Part II of today’s batch of beer notes…this one focuses on the West Coast.
The Bruery / Dogfish Head: I got word earlier this week about a collaboration between these two breweries. According to The Full Pint, they just publicly announced the collaboration in a Reserve Society email (albeit with scant details?). The two breweries are meeting up for a charity event next week so it sounds like brew day and possibly more details could be coming soon?
Also of note, “This Friday [today] we are also going to be unveiling our newest Nano Series beer: Hops & Dreams. Nano Series: Hops & Dreams – a 9% ABV summer Barley Wine which combines Belgian malts with American yeast and lots of hops – is a strong, aromatic fusion ale that lovers of Mischief will certainly enjoy. As an added bonus, Humulus Lager will be back as a Sunday treat for those of you feeling like having our delicious hoppy Lager on a beautiful afternoon.”
Stone Brewing: Earlier this week, I revealed that the Stone/Ishii/Baird collaboration will use a new hop variety called Aramis. Here is the quick and dirty on this hop from Head Brewer, Mitch Steele… “The Aramis hop is a brand new hop variety from Cophoudal in Alsace, France. Its parentage includes the Strisselspalt hop, a German style hop from Alsace. Strisselspalt has a very unique aroma-herbal like a German noble hop, but with hints of lemon as well, but it also has a very low alpha acid content, which makes it tough for using in craft ales. Aramis was at 8% alpha acids, so a really nice level.”
Sierra Nevada / Phish Super Ball IX: Per Phish’s Facebook page (nearly 500 likes on this single note, wow), “Years of marketing research and focus groups have revealed that Phish fans, given a choice of a wide variety of beverage options, often choose a fermented concoction made from cereal grains. We created a tent at Festival 8 called Beers of the World where any fan, no matter what language they spoke, would find a pleasing option. BOTW will be back at Super Ball IX with over 50 different kinds of beer available.
Of note is the return of Sierra Nevada’s FOAM, a special pilsner brewed specifically for Phish. True fact: After Festival 8, FOAM went on to win the Gold Medal at the 2010 World Beer Championship as the world’s best Pilsner. It sold out in a hurry at its debut. They’re brewing a little extra this time.”
Firestone Walker: Expanding distribution to Colorado
Oakshire Brewing: Introducing Graduation Ale (RyePA)
Green Flash Brewing: The brewery is tapping Treasure Chest Belgian Pale Ale today. [Update: I’m a bit confused now. The poster I linked to says on draft exclusively at Green Flash Brewing & The High Dive and arriving 6.10.11. Meanwhile, here’s a post from Facebook…”Join me at Green Flash Brewing Co. this FRIDAY, June 10th in the Tasting Room for a special release: Treasure Chest Belgian-inspired Pale Ale! Only 200 cases packaged, no draught. 100% of proceeds benefit Chicks for Beer. Tasting Room opens at 3pm on Friday.”]
Lompoc Brewing: Per the newsletter, “Next Friday, June 17 at Sidebar will be the Release Party for Heavens Helles, Bourbon Barrel Aged LSD and Sour Willy.”