/$35/$40/$100 (special pre-sale holiday pricing)

More: www.bonfireblockparty.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.

Funkwerks Takes Home Bronze from the 2018 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer

FORT COLLINS, CO— Funkwerks, a specializer of Saison, Sour, and Belgian-style craft beers, was recognized at the 2018 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer for their Sauvin Reserve— a barrel-aged variant of their single hopped Saison, Nelson Sauvin. The brewery earned third place at the festival’s National Barrel Aged Beer Competition for their Wild Beer Brett (Non-Acidic) category.

The Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious barrel-aged beer festival and competition. More than 200 craft breweries from across the United States showcase their rarest, most innovative wood and barrel-aged brews, competing for top honors in The National Barrel Aged Beer Competition in 11 categories of varying styles.

"We aged our single hopped saison, Nelson Sauvin, in white wine barrels to build upon the bright flavors developed by the New Zealand hop varietal used,” explains Funkwerks’ head brewer and co-founder, Gordon Schuck. Sparkling carbonation along with the addition of muscat grape juice support the crisp and clean white wine characteristics complementing the subtle notes of oak and slight spice with aromas of tart gooseberries and honeydew melon. This delicate, award-winning beer is sure to delight both wine and beer drinkers alike.

Funkwerks released limited edition Sauvin Reserve stemmed glassware on Friday, December 7th. The glasses will be available at the brewery’s taproom in box sets that include two glasses and one 750 ml bottle of Sauvin Reserve while supplies last.

For more information about Funkwerks and their recent win in the National Barrel Aged Beer Competition at the 2018 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers, 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 available in ten US states. Find the brewery online at funkwerks.com.

Ska Brewing True Blonde Named 2019 Good Food Awards Finalist

DURANGO, CO— In November, Ska Brewing’s True Blonde, the brewery’s most decorated beer, was named a finalist for the 2019 Good Food Awards. 

2019 marks the ninth year for the Good Food Awards. This platform recognizes to tasty, authentic and responsible food producers in 16 categories: beer, spirits, cider, charcuterie, cheese, chocolate, coffee, confections, fish, honey, oils, pantry, pickles, preserves, snacks and elixirs. This year’s competition saw 2035 entries. Ska True Blonde Ale is one of 21 of finalists in the Good Food Awards beer category, and the only brewery in the finalist list from Colorado.

Ska’s True Blonde is one of its oldest and most decorated beer recipes. It’s a crisp, medium-bodied blonde ale that is crafted with honey from Durango’s specialty honey producer, Honeyville. True Blonde has been the recipient of four Great American Beer Festival® medals and two World Beer Cup® awards. It has also been recognized at the Colorado State Fair, the LA County Fair,  the European Beer Star awards, the Australian International Beer Awards, and the L.A. International Beer Competition. 

The 2019 Good Food Awards winners will be announced on Friday, January 11, 2019, at a 1,000 person gala in the historic San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, followed by two days of celebration including the public Good Food Awards Marketplace

For more information about Ska Brewing’s True Blonde Ale, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com. For more information about the Good Food Awards, contact Katherine Harris at katherine@goodfoodfdn.org.

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 skabrewing.com.

ABOUT GOOD FOOD AWARDS 

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

Wit's End Brewing Releases Ugly Sweater; Celebrates 7th Anniversary + 1 Year of StrangeWit Cohabitation

DENVER, CO— Wit’s End Brewing is celebrating seven years in business and one year of cohabitation with the folks at Strange Craft Beer Co. at its Seventh Annual Ugly Sweater Party. It’s time to bust out those heinous holiday sweaters and party with the ghosts of beers past, present, and future. There will be major awards for the ugliest sweater, thirteen Wit’s End beers on tap, and The Little Big Sandwich Truck.

Wit’s End will be celebrating this momentous milestone on Saturday, December 8, 12pm - close. They are pulling out all the stops with the release of their annual Ugly Sweater Belgian Brown Winter Ale. Ugly Sweater is a random mixture of things that appear to be working together in some kind of plan. Loosely based on an English brown ale recipe, we throw in some knick-knacks like roasted pumpkin seeds, palm sugar, and peace on earth. Its rich caramel maltiness is like drinking a Sugar Daddy®, the roasted pumpkin seeds create a creamy nutty texture, and thanks to a Belgian yeast strain, the huge cinnamon and clove notes come through and balance the sweetness.

Additional special tappings to include Ancient Art (a fresh-hopped brut barleywine collaboration with Burns Family Artisan Ales who occupies Wit’s End’s former space), Jean-Claude Van Brett, Kessel Run Imperial Stout, classic recipes including their 2018 GABF® gold medal-winning Belgian-style blonde ale— Jean-Claude Van Blond, and more!

Beers that will be on tap December 8

Ghosts of Beers Past
Wilford, Belgian Oatmeal IPA
Kitchen Sink Porter, American Rye Porter
Ancient Art, Barleywine (cellar vintage)
Kessel Run, Imperial Stout (cellar vintage)
Jean Claude Van Brett, Belgian Blond w/Brettanomyces

Ghosts of Beers Yet To Come
Double Ambition, Double Black Coffee Stout
DDH Scrumtrulescent, Modern IPA
Miami Berliner Vice with Guava

Ghosts of Beers Present
Ugly Sweater, Belgian Winter Ale
Green Man Ale, American IPA
Super FLI.P.A., Black IPA
Lindauer Lager, Urtyp Helles Lager
Jean-Claude Van Blond, Belgian-style Blonde Ale

For more information about Wit’s End’s seventh anniversary and their year of cohabitation with Strange Craft Beer Company, 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 brewhouse. Wit’s End has now earned two Great American Beer Festival® Gold medals and a World Beer Cup® Bronze award. In late 2017, Wit’s End Brewing 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.