Resolute Brewing Rebrands, Invests More In Local Malt, Shares Community Influence in 2022 Year In Review

COLORADO— For Resolute Brewing, community is everything. The brewery just reported numbers, philanthropic impact, a greater investment in local ingredients, and an ongoing rebrand. 

Here is their 2022 Year In Review. 

In 2022, Resolute embarked upon a rebrand to present a more refined aesthetic. They debuted their new logo, glassware, and merchandise in the fall, and have 2023 plans to integrate the new branding into the design of their taprooms. 

Resolute Brewing produced around 1000 BBL of beer in 2022 by Head Brewer Kyle Larkin and Brewers Nico Cervantes and Ethan Munoz. Its original location in Centennial is the site of brewing operations, while the Arvada Tap & Cellar location is the home of the company’s barrel aging projects. Of note in 2022 was Resolute’s shift to Denver local Leopold Bros. as their primary base malt provider. 

“Leopold Bros. is producing super high quality floor malted grain,” says Larkin. “Their Pilsner malt is in many of our mainstays, and we use as much of their other malt styles as we can. I love sourcing locally and we’re grateful to have such a strong connection with our maltster.” 

Larkin and the whole Resolute team were overjoyed to receive the brewery’s first Great American Beer Festival® medal for their German-Style Doppelbock category for Execrator Doppelbock. Resolute was also awarded a gold medal at the 2022 Best of Craft Beer Awards for the Doinkinbonk Porter. 

Throughout the year, Resolute hosted events for and donated more than $5000 to more than 20 local philanthropic organizations including; Hog Haven Farm, Special Olympics, Project Helping, Ray of Hope Cancer foundation, Rainbow Alley and Pawsitive Restoration.

Resolute is extremely proud to provide community spaces that, beyond serving as comfortable gathering places, also give back to their communities in Centennial and Arvada. These taprooms function under the leadership of General Manager Jamie Gibbs, Arvada Taproom Manager Ashley Nikel, and 13 rockstar bartenders committed to great hospitality. Resolute has 19 team members total, including Lucas Wattles who supports Resolute’s can distribution across Colorado’s Front Range. 

Resolute is excited for the year ahead, with collaborations, new beers, and more community events underway. Stay tuned on their website and social media channels for updates. 

Media inquiring about Resolute Brewing can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT RESOLUTE BREWING CO. 

Resolute Brewing Company serves beer crafted by friends, for friends. The brewery was founded in Centennial, Colorado in 2016 to serve the metro Denver community with unrelenting dedication to classic, high quality beer styles. This resolve has since expanded into Arvada with the opening of Resolute Tap & Cellar in 2019, and across the state through distribution via Colorado Craft Distributors. Find Resolute Brewing online at resolutebrewingco.com. 

Ska Brewing Reports 2022 Impact; Previews New Sustainability Initiatives

Photo of Ska’s xeriscaped beer garden courtesy The Brewtography Project

DURANGO, CO— Ska Brewing is coming off of a dynamic year in business engaged in the craft beer, music, art, biking, and local Southwest Colorado communities in which it is ingrained— with even bigger plans to support its community with sustainability initiatives in 2023. 

Here is Ska Brewing’s 2022 Year In Review.

BEER

In 2022, Ska Brewing brewed approximately 25,000 BBL of beer that was served on tap at the brewery World Headquarters and distributed nationwide. Ska’s distribution footprint grew to 11 states last year with the addition of Wyoming in the fall.

Ska debuted several new canned beers last year, such as the new age Checkered Future IPA that brought together old school hops and new brewing techniques; Raspberry Blonde Ale that gave a fresh take on a classic style; the Faceplant Lager brewed with Tailwind Nutrition electrolytes; and the Peppermint Bark Stout crafted with Animas Chocolate Company peppermint bark. The brewery also brought back famed mainstays Mexican Logger, Oktoberfest, Euphoria Pale Ale, and Mexican Lager Style Dark. 

Up next in Ska’s canned beer lineup is The Ska Lager, a snappy, crisp, bright, and easy-drinking at only 4.8% ABV. This new no-nonsense offering will hit shelves in March. 

MUSIC 

Ska Brewing was born out of an affinity for music, which the brewery continues to stoke by hosting Ska, punk, and other relevant bands of all shapes and sizes to play at the brewery. The legendary third wave Ska group Hepcat and opener Rude Girl Revue traveled to Durango to perform an epic show at Ska’s 27th Anniversary Party and Brewer’s Invitational. 

SOUTHWEST COLORADO 

Ska was a proud supporter of many events that took place in its hometown Durango, Colorado— including Durango’s annual winter festival Snowdown, the 50th anniversary of The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, the Durango Independent Film Festival, Animas River Days, Downtown 4th of July Celebration, Singlespeed Cyclocross World Championships, Thirsty 13 and many more.

Ska partnered with Fort Lewis College on multiple efforts, including a hop biotransformation research project that yielded the Skyhawk Single Hop IPA; and a hard seltzer branding deep dive with the Fennell-Saegert Student Marketing Agency.

Each year, Ska donates upwards of $50,000 in product, money and time to nonprofits organizations such as La Plata Open Space Conservancy, Manna Soup Kitchen, Fort Lewis College, United Way, KSUT, KDUR, Women’s Resource Center, LaPlata County Humane Society, and Trails 2000, among many others.

Ska Distributing continued to serve the Southwest Colorado market by bringing craft beer brands to the area from across the state and beyond, including new auditions to the portfolio: Bruz Beers and Weldwerks Brewing Co. 

COMMUNITY

Outside of its hometown, Ska engaged with the beer community at large through collaborations with Living The Dream Brewing in Littleton, Colorado and Manhattan Brewing in Manhattan, Kansas. 

Beyond beer and music, Ska is passionate about art— especially art that showcases Ska music. During the Ska anniversary weekend in September, Ska hosted San Diego-based artist Nan Coffey for an art show that brewery visitors can still peruse on the second floor of the building. 

Beyond beer, music, and art, Ska is passionate about biking. The brewery was a sponsor for Rides & Vibes in Grand Junction, the Fruita Fat Tire Festival, and 12 Hours Mesa Verde, among others. This year, Ska is stoked to be the official beer of the Session Series, Triple Bypass, Salida76, and Beti Bike Bash by Team Evergreen Cycling. 

SUSTAINABILITY 

Ska has long committed to reducing waste and developing brewery and distribution systems that minimize its carbon footprint— from recycled jeans in the walls as insulation and reused bowling alley wood as tables, to solar panels, solar lighting, wind energy credits, and recycling of all cardboard, paper, plastic, glass and metal waste. Ska was one of the first craft breweries in the country to package its beer in infinitely recyclable aluminum cans, and now has many packaging systems in place to further conserve resources, including Ionized air rinse instead of water rinsing and an efficient, on-demand, de-aerated water system. These are just a few of Ska’s sustainability programs that the brewery is constantly improving upon.

