(Press Release)

SAN DIEGO—This past weekend, Karl Strauss Brewing Company won another Gold Medal at the world’s largest commercial beer competition, the 32^nd Annual Great American Beer Festival® (GABF®) in Denver, Colorado.  Red Trolley Ale took top honors in the Irish-Style Red Ale category, beating out 47 other entries to take the Gold.  “This was our first holiday ale back in 1989 and our best selling beer today, so it’s cool to see it medaling yet again at the most prestigious brewing competition,” says Paul Segura, Brewmaster, Karl Strauss Brewing Company.

Red Trolley Ale continues to dominate at competitions, winning 18 medals in the past five years, making it arguably one of the most award winning craft beers in the world. This marks the second Gold Medal for Red Trolley at the GABF®, with its first win occurring in 2010.  Red Trolley is a true heavyweight in the Irish-Style Red Ale category, also taking home back-to-back Gold medals at the World Beer Cup® in 2010 and 2012. “We brew each batch of Red Trolley with over two tons of caramel malts, making it a very laborious beer to make. The guys were stoked to see their hard work pay off,” says Segura.

In addition to winning big at the GABF®, Karl Strauss had its Brewmaster, Head Brewer, and Certified Ciceroneparticipate as judges in the competition. “There were more than 200 judges from all over the world, judging 138 different beer styles this year,” says Segura.  “We all take our responsibility as judges very seriously, so to take home a win is a big accomplishment.”  This year’s GABF® was the largest yet, with 4,809 entries and 130 volunteers.

For more information about award-winning Red Trolley ale, visit www.karlstrauss.com and for a complete list of 2013 GABF® winners visit http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/the-competition/winners/.   Share it. Cheers.

About Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Karl Strauss Brewing Company has pioneered the San Diego beer scene since 1989 with innovative beer releases and award-winning favorites like Red Trolley Ale and Tower 10 IPA.  The company took home 23 medals in 2012 and is currently ranked #39 on the list of the country’s top craft breweries with sole distribution in California.  2013 is on pace to be another exciting year of double-digit sales growth, with the brewery now open to the public and a new brewery restaurant slated for this fall.  For more information visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739.  Share it. Cheers.

ESCONDIDO, CA—It’s every craft beer lover’s dilemma: What beer should I pick when at the grocery store or bottle shop? With an incredible array of tasty craft beers to choose from these days, the answer isn’t always easy. To aid in every beer enthusiast’s decision-making process, Stone Brewing Co. is introducing a variety pack dubbed the Stone Mixed 12 Pack. The Pack may currently be found at select retailers and bottle shops in California. The Stone Mixed 12 Pack features three 12-ounce bottles of four beloved Stone year-round releases: Stone IPA, Stone Levitation Ale, Stone Ruination IPA and OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale.

The Stone Mixed 12 Pack is ideal for the craft beer fan who wants (and rightfully deserves) more than just one of the many flavor experiences that Stone has to offer. Whether it’s a beer they can’t live without or one that perhaps they haven’t tried before, the Stone Mixed 12 Pack offers what beer enthusiasts love today: choice. It’s also a great option when faced with entertaining guests with varying palates and desires, making the act of choosing sometimes difficult.

“We hope this new Stone Mixed 12 Pack allows our fans to enjoy their Stone favorites or revisit a beer they haven’t had in a while. It also introduces new fans to the big, bold and hoppy beers Stone is known for,” said Stone CEO and Co-founder Greg Koch. “Sometimes you are in the mood for something overly aggressive and hoppy, other times you might be looking for something that isn’t quite as intense to help you wind down after a long day.”

The Stone Mixed 12 Pack will be available more widely across America beginning in 2014. Occasionally, Stone will mix up – yes, pun intended – the beers included in the Stone Mixed 12 Pack so fans always have a new variety to look forward to.

Read more about Cellarmaker on the San Francisco Brewers Guild’s blog.

