Advice From The Trail: Trillium Brewing on Content Marketing
Content marketing advice for craft breweries from Trillium Brewing
Phil Cassella, photo courtesy Trillium Brewing
It goes without saying that Trillium Brewing are masters of content, among so many other things, who make us salivate on the reg with their scrumptious photography and streamlined messaging. Trillium’s Content Designer Phil Cassella and Marketing Director Mike Dyer are inspired, savvy, and generous with their insight— to say the least— and they gave us the lowdown on creating and executing a successful brewery content strategy. It all comes down to hospitality and patience.
Ska Street Brewstillery Celebrates One Year In Business Amid Pandemic
March is anniversary month at Ska Street Brewstillery in Boulder, Colorado, including a beer collaboration with Kyle Hollingsworth, a custom snowboard giveaway, 1:11 Imperial Stout, and more
Photo by Brewtography Project
BOULDER, CO— Ska Street Brewstillery, the first Colorado business of its kind, will celebrate one year in business all month long with a beer collaboration and livestream concert with Kyle Hollingsworth, a custom snowboard giveaway, an anniversary beer named 1:11 Imperial Stout, and refreshed menus.
Today, Wednesday March 3, Ska Street releases Fearless Composition IPA, a West Coast IPA single hopped with Citra, that was brewed with Kyle Hollingsworth for his birthday on March 2. The beer is available for purchase in Crowlers at Ska Street, where guests are encouraged to stock up on this limited release to watch the live stream of the sold out Kyle Hollingsworth Birthday Party feat. Kyle Hollingsworth Band this Sunday March 7 at Boulder Theatre. Purchase access to the live stream here.
Ska Street Brewstillery opened on March 16 of 2020 just one hour and 11 minutes before Colorado’s first restaurant lockdown was instated. Accordingly, the brewstillery’s one year anniversary beer is called 1:11. This 18.5% Imperial Stout was barrel aged in Peach Street bourbon barrels. 1:11 will be available beginning on March 17 while supplies last.
'From our hopeful beginning the family here at Ska Street personifies the ethos of both Ska Brewing and Peach Street Distillers; and because of the grit and support of the Boulder Community we are still here and looking forward to not just 2021 but getting back to our original visions of the Brewstillery and probably with a little more character now,” says General Manager of the brewstillery Katie Nierling.
This announcement comes with the addition of Ska Street’s new lunch program, new cocktails, and change in open hours to 12 to 8pm daily. Chef Travis Messervey has jazzed up the menu with new items and brought some fan favorites like the Sweet Plantain French Toast and Mac & Cheese with caramelized onions, bacon and crawfish with toasted breadcrumbs. Fresh beers will tap throughout March. This month-long birthday celebration includes a custom snowboard giveaway, and raffles to boot.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Ska Street Brewstillery, Peach Street Distillers, and Ska Brewing.
ABOUT SKA BREWING
Based in Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing was founded in 1995 and produces more than a dozen award- winning beers fueled with Ska music, and lots of it. Pioneers in the canned craft beer movement, Ska Brewing is known for an array of styles in 12 oz cans that include Mexican Logger, Modus Hoperandi, and Rue B. Soho. For information (a lot of it), more music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.
ABOUT PEACH STREET DISTILLERS
Peach Street Distillers was founded in 2005 in the heart of Colorado’s Fruit and Wine region, Palisade Colorado, where the high desert meets the mountains. The warm days and cool nights in Palisade make the local fruits and grains unimaginably delicious. Living the very definition of “craft” we do everything the hard way to turn these fermentable raw materials into extraordinary spirits. Because, this is what we consider fun and what makes for a mighty fine drink. Peach Street Distillers is Colorado’s oldest continuously owned and operated distillery. Visit Peach Street at www.peachstreetdistillers.com for more about the spirits and the spirits squad.
#GrayForGood Global 2021 Campaign Celebrates Women’s Gray Hair and Intentional Gestures Toward Closing The Gender Equity Gap
The campaign has a starting goal of $1M in donations from 50,000 people at $20 each. Success will be tracked by stated dollars using the hashtag #GrayForGood.
LYONS, CO— Just in time for Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day in March, HerzMuses Enterprises launches Gray For Good - For All Womanhood, a 2021 global grassroots campaign devoted to celebrating all women-identified individuals who go gray and eradicating the gender equity gap by increasing charitable giving to women and girls focused causes.
Goldstein Market Intelligence identified in 2020 that more than 75 percent of women use some kind of hair dye in the United States alone(1) with the halo of mental, economic, and societal costs of coloring gray simply too large to measure. Couple this with the fact that organizations focused on women and girls only received 1.6% of all giving in the U.S.(2) and giving to women and girls of color accounts for 0.5% of giving by foundations.(3)
“The cultural pressure to color gray is immense and as I’ve come of age I keep asking why, why, why do I feel like I am supposed to cover it up? If I live to be 80-years-old and color my hair six times a year starting at the age of 40, the collective cost could reach $20,000 or more,” says Herz. “It is beyond time to eradicate the manufactured coloring expectation and instead use the savings to fund women and girls focused causes as society collectively works to eternalize gender equity within our lifetime.”
To motivate women globally to go gray for good, Herz produced a two-minute music video depicting the pain and predicament of coloring one’s gray. The video, filmed in her hometown of Lyons, Colorado, features lyrics including:
Why we gotta color?
Why we gotta try?
Why we gotta cover up what’s real and not a lie?
I’m a woman with a soul.
When people scan my gray,
It makes me feel that I’m not whole.
Color is cheap, but there is a cost.
It’s cognitive dissonance in a box.
Adults and children everywhere are encouraged to participate by consciously celebrating women who are gray with genuine gestures of support, and by contributing directly to their favorite women and girls charities. The campaign has a starting goal of $1M in donations from 50,000 people at $20 each. Success will be tracked by stated dollars using the hashtag #GrayForGood.
“Due to COVID-19, millions of women stopped coloring. Let’s use this collective moment to remind the world that we are enough without having to color and direct the financial savings to create meaningful and generational change,” Herz adds. “The more women who say I grayed, I saved, I gave, the more we will advance all womanhood for so many important reasons.”
Video and digital assets are available here.
Learn more and contact Julia for speaking engagements at grayforgood.com.
Contact Emily Hutto with media inquiries about #GrayForGood at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT GRAY FOR GOOD - FOR ALL WOMANHOOD
Gray For Good - For All Womanhood is a global 2021 global campaign to celebrate all women-identified individuals who don't dye their gray hair and encourage the world to consciously and collectively increase giving to women and girls focused causes, bringing donations to a more equitable place. Join in at grayforgood.com and by using the hashtag #grayforgood.