In 2023, Ska is pleased to continue these efforts alongside the implementation of two sizable and unprecedented sustainability initiatives. The brewery is installing a machine that will allow for the transition of all can collars from plastic to paperboard, making Ska one of the first breweries ever to utilize this equipment in the move away from plastic packaging materials. 

Secondly, Durango’s Table To Farm Compost will now be the recipient of all of Ska’s spent grain. This transition from cattle feed and landfill to compost will reduce methane emissions and align with Ska’s commitment to local partnerships. 

Ska will publish more information about these efforts in coming weeks. 

Media inquiring about Ska Brewing can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT SKA BREWING

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

Bowl of ’Zole Coming to Denver March 30

DENVER, CO— After a successful third year in Brooklyn, New York, Bowl of ‘Zole is coming west to Denver's Skylight venue on Thursday, March 30. Founded by spirit expert Arik Torren; Chef Danny Mena, author of Made in Mexico; and Food Karma’s Jimmy Carbone, the tasting event aims to spotlight heritage Pozole and to celebrate the vibrant culture of agave spirits like mezcal, tequila, raicilla, bacanora, and sotol.

For this year’s Bowl of ‘Zole, the trio have united an amazing community of mezcal aficionados and 12 of the city’s most celebrated chefs led by Troy Guard of Los Chingones, Dana Rodriguez of La Loca, and Jose Avila of La Diabla.

This year’s festival includes more than 100 expressions of agave spirits (mezcal, sotol, tequila, raicilla), plus wine, beer, and hard seltzer.

Pozole Chefs/ Restaurants:

Los Chingones, Troy Guard.

La Diabla, Jose Avila.

La Loca, Dana Rodriguez.

El Chingon, Lorenzo Nunez.

Palenque , Brian Rossi.

Tres Margaritas, Chuey.

Gaucho, Oscar Padilla.

Tomayo, Antonio Tevillo.

Toro, Abigail Pierce.

5th String, Amos Watts.

And more...

Spirits:

Del Maguey

Mezcal Siete Misterios

Terranova Spirits

Don Fulano

Mezcal Sombra

Tequila Astral

Los Magos Sotol

Mezcal Wahaka

Sotol Flor Desierto

Mezcal Cruz de Fuego

Tequila Fortaleza

Mezcales de Leyenda

Pelotón de la Muerte

Fabriquero

Amatitania Tequila

Derrumbes

Wahaka Mezcal

Reyo Seco

Cancion Tequila

La Venenosa

Rancho Tepua

La Higuera

Don Amado

Minas Real

Arte Nom

Hacienda de Bañuelos

Raicilla Bonete

Bacanora Yawee

Mezcal Espiritu Lauro

Sotol Coyote

Mijente Tequila

Mezcal Vago

Maguey Melate

And many more!

The event’s spirits retail partner is Baker Wine and Spirits. Buy your favorite Spirits at their retail store, where they will special order select spirits featured at this event.

Thursday, March 30, 2023

5-9pm at Skylight, 833 Santa Fe Drive Denver, CO 80204

Tickets are on sale now at www.bowlofzole.com VIP access gives guests early admission at 3pm for $85. General admission for 4pm costs $55.

Questions? Foodkarma@gmail.com

Instagram @bowlofzole

VIP Tickets ($85 + fee) offer early admission at 5pm, the best way to experience Bowl of ‘Zole. Included in your entry:

● Early Access – You’ll be admitted one hour before the general public! 5pm entry for VIP only!

● All food & drink, with 12+ pozoles and more than 100 Mezcal / spirit options to sample

● Time to meet the chefs and other industry players

● Exclusive goody bag

General Admission ($55 + fee) includes 6pm admission to the all-inclusive event. All food & drink, with 12+ pozoles and more than 100 agave spirits (mezcal, sotol, tequila, bacanora, raicilla) to sample.

For media inquiries please contact Jimmy Carbone at jimmypotsandpans@gmail.com.

Living The Dream Brewing Continues To Increase Production and Community Engagement After Expanding Distribution Statewide in Colorado

LITTLETON, CO— Living The Dream Brewing reported continued momentum in 2022 after their statewide distribution expansion. This past year brought new beers, several awards, and many philanthropic opportunities for the brewery, which donated more than $13,000 to local causes. Here is the 2022 Living The Dream Brewing Year in Review. 

PRODUCTION & SALES

The installation of new equipment in 2020 for capacity and its increase in production in 2021 poised Living The Dream for a new distribution agreement with Colorado Craft Distributors in 2022. Since the companies announced their partnership last May, the brewery continues to increase production and sales. 

Now Colorado residents and visitors can find cans of Living The Dream mainstay beers— Powder Run Vanilla Cream Ale and its variants, 7-Speed IPA, Mountain Drive American Ale, and  Fly Reel Amber Ale— as well as canned seasonals across the Centennial State year round. 

TEAM

The Living The Dream team continued to grow and is now up to 15 employees.  

In 2022 the brewery promoted Michael Acerra to General Manager, hired Jayme Hillian to manage events and social media, and continued brewing operations under the leadership of Head Brewer Rob Meehan.

BEER

Living the Dream Brewing released an array of specialty beers in 2022, including Powder Run Vanilla Cream Ale variants Lemon Bar, Key Lime Pie, Tangerine, Horchata, and the famed holiday seasonal Gingerbread. Root Beer Float is the newest addition to this series, and currently available in cans and on tap while supplies last. 

Living The Dream debuted the High Line Pilsner in cans over the summer, and released many experimental batches on draft throughout the year. These beers included Sunrise Tangerine Wheat, several dark and traditional German-style lagers, and the Port Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout made in collaboration with Littleton’s ROCKER Spirits. 

ACCOLADES

Living the Dream received six awards in the 2022 Denver International Beer Competition: Gold for Velvet Imperial Stout and Port-Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout; Silver for 7 Speed IPA, Guava Mountain Gose, and Powder Run Cream Ale; and Bronze for Fly Reel Amber Ale. The brewery also took home a silver award in the American Style Fruit Beer – Tangerine category of the 2022 U.S. Beer Open Championship. 

COMMUNITY 

Living The Dream invested in its taproom experience in 2022 by adding pinball machines and a pool table, hosting numerous events and a variety of food trucks, and installing new heated patio tents for year-round, comfortable outdoor seating.

Living The Dream’s continued its partnership with the Highlands Ranch Community Association, which includes sponsoring the Highlands Ranch Race Series and hosting a monthly Beer For Bucks night, raised more than $2400 for the association in 2022. Among the brewery’s other philanthropic initiatives were the 2nd Annual Daniel Vogt Memorial in partnership with Proud Souls Barbecue & Provisions that raised more than $11,000 for the American Cancer Society. 

Living The Dream also teamed up with Physio Racing, Runners Edge, and Fire Pit Runners on group runs and rides throughout the year.

Living The Dream collaborated with two fellow Colorado breweries– Base Camp Beer Works and Ska Brewing— for the 2022 Colorado Brewers Guild’s Collaboration Festival that took place in April. In October, the brewery continued its support of the beer community at large as a sponsor of the 40th annual Great American Beer Festival. 

