Here is part I of tonight’s beer notes update…
Update: For New Belgium Belgo IPA, “August 1 for six-packs and draft. It’s out in the next few weeks in Folly Packs (mixed 12-ers).
New Belgium: You may remember Belgo IPA when it debuted as part of the Lips of Faith Series last year. You might also remember seeing the new label above that came through in May. Well, that beer is making a comeback. Per the brewery blog, “This beer is going to be the newest offering in the Explore Series (sitting comfortably next to Abbey, Trippel. Mothership Wit and Ranger IPA), which means full time (all year), and 12oz bottles. Holy smokes! The new (non-22oz) package also means that the awesome Belgo IPA disco ball will be front and center.” Look for it “in the coming weeks.”
Hoppin’ Frog: Per the brewery blog, “We have calculated that Frog’s Hollow: Double Pumpkin Ale will be available for release to our distributors August 29. Think Ahead – Think Pumpkin – Think September – Think Frog’s Hollow: Double Pumpkin Ale – Gold Medal Winner at the 2010 G.A.B.F. – It will also be available for retail sales at the brewery that same day. 8.4% a/v | 76 OG (18.4 °P) | 7.3 IBU”
Stone Brewing: Congrats on reaching the 15 year mark. Per Facebook, “15 years ago today, Greg & Steve officially launched Stone Brewing Co.”
Invercargill Brewery / Yeastie Boys: More beer headed our way from down under (ten pallets worth). “Half the beer going to the US is from the North Island-based Yeastie Boys label, which was brewed at Invercargill Brewery, while the labels from Invercargill include Smokin’ Bishop and Boysenbeery.”
White Birch Brewing: Moving into a larger space at some point…
Bonus I: According to the Greenfield Reporter, “Louisiana’s flagship university is collaborating with a microbrewery to launch its own beer, with sales planned to start during the fall football season. The LSU-licensed blonde ale, produced by Baton Rouge-based Tin Roof Brewing Co., will be offered on draught and in cans and will be tied into a food science training program to teach students about fermentation.”
Bonus II: When stressful life situations make their way into beer reviews…
Bonus III: Disaster in the UK…”Beer sales slump by largest amount in 14 years – Britain is turning away from beer with 212 million fewer pints being sold in the last three months than the same period last year, new figures show.”
Bonus IV: Remember the devastating photos of Japan after the earthquake? One of those being a Kirin Brewery plant in Sendai… The brewery announced earlier this month that it will resume operations in September albeit only at 60% capacity as before the quake.