(Press Release)

CHICO, CA—Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is targeting early November to open its Berkeley, Calif., space, coined the Torpedo Room. The intimate venue—whose name is inspired by the brewery’s innovative dry-hopping device, the Hop Torpedo—fits into a mixed-use building on Fourth Street between University Avenue and Addison Street. The Torpedo Room can host approximately 45 craft beer drinkers for educational tastings of unique and limited Sierra Nevada beers, as well as the occasional craft-centric event dedicated to beer science.

“Our brewers develop creative, flavorful beers at an impressive pace,” said Ken Grossman, Sierra Nevada’s founder. “They’re usually small batches, and it’s those beers folks will find in the Torpedo Room. We think it’s exciting—using rare offerings to showcase who we are and to talk about the science behind our beers. We really hope visitors take part in the dialogue.”

The Torpedo Room will feature 16 taps, and draught beer will be served in taster flights. Guests will also have the option of filling growlers to go, as well as purchasing six-packs, cases and individual specialty bottles. Light snacks will accompany beer flights, but there is not a full menu.

“West Berkeley fosters a great, progressive culture,” Grossman said, “and that includes a lot of ambitious food and drink. We’re eager to be part of the Bay Area craft scene while still staying close to our home base in Chico.”

Ongoing construction on the Torpedo Room capitalizes on Berkeley and greater Northern California talent. West Berkeley neighbor Trachtenberg Architects, Inc.; Ferrous Studios, Inc., in nearby Richmond, Calif.; and Chico-based craftspeople Westgate Hardwoods are among those helping Sierra Nevada create a rich atmosphere.

Keep an eye on the Sierra Nevada blog in coming weeks for more Torpedo Room visual milestones.

About Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Founded in 1980, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is one of America’s premier craft breweries, highly regarded for using only whole-cone hops and the finest quality ingredients. The pioneering spirit that launched Sierra Nevada spans more than three decades, with innovation emerging from both the brewhouse and sustainability initiatives. Sierra Nevada has set the standard for artisan brewers worldwide as a winner of numerous awards for its extensive line of beers including Pale Ale, Torpedo^®, Porter, Stout, Kellerweis^®and a host of seasonal, specialty and limited release beers. Learn more at www.sierranevada.com.

SEATTLE—Pyramid Alehouses in California, Oregon and Washington are teaming up with Pints for Prostates to raise awareness about prostate cancer and give a lucky patron the chance to win a nine night Germany Beer Tour for two.

The Pyramid Alehouse locations will reach men through the universal language of beer starting with Oktoberfest events in Berkeley, Calif., and Seattle this week. All four alehouses, including the Pyramid Alehouse in Walnut Creek, Calif., and the Portland Brewing Company Taproom in Portland, Ore., will also host events in the coming months for Movember as well as events in 2014. The Pyramid Alehouse events will culminate in a drawing in July 2014 for a trip for two to Germany.

BeerTrips.com has put together a special beer tour of Germany to benefit Pints for Prostates. The beer adventure to Bavaria and Franconia will take place from Oct. 9-19, 2014. The nine night dream trip includes stops in Aying, Garmisch Partenkirchen, Bayreuth, Rothenburg and Bamberg.  The trip includes beer tastings, escorted beer hall crawls, guided city walks, brewery tours, monastery visits, special meals and more.

“We are excited to be teaming up with Pints for Prostates to raise awareness about a disease that touches the lives of so many Americans,” said Danielle Blumen, the Alehouse Community Development Manager for Pyramid Breweries. “This is a chance to support a great cause and give one of our customers the chance to win the beer adventure of a lifetime.”

BeerTrips.com is offering this special Pints for Prostates group tour to Germany to the public on a limited basis. Just 12 slots are available for this tour at $2,995 (+ air) based on double occupancy ($625 single room supplement). The tour will be hosted by Pints for Prostates founder and beer journalist Rick Lyke. Visit www.BeerTrips.com for details.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Pyramid Alehouses to help us raise funds and spread the word to men about the importance of regular prostate health screenings and early detection,” Lyke said. “This will be the fourth time we have teamed up with BeerTrips.com for a special Pints for Prostates European beer trip. This itinerary includes some amazing breweries and is really a unique way to experience Germany.”