Living The Dream is proud to partner with RadCraft on its communications strategy, which in 2022 included a revamp of its website in collaboration with Midwest Coast Media. 

MOVING FORWARD

The brewery is teaming up on brew days with New Terrain Brewing and Payette Brewing for the 2023 Collaboration Festival, and experimenting with fresh flavors for upcoming beer releases. Customers can look forward to Living The Dream’s 9th anniversary celebration this summer. 

Media inquiring about Living The Dream can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.

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 have imagined, and join us at livingthedreambrewing.com.

It’s Time for Brewers to Rethink Colorado Hops: Billy Goat Hop Farm 2022 Cascade Harvest Named Best Cascade Hops In the Country

Audrey Gehlhausen (left) and Chris DellaBianca with the Cascade Cup

MONTROSE, CO— Billy Goat Hop Farm was just named the first place winner of Hop Quality Group’s 2023 Cascade Cup. This year marks the first time Billy Goat has entered the competition, and the first time that a farm outside of Washington and Oregon has won this prestigious award. 

The Cascade Cup is the ultimate challenge for the best Cascade hops in the country.  This yearly competition allows growers from all over the United States to showcase their best Cascade crops. A panel composed of brewing professionals in the Hop Quality Group blindly picks a winner based on appearance, aroma, and hop analysis. Cascade was chosen because it is the most widely grown variety and not proprietary, allowing most farmers nationwide to participate.  

“Cascade hops have long been an important part of craft brewing,” Spokesperson Matt Gallagher from the Hop Quality Group explains. “For the first time in its history the Cascade Cup is leaving the states of Washington and Oregon and heading to the Rocky Mountain State.”

Billy Goat Hop Farm Founders and Co-Owners Chris DellaBianca and Audrey Gehlhausen were surprised and delighted to receive the Cascade Cup. “We were lucky to be able to attend the Hop Convention last year where we learned that a Cascade Cup even existed. So this year we thought, what the heck let’s send a sample in,” says Gehlhausen. “When Chris told me that we won, I thought he was just trying to fool me. Then Vinnie Cilurzo, the co-founder of Russian River Brewery, called to congratulate us. We’ve been flying high ever since.”

Seventeen brewers across the country have utilized Billy Goat’s award-winning Cascade hops, including Steel Bender Brewyard in Albuquerque that has been the largest purchaser of this variety. 

At 32 acres, Billy Goat is able to stay more hands-on in every aspect of farming and processing than the typical 500 plus acre farm. Their smaller size also allows them to catch pests and disease early, dramatically decreasing the need for chemical inputs. Using multiple soil health practices, Billy Goat takes pride in creating a vital living ecosystem that sustains not only plants, but animals and humans too— while also conserving water. 2022 marks Billy Goat’s largest harvest yet with all varieties finally reaching maturity. They stay dedicated to producing all of their varieties with the same high quality care.

Learn more about Billy Goat Hop Farm and their Cascade hops at billygoathopfarm.com. Media inquiring about Billy Goat Hop Farm and their recent Cascade Cup win can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com. 

ABOUT BILLY GOAT HOP FARM

Billy Goat Hop Farm is the largest hop farm in the Southwest, providing superior quality fresh, whole cone, and pelletized hops directly to craft brewers. Starting in 2017, they've grown to 32 acres that produce 9 varieties of amazing hops. In 2022, they began sourcing different varieties of whole cone hops from other quality growers, and then processing themselves in order to offer more varieties to their brewers.  

Owners and farmers Chris and Audrey pride themselves on creating genuine farmer-brewer relations and bringing true craft into their process. Combining traditional hands-on practices and state-of-the-art technology, they use less water and chemicals which transcends into a healthier ecosystem, soil, and hop plants. Brewers enjoy the bright aroma and subtly unique aroma profile imparted from Colorado's terroir, and the passion poured into every step of the process. 

Know your farmer, Love your beer. 

Bootstrap Brewing Announces Medal AF Mosaic IPA

LONGMONT, CO— Bootstrap Brewing announced today that its Medal AF Mosaic IPA will begin hitting store shelves in March through distribution partners in Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Utah, Missouri, and Idaho.

“While brainstorming new recipe ideas for our next can release over beers in the taproom, we came up with a really fun concept”, explained owner/brewer Steve Kaczeus. “What if we took the best ingredients and attributes of our two most medaled beers, Wreak Havoc and Stick’s, and created a new beer?”

Wreak Havoc Imperial Red and Stick’s Pale Ale have won 38 medals collectively including 3 at the highly competitive World Beer Cup and 4 at the Great American Beer Festival* 

“Once we finalized the recipe, we turned our attention to the can design”, explained co-founder Leslie Kaczeus. “In line with our other animal themed can designs, we wanted to have a lot of fun with this can featuring a gorilla and other apes in a heavy metal scene for a play on words with ‘metal’ and ‘medal’. Moxie Sozo hit another home run by creating our main tattooed gorilla clutching a fist full of medals in his rock-n-roll hand surrounded by baboons, orangutans and chimpanzees smashing guitars, playing drums and of course our ever-present cowbell.”

The company will also donate a portion of beer sales proceeds to nonprofit groups with programs focused on the protection, conservation and education of apes. They have already started by adopting infant gorilla Uwacu from Dian Fossey’s Gorilla Fund based out of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Medal AF Mosaic IPA has a massive amount of Mosaic hops to provide a crisp finish with a pleasant lingering bitterness that encourages another sip. At 6.5% ABV and 53 IBUs, Medal AF will be available in 6 packs of 12-ounce cans and kegs for draft accounts. 

*Wreak Havoc Imperial Red won:

• Silver at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival in the Imperial Red Category

• Bronze at the 2016, 2018, & 2022 World Beer Cup Competitions in the Imperial Red Category

• Bronze at the 2016 Great American Beer Festival in the Imperial Red Category

Stick’s Pale Ale won 

• Gold at the 2016 and 2021 Great American Beer Festival in the American Pale Ale Category.

A complete list of all of Bootstrap Brewing awards for all beers can be found at http://www.bootstrapbrewing.com/awards 

For more information about Medal AF or Bootstrap Brewing, contact Leslie Kaczeus at leslie@bootstrapbrewing.com.

ABOUT BOOTSTRAP BREWING COMPANY

Home to best-selling and award-winning craft beers such as Insane Rush, Lush Puppy, Boat Snack, Stick’s Pale Ale, Chillax, Wreak Havoc, and Pickle Me Up, Bootstrap Brewing is an independent, adventurous brewery in Colorado dedicated to producing a wide range of ales and lagers. More information can be found on our website at www.bootstrapbrewing.com. 

Riverbend Malt House Publishes Record Numbers and Esteemed Recognitions in 2022 Year In Review

ASHEVILLE, NC— 2022 was a monumental year for Riverbend Malt House that included a 50 percent capacity increase, and deeper agricultural and environmental commitments than ever before. The malthouse was honored with a prestigious Malt Cup award for malt quality, and named one of Inc. 5000’s fastest growing  private companies— among many other milestones.