ABOUT HERZMUSES ENTERPRISES
Julia Herz founded HerzMuses Enterprises in 2020 to bring energy, momentum and awareness to meaningful causes, companies, and brands. Learn more at herzmuses.com.
(1) Global Hair Color Industry Analysis By Product Type (Powder Hair Color, Crème Form), By Usage, By Composition, By Distribution Channel & By End-User With COVID-19 Impact | Market Outlook 2017-2030
(2) The Women & Girls Index 2020: Measuring Giving to Women's and Girls' Causes
(3) Ms. Foundation for WomenStudy on Philanthropic Giving for Women and Girls of Color, July 1, 2020
From Seed To Glass: Root Shoot Malting Releases Malted Heritage Oland Wheat
Ölandsvete malted wheat is available to commercial brewers and distillers in limited quantities.
LOVELAND, CO— Root Shoot Malting announced today the release of a rare malted heritage grain, Ölandsvete, or Oland Wheat. This passion project has been more than two years in the making and resulted from a cross-sector collaboration inspired by family history.
This history of farming Oland Wheat goes back for centuries, and today there are only a few farmers in the world who grow the variety. Now, one is Olander Farms in Loveland, Colorado, home base for Root Shoot Malting— quite possibly the only malthouse in the world to malt this variety.
Oland Wheat is named after a Swedish island in the Baltic Sea where this variety was first grown over 6,000 years ago, and from where the Olander's ancestors migrated in the 1800's. The grain nearly disappeared from Swedish fields in 1960 until 1995, when it was reintroduced to encourage the rediscovery of sourdough bread making.
The Olanders’ ties to Oland and thirst for innovation ignited their pursuit to bring a rare heritage grain to Colorado’s craft brewing and distilling community. Finnriver Grainery in Chimacum, Washington, who provided the seed via the Washington State University’s Bread Lab breeding program, made that possible. Olander Farms grew ten acres of the grain in 2019, another twenty acres in 2020, and plans to grow another twenty acres in 2021.
“I’m excited to taste these craft beverages, and wouldn’t be surprised if they have a hint of coastal wind-swept-Sweden in their flavor profile,” jokes Keith Kisler, Founder of Finnriver Grainery. “Heritage grains can thrive in low input organic environments, so farmers can go lighter on fertilizers and herbicides and still grow a viable crop full of flavor and nutrition. The way heritage grains adapt and survive tells us so much about the landscape and people.”
At The Family Jones Spirit House in Denver, Colorado, Head Distiller Rob Masters uses this heritage wheat for his single-estate Annika Jones Vodka, crafted with 60% Oland Wheat. He describes the flavor profile as sweet, with a hint of honeydew melon. "Utilizing heirloom grains was especially important to the flavor development for this vodka,” says Masters. “The fact that this variety came from Scandinavia, grown by farmers with Scandinavian ancestors, for a distiller with Scandinavian ancestors in a Scandinavian style vodka was a win all around.”
Root Shoot Malting has lastly partnered with Lake Hollow Homestead, a garlic farm in Berthoud, Colorado that sells Root Shoot grains to homebrewers, to also make Oland Wheat available in flour form to use in baking. Three-pound bags of fresh-milled Oland Wheat flour are now available for purchase through Lake Hollow Homestead’s Online Store.
Ölandsvete malted wheat is available to commercial brewers and distillers in limited quantities. To order, please contact Emily Olander by email at emily@rootshootmalting.com.
For more information about Root Shoot Malting or this radical seed-to-glass collaboration, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT ROOT SHOOT MALTING
Root Shoot Malting is a 5th generation family farm and craft malthouse that supplies the Rocky Mountain region with craft malt and grains. Founded by the Olander family in 2016, Root Shoot harvests barley, wheat, rye and corn to give craft brewers and distillers high-quality taste in every glass. Located on the Olander Farms’ 112-acre farm in Loveland, Colorado, and approximately 1500 leased acres, Root Shoot is working to ensure that farmland remains available to grow grains for the beers and spirits of tomorrow. Find this craft maltster online at rootshootmalting.com.
Celebration of Life For Eagle Residents Seth Bossung, Andy Jessen, and Adam Palmer to Live Stream Sunday, February 28
In celebration of the lives of Eagle, Colorado residents Seth Bossung, Andy Jessen, and Adam Palmer, friends and family and the Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC) present a livestream musical tribute this Sunday, February 28 featuring Custom 20, the Olora Brothers, Hardscrabble, and several other local musicians.
EAGLE, CO— In celebration of the lives of Eagle, Colorado residents Seth Bossung, Andy Jessen, and Adam Palmer, friends and family and the Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC) present a livestream musical tribute this Sunday, February 28 featuring Custom 20, the Olora Brothers, Hardscrabble, and several other local musicians.
The loss of Bossung, Jessen, and Palmer is felt deeply in their families and the Eagle community. All were husbands, sons, and stewards of the environment. Bossung worked in the Eagle County Sustainable Communities Department, was an Energy Smart Colorado home auditor, architect and LEAD specialist, a fiddle player, and the father of two. Palmer served as Director of the Eagle County Sustainable Communities Department, a founding member Hardscrabble, Olora Bros, Six Penny, and Custom 20, a town council member, a Holy Cross Energy Board member, long time volunteer for the Hardscrabble Trails Coalition, and the father of two as well. Jessen, who co-owned Bonfire Brewing and managed the Bonfire Block Party with his wife Amanda, served as Eagle mayor pro tem, a sponsor of the Eagle River Park project, a bowling and softball enthusiast, a Subaru (Brat) zealot, and a proud dog dad.
Fifteen local musicians will perform at this benefit concert, for which donations will benefit Vail Mountain Rescue Group, San Juan County Search & Rescue, and the Bossung, Jessen, and Palmer families. Elli Varas, Custom 20, the Olora Brothers, and Hardscrabble will perform throughout the evening. This event will be live streamed for free on the Vilar Performing Arts Center’s YouTube channel on Sunday beginning at 5pm, and all viewers are encouraged to donate through MobileCause. Both the streaming and donation link can be accessed at vilarpac.org.
“We believe that music and the arts can help us cope, celebrate and express just a glimmer of our deep gratitude and admiration for these men,” says Owen Hutchinson, the Executive Director at VPAC. “Each of them made such a lasting and positive impact in our community, and we hope this live streamed event will offer those who knew them an evening to reflect, remember and rejoice all they brought to our lives.”
No in-person tickets are available to the public for this event. We hope everyone will join us from the comfort of their homes as we live stream the event from the VPAC stage.
On Monday, March 1 a local restaurant effort to raise funds for these families through Bonfire Brewing beer, Gather ‘Round Week, will launch at more than 20 venues across the county.
