Beverage Industry Veterans Launch Start A Brewery Website
Candace L. Moon and Laura Lodge Debut New Project Supporting Startup and Growing Craft Beer Producers.
ONLINE— Beverage industry veterans Candace L. Moon, The Craft Beer Attorney, and Laura Lodge, co-founder of Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Festival and Customized Craft Beer Programs, launched their new website startabrewery.com earlier this week at a virtual kickoff with many of the site’s contributors who span industry sectors.
Moon and Lodge have long been sought out for their industry connections, known for their networking prowess and ability to identify vendors who “speak beer.” Now they’ve poured 35 years of combined experience into their new project to best leverage their network to help the craft beer industry succeed and grow.
“I’m not sure this project would have transpired had it not been for increased screen time during pandemic,” says Lodge. “Candace was approached by a seller of the startabrewery.com URL, and what might otherwise have been a buried email has become a new educational resource for our growing community.”
Start A Brewery is free to the public, and is supported solely by advertising. This website is a testament to the premise that ‘a rising tide floats all boats’ and the conviction that together we can raise the bar for quality.
Join Moon and Lodge for a press conference about this new website during American Craft Beer Week on Thursday, May 13 at 4pm ET. Register for this live, virtual opportunity and learn more at startabrewery.com.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries, and to interview Moon and Lodge.
ABOUT STARTABREWERY.COM
StartABrewery is a collaboration amongst a fun group of craft beer industry veterans who are often invited to speak at beer business and brewing education programs. Each has offered to share their knowledge and experience to support the craft beer community as a whole by helping fledgling breweries in planning and those who have successfully launched and are ready to grow. Conceived and coordinated by Candace L. Moon, The Craft Beer Attorney, and Laura Lodge of Customized Craft Beer Programs, StartABrewery.com is an educational resource for those dreaming of opening a brewery, those who are taking steps to make their dream a reality, and those who are opening their brewery doors and living it. Follow StartABrewery.com on Instagram at @startabreweryLLC, Facebook at @StartABreweryDotCom and Twitter at @startabrewery.
ABOUT THE FOUNDERS
Candace L. Moon is a San Diego-based attorney who has spent the last eleven years dedicating her law practice to the craft beer industry. She has worked with more than 450 craft breweries and craft breweries-in-planning nationwide, handling many different legal areas including alcoholic beverage law, contract review and trademark law.
Author of Distribution Insight for the Craft Brewer and the co-founder of the Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Festival, Laura Lodge has been engaged in the craft beer industry since 1997. She’s the Owner of Customized Craft Beer Programs that designs events, resort retail programs, and educational programs based on craft beer.
Living The Dream Brewing Announces New Hires, Including Head Brewer
Living The Dream Brewing continues on its 2021 growth path with new hires, including the development of an off-premise sales staff and a new Head Brewer.
LITTLETON, CO– Living The Dream Brewing continues on its 2021 growth path with new hires, including the development of an off-premise sales staff and a new Head Brewer.
Earlier in 2021 Living The Dream hired new employees in the brewhouse and to support its growing sales program. Dave Gillette was promoted to Director of Operations.
In March, Living The Dream hired Robert Meehan as the new Head Brewer. Meehan comes to Living The Dream from Durham, North Carolina’s Ponysaurus Brewing. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from Yale. Meehan feels the Living The Dream team is a good fit for him because of its commitment to quality, diversity, and enthusiasm. “The local community has really embraced Living The Dream,” he says. “That success has been able to translate into more opportunities out in the market for new people to learn about us, and for our story to grow.”
Meehan is replacing Tim Nowlin, who is moving to Blue Springs Brewing in Orange City, Florida. Nowlin has worked at Living The Dream since its start, moving up into the role of Head Brewer over the years. “We want to extend a huge thank you to Tim,” says Living The Dream Founder Jason Bell. We won a Great American Beer Festival medal under his leadership, and have many good times to remember. We wish him success at his new endeavor.
The Living The Dream team is up to 14 team members. As this team continues to grow, so does the variety of beers coming out of the brewhouse.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Living The Dream.
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.
WISE APE Owner Erik Cox Launches Handmade Chaplin Canes Out of Fort Collins Design Studio
Chaplin Canes are a unique side project that reflect the “smart creative” approach at WISE APE, and a testament to how some of most creative ideas stem from hard times.
FORT COLLINS, CO— Erik Cox, Founder of WISE APE marketing and graphic design studio in Fort Collins reveals today a side project born in pandemic, Chaplin Canes.
Chaplin Canes are crafted with American White Ash by one of the last American cane makers in New York, a fifth-generation family-owned business founded in 1902. All Chaplin designs are limited runs that Erik masks, paints, and finishes by hand in his studio in Fort Collins, Colorado. Chaplin Canes are cut to order and come in various designs, colors, and trims catered to reflect the personalities of every customer.
Like many local businesses, Cox found himself with less work and a need for a creative outlet amid pandemic and economic shutdown. An encounter with an old friend who was using a cane for an injury inspired a creative thought - what if there was a cooler cane? One designed both for function and to help the user feel more stylish in recovery? Chaplin was born.
Chaplin Canes are a unique side project that reflect the “smart creative” approach at WISE APE, and a testament to how some of most creative ideas stem from hard times.
To order a handmade Chaplin Cane visit chaplincane.com.
