Karl Strauss and AleSmith Debut Blink of an IPA Collaboration Beer

SAN DIEGO, CA— Karl Strauss Brewing Company has a brand new beer in its collaboration series! Introducing Blink of an IPA, an experimental India Pale Ale brewed with AleSmith Brewing Company. This limited release is fermented with Norwegian kveik yeast and will debut on October 10th in cans and on draft throughout California.

Long-time friends and first-time collaborators, Karl Strauss and AleSmith are both known for experimenting with their small batch releases. Neither brewery had previously brewed with kveik yeast, which meant that Ryan Crisp (AleSmith’s Director of Brewery Operations & Head Brewer) and Matt Johnson (Brewmaster of Brewery Operations at Karl Strauss) were eager to jump in and experiment.

“Both Ryan and I wanted to brew a Kveik IPA. Hops are usually the star in an India Pale Ale, so it was a lot of fun to primarily focus on the yeast for this particular IPA. Kveik is really such a unique strain. We were amazed how well it fermented at higher temperatures– from 78°F to 98°F!” – Matt Johnson, Karl Strauss Brewmaster of Brewery Operations.

Not only does kveik ferment incredibly quickly – within days, instead of weeks like typical ale yeast – but it is known for producing bright, citrusy esters. This makes is a natural fit for an India Pale Ale.

Blink of an IPA weighs in at 6.5% ABV with aromas of stone fruit and pineapple. It is brewed with Simcoe, Citra, Ekuanot, El Dorado, and BRU-1 experimental hops. The beer is light in body, intense with orange and fresh fruit flavors, and finishes with a pleasant, lingering bitterness.

Blink of an IPA will be one of Karl Strauss’ featured collaborations at Collabapalooza, their celebration of independent beer coming up on Saturday, October 19th. But fans of Karl and AleSmith can snag this collab even earlier, beginning on Thursday, October 10th. This limited release IPA will be available on draft and in 16oz can 4-packs at Karl Strauss’ Brewpubs, Tasting Room, and at craft accounts throughout California.

 For more information about Blink of an IPA, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT KARL STRAUSS BREWING COMPANY

Karl Strauss Brewing Company has been proudly independent since 1989, pioneering the craft beer scene with innovative and award-winning beer releases like Aurora Hoppyalis IPA, Queen of Tarts Dark Sour, and Boat Shoes Hazy IPA. For more information, visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739. Share it. Cheers.

ABOUT ALESMITH BREWING COMPANY 

Forged in 1995, AleSmith has been recognized by consumers and critics alike as one of the world’s foremost craft brewing companies behind accolades that include medals won at prestigious national and international beer competitions. In addition to being well established within its hometown of San Diego, AleSmith was acknowledged by the RateBeer community as the 6th Best Brewery in the World in 2018. The brewery is also a three-time winner of the Champion Brewery Award at the San Diego International Beer Competition, where it received a Gold Medal in 2019 for Nut Brown English brown ale. Further recognition for individual beers includes a 2018 California Craft Brewers Cup for Pale Ale .394 and a 2017 Bronze Medal for Wee Heavy at the Great American Beer Festival. AleSmith is celebrating its 24th year in business and occupies a 109,942 square-foot facility with a state-of- the-art brewery. AleSmith’s range of acclaimed beers, which includes Speedway Stout, Nut Brown Ale, and San Diego Pale Ale .394 is distributed in 28 U.S. states and 8 countries.

Lone Tree Brewing Company Hires Dennis O’Harrow As New Head Brewer

LONE TREE, CO— Lone Tree Brewing Company has tapped Dennis O’Harrow as their Head Brewer; O’Harrow will start on October 21. O’Harrow was previously the C.B. & Potts Rocky Mountain regional brewery leader where he managed brewing operations for brewery locations across Colorado, after his head brewer position at Arvada Beer Company. O’Harrow brings nearly 20 years of brewing prowess to the already stellar beer program at Lone Tree. 

“I love the craft culture that Lone Tree has created in our industry. They are at the forefront of new styles and creativity, and the entire staff is not only knowledgeable but incredibly passionate,” says Dennis O’Harrow, new Head Brewer at Lone Tree Brewing Company. 

Going forward, O’Harrow plans to continue to cultivate Lone Tree’s quality craft beers as well as bring along some new recipes that he has worked on in the past. 

“C.B. & Potts is a highly decorated brewery with accolades from a variety of esteemed institutions, and Dennis was a huge part of that. We’re thrilled to welcome Dennis and his breadth of experience to continue to elevate Lone Tree’s award-winning beer program,” says John Winter, President at Lone Tree Brewing Company.

