Ska Brewing's Pearody Returns For Spring

DURANGO, CO - Ska Brewing’s Pearody Ale hits the brewery’s World Headquarters in cans this week and will be more widely available this year in 12 oz 6-packs across Ska’s 13-state distribution footprint seasonally while supplies last. 

A crisp, refreshing ale brewed with pears, this beer is hopped with Perle, Tettnang, and Citra hops. Pearody’s champagne-like qualities stem from its creation as a celebratory beer for the City of Durango’s 40th Snowdown festival last year. “I get asked all the time when we’re bringing Pearody back, and now I have an answer,” says Ska Sales & Marketing Director Kristen Muraro. “This beer was so popular that we decided to share it with all of our markets.” 

Packed full of fresh fruit and hop flavors and sitting at a sessionable 4.5% ABV, this beer is a clutch sidekick for any winter or springtime activity. 

Pearody will be available seasonally in canned 6-packs across Colorado, Arizona, Southern California, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Utah.

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.

CraftBeer.com Readers Name Freshcraft Best Beer Bar in Colorado

DENVER, CO— The results are in— CraftBeer.com has named Freshcraft one of the Best Beer Bars in America after conducting a nationwide poll with their readers. Freshcraft takes top honors as the best beer bar in Colorado. Craftbeer.com readers were asked to nominate their favorite craft beer bar in their state last December; nearly 7,000 votes were casted to select favorites in each region.

“Being voted one of the best beer bars in the USA means a lot, especially with so many other amazing beer focused establishments in Colorado.,” said Jason Forgy, owner of Freshcraft. “Every day our crew comes in and tries to create a great food and beer experience for our guests. It is humbling and validating that the people that voted for us at Craftbeer.com recognized our efforts.”

Founded in 2010, the Denver-based restaurant and craft beer bar was built on the principle that great beer paired with delicious scratch-made comfort food is best served side-by-side. A destination spot for craft beer lovers and foodies alike, Freshcraft offers a laid-back vibe offering high-quality craft beers, a meticulously curated wine, spirits and cocktail program without the pretension, and elevated comfort food with the unique backdrop of Lower Downtown Denver (LoDo). Find more information about this accolade here.

For more information about Freshcraft, contact Chea Franz at chea@radcraftbeer.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 bottles and cans from some of the most noteworthy brewing companies in Colorado and beyond. Find Freshcraft online at freshcraft.com.

Funkwerks Launches Distribution in Ohio and Kentucky

FORT COLLINS, CO— Funkwerks is heading east with the expansion of its distribution footprint to include two new US states—Ohio and Kentucky. The new expansion will introduce Funkwerks’ niche-specialized craft beers on draft, in 6-packs, and in variety 12-packs available via Heidelberg Distributing in Ohio and Kentucky this week.

Draft and 6-pack offerings of Funkwerks select year-round beers— Funkwerks Raspberry Provincial, Saison, Tropic King, and their newly released White — will be available in select, craft-centric establishments across Ohio and Kentucky followed by the latest rendition of Winky’s Snack Packs that include Saison, Raspberry Provincial, Deceit, and White.

“We are excited to bring our beer to both Ohio and Kentucky,” explains Funkwerks Co-founder and President, Brad Lincoln. “Both of these areas seem to be teeming with people craving more craft beer and we think Funkwerks will be a great fit.”

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

March 5 - XYZ Tavern from 7-9pm, Cleveland, OH
March 6 - Bob’s Bar at 6pm, Columbus, OH
March 7 - Pint House at 6pm, Columbus, OH
March 8 - Market District Kingsdale at 6pm, Columbus, OH
March 8 - Buckeye Beer Engine from 5-8pm, Lakewood, OH

March 26 - Louisville Beer Store from 5-7pm, Louisville, KY
March 26 - Kaiju at 7pm, Louisville, KY
March 27 - Shamrock Bar & Grille (Patchen) from 5-7pm, Lexington, KY
March 28 - Sapphire Room at 7pm, Covington, KY

Funkwerks’ beer is available in select locations across ten states including Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, California, Nevada, and now Ohio and Kentucky.

For more information about Funkwerks and their expanded footprint to Ohio and Kentucky, 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 10 US states. Find the brewery online at funkwerks.com.