VPAC Celebration of Life Event Page
Press Contact: Emily Hutto, coop@radcraftbeer.com
About VPAC
Located in the heart of Colorado's Beaver Creek Resort, the Vilar Performing Arts Center is a 535-seat theatre, operated by the Vail Valley Foundation, which presents a variety of year-round performances including Broadway musicals, concerts, family entertainment, comedy, dance, classical music and more. Visit vilarpac.org for more.
Eagle Valley Restaurants Present Gather ‘Round Week in Celebration and Support of Avalanche Victims from Eagle, Colorado
Cameron Douglas who owns Montauk and El Segundo has organized a county-wide effort for local restaurants to support the families of avalanche victims through Bonfire Brewing beer.
EAGLE, CO— In response to the loss of three of Eagle’s community members in an avalanche in Silverton, Cameron Douglas who owns Montauk and El Segundo, has organized a county-wide effort for local restaurants to support the families of these victims through the liquid that brings us all together: Beer. Gather ‘Round Week, named after the Bonfire Brewing slogan and deep community impact in Eagle and beyond, will launch March 1 and go through March 7.
More than 20 restaurants and counting have committed to donating proceeds from Bonfire Brewing beers sold back to the Bossung, Jessen, and Palmer families during the first week of March. They are listed below and updated daily.
“This effort is about Eagle coming together to support these families who are anchors in our community,” Douglas says of Gather ‘Round Week. Douglas and his wife Heather have lived and worked in the valley for nearly 20 years, and experienced the power of the community to rally around its people. “From bikes to beers to conservation, these are three people who helped make Eagle cool. They’ve always given back, and now it’s our turn to do the same,” he adds.
“After this news broke, Cameron reached out to me with this idea having already gotten restaurants on board. Him taking this initiative shows just how much our community really cares about everyone in it,” says Bonfire’s Mountain Ale Ambassador Doug Fenske. “These restaurants and bars have always shown us an incredible amount of support throughout our 10 years in business, and now more than ever have shown us what it means to gather ‘round.”
Cameron Douglas and his team are managing donations for Gather ‘Round Week. Restaurants interested in participating should contact montaukvail@gmail.com.
To purchase Bonfire Beer to sell at your bar or restaurant, contact Doug Fenske at doug@bonfirebrewing.com or (970) 456-1491.
Please contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com with any media inquiries about Gather ‘Round Week or Bonfire Brewing.
Assembly
Blue Moose
Boneyard
Charter
Chophouse
Color Coffee
Craftsmen
Dusty Boot
EL Segundo
E Town
Fall Line
Garfinkles
Grand Hyatt Vail
Lancelot
Landing Merchantile
La Nonna
La Tour
Los Amigos
Matsuhisa
Met Kitchen
Minturn Saloon
Moe's Eagle
Moe's Vail
Montauk
Mountain Standard
Northside/Benderz
Pickup’s Pizza
Red Lion
Russels
Sebastian
Sonnenalp
Sweet Leaf Pioneer
Sweet Basil
Vendettas
ABOUT MONTAUK AND EL SEGUNDO
Owned by Cameron Douglas, Montauk has been a Lionshead institution since it opened in 1987 and its sister company El Segundo has been thriving since its opening in 2019. Both culinary programs are managed by Chef Partner Dimitri Souvorin. Find the restaurants at montaukvail.com and elsegundovail.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.
Root Shoot Malting Wins 2021 Malt Cup for Genie Pale Malt
Colorado craft maltster Root Shoot Malting wins Malt Cup for third consecutive year, now the only malthouse in the world to make this claim.
LOVELAND, CO— Root Shoot Malting was humbled and overjoyed to take home a Malt Cup over the weekend at the annual Craft Malt Conference put on by the Craft Maltsters Guild. 2021 marks the third year of this prestigious awards program and the third consecutive year Root Shoot has won. Root Shoot is the only malthouse in the world that can now make this claim.
Root Shoot’s popular Genie Pale Malt was the bronze recipient in this year’s Pale Malt category, which had 25 entries. The 2021 Malt Cup awards evaluation was conducted by 83 international judges who completed three rounds of sensory evaluation to determine the world’s best malt.
Root Shoot’s Genie Pale Malt starts as Limagrain Cereal Seed’s award-winning Genie 2-Row, which Troubadour Malting also cultivates in their Genie Pale and also won at the Malt Cup this year. More flavorful than a traditional 2-Row base malt, this light malt has notes of bread and honey making it an excellent base malt for any style beer.
“We value camaraderie and mentorship in our craft malting industry, and we owe this award to our peers who have helped shape us along the way,” says Emily Olander, the co-owner at Root Shoot Malting. “It takes an enormous, dedicated team to produce award-winning malt three years in a row. Many thanks to our farmers, fellow maltsters, brewers, and distillers for guiding us along the way.”
The Root Shoot crew watched and celebrated the awards ceremony at Timnath Beerwerks in Northern Colorado. “At Timnath Beerwerks, we use local craft malt for many reasons,” says Head Brewer and Co-Owner Cy Bevenger. “Quality and freshness make the decision easy from a brewing perspective. Combine that with the relationships that the fantastic people at Root Shoot (and Troubadour too!) strive to maintain with their customers and suppliers every single day, and there is no question as to why we support this great local business.”
Root Shoot is grateful to Montana State University, DraughtLabs, and the Craft Maltsters Guild for their savvy Malt Cup judging process, and proud to stand beside the other 2021 Malt Cup winners– Gold Rush Malt, Malteria Italiana Artigianale, Troubadour Maltings, and Admiral Malting.
For more information about Root Shoot Malting or the company’s third Malt Cup win, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT ROOT SHOOT MALTING
Root Shoot Malting is a 5th generation family farm and craft malthouse that supplies the Rocky Mountain region with craft malt and grains. Founded by the Olander family in 2016, Root Shoot harvests barley, wheat, rye and corn to give craft brewers and distillers high-quality taste in every glass. Located on the Olander Farms’ 112-acre farm in Loveland, Colorado, and approximately 1500 leased acres, Root Shoot is working to ensure that farmland remains available to grow grains for the beers and spirits of tomorrow. Find this craft maltster online at rootshootmalting.com.
Bonfire Brewing Statement: February 18, 2021
The Bonfire Brewing team is humbled by the Eagle and Colorado beer communities that have offered support after the loss of Co-Owner Andy Jessen in an avalanche in Silverton.
EAGLE, CO— The Bonfire Brewing team is humbled by the Eagle and Colorado beer communities that have offered support after the loss of Co-Owner Andy Jessen in an avalanche in Silverton. These volunteer and fundraising efforts have helped the brewery maintain operations to continue serving its community during this time of shock and grief.