“This is one of the most popular BeerTrips.com itineraries because it explores the best of Bavaria and Franconia,” said Mike Saxton, founder of BeerTrips.com. “We offer small groups an intimate experience with the chance for insider tours of some of the most famous breweries in the world. If you love beer and love to travel, this trip gives you a chance to experience the German countryside and some classic small cities that offer tremendous beers.”

As part of the BeerTrips.com and Pints for Prostates partnership, Pints for Prostates will raffle a trip for two for the special trip. For a $10 donation for a single ticket, $25 donation for three tickets or $50 for seven tickets, donors will be entered to win the trip that includes:

• The BeerTrips.com trip for two Oct. 9-19, 2014
• Roundtrip Airfare for Two from the Continental United States
• Nine Nights in Fine Centrally Located Hotels
• Brewery Tours
• Escorted Beer Hall Crawls
• Guided City Tours
• Breakfasts Daily/Special Beer Dinners and Beer Lunches
• Train & Private Coach Transportation

The total value of the trip for two is estimated at $8,500. The Pyramid Alehouse drawing will be held in July 2014. The prize is non-transferable. No cash substitute will be offered. The winner and their guest are responsible for obtaining passports and all trip related costs not outlined above. You must be 21 years old to enter.

About Pyramid Brewing Co.
Pyramid Brewing Co. is a leading brewer of specialty, full-flavored craft beers produced under the Pyramid family of ales and lagers since 1984.  Pyramid beers continue to be honored by beer drinkers and judges having received 22 medals at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), including a gold medal awarded to Haywire Hefeweizen in 2009 as well as the honor of Mid-size Brewery of the Year in 2008.  The brewery has also been awarded seven medals in international competition at the World Beer Cup. With breweries in Seattle, WA, Portland, OR, and Berkeley, CA, the Company owns Alehouses at all three locations as well as an additional Pyramid Alehouse in Walnut Creek, CA. Visit www.pyramidbrew.com for more information.

About BeerTrips.com
Beer Trips.com was founded in 1998 to offer serious beer people the opportunity to travel to the world’s best beer destinations with other people who love great beer. Beer and travel, travel and beer — these are two of our favorite things. Both, in our estimation, are worth a fair amount of life’s energy. Our goal, and our very reason for existing, is to take our travelers the best beer destinations, drink, taste and enjoy the best beers, meet the beer-loving people of the countries we visit, and explore the history, culture, art and architecture of the interesting places where beer “grew up”. To do this we stay in nice, well-located hotels, eat at great restaurants that emphasize beer in their fare, and visit breweries, brew pubs, cafes, and museums that enhance our understanding and appreciation of beer and its rich history and culture.

About Pints for Prostates
Pints for Prostates reaches men through the universal language of beer to encourage them to take charge of their health. The group was founded by prostate cancer survivor and beer writer Rick Lyke in 2008. The grassroots effort raises awareness among men about the importance of regular health screenings and PSA testing by making appearances at beer festivals, social networking and pro bono advertising. According to the National Cancer Institute, 238,590 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during 2013. More information is available at www.pintsforprostates.org. Pints for Prostates also has a presence on Facebook and Twitter (@pints4prostates).

SAN DIEGO—Karl Strauss Oktoberfest is a labor of love created with almost two tons of Vienna, Munich, and Carahell malts hand-milled into each batch to make this award winning seasonal entry.  Unlike most beers that begin with base malt and add specialty malts for flavor, this version is made from 100% specialty malts.  To balance out the richness from the malts, the brewers stayed true to tradition using imported European Hallertau Perle hops for a spicy finish.  The characteristic toasty, nutty flavor has created a cult following in California, where fans eagerly await its annual return.