For more information about WISE APE and Chaplin Canes, email Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT WISE APE
WISE APE is a boutique marketing and design studio launched by Erik Cox in 2016 to support small businesses in Colorado. This Fort Collins one-man-shop combines wisdom from years of experience with primal intuition to design and deliver smart creative that is both aesthetic and functional. Experience Meets Intuition at wise-ape.com.
Bonfire Block Party Festival Takes New Shape in 2021
Current ticket holders have two refund options.
EAGLE, CO– Due to continued revisions to local and statewide restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bonfire Brewing and Optimum Events announced today that while the 2021 Bonfire Block Party will not happen as planned on June 4 - 6, 2021, they are optimistic about bringing live music to Eagle later this summer.
Individuals who still hold tickets purchased for the 2020 Bonfire Block Party should follow the instructions outlined on the Bonfire Block Party website. Ticket holders are asked to choose from two options: 1) They can receive a full refund, or 2) They can donate their ticket funds towards continuing support efforts following the tragic death of Bonfire Brewing co-founder Andy Jessen earlier this year in an avalanche along with two other Eagle residents, Adam Palmer and Seth Bossung. If ticket holders do not respond by July 31, the funds from their ticket will automatically be donated. Amanda Jessen and the rest of the Bonfire family remain deeply grateful and humbled by this act of support from our Block Party community.
The brewery and its event partner Optimum Events are working to produce alternative live music events under the Bonfire Block Party name to fill the void left by this change. They will make announcements accordingly at a later time, and continue to prioritize public health over good times.
“It appears we are all heading towards a day in the not-so-distant future where we can stand shoulder to shoulder listening to the live music we crave,” says Bonfire Co-Founder Amanda Jessen. “In the interest of putting on the best Bonfire Block Party possible while maintaining safety, we felt it best to postpone for a future date”.
To stay up to date for future events, visit www.bonfireblockparty.com.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with all media inquiries about Bonfire Brewing and Bonfire Block Party.
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.
Oh Hi Increases CBD Dosage in Popular Canned Cannabis Seltzer Line
These seltzers are available in canned 12-ounce 4-packs, as well as mixed 4, 12, and 24-packs, and can be shipped all over the United States.
DURANGO, CO— The Oh Hi Beverages CBD seltzer line now has an extra 5mg of CBD per serving. The cannabis seltzer company rolled out cans with the increased dosage this week.
Oh Hi Beverages debuted their CBD seltzer line, which includes Pomegranate, Grapefruit, Lemon Lime, and Ginger Basil Limeade flavors, in December of 2019 with distribution partner Ska Brewing in Southwest Colorado. In 2020, Oh Hi began distribution of its CBD seltzers on Colorado’s Front Range through Two Six Craft Distributors; in Southern California through a small business incubator; and in Michigan through Oath Distributing.
These seltzers now contain 20mg of Caliper, fast-acting flavorless CBD isolate, and only up to 25 calories per serving. These seltzers are available in canned 12-ounce 4-packs, as well as mixed 4, 12, and 24-packs, and can be shipped all over the United States.
Press Inquiries: Emily Hutto; hutto@radcraftbeer.com
Distribution Inquiries: sales@ohhibev.com
ABOUT OH HI BEVERAGES
Founded in 2018, Oh Hi Beverages crafts canned THC and CBD seltzers in Durango, Colorado. Oh Hi Beverages is the brainchild of Aaron Miles and Jonny Radding, the co-owners of Durango Organics, and Matt Vincent, one of the co-owners of Ska Brewing and the founder of Ska Fabricating. Collectively Aaron, Jonny, and Matt bring a breadth of business, entrepreneurship, technical, and both cannabis and beverage-specific experience to this new hard seltzer company. Learn more about Oh Hi Beverages at ohhibev.com.
BEER! A Love Story Teams Up With RadCraft To Protect Rivers This Earth Day
You’re invited to meet the cast and filmmaker of BEER! A Love Story with us on Earth Day!
Now until April 25, RadCraft is donating $1 from every movie rental to Protect Our Rivers, a nonprofit organization committed to river conservation efforts across the West. Click here for more information.
To celebrate this partnership, you’re invited to meet the cast and filmmaker of BEER! A Love Story with us on Earth Day!
What: This is a live, virtual opportunity to virtually meet the director, Friedrich Moser and some of BEERmovie’s cast– and check out clips from the film.
Where: Register for this Zoom chat here
When: Thursday April 22 at Noon PT/ 3pm ET
Why: RadCraft’s work and our passion is rooted in the elements, one reason we were drawn to filmmaker Friedrich Moser. His close connection with nature shines in BEER! A Love Story, which captures the raw beauty of barley fields in rural Italy, Austrian and Northwest hop farms, and beyond. He ventures across landscapes, cultures, countries, and languages through subtitles in this both realistic and romantic movie.
Join us for this event to support not only Mother Earth, but also independent film and craft beer! Please consider sharing this Virtual Earth Day event with your audience through IG stories / posts. Press assets can be found here.
From April 23-25, show us the independent beer you’re sipping while you watch BEER! A Love Story to be entered into a raffle to win sweet river and beer-themed prizes. Tag @radcraftbeer, @fueledbyhops_, and @beermovie2020– and don’t forget to hashtag #BEERmovie!
Please direct media inquiries about this event to Melissa Larrick at melissa@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT RadCraft
Founded in 2012 by Emily Hutto, RadCraft provides communications support to barley crafters. From breweries and distilleries to maltsters and their affiliates, RadCraft’s partners are makers of thoughtful products and cultivators of radical ideas. Beers and spirits should tell stories about brands, and RadCraft loves a good story. Lean more at radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT Protect Our Rivers
At Protect Our Rivers™, we believe in the essential role healthy rivers play in all our lives— not only for our natural ecosystem but for our humanity as well. We are a passionate collective of people and supporting organizations that believe in the critical need for river health. We work to have a positive impact on lasting river conservation, through hands-on action, education and access. Learn more at protectourrivers.org.