In response to an outpouring of local support and to supplement unexpected expenses, Bonfire launched this GoFundMe campaign.
In addition to contributing to this GoFundMe campaign, fans and friends of Colorado beer can support the brewery during this time by purchasing Bonfire beer at the tasting room in Eagle, at restaurants, or in liquor stores across Bonfire’s distribution footprint along the I-70 Corridor and across Colorado’s Front Range. They can also purchase merchandise at the brewery or through the online store and send cards to PO Box 5276.
Last week, residents of the town of Eagle honored Andy and fellow adventurers Adam Palmer and Seth Bossung with a gathering at Eagle’s River Park that Bonfire co-sponsored. The Town of Eagle also resurrected the now notorious Christmas penis monument that Andy adamantly crusaded to keep erect in effort to “Keep Eagle Weird” last year.
Bonfire Brewing expresses deep gratitude for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), San Juan County Search and Rescue, and both the towns of Silverton and Eagle.
“There aren’t enough words to say thank you to Eagle, the Colorado beer community, and beyond,” Amanda Jessen says. “We’re managing this crisis and our grief as best we know how, and deeply appreciate the grace, space, and support.”
Bonfire Brewing is working with the Town of Eagle to livestream a charitable concert and memorial service for Andy, Adam, and Seth on February 28. More details will be announced later this week.
The Bonfire Brewing team and Jessen family do not have additional comments at this time. Please direct all media inquiries to 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.
ESTER Introduces Proprietary Flavor Intelligence Technology and Predictive Personalization Data Engine to Craft Beverage Companies
ESTER’s Flavor Intelligence Portal and independent chemical as well as sensory panel testing is now available for breweries and wineries to engage with at its most affordable rate.
NEW YORK, NY— ESTER, the Belgian-born Flavor Intelligence Platform now with a location in New York City, introduces its Early Adopter Program to craft breweries, wineries, and retailers near and far.
ESTER’s Flavor Intelligence Portal and independent chemical as well as sensory panel testing is now available for breweries and wineries to engage with at its most affordable rate. This new program, already adopted by regional players Sierra Nevada, Boston Beer, Deschutes Brewery, and Craft Beer Cellar, empowers producers and retailers to target new customers based on the most comprehensive flavor analysis available today.
ESTER's comprehensive scientific approach analyzes 250+ chemical compounds, product packaging, and sensory analysis from it's trained specialized panel. Brand data is then mapped within the proprietary ESTER recommendation database including other leading brands worldwide. This unbiased technology matches customers to beers and wines that they are predisposed to prefer based on authoritative and sound sensory insights, eliminates unconscious bias, and delivers personalized recommendations more likely to reward the end customer.
Early producer adopters of ESTER have access to the world’s most comprehensive analysis via the continuously updated producer portal, with the capability to download the raw data using the current functionalities available free for life. They also have the opportunity to be showcased in the ESTER U.S. book and brand list website coming out in 2021.
“My passion for the individuality of flavor goes back to my childhood, fighting with my mom about whether I liked my greens or not,” explains ESTER’s Co-Founder and CEO Jean Van Damme. “That stubbornness turned to curiosity when I went on to study food science at the University of Leuven and then work in grocery retail. I was struck by the gap between retailer’s focus on customer needs, yet lack of information about their preferences. It has become my life’s work to understand and bridge that gap, and to leverage our knowledge to drive innovation that levels the playing field for all businesses of all sizes in the space.”
The lowest introductory rate of ESTER’s Early Adopter Program will apply to the first 250 beer or wine brands signed up.
Set up a demonstration of this game-changing new product by emailing contact@ester.ai.
# # #
Press Assets: available for download here
Press Contact: Emily Hutto, coop@radcraftbeer.com
ABOUT ESTER
ESTER is building the most comprehensive beverage flavor intelligence that exists today, an AI engine to understand flavor on a personalized level. Consumers use ESTER to explore their unique flavor preferences through efficient exploration, while retailers and producers use ESTER to increase customer loyalty and sales. This integrative technology was launched in Belgium in 2018 by Jean Van Damme, Didier Vanden Broucke, and Frederik Durant, and brought to the American market in 2020. Through academic partnerships with the Verstrepen lab at the University of Leuven and Cornell University, ESTER has grown into a multidisciplinary team of scientists, data engineers, developers, and UX experts on a mission to use the latest science and machine learning technology to deliver innovation to the food system. Learn more at ester.ai.
2021 Malt Cup Winners, Soles of Malt Recipient Named During First Virtual Craft Malt Conference Awards Ceremony
Gold Rush Malt was awarded Best of Show and became the first malt house to win two gold medals in a single season.
The Craft Maltsters Guild (CMG) is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2021 Malt Cup, as well as the recipient of the annual Soles of Malt Award. The virtual awards ceremony was broadcasted and streamed live as the finale of the best-attended Craft Malt Conference yet on February 12, for which malt enthusiasts and craft beer lovers tuned in from all over the world.
2021 was the first time CMG hosted the conference virtually, and the first year the guild opened up this one-of-a-kind competition to international malthouses. 28 malthouses from seven countries, 17 states, and one province submitted a total of 46 entries. Altogether, this year’s submissions spanned 29 different malt barley varieties.
The 2021 Malt Cup awards evaluation took place in three phases over two months. Malthouses sent samples to Montana State University's Barley, Malt & Brewing Quality Lab, where researchers conducted quality control analysis to ensure that each entry meets the competing category criteria. The qualifying samples then underwent hot steep sensory evaluation at 17 different judging locations across the United States and Canada. Judges reported sensory data such as aroma, flavor, and aroma via DraughtLab, a sensory software. The DraughtLab team is an on-going partner in the competition.
In the final round, additional judge panels evaluated the top malts in each category to determine the top winners. Judges examined both the certificate of analysis for each malt and conducted further hot steep sensory evaluation to make decisions about the world’s best craft malt. In total, 83 judges worked together to determine the following winners:
PILSEN MALT
Gold - Gold Rush Malt (Baker City, OR, USA)
Silver - Malteria Italiana Artigianale (Gualdo Cattaneo, PG, Italy)
Bronze - Admiral Maltings (Alameda, CA, USA)
PALE MALT
Gold - Gold Rush Malt (Baker City, OR, USA)
Silver - Troubadour Maltings (Fort Collins, CO, USA)
Bronze - Root Shoot Malting (Loveland, CO, USA)
2021 MALT CUP WINNER
Gold Rush Malt was awarded Best of Show and became the first malt house to win two gold medals in a single season.
