Let me preface this week’s roundup by pointing you to our new polling system. Each week I will throw up a new poll (found on the lower right sidebar). This week’s poll, which I will keep up through the middle of next week, asks readers what new item/improvement they would like to see on this blog next. I may have left out an option or two that you would like to see (i.e., more frequent updating of the release date list!). If I did leave something out, email me or leave a comment in this thread. While the most votes doesn’t necessarily mean that I will automatically introduce that feature, I will give the results strong consideration.

There are multiple forms of feedback available. This poll is just one of them. If there is anything pertaining to the site that you’d like to comment on (posts you like, errors/glitches, beer tips even if it’s from your own brewery, etc.), you can hit me up by email (upper left), comment in a thread, or send me a quick note on Twitter (upper left). OK, now that you’re asleep, here is the news in quick hit-style since there is so much ground to cover…

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Lost Abbey
Tomme Arthur has probably been more busy at his computer than brewing recently. He initially made waves this week in officially announcing this Saturday’s release of one of the most highly anticipated beers of the year, Isabelle Proximus. In addition, he revealed details about three other new offerings: Lost Abbey No Goeien Saison (July), Lost Abbey Witch’s Wit, and Brouwer’s Imagination Ale (click on the pic on the right to see our initial post about this beer from a while back). The June Patron Saints release is Ten Commandments.

Portsmouth Brewery
The release of Portsmouth Kate the Great, easily one of the year’s biggest spectacles (BA vet Bierman9’s Flickr gallery), took place on Tuesday and was met with mostly positive reaction. There is rumor out that the beer could run out this weekend. Good thing Head Brewer, Tod Mott, plans on doing this one again for next January. Again, this year’s version has a higher ABV level than ever before. Mott has mentioned that he prefers his aged at over a year (he nor I take responsibility if you age it and regret it!) so the aging potential, if done right, could be pretty good with this edition especially.

Deschutes Brewery
There are a few more stores, in addition to Liquid Solutions, reporting Deschutes Black Butte XX as being available for sale: Belmont Station, 99 Bottles, and, for you San Diego folk, South Bay Drugs and Liquors (also offering 20th Anniversary Wit, both “coming soon”).

Three Floyds Brewing
Lush Wine & Spirits in Chicago is releasing Three Floyd’s Fantabulous Resplendence XI Anniversary Ale tomorrow at the 1257 S. Halsted store from 5-8pm. You will be able to get a free tasting before buying a growler of it as well. It has not yet been bottled.

Great Lakes Brewing
Remember their 20th Anniversary Imperial Dortmunder Gold Lager that was to come out later this summer in 4-packs? One Beer Advocate member is reporting that it will be available at Heinens next week (exclusively until it hits other stores in the area). We haven’t verified it so call ahead to be sure.

Southern Tier Brewing
I have an email out as of this afternoon to Paul Cain from Southern Tier as to an updated timetable on Creme Brulee. I will keep you posted.

Weekend Events:

Big Al’s Birthday Bash at the Blue Nile – Minneapolis, MN – On Saturday night, there will be a lot of good stuff on tap!

North American Organic Brewers Festival – Portland, OR – A 3-day event featuring organic beers, mostly from the Northwest and California; the beer list can be viewed at the website (see link)

19th Colorado Brewers’ Festival – Fort Collins, CO