For more information about Lone Tree Brewing Company or their new Head Brewer, contact Chea Franz at chea@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT LONE TREE BREWING COMPANY

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

On Strange Soil Film Launches Seed & Spark Campaign To Defend Public Lands

PUBLIC LANDS, UTAH— Traverse Image proudly presents On Strange Soil— a feature-length documentary film about the past, present and future state of America’s 640 million acres of public land. The filmmakers will introduce a Seed & Spark campaign beginning Tuesday, October 22 with the goal of raising $15,000 to support completion of this documentary film.

With an unprecedented attack on Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument., the Antiquities Act is currently being challenged resulting in rural locals banding together to make sure this precedent doesn't stand. The completed feature film will serve as a platform to bring diverse, important, and powerful voices to the table to ensure that the rescinding a national monument can not stand.

“The introduction of a new administration and new policies governing the country in 2017 created a turbulent year for public lands,” explains director and Traverse Image founder, Thomas Kolicko. “Conflict and threats against protected land emerged and were immediately followed by a passionate outcry from the people that cherish the land most,” said Kolicko. 

On Strange Soil features the untold story behind the motivations leading up to the actions that have started a recent battle over our public lands. It gives a voice to passionate public landowners while educating the public on the need to preserve and protect these lands.

View the early trailers for On Strange Soil from Traverse Image on vimeo.

For more information about the On Strange Soil film or Traverse Image, contact aaron@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT ON STRANGE SOIL

In December 2017, a presidential executive order reduced two of our national monuments of scientific, cultural and geological significance. For the first time in its history, the Antiquities Act was challenged, resulting in a handful of grassroots organizers banding together in rural communities to make sure this precedent does not stand. 

On Strange Soil is a film story about livelihood, healing, and a survival of traditions. The film explores the recent controversy surrounding the reduction of two national monuments in Southern Utah: Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Our characters offer the untold story behind the motivations leading up to the unprecedented actions that have started a recent battle over our public lands. Learn more at onstrangesoil.com.

Ska Brewing Cans The Hazy IPA of 2019; Announces Coming Brand Refresh

DURANGO, CO— After much experimentation on its Mod pilot system, Ska Brewing is excited to finally offer a hazy IPA in a can— The Hazy IPA of choice after an array of test batches. This new offering from Ska will be available October 1, and it will go down as the beer that sparked Ska’s coming brand refresh.

Ska’s rendition of this popular beer style is a long time coming, named The Hazy IPA because it’s the recipe that Ska’s brewers determined would go in a can after many different batches. This 6.5% ABV, full-bodied New England-styled IPA is rich with juicy and citrus-forward tropical notes obtained through a variety of proprietary hopping techniques.

Unlike Ska’s other canned offerings, there’s not a character or a punny name associated with this beer style. Instead the artwork pops with bold colors and Ska’s trademark checkerboard stripe that wraps the can. “When we put all of these comic book elements together, we realized this was a good direction to ultimately refresh our entire line of beer cans,” says Ska’s co-founder and CEO Dave Thibodeau. 

The Hazy IPA will release in cans and on draft at Ska’s World Headquarters on October 1. This beer will also be available in canned 6-packs and on draft in select accounts across Ska’s 13-state distribution footprint. The Hazy IPA cans are the first glimpse at Ska’s refresh of select brands with announcements to follow in coming months. 

For more information about Ska Brewing or its new hazy offering, 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, music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Thirsty Monk Continues Karma Series with Second Release of Trail Monk IPA

Hikers on Mt. Evans in Monk shirts!

DENVER, CO— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, is tapping the autumn rendition of its Karma Series, Trail Monk IPA at the end of this month. Brewed in support of trail restoration causes, this limited release will be on tap in Asheville, Denver, and Portland locations while supplies last.

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

Karma Series beers support nonprofit efforts that align with Thirsty Monk’s company values,  featuring a series of beers brewed annually for a different charitable focus. Trail Monk IPA is preceded by Monk’s Cottage to benefit affordable housing, and Unity Gose to promote LGBTQ equality and inclusion. Unity Gose raised over $3,000 with more than $1,000 donated to 501c3s Campaign for Southern Equality in Asheville, One Colorado in Denver, and Basic Rights Oregon in Portland respectively.

Trail Monk honors one of our favorite seasons—the season of falling leaves, cool mist mornings, and Fall-day hikes. At 7.5 percent ABV, the beer pours hazy pale orange, with notes of freshly squeezed citrus fruits, pine, and a pleasantly bitter finish.

A portion of the proceeds from Trail Monk IPA will support 501c3s Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation in Asheville, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative in Denver, and Trailkeepers of Oregon. 

Contact Chea Franz at chea@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.

ABOUT THE NONPROFITS

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FOUNDATION

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

COLORADO FOURTEENERS INITIATIVE

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

TRAILKEEPERS OF OREGON

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

Lone Tree Brewing Company Debuts Hazy IPA in Rotating IPA Series

LONE TREE, CO— Continuing their quest to provide diverse options in the IPA category, Lone Tree Brewing Company will release Hazy IPA just in time for the Great American Beer Festival®. Earlier this year, Lone Tree released a Tart IPA and a single-hop IPA featuring Centennial. Hazy IPA is the next evolution in the Hoppy Little Trees Project, Lone Tree’s year-round fresh rotating IPA series. 