SOLES OF MALT AWARD
The Soles of Malt Award is an award that honors individuals who stand out for their leadership, selflessness, and philanthropic stewardship of craft malt. The award is named in memory of William Soles, co-founder of Grouse Malt House. The recipient of the 2021 Soles of Malt Award is Paul Schwarz, professor of Malting Barley Quality in the Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND.
“Paul has taught many students now employed in the malting, brewing, and food science industries, especially in craft malting about crop diseases, beer gushing, and malt quality analysis,” says Dave Thomas, Brewer Emeritus at Dostal Alley Brewery. “I have personally witnessed Paul's uncanny ability to spot the variety, quality, and stage of development or diseases in cereal grain fields from the window of a moving car at 60mph on a backcountry road!"
“Agricultural contributions like Schwarz’s and exceptional final products from Malt Cup winners continue to elevate craft malt as a critical value add for craft brewers and distillers across the globe,” says Jesse Bussard, CMG Executive Director. “In turn, they help to establish the importance of flavor, sustainable supply chains, and engaged communities in the beverage industry and beyond.”
#CRAFTMALTCON2021
This year’s virtual format via Crowdsource allowed for 265 total attendees and 30 speakers from six continents, 15 countries, and 36 United States to tap into the most accessible craft malt education in the world.
CMG extends congratulations to all of the 2021 winners and gratitude to all speakers, sponsors, and participants.
To learn more about these prestigious awards programs or the North American Craft Maltsters Guild, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD
Formed in 2013 by eight craft malthouses, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for craft maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com.
Craft Maltsters Guild Announces Newly Elected and Returning Board Members
The Craft Maltsters Guild (CMG) is thrilled to announce the new election of the largest and most diversely talented Board of Directors yet, just in time for the annual gathering of its community at the virtual 2021 Craft Malt Conference.
BOZEMAN, MT— The Craft Maltsters Guild (CMG) is thrilled to announce the new election of the largest and most diversely talented Board of Directors yet, just in time for the annual gathering of its community at the virtual 2021 Craft Malt Conference.
The CMG Board of Directors is a group of individuals dedicated to holding craft malting to the highest standards, responsible for the general administration of the association’s activities and creating policy on behalf of the Guild. Members of the board of directors are elected by malthouse members of the Guild and will serve a three-year term.
This year, the Craft Maltsters Guild will welcome back three existing members and welcome five new members to the Board of Directors.
Introducing the 2021 class of CMG board members:
(* Indicates new to the board in 2021)
Member Malthouse Seats
Hillary Barile. Returning for a second term, Barile is the Secretary of the Guild and an existing member of the board. Barile is a farmer, maltster, and partner at Rabbit Hill Farm. She brings a big-picture lens to the translation of agriculture to the consumer with her commodity farming background and breadth of leadership experience.
Jeff Malkiewicz. Co-Founder of Great Lakes Malting Co., Malkiewicz is returning as Guild Treasurer for a second term. He continues to oversee membership growth and technical initiatives.
*Curtis Davenport. Prior to co-founding Admiral Maltings, Davenport grew organic fruits, vegetables, barley, and wheat in Santa Barbara County, CA. He began floor malting inside a converted shipping container in 2013 and has been a member of the Craft Maltsters Guild ever since.
*Matt Enns. Founder of Maker's Malts, Enns wears many hats in barley research and education, including leadership roles at the Saskatchewan Barley Board, Brewing and Malting Barley Research Institute, Canadian Malting Barley Technical Center, and the Prairie Grain Development Committee.
Allied Trade Seats
*Branch Rothschild. As Brewhouse Manager at Allagash Brewing Co. and long-time member of the Master Brewers Association of America (MBAA), Rothschild’s role in the craft beer community has become increasingly centered around the production of barley.
Hannah Turner. Another returning Board of Director’s seat, Turner is the Director of the Montana State University Barley, Malt, & Brewery Quality Lab that works to improve barley of all kinds and offers barley and malt testing for farmers and craft maltsters.
Individual Seats
* Ryan Hamilton, is the Executive Director of the Michigan Barely Association and a Professional Aide for Malting Barley Outreach at Michigan State University. Hamilton has a rich background and connections in research and academia and brings a valuable perspective on building sustainable barley value chains.
*Jason Parker. Co-Founder and President at Copperworks Distilling Co., Parker is a founding member of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission with a long history of brewing and distilling.
“We’re excited about the fresh, new perspectives the incoming class of new and returning board members bring to the craft malt community,” says Jesse Bussard, the Executive Director of the CMG. “Their collective experiences and professions span the supply chain from field to glass including not only craft maltsters but two university researchers, a brewer, and a distiller as well.”
Members of the new board will attend and help execute the virtual 2021 Craft Malt Conference February 10 through 12. Registration for this continuing education opportunity closes on Tuesday, February 9.
The Craft Maltsters Guild extends farewell to outgoing board members Twila Soles of Grouse Malt House and Dave Thomas of Dostal Alley Brewery, with gratitude for their service to the craft malt community.
ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD
Formed in 2013 by eight craft malthouses, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for craft maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com.
Watch BEER! A Love Story This Valentine’s Day
#BEERMovie is For Lovers
This Valentines Weekend it’s time for date night at home with BEER! A Love Story. Settle in for the must-watch beer movie of the year with dinner, popcorn, your loved ones, and a pour of the world’s most consumed fermented beverage: BEER!
This film, made for beer, food, wine, film, art, and life lovers weaves together the story of multiple international beer personalities, including Peter Bouckaert, Steve Hindy, and Julia Herz who are gathering virtually with Director Friedrich Moser this Thursday, February 11 for a live, interactive panel about this new movie.
WHAT
BEER! A Love Story, a Blue + Green Communication and Storyhouse production is an independently produced, 4K full-length feature documentary that weaves together the stories and passion of a notable beer cast from Austria, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the United States.
WHEN
BEER! A Love Story is available globally throughout 2021 and now through February 28 via Untappd, the exclusive film debut sponsor.
On Thursday, February 11, join BEER! Director Friedrich Moser, cast members Peter Bouckaert, Julia Herz, and Steve Hindy, and host Trace Smith, the CEO of Next Glass and Untappd, for a Live Q&A at 8 PM ET. The public are invited to screen the movie for the special price of $9.99, and the first 100 to sign up gain interactive access to this panel.
WHERE
Find BEER! A Love Story at BeerMovie.org for rental and download, from the comfort of your living room.
BEER! A Love Story Media Inquiries: Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com
Hashtag: #BeerMovie
Press Assets: available for download here
ABOUT THE FILM PARTNERS
Blue + Green Communication is a film production company based in Vienna, Austria.
Based in Brussels, Belgium, film production company Storyhouse is run by producer Maarten Schmidt.
Julia Herz of HerzMuses Enterprises is featured in the film and is managing the 2021 global digital premiere.