Deerhammer To Release Exclusive Run of Elevation Apis IV Quad Barrel Finished Bourbon

BUENA VISTA, CO— Today Deerhammer releases a spirit that represents one of Colorado’s most compelling craft brewery-distillery collaborations: Elevation Apis IV Quad Barrel Finished Bourbon.

It starts with a beer, like all good whiskey stories do. Apis IV is a Dark Belgian-Style Ale brewed in the Trappist tradition and is one of the oldest recipes at Deerhammer’s neighbor, Elevation Beer Company in Poncha Springs. With a touch of locally sourced honey from Beekeepers Honey Boutique in Salida, the name Apis is a nod to the hardworking genus of the honeybee that help make this beer possible. Boasting notes of plum, fig, and molasses, Apis IV has a medium to heavy mouthfeel and finishes with subtle floral hops.

Deerhammer used Elevation’s Apis IV barrels to finish a batch of its Bourbon, already aged for two years in charred new oak. This barrel quickly became the honey barrel (or the beloved barrel) at the distillery and was an obvious choice when selecting an exclusive spirit to be sold at Total Wine & More in Denver, Colorado.

“This is one batch of bourbon with a very interesting journey from grain to bottle,” says Deerhammer Owner and Head Distiller, Lenny Eckstein. “I’ve never known of another spirit go into a beer barrel with such complexity to contribute to the bourbon. It’s almost like a fortified wine cask finish— the fruit notes that mingle with the malt are unreal.”

Beginning today, Deerhammer’s Elevation Apis IV Quad Barrel Finished Bourbon is available at Total Wine & More. This very limited quantity is for sale while supplies last.

For more information about this spirit, Deerhammer, or Elevation Beer Co., contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT DEERHAMMER

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 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.

Station 26 Celebrates 303 Day With 303 Lager

DENVER, CO — 303 Lager, Station 26 Brewing Co.’s newest canned offering, is now on shelves across Colorado’s Front Range. This craft lager replaces the brewery’s Colorado Cream Ale in its Mixed Twelver and on shelves as the lightest member of Station 26’s canned family.

303 Lager is a crisp, golden lager designed for easy drinking. Brewed with 2-row and Munich malts and Saphir hops, the beer comes in at 5.0% ABV.

The building, the beer, and the overall concept at Station 26 are deeply rooted in the local community. With 303 Lager, the brewery has set out to brew a beer that is as easy-going as its home town. Station 26 will accordingly celebrate 303 Day with a weekend of 303 Lager tappings around Denver, including the following:

Friday, March 1: Enjoy happy hour deals on 303 Lager at various establishments across Denver, including Cheba Hut, Lowry Beer Garden, Mead Street Station, and more. There is a complete list at station26brewing.co.

Saturday, March 2: 303 Lager Bar Crawl. Join Station 26 representatives from 2:00  to 6:30pm on Saturday for a 303 Lager crawl around five iconic Denver establishments: Freshcraft, Falling Rock Tap House, Cherry Cricket Downtown, Larimer Beer Hall, and Star Bar. Drink one at each stop on the punch card, and receive a box full of special Station 26 swag at the final destination.

Sunday, March 3: Happy 303 Day! 303 Lager will be $3.03 per pint at the Station 26 tasting room.

For more background on 303 Lager or with any questions about Station 26 Brewing Co., contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT STATION 26 BREWING CO.

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

Elevation Beer Co. Releases their first Unclear IPA in Specialty 6 Packs of 12 oz. cans

PONCHA SPRINGS, CO—  The future of craft beer is unclear, and Elevation Beer Co. is embracing the haze with their latest special release and first dive into the world of Juicy Hazy IPAs. This special release IPA will be available on draft and in six packs of 12 oz. cans beginning Friday, January 15 across Elevation’s distribution footprint while supplies last.

Unclear IPA is crafted with a simple grain bill— Two Row, Crystal 15, rolled oats, and flaked oats— to give the explosion of topical hop varieties an appropriate canvas to strut their stuff. Huge late hop additions and over the top dry hop with Azacca and Eldorado hop varieties provide mango, pineapple and stone fruit flavors with a touch of bitterness from a tiny bit Centennial hops used in the boil.