Here is the Riverbend Malt House 2022 Year In Review.

Production and Capacity

In 2022, Riverbend Malt House malted 3.3 million pounds of craft malt, which included mainstay styles as well as custom and smoked malt for specialty projects.  This production level was 28 percent higher than in 2021.

In response to the growing demand for craft malt among breweries and distilleries throughout the Southeast, Riverbend Malt House added a 10 tonne steep tank and 10-tonne Germination Kiln Vessel (GKV) unit to its production facility in 2022. These equipment additions increased the malthouse’s overall craft malt production capacity by more than 50 percent. 

Local Farmers and Customers 

In 2022, Riverbend sourced grain from North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky  Virginia, Georgia and even Florida— all from family-owned farms within 500 miles of the malthouse— and worked with agricultural researchers across the region on barley research and breeding. After ten years in the making, Riverbend was one of the first malthouses in the country to malt the new Avalon barley variety developed by Virginia Tech’s Eastern Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center. 

Riverbend sold malt to more than 280 different breweries and distilleries in 2022. Nearly 100 of these are new to the malt house’s customer base.  With the overall craft brewing market falling flat in 2022, craft brewers are increasingly seeking ways to differentiate themselves, and using locally sourced high quality craft malt is one strategy employed with increasing frequency.

Distillers continue to be an important and growing segment of Riverbend’s customer base, with almost a quarter of 2022 sales going to more than 30 customers in this exciting market.  Three of Riverbend’s top 10 customers in 2022 were craft distillers.

Environmental Commitment

Over the course of the year, Riverbend reduced its carbon emissions per pound of malt produced by 2 percent. in partnership with the WNC Brewery Recycling Co-Op composted 85 tons of organic waste and diverted 16,216 pounds of polywoven plastic from the landfills through a new malt bag recycling program activated by the Asheville Brewers Alliance and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. In total, Riverbend redirected approximately 186,000 pounds of waste from landfill in 2022.

Events & Community 

In 2022, Riverbend was proud to create custom malt blends for the Athens Pink Boots Society Women’s International Brew Day beer made at Terrapin Beer Co;, and for Fullsteam Brewery’s new base malt aptly named Plow To Pint Pilsner, among other projects. 

As the largest and longest-standing malthouse in the Southeast, Riverbend was honored to share its expertise at several industry gatherings including the 2022 Craft Malt Conference and the 2022 North Carolina Craft Brewers Conference.

Riverbend was delighted to support Farm To Tap launched by the Tennessee Craft Brewers Guild and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture through a series of events and panel discussions. This initiative encourages Tennessee brewers to use Tennessee sourced ingredients in their beer, and the malthouse is thrilled to see it return in 2023.

Awards & Accolades 

Riverbend maintained its Living Wage Certified Employer status from Just Economics, the largest voluntary Living Wage Certification in the nation. 100 percent of Riverbend’s employees are compensated at or above the living wage rate established by Just Economics for Buncombe County.  Additionally, Riverbend pays for 100 percent of employee health insurance premiums.

In February 2022, Riverbend took home a bronze award in the Craft Maltsters Guild’s Malt Cup for the Chesapeake Pilsner style.  2022 was the fourth year of this prestigious awards program— often called the Great American Beer Festival® or the Oscars® of craft malt– that recognizes craft maltsters for the quality and consistency of their malt.

In August 2022, Riverbend was named number 2804 of the fastest growing private companies in the country on the Inc. 5000 list. The annual Inc. 5000 list is one of the most prestigious rankings of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies, representing top tier independent small businesses in America. Inc. 5000 status is conferred based upon a company’s cumulative revenue growth over the preceding three years. Since 2018, amid the global COVID pandemic, Riverbend has attained a revenue growth rate of 198 percent.

Throughout the year, many of Riverbend’s customers were recognized with medals from multiple awards programs for beers made with Riverbend malt– including the Great American Beer Festival®, the World Beer Cup®, the U.S. Beer Open, the North Carolina Brewers Cup, and the Virginia Craft Beer Cup. Riverbend extends congratulations to these producers for their commitment to quality that begins with their investment in ingredients.

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer with media inquiries about Riverbend Malt House. 

ABOUT RIVERBEND MALT HOUSE

Riverbend Malt House is on a quest to connect Southeastern family owned farms and fermenters. Co-Founders Brent Manning and Brian Simpson launched Riverbend, the first craft malthouse east of the Mississippi River, in Asheville, North Carolina in 2010. Buoyed by a 70,000 foot production facility and state of the art equipment, Riverbend Malt House helps breweries and distilleries large, small, and in-between stand out with flavor, locality, and community in an increasingly competitive landscape— all the while challenging the status quo of corporate, big-agriculture malt. Learn more at riverbendmalt.com.

Lone Tree Brewing Reports Production and Philanthropic Impact in 2022 Year In Review

LONE TREE, CO— In 2022, Lone Tree Brewing maintained its community commitments with the production of both fan-favorite and innovative new beers, and more than $20,000 donated to philanthropic initiatives. Here is their Year in Review.

Production

Lone Tree produced 3,923 barrels of beer in 2022. 248,772 pounds of grain and 3,541 pounds of hops went into these recipes, which yielded 3,566 kegs of beer on draft and 567,120 cans. 

Throughout the year, the brewery was able to recapture 111,600 gallons of water and reuse pallet wraps that saved 350 pounds of plastic wrap.

Lone Tree Hefeweizen, a tasting room favorite-turned-seasonal, hit cans for the first time in the spring of 2022. In the fall, the famed Vanilla Caramel Amber returned for its sixth season in cans. 

Sales & Distribution 

Lone Tree continued to sell beer across Colorado through distribution partners Western Distributing and Ska Brewing, and in Kansas through Worldwide Beverage Group. 

On Halloween, the cult-followed Hop Zombie Imperial Red IPA escaped from the brewery in limited quantities after selling out in a matter of hours at the brewery.

Community and Events

Lone Tree donated more than $8,300 and many beers toward nonprofit organizations in 2022, including Drink for Pink, Big Dogs Huge Paws, the Evans Scholarship Fund, the Honor Bell Foundation, World Central Kitchen, and the Moving Mountains Animal Rescue.

The brewery was proud to bring back the second annual Douglas County School District Bridge Transition Program & Lone Tree Brewing car show, which raised more than $12,000. Lone Tree is also grateful for the six student interns from this program who help with daily tasks to keep the brewery in good working order. 

Additionally, Lone Tree participated in Douglas County Library Brew Tours that raised funds and awareness for the Douglas County Libraries.  

Over the course of the year, Lone Tree also hosted four local craft markets featuring 50 craft vendors; three dog adoption events with Big Dogs Huge Paws; a Halloween dog costume contest with 40 adorable pups in attendance; a Father’s Day Pig Roast with a 90-pound hog cooked by Hesher BBQ Catering; and its annual salsa and guacamole contest at which 30 contestants showed off their skills. 