Mainstem For All: Walla Walla-Based Mainstem Malt Welcomes New Equity Investors Through Crowdfund Campaign
Put Your Money Where Your Malt Is
WALLA WALLA, WA— Today Mainstem Malt announced the launch of Mainstem For All, a crowdfunded effort to engage a growing diversity of the company’s stakeholders as shareholders, in support of their innovative mission as a craft maltster.
Mainstem Malt is the first-ever malt company to invite hundreds-if-not-thousands of folks to join their team as equity investors. This innovative effort calls to action supporters of agriculture, conservation, craft food & beverages, and beyond to put their money where their malt is.
Mainstem was born in 2014 as a market-based approach to conservation with landscape-scale ambitions. Already, co-founders Phil Neumann and Alyssa Martinez Neumann and a scrappy team are impacting management decisions on more than 30,000 acres of farmland, all by connecting family farms to conscientious distillers, brewers, and their biggest fans. Mainstem For All elevates the company’s conservation mission, and emphasizes their more comprehensive commitment to sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Mainstem For All is live on Wefunder, where 42 investors have already pledged $40,450. Full funding would support increased malt production and sales, development of a new headquarters and Northwest malt innovation center, and early development of novel technologies that could change the way the world interacts with premium agricultural ingredients.
“Beyond Alyssa and me, there are 14 fiercely loyal households on Mainstem’s cap table. For philosophical reasons, we’ve always wanted to open the company up for an equity crowdfund campaign,” says Mainstem Malt Co-Founder Phil Neumann. “Now’s the time. We’ll be the first malt company globally to raise money like this, and It feels SO good to be underway. Our dream is to get 1000+ new investors on the team and infuse a diversity of new perspectives into the company’s growth.”
Learn more and invest at wefunder.com/mainstemmalt.
Please direct all media inquiries to Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT MAINSTEM MALT
Mainstem Malt is a malt company like no other. Founders Phil Neumann and Alyssa Martinez-Neumann started this Walla Walla-based operation in 2014 as a way to support family farms, rural communities, and landscape-scale conservation work. Along the way, they realized Mainstem is in a unique position to inspire much broader change, and have since been pushing to be the beverage industry's model for agricultural supply chain sustainability and innovation. You can find Mainstem’s malt at breweries and distilleries throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, flowing into premium craft beverages that evoke a strong sense of place and purpose. Grain Like Grapes, Malt That Matters. Learn more at MainstemMalt.com.
OK Cannabev Launch Party To Feature THC Drinks and Live Music
OK CannaBev will celebrate its official launch of Oh Hi Beverages in Oklahoma on Wednesday, April 14.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK— The future of cannabis drinks is here. OK CannaBev will celebrate its official launch of Oh Hi Beverages in Oklahoma on Wednesday, April 14.
WHAT: Join OK CannaBev at their facility for music by Carte Blanche, eats from The Saucee Sicilian and Wicked Hangry food trucks, live mural activation from Shei Phan Art, tours of the warehouse featuring Ska Fabricating equipment, and all the swag. Meet the owners and all four flavors of Oh Hi’s THC and CBD drinks: Pomegranate, Ginger Basil Limeade, Grapefruit, and Lemon Lime.
This event will be outdoors in the warehouse parking lot to ensure fresh air and extra space.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 14 2021 from 7-10pm
If interested in attending, please email oklahoma@ohhibev.com.
WHERE: OK CannaBev Warehouse
6101 N. Harvey Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Oh Hi Beverages CBD seltzers are currently distributed in Southwest Colorado through the Ska Brewing distribution network, on Colorado’s Front Range through Two Six Craft Distributors, in Los Angeles through a distribution incubator, and across Michigan through Oath Distributing. They are also available for purchase online.
For more information about Oh Hi Beverages and its growing distribution footprint, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. Contact sales@ohhibev.com with distribution inquiries.
ABOUT OH HI BEVERAGES
Founded in 2018, Oh Hi Beverages crafts canned THC and CBD seltzers in Durango, Colorado. Oh Hi Beverages is the brainchild of Aaron Miles and Jonny Radding, the co-owners of Durango Organics, and Matt Vincent, one of the co-owners of Ska Brewing and the founder of Ska Fabricating. Collectively Aaron, Jonny, and Matt bring a breadth of business, entrepreneurship, technical, and both cannabis and beverage-specific experience to this new hard seltzer company. Learn more about Oh Hi Beverages at ohhibev.com.
ABOUT OK CANNABEV
Founded in 2020 with the main purpose to produce and distribute Oh Hi Beverages in Oklahoma, OK Cannabev is owned by four partners: brothers Brett & Brian Bogert as well as Wesley Holloway and Tucker Cason. This team brings together 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry as well as expertise in the sales and distribution of cannabis product lines in the Oklahoma region. OK Cannabev employs a Can-I-Bus depalletizer, twist rinser, and conveyance provided by Ska Fabricating.
Midnight Trail Cam Wheat From Living The Dream Brewing Is The Next Beer for the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund
Living The Dream Brewing partnership with Highlands Ranch Community Association to fundraise for local wildlife habitat improvement.