“We love hops around here and we are really excited to be working with El Dorado and Azacca on this one,” says Elevation Co-Founder and Director of Brewing Operations, Christian Koch. “By keeping the grain bill on the lighter side, we really let the flavors of these two hops shine. We also cranked up the flaked grains, including flaked barley and flaked wheat, to higher levels than we ever have before. The result is super refreshing and drinkable beer a really pleasant body. A new brewer favorite!”

For more information about Elevation Beer Co. or their Tropical IPA, 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.

Comrade Brewing Donates Over $8K to Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund

DENVER, CO— Comrade Brewing Company is proud to announce a $8,818.50 donation to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund to support general community relief efforts for the catastrophic wildfires that roared through Butte County in Northern California on Nov. 8, 2018.

In November, Comrade Brewing joined over 1,400 craft breweries across the United States to brew Resilience IPA with the intent to donate 100 percent of sales to support victims of the Camp Fire.

“We jumped at the opportunity to support Sierra Nevada and their national fundraising campaign after learning about the devastation and thinking of all those affected,” explains Comrade Brewing founder, David Lin. “Reception has been tremendous from the Colorado community. There were numerous people, who don’t drink beer, that heard about this collaborative effort and came to the brewery to “buy” pints and just donate without taking the beer.”

Comrade’s iteration of Resilience IPA was tapped at the brewery on December 15 and was available for just over 2 months.

Marks Lanham, Comrade’s Brewmaster, stated, “This beer wouldn’t have been possible without the logistics from Sierra Nevada Brewing and the generosity of our raw materials suppliers. BSG CraftBrewing, and Yakima Chief Hops donated ingredients and Lightning Labels donated supplies.” Comrade also donated yeast and hops for the beer.

Make your donation at: https://www.goldenvalley.bank/Community-Foundation.aspx

ABOUT COMRADE BREWING

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

Thirsty Monk Portland Taps Crooked Stave Collaboration, BBR IPA

PORTLAND, OR— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world- recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, will tap the first of several collaboration beers with Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project at its Portland location today. This collaboration, the Brett Brut Rose IPA otherwise known as BBR IPA, is available on draft only while supplies last.

When Crooked Stave owner and founder Chad Yakobson visited Thirsty Monk in Denver to taste beers before this collaboration, the Brut IPA was his favorite. Thirsty Monk’s Head Brewer Brian Grace worked at Crooked Stave as Head Brewer for several years, and he’s excited about the opportunity to continue to work with Yakobson and crew.

“We talked about the Brut style and how we both thought that using German hops instead of the typical IPA hops that people are using would lend a more wine-like aroma and make the style more along the lines of what we like to drink,” Grace says. “The hibiscus and rose petals were something that Chad and I have talked about using over the years when I worked at Crooked Stave so we went for it! These additions, along with Hallertau Blanc, Huell Melon, Mandarina Bavaria, Centennial and Amarillo give the beer a pink hue and floral, citrus and berry-like aromas. Naturally, any collaboration with Crooked Stave should include Brettanomyces.... the conversations continued from there and this beer was born.”

BBR is the first of several Thirsty Monk and Crooked Stave collaborations to tap in Portland in coming weeks and months.

For more information about Thirsty Monk and Crooked Stave’s collaboration beers, 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.

ABOUT CROOKED STAVE

Founded in Denver, CO in late 2010 as an artisan beer project, Crooked Stave is the culmination of brewmaster and “Brettanomyces Guru” Chad Yakobson’s open source master’s research, The Brettanomyces Project. Crooked Stave’s progressive approach to brewing blends science and art through creativity and passion. The resulting creations, most of which use Brettanomyces yeasts and mature in oak, are beers of extraordinary complexity. The brewery has also started receiving accolades of late for it’s non-sour beers, specifically its new line of “Private Reserve” barrel-aged Imperial Stouts. Learn more at crookedstave.com.

Elevation Releases Apis IV Quad Aged in Red Wine Barrels

PONCHA SPRINGS, CO— After patiently resting in red wine barrels for 4 months, one of Elevation Beer Company’s oldest recipes— the Apis IV Quad— hits the Colorado and Wyoming marketplaces in 750mL bombers this week as an exciting variant on their classic Quadruple.