“The Hoppy Little Trees Project allows us to not only experiment with ever-changing beer trends, but it also gives us reason to create IPAs that we enjoy drinking!” says Dennis Stack, Director of Sales and Marketing at Lone Tree Brewing Company. 

At 6.5 percent ABV, Hazy IPA features Azacca hops and other specialty blends that mingle with 

Amarillo and Huell Melon hops to provide a strong, hop aroma and a slight bitterness. An additional dry-hopping of Motueka provides notes of tropical fruit. 

Hazy IPA is a limited offering that will be available on draft and in canned 6-packs across Lone Tree Brewing’s distribution footprint at the end of this month while supplies last.

“We’re thrilled to release a style that we’ve never packaged before!” says Stack. “Grab a fresh 6-pack of Hazy IPA and enjoy it with friends.”

For more information about Lone Tree Brewing Company or the Hoppy Little Trees Project, contact Chea Franz at chea@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT LONE TREE BREWING COMPANY

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

Root Shoot Malting Celebrates Inaugural Craft Malt Day

LOVELAND, CO— Root Shoot Malting is proud to announce the first-ever Craft Malt Day, designated by the Craft Maltsters Guild. This day will go down in history as a celebration of everyone that supports the craft malt industry.
Root Shoot spent this day in history in the field harvesting corn before steins of Liebesland Helles, a collaboration between all 10 Loveland breweries made with 100 percent Root Shoot grains, at the Loveland Oktoberfest bash.

“Craft malt celebrates a connection between people. Connection between drinkers, farmers, brewers, and maltsters lets us shed light on an agricultural product that has been brushed aside with the growth of large-scale commodity product availability,” says Mikey Myers of Root Shoot Malting. “Craft malt is more than beer— it’s a commitment to doing it right, and always trying to make it better.” 

Since its launch in 2016, Root Shoot has supplied malted barley for more than 200 breweries across Colorado and beyond. That number continues to grow as craft breweries strive to localize their ingredient lists and diversify their flavors.

To learn more about Root Shoot Malting or the inaugural Craft Malt Day, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT ROOT SHOOT MALTING 

Root Shoot Malting’s family of farmers grow, harvest and malt the finest grains to give brewers and distillers high-quality taste in every glass. Opened in 2016 on 1,500 acres of Olander Farms’ irrigated land in Loveland, Colorado, Root Shoot harvests alfalfa, wheat, corn, rye, and barley. Root Shoot gives breweries and distilleries the ability to procure local, consistent and high quality craft products. Find this craft maltster online at rootshootmalting.com.

Ska Fabricating Debuts the Half Pint OD Mobile Depalletizer

DURANGO, CO— In their never-ending drive to pioneer the industry’s leading packaging line solutions, Ska Fabricating is proud to announce the new and improved “Half Pint OD” mobile depalletizer.

The OD (Orbital Discharge) features the same lightweight, low-footprint spirit of the original Half Pint with a new patent-pending rotary table design. This machine’s 30” wheel is the first of its kind, allowing for more accumulation, higher line speeds, a smaller footprint, and a better drop angle for the rinse cage. The wheel can run clockwise or counter-clockwise, making it possible to install two discharges for different container sizes with little to no changeover. 

Small, challenging spaces are no problem for the OD, with removable gates that allow for over 180 degrees of flexibility for discharge and rinse cage placement. It still comes on wheels and can be easily moved in and out of the canning line area. And the noisy vibrator is gone, so this machine is essentially silent.

"The Half Pint OD is a breakthrough design when your situation calls for a fully automated solution that fits in a small space. The higher discharge height and much smaller footprint adds a huge amount of options." says Jim Mackay, CEO of Ska Fabricating.

The product has been tested and proven under working conditions, and the innovative design was driven by customer feedback Ska Fab’s commitment to engineering solutions for packaging line automation. You can see this machine’s debut at CanLand as a part of the California Craft Beer Summit in Long Beach, CA Thu, Sep 12, 2019 – Sat, Sep 14, 2019. It is available for order and shipping as of October 29, 2019.

Contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com for more information about the Half Pint OD, and with all media inquiries about Ska Fabricating.

ABOUT SKA FABRICATING

Founded by Ska Brewing Co-Owner Matt Vincent, Ska Fabricating automates packaging lines for craft businesses, specializing in depalletizers, palletizers, conveyance systems, rinsing, drying, fill detection and date coding products. With more than 700 customers worldwide, Ska Fab has the products and experience to help you increase your production while saving expense. Learn more at skafabricating.com.