LITTLETON, CO— Support the ongoing Living The Dream Brewing partnership with Highlands Ranch Community Association with a sip of the next beer in their collaboration series, Midnight Trail Cam Wheat. This dark rendition of Backcountry Wilderness Wheat, the first beer that Living The Dream brewed to support the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund, debuted this week.
Midnight Trail Cam is a great “introduction dark beer” for people who don’t usually drink Porters and Stouts, says Jamie Gonzalez, who created the recipe. “This a great transition from winter to spring beer,” she adds.
“Jamie has a background as a pastry chef, which resonates with my food background too,” says Living The Dream owner Jason Bell. “Jamie’s background inspired her to create this beer with flavors of creamy chocolate and hints of dark roasted coffee. It reminds me a bit of a dark chocolate bar and does not have any of the bitterness which can be found in most Stouts.”
Midnight Trail Cam Wheat is part of an ongoing collaboration beer series that supports the nonprofit arm of HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area in Highlands Ranch, one of the brewery’s time-honored partnerships.
Find Midnight Trail Cam Wheat at Living The Dream’s tasting room in Littleton while supplies of this limited batch are available. 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.
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.
Zia Cantina Partners with Peach Street Distillers to Launch Cocktail Program Focused on Agriculture from Colorado’s Western Slope
Zia Cantina will officially launch this Saturday, April 10 with a new cocktail program featuring Peach Street Distillers from Palisade Colorado.
DURANGO, CO– Zia Cantina will officially launch this Saturday, April 10 with a new cocktail program this week featuring Ska Brewing’s sister company, Peach Street Distillers from Palisade Colorado.
From Zia’s first days as a brand slinging burritos out of an airstream in Ska’s parking lot, 16 years of fast-casual service on North Main (now SAGE - Farm Fresh Eats), eight years in a second location on the South side of town, and now to Zia Cantina’s new location at 2977 North Main Avenue, the Ska and Zia friendship has only grown stronger with time, burritos, beers— and now spirits. This week Zia debuts a fresh cocktail menu featuring Peach Street Distillers spirits.
Some of the new cocktails include Goat Limeade made with Peach Street Goat Vodka, the Ska Mexican Logger Beer-Arita made with Peach Street Orange Liqueur and Ska Mexican Logger, and the La Mula Cabra available with the addition of Peach Street Brandy, or Modus Hoperandi Beer Schnapps.
In addition to Peach Street’s signature handcrafted cocktails, Ska beers on tap, and organically farmed, estate-grown canned Ah-So wine, Zia offers several Mancos-made Fenceline Ciders that Ska distributes across Southwest Colorado.
‘‘When Ska Brewing suggested we join forces with their sister company, Peach Street Distillers, we quickly realized that it was a perfect opportunity to create something unique and local in the North Main District,” Carly Thomson of Zia says. “We all share a commitment to minimizing our environmental impact and using fresh, locally sourced ingredients that support Colorado communities.”
Find the full Zia Cantina menu and more news at ziataqueria.com. Zia Cantina’s April hours will be Thursday & Friday 3pm to 9pm, and Saturday & Sunday 1pm-9pm. Zia expects to launch a new food offering in Zia Cantina in mid-May.
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” Peach Street does everything the hard way to turn these fermentable raw materials into extraordinary spirits. Peach Street Distillers is Colorado’s oldest independently owned and operated distillery. Visit the distillery online at peachstreetdistillers.com for more about the spirits and the spirits squad.
Ska Brewing and Peach Street Distillers Media Contact: Emily Hutto, hutto@radcraftbeer.com
ABOUT ZIA
With a varied background in real estate development, ranching, and bakery operations, Tim Turner dreamed of a fast, healthy lunch option on the north side of town. He launched that dream, Zia Taqueria, in 2005. Zia has since grown into two thriving locations in Durango, serving fast, friendly, affordable fresh-Mex across the community with a strong focus on supporting local agriculture and community organizations. In 2019, Zia Taqueria broke ground on their new, larger home at 2977 North Main Avenue. In launching Zia Cantina, Zia wants to create a place to experience community and unwind after a day in the mountains. Their goal is to add vibrancy to the North Main District by creating a convenient, family friendly restaurant and cantina. Find Zia online at ziataqueria.com.
Zia Media Contact: Carly Thomson, carly@ZiaTaqueria.com
Documentary Film BEER! A Love Story To Support Water Conservation As Beer’s Most Important Ingredient
Now through April 25, RadCraft will donate $1 from each rental the documentary BEER! A Love Story to Protect Our Rivers.
DURANGO, CO— This April, RadCraft is proud to support healthy rivers in partnership with BEER! A Love Story. Now through April 25, RadCraft will donate $1 from each rental of this sensational documentary about craft beer to Protect Our Rivers.
Like rivers, breweries tend to be a source of culture and community. They also consume a great deal of water for which RadCraft makes a point to acknowledge in its philanthropic efforts. RadCraft’s work and our passion is rooted in the elements, one reason we were drawn to filmmaker Friedrich Moser. His close connection with nature shines in BEER! A Love Story, which captures the raw beauty of barley fields in rural Italy, Austrian and Northwest hop farms, and beyond. He ventures across landscapes, cultures, countries, and languages through subtitles in this both realistic and romantic movie.
BEER! A Love Story debuted earlier this year. This independently funded, 4K full-length feature documentary weaves together the stories of more than 30 international characters who speak the universal language of beer. Rent it here and learn more at beermovie.org.