Apis IV is a Dark Belgian-Style Ale brewed in the Trappist tradition. With a touch of locally sourced honey from Beekeepers Honey Boutique in Salida, CO the name Apis is a nod to the hardworking genus of the honeybee. Boasting notes of plum, fig, and molasses, Apis IV has a medium to heavy mouthfeel and finishes with subtle floral hops.

This year’s special barrel-aged Apis IV release was aged for 4 months in David Arthur Meritaggio blend barrels imparting a brilliant deep ruby color with a tan head and aroma notes of port wine, golden raisin, fig, and honey.

Red Wine Barrel-Aged Apis IV is available on Colorado and Wyoming shelves in limited quantities while supplies last. Get it on draft while you can at Elevation’s tasting room in Poncha Springs.

For more information about the history of Apis IV or this new red wine rendition, 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.

J. Roddy Walston and Ripe Join Music Lineup for 2019 Bonfire Block Party Festival in Eagle

J. Roddy Walston & The Business and Ripe have been added to the 2019 Bonfire Block Party lineup. General Admission and VIP Experience tickets are on sale now for the event taking place May 31 – June 2, 2019 in Eagle.

Eagle, CO— Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events have added two additional bands to the music lineup for the annual street party slated for Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2, 2019. J. Roddy Walston & The Business and Ripe join The Lil Smokies, North Mississippi Allstars and Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, all previously announced as festival talent. Six more bands will be announced by March 19 and Two-Day Early Bird GA and VIP Experience tickets are now on sale.

Roots and southern rockers, J. Roddy Walston & The Business have been road warriors since their formation in 2002 in Richmond, Virginia. Regulars on big festival stages like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits, J. Roddy and the band have experienced explosive growth in their fan base thanks to their incredible live shows and studio recordings.

Bringing an edge to the party, Ripe’s high-energy, feel-good music has garnered them live and streaming fans alike. Their breakout album Hey Hello (2015) put them on the charts and their tracks “Pretty Dirty (In the Fading Light)” and “Goon Squad” have each clocked around 2 million Spotify streams, and regular appearances at Levitate and Summer Camp Music Festivals have solidified Ripe’s spot on the music scene.

Tickets for the 2019 Bonfire Block Party are on sale now and include limited Early Bird Two-Day General Admission tickets, Two-Day VIP Experience tickets and Sunday Sayonara closing concert tickets. VIP and Sunday Sayonara tickets are expected to sell out. The Block Party includes 11 bands performing on three stages, Bonfire Brewing craft beer and local food vendors, all in the streets of Downtown Eagle, CO. 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 - $140

More: www.bonfireblockparty.com

Thirsty Monk Debuts First of Several Crooked Stave Collaborations, BBR IPA

DENVER, CO— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, will tap the first of several collaboration beers with Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project this week. This collaboration, the Brett Brut Rose IPA otherwise known as BBR IPA, is available on draft only while supplies last at Thirsty Monk’s Denver location. 

When Crooked Stave owner and founder Chad Yakobson visited Thirsty Monk to taste beers before this collaboration, the Brut IPA was his favorite. Thirsty Monk’s Head Brewer Brian Grace  worked at Crooked Stave as Head Brewer for several years, and he’s excited about the opportunity to continue to work with Yakobson and crew.

“We talked about the Brut style and how we both thought that using German hops instead of the typical IPA hops that people are using would lend a more wine-like aroma and make the style more along the lines of what we like to drink,” Grace says. “The hibiscus and rose petals were something that Chad and I have talked about using over the years when I worked at Crooked Stave so we went for it! These additions, along with Hallertau Blanc, Huell Melon, Mandarina Bavaria, Centennial and Amarillo give the beer a pink hue and floral, citrus and berry-like aromas. Naturally, any collaboration with Crooked Stave should include Brettanomyces…. the conversations continued from there and this beer was born.” 

BBR is the first of several Thirsty Monk and Crooked Stave collaborations to tap in Denver in coming weeks and months. 

For more information about Thirsty Monk and Crooked Stave’s collaboration beers, 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.