Ska Brewing Welcomes Autumn With Euphoria Cans

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing’s seasonal Euphoria Pale Ale returns to the brewery’s World Headquarters this Thursday during Ska-BQ, and hits shelves in thirteen states next week. This highly anticipated beer release serves as Durango’s unofficial kickoff into winter.

Euphoria’s big malt backbone meets caramel sweetness and just a touch of chocolate, with epic grapefruit hop aroma and flavor provided by a huge dry hop addition that all comes together to make it a perfect beer for those long lift rides.  

Both known as craft creators in their respective industries, Ska Brewing and Venture Snowboards began a partnership about 15 years ago. “Ska takes the same approach in crafting their beer, and we're both based in the San Juan Mountains, so teaming up seemed like a natural. Euphoria is named after Venture’s powder board - you get the same heady feeling drinking it as you do floating through the deep stuff on a blower powder day,” explains Lisa Branner from Venture.

“Euphoria comes in perfect time for the Broncos season,” says Ska Brewing’s Sales and Marketing Director Kristen Muraro. “We’re officially ready for football now.” 

Celebrate the upcoming season with Ska Brewing this Thursday, September 12 at Ska-BQ the brewery’s World Headquarters at 5pm. Ska and Venture Snowboards will debut this year’s custom ska-themed snowboard and host a Euphoria celebration in November— more information will soon be available about this event at skabrewing.com.

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

ABOUT SKA BREWING

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

Hop Zombie Day Lurks at Lone Tree Brewing on September 28

LONE TREE, CO— The brewers have confirmed: GABF®. award-winning Hop Zombie by Lone Tree Brewing Company is coming, and this year it has mutated into cans. Try this monstrous beer at the brewery on Saturday, September 28.

Unlike apocalyptic zombie outbreaks, Hop Zombie Day won’t last long. Now in its sixth year, this Imperial Red IPA will be available as a limited release in cans and on draft on Saturday, September 28. Formerly only available in bombers, 2019 marks the first year for Hop Zombie to creep into cans with artwork created by Boulder-based Anthem Branding in collaboration with the Lone Tree Brewing Co.’s team. 

The new can with refreshed artwork will be exclusively available at the brewery on Saturday, September 28 beginning at 11 a.m. Word to the wise, Hop Zombie Day has a cult following; this infamous brew is typically quarantined and contained in one day and sells out.

Guests at Hop Zombie Day 2019 can purchase specialty Hop Zombie glassware and t-shirts designed like the beer’s label. The Ol’ Skool Que and Colorado Pizza Company will be set up by 10am and serving green chili breakfast bowls to people waiting in line. 

For more information about Hop Zombie Day 2019, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

HOP ZOMBIE SPECS - 9% ABV, 90 IBU

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

ABOUT LONE TREE BREWING COMPANY

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

Karl Strauss Anaheim Presents Five-Course Beer Dinner on September 20

SAN DIEGO, CA— Fresh off their third anniversary in Anaheim, Karl Strauss Brewing Company is keeping the celebrations going with a five-course beer dinner on Friday, September 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Located at the Anaheim location (2390 East Orangewood Ave. Anaheim, CA, 92806), this end-of-the-summer soiree is not your average backyard barbeque!

Starting with a meet and greet with Karl brewer Jarrod inside the brewery, followed by a decadent beer dinner where Jarrod and Chef Kevin guide you through a thoughtfully curated five-course menu that demonstrates the versatility and creativity of beer, this elevated dining experience would make any foodie and craft beer lover swoon.

“Not only are these beers complementary to each menu item, three of these beers are 2019 Great American Beer Festival entries, including our third anniversary Triple IPA and a Blackberry Kettle Sour, which has received rave reviews.” says Jarrod Davis, brewer at Karl Strauss.”In other words, these beers are the cream of the crop of what Karl’s northern brewpubs have to offer.”

• First Course: Munich-style Helles with Low Country Shrimp Boil, Jalapeno-Andouille Hushpuppies, Corn Pudding

• Second Course: Fair Dinkum Australian Pale Ale with Fried Chicken Biscuit Sliders, Buttermilk-Cheddar Biscuit, Pickles, Slaw, Hot Honey

• Third Course: Crazy Eyes Coffee Bock with Coffee Rubbed Wild Boar Ribs, Ancho BBQ Sauce, Sweet Potato Salad

• Fourth Course: Triple Play Triple IPA with Whiskey Glazed Beef Brisket, Pork Belly Baked Beans, Crispy Okra

• Fifth Course: That’s My Jam Raspberry/Blackberry Kettle Sour with Rhubarb-Strawberry Pie: Whipped Brie

Tickets for this decadent event costs $65 per person, which includes a pre-dinner happy hour in the brewery with a 9-oz pour and a seat at the five-course beer pairing dinner.

For more information about the Karl Strauss beer dinner, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT KARL STRAUSS BREWING COMPANY

Karl Strauss Brewing Company has been proudly independent since 1989, pioneering the craft beer scene with innovative and award-winning beer releases like Aurora Hoppyalis IPA, Queen of Tarts Dark Sour, and Boat Shoes Hazy IPA. For more information, visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739. Share it. Cheers.