ABOUT EXCLUSIVE FILM PARTNER UNTAPPD
Founded in 2010, Untappd is the world’s largest social beer app, with over 8 million users globally. Individuals can check-in and rate beers at bars, restaurants, breweries and a host of other venues as well as view friends’ profiles to toast and comment on their beer choices. Additionally, the company provides menu publishing software to over 18,000 businesses worldwide. www.untappd.com
Untappd Media Inquiries: Kenny Gould, Creative Director, kenny@untappd.com; tel:7049758612
Lone Tree Brewing Company Publishes 2020 Production Numbers; Looks Forward to 10th Anniversary
In 2020, Lone Tree Brewing produced 4,001 barrels of beer, more than half of which was packaged into 868,266 cans.
LONE TREE, CO— Lone Tree Brewing Company kicks off 2021 with a diversified year-round can lineup and excitement looking forward to the company’s 10-year anniversary. Here is the brewery’s 2020 Year in Review.
In 2020, Lone Tree Brewing produced 4,001 barrels of beer, more than half of which was packaged into 868,266 cans. The brewery’s award-winning Mexican Lager comprised a quarter of Lone Tree’s overall volume, while seasonal styles made up another 30 percent of the brewery’s total production.
In spring of 2020, Lone Tree debuted the Strawberry Kiwi Blonde Ale as a seasonal offering; however it was so popular that by fall it had joined the lineup of year-round packaged beers distributed across Colorado and in Kansas.
Also in spring, Lone Tree introduced its first-ever year-round IPA. After a couple of seasons of consumer feedback, Lone Tree announced its relaunch with a refreshed recipe in November.
Lone Tree Brewing celebrated the City of Lone Tree’s 25th anniversary in the summer, re-releasing the fan-favorite Mountain Mama German-Style Helles Lager recipe in limited distribution cans to commemorate the occasion.
Lone Tree’s cult-followed, award-winning Hop Zombie Imperial Red Ale crept back for its annual one-day-only release in the fall. This beer sold out by 4pm.
Lone Tree Brewing celebrated nine years in business in winter with an anniversary beer package featuring nine speciality beers made for the occasion. These nine-packs sold out by 2:30pm.
Looking forward to 2021, Lone Tree is developing seasonal recipes for warmer months and gearing up to celebrate a decade in business in Lone Tree and Colorado’s beer community this December.
“While 2020 was a very challenging year, we see great opportunity in 2021,” says Lone Tree Founder John Winter. “We increased our overall barrelage last year, and we’re starting the new year with even more production increases. We see continued growth both in our canned products and keg sales. All of this makes us upbeat for the New Year ahead!”
For more information about Lone Tree Brewing, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@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.
Bonfire Brewing Expands Capacity; Announces 2020 Milestones
Gather ‘round for Bonfire Brewing’s 2020 Year in Review— beer (slushie) updates, patio + production expansions, and COVID pivots in Eagle, Colorado
Bonfire Brewing owners Andy and Amanda Jessen
EAGLE, CO— Bonfire Brewing is poised for growth going into 2021. The Eagle Valley brewery turned ten in 2020 among several other community milestones. Gather ‘round for Bonfire Brewing’s 2020 Year in Review.
In 2020, Bonfire Brewing produced just under 3500 barrels of beer, equating to more than one million cans. The brewery is wrapping up installation of an expansion in capacity and improvements to existing equipment. These include an upgraded glycol chiller system, the addition of 1600 barrels of fermentation capacity, equipment to facilitate the packaging of barrel aged beers, and the ability to package beer in 16-ounce cans.
Bonfire revamped its draft system that now sports 25 beer lines this year, and added the now famous rotating beer slushies to the menu. Tasting room additions in 2020 also include a partnership with the Roaming Gourmet food truck, and a heated tent the size of a city block for winter to help offset COVID-related capacity restrictions.
Bonfire continued support of local non-profits with product and financial donations, including another record Mug Club auction— which this year, topped $8,500. The mug purchase benefited the Vail Veterans Foundation and Olivia’s Fund.
Bonfire’s patio expansion project is an ongoing one that gained more than 600 square feet of new seating in spring with employee-built Adirondack chairs to boot.
More accolades rolled in for the brewery in 2020, including three Best of Vail awards and medals in the Best of Craft Beer Awards with a gold for WtFO DIPA, and in the “Beer Wars” competition with a Silver for the Rope Drop Hazy IPA. Bonfire is also the proud new recipient of Eagle’s “WassailMeister” title.
Bonfire maintained its Actively Green Business certification, introduced composting to the tasting room, adopted and maintained five miles of the Haymaker mountain bike trail, and continued to make strides in sustainability and efficiency throughout operations this year.
In November of 2020, Bonfire Brewing celebrated a decade of business in downtown Eagle with a week of throwback beer releases, specialty slushies, and an anniversary Quadrupel Brown Ale aged in Laws Whiskey House barrels.
In the wake of Coronavirus, the Bonfire team developed and grew a popular contactless pick-up service and digital ordering system at the tasting room.
Most importantly for Bonfire in 2020, the company retained 100 percent of their employees amid the impacts resulting from the global pandemic. “We fully employed everyone throughout the year by pivoting and adapting to every obstacle thrown our way,” says owner Andy Jessen. “[I]t took years to put this talented team together, and one of our biggest fears at the outset of the pandemic was the chance we might lose that. Being able to keep the team intact is something we’re very grateful for.”
Also in response to the pandemic, Bonfire created the BonFamily t-shirt that features all 16 employees, for which all proceeds directly benefited staff. “We couldn’t have done it without the people that make up the BonFamily, and that includes our customers near and far,” adds owner Amanda Jessen.
For more information about Bonfire Brewing, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@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.
Beer Connects Communities and So Too Will BEER! A Love Story Feature Documentary
New Indie #BeerMovie Features Small Craft Brewers’ Challenges and the Art of Brewing and Homebrewing
LYONS, COLORADO— HerzMuses Enterprises presents the global digital premiere of BEER! A Love Story, a Blue + Green Communication and Storyhouse production. This independently funded, 4K full-length feature documentary debuts today through an exclusive partnership with Untappd through February 28.
BEER! A Love Story was produced by Director Friedrich Moser and Maarten Schmidt. Moser, who directed the Oliver Stone-backed A Good American among many other documentary films, now brings his filmmaking prowess to featuring craft beer. This film weaves together the stories of 30 international protagonists across multiple countries who speak the universal language of beer, the world’s most consumed fermented beverage.
“We wanted this film to bridge the gap between Europe and America, and to show the panorama of beer styles now replicated across the globe,” Moser says. “For any foodie, movie buff, and beer or beverage fan this is a must-watch film.”
