Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Fresh Hop Beers Return to Oregon

Fresh Hop Beers Return to Oregon:
Fresh Hop Beers Return to Oregon:2012 Fresh Hop Fests Schedule Announced
PORTLAND, Ore. (August 28, 2012) – Fall is coming to the Pacific Northwest and that means the return of fresh hop beers and the Oregon Brewer’s Guild (OBG) fresh hop Fests. Four Fresh Hop Fests – similar to traditional outdoor beer festivals – are scheduled across the state in September and October as part of the Oregon Bounty culinary tourism program. Each Fresh Hop Fest will feature original limited release fresh hop beers produced by OBG members. Fresh hop beers are only produced during the small window of Oregon’s hop harvest, which typically takes place from mid-August to mid-September. These once-a-year beers are ready for consumption in September and October and are packed with unique flavors that simply aren’t available the rest of the year.
Oregon is home to 120 brewing companies, and nearly 100 fresh hop beers will be made during the hop harvest. “We are lucky to have so many breweries within minutes of the hop fields that supply the aroma and flavor hops to the US craft beer industry,” explains Brian Butenschoen, Executive Director of the Oregon Brewers Guild. “The goal of the Fresh Hop Fests is to gather these limited beers in one location for consumers to try and enjoy – in many regions, this is the only time for consumers to try so many fresh hop beers at the same time.”
Fresh hop beers are growing in popularity across the nation, but Oregon’s abundance of hop vineyards and status as the second largest hop-growing region in the United States gives the state a distinct advantage in fresh hop beer production. Fresh hops are extremely fragile and need to be dried or used within 24 hours, ideal for Oregon, where nearly 140 of the state’s breweries are within 150 miles of a hop field. Fresh hops are picked straight off the vine, then bypass the hop kiln and are shipped directly to the brewery to be immediately added to the brew kettle. “Oregon’s hop growing community is especially rare,” explains Nancy Frketich of the Oregon Hop Commission. “I can’t think of any other brewing community in the world where you have 100 specialty fresh hop beers made around a single harvest.”
Fresh Hop Fests will be held across the state between September 29th and October 20th, 2012. Fresh Hop Fests hours vary and can be found at http://oregonbeer.org/freshhopsfest/. Most events start at Noon and Souvenir tasting glasses are required to sample beers. Individual beer samples are $1 each. Food will also be available for purchase. Fresh Hop Fests dates and locations include:

• September 29th – Hood River Hops, Downtown, Hood River, OR

• September 29th – Sisters Fresh Hop Fest, Village Green Park, Sisters, OR

• October 6th – Portland Fresh Hops Fest, Oaks Amusement Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland. $ 15 for a glass and 5 drink tickets. $ 20 for a glass and 10 drink tickets. Cash only – Minors permitted – Glass sales till 7 PM – Drink ticket sales till 7:30 PM. Free root beer for kids courtesy of Portland U-Brew & Pub. Homebrewing demonstration by Portland U-Brew & Pub.

• October 20th—Willamette Valley Fresh Hops Fest, Lane Events Center, Eugene, OR

For more information or to view video of last year’s Fresh Hop Fests, please visit http://oregonbeer.org/freshhopsfest/


About the Oregon Brewers Guild

The Oregon Brewers Guild is Oregon’s non-profit trade association for the state’s independent breweries. The Guild, which receives no state funding, comprises 90 brewing companies, 63 Associate or supplier members, and nearly 3,300 enthusiast members or S.N.O.B.s (Supporters of Native Oregon Beer). For more information, visit www.OregonBeer.org.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Drank: Chris's Berliner Weiss (Full Sail Brewing Co.)

Drank: Chris's Berliner Weiss (Full Sail Brewing Co.): You won't find any woodruff syrup for sale in Portland. That's a shame, because it's just what we need to take Full Sail's excellent Berliner Weiss to the next level. In Germany, the slightly sour wheat beer is sweetened with a splash of bottled ...
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Samuel Adams® Blackberry Witbier

Samuel Adams® Blackberry Witbier: Our take on a classic witbier brewed with Oregon Marion blackberries to give the beer a subtle sweetness. To create our version of the traditional witbier style, ...
www.samueladams.com/beers/blackberry-witbier/

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Deschutes Jubelale Celebrates 25 Years in 2012

Deschutes Jubelale Celebrates 25 Years in 2012:

A classic Oregon winter ale, Deschutes Brewery's Jubelale returns for its 25th year this October through December. The spicy, malty, and slightly hoppy winter seasonal is well known enough to have caused a debate last year with a slightest recipe change. The art on the bottle changes each year and has also inspired many collectors and even a traveling art show.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Heineken to Buy Asia Pacific Breweries for S$5.6 Billion