ABOUT CROOKED STAVE

Founded in Denver, CO in late 2010 as an artisan beer project, Crooked Stave is the culmination of brewmaster and “Brettanomyces Guru” Chad Yakobson’s open source master’s research, The Brettanomyces Project. Crooked Stave’s progressive approach to brewing blends science and art through creativity and passion. The resulting creations, most of which use Brettanomyces yeasts and mature in oak, are beers of extraordinary complexity. The brewery has also started receiving accolades of late for it’s non-sour beers, specifically its new line of “Private Reserve” barrel-aged Imperial Stouts. Learn more at crookedstave.com.

Brink Brewing Celebrates Award-winning Second Year in Business

CINCINNATI, OH— Brink Brewing, 2018 Great American® Beer Festival Very Small Brewery and Brewer of the Year, is celebrating two years in business following a notable year of awards and accolades. Brink will be celebrating their second anniversary starting on February 15 with an exclusive bottle release of their 2019 Anniversary Blend followed by a weekend of celebrations.

This past year, Brink Brewing produced 650 BBL —a 45 percent increase from 2017 which included 97 batches and 50 new recipes. With these beers Brink Brewing won a multitude of awards ranging in scale from local to international competitions.

Awards won by Brink Brewing during their second year in business include a 2018 World Beer Cup bronze medal (Milk Stout); a gold medal (Sweet Stout), silver medal (English-Style Mild Ale), Very Small Brewery of the Year, and Very Small Brewer of the Year at  The Great American Beer Festival®; gold (England / Hazy IPA), silver (Milk Stout), bronze (English Mild), and best Southwest Brewery at the Ohio Craft Brewers Cup; gold (Brown Ale), gold (English Mild), gold (Scottish Ale), and 2nd Place Overall Nation Champions at the US Open Beer Championship.

For their Anniversary weekend, February 15-17, Brink Brewing will be releasing a coveted lineup of special releases including their 2019 Anniversary Blend bottle release beginning at 3pm on Friday, February 15.

This special second anniversary blend was carefully crafted between their First Anniversary Blend (38.5%), 2017 Barrel Aged Kelly’s Candy Barley Wine (32%),  2018 Armored Heart Russian Imperial Stout (13%), 2017 Barrel Aged Duncan Clan Stout (10%), and 2018 Night Cap Holiday Porter (6.5%) along with Deeper Roots Losantiville cold steeped coffee and copious amounts of vanilla beans.

Brink will also be tapping the following draft-only releases throughout the weekend:

Friday, February 15
Business Meeting Oatmeal Stout with Raspberry and Vanilla Beans
Maple Bacon Moozie Milk Stout
2017 Barrel Aged Bulldog Ole Ale
Father G's Bees Brown Ale with Honey and Maple Syrup
Graham cracker Berlin Wall Berliner Weisse

Saturday, February 16
2017 Barrel Aged Kelly's Candy Barley Wine
Father G's Bees Honey Brown Ale with Maple and Blueberry
Coffee Doughnut Debbie Jean Blonde
Mint Oreo Moozie Milk Stout
Business Meeting Oatmeal Stout with Raspberry and Vanilla

Sunday, February 17
Barrel Aged Duncan Clan Scottish Ale
Toasted Coconut King Cake
Quadruple Dry-hopped JBoy
Barrel Aged Barrel Thieves and Hired Guns with extra EXTRA vanilla
Business Meeting Oatmeal Stout with Raspberry and Vanilla
Father G's Bees Brown Ale with Maple Syrup and Honey

For more information on Brink Brewing and the success of their second year in business, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT BRINK BREWING

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

Barrels & Bottles Brewery to Tap Pliny the Younger from Russian River Brewing Company

GOLDEN, CO— Eureka! Gold is struck one again in the foothills of the Rockies as the coveted, extremely rare release of Russian River Brewing Company’s Triple IPA, Pliny the Younger finds its way to Barrels & Bottles Brewery and on tap Sunday, February 17 for one day only.

Pliny the Younger will grace Barrels & Bottles beginning at 1pm. The brewery will begin distributing tickets at 11am which will guarantee holders an 8 oz. pour for $8 and is redeemable until 5pm on February 17. All tickets will be given on a first come first served basis.