It’s worth noting that in 2022 Lone Tree Brewing staff achieved two hole-in-one shots at the Commonground Golf Course in Aurora, Colorado— both on the same day during a fundraiser for the Colorado Golf Association’s caddy program that Lone Tree Co-Owner Jerry Siote participated in as a kid. 

In December when Lone Tree celebrated its 11th anniversary in community with their staff and many brewery regulars. “We are honored that our community chooses us again and again, reminding us that we wouldn’t be here without them,” says Lone Tree Founder and Co-Owner John Winter. “We’re committed to continue serving compelling, quality beers that help us do good outside of the brewery.” 

Moving Forward 

In 2023, Lone Tree has an exciting lineup of canned seasonals planned: Hefeweizen will return in spring; summer will reveal a brand new Honey Cream Ale; fall staples Oktoberfest and Vanilla Caramel Amber aren’t going anywhere; and winter will bring another new beer, Brownie Stout, to the mix. Stay tuned for release dates. 

The brew team has plans for experimental, small batches that will be served in the tasting room only; and is actively exploring new products beyond beer, too. "2022 reinforced the importance of staying relevant for the long haul,” says Siote. “Our customers demand a high standard of consistency and quality from us, so we take that very seriously.  When it gets this competitive along with all the other obstacles to grow and keep market share, the margin of error shrinks that much more. We love the challenge, and we know we have the goods to back it up."

Many events will enliven Lone Tree’s tasting room this year, starting with the Hearts & Hops Sock Hop with Swingin’ Denver and local band Last Call Romance. The brewery plans to host many returning favorites, such as its local craft markets, the third annual Douglas County School District Bridge Transition Program & Lone Tree Brewing car show, and another Drink For Pink fundraiser, among many other activities. 

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Lone Tree Brewing Co. 

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, and has remained a local staple for a decade. 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 Colorado, and in select locations in Kansas. Find the brewery online at lonetreebrewingco.com.

35 Brewers To Showcase Riverbend Malt and Yakima Quality Hops at 2023 Florida SMaSH Beer Festival

LONGWOOD, FLORIDA— The seventh annual Florida SMaSH Beer Festival will feature 35 breweries serving single malt, single hop beers made with Riverbend Malt and Yakima Quality Hops tapping Saturday, January 28 at Reiter Park. 

Presented by the Brewers Establishing Altruistic Regional Development (B.E.A.R.D.) nonprofit organization, Hourglass Brewing, and the City of Longwood, the Florida SMaSH Beer Festival was created to celebrate the creativity and camaraderie of breweries in the Sunshine State. Participating breweries will craft beers made with Riverbend Chesapeake Pilsner malt and Yakima Quality Hops YQH-1320.

“Riverbend is honored and excited to be the malt selection of SMaSH Fest this year,” says Riverbend Malt House’s Georgia, Florida, and Alabama Territory Manager Tyler Adams. “This is a chance to taste how Southeastern malt really shines through in beer, and a celebration of the different flavors that Florida breweries have to offer.”

The winning beer is chosen by the attendees who vote on the S.M.a.S.H. beer that impresses them the most. The winner will receive the coveted, ever-evolving Florida SMaSH Festival Champions Lamp. Each winner takes this trophy home until the next SMaSH beer festival and garnishes it with their own additions each year.

Also during the festival, a Judge's Choice competition will take place to award first, second, and third place medals. 

This year’s Florida SMaSH Beer Festival proceeds will be donated to A Spoonful of Hope, Second Harvest Food Bank’s signature product line. One hundred percent of the proceeds directly support Second Harvest’s no-cost 16-week Culinary Training program, which provides qualified, economically challenged adults with the culinary and life skills training to pursue a sustainable career in the food industry.

“Florida SMaSH Beer Festival has the ability to show you how the same ingredients dont always mean the same interpretation of a beer,” says Bill Murphy of Hourglass Brewing. “It’s also a great way to see what the state as a whole can bring to the table. The best part is, it all comes back to the community.”

Tickets to the festival are available via Eventbrite, and festival details can be found at www.flsmash.com. 

ABOUT B.E.A.R.D.

Brewers Establishing Altruistic Regional Development (B.E.A.R.D.) is a non-profit organization created by brewing industry professionals with a mission to serve their communities. Over 7 years, B.E.A.R.D. has successfully donated more than $45,000  to local charitable organizations such as A Spoon Full of Hope.

ABOUT HOURGLASS BREWING

Hourglass Brewing is now serving their 10th year, producing Seminole County’s first small batch craft beer. With two locations in the Orlando area and no less than 30 beers on tap they continually push for innovation while holding on to nostalgia, with a thirst for good times. Visit Hourglass online at hourglassbrewing.com. 

Contact Bill Murphy at bill@hourglassbrewing.com with media inquiries about Hourglass Brewing. 

ABOUT RIVERBEND MALT HOUSE

Riverbend Malt House is on a quest to connect Southeastern family owned farms and fermenters. Co-Founders Brent Manning and Brian Simpson launched Riverbend, the first craft malt house east of the Mississippi River, in Asheville, North Carolina in 2010. Buoyed by a 70,000 square foot production facility and state of the art equipment, Riverbend Malt House helps breweries and distilleries large, small, and in-between stand out with flavor, locality, and community in an increasingly competitive landscape— all the while challenging the status quo of corporate, big-agriculture malt. Learn more at riverbendmalt.com.

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Riverbend Malt House. 

ABOUT YAKIMA QUALITY HOPS

YQH is a family-owned business focused on quality and service. Founded in 2013, Yakima Quality Hops provides the highest quality hops to breweries throughout the United States and abroad. Based in Yakima, WA, we work directly with growers, allowing us to offer the best pricing and quality control. We work with breweries of all sizes and in all stages of growth. Whether you’ve been brewing for decades or are just getting started, let’s connect so we can get to know your hops needs. Learn more at yakhops.com. 

Smoothie-Inspired Pink Vapor Stew By Ska Brewing Named 2023 Good Food Award Finalist

SAN FRANCISCO, CA– Ska Brewing Pink Vapor Stew was named one of 32 finalists in the beer category of the 2023 Good Food Awards this week. 

Now in its twelfth year, The Good Food Awards celebrate the kind of food we all want to eat: tasty, authentic and responsible. This prestigious awards program was established by the Good Food Foundation 501 (c) 3, formerly known as Seedling Projects, in collaboration with a broad community of food crafters, grocers, chefs, food writers, activists and passionate food-lovers. 

Pink Vapor Stew is a beer inspired by good food– good smoothies to be specific. The recipe for this sour beer, brewed with beets, carrots, apples, and ginger, was crafted to mimic the flavors in Co-Founder and CEO Dave Thibodeau’s morning juice routine. “The ingredients we choose for all of our drinks matter,” he says. “The Good Food recognition for Pink Vapor Stew affirms our dedication to quality sourcing.”

