(Chico, CA) – A few details on the Life and Limb 2 collaboration between Sierra Nevada Brewing and Dogfish Head…

The first collaboration took place during the hot summer of 2009. There was a ton of buzz around the original project with many stores (most? all?) getting only one case if any.

The 2011 collaboration took place around May 2nd and, this time, they’re doing it bigger. First, the obligatory label stuff…

Front label:

LIFE – this living ale is naturally carbonated to enhance complexity, refinement, and to encourage aging

LIMB – for the birch and maple trees, whose syrup gives this ale its unique flavor and symbolizes the collaboration between Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head. We are proud to share our Life and Limb with the thousands of other branches who collectively comprise the craft brewing family tree. Sip slowly with friends and loved ones; savor – because one could do better than be a swigger of birches.

Back label:

Our decision to make this ale together comes from a shared passion for bringing natural beauty into the brewing process. Both of our families own and operate independent breweries and our co-workers, who share this passion, are an integral part of our extended family.

LIFE – For the living brewer’s yeast in every bottle working in vibrant unison to enhance complexity, refinement, and to encourage aging.

LIMB – For the two syrups used in making this ale (maple and birch) which contribute to its unique flavor profile and symbolize this collaboration between Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head.

This ale is dedicated to the family of craft-brew drinkers worldwide who continue to support the little guys, iconoclasts, entrepreneurs, and pioneers who risk life and limb to shape the craft-brewing community. We are proud to share our two branches with the thousands of other vibrant branches – those of fellow brewers – who collectively comprise the craft-brewing family tree.

Sincerely,

Sam Calagione and Ken Grossman

The 2011 Version:

Here is what we know at the moment…

– it looks like late August/early September for distribution per Sierra Nevada tweet

-last batch brewed in 2009 was released in 24 oz. bottles whereas this label approval is for 750ml bottles / perhaps we will see this packaged in the same fashion as the SN 30th Anniversary beers?

From Dogfish Head blog post:

– once again going to be sold only through Sierra Nevada network

– “much bigger batch” than in 2009 / for context, Mutineer Magazine reported that 400 barrels were produced in 2009 with only 3,000 cases being bottled (in barrel terms, a little over 200)

I’ll see if I can get for hard numbers on the 2011 batch and report out…also, look for updates on the official Life and Limb website (not yet updated for ’11) over the coming weeks and months