Elite Brands of Colorado will be donating proceeds from all sales of Pliny the Younger will benefit Sense of Security— an organization dedicated to the support of Coloradans living with breast cancer by providing aid for housing, food, transportation, and other basic living expenses of patients. In addition, Barrels and Bottles will be donating $1 for every pint of Pliny the Younger sold.

In addition to a special tapping of Pliny the Younger, Barrels & Bottles will also have Russian Rivers famed double IPA, Pliny the Elder available on tap throughout the day while supplies last

For more information about Barrels & Bottles and their world-class tap list contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

About Pliny the Younger

Pliny the Younger is considered a “triple” IPA, simply meaning that it is higher in alcohol and has tons of hops. The alcohol should finish at about 10.25%, although it is remarkably dry for the amount of malt used in the recipe. It is loaded with hop flavors, bitterness, and aromatics. The hops used in this year’s recipe are of excellent quality from the 2018 harvest: Warrior, Amarillo, Simcoe, Centennial, CTZ, Chinook, Crystal, and Citra. Russian River brewed Younger for the first time in 2005 as a winter seasonal, building upon the Pliny the Elder recipe while pushing the envelope with malt, hops, and alcohol just to see how far they could go!

About Barrels & Bottles Brewery

Zach and Abby George opened Barrels & Bottles on 12th Street in downtown Golden in October 2013. The brewpub has 27 beer taps, 24 wines on tap, and a slushie machine for serving its infamous wine slushies. Barrels & Bottles also serves farm-fresh food menu with cheese platters, baguettes, and various beer-friendly small plates. The brewpub was named Golden Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year in 2014. Find Barrels & Bottles online at barrelsbottles.com.

Spice Trade Brewing Company Refreshes Flagship IPA, Sun Temple

ARVADA, CO— Spice Trade is celebrating the progress of the New Year and their flagship IPA with a redesigned label and perfected recipe for their Sun Temple IPA. The newly refreshed Sun Temple IPA is now available in the market across Spice Trade’s distribution footprint.

Sun Temple was originally developed by Spice Trade’s head brewer, Jeff Tyler, for years as a homebrew recipe in Boston during the initial “haze craze” before the trend made its way across the country and into mainstream brewing. Sun Temple was designed to be an explosion of hop flavor, using El Dorado, Citra, and Simcoe hops to deliver notes of peach, mango, and candy without the full-bodied thickness possessed by some of the style’s peers.

The new Sun Temple cans pop off the shelf in a vibrant array of orange and red to match the intensely vibrant flavors you’re sure to find inside each 12 oz. can.

“We're excited to launch this finely tuned recipe with a new can design,” says Tyler. “There are a lot of technical challenges with packaging such a hop forward beer. Since the first day of canning we have been subtly tweaking the Sun Temple recipe and brewing procedure to make this beer taste just like the draft version. Late last year we fine tuned the recipe and brewing procedures to perfectly highlight this beer’s huge hop flavor while maintaining a stable haze and body.”

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 handcrafts 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.

Monk’s Flask Celebrates Grand Opening in Biltmore Park

ASHEVILLE, NC— Monk’s Flask, Thirsty Monk's wood-themed cocktail bar in Biltmore Park, celebrated its official grand opening yesterday. Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, announced Monk's Flask as the latest addition to its family of venues, 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. 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 adorn Monk’s Flask, and the building also houses Thirsty Monk Brewery’s sour and fruited mixed fermentation beers under the direction of Head Brewer Brian Grace.

Monk’s Flask celebrated its soft launch in December, and is now open regular hours: 4PM to midnight Tuesday - Thursday, 4PM to 1AM Fridays and Saturdays, 4PM to 10PM Sundays, and closed Mondays. 

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.

RadCraft Announces New Content Manager, Aaron Sprengeler

photo by The Brewtography Project

DENVER, CO— RadCraft, a Colorado-based company dedicated to supporting the communications needs of crafters of malted, fermented barley, announced today that its new Content Manager. Aaron Sprengeler joins the executive team after more than a year on staff.

Sprengeler worked as an intern at the Brewers Association and Social Media Coordinator at Dry Dock Brewing Company before joining RadCraft in 2017. He is the company’s first addition to the leadership team since its launch in 2012. “I’m so fortunate to have joined RadCraft in its startup phase,” he says. “I decided to work in this industry for the people (the beverages are a close second). Emily and the team at RadCraft have cultivated a tribe that could only exist in the craft industry, and it is my privilege to spend each day helping to bring out the best of each member through their rich stories.”