In BEER! A Love Story, Moser profiles a cast of U.S.-based craft beer personalities including Peter Bouckaert, Steve Hindy, Julia Herz, Greg Engert, European namesakes such as Rodenbach, Orval and Stiegl, and small, breakout brewers like Bierol in Austria and Cloudwater in Manchester, UK.
From January 21 through February 28, Untappd users can exclusively rent and download the film. “We are thrilled to play a part in bringing this film to our global community of beer lovers”, said Trace Smith, CEO of Next Glass, parent company of Untappd. “Untappd has always been about beer bringing people together, and that theme is at the heart of this film.”
Watch the movie trailer and find everything about BEER! A Love Story, including future screening events in February and beyond at beermovie.org.
BEER! A Love Story Media Inquiries: Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com
Hashtag: #BeerMovie
Press Assets: available for download here
ABOUT THE FILM PARTNERS
Blue + Green Communication is a film production company based in Vienna, Austria.
Based in Brussels, Belgium, film production company Storyhouse is run by producer Maarten Schmidt.
Julia Herz of HerzMuses Enterprises is featured in the film and is managing the 2021 global digital premiere.
ABOUT EXCLUSIVE FILM PARTNER UNTAPPD
Founded in 2010, Untappd is the world’s largest social beer app, with over 8 million users globally. Individuals can check-in and rate beers at bars, restaurants, breweries and a host of other venues as well as view friends’ profiles to toast and comment on their beer choices. Additionally, the company provides menu publishing software to over 18,000 businesses worldwide. www.untappd.com
Untappd Media Inquiries: Kenny Gould, Creative Director, kenny@untappd.com; tel:7049758612
Bruz Beers Collaborates with Omer Vander Ghinste for Limited Belgian-Style Beer Series
Bruz Beers of Denver, Colorado has partnered with world-renowned brewer Omer Vander Ghinste of Bellegem, Belgium to bring Colorado beer enthusiasts a special limited series Belgian-style beer collaboration.
North Denver's artisanal Belgian-style brewery partners with world-renowned Belgian brewer for limited series collaboration.
DENVER, CO – Bruz Beers of Denver, Colorado has partnered with world-renowned brewer Omer Vander Ghinste of Bellegem, Belgium to bring Colorado beer enthusiasts a special limited series Belgian-style beer collaboration. Bière de Mars is the first beer in the series and is now available for purchase on draft and in 12-ounce bottles exclusively at its two north Denver locations: Bruz Beers Brewery and Taproom and Bruz Off Fax.
Bière de Mars is a blend of Omer Vander Ghinste's legendary Cuvée des Jacobins Prestige Flanders red ale and Bruz's specially formulated Petite Saison. After much experimentation, the blend of these two classic Belgian-style beers resulted in a smooth, delicate and complex light amber sour ale. Dave Olson, head brewer of Bruz Beers, says, "The beer was refermented in the bottle to produce a soft natural carbonation, pillowy head and the potential to age long-term."
Bruz Beers co-founders Ryan Evans and Charlie Gottenkieny add, "We have always wanted to do a collaboration with a traditional Belgian brewer, and we are thrilled to be working with the legendary Omer Vander Ghinste. The original plan was to brew the beer in Belgium, but the coronavirus got in the way, so the two breweries came up with the idea of brewing transatlantic."
Omer Vander Ghinste is renowned for its award-winning Belgian-style beers such as Bockor, Cuvée des Jacobins Flemish ales, LeFort* and Tripel LeFort*, OMER. Traditional Blond and VanderGhinste Oud Bruin. These beers are made available nationwide exclusively by Artisanal Imports. *Not available in the United States.
Two more collaboration beers are planned for this limited series in the coming months and will be announced on the Bruz Beers website and its social media accounts at Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Be sure to follow Bruz Beers so as to not miss these releases.
For interview opportunities with Bruz Beers or Omer Vander Ghinste, or for more information about Bière de Mars or the collaboration series, please contact Crystal Bunger at +1 (512) 440-0811 or by email at media@artisanalimports.com.
Download Artisanal Imports’ press release and assets from Bruz Beers here.
Rustic Brew Farm Debuts Sprouted Grain Flours for Restaurants and Retail
Rustic Brew Farm’s new flour line features Sprouted Corn Flour, Sprouted Wheat Flour, and Diastatic Malt Powder.
MARYSVILLE, OH— Rustic Brew Farm is adding breadth to its offerings with Sprouted Grain Flours, now available to restaurants and retailers for purchase in Ohio and online.
Rustic Brew Farm’s new flour line features Sprouted Corn Flour, Sprouted Wheat Flour, and Diastatic Malt Powder— the secret ingredient savvy bakers use to promote volume, browning, and texture.
Rustic Brew Farm grows all of their own grains, non-GMO corn, and low-gluten wheat for flour-making so they can control quality throughout the entire growing process. After harvest, grain is cleaned, sprouted and stone ground on the farm, always without the addition of preservatives or any other chemicals. This flour is 100 percent whole grain, with unmatched flavor from freshness and terroir.
Naturally sweeter to taste and packed with nutrients from the sprouting process, Rustic Brew Farm sprouted grain flour is a great alternative to white flour in baking.
Born out of a family corn and soybean farm, Rustic Brew Farm continues to diversify its crops. “Now that we’ve established ourselves as a craft malt house and small batch hop grower for craft brewers, we wanted to expand from the beverage realm and connect our farm’s products full-circle with chefs and food purveyors, too,” says Rustic Brew Farm Founder Matt Cunningham.
Sprouted Corn Flour and Sprouted Whole Wheat Flour are available for purchase in five or 50 pound bags, and Diastatic Malt Powder is available in 1 pound bags. These sprouted grain flours can be purchased at Rustic Brew Farm and online. Contact Matt Cunningham at matt@rusticbrewfarm.com with sales inquiries.
Please direct all press inquiries about Rustic Brew Farm to Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT RUSTIC BREW FARM
Rustic Brew Farm sprouted out of a 4th generation family farm to specialize in growing craft brewing, distilling and baking ingredients. Utilizing an on-the-farm custom malthouse and stone flour mill, Rustic Brew Farm bridges the gap from farm to pint, dram, and now plate with quality brewing and cooking ingredients such as craft malt, premium hops, and stone ground flour. Learn more and shop online at rusticbrewfarm.com.
Craft Maltsters Guild Goes Virtual with 2021 Craft Malt Conference, February 10-12
The decision to host the 2021 Craft Malt Conference was made to support safety measures during COVID-19 but with the added perk of increasing accessibility for the greater craft malt community.