This year, Karl Strauss is brewing more than 25 batches to keep up with demand.  “People love this beer and to date we’ve already sold more Oktoberfest in Northern California than we anticipated selling this entire season.  We plan on brewing 20% more than we did last year,” says Paul Segura, Brewmaster, Karl Strauss Brewing Company. Weighing in at 5% ABV, this exceptional session lager is a great complement to traditional Oktoberfest fare, including grilled meats, burgers, and of course, sausages.

Karl Strauss Oktoberfest is available in six-packs and on draft across California while supplies last.  Since Oktoberfest is brewed in tribute to the world’s biggest beer party, the company is hosting “Karlfest” at its tasting room, complete with a local food truck and Oktoberfest steins. For more information about Karl Strauss Oktoberfest and Karlfest, visit www.karlstrauss.com/brewery. Share it. Prost.

Specs:

5.0 % ABV

15 SRM

20 IBU

Label Copy:

We brew Oktoberfest in tribute to the world’s biggest beer party. Vienna and Munich malts produce the deep golden color, nutty undertones, and toasted malt flavors characteristic of this renowned Bavarian beer style. Perle hops imported directly from the Hallertau region of Germany give the beer a smooth balanced finish. This celebratory lager puts the ‘fest’ in the month of October.

Karlfest at the Tasting Room:

• October 5, 2013
• Half Liter commemorative steins – $10 keep the glass, fill with any beer.
• The Dog Shack food truck, featuring “The Rottweiler” – Bratwurst slow-cooked in local craft beer topped with house-made sauerkraut.
• Tasting Room: 5985 Santa Fe Street, San Diego, CA 92109

About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Karl Strauss Brewing Company has pioneered the San Diego beer scene since 1989 with innovative beer releases and award-winning favorites like Red Trolley Ale and Tower 10 IPA.  The company took home 23 medals in 2012 and is currently ranked #39 on the list of the country’s top craft breweries with sole distribution in California.  2013 is on pace to be another exciting year of double-digit sales growth, with the brewery now open to the public and a new brewery restaurant slated for this fall.  For more information visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739.  Share it. Cheers.

Smuttynose Brewing Co. is delighted to announce their new California distribution partnerships with Craft Beer Guild Distributing of California (San Diego) and El Dorado Distributing (Signal Hill, CA in the Los Angeles area) who will bring New Hampshire’s leading craft brewer’s beers to the West Coast starting in September, 2013. Both distributorships are part of the L. Knife & Sons family of wholesalers. The deal with these new L. Knife divisions makes California the 24rd state where Smuttynose beers are available.

Smuttynose has successful, existing relationships with L. Knife family in Massachusetts, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Kentucky and Wisconsin, so the California deal includes a certain amount of familiarity, but the newness of the situation creates an excellent opportunity for both brands brands to grow together. “We’ve shown strong growth in other L. Knife markets and they certainly know our beers,” said Smuttynose Founder and President Peter Egelston, “I have faith that we will see similar results in the California market, even though it’s a different landscape because we’re both starting fresh.”

The first Smuttynose shipment consists of bottled Big Beer Series releases; Homunculus and Rhye IPA, as well as three kegs of Cluster’s Last Stand that are heading to Stone Brewing Co. Smuttynose’s collaboration partner on the beer. Kegs of Finestkind IPA will also be heading to the Golden State.

Founded in 1994, Smuttynose is New Hampshire’s leading craft brewery. In 2012, its 50 employees worked to brew, package and sell nearly 41,000 barrels of beer. After nearly 20 years in their original home in Portsmouth, the international award-winning brewery will move into its new, LEED Gold-registered brewery and visitors’ center on the historic Towle Farm in Hampton, NH in 2014.

Berkeley, CA

The 2013 Hop Cuvée recipe includes Citra and Simcoe, two organic hop varietals not previously available as certified organic, as well the classic Centennial hop.