Ska Releases 24th Anniversary Rosé Strong Ale; Celebrating This Weekend With 30+ Brewery Friends

WHAT: Ska Brewing’s sold-out 24th anniversary invitational will feature a triple threat of punk and ska bands— Mustard Plug, The Toasters,  and The Aggrolites— as well as samples poured by more than 30 of their craft brewery friends within the region. 

Kicking off the celebration is Mustard Plug, a 22-year-old punk-influenced Ska band from the midwest that most recently debuted their new album Can’t Contain It. Next up is The Toasters, who will return to Durango for the third time. This OG ska band from NYC circa 1981 played their time-honored classics from albums like Skaboom and Thrill Me Up at Ska’s 16th and 21st anniversary celebrations. Then to perform are The Aggrolites, a compilation of two bands, one reggae and one ska in genre, that came together in Los Angeles in 2002 to create the soul and funk-inspired “dirty reggae music” that they’re known for. 

This invitational will feature Ska’s 24th Anniversary Rosé Strong Ale, a Cabernet Sauvignon barrel-aged mixed culture beer made with Açaí fruit and a grape blend. It pours a hazy dark purple color with a light white head. Intense açaí and sweet ripe raspberry aromas fill the nose. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes create a bittersweet, herbal, wine-like powerhouse. A drinkable brew with a crisp, refreshing mouthfeel and a slightly dry, mildly bitter finish. Find this beer on tap at Ska’s 24th anniversary party and for sale to-go in 500mL bottles at Ska’s World Headquarters while supplies last. 

Guests at this event can enjoy beer pours from more than 30 breweries (the complete list is on the next page), as well as samples of Ska’s new canned, non-alcoholic bubbly water, Skagua. 

WHEN: Bands to perform and breweries to pour on Saturday, September 7 from 4 to 9pm, and the brewery is not otherwise open to the public during that time. 

WHERE: This celebration of Ska’s 24 years in business will go down at the brewery World Headquarters in Durango, Colorado located at 225 Girard Street in the “BoDo” neighborhood. 

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, music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Karl Strauss’ Celebration of Independent Beer, Collabapalooza, Returns For Its Third Year

SAN DIEGO, CA— Karl Strauss Brewing Company is proud to present the third year of Collabapalooza, an indie beer collaboration celebration featuring independent San Diego craft breweries. This signature event is going down on Saturday, October 19, behind the North Park Observatory. 

Voted Best Beer Event of 2017 and 2018 by the readers of West Coaster Magazine, Collabapalooza celebrates the spirit of independent beer made in San Diego, with once-in-a-lifetime chances to taste a unique selection of one-off collaboration beers and rare releases made by more than 40 local breweries.

This collaboration festival benefits the San Diego Brewers Guild, as well as the North Park Main Street Association. Collabapalooza will take place on Saturday, October 19, from 1 to 5pm. General admission tickets cost $40 per person, with VIP priced at $60 each. All tickets include unlimited 2oz pours and a commemorative taster glass, and VIP admission also boasts early festival access and a festival t-shirt. Tickets are available for purchase here. 

The complete pour list for Collabapalooza will be announced at the end of September. The complete Collaboration Partner list is available below.

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

ABOUT KARL STRAUSS BREWING COMPANY

Karl Strauss Brewing Company has been proudly independent since 1989, pioneering the craft beer scene with innovative and award-winning beer releases like Aurora Hoppyalis IPA, Queen of Tarts Dark Sour, and Boat Shoes Hazy IPA. For more information, visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739. Share it. Cheers.

Karl Strauss Collaboration Beers with…     

AleSmith

Alta Brewing      

Thorn

Helix Brewing    

Belching Beaver

Stone    

Mission Brewery

Participating Breweries 

Abnormal Beer Co. with Thr3e Punk Ales & SouthNorte  

Alpine Beer Company with Pizza Port OB

Amplified Ale Works with OB Brewery & Half Door 

Automatic Brewing Co. with Gravity Heights 

Bagby Beer Company with Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company

Bay City with Thunderhawk Alements

Bitter Brothers with Stave and Nail

Black Plague with SLO Brew & My Yard Live          

Booze Brothers with Stave & Nail 

Burgeon Beer Company with Eppig Brewing         

Burning Beard Brewing with Automatic Brewing Company

Coronado Brewing Company with Ketch Brewing

Duck Foot Brewing Co. with Deft Brewing

Eppig Brewing with Home Brewing Co     

Fall Brewing Company with Artifex Brewing

Gravity Heights Brewery with Automatic Brewing Company          

Half Door with Southpark Brewing & Pizza Port Bressi Ranch

Mason Ale Works with Horus Aged Ales

Mike Hess Brewing Co. with Pariah Brewing

Mikkeller Brewing with Setting Sun Sake

Mother Earth Brewing Company with (TBD!)