Meet protagonists and filmmaker Moser on Earth Day, Thursday April 22 for a live virtual panel and movie preview. Participants at this free event can interact with the cast and view scenes in the film. More information to follow.
BEER! A Love Story Press Contact: Emily Hutto, coop@radcraftbeer.com
Protect Our Rivers Press Contact: Sarah Nelson at sarah@protectourrivers.org
ABOUT RadCraft
Founded in 2012 by Emily Hutto, RadCraft provides communications support to barley crafters. From breweries and distilleries to maltsters and their affiliates, RadCraft’s partners are makers of thoughtful products and cultivators of radical ideas. Beers and spirits should tell stories about brands, and RadCraft loves a good story. Lean more at radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT Protect Our Rivers
At Protect Our Rivers™, we believe in the essential role healthy rivers play in all our lives— not only for our natural ecosystem but for our humanity as well. We are a passionate collective of people and supporting organizations that believe in the critical need for river health. We work to have a positive impact on lasting river conservation, through hands-on action, education and access. Learn more at protectourrivers.org.
Ska Distributing Adds Lone Tree Brewing to Southwest Portfolio
Lone Tree Brewing Company’s collection of canned beers are now available in Southwest Colorado through distribution partner Ska Distributing.
Image from 2020 Ska + Lone Tree Collaboration Day
DURANGO, CO— Lone Tree Brewing Company’s collection of canned beers are now available in Southwest Colorado through distribution partner Ska Distributing.
The friendship between these two Colorado craft breweries began when they served together on the Colorado Brewers Guild board of directors, and stayed strong over the years through their commonality of a flagship Mexican-style Lager. “John Winter of Lone Tree and I always bonded over similar values, beer styles like Mexican-style Lagers, and the fun atmosphere of both of our breweries,” says Ska Brewing Sales & Marketing Director Kristen Muraro. “When our Sales Rep Devin lived near (some say at) Lone Tree Brewing he was one of their regulars. It was his initial idea to collaborate.”
In March of 2020, the team from Lone Tree traveled to Durango to brew a collaboration beer at Ska, and before they even made it home, Collaboration Fest was cancelled due to COVID-19. The pandemic might have stopped them from releasing this collaboration, but it couldn’t keep these breweries from continuing to work together.
“Fast forward to 2021 and we believe the collaboration was a successful failure,” says Dennis Stack, Lone Tree Brewing Sales & Marketing Director. “The Southwest region of Colorado was the missing piece of our distribution footprint and the reputation Ska has built in the area made the decision a no-brainer— we admire what they do to build brands and enjoy working with their great people. We are beyond excited to explore this new chapter of distribution with a great team behind the wheel.”
To celebrate the partnership, Ska Brewing is tapping a guest keg of Lone Tree Vanilla Caramel Amber. This red-hued ale is enhanced with vanilla beans and caramel malt, with no additional sugar added. It will be on draft at World Headquarters while supplies last.
Six packs of Lone Tree IPA, Mexican Lager, Strawberry Kiwi Blonde Ale, Red Ale, Peach Pale, Double IPA, and spring seasonal Pomegranate Wit, as well as Lone Tree’s Brewer’s Bundle mixed 12-packs are now available in Durango, Telluride, Ridgway, and Ouray through Ska Distributing. Find Lone Tree beers at Skyridge Liquors, Macs Liquors, WJ Doyle, 6th Street Liquors, and Wagon Wheel Liquors, with more to come. Accounts looking to purchase Lone Tree beer should contact Justin Crump at justin@skabrewing.com.
For more information about Lone Tree Brewing Company, Ska Brewing, or this new distribution partnership contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT LONE TREE BREWING COMPANY
Lone Tree Brewing Company was the first brewery to open in Lone Tree, Colorado in Denver’s South Metro area in 2011. Lone Tree creates community around a stylistically diverse lineup of flagship, seasonal, and limited release beers that are sold in cans and on draft across the state of Colorado, and in select locations in Kansas. Find the brewery online at lonetreebrewingco.com.
ABOUT SKA DISTRIBUTING
Ska Distributing Company is the premiere craft distributor for Southwestern Colorado, committed to serving independently owned companies. In addition to Ska Brewing’s award-winning beers, The Hard Seltzer, and non-alcoholic Skagua, they distribute other beers from Telluride Brewing, Left Hand Brewing Co., Bristol Brewing, Stone Brewing, and La Cumbre Brewing Co. Ska services on and off-premise accounts in Durango, Telluride, Ridgway, and Ouray. Find Ska online at skabrewing.com.
Lone Tree Brewing Unveils Pomegranate Wit For Spring
Pomegranate Wit begins as a traditional Witbier recipe made with coriander, and fermented with a Belgian yeast strain before it gets the addition on pomegranate pureé.
LONE TREE, CO— Lone Tree Brewing Company presents a fresh seasonal brewed for Spring Equinox, Pomegranate Wit.
Pomegranate Wit begins as a traditional Witbier recipe made with coriander, and fermented with a Belgian yeast strain before it gets the addition on pomegranate pureé. This pink-hued brew is a drinkable 5.3% ABV
From the time-honored Peach Pale Ale recipe to the Strawberry Kiwi Blonde Ale released in 2020, Lone Tree has always experimented with fruit in the brewhouse. The latest of these test batches-turned-canned selections is the sweet, zesty addition of Pomegranate to a traditional Belgian-style Wheat Ale.
Pomegranate Wit joins the Lone Tree canned lineup of fruit beers this week, and it will stick around for the season. Find it in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans across Colorado and in select locations in Kansas while supplies last.