“Aaron has proved integral to our overall company marketing strategy, and a sound social media resource for our brewery partners,” says RadCraft Founder and CEO Emily Hutto. “His thorough, wholistic approach to content development keeps us all in check. It’s an honor to welcome him to RadCraft’s executive team.”

Sprengeler dwells in Denver, Colorado with his puppy Maple. He spends as much of his time in Colorado’s mountains as possible, usually climbing its rocks. Contact him at aaron@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT RADCRAFT

Founded in 2012 by craft beer journalist Emily Hutto, RadCraft is the craft beer co-op. Dedicated to serving the communications needs of crafters of malted, fermented barley, RadCraft is an agency of record and full-service marketing house for craft breweries, distilleries, and malting companies. Learn more at radcraftbeer.com and join the tribe across social media platforms @radcraftbeer.

Karl Strauss and Drake’s Release Collaboration Beer in Celebration of Their 30th Anniversaries

SAN DIEGO, CA— Karl Strauss Brewing Company and Drake’s Brewing Company join forces as they celebrate 30 years of pioneering the craft beer industry in California and beyond. Introducing Level 30 Complete, a collaboration (and joint anniversary) beer. This Hazy IPA is brewed with Simcoe, Cascade, Mosaic, and Amarillo hops. Citrus and sweet fruit aromas are backed by a juicy finish.

“We’ve always respected our friends at Drake’s and the fact that we’re both celebrating our 30 th Anniversaries this year made this the perfect time to collaborate on a brew. Level 30 Complete is a delicious example of a Hazy IPA, and the name summarizes how proud we both are to have made it to this milestone!” – Matt Johnson, Brewmaster, Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Level 30 Complete Hazy IPA is available on draft and in 16oz cans throughout California during the month of February – just in time for San Francisco Beer Week up north and Karl Strauss’ 30th Anniversary celebrations down south. For more information about Level 30 Complete, visit www.karlstrauss.com.

ABOUT LEVEL 30 COMPLETE HAZY IPA

1989’s greatest creation had to be the Game Boy—but hey, the opening of a couple scrappy breweries could be a close second. Karl Strauss and Drake’s began the brewing quest at Level 1 (the difficulty setting? Hard mode.) After grinding for 29 years, we’ve come together to celebrate our 30th Anniversaries and bring you this 1up in beer form. Level 30 Complete is a Hazy IPA brewed with Simcoe, Cascade, Mosaic, and Amarillo hops. Citrus and sweet fruit aromas are backed by a juicy finish. Venture forth, beer in hand. It’s dangerous to go alone, drink this!

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 Boat Shoes Hazy IPA. 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.

ABOUT DRAKE’S BREWING CO.

Drake's Brewing Co. is an independent craft brewery located in San Leandro, Calif., that's been dedicated to bringing people together over great beer since 1989. Drake’s has become known over the years for consistently producing a wide variety of hop-forward craft beers. From the groundbreaking 1500 Pale Ale to innovative creations like the Denogginizer Double IPA, and a growing collection of artisan barrel-aged and sour beers, the brewery’s commitment to quality and integrity shines through in every beer. Go to drinkdrakes.com for more information.

Bonfire Brewing Patio Expansion Now Complete

EAGLE, CO— Bonfire Brewing prepares for the Vail Valley’s sun-filled spring days with the completed construction of their newly-expanded tasting room patio. The expansion was made possible, in part, by an amendment to the Town of Eagle’s land use regulations which passed in September, 2018 and opens for patron use beginning the first week of February.

Voted Best Patio in 2017 by Vail Daily readers, the latest expansion to Bonfire’s patio features a renovation of the previous space along with a connecting addition on the west side of the tasting room. The patio expansion increases Bonfire’s customer area by over 700 square feet. The western expansion features a garage door opening to the inside with additional bar seating lining both ends.