Heineken to Buy Asia Pacific Breweries for S$5.6 Billion: Worldwide brewing company Heineken is big business, and all signs point to the fact that it's only going to keep getting bigger. Today it was announced that the business has entered into a deal with consumer group Fraser and Neave, purchasing F&N's ...
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Samuel Adams' Jim Koch: America envy of world brewers

Samuel Adams' Jim Koch: America envy of world brewers: Samuel Adams' Jim Koch: America envy of world brewers. Play CBS News Video. (CBS News) Jim Koch, founder and chairman of The Boston Beer Company, began production of the Samuel Adams brew in his kitchen in 1984. Back then, he sold his Samuel ...
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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

HEINEKEN USA Adds Strongbow Cider to Growing Upscale Portfolio

HEINEKEN USA Adds Strongbow Cider to Growing Upscale Portfolio: For almost a decade, HEINEKEN NV has partnered with the Vermont Hard Cider Company to distribute Strongbow in the rapidly growing US cider market, ...

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

REVIEW: Stone 16th Anniversary IPA and Deschutes Black Butte XXIV

REVIEW: Stone 16th Anniversary IPA and Deschutes Black Butte XXIV:

It's been sometime since we reviewed a beer on this site and now seems as good of time as any to evaluate a couple of big new releases out now in bottles - Stone Brewing's 16th Anniversary IPA and Deschutes Black Butte XXIV. Both beers celebrate anniversaries of sorts and are big bold beers.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post!

Monday, August 13, 2012

A Mexican Beer Rides a Social Media Wave

A Mexican Beer Rides a Social Media Wave: Pacifico, a Pilsner-style Mexican beer popular among California surfers, is running its first major national advertising campaign as it broadens its distribution across the United States. Enlarge This Image. A mural ad for Pacifico beer. Imported into ...
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MillerCoors Sustainability Report: Cuts Water Use 1%, Meets Waste ...

MillerCoors Sustainability Report: Cuts Water Use 1%, Meets Waste ...: MillerCoors reduced the amount of water used in the production of beer by 1 percent from 2010 to 2011, according to the company's 2011 sustainability report. In 2010 MillerCoors used 4.11 units of water to make one unit of beer, or a ratio of ...
Environmental Management & Energy News

Friday, August 10, 2012

BikeToBeerFest

BikeToBeerFest:
Bikes, Beer & Live Music Event Benefits Bicycle Transportation Alliance and Friends of Trees

08/11/12

Hopworks Urban Brewery

2944 SE Powell Blvd

Portland

503-232-4677

2-10pm

$20 for admission, a souvenir pint glass and 14 tickets

Admission – $5–Kids 15 and Under – FREE–Souvenir pint glass – $5–Tickets – $1

BiKETOBEERFEST is a family-friendly, bike-in Oktoberfest celebrating Portland’s bike culture. The event features 15 organic Hopworks beers, local bands, bicycle-themed entertainment, bike builder demonstrations, BMX stunt riders, a kids’ bouncey house and the famous “Huffy Huck” bike toss competition.
Who’s Playing

BiKETOBEERFEST has had some amazing acts over the years including March Fourth Marching Band, Boy Eats Drum Machine and Hillstomp. This year, we’re stepping it up even more with the best lineup yet headlined by local faves Ramona Falls at 7:30 and The Builders & The Butchers at 9:00.
2:00 – BiKETOBEERFEST Begins – House DJ

3:00 – Flatlanders BMX Stunt Team

3:35 – Fault Lines

4:15 – Huffy Huck Off #1

5:00 – Casey Neill & the Norway Rats

6:15 – Goldsprints (sign ups start at 5:45 at the stage)

6:45 – Huffy Huck Off #2

7:30 – Ramona Falls

8:20 – New Birth Breakdancers

9:10 – The Builders & The Butchers

9:30 – Last Call

9:50 – Event ends, Bike Safely

What’s it Cost

We’ve got a great Starter Package set up that will get you admission, a souvenir pint glass and 14 tickets for $20

A 4 oz. beer taste is 1 – 2 tickets, a pint is 4 tickets and food items run between 1 – 8 tickets.
We Need Your Help

Kick-ass events don’t happen without the help of lots of cool people. Many volunteer spots are still available, especially for OLCC licensed servers. As a thank you for your help, our volunteers get

A BikeToBeerFest tshirt

10 tickets for food and drink!

First dibs at the Huffy Toss Competition

A chance to be up close and personal with the bands

A seat in the heart of all the action

Ride Your Bike

BiKETOBEERFEST is a car-free event.

Portland Bike Tours is leading two group rides from Hopworks Bike Bar, 3947 N. Williams Ave. [map]
RIDE #1 – Leaves at 3:00 from the back patio

RIDE #2 – Leaves at 6:00 from the back patio
These are slow-paced group rides. Please ensure your bike is in good working order before joining the ride. Helmets are required.
GETTING THERE BY BIKE

Powell is a busy road. Cross with extreme caution at a light. 26th Ave. has a light and you may ride respectfully up the sidewalk to get there. Check out this cool map that a bike+beer fan put together with suggested routes for getting to Hopworks. Ample unattended bike parking is provided. Bring your lock so you can lock up your bike. Bike parking closes at 10:00pm.

ImageProxy

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Stone Brewing Co. formally announces addition of four-packs to lineup

Stone Brewing Co. formally announces addition of four-packs to lineup:
stone brewing 4-packs tri-shot
Press Release:
(Escondido, CA) — Score one…or four that is, for Stone fans. Beginning this week, Stone Brewing Co. is offering Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale, the most popular Black IPA on Beer Advocate, in packs of four 12-ounce bottles. Previously, the deep-black-yet-amazingly-hoppy beer was only available in 22-ounce bottles and on draft. Stone Ruination IPA and OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale will also be offered in four-packs.
“Stone fans have been requesting to get these beers in four-packs and we finally said, ‘Sounds good to us!’” commented Greg Koch, Stone Brewing Co. CEO and co-founder.
First brewed in 2007 as the Stone 11th Anniversary Ale, Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale perfectly melds hefty dark malts with an intense infusion of hops for a complex flavor profile of roastiness, exquisite bitterness, and big, bright hop notes.
Stone Ruination IPA got its name because of the ruinous effect on one’s palate, and recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary. This massively hopped IPA overwhelms with its deliciously intense bitterness and vibrant hop flavors layered onto an assertive malt base.
OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale is Arrogant Bastard Ale gracefully aged on toasted American oak chips to mellow the edges of this unabashedly intense brew.
The four-packs will be distributed in the following states: Alaska, Ariz., Calif., Colo., Conn., Del., Fla., Ga., Idaho, Ill., Ind., Ky., La., Mass., Md., Maine, Mich., Minn., Mo., Mont., N.C., N.H., N.J., N.M., Nev., N.Y., Ohio, Ore., Pa., R.I., S.C., Tenn., Texas, Va., Vt., and Wash.

ABOUT STONE BREWING CO.

Stone Brewing Co. was founded in 1996 by Steve Wagner and Greg Koch in North County San Diego, CA. It is the 11th largest craft brewery in the United States and has been named “All-Time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine - TWICE! The brewery recently announced more than $50 million in expansion plans that include Stone Packaging Hall, Stone World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station, and the future Stone Hotel among other lofty ventures. For more information, please visit www.stonebrewing.com.

Heineken USA to launch James Bond-themed packaging on October 1st

Heineken USA to launch James Bond-themed packaging on October 1st:
Heineken Skyfall James Bond LagerPress Release:
(White Plains, NY) – HEINEKEN, the number one selling European Lager in the U.S., and James Bond, the 2nd highest grossing movie franchise ever1 , are once again joining forces to drive consumer excitement and maximum retail impact for the launch of the newest Bond franchise movie, Skyfall.
In celebration of its 15-year partnership with Bond, HEINEKEN is announcing details of PHASE I of its comprehensive, September through mid-November retail program leading up to and leveraging the November 9 release of SkyfallSkyfall, featuring A-list actor Daniel Craig in the title role, is the 23rd film in the globally embraced Bond series.
“HEINEKEN’s partnership with the Bond Franchise represents a monumental joint venture of two iconic global brands,” said Catherine Vieira, Senior Director Trade Marketing and Sales Strategy, HEINEKEN USA. “Our Skyfall initiative is a 360-degree campaign that includes an unprecedented media investment, retail and on-premise activation and special event/targeted public relations efforts.”
On September 21, Heineken will debut its Skyfall TV spot, the next installment in the brand’s highly-regarded “Legends” campaign and the center of the brand’s comprehensive media investment that includes TV, OOH, digital and trade advertising. The new spot will feature Heineken’s “Man of the World” and Bond actor Daniel Craig in high-energy, Bond-style action and will air from September 21 through the end of the year.
On October 1, HEINEKEN will kick-off its fall movie retail activation featuring dynamic Bond-themed promotional packaging on 12-, 18-, and 24-packs of HEINEKEN. Unique codes, printed in the packs, will serve as the gateway for consumers to enter for a “1 in 007” chance to win a Skyfall movie ticket. Mass displays with movie themed enhancers, dynamic POS materials, including price and tuck cards, cooler decals, Bond standees and pole toppers along with channel specific MIR and IRC offers (where legal) will drive consumer traffic and impulse purchase at retail.

Vieira concluded: “To date, the Bond franchise has generated over $12 billion in ticket revenue which underscores the popularity of this iconic film series. Our goal through Heineken’s PHASE I Bond activation is to leverage the anticipation and excitement ofSkyfall to drive incremental display activity and increase store traffic and sales of Heineken leading up to the film’s release. Stay tuned for details of our Heineken/Bond PHASE II Holiday activation.”
1. 1Nash Information Services, LLC, The Numbers: Movie Franchises. Accessed November 14, 2011
# # #
About HEINEKEN USA

HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world’s most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken Lager, the world’s most international beer brand; Heineken Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. HEINEKEN USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For a safe ride home, download the HEINEKEN USA -sponsored Taxi Magic™ application from your smartphone at taximagic.heineken.com. Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com

Tenth and Blake grows double-digits, Coors Light lifts and Miller Lite ...

Tenth and Blake grows double-digits, Coors Light lifts and Miller Lite ...: Press Release: (London ENGLAND and Denver, CO) - SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company reported that MillerCoors second quarter underlying ...
beerpulse.com/.../tenth-and-blake-grows-double-digits-coors-li...

A busy Beervana Thursday: BridgePort, Block 15 and 10 Barrel release new beers

A busy Beervana Thursday: BridgePort, Block 15 and 10 Barrel release new beers: You have three beer release parties to choose among this evening...decisions, decisions, decisions...

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Brewers Assoc. reports craft beer sales up, number of U.S. Breweries at 125-year high

Brewers Assoc. reports craft beer sales up, number of U.S. Breweries at 125-year high: The Brewers association has more good news for good beer: National craft-beer sales are up by 14 percent for first half of 2012, and we now have more U.S. breweries than at any time in the past 125 years...from a low of 89 in the late 1970s, we're now at 2,126 and counting...

Monday, August 6, 2012

4th Annual BikeToBeerFest

4th Annual BikeToBeerFest:

Just when you thought beer festival season was over, Hopworks' BikeToBeerFest returns for its 4th year this Saturday, August 11th. The tagline says it all: "Bikes. Bands. Beer." By combining Portland's love of craft beer, bicycle friendly culture, and our amazing local bands, you get Biketobeerfest. This year's fest looks like it will be the best one so far--earlier in the year this time to avoid rain showers, with the best band lineup yet.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

The Ever-Emerging Sub-Categories of India Pale Ale

The Ever-Emerging Sub-Categories of India Pale Ale: In honor of #IPADay, Ashley Routson explores the many sub-categories of India Pale Ale—one of the most popular and manipulated styles today.

Sam Adams to roll out new packaging, bottles, brewer says

Sam Adams to roll out new packaging, bottles, brewer says: Beer drinkers who buy Samuel Adams beer in the package store are going to be looking at different packaging on six packs, twelve packs and cases in the very near future, and eventually drinking the beer out of different shapes and sizes of bottle, a ...
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New Belgium Releases New Collaborations with Alpine Beer Company and G. Love

New Belgium Releases New Collaborations with Alpine Beer Company and G. Love:
New Belgium Brewing is at it again, brewing two new collaborations. One is made in conjunction with California beer geek favorite Alpine Beer Company for Super India Pale Ale, the other with musician G. Love to create Peach Porch Lager. Both beers are to be available in the Lips of Faith Series this August.


From the press release:
 
New Belgium and Southern California’s Alpine Beer Company came together for the love of IPAs to make Super India Pale Ale. Amarillo, Columbus, Simcoe and Centennial hops bring bitterness to the forefront, balanced with Pale, C-80 and Carapils malts. The tropical and citrus tones of the American hops dominate the flavor of the copper-colored beer. ABV is 9% and there are 70 IBUs.


Peach Porch Lounger is the lovechild Saison of musician G. Love and New Belgium. The glowing orange beer is a groovy mix of peaches, hominy grits, molasses and lemon peel with pale and biscuit malts. Brettanomyces yeast brings a bold, sweet nose and the beer ends with a dry finish. ABV is 9.4%.


“The ability to share passions – with brewers, musicians or anyone else – is another reason to love the creative nature of Belgian beer,” said New Belgium brewer Grady Hull. “As longtime fans of G. Love, working together was clearly a wonderful opportunity; and anyone who is unfamiliar with Alpine Beer Company is in for a treat.”


Super India Pale Ale and Peach Porch Lounger will be available this August in select markets while supplies last.  Pricing varies by market.


The Lips of Faith series offers limited edition selections that showcase New Belgium’s more esoteric and palate-elevating creations. They are only available in certain locations and for a short period of time. New Belgium’s Clips of Faith, a traveling beer and film tour, also gives people across the country a chance to sample beer from the Lips of Faith portfolio. To learn more about the tour, which runs through October, visit www.clipsoffaith.com.


To find New Belgium beers in your area, you can use the New Belgium Libation Location tool: http://www.newbelgium.com/beer.aspx. You can also follow New Belgium on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/newbelgium.