For more information about Lone Tree Brewing Company or their 2021 seasonal beer releases, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT LONE TREE BREWING CO.
Lone Tree Brewing Company was the first brewery to open in Lone Tree, Colorado in Denver’s South Metro area in 2011. Lone Tree creates community around a stylistically diverse lineup of flagship, seasonal, and limited release beers that are sold in cans and on draft across the state of Colorado, and in select locations in Kansas. Find the brewery online at lonetreebrewingco.com.
Our Mutual Friend Presents Hear Me Out IPA in Collaboration with Fermly
Hear Me Out— this IPA was brewed with quality ingredients from some of Our Mutual Friend’s favorite suppliers and shaped by the data and insight Fermly provided throughout the brewing process.
DENVER, CO— Fermly, an independent lab for brewers based in Denver, has teamed up with Our Mutual Friend on a new IPA. Hear Me Out— this IPA was brewed with quality ingredients from some of Our Mutual Friend’s favorite suppliers and shaped by the data and insight Fermly provided throughout the brewing process.
Hear Me Out is a fruit-forward Tropical IPA with notes of guava, mango and pineapple. This 8.9% ABV IPA was crafted with malt from Root Shoot Malting, fermented with Kveik yeast from Inland Island Yeast, and hopped with the Pink Boots Society and Zythos hop blends from Yakima Chief Hops.
The owners at Fermly and Our Mutual Friend share the belief that by working across industries, you are able to learn more, work better together, and make even better beer. This belief inspired Hear Me Out IPA.
"I've been working with Fermly for a few years now, and they have been a tremendous partner in helping us make the best beer we possibly can," says Head Brewer, Jan Chodkowski. "The expertise they provide helps us dial in our recipes and assures us that we are putting out quality products. An awesome bonus is that they are rad people and are just as passionate about beer as we are."
Our Mutual Friend has crafted collaborations with other suppliers, but this was the first one they’ve done with an independent research lab. Danny Wang, Fermly’s Co-Founder and Information Architect, adds, “A major motivation behind Fermly is to help brewers succeed by providing them with better access to information that helps improve the quality of the beers they brew. Being involved in Our Mutual Friend’s recipe development and brewing process was a treat.”
Hear Me Out can be found on tap at Our Mutual Friend, and in 16-ounce four-packs while supplies last.
For more information about Fermly or this collaboration, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT FERMLY
Fermly is an independent quality lab designed by brewers, for brewers, complete with a data platform for tracking information from batch to batch. Launched in Denver by former brewery owner Danny and TTB-certified chemist Emily Wang, Fermly serves brewing companies of all sizes across the country who need and value QA/QC with customized lab services, an innovative subscription approach to lab work, and data privacy protection. Fermly know your craft. Visit www.fermly.com to learn more.
ABOUT OUR MUTUAL FRIEND BREWING
Our Mutual Friend Brewing opened in December of 2012 with the goal of creating a place for community through their small neighborhood taproom in the up and coming River North (RiNo) neighborhood. Starting on a 31-gallon brew system, they worked tirelessly to understand the techniques and history of beer while looking forward to where craft beer was heading. Doing so influenced their vision to create beers with a sense of place, forging relationships with Colorado hop and barley growers, and has allowed them to offer as many 100% Colorado grown beers as possible. In 2015 they earned a silver medal in the wood and barrel aged sour category at the Great American Beer Festival for 24FPS, a 100% Colorado mixed-culture fermentation barrel-aged sour beer.
In 2017 OMF continued its organic growth, increasing capacity to meet demand and offer traditional styles while still being afforded the opportunity for experimentation. 2016 and 2017 saw OMF receiving back to back silver medals at GABF in the brett beer category for Dreamy Thing (a collaboration with Cerebral Brewing) and Saison Trystero as well as a bronze medal in International Pale Ale for Inner Light in 2020.
For more information visit buyomfbeer.com, and follow OMF on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter at @omfbrewing.
Oh Hi Cannabis Seltzer Hits Oklahoma via OK CannaBev
Born in Colorado; Brewed in Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK— The Oh Hi Beverages THC seltzer line will be available this month across Oklahoma through OK CannaBev.
Look for Oh Hi’s line of THC seltzers, which includes Pomegranate, Grapefruit, Lemon Lime, and Ginger Basil Limeade flavors, in dispensaries throughout the state.
Oh Hi is one of the few water-soluble THC infused seltzers on the American market. These fast acting, refreshing, and handcrafted cannabis seltzers contain terpenes that contribute to the natural flavor, aroma, and effects. Each Oh Hi seltzer beverage contains 10mg of THC and or CBD and only 20 - 25 calories.
“I grew up in Oklahoma, so this announcement hits home for me,” says Matt Vincent who co-owns both Oh Hi Beverages and Durango’s Ska Brewing. “Two years ago Ska started distributing in Oklahoma, and I’m excited that Oh Hi cannabis seltzers are now available for my parents to buy, too.”
Oh Hi’s THC line is available wholesale to dispensaries in Colorado and now Oklahoma, the first state outside of Oh Hi’s birthplace to produce and distribute its THC products, via LeafLink. “This is the product that has been missing on the shelves in Oklahoma,” says Tucker Cason, OK CannaBev partner. We are proud to be manufacturing and canning this product locally to serve the needs in this market.”