“We’re excited and proud of this expansion coming to fruition. It has been in the works for quite some time and should really enhance the Bonfire experience, especially in the warmer months,” explains Bonfire co-founder, Andy Jessen. “Full utilization of our space, enhancing the entry to downtown Eagle, and hopefully bringing more people to town and our tasting room is a great accomplishment by our team, our construction partners, and town staff.”

Bonfire Brewing is formulating plans for a party this coming spring to celebrate the grand opening of the new patio. You can stay tuned to their Facebook page for details and additional updates as they apply the finishing touches to the project.

For more information about Bonfire Brewing or their tasting room expansion, 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.

Karl Strauss Celebrates 30th Anniversary With City Proclamation, Beer Releases & Retro Merch

SAN DIEGO, CA — On February 1, Karl Strauss Brewing Company kicks off a month long celebration of 30 years pioneering craft beer with an impressive line-up of limited release beers, an epic party & retro merchandise.  At the center of the festivities will be a city declaration naming February 2— the anniversary date of KARL opening for business— an official Day in History by Mayor Kevin Faulconer and the city of San Diego.

The declaration was made official by a proclamation from the Mayor’s office and will be announced on Saturday, February 2nd at KARL’s Tasting Room & Beer Garden in Pacific Beach during the brewery’s anniversary party.  “I applaud Karl Strauss Brewing Company for advancing the art of brewing in San Diego and around the world, and congratulate them for 30 years of achievement and success,” stated Councilmember Chris Cate, City of San Diego.

Part of KARL’s month long celebration includes releasing a barrel aged Imperial Stout, a collaboration beer with Drake’s Brewing Company and a series of throwback beers from their 1989 beer recipe book.  

The 30th Anniversary Barrel Aged Imperial Stout was aged in rye whiskey barrels for twelve months and is graced with rich aromas and flavors of chocolate, toffee, and espresso tied together by a warm, lingering finish. This big & boozy beer comes in at 14.4% ABV and will be available in draft and 500ml bottles across California.  

The collaboration beer release with Drake’s Brewing Company is a hazy IPA brewed with Simcoe, Cascade, Mosaic, and Amarillo hops.  The beer is aptly named “Level 30 Complete”, honoring the fact that both breweries turn 30 years young in 2019.  This juicy IPA will be available in draft and 16oz cans across California.  

Small batches of four throwback KARL beers will also be released at the company’s Brewpubs and Tasting room each Thursday night in February.  These beers will feature their original beer names and recipes which were pulled from KARL’s 1989 recipe book.

On Saturday, February 2nd at KARL’s Tasting Room & Beer Garden in Pacific Beach, the brewery will throw their annual anniversary party, Changing of the Barrels.  Event attendees will get unlimited tasters of 30 different beers, a tantalizing spread of food pairings, commemorative glassware, a limited edition hand-bottled 500ml of the 30th Anniversary Imperial Stout, and a chance to taste the 31st Anniversary beer before it spends a year in barrels.

And all month beer drinkers can get retro merchandise including glassware and T-shirts showcasing KARL’s old school graphics.  

To learn more about KARL’s 30th celebration plans, visit  www.karlstrauss.com. 

ABOUT KARL STRAUSS BREWING COMPANY

Karl Strauss Brewing Company has been proudly independent since 1989, pioneering the craft beer scene with innovative beer releases like Aurora Hoppyalis IPA, Queen of Tarts Dark Sour, and Boat Shoes Hazy IPA. 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. 

Advice from the Trail: Creature Comforts on Building a Brewery Brand

We’re excited to continue our RadCrafter series! Each volume of Craft Marketing showcases a Featured Crafter— a craft marketing professional who is crafting content, telling stories, and curating resources about the beer industry. RadCrafters are helping to shape and share the culture that is craft beer. 

For this edition we reached out to Chris Herron, co-founder and CEO at Creature Comforts and picked his brain about beer, brewing, and what it takes to build a strong brand that resonates with consumers in today’s craft beer market

Before Creature Comforts Brewing Company became Georgia’s craft beer darling, the brand was a source of the Decatur neighborhood’s lure. Launched underground by offering samples of homebrew to bars. Each beer had its own psychedelic creatures drawn by friend Julian Bozeman which he called “Creature Comforts”. Beer drinkers were curious, and they sought out the latest creations— the artwork too. The Creature Comforts brand was born.