Pink Vapor Stew won another Good Food Award in 2021, and receives frequent praise from esteemed beer and food media. Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine’s editors, who scored it a 91 in a blind tasting, say “an outrageously magenta color sets up wild expectations. The flavor is equal parts earthy, sweet, and acidic, with a balanced sourness that highlights the fruitier elements without seeming cliché. A subtle spice underpins it, offering structure but no bitterness.”

This 2023 announcement marks Pink Vapor Stew’s second Good Food Awards finalist distinction, and Ska’s third overall. True Blonde Ale was a finalist in 2019. 

Weighing in at 5% ABV and boasting a tropical medley of flavors balanced by Citra and Mandarina Bavaria hops, Pink Vapor Stew is available in 12oz. 6-packs across Ska’s 11-state distribution footprint, and overseas in select places too.

Media inquiring about Ska Brewing or their Good Food Awards history can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT SKA BREWING

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

First Ever Ouray Winter Wine Festival Announced

OURAY, CO— Held in the beautiful and historic mining town of Ouray, Colorado, the Ouray Winter Wine Festival boasts unique and upscale offerings from Western Colorado’s vineyards and local purveyors within the culinary and retail markets.

Held at The Wright Opera House on February 11, 2023, attendees will get an intimate experience sampling from eight wineries; Sauvage Spectrum, Chill Switch Wines, LaNoue DuBois Winery, Vines 79 Wine Barn, The Storm Cellar, Stoney Mesa Winery, Sutcliffe Vineyards, and Qutori Wines, and two distilleries; Clark & Co’s Distilling and Storm King Distilling Co, all of which are from Colorado’s Western Slope. By the glass and/or bottle purchases can be enjoyed fireside amongst several lounge seating arrangements throughout the venue. Attendees will also be able to enjoy the sounds of local musicians Elevated Acoustic and Sound and the Messenger as well as culinary delights from Beyond the Board, Bonfire Oyster and Brrrnana.

The festival’s retail options are anything but typical. Attendees will experience interactive retail such as permanent jewelry from Rose Bird Designs, hands-on customization from Natalia’s Hat Bar, and art demonstrations from Adams Artco. And speaking of art, miniature chocolate masterpieces from Alpen Confections will temp attendees taste buds.

General admission to the festival will include a wine tote and custom wine glass that attendees can take around to each of the wineries and distilleries to sample product from. Attendees have the option to attend Session 1 from 11am to 3pm for $45 a ticket or Session 2 from 4pm to 8pm for $75 a ticket. Session 2 includes general admission plus passed appetizers. And for those looking for something extra special, a VIP party at Sauvage Spectrum from 8pm - 10pm can be added to the Session 2 ticket for just $40. The VIP party includes an entry glass of wine, buffet, music, and the opportunity to mingle with the winemakers.

The Ouray Winter Wine Festival will be a warm and inviting event. The festival was designed to include luxury items that can be experienced on an approachable and comfortable level. “We want to create an experience that’s similar to the feeling one gets when they slip on a pair of fuzzy slippers, plop down on a comfortable couch next to a roaring fire, pour a glass of red wine, and converse with good company,” explains event planner Krysta Cossitt with Elevation Weddings and Events.

Media Contact:

Krysta Cossitt

Elevation Wedding and Events

krysta@elevationweddingsandevents.com

(970) 233-2202

https://www.instagram.com/ouraywinterwinefestival

Ska Brewing Presents 2023 Snowdown Beer, Hornblower Horchata

DURANGO, CO– Hear ye, hear ye! This winter season, Southwest Colorado dwellers and questants can toast their goblets to A Shakespearean Snowdown with a small-batch, horchata-spiced ale brewed by Ska Brewing. Hornblower Horchata will debut at the brewery World Headquarters on Tuesday, December 20. 

Now in their 27th year of collaborating with Historic Downtown Durango on a special beer release for the occasion, Ska Brewing experimented with a gallimaufry of vanilla and cinnamon flavors in this egregious beer for the 43rd annual Snowdown celebration. 

“We are very excited to collaborate with Ska Brewing again this year,” says Linda Brockway, Snowdown Event Coordinator. “We invite everyone to the beer tapping so they can herald its greatness across the land of Durango.”

Hornblower Horchata will be available in 12oz. 4-packs through Snowdown, Friday January 27 to Sunday February 5, 2023, for which Durango has a gambold of events planned.  

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com for more details about Hornblower Horchata or Ska’s Snowdown partnership with historic Downtown Durango. 

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 True Blonde, Modus Hoperandi and Rue B. Soho. For information, music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.

Lone Tree Brewing Company Turns 11 This Weekend

LONE TREE, CO– Lone Tree Brewing Company, the 115th brewery to open in Colorado, invites its (four-legged) friends out for its 11th anniversary. Lone Tree’s neighborhood-focused, family and dog friendly tasting room has been a community gathering place since its start, and this weekend is no exception.

From December 9 - 11, Lone Tree has a weekend of special beer tappings, food trucks, live music, and a karaoke party planned. Santa Paws will also make two appearances with canine and human friends from Big Dogs Huge Paws. 

Here is the weekend lineup: 

Friday, December 9

Beer Tappings:

4pm:  Strawberry Kiwi Shortcake Firkin tapping

Food Truck:

PinkTank

6-9pm: Live Music by The One And Only Jon Ham

Saturday, December 10

Beer Tappings:

11am: Roeselare Red Sour and Barrel Aged Wee Heavy

12pm: Blueberry Breakfast Firkin 

Food Truck: 

Big Stuff Food Truck

1-4pm: Santa Paws Meet & Greet Photo with Big Dogs Huge Paws

2-5pm: Live Music by Bunny Blake 

6-9pm: Karaoke Party 

Sunday, December 11
Beer Tappings:

12pm: Peppermint Dark Lager Firkin

Food Truck:

Hesher BBQ Catering

1-4pm: Santa Paws Meet & Greet Photo with Big Dogs Huge Paws

2-5pm: Live Music by Wade Sutton

Don’t miss Lone Tree Brewing’s 11th anniversary weekend! Media interested in attending can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about the brewery. 

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.

Thirsty Monk Opens Asheville’s First Hard Seltzer Bar, Holy Water Hard Seltzer Brewpub

ASHEVILLE, NC— Asheville’s storied craft beverage scene is about to get the addition of a downtown hard seltzer bar. Holy Water Hard Seltzer Brewpub will occupy the Patton Ave. ground level of the Thirsty Monk pub in downtown Asheville beginning Thursday, December 8, with plans to serve award-winning, cocktail-inspired Holy Water hard seltzers.

The landmark three-story Patton Avenue building has seen many chapters in the Thirsty Monk story, mainly a Belgian beer bar-turned-brewery with a cocktail bar upstairs and The Delirium Pink Elephant Bar in the basement featuring rare selections from the world-famous Delirium Brewery. Now this heavily trafficked downtown Asheville institution will wrap in Thirsty Monk’s latest evolution into hard seltzers.