New English Brewing Company with Automatic Brewing Company

Nickel Beer Co. with (TBD!)          

North Park Beer Co. with Original 40 Brewing Company  

Novo Brazil Brewing Co. with (TBD!)

Pizza Port Brewing Co. with Alpine Brewing

Pure Project with JuneShine

Resident Brewing Co. with Helia Brewing Company

Rip Current with Long Beach Beer Lab

Rouleur Brewing Company with Black Plague

San Diego Brewing Company with BnS Brewing

Second Chance Beer Company with New English Brewing

Societe Brewing Company with Burning Beard Brewing

South Park Brewing Company with Burning Beard Brewing

The Lost Abbey with Burning Beard Brewing

Thr3e Punk Ales Brewing with Abnormal Beer Co.

Thunderhawk Alements with Border X Brewing

White Labs Brewing Co. with Latchkey Brewing

Wild Barrel Brewing with Pink Boots Society

Advice From The Trail: Brooklyn Brewery on Social Media

Brooklyn Brewery have always been pioneers, in the craft beer industry and beyond. What started as a risky endeavor to introduce New Yorkers to the potential of beer and worldly flavors has spawned into the most widely distributed craft brewery in the world.

We reached out to Brooklyn Brewery Social Media Coordinator, Paige Snyder to get her insight into managing a global brand's social media and what other breweries can incorporate into their strategy regardless of their distribution footprint...

A multi-platform approach is the only way to reach as many potential beer drinkers as possible. Each platform comes with its own benefits and challenges, and figuring out how to wield those effectively is a key part of any overall marketing strategy.

Combining the local-level targeting of Facebook with the overarching reach of Twitter and Instagram allows us to keep targeted messaging relevant to specific audiences while using the broader platforms to achieve general branding goals.

Each social media platform demonstrates a very different pattern of consumption. Our main challenge is to figure out the best way to deliver content to be sure we are reaching our audience and not getting lost in the noise. For example, a short, pithy snippet of copy that might cut through the crowd on Twitter might not provide enough information for our audience on Facebook.

It is up to us to consider our message and who we are trying to reach, then translate it into the best form of communication for each platform.

Changing your name on Twitter is the online equivalent of carving jack o’lanterns and hanging skulls in your window for your neighbors to see.

Above all else, be approachable and be kind. At worst, you will divert the sort of customer service disasters that end up as clickbait on media websites. At best, you will be able to provide your audience with a detailed, interesting, and useful interaction on a platform that can often feel completely overwhelming. The people you’re talking to (in most cases) are also beer people. The more we can respect our fellow drinkers and their communities, the more good can be achieved and the more utility will come through for all.

Also, every picture of a beer in a glass needs to have a good head on it.

— Paige Snyder, Social Media Coordinator at Brooklyn Brewery

Thirsty Monk Welcomes New Asheville Lead Brewer, Opens 2x4 Brew Pub and Tasting Room in Gerber Village

ASHEVILLE, NC— Thirsty Monk proudly welcomes Paul Friedheim, a graduate of Appalachian State Fermentation Sciences Program and former brewer at Devil’s Backbone Brewing, to run their brewing operations in North Carolina. 

“I look forward to mastering the already great flagship beers Thirsty Monk has been making for years as well as creating new tasty brews for the people of Asheville to enjoy,” says Paul Friedheim, lead brewer at Thirsty Monk in Asheville.

Friedheim will set up shop at Thirsty Monk’s newest concept, 2x4 Brew Pub in Gerber Village, located off Hendersonville Rd in South Asheville. This taproom pays homage to sister company Compact Cottages, a builder of affordable housing in Western North Carolina. CEO Barry Bialik leads both companies and is also chair of Asheville’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.

“Our purpose at Compact Cottages is to build homes that Thirsty Monk wage level employees can actually afford in Asheville. If we can’t do that, then something is out of balance,” says Bialik.

For the renowned operator of Thirsty Monk, this location will be the best spot to check out what the North Carolina brewery is working on. The Gerber Village location is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. with rotating beers and similar food offerings to its Downtown Asheville counterpart— including expertly-paired food flights, house-made hand pies, pints of candied bacon, pretzels and much more. 

“Our new 2x4 Brew Pub is a playful bridge between our beer and house building worlds,” says Bialik. “2x4 Brew Pub has a library of small house design books, affordable housing resources, information about reasonably priced homes in Asheville, and some fun 2x4-themed items to entertain yourself while you are sipping our beers—from Giant Jenga outside to building blocks inside.”

For more information about Thirsty Monk’s newest endeavour 2x4 Brew Pub, contact Chea Franz at chea@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, 2x4 Brew Pub), 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, beer-paired burgers and hand pies. Find the company online at monkpub.com.