Oh Hi Beverages CBD seltzers are currently distributed in Southwest Colorado through the Ska Brewing distribution network, on Colorado’s Front Range through Two Six Craft Distributors, in Los Angeles through a distribution incubator, and across Michigan through Oath Distributing. They are also available for purchase online.
For more information about Oh Hi Beverages and its growing distribution footprint, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. Contact sales@ohhibev.com with distribution inquiries.
ABOUT OH HI BEVERAGES
Founded in 2018, Oh Hi Beverages crafts canned THC and CBD seltzers in Durango, Colorado. Oh Hi Beverages is the brainchild of Aaron Miles and Jonny Radding, the co-owners of Durango Organics, and Matt Vincent, one of the co-owners of Ska Brewing and the founder of Ska Fabricating. Collectively Aaron, Jonny, and Matt bring a breadth of business, entrepreneurship, technical, and both cannabis and beverage-specific experience to this new hard seltzer company. Learn more about Oh Hi Beverages at ohhibev.com.
ABOUT OK CANNABEV
Founded in 2020 with the main purpose to produce and distribute Oh Hi Beverages in Oklahoma, OK CannaBev is owned by four partners: brothers Brett & Brian Bogert as well as Wesley Holloway and Tucker Cason. This team brings together 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry as well as expertise in the sales and distribution of cannabis product lines in the Oklahoma region. OK CannaBev employs a Can-I-Bus depalletizer, twist rinser, and conveyance provided by Ska Fabricating.
Ska Brewing Releases Mexican Logger Cans for the 2021 Season
Ska Brewing kicks off its 22nd Mexican Logger season on March 23 with a fundraiser for Durango’s Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) for COVID-19 relief.
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DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing kicks off its 22nd Mexican Logger season on March 23 with a fundraiser for Durango’s Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) for COVID-19 relief. Cans of the brewery’s famous craft lager will be available at the brewery World Headquarters and across Ska’s markets next week.
This clean, easy drinking lager has become a warm weather staple in Durango where Ska first produced Mexican Logger on draft and in 12 oz bottles in 1999. Although it is still a summer seasonal offering 22 years later, it has become one of the brewery’s flagship beers, and most anticipated releases.
“The key ingredient in this beer is and always has been a very crisp, clean yeast strain,” says Ska Brewing Co-Founder and CEO Dave Thibodeau. “We use a strain specifically from Mexico City that helps keep drinkability at the forefront with the malts and the hops hanging in the background.”
To support social distancing during the 2021 Mexican Logger release, Ska is celebrating all week and encouraging reservations at its World Headquarters. A $20 donation reserves your table and includes two pints of Mexican Logger.
Mexican Logger will tap at Ska Street Brewstillery in Boulder on Wednesday, March 24.
Find Mexican Logger across Ska’s markets on draft and in canned 12-ounce 6-packs throughout spring and summer. Earlier this year, Ska Brewing released the Mexican-style Lager Dark that is available when Mexican Logger is not.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com to learn more about the lager program at 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.
Ska Brewing Adds Double Hazy IPA to Can Lineup
This 9.2% ABV IPA, brewed with Idaho 7, Azacca, and El Dorado hops, is big brother to The Hazy IPA from Ska Brewing.
DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing is doubling down on its hazy IPA options this week with the release of Double Hazy IPA. This new beer taps at Ska’s World Headquarters on Friday, March 12, and is now available in cans in all of Ska’s markets.
The full-bodied Double Hazy IPA pours golden orange and wafts piney aroma, with notes of pear and pineapple that balance out its bold hop profile. This 9.2% ABV IPA is brewed with Idaho 7, Azacca, and El Dorado hops. It’s the big brother to The Hazy IPA that came out in 2019, and the Tropical Hazy IPA, Breakthru Beverage’s first beer release after the pandemic outbreak that quickly became one of Ska’s most popular beers in 2020.
“Everyone loves a good Double IPA— we get requests for this beer style all the time,” says Ska Brewing Sales and Marketing Director Kristen Muraro. “Making a hazy one seemed to round out our hazy line up just right.”
Ska Double Hazy IPA is now available across Colorado and Ska’s eleven-state distribution footprint in 12-ounce canned 6-packs as a year-round SKU.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Ska Brewing and the new Double Hazy IPA.
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.
Root Shoot Malting Reports Community Impact of East Troublesome Pale Ale & Homebrew Competition for Grand County Wildfire Relief
Root Shoot Malting has announced the results of the East Troublesome Pale Ale initiative that united the Grand County brewing community and raised nearly $34,000 for those impacted by Colorado's second-largest wildfire.
LOVELAND, CO— Root Shoot Malting has announced the results of the East Troublesome Pale Ale initiative that united the Grand County brewing community and raised nearly $34,000 for those impacted by Colorado's second-largest wildfire.
Six professional breweries and 27 homebrewers brewed the East Troublesome Pale Ale over the last few months, and earned tremendous support from the Grand County community of beer lovers and homebrew competition entrants who helped to raise $34,000 for The Grand Foundation: a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting residents who were evacuated, displaced or lost their homes during the Grand County Wildfires.
Root Shoot Malting, alongside Colorado Hop Company and Propagate Labs, donated ingredients to six breweries in Grand County to help create the East Troublesome Pale Ale. The recipe and ingredients were then available to homebrewers who were encouraged to brew their own version of the benefit beer.
"I am blown away by the amount we raised and how many people rallied to support this cause," said Emily Olander, Co-Founder of Root Shoot Malting. “A huge thank you to everyone; brewers, suppliers, homebrewers, and residents of Grand County for donating your time, energy, and resources to make this a success."