ABV: 5.5

ABW: 4.4

COLOR: 2

BITTERNESS: 50

ORIGINAL GRAVITY: 1056

AVAILABLE: AL, AZ, CA, DC, FL, GA, ID, IN, KY, NC, OH, OR, VA, WA

SAN DIEGO—Karl Strauss Brewing Company is proud to announce the return of its cult-classic, Peanut Butter Cup Porter.  The company first brewed Peanut Butter Cup Porter as its San Diego Beer Week release in 2012 and fans went wild for it, with all 80 kegs running out in less than 5 days.  This year, the company decided to offer LA fans a sneak peak with a limited-release 40-barrel batch in time for LA Beer Week. With Karl Strauss experiencing 37% beer sales growth in Los Angeles, the company hopes to tide the region over until this beer can eventually be bottled.

“We’ve never seen a beer move as fast as this one did last year,” says Paul Segura, Brewmaster, Karl Strauss Brewing Company. “We know people were driving down from LA to get some of it, so we thought it would be cool to brew a limited amount just for or neighbors to the north.”  Peanut Butter Cup Porter is brewed with a blend of chocolate malt, caramel malts, and all-natural peanut powder.  Cocoa nibs are added for depth and rich chocolate flavor and warm fermented with an English ale yeast.  The finished beer is complex with layers of roast, chocolate, and smooth peanut butter. “The demand for this beer definitely has us thinking about it as a future release in our Cask-inspired series,” says Segura.

Karl Strauss Brewing Company will be serving its Peanut Butter Cup Porter at select venues across Los Angeles, including the Barrel House in Ventura 101, Village Tavern in Atwater, and Tony’s Darts Away in Burbank.  For more information about Karl Strauss’ events and beer, visit www.karlstrauss.com.  Share it. Cheers.

PB Porter – A peanut butter cup porter? Sounds crazy! Crazy delicious that is. This year’s San Diego Beer Week special release is an English-style Brown Porter brewed with peanut powder and cocoa nibs. The resulting brew is beer’s answer to the peanut butter cup – a medium-bodied porter with smooth layers of peanut butter and chocolate.

Stone Brewing Co. CEO and co-founder Greg Koch.

On November 1, Stone Brewing Co. CEO & Co-founder Greg Koch will participate in Movember’s “Shave the Date” by completely shaving his long, scraggly beard down to bare skin at a live, orchestrated event in San Diego. Or will he? Koch’s personal goal is to raise $25,000 through the “SHAVE GREG” campaign, though an absolute rock-bottom amount of $15,000 is required to make it happen. “No dough, me no Mo Bro,” grunted Koch gruffly in a manner suiting his current, uh, “look.” Donations are now being accepted through Koch’s fundraising page.

Movember is a global men’s health charity encouraging men to grow and women to support the Mo (moustache) for 30 days in November. Through the power of the moustache, awareness and vital funds are raised in support of men’s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives. Koch has been nominated as a Mo Bro spokesperson for the movement to help spread the gospel (as he’s known to do) about Movember and its campaign.

“Twice in my life, I’ve shaved a goatee leaving a moustache, and both times I removed it the same day because it freaked me out when I looked in the mirror. I can’t imagine having one for a month,” said Koch. “My current beard is stately and reminiscent of our founding fathers. Yet if I raise enough money, I’m trading that stately look for a moustache that’ll probably be reminiscent of a bad 70s album cover. Sometimes I amaze even myself at the lengths I’ll go to, or cut, for charitable causes. Now that’s self-sacrifice on behalf of others! So, I’m calling for your support. Donate not for me, but for the cause. I’m just your humble servant.”

Shave The Date: Movember 1 is a day to shave down and get excited about the hirsute month ahead. This year, to celebrate the coming of Movember, hundreds of San Diegans will gather together at Quality Social in the San Diego Gaslamp District for an event that will bare it all. With Koch’s shave-down taking center stage, San Diegans wishing to participate will have the opportunity to register and have their own faces shaved clean, courtesy of Floyd’s Barber Shop, who will be onsite to professionally shave attendees free of charge. The Shave the Date event is free to attend, and all ages are welcome.

WHEN:
Friday, November 1, 2013
5:30 to 7:30pm

WHERE:
Quality Social
789 6th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
www.qualitysocial.com