Karl Strauss Brewing Company Bottles Renowned Queen of Tarts Dark Sour Ale for the First Time

SAN DIEGO, CA— The queen has returned… this time in bottles! Karl Strauss Brewing Company is re-releasing its highly coveted Barrel Aged Queen of Tarts Dark Sour Ale beginning on September 12th for a limited time. It will be available on draft, and for the first time ever it will also be packaged in 500 mL bottles.

“We are really proud to package Queen of Tarts. People have been asking for this for a long time, and we’re thrilled to be able to meet the demand for this fan-favorite sour ale. Don’t wait around, because it’ll go fast!” says Matt Johnson, Brewmaster of Brewery Operations.

Queen of Tarts is one of the most anticipated small batch beer releases of the year for Karl Strauss. This Great American Beer Festival® award winner, which received a gold medal in the American-Style Sour Ale category, is aged on Michigan-grown tart cherries in first generation red wine barrels. Flavors of French oak, tart cherry, and lightly roasted malts are backed by a lively finish. 

“Crack open a fresh bottle and you’ll notice a ton of cherry aroma up front, with a slight oaky flavor and a clean, lactic sourness. But these bottles will also cellar really nicely. Expect that cherry flavor to become a little more subdued and the lactic sourness to round out. I am really looking forward to trying this batch of Queen again in a few years!” says Sean Albrecht, Head Brewer.

Queen of Tarts will be available on draft and in 500mL bottles beginning on September 12th for a limited time at Karl Strauss’ Tasting Room and Brewpubs. 

For more information on Queen of Tarts, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT KARL STRAUSS BREWING COMPANY

Karl Strauss Brewing Company has been proudly independent since 1989, pioneering the craft beer scene with innovative and award-winning beer releases like Aurora Hoppyalis IPA, Queen of Tarts Dark Sour, and Boat Shoes Hazy IPA. For more information, visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739. Share it. Cheers.

Station 26 Presents You'll Never Get Out of This Haze for Phish Dicks 2019

What: For the third year running, Station 26 Brewing Company will serve a Vermont-style hazy, hoppy beer to celebrate Phish Dicks weekend. You'll Never Get Out of This Haze will be available in four-packs of specially-designed 16oz cans in our taproom on each day of the weekend for you to take away for your Shakedown adventures. Four-packs are $16 each and are limited to one case per person. That should set ya. 

This beer will also be on tap at the brewery for you to enjoy pre-show throughout the weekend with some live music and awesome local food trucks to boot. 

SATURDAY: Rastasaurus, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. These guys have jammed on Station 26’s  patio each of the past two Phish Dicks celebrations, and they are stoked to have them back. Boogie on.

SUNDAY: Bottlerocket Hurricane, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Bottlerocket mixes up classic Phish and Dead tunes (among other great covers) in an acoustic/bluegrass style. Perfect for a Sunday Funday.

Tacos El Huequito Family Food Truck and Rest is your Friday food truck. Basic Kneads Pizza is slinging pies on Saturday, and Sunday will be The G Wagon Denver. 

When: Phish Dicks. Labor Day Weekend. One of the brewery’s favorite times of the year. Friday, August 30 through Sunday, September 1, 2019. 

Where: Station 26 Brewing Company, 7045 E 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80207.
Station 26 is a mere 8-minute drive from Dicks. The Park Hill neighborhood brewery opens at 11:00 a.m. each day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

For more information about Station 26 Brewing Company, its love of Phish, or its shenanigans for Phish Dicks weekend 2019, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@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 Station 26 online at www.station26brewing.co.

Endo Brewing Company Celebrates 2nd Anniversary with Beer, Bikes and Music

LAFAYETTE, CO — Endo Brewing Company is excited to celebrate two years in business with an epic birthday bash on Saturday, September 28 from 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. at their tasting room (2755 Dagny Way Ste. 101, Lafayette, CO 80026).

“I feel incredibly fortunate that I could leave the corporate world and open a successful business in this wonderful community,” says Bob Lichens, co-founder of Endo Brewing. “The people I've met along the way, whether they are neighbors, tasting room regulars, travelers from Sweden, Costa Rica, and other parts of the world, have really made this whole experience worthwhile.”

Enjoy the musical stylings from SoundClub Colorado, and live music by Lady Gang. True to Endo form, the brewery will host bike-centered contests such as a Slowest Bike Race and a Shine and Show Bike event, where top honors will go to the most unique bikes. Mac ‘N Noodles and Hangry Hut will be on-site serving up delicious eats. To commemorate their two-year mark, Endo Brewing will release five different barrel-aged beers, including 2018 and 2019 variants of No Quarter, a Brett Saison aged in Sauvignon Blanc wine barrels, 2017 and 2018 variants of Kill Me, Thrill Me a Belgian Dark Strong aged in a Maker’s Mark Barrel and a 2017 Belgian Dubbel aged in a Woodford Bourbon barrel.