Root Shoot brought this effort home with a homebrew competition that 27 homebrewers entered earlier this year. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners were announced during a virtual awards ceremony, and the entries raised more than $550 for this effort that Root Shoot Malting matched. The whole team at Root Shoot extends congratulations to all of the winners and gratitude to everyone who participated.
1ST PLACE
Mackenzie Springett: “East Troublesome Fire Pale Ale”
“When I drink the East Troublesome Fire Pale Ale, I immediately feel as if I’m sitting in the mountains and enjoying stunning views and the smell of the pine trees. I enjoy all of Root Shoot’s malts and use close to 100% of their malts in every recipe,” Springett says. “I also want to give a big shout out to firefighters. They saved us and helped preserve those smells and views.”
2ND PLACE
Ben Gaylord: “Hearts and Minds”
3RD PLACE
Nelson Crowle: “Grungeist SMaSH”
HONORABLE MENTION
Charles Epperson: “Fire and Smoke”
Fraser River Beer Co. is planning on serving a batch brewed with first place homebrewer Mackenzie Springett for the community to enjoy this Spring, and 100% of proceeds will be donated to the Grand Foundation.
For more information about Root Shoot Malting or the East Troublesome Pale Ale, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
SPONSORS
The East Troublesome Pale Ale Competition was possible due to the support from all of our sponsors. We’d like to thank the following organizations for their contributions.
Fraser River Beer Co., Hideaway Park Brewing, Camber Brewing, Grand Adventure Brewing, Big Trout Brewing Co., and The Peak Bistro and Brewery donated 100 percent of their beer proceeds to this cause.
Colorado Hop Company, Troubadour Maltings, Propagate Lab, Reggiebeer.com, and Turn It Up Media, contributed products and services.
Left Hand Brewing, Spike Brewing, Sticker Giant, American Homebrewers Association, Fermentis, Yakima Chief Hops, and Five Star Chemicals donated generous prizes that were awarded to the competition winners.
Michael Bischoff, Head Brewer at The Peak Bistro and Brewery developed the East Troublesome Pale Ale homebrew recipe.
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.
Lone Tree Brewing Co. and Peak View Brewing Co. Tap Lemon Squeeze Collaboration Saison
Lemon Squeeze Collaboration Saison by Lone Tree Brewing Co. and Peak View Brewing Co. will be available on March 10.
LONE TREE, CO— Lone Tree Brewing Co. has teamed up with Peak View Brewing Co. to brew a Belgian-Style Meringue Saison with a poppy seed twist. Lemon Squeeze Collaboration Saison will be available on March 10.
In January, the production staff from both breweries met up for beers to develop a recipe that fused Peak View's creative use of exotic ingredients with Lone Tree's more traditional, but experimental brewing philosophy.
Lemon Squeeze Collaboration Saison was brewed with lactose, vanilla, Meyer Lemon puree, and a touch of poppy seed cake filling for a tinge of earthy sweetness. This one-of-a-kind farmhouse ale has aroma that wafts vanilla, lemon, and light pepper, with noticeable lemon bitterness coupled with citrus notes to taste. It weighs in at 6.8% ABV.
“We borrowed pasty beer inspiration from Peak View Brewing Co.,” says Chris Gilmore, Lead Brewer of Lone Tree Brewing Co. “The poppy seed is very subtle in flavor and adds a nice contrast to the lemon puree."
The Lemon Squeeze Collaboration Saison will be tapped in both the Lone Tree Brewing and Peak View Brewing Co. tasting rooms on draft only on Wednesday March 10 while supplies last.
For more information about this zesty collaboration, contact Sarah Nelson at nelson@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.
ABOUT PEAK VIEW BREWING COMPANY
Peak View Brewing Company opened in Greenwood Village, CO on April 5th, 2019. We are locally owned and operated by two Air Force veterans. Peak View believes that great beer, an inviting atmosphere, and knowledgeable staff foster a thriving community. In the taproom, 18 different taps showcase tried and true flagships such as Peanut Butter Porter, seasonal selections like the Strudel Series, and the ever popular craft seltzer cocktails. At Peak View, beer is a passion and something we hold sacred. The next time you’re in the neighborhood stop on by! You may just find your home away from home. Visit peakviewbrewing.com to learn more.
Living The Dream Brewing Cans Horchata Powder Run Cream Ale
Many of Living The Dream’s beers are born out of collaborations focused on high-quality, natural ingredients— and the Horchata Powder Run Cream Ale is no exception.
LITTLETON, CO— Living The Dream Brewing canned a fresh batch of the popular Horchata variant of its award-winning Powder Run Cream Ale this week. The Horchata Powder Run will be available in cans on Colorado’s Front Range and at the brewery tasting room while supplies last.
Living The Dream’s award-winning Cream Ale— a light bodied, creamy ale with notes of vanilla and a fluffy finishing mouthfeel— gets a boost of spicy cinnamon and creamy vanilla flavors from Colorado’s local Savory Spice Shop in this recipe that expands upon the Powder Run variant line. This is the second of the Powder Run variants to hit a can, following the Gingerbread Powder Run that sold out in less than a week in December. Past draft-only variants have included Tangerine and Vanilla Cream.
Horchata Powder Run is available on draft and in Crowlers and cans to-go at Living The Dream, and in extremely limited canned six-packs on Colorado’s Front Range.
Living The Dream plans to release more variants of Powder Run later this year.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with questions about Living The Dream Brewing or the Horchata Powder Run.
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.