BEND, OR—Deschutes Brewery beers took center stage at two recent international awards programs –World Beer Awards and European Beer Star 2013, Europe’s largest beer competition. Most notably, the brewery’s new Deschutes River Ale was named the World’s Best Bitter and The Americas Best Bitter (in the up to 4 percent category). The Abyss, Deschutes Brewery’s barrel-aged imperial stout, took home a gold medal.

Brian Faivre brewmaster for Deschutes Brewery said, “Winning awards at both these competitions is a testament to the hard work our brewing team puts into every beer we produce. To be recognized at a national level against all the fantastic breweries out there is confirmation that our commitment to consistency, quality and pushing the envelope is working!”

At the European Beer Star 2013, competition was as tough as it has ever been: a total of 1,512 beers from 40 countries participated in the 2013 competition, an increase of 11% over the previous year. An expert committee evaluated the beers during an all-day blind taste held in the Doemens Brewing Academy in Gräfelfing. The Abyss took home the gold medal in the Imperial Stout category.

The World Beer Award program also selects winners for internationally recognized beer styles from around the world by blind-tasting hundreds of entries from nearly 40 countries. Awards were announced following four rounds of judging by an international, highly respected judging panel. The competition selects, awards, and promotes to consumers the best beers available internationally. A complete list of awards for Deschutes Brewery in 2013 includes:

World’s Best Rankings

• Deschutes River Ale – World’s Best Bitter (Up to 4%)
• The Dissident – World’s Best Label
• Obsidian Stout – World’s Best Stout

The Americas Best Rankings

• Deschutes River Ale – The America’s Best Bitter (Up to 4%)
• Obsidian Stout – The America’s Best Stout
• The Abyss – The America’s Silver
• The Dissident – The America’s Best Oud Bruin
• The Dissident – The America’s Best Label
• Hop Henge Experimental IPA – The America’s Silver.

About Deschutes Brewery
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Deschutes Brewery began as a brew pub in downtown Bend, Oregon and is known for such brands as Black Butte Porter, its flagship brew and the nation’s number one selling craft porter, and the popular Mirror Pond Pale Ale. In addition to its original Bend pub, this family and employee-owned brewery opened a second pub in Portland’s Pearl District in 2008. The company’s main brewing facility is located on the banks of the Deschutes River and produces over 250,000 barrels of beer annually for distribution in 21 states and two provinces. Deschutes Brewery was named one of America’s Best Places to Work in 2013 by Outside Magazine. To find out more, visit www.DeschutesBrewery.com

BEND, OR—Deschutes Brewery is coming to Nebraska! The Oregon-based brewery will be working with Johnson Brothers of Nebraska, part of Johnson Brothers Liquor Company which has been serving the greater region for 60 years.  To celebrate this new partnership, and the arrival of Deschutes in Nebraska, the brewery is launching with a series of special events in the Omaha and Lincoln areas.

A series of events are scheduled from October 15-18, as part of the launch.  It’s the perfect opportunity to try some combination of official Deschutes Brewery Nebraska launch beers, including award winners and style leaders Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter and Chainbreaker White IPA.  Making small talk with a brewer and other personalities from Deschutes Brewery is a terrific bonus.  This schedule follows below the signature events described below.  Please visit Deschutes Brewery’s events page for more information.

Don’t miss Woody either!  The giant, good-times-on-wheels mobile bar rolls his way around Nebraska during our launch week, complete with multiple delicious Deschutes Brewery beers, a stereo, and a disco ball. He is a natural gathering spot at any event for all thirsty individuals (and any misplaced members of your party). Follow Woody’s shenanigans on Twitter at @DBWoody or you can “friend” him at www.facebook.com/deschuteswoody.

Tuesday, October 15, noon-2pm

What: “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” Lunch

We will be making our own happy hour at Cunningham’s – right in the middle of the day! In fact, we can’t think of a better way to spend a Tuesday. Come meet the gang from Deschutes Brewery – here all the way from Oregon – and sampling beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Jubelale and Chainbreaker White IPA.

Location: Cunningham’s Pub & Grill, 10904 W. Dodge Road, Omaha, NE 68154

Tuesday, October 15, 4-6pm

What:  Deschutes Brewery Meet, Greet and Sample

Save your grocery shopping trip for Tuesday afternoon and come down to Whole Foods Market for the Deschutes Brewery meet, greet and sample. And when we say “sample” we mean some fantastic beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale,Black Butte Porter, Jubelale, Hop Trip, Chasin’ Freshies and Chainbreaker White IPA paired with foods from the Whole Foods Prepared Foods Department.

Where: Whole Foods, 10020 Regency Circle, Omaha, NE 68114

Tuesday, October 15, 4pm

What: Deschutes Brewery Official Nebraska Launch Party

Oh, the beers you will try at Beer Corner USA!

Crescent Moon’s Weekly Famous Pint Night, 4pm-close
You’ll get a pint glass with your purchase, plus discounted pints of Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter,Chainbreaker White IPA, Jubelale, Nitro Jubelale, Hop Trip, Armory XPA and something special and top secret!!

Beertopia, 4-6pm
Try a bunch of Deschutes beers – including year-round favorites and fresh hop seasonals, plus learn how to build your own Kegerator in a special demo from the folks at Johnson Brothers.

Woody’s Beer Garden, 4-10pm
Woody – Deschutