Oregon breweries approach 2013 milestones, 10 Barrel and Boneyard post big 2012:
Last week, The Oregon Liquor Control Commission released final 2012 numbers ranking breweries by taxable barrels, the amount of beer produced and sold in-state.
Note: It should, therefore, go without saying that this breakdown doesn’t consider sales from out-of-state breweries, which account for 84% of Oregon sales.
Without further ado…
TOTAL BREWERIES:
In 2012, the total number of taxable Oregon breweries rose from 110 to 134, an increase of 22%. Compare to 2011 when taxable breweries went from 94 to 110, a 17% increase, and 2010 when taxable breweries went from 78 to 94, a 20.5% increase. At this rate, the number of breweries in Oregon could pass 150 by the end of 2013, effectively doubling the state’s breweries in just three years.
Half of the state’s breweries operate in the Portland metro, according to the Oregon Brewers’ Guild fact sheet.
TOTAL BARRELS:
According to that same fact sheet in 2008, Oregon breweries’ market share of total sales in barrels (bbls) was 11.4% in the year 2007. According to the latest OLCC numbers, that number rose to 16.5% in 2012, a full 5% gain in market share over a span of five years. Total taxable sales in Oregon reached nearly 2.8 million bbls.
On the downside, taxable bbls from Oregon breweries increased just 6% to ~462,000 bbls after consecutive years of double-digit growth. Taxable bbls had previously increased 10% in 2011 and 15% in 2010.
Oregon is one of the nation’s most mature craft beer markets, if not the top market. To illustrate using the extreme case of Alabama, taxable bbls from in-state small brewers came just shy of 20,000 bbls last year. One thing to consider going forward with a market this mature is how much upside there is for brewers going after volume. Artisanal-centric breweries doing barrel-aged beers and the like? No problem if they can make the economics work. Volume appears to be a bigger challenge.
So who grabbed the ~26,000 incremental bbls of growth last year?
TOP THREE BREWERIES:
Deschutes Brewery is back in the #1 spot with nearly 89,000 bbls sold or about one-third of the brewery’s total sales in 2012. At 8.5% growth (7,000 bbls), that is slightly behind the company’s national average. Not bad at all for a 25 year-old company in its home base.
Craft Brew Alliance saw nearly 4% growth (3,000 bbls) but fell to #2 with just over 88,000 bbls in Oregon. With CBA facilities in Portland, Washington, New Hampshire and Hawaii producing more than 600,000 bbls annually collectively, it is hard to glean much from just the top line Oregon number. Because the company is publicly traded, we can get a better view when it reports fourth quarter and full-year earnings in March.
Ninkasi Brewing sales rose 13% (5,300 bbls) to 41,841 bbls in Oregon with total sales amounting to 68,000 bbls across its Northwest distribution area, according to Co-Founder, Nikos Ridge. Ninkasi sales grew 75% in 2011 in Oregon so this comes as a bit of a surprise though Ridge tells BeerPulse that the slow down was by design due to coming capacity constraints. Ninkasi upped its annual working capacity to 95,000 bbls which it projects to be up against throughout 2013.
THE REST OF THE TOP DOZEN:
After the top three, sales stayed flat or even declined for a number tenured Oregon breweries: (4) Portland/MacTarnahan’s, (5) BridgePort, (6) Full Sail, (7) Henry Weinhard’s/MillerCoors and (8) Rogue Ales. BridgePort sales actually declined by 3,000 bbls, over 10%.
That brings us to (9) where we find the big winner of the year: 10 Barrel Brewing Company. 10 Barrel’s sales shot up from 2,634 bbls to 8,648 bbls. 6,000 barrels. 225% growth. The company opened up a new 50-barrel brewhouse in Bend at the beginning of 2012 and plans to open a brewpub in Idaho this spring.
10 Barrel even managed to leapfrog Hopworks Urban Brewery which fell to 10th place. Hopworks still grew sales by 1,000 bbls (or 15%) to 7,600. That number is likely to rise by double-digits again in 2013 with the addition of a new canning line this past year.
Behind Hopworks in 11th place is Boneyard Beer Company, which, like 10 Barrel, had a huge year increasing sales by 175% to 7,500 bbls. Boneyard aims to open a new facility with a canning line this spring.
What is apparent is that this new crop of to-be ‘regional’ breweries like 10 Barrel and Boneyard are taking share at the expense of a group of tenured breweries, ones that will likely have to look elsewhere for growth. Rogue is already national. Henry Weinhard’s is wisely going national. MacTarnahan’s went the opposite direction and just re-branded as Portland Brewing Company. What will Gambrinus (parent company) do with BridgePort? Will employee-owned Full Sail look to expand its distribution further?
Boneyard and 10 Barrel actually sold more bbls to Oregon beer drinkers than Rogue for the combined months of November and December. At its current rate, 10 Barrel may actually hit 15k bbls in 2013 and pass Rogue for the year.
What to watch in 2013: will Oregon reach 150 breweries and will those breweries pass 500k in-state barrels in 2013?
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Bear Hug, BridgePort's new cherry chocolate stout, available soon
Bear Hug, BridgePort's new cherry chocolate stout, available soon: BridgePort's new cherry chocolate stout , Bear Hug, should be on shelves now
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Beer Blast for Feb. 25, 2013 - Worthy Brewing Company
Beer Blast for Feb. 25, 2013 - Worthy Brewing Company: Bend, Or. Worthy Brewing is proud to announce we are partnering with the venerable Columbia Distributing of Portland, Oregon for the sales and distribution of ...
www.worthybrewing.com/beer-blast-for-feb-25-2013.html
www.worthybrewing.com/beer-blast-for-feb-25-2013.html
Monday, February 25, 2013
A River Runs Through It
A River Runs Through It:
Last Friday I received two packages to greet the oncoming weekend, one from Deschutes Brewery contained 3 bottles of their brand new spring seasonal "River Ale" the other a small envelope contained the Hermetus bottle opener and resealer from Kaufman Mercantile. The opportunity presented itself to try out both said items with each other on a surprisingly clear skied day on my back porch.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post!
Last Friday I received two packages to greet the oncoming weekend, one from Deschutes Brewery contained 3 bottles of their brand new spring seasonal "River Ale" the other a small envelope contained the Hermetus bottle opener and resealer from Kaufman Mercantile. The opportunity presented itself to try out both said items with each other on a surprisingly clear skied day on my back porch.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Samuel Adams IPA Hopology variety pack released earlier this month
Samuel Adams IPA Hopology variety pack released earlier this month:
(Boston, MA) – The Boston Beer Company sent out its monthly newsletter on Friday and made note of a returning Samuel Adams pack. More below…
—
Last year we brewed the limited-edition IPA Hopology variety pack for the hop lovers. Each IPA takes on a different hop character and builds upon it with layers of complex flavors inspired by unique combinations of ingredients and/or fusion with other beer styles. The outcry from Sam fans was so overwhelming that we had to bring it back for 2013.
Hopology is perfect for getting together with fellow hop heads and sampling the spectrum of flavors available in IPAs today. Styles included in the 2013 IPA Hopology variety pack, in the order we recommend sampling, are: Whitewater IPA, Grumpy Monk, Latitude 48 (new release for 2013 featuring Mosaic™ hops), Tasman Red, Dark Depths, and Third Voyage.
This variety pack will be a limited release again, so be sure to track one down in your area.
(Boston, MA) – The Boston Beer Company sent out its monthly newsletter on Friday and made note of a returning Samuel Adams pack. More below…
—
Last year we brewed the limited-edition IPA Hopology variety pack for the hop lovers. Each IPA takes on a different hop character and builds upon it with layers of complex flavors inspired by unique combinations of ingredients and/or fusion with other beer styles. The outcry from Sam fans was so overwhelming that we had to bring it back for 2013.
Hopology is perfect for getting together with fellow hop heads and sampling the spectrum of flavors available in IPAs today. Styles included in the 2013 IPA Hopology variety pack, in the order we recommend sampling, are: Whitewater IPA, Grumpy Monk, Latitude 48 (new release for 2013 featuring Mosaic™ hops), Tasman Red, Dark Depths, and Third Voyage.
This variety pack will be a limited release again, so be sure to track one down in your area.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Samuel Adams To Launch Boston Lager In Cans
Samuel Adams To Launch Boston Lager In Cans: Koch and the other brewers at Samuel Adams first worked with can manufacturer Ball Corporation to understand can design, technology, and how to package premium beer in cans. The brewers then worked with a design team at IDEO, a recognized global ...
See all stories on this topic »
See all stories on this topic »
Deschutes River Ale Release Celebration (Portland Pub ...
Deschutes River Ale Release Celebration (Portland Pub ...: Deschutes Brewery, brewing award winning craft beers in Oregon with brew pubs in Bend and Portland Oregon.
www.deschutesbrewery.com/.../deschutes-river-ale-release-cele...
www.deschutesbrewery.com/.../deschutes-river-ale-release-cele...
Bridgeport's Bear Hug Cherry Chocolate Stout
Bridgeport's Bear Hug Cherry Chocolate Stout:
Dark beers are all the rage in February, I like seeing Stouts and similar styles get their due. Bridgeport Brewing is releasing one of their stranger branding beers "Bear Hug Cherry Chocolate Stout", regardless of the name and odd label it seems like it will be a crowd pleaser.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post!
Dark beers are all the rage in February, I like seeing Stouts and similar styles get their due. Bridgeport Brewing is releasing one of their stranger branding beers "Bear Hug Cherry Chocolate Stout", regardless of the name and odd label it seems like it will be a crowd pleaser.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post!
Stone Oak-Smoked Barleywine
Stone Oak-Smoked Barleywine:
Every odd year Stone Brewing Co. is releasing an "odd" version of its classic Old Guardian Barleywine. You may remember the Belgo version in 2011 (let's try to forget about the Anise version of Russian Imperial Stout). This year's release is hitting shelves on February 25th in Oregon and looks like a very promising twist--an oak-smoked version of the barleywine.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post!
Every odd year Stone Brewing Co. is releasing an "odd" version of its classic Old Guardian Barleywine. You may remember the Belgo version in 2011 (let's try to forget about the Anise version of Russian Imperial Stout). This year's release is hitting shelves on February 25th in Oregon and looks like a very promising twist--an oak-smoked version of the barleywine.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Support Women Brewers: Pink Boots Society founds Scholarship
Support Women Brewers: Pink Boots Society founds Scholarship:
The Pink Boots Society is an organization founded to support and encourage women in the beer industry. Founded by Portland's own Teri Fahrendorf who gained great acclaim and fanfare for her time spent as Steelhead's Brewing's Brewmaster and her cross country brewing tour that lead to the formation of PBS. (Read: Ben Edmunds interview with Teri here)
As a supporter of more women in the beer industry The New School is pleased to announce that the Pink Boots Society has finally achieved federal non-profit 501C3 status and has formed their own scholarship program for aspiring women brewers. This Friday 2/15 the PBS celebrates in style with a fundraiser party welcome to guys and gals at Saraveza's Bad Habit Room from 6-10pm.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post!
The Pink Boots Society is an organization founded to support and encourage women in the beer industry. Founded by Portland's own Teri Fahrendorf who gained great acclaim and fanfare for her time spent as Steelhead's Brewing's Brewmaster and her cross country brewing tour that lead to the formation of PBS. (Read: Ben Edmunds interview with Teri here)
As a supporter of more women in the beer industry The New School is pleased to announce that the Pink Boots Society has finally achieved federal non-profit 501C3 status and has formed their own scholarship program for aspiring women brewers. This Friday 2/15 the PBS celebrates in style with a fundraiser party welcome to guys and gals at Saraveza's Bad Habit Room from 6-10pm.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post!
Spiegelau develops new IPA glass with Dogfish Head, Sierra Nevada
Spiegelau develops new IPA glass with Dogfish Head, Sierra Nevada: Here's the press release that I got from Spiegelau, which makes some wonderful, beer-style-specific glassware. You may think, why make a big deal out of a special IPA glass, but this is exciting news in the heartland of hops, and especially so for those of us --- and we are legion --- who never want to drink out of a shaker pint again...
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
New Belgium Rampant Imperial IPA joins year-round lineup this spring
New Belgium Rampant Imperial IPA joins year-round lineup this spring:
Press Release:
(Fort Collins, CO) – New Belgium Brewing, maker of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a wide variety of award-winning beers, continues its imaginative exploration of IPAs with its latest release – Rampant Imperial IPA. Rampant brings a happily bitter beer to New Belgium’s year-round portfolio, which also includes Ranger IPA and Shift.
A burly Imperial IPA, Rampant pours a pure copper and carries the sheen of a rightly hopped beer. The Mosiac and Calypso hops bring stonefruit, while the addition of Centennial hops nod towards citrus for a well-rounded aroma. The beer presents heavy peach tones with a profoundly bitter bite.
“Imperial IPAs take hoppy beers to the next level,” said New Belgium Assistant Brewmaster Grady Hull. “Rampant packs a powerful wallop but it’s got the malt bill to back it up.”
Rampant is 8.5 percent ABV and 85 IBU. It’s available in 12 oz. and 22 oz. bottles and on draft in most New Belgium markets.
To find New Belgium beers in your area, you can use the New Belgium Libation Location tool: http://www.newbelgium.com/beer.aspx. Pricing varies by location. You can also follow New Belgium on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/newbelgium and Twitter @NewBelgium.
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, is recognized as one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work and one of the Wall Street Journal’s Best Small Businesses. The 100% employee owned brewery is a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Business as designated by the League of American Bicyclists, and one of World Blu’s most democratic U.S. businesses. In addition to Fat Tire, New Belgium brews eight year round beers; Ranger IPA, Shift Pale Lager, Sunshine Wheat, 1554 Black Ale, Blue Paddle Pilsener, Belgo IPA, Abbey Belgian Ale and Trippel. Learn more at www.newbelgium.com.
Press Release:
(Fort Collins, CO) – New Belgium Brewing, maker of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a wide variety of award-winning beers, continues its imaginative exploration of IPAs with its latest release – Rampant Imperial IPA. Rampant brings a happily bitter beer to New Belgium’s year-round portfolio, which also includes Ranger IPA and Shift.
A burly Imperial IPA, Rampant pours a pure copper and carries the sheen of a rightly hopped beer. The Mosiac and Calypso hops bring stonefruit, while the addition of Centennial hops nod towards citrus for a well-rounded aroma. The beer presents heavy peach tones with a profoundly bitter bite.
“Imperial IPAs take hoppy beers to the next level,” said New Belgium Assistant Brewmaster Grady Hull. “Rampant packs a powerful wallop but it’s got the malt bill to back it up.”
Rampant is 8.5 percent ABV and 85 IBU. It’s available in 12 oz. and 22 oz. bottles and on draft in most New Belgium markets.
To find New Belgium beers in your area, you can use the New Belgium Libation Location tool: http://www.newbelgium.com/beer.aspx. Pricing varies by location. You can also follow New Belgium on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/newbelgium and Twitter @NewBelgium.
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, is recognized as one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work and one of the Wall Street Journal’s Best Small Businesses. The 100% employee owned brewery is a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Business as designated by the League of American Bicyclists, and one of World Blu’s most democratic U.S. businesses. In addition to Fat Tire, New Belgium brews eight year round beers; Ranger IPA, Shift Pale Lager, Sunshine Wheat, 1554 Black Ale, Blue Paddle Pilsener, Belgo IPA, Abbey Belgian Ale and Trippel. Learn more at www.newbelgium.com.
Friday, February 8, 2013
CraftBeer.com | Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Craft Glass for Hop Heads
CraftBeer.com | Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Craft Glass for Hop Heads:
Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head Brewery announced that it has teamed up to develop a new ... www.craftbeer.com/.../sierra-nevada-and-dogfish-craft-glass-f... |
Will Ferrell has a minute-long makeout session in Old Milwaukee Super Bowl commercial
Will Ferrell has a minute-long makeout session in Old Milwaukee Super Bowl commercial:
True to form for this year’s Super Bowl, Pabst Brewing Company released another random Old Milwaukee commercial in limited markets in which actor, Will Ferrell, does something zany. This time, we see a woman staring out of the window of a bus for ten seconds before she turns to her right and the camera pans over to Ferrell who is wearing some kind of 80s track runner tank top. They then make out for a minute, during which the camera pans to the front of the bus and we see a six-pack of Old Milwaukee Light sticking out of a man’s grocery bag.
The clip above aired in a rural part of Texas on a CBS affiliate, KXII. It is possible that the ad may have aired in other markets as well.
Pabst has earned some kudos among creatives for their unique viral video campaigns with Ferrell.
True to form for this year’s Super Bowl, Pabst Brewing Company released another random Old Milwaukee commercial in limited markets in which actor, Will Ferrell, does something zany. This time, we see a woman staring out of the window of a bus for ten seconds before she turns to her right and the camera pans over to Ferrell who is wearing some kind of 80s track runner tank top. They then make out for a minute, during which the camera pans to the front of the bus and we see a six-pack of Old Milwaukee Light sticking out of a man’s grocery bag.
The clip above aired in a rural part of Texas on a CBS affiliate, KXII. It is possible that the ad may have aired in other markets as well.
Pabst has earned some kudos among creatives for their unique viral video campaigns with Ferrell.
Angry Orchard Elderflower launches as first elderflower cider by U.S. cidermaker
Angry Orchard Elderflower launches as first elderflower cider by U.S. cidermaker:
Press Release:
(Boston, MA) – Angry Orchard, the number one selling hard cider in the U.S.*, is releasing a new cider style from its collection – Angry Orchard Elderflower Hard Cider, the first cider of its kind. Inspired by the European tradition of elderflower cordials which dates back to ancient Roman times, the cider makers at Angry Orchard have crafted a unique hard cider that balances elderflower’s subtle floral notes and tropical fruitiness with Angry Orchard’s crisp apple sweetness.
“For centuries, elderflower has been used as an ingredient because of its delicate floral notes. It also has a great fruity flavor reminiscent of tropical fruits like lychee, pear and citrus, which makes it a great match for the rich, fruity flavors found in the culinary and bittersweet apples we use in our cider,” said David Sipes, Cider Maker for Angry Orchard. “This combination of flavors produces a complex yet balanced, slightly sparkling cider we think is unlike anything our drinkers have experienced.”
Launched nationally in 2012, Angry Orchard has quickly become a favorite among drinkers for its unique, quality ingredients and distinctly crisp and refreshing taste. Angry Orchard hard ciders, including the new elderflower style, are crafted with a unique blend of Italian culinary apples and French bittersweet apples. Angry Orchard in part gets its name because, unlike ordinary apples, bittersweet apples are described as “angry” because of the tart and tannic characteristics they impart to cider creating real apple flavors, and also because of the way they look, small and unattractive.
These bittersweet apples are unique to cider making, just like wine grapes are to wine making. Also similar to wine, Angry Orchard ciders go through a lengthy fermentation process and are aged on oak, resulting in an exceptional blend that contributes to the complex flavor profile of each Angry Orchard cider style, including the new Angry Orchard Elderflower Hard Cider.
Hayley Jensen, a mixologist and beer sommelier at Taproom No. 307 in New York City and engaged by Angry Orchard for her expertise, has seen firsthand how elderflower has also recently become a go-to flavor for mixologists and a drinker favorite.
“Elderflower burst onto the cocktail scene recently and the flavor became a runaway hit – it’s refreshing and light, with a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with more dominant flavors. Today, I see a trend of more drinkers asking for cider. So, a cider with a delicate elderflower taste is truly an innovative combination and also a great mixology ingredient, pairing well with light spirits like gin, vodka, white tequila and also jenever, an up-and-coming liquor in the U.S.,” says Jensen. “I think cocktail, wine and craft beer lovers will all enjoy this new cider.”
Hard cider has exploded in popularity recently, growing 65 percent in 2012 vs. 2011, especially remarkable when compared to the growth of beverages like wine and craft beer, which grew 5.6% and 13% respectively.**
All Angry Orchard styles offer remarkably crisp, refreshing and distinct flavors for any palate and are naturally gluten free:
· Crisp Apple (5.0% ABV) is a fruit-forward cider that balances natural apple sweetness with a subtle dryness for a hard to resist crisp and refreshing taste
· Traditional Dry (5.5% ABV) is crafted in the style of English draft ciders and imparts bittersweet and slightly spicy flavors with a bright apple aroma. Its dryness makes mouths pucker and look forward to another sip
· Apple Ginger (5.0% ABV) combines fresh Nigerian ginger and apples for a sweet, yet slightly tart taste, with a distinct ginger aroma and warm finish
· New – Elderflower (5.0% ABV) showcases tropical fruitiness reminiscent of lychee, pear and citrus to compliment the rich, crisp apple background
Angry Orchard Elderflower Hard Cider is available nationwide from February through summer in 6-packs for a suggested retail price of $7.99 – $9.99 (price varies by market), and in variety 12-packs with three other Angry Orchard styles for a suggested retail price of $14.99 – $17.99 (price varies by market). To find where Angry Orchard is served near you, visit our “cider finder” at www.angryorchard.com/find-angry-orchard/.
Cider lovers can explore the orchard online at www.AngryOrchard.com, like us at www.Facebook.com/AngryOrchard, and follow us at www.twitter.com/AngryOrchard.
About Angry Orchard:
Angry Orchard Cider Company’s cider makers have been experimenting with apple varieties and unique flavors to develop cider recipes for more than 15 years. Angry Orchard’s hard cider line-up – Crisp Apple, Apple Ginger, Traditional Dry, and most recently, Elderflower – are made from hand-picked European apples that are a blend of Italian culinary apples from the Northern Alps and French bittersweet apples from Normandy. The juice goes through a lengthy fermentation process, including oak-aging for optimal complexity and balance, before it is bottled. For more information, please visit www.AngryOrchard.com or like us at www.Facebook.com/AngryOrchard.
* Source: IRI, Total U.S. Food, last 13 weeks ending 1/20/2013
** Source: Nielsen, http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/small-cider-category-poised-for-big-growth/
Press Release:
(Boston, MA) – Angry Orchard, the number one selling hard cider in the U.S.*, is releasing a new cider style from its collection – Angry Orchard Elderflower Hard Cider, the first cider of its kind. Inspired by the European tradition of elderflower cordials which dates back to ancient Roman times, the cider makers at Angry Orchard have crafted a unique hard cider that balances elderflower’s subtle floral notes and tropical fruitiness with Angry Orchard’s crisp apple sweetness.
“For centuries, elderflower has been used as an ingredient because of its delicate floral notes. It also has a great fruity flavor reminiscent of tropical fruits like lychee, pear and citrus, which makes it a great match for the rich, fruity flavors found in the culinary and bittersweet apples we use in our cider,” said David Sipes, Cider Maker for Angry Orchard. “This combination of flavors produces a complex yet balanced, slightly sparkling cider we think is unlike anything our drinkers have experienced.”
Launched nationally in 2012, Angry Orchard has quickly become a favorite among drinkers for its unique, quality ingredients and distinctly crisp and refreshing taste. Angry Orchard hard ciders, including the new elderflower style, are crafted with a unique blend of Italian culinary apples and French bittersweet apples. Angry Orchard in part gets its name because, unlike ordinary apples, bittersweet apples are described as “angry” because of the tart and tannic characteristics they impart to cider creating real apple flavors, and also because of the way they look, small and unattractive.
These bittersweet apples are unique to cider making, just like wine grapes are to wine making. Also similar to wine, Angry Orchard ciders go through a lengthy fermentation process and are aged on oak, resulting in an exceptional blend that contributes to the complex flavor profile of each Angry Orchard cider style, including the new Angry Orchard Elderflower Hard Cider.
Hayley Jensen, a mixologist and beer sommelier at Taproom No. 307 in New York City and engaged by Angry Orchard for her expertise, has seen firsthand how elderflower has also recently become a go-to flavor for mixologists and a drinker favorite.
“Elderflower burst onto the cocktail scene recently and the flavor became a runaway hit – it’s refreshing and light, with a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with more dominant flavors. Today, I see a trend of more drinkers asking for cider. So, a cider with a delicate elderflower taste is truly an innovative combination and also a great mixology ingredient, pairing well with light spirits like gin, vodka, white tequila and also jenever, an up-and-coming liquor in the U.S.,” says Jensen. “I think cocktail, wine and craft beer lovers will all enjoy this new cider.”
Hard cider has exploded in popularity recently, growing 65 percent in 2012 vs. 2011, especially remarkable when compared to the growth of beverages like wine and craft beer, which grew 5.6% and 13% respectively.**
All Angry Orchard styles offer remarkably crisp, refreshing and distinct flavors for any palate and are naturally gluten free:
· Crisp Apple (5.0% ABV) is a fruit-forward cider that balances natural apple sweetness with a subtle dryness for a hard to resist crisp and refreshing taste
· Traditional Dry (5.5% ABV) is crafted in the style of English draft ciders and imparts bittersweet and slightly spicy flavors with a bright apple aroma. Its dryness makes mouths pucker and look forward to another sip
· Apple Ginger (5.0% ABV) combines fresh Nigerian ginger and apples for a sweet, yet slightly tart taste, with a distinct ginger aroma and warm finish
· New – Elderflower (5.0% ABV) showcases tropical fruitiness reminiscent of lychee, pear and citrus to compliment the rich, crisp apple background
Angry Orchard Elderflower Hard Cider is available nationwide from February through summer in 6-packs for a suggested retail price of $7.99 – $9.99 (price varies by market), and in variety 12-packs with three other Angry Orchard styles for a suggested retail price of $14.99 – $17.99 (price varies by market). To find where Angry Orchard is served near you, visit our “cider finder” at www.angryorchard.com/find-angry-orchard/.
Cider lovers can explore the orchard online at www.AngryOrchard.com, like us at www.Facebook.com/AngryOrchard, and follow us at www.twitter.com/AngryOrchard.
About Angry Orchard:
Angry Orchard Cider Company’s cider makers have been experimenting with apple varieties and unique flavors to develop cider recipes for more than 15 years. Angry Orchard’s hard cider line-up – Crisp Apple, Apple Ginger, Traditional Dry, and most recently, Elderflower – are made from hand-picked European apples that are a blend of Italian culinary apples from the Northern Alps and French bittersweet apples from Normandy. The juice goes through a lengthy fermentation process, including oak-aging for optimal complexity and balance, before it is bottled. For more information, please visit www.AngryOrchard.com or like us at www.Facebook.com/AngryOrchard.
* Source: IRI, Total U.S. Food, last 13 weeks ending 1/20/2013
** Source: Nielsen, http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/small-cider-category-poised-for-big-growth/
Rise of the Rye IPA
Rise of the Rye IPA:
Rye is a cereal grain related to wheat and similar to barley. It makes for delicious bread as well as a tasty, unique style of whiskey. It also makes for a popular pun in beer names and creatively-challenged writers' article headlines.
Rye beers have been popular ever since Bear Republic scored a hit with its Hop Rod Rye. They have steadily been gaining even more traction in the last few years and now seem to be totally ingrained as a commonplace spinoff adjunct in IPAs. In fact, I think a very good case could be made for a new style category for the Rye IPA. Case in point, there are no less than four different Rye IPAs available in 6-packs on the market in Oregon right now: Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye, Bridgeport Smooth Ryed, 10 Barrel Hop Rye-It, and Widmer O'Ryely. I thought it would be fun to put these beers through a comparative taste test.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post!
Rye is a cereal grain related to wheat and similar to barley. It makes for delicious bread as well as a tasty, unique style of whiskey. It also makes for a popular pun in beer names and creatively-challenged writers' article headlines.
Rye beers have been popular ever since Bear Republic scored a hit with its Hop Rod Rye. They have steadily been gaining even more traction in the last few years and now seem to be totally ingrained as a commonplace spinoff adjunct in IPAs. In fact, I think a very good case could be made for a new style category for the Rye IPA. Case in point, there are no less than four different Rye IPAs available in 6-packs on the market in Oregon right now: Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye, Bridgeport Smooth Ryed, 10 Barrel Hop Rye-It, and Widmer O'Ryely. I thought it would be fun to put these beers through a comparative taste test.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post!
Oregon Brewers Festival Turns 26
Oregon Brewers Festival Turns 26:
Oregon Brewers Festival toasts its 26th annual year of celebrating craft beer;
expands to five days and switches to glass 80,000 beer lovers are expected from around the world to take part in the annual celebration of craft beer
PORTLAND, Ore. — Feb. 5, 2013 — On a sun-soaked July afternoon, there’s no better place to sip suds with friends than the Oregon Brewers Festival, one of the nation’s longest-running and best-loved craft beer festivals. Nearly 80,000 fans annually travel from points around the world to take part in the event. This year, they’ll have an extra day to celebrate; the 26th Oregon Brewers Festival will take place July 24 through July 28 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland, marking an expansion to five days. Event hours are Noon to 9pm Wed. through Sat., and Noon to 7pm Sunday.
“The festival continues to grow in popularity every year, especially with tourists,” said festival owner and founder Art Larrance. “Due to space constraints, we can’t expand our footprint, so we decided to instead add a day to accommodate more beer lovers. Portland’s role as the ‘Cradle of Craft Beer’ had led our city to be one of the premier beer tourism destinations in the United States, and the Oregon Brewers Festival continues to support that movement.”
In 2005, the festival expanded from a three-day to a four-day event; that turned out to be a huge success, and ever since, festival purists have declared Thursday to be the best day to attend due to shorter lines and a full beer selection. Festival organizers are now hoping Wednesday will become the new Thursday.
Another big change to this year’s event is the introduction of a tasting glass. In an effort to improve the tasting experience for the guest and to be more environmentally responsible, the Oregon Brewers Festival will now sell a tasting glass in lieu of the traditional plastic mug. Admission into the festival grounds is free. In order to consume beer, purchase of a 2013 souvenir 12-ounce tasting glass is required and costs $7. Beer is purchased with wooden tokens, which cost $1 apiece. Patrons pay four tokens for a full glass of beer, or one token for a taste. There are no advance tickets sold to the festival; all purchases are made on-site.
From Ambers to Alts, Belgians to Blondes, Pales to Pilsners and Sessions to Stouts, the Oregon Brewers Festival serves up more than 25 beer styles from 82 craft breweries from around the country; there are 84 different beers served, one per brewery plus two gluten-free offerings. The festival is first and foremost a celebration of beer, but the event also features five days of live music, food booths, craft vendors, homebrew demonstrations and industry displays. A root beer garden provides complimentary handcrafted root beer to minors and designated drivers; minors are allowed into the event when accompanied by a parent.
Alternative modes of transportation are encouraged, with free monitored bicycle parking available each day. The main entrance is at SW Oak Street and Naito Parkway, one block from the MAX Light Rail line.
Oregon Brewers Festival toasts its 26th annual year of celebrating craft beer;
expands to five days and switches to glass 80,000 beer lovers are expected from around the world to take part in the annual celebration of craft beer
PORTLAND, Ore. — Feb. 5, 2013 — On a sun-soaked July afternoon, there’s no better place to sip suds with friends than the Oregon Brewers Festival, one of the nation’s longest-running and best-loved craft beer festivals. Nearly 80,000 fans annually travel from points around the world to take part in the event. This year, they’ll have an extra day to celebrate; the 26th Oregon Brewers Festival will take place July 24 through July 28 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland, marking an expansion to five days. Event hours are Noon to 9pm Wed. through Sat., and Noon to 7pm Sunday.
“The festival continues to grow in popularity every year, especially with tourists,” said festival owner and founder Art Larrance. “Due to space constraints, we can’t expand our footprint, so we decided to instead add a day to accommodate more beer lovers. Portland’s role as the ‘Cradle of Craft Beer’ had led our city to be one of the premier beer tourism destinations in the United States, and the Oregon Brewers Festival continues to support that movement.”
In 2005, the festival expanded from a three-day to a four-day event; that turned out to be a huge success, and ever since, festival purists have declared Thursday to be the best day to attend due to shorter lines and a full beer selection. Festival organizers are now hoping Wednesday will become the new Thursday.
Another big change to this year’s event is the introduction of a tasting glass. In an effort to improve the tasting experience for the guest and to be more environmentally responsible, the Oregon Brewers Festival will now sell a tasting glass in lieu of the traditional plastic mug. Admission into the festival grounds is free. In order to consume beer, purchase of a 2013 souvenir 12-ounce tasting glass is required and costs $7. Beer is purchased with wooden tokens, which cost $1 apiece. Patrons pay four tokens for a full glass of beer, or one token for a taste. There are no advance tickets sold to the festival; all purchases are made on-site.
From Ambers to Alts, Belgians to Blondes, Pales to Pilsners and Sessions to Stouts, the Oregon Brewers Festival serves up more than 25 beer styles from 82 craft breweries from around the country; there are 84 different beers served, one per brewery plus two gluten-free offerings. The festival is first and foremost a celebration of beer, but the event also features five days of live music, food booths, craft vendors, homebrew demonstrations and industry displays. A root beer garden provides complimentary handcrafted root beer to minors and designated drivers; minors are allowed into the event when accompanied by a parent.
Alternative modes of transportation are encouraged, with free monitored bicycle parking available each day. The main entrance is at SW Oak Street and Naito Parkway, one block from the MAX Light Rail line.
Zwickelmania V
Zwickelmania V:
5th annual Zwickelmania returns offering visitors a unique look inside Oregon breweries around the state
Celebrate the wood anniversary with tours, tastings and specials
Over 23,000 visitors set their sights on Oregon breweries during Zwickelmania in 2012 and that figure is projected to grow on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the fifth annual Zwickelmania.
Free Zwickelmania shuttle buses are located in Portland, Bend, Salem and Eugene and entry is free at all participating breweries. A full list of shuttle schedules is at http://oregonbeer.org/zwickelmania.
“Each year, Oregon breweries are seeing a rising interest from people who are excited to see the inner workings of a brewery,” says Oregon Brewers Guild executive director, Brian Butenschoen. “This is that rare time of the year where people get a backstage pass to the brewers and their breweries.”
This is the fifth anniversary—or the wood anniversary. Attendees should be on the lookout for barrel-aged beers, such as ones from Full Sail Brewing, Breakside Brewery and the unveiling of Oakshire Brewing’s “Hellshire III.”
Visitors are encouraged to take pictures of the breweries while they’re touring and to use the hashtag #Zwickel13 when posting to Twitter and Instagram. Additionally, anyone who posts a photo from the event to the Zwickelmania Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/485786774796845/ will be entered for a chance to win a prize package containing two glasses and 10 tickets each to the upcoming event “Cheers to Belgian Beers on Saturday, April 20th at Metalcraft Fabrication in Portland http://oregonbeer.org/pctbb/.”
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 96 brewing companies, 75 associate or supplier members and more than 3,300 enthusiast members or S.N.O.B.s (Supporters of Native Oregon Beer). For more information, see www.oregonbeer.org.
5th annual Zwickelmania returns offering visitors a unique look inside Oregon breweries around the state
Celebrate the wood anniversary with tours, tastings and specials
Over 23,000 visitors set their sights on Oregon breweries during Zwickelmania in 2012 and that figure is projected to grow on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the fifth annual Zwickelmania.
Free Zwickelmania shuttle buses are located in Portland, Bend, Salem and Eugene and entry is free at all participating breweries. A full list of shuttle schedules is at http://oregonbeer.org/zwickelmania.
“Each year, Oregon breweries are seeing a rising interest from people who are excited to see the inner workings of a brewery,” says Oregon Brewers Guild executive director, Brian Butenschoen. “This is that rare time of the year where people get a backstage pass to the brewers and their breweries.”
This is the fifth anniversary—or the wood anniversary. Attendees should be on the lookout for barrel-aged beers, such as ones from Full Sail Brewing, Breakside Brewery and the unveiling of Oakshire Brewing’s “Hellshire III.”
Visitors are encouraged to take pictures of the breweries while they’re touring and to use the hashtag #Zwickel13 when posting to Twitter and Instagram. Additionally, anyone who posts a photo from the event to the Zwickelmania Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/485786774796845/ will be entered for a chance to win a prize package containing two glasses and 10 tickets each to the upcoming event “Cheers to Belgian Beers on Saturday, April 20th at Metalcraft Fabrication in Portland http://oregonbeer.org/pctbb/.”
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 96 brewing companies, 75 associate or supplier members and more than 3,300 enthusiast members or S.N.O.B.s (Supporters of Native Oregon Beer). For more information, see www.oregonbeer.org.
Full Sail Brewing Releases
Full Sail Brewing Releases:
Full Sail Brewing Releases Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
Hood River, Oregon – After over a year of aging deep in the cellar of their brewhouse, Full Sail Brewing will release their 2013 vintage Bourbon Barrel Aged offering, Full Sail Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout. This highly anticipated release from the Brewery’s vintage barrel series has been a Full Sail brewing tradition since 1998. Every year since, the Full Sail crew brews an imperial style dark ale and fills roughly sixty oak bourbon barrel casks, then waits patiently for a year.
According to Full Sail Brewmaster Jamie Emmerson, this beer was brewed in December of 2011 and has since aged in Kentucky Bourbon casks from Maker’s Mark, Four Roses, Jim Beam. This extended aging presents hints of vanilla and allows the Stout to pick up the flavors of the wood, bourbon and oak. The aging combined with the robust character of the Imperial Stout make for an extraordinary and wonderful taste experience. It has a strong roasted malt character and a full body. Chocolate and caramel nuances blend with the hops for a smooth Imperial Stout. It cellars well, Limited availability in 22oz. bottles and draft. Available February 2013 until it’s gone! ABV 9.6% IBUs: 40 (Formerly known as Black Gold)
Wood barrel aging is an art form. When done right, it’s a wonderful thing. Our barrel aged beers became a Full Sail tradition when we joyfully discovered what happens when you pair vintage barrels, dedication, and patience. We rack this special beer in small batches, available in only very limited quantities. It cellars well, so if you store a few bottles in a dark, cool place and be patient, you will be rewarded for your effort and restraint. Click here to view our video “The Art & Science of Barrel Aged Beer”.
To celebrate the release of this extraordinary beer Full Sail is planning two Horizontal Tasting events that highlight the flavor components of this special brew. “Since Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout is a blend of the three barrel varieties, Jim Beam, Four Roses & Maker’s Mark, we thought it would be interesting to try a bit of each before blending, so we kegged off a very small stash of each variety for the release. Join us to celebrate the release of this very special beer and taste the nuances between the three versions and the final blend,” added Emmerson. The special tapping will take place at 5 p.m., Thursday, January 31st, at the Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub in Hood River and at Full Sail’s Riverplace Brewery in Portland, Oregon on Tuesday, February 5th at 5 p.m. For more information call Full Sail at Riverplace at 503-222-5343 or the Tasting Room and Pub at 541-386-2247.
Full Sail Brewing Releases Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
Hood River, Oregon – After over a year of aging deep in the cellar of their brewhouse, Full Sail Brewing will release their 2013 vintage Bourbon Barrel Aged offering, Full Sail Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout. This highly anticipated release from the Brewery’s vintage barrel series has been a Full Sail brewing tradition since 1998. Every year since, the Full Sail crew brews an imperial style dark ale and fills roughly sixty oak bourbon barrel casks, then waits patiently for a year.
According to Full Sail Brewmaster Jamie Emmerson, this beer was brewed in December of 2011 and has since aged in Kentucky Bourbon casks from Maker’s Mark, Four Roses, Jim Beam. This extended aging presents hints of vanilla and allows the Stout to pick up the flavors of the wood, bourbon and oak. The aging combined with the robust character of the Imperial Stout make for an extraordinary and wonderful taste experience. It has a strong roasted malt character and a full body. Chocolate and caramel nuances blend with the hops for a smooth Imperial Stout. It cellars well, Limited availability in 22oz. bottles and draft. Available February 2013 until it’s gone! ABV 9.6% IBUs: 40 (Formerly known as Black Gold)
Wood barrel aging is an art form. When done right, it’s a wonderful thing. Our barrel aged beers became a Full Sail tradition when we joyfully discovered what happens when you pair vintage barrels, dedication, and patience. We rack this special beer in small batches, available in only very limited quantities. It cellars well, so if you store a few bottles in a dark, cool place and be patient, you will be rewarded for your effort and restraint. Click here to view our video “The Art & Science of Barrel Aged Beer”.
To celebrate the release of this extraordinary beer Full Sail is planning two Horizontal Tasting events that highlight the flavor components of this special brew. “Since Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout is a blend of the three barrel varieties, Jim Beam, Four Roses & Maker’s Mark, we thought it would be interesting to try a bit of each before blending, so we kegged off a very small stash of each variety for the release. Join us to celebrate the release of this very special beer and taste the nuances between the three versions and the final blend,” added Emmerson. The special tapping will take place at 5 p.m., Thursday, January 31st, at the Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub in Hood River and at Full Sail’s Riverplace Brewery in Portland, Oregon on Tuesday, February 5th at 5 p.m. For more information call Full Sail at Riverplace at 503-222-5343 or the Tasting Room and Pub at 541-386-2247.
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