The Craft Maltsters Guild proudly presents the fourth annual Craft Malt Conference, coming to you in a virtual format from February 10-12. The decision to go virtual in 2021 was made to support safety measures during COVID-19 but with the added perk of increasing accessibility for the greater craft malt community. Come one, come all. This is an easy-to-attend artisan grains and craft beverage conference you won’t want to miss.
#CraftMaltCon2021 is a three-day event, with curated live seminars on the latest research, trends, and best practices relevant to those in the craft malt supply chain. Participants can also participate in digital malthouse tours, peruse a virtual trade show, and attend cyber happy hours each evening. Attendees will also have the chance to talk with sponsors during live Q&A sessions and check out new products via video demos.
“We’re excited about the potential this exciting new format offers,” says Executive Director of the Craft Maltsters Guild Jesse Bussard. “Adapting our conference to a virtual experience makes craft malt education more accessible than ever!”
The 2021 Craft Malt Conference keynote speaker is the esteemed craft beer icon Ken Grossman of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Other guest speakers include Richard Simpson of Simpsons Malt, Bart Watson of the Brewers Association, Becky Harris of Catoctin Creek Distillery, and Dr. Charlie Bamforth of UC Davis, from the University of Nottingham and Sierra Nevada, among many other leading craft malt, beer and spirits industry experts.
The conference finale is the Malt Cup Awards Ceremony on Friday, February 12th. 2021 marks the third year of this one-of-a-kind malt competition, which was remotely judged by a nationwide team of 74 maltsters, brewers, distillers, researchers and Cicerones. Entry analysis and judging was organized by the Montana State University - Barley, Malt and Brewing Quality Lab. Medals will be awarded for the top three winners in both 2021 categories, Pale Malt and Pilsner Malt.
Registration for the 2021 Craft Malt Conference includes access to the full conference schedule, and is available both to CMG membership and non-members. Register here.
Media interested in attending the virtual Craft Malt Conference are eligible for comped conference participation. Please contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com to participate in the conference, and with all other media inquiries about the Craft Maltsters Guild.
ABOUT THE CRAFT MALTSTERS GUILD
Formed in 2013 by eight craft malthouses, the Craft Maltsters Guild’s mission is to promote and sustain the tradition of craft malting in North America, provide services and resources to the Association’s members, and uphold the highest quality and safety standards for Craft Maltsters. Learn more about the Craft Maltsters Guild at www.craftmalting.com.
Living The Dream Brewing Brews Backcountry Wilderness Wheat For Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund
Living The Dream collaborates with Highlands Ranch Community Association to fundraise for local wildlife habitat improvement.
LITTLETON, CO— Living The Dream Brewing presents the Backcountry Wilderness Wheat brewed to support the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund, the nonprofit arm of HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area in Highlands Ranch.
“Living the Dream Brewing Co. has been behind the mission of the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund since the very beginning in 2017,” says Lindsey McKissick, the Outreach Coordinator at the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Besides providing beer for all of the 501c3 nonprofit’s events, Living The Dream also hosts Beer for Bucks on the second Thursday of every month when $1 from each beer benefits the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund.
Designed to drink as the perfect aprés beer for any outdoor activity, Backcountry Wilderness Wheat is light and refreshing while still full of flavor. “Starting with a thirst quenching wheat beer, we added the refreshing qualities of real orange zest, coriander and grains of paradise. We finished with just enough hops to balance everything out and the beer comes in at an easy drinking 4.6% ABV.
Look for 12oz six-packs of Backcountry Wilderness Wheat at Living The Dream’s tasting room in Littleton, and for sale at select locations across the Front Range in mid January. Ten percent of sales will be donated to the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund that directly supports wildlife habitat improvements and opportunities for people in Living the Dream Brewing Co.’s local community to engage in environmental education.
In 2020, Living The Dream raised $2600 for the Backcountry Wilderness Area through Beer for Bucks. “As Living the Dream Brewing continues to grow, it’s important to us that our community involvement grows too. Working with the great people at the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund to put this beer in the market is the perfect way for us to start the new year.”
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with questions about Living The Dream Brewing or this collaboration. Contact Lindsey McKissick at lindsey.mckissick@hrcaonline.org for more information about the HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area.
ABOUT LIVING THE DREAM BREWING
Living the Dream Brewing is a craft brewery established in 2014 in Littleton, our home base for adventure in Colorado. Built on a foundation of brewing beer using only the finest ingredients, Living the Dream celebrates the people, places, and activities of the Centennial State. Live the life you've imagined, and join us at livingthedreambrewing.com.
ABOUT THE HRCA BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS AREA
The Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund is the 501c3 arm of the HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area. The Backcountry Wilderness Area is an 8,200-acre wildlife habitat conservation property that is owned and managed by the Highlands Ranch Community Association. The 501c3 nonprofit funds wildlife habitat conservation improvements like fire mitigation, noxious weed treatment, and maintaining water resources for wildlife alongside environmental education efforts to engage people of all ages with wild places. The mission is to improve wildlife habitat, inspire the next generation of nature stewards, and ignite a lifelong love of the outdoors for all. Learn more at hrcaonline.org/backcountry.
Ska Brewing Introduces New Canned Seasonal Lager, Mexican Style Lager Dark
Ska’s brewing team has been working on Mexican Style Lager Dark for three winters now.
DURANGO, CO— After 21 years of serving its infamous craft lager in spring and summer, Ska presents a dark variant of the popular Mexican Logger for colder months. Having garnered a reputation for making clean, crisp lagers— anticipation is high as Ska adds a fourth beer to their award-winning lager camp available each year.
Introducing Mexican Style Lager Dark, a smooth and slightly sweet dark lager that’s balanced with mild bitterness from Tettnang, Cascade, and Saaz hops. Add subtle caramel flavors and a touch of roast on the finish to round it all out, and this beer just as its other lager cousins in Ska’s lineup— including year-round Rue B. Soho Grapefruit Lager and the award-winning Oktoberfest that makes a short-lived appearance in the fall.
“The beautiful thing about living in the Rocky Mountains are the changing seasons, and it’s well enough known that our Mexican Logger and its bright green can signal the unofficial start of spring,” says Ska Brewing Co-Founder and CEO Dave Thibodeau. “And now with Mexican Lager Dark, that shoulder season in the fall finally has its own beer as a gateway to everyone’s favorite season: Winter!”
Ska’s brewing team has been working on Mexican Style Lager Dark for three winters now. After thorough recipe development, this lager became a tasting room favorite as soon as it hit the taps at World Headquarters. Now available in canned 12-ounce 6-packs, Mexican Style Lager Dark will be available across Ska’s eleven-state distribution when Mexican Logger is not.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com for more information about Ska Brewing and the latest addition to their seasonal can lineup.
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.