Located adjacent to many cycling routes and communities in Boulder County, Endo Brewing was founded by beer and bike fanatics Bob Lichens and Kevin Van Winkle in 2017. At Endo, guests can enjoy a variety of hand-crafted beers while their bikes are getting tuned up at the bike shop located behind the bar in the tasting room.

“Two years as brewer and co-owner of Endo feels like both split second and a lifetime. It's a dream come true,” says Kevin Van Winkle, co-founder and head brewer at Endo Brewing. “I can’t wait to bust out some barrel-aged brews that I’ve had stashed away and share them with all our friends! ”

For more information about Endo Brewing’s Two-Year Bash, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT ENDO BREWING

Founded in 2017 by two guys with a passion for craft beer and bikes, Endo Brewing Company is a community-driven neighborhood brewery located in Lafayette, Colorado. Housed in a former five-bay auto repair shop, Endo Brewing has converted this unique space into a vibrant tasting room offering quality beer in a warm and friendly atmosphere and a state-of-the-art bicycle repair shop behind the bar. Enjoy a handcrafted beer in a relaxed setting while you get your bike tuned up. Find us online at endobrewing.com. Cheers!

Elevation’s Throwback Red Ale Helps Monarch Mountain Celebrate 80 Years

PONCHA SPRINGS, CO— Elevation Beer Company, the official brewery of Monarch Mountain, will help the mountain celebrate 80 years of independence in the Arkansas Valley this season with the specialty release of Monarch Throwback. This Red Ale will be available on draft and in 12-ounce cans at Monarch Mountain and Elevation’s tasting room beginning September 9th and available across Colorado beginning September 16th.

Powered by independence, precipitation, and their local community, Monarch Mountain and Elevation decided to brew a crowd-pleasing, easy-drinking Red Ale to commemorate the Mountain’s 80th anniversary.

Red Ale is a true throwback— a classic beer brewed true to style! Crystal malts and Munich malt provide a strong malt character that is perfectly balanced with a touch of Magnum hops. Weighing in at 5% alcohol by volume, you can definitely throw back a few of these at lunch and still get some afternoon runs in.

Throwback Red Ale will be released in cans and on draft, Friday, September 20 during a special release party at the Elevation tasting room. Come dressed in your best throwback ski gear and party with the Monarch Mountain and Elevation crews from 5-8pm enjoying happy hour pricing on Throwback Red Ale and free koozies with the purchase of Red Ale six-packs. Come prepared with your collection of old Monarch Mountain passes to win prizes for Oldest Pass, Largest Previous Season Pass Collection, and Best Season Pass Picture. For more information on the Throwback Red Ale Can Release Party visit the Elevation Beer Company Facebook page.

For more information about Elevation Beer Company’s seven years in business and their anniversary beer, 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, Wyoming, and Utah. Go higher at elevationbeerco.com.

ABOUT MONARCH MOUNTAIN

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

Woods Boss Brewing Hosts Annual Block Party, Woods Block ‘19

What: Woods Boss Brewing is gearing up to celebrate their community and local businesses, with the return of Woods Block, an annual block party to promote and bring together Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. 

Woods Boss will be partnering with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) to sponsor a project and rally volunteers. Woods Boss Brewing  will also be partnering with a number of local businesses including Solutions Lounge & Restaurant Denver Featuring Escapology, Carbon Cafe & Bar Five Points, ILoveKickboxing – Downtown Denver, I Made It, and more.

Woods Block ’19 will feature live music beginning at 11am from Jubilingo, Indigent Row, The Good Kind, Mile High Brass Band, Ben Hammond and Eric Lane Music.

A lineup of special beers will be tapped throughout the day including select barrel aged releases, beers from the year-long archives, and  a variety of small batches from the brewery’s Sapling Series. Find more information on the Woods Boss website.

When: September 14, 11am - 11pm

Where: Wood’s Bock ‘19 will take place September 14 at the 2200 block of California St (2210 California St, Denver, CO) in the Five Points neighborhood. This block between 22nd Avenue and Park Avenue on California Street will be transformed into a beer garden with local businesses, craft beers and food options throughout the day.

Street parking will be available on Welton, 22nd Ave, and north and south along California St.

Light Rail stops can be found at the 20th & Welton Station and the 25th & Welton Station.

Visit woodsbossbrewing.com/WOODSBLOCK for full event details.

For more information about Woods Boss Brewery’s Woods Block ‘19, Music, contact Chad Moore at chad@woodsbossbrewing.com.

ABOUT WOODS BOSS BREWING

Woods Boss is more than just a name – it’s a lifestyle inspired by the principals of outdoor ethics and conservation. The Woods Boss kicks it with a much-deserved brew, in good company, and gears up to get back on the trail. After your adventure join us in the taproom with more than 20 unique craft beers on tap and frequent live music to relax with friends new and old, and online at woodsbossbrewing.com.