“There is no other drink quite like our Holy Water Hard Seltzers. We literally have created our own style class- a Belgian style Hard Seltzer. We carefully hand craft every flavor recipe to add depth and balance of profile, and our base hard seltzer is brewed with our proprietary house Belgian-style yeast,” says Thirsty Monk CEO Barry Bialik. “We’ve really leaned on our Top of The Monk Craft Cocktail Bar history and our creative bartenders to curate well-rounded craft cocktail-inspired seltzers. With unique flavor combinations and higher ABV than your average seltzer, Holy Waters drink like draft cocktails.” 

Holy Water’s Hard Seltzer line recently took home four medals from the 2022 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship. Award-winning flavors include Pomegranate, Hibiscus & Ginger (Silver Medal), Margarita (Silver Medal), and Pina Colada (Gold Medal). And Holy Water Smoked Grapefruit Paloma was additionally awarded a Gold Medal for ‘Judges’ Award’. “When the judges tasted this seltzer, they were truly amazed. The grapefruit flavor was very subtle and the serrano peppers complemented this seltzer to make it like no other seltzer,” Bialik adds. “They asked if they could give this a special award since it did not fit any category. We were honored!” 

Thirsty Monk started designing the Holy Water line up in 2019 and rebranded its Gerber Village location as the Holy Water Brew Pub in 2021. Now with the support of contract brewing from Green Man Brewing and at least 10 dedicated seltzers in the renovated downtown location, Holy Water is poised to expand both its flavors and reach across North Carolina and beyond. A Holy Water hard seltzer 12-pack is in the works with planned distribution.

Hard seltzer seekers can visit the new Holy Water Hard Seltzer Brewpub in downtown Asheville on December 8. The first 50 customers will receive complimentary Holy Water glassware. Learn more at holywaterseltzer.com. 

Media inquiring about the Holy Water Hard Seltzer Brewpub can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.                            

ABOUT THIRSTY MONK

Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of establishments— Thirsty Monk Downtown featuring Holy Water Hard Seltzer Brewpub, The Delirium Pink Elephant Bar, and Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar; Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park– featuring Thirsty Monk Brewery’s Belgian style beers, Holy Water Hard Seltzers, offerings from Green Man Brewery, and a full pub food menu. Find the company online at monkpub.com.              

Living The Dream Releases ROCKER Spirits Port Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

LITTLETON, CO—  Living The Dream Brewing is proud to present Port Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout, aged in ROCKER Spirits Whiskey barrels and finished in Port wine barrels.

Living The Dream has been experimenting with barrel projects for years now, and the brewing team is especially excited to work with such a local collaborator. ROCKER Spirits opened in Littleton in 2016, and has since been crafting whiskey, rum, and vodka. Their whiskey boasts sweet cereal aromas and notes of caramel, butterscotch, and honey, with a light citrus and moderate oak finish. This corn and wheat-based whiskey ages for a minimum of 3 years in 53-gallon virgin American oak barrels before finishing in Port wine barrels. 

Enter Living The Dream Imperial Stout. This beer is brewed with a Root Shoot Genie Pale base with layered specialty malts to create its dark color and roasty complexity. Living The Dream’s brewing team filled freshly emptied ROCKER Spirits whiskey barrels with this full-bodied Stout, which took quickly to the oak, vanilla, and bourbon, and dark red fruit flavors of the original spirit. 

The final product is a big-bodied 10% ABV Imperial Stout with aromas of caramel, toasted almonds and hints of red fruit. Its big chocolate and roasted flavors are complemented by red cherry, blackberry, and oak overtones. 

“It’s always great to collaborate locally and help support the other small producers here in Colorado,” says Living The Dream Founder Jason Bell. “This is our first venture with a distillery, and ROCKER has really shown to make some fantastic spirits. We couldn’t be more excited to work with them on this project.” 

Find Port Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout on draft and in cans at Living The Dream, and in limited quantities across the state via Colorado Craft Distributors, all while supplies last. 

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about this barrel collaboration. Download press assets here. 

ABOUT LIVING THE DREAM BREWING CO. 

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 ROCKER SPIRITS 

Founded in 2015 in Littleton, ROCKER Spirits was built to reflect a time when we manufactured things with our own hands. We want our spirits to evoke a reverence for the time-honored traditions of craftsmanship and commitment. We aim to provide a great line of products that speak of our passion and belief in forging your own path. We strive to build a loyal group of mavericks seeking an original look, feel, and experience. 

Riverbend Malt House Launches Seasonal Malt Program With Double Kilned Munich

ASHEVILLE, NC— Riverbend Malt House debuted Double Kilned Munich this week as part of a new seasonal malt program to serve the varying needs of craft brewers and distillers in the Southeast region. This small-batch malt is available only while supplies last.

As its name suggests, Double Kilned Munich makes two trips through the kiln, a process that helps develop the complex flavors and increases color to approximately 50 SRM. “This was a fun and challenging project for our production team,” says Brent Manning, Riverbend’s Co-Founder who leads  product development. “We experimented with a variety of different base malts, hydration regimes, and kilning recipes to arrive at this really special malt.” 

Double Kilned Munich is malted from 2-row barley grown on family owned farms in the Southeast. This malt will contribute a beautiful, ruby red hue and notes of dark fruit and toffee with a touch of fresh roasted coffee to beers styles such as Czech Dark Lager, Baltic Porter, and winter seasonals. 

“Double Kilned Munich performed well, tasted great, and served as a direct substitute for crystal or caramel malt,” says Chris Cates, Founder and Owner at Little Animals Brewery in Johnson City, Tennessee. “Its flavor impact leaned more towards rich malt flavor than it did towards sweetness. This is where it really shined, and what I would say made it stand out: minimal contribution to sweetness. Normally we have to source ‘specialty grain’ elsewhere, and then the beer can't be advertised as ‘all local malt.’ Overall I really enjoyed the malt and will use it again.” 

Contact your Riverbend Malt House representative or sales@riverbendmalt.com to place an order for Double Kilned Munich, and look for more seasonal malt varieties from Riverbend in 2023. 

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Riverbend Malt House. 

ABOUT RIVERBEND MALT HOUSE

Riverbend Malt House is on a quest to connect Southeastern family owned farms and fermenters. Co-Founders Brent Manning and Brian Simpson launched Riverbend, the first craft malt house east of the Mississippi River, in Asheville, North Carolina in 2010. Buoyed by a 70,000 square foot production facility and state of the art equipment, Riverbend Malt House helps breweries and distilleries large, small, and in-between stand out with flavor, locality, and community in an increasingly competitive landscape— all the while challenging the status quo of corporate, big-agriculture malt. Learn more at riverbendmalt.com.

Bootstrap Brewing Announces Cherry Gose Can Release

LONGMONT, CO— As part of its Adventure Series, Bootstrap Brewing announced today that its Cherry Gose, which has been a taproom favorite for years, will begin hitting store shelves in December through distribution partners in Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Utah, Missouri, and Idaho.

“Our base Gose Ale is a delicious, crisp, tart kettle-sour German Wheat beer. It’s brewed with additions of coriander, Himalayan salt and peppercorn and then we add the perfect amount of Montmorency Tart Cherries that we purchase from a family-owned farm in Door County Wisconsin” explained Steve Kaczeus, Owner/Brewer at Bootstrap Brewing. “The result is a delicious blend of spices and fruit that reminds me of a Cherry Jolly Rancher candy. 

At 4.8% ABV and 8 IBUs, the beer will be available in 6 packs of 12-ounce cans and kegs for draft accounts.

For more information about Cherry Gose or Bootstrap Brewing, contact Leslie Kaczeus at leslie@bootstrapbrewing.com.

About Bootstrap Brewing Company
Home to best-selling and award-winning craft beers such as Insane Rush, Lush Puppy, Boat Snack, Stick’s Pale Ale, Chillax, Wreak Havoc, and Pickle Me Up, Bootstrap Brewing is an independent, adventurous brewery in Colorado dedicated to producing a wide range of ales and lagers. More information can be found on our website at www.bootstrapbrewing.com.

Lone Tree Brewing and Resolute Brewing Present Abundant Forest, A Dark Rice Lager Collaboration

COLORADO— Lone Tree Brewing and Resolute Brewing are psyched to debut their first-ever, long time coming collaboration: Abundant Forest. 

Abundant Forest is a dark lager brewed with Leopold Bros. pilsner malt, flaked rice, and chocolate malt; and hopped with German hop varietals Ariana and Callista. This easy-drinking, rich-colored lager yields notes of sweet malt, floral bouquet, and cocoa dusted raspberries. It weighs in at 6% ABV. 

“The conversation about what to brew went to dark lager pretty quickly,” says Resolute Head Brewer Kyle Larkin. “Knowing this beer would be released and consumed during the colder months, we wanted a beer with a warming appearance and nose, but easy drinkability. The end result was a dark rice lager. The crew over at Lone Tree have used rice quite a bit in their beers, and it's an ingredient we haven't really played around with here. So we were excited to incorporate it into the recipe.” 

South Metro Denver neighbors and friends for years, these two breweries were excited to finally collaborate. You can taste their creation on draft at both Resolute locations in Centennial and Arvada, and at Lone Tree Brewing in Lone Tree- all while supplies last. 

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com for information about this collaboration, or either brewery. 

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 RESOLUTE BREWING COMPANY

Resolute Brewing Company is in the business of uniting people by crafting and sharing happiness. The began handcrafting libations in Centennial, Colorado in 2016 to serve the metro Denver community with unrelenting dedication to classic, high quality beer styles. This resolve has since expanded into Arvada with the opening of Resolute Tap & Cellar in 2019, and across the state through distribution via Colorado Craft Distributors. Find Resolute Brewing online at resolutebrewingco.com.

Be Resolute!

Warning: Lone Tree Brewing 2022 Hop Zombie Outbreak

LONE TREE, CO— Expectedly, Hop Zombie Day 2022 at Lone Tree Brewing Company saw a line out the door, and the tenth annual batch of this famed Imperial Red IPA sold out in a matter of hours. This year though, the brewery has reported an outbreak of Hop Zombie kegs into the wild. The beer has crept into select accounts across the Denver Metro Area. Catch it while you can. 

Hop Zombie just hit the taps at Blake's Tap House in Broomfield, Z'Abbracci in Castle Rock, Two Penguins Tap and Grill in Centennial, Stout Street Social in downtown Denver, Golden Mill in Golden, and Parker Pour House in Parker, Colorado. Now while supplies last, beer lovers can taste the last sips of Hop Zombie before it goes into remission. 

Hop Zombie is a 9% ABV beer deep red in color, with bold hop and rich malt flavors. This Great American Beer Festival®-winning Imperial Red Ale recipe was first crafted on Lone Tree Brewing Founder John Winter’s homebrew system, and has returned to the brewery taps each fall since 2012. It doesn’t lurk long, and its phantom appearances outside of the brewery are scarce. 

Media interested in learning more about Hop Zombie IPA can 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.

Ska Brewing Misses International Stout Day; Releases Peppermint Bark Stout In Time For The 2022 Holiday Season

DURANGO, CO— This holiday season, Ska Brewing will give grown ups a drinkable version of their favorite childhood holiday memories with the release of Peppermint Bark Stout. This Milk Stout, made with peppermint bark from Durango’s local Animas Chocolate Company™, debuts at the brewery World Headquarters on Friday, November 4. 

This new release marks a decade of Ska Brewing’s seasonal Stout experimentation– which has included Hibernal Vinifera, Autumnal Molé, Estival Cream, and Vernal Minthe Stout. The brewery’s highly decorated Steel Toe Stout dates back even longer, and holds medals in all of the major global beer competitions, including the Great American Beer Festival®, World Beer Cup®, Stockholm Beer and Whiskey Festival, European Beer Star, and the Australian International Beer Awards, among others. It goes without saying that Ska is all in on Stout. 

Now Ska’s research and development on Milk Stout style yields a new expression of the style that will hit shelves in perfect timing for Peppermint Bark Day on December 1, and holiday festivities in general. 

Peppermint bark was invented by Williams Sonoma in 1998. “Turns out we opened the brewery before peppermint bark was officially a thing, but the chocolate and candy cane combination goes back as long as most of us can remember,” says Ska Brewing Co-Founder and CEO Dave Thibodeau. “Doing R&D for this holiday ale brought home much nostalgia.”

True to Ska fashion, Peppermint Bark Stout is a product of local collaboration. It was brewed with actual peppermint bark (white chocolate, dark chocolate, and candy canes) made in Durango by the Animas Chocolate Company, owned by Marc Snider (who directed the infamous Brew Minions video) and his wife Carley since 2011. Its sweetness from peppermint bark and chocolate-forward malts is balanced with cocoa nibs and a hint of mint. The addition of lactose makes for a creamy, smooth finish. 

Peppermint Bark Stout will be available exclusively in Colorado in extremely limited quantities while supplies last. Find it on tap at Ska Brewing, and in canned, 12 oz. 4-packs that include a QR code linked to a playlist of Thibodeau’s favorite holiday jingles. This beer will be the first from Ska to be packaged with paperboard rings, supporting the brewery’s long-term effort to eliminate all plastic. Come spring of 2023, all of Ska’s beers will be packaged with these can holders. 

Animas Chocolate Company will also serve Peppermint Bark Stout as part of their alcohol and chocolate pairings for the holiday season. Their staff has selected the Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk cookie, the The Nugget Truffle (a single origin 75% dark chocolate truffle made with the same cacao nibs incorporated into the Stout), and of course, their handcrafted peppermint bark, as pairings. 

Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com for more information about Ska Brewing and their holiday Stout. 

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 True Blonde, Modus Hoperandi and Rue B. Soho. For information, music, and a good time, visit www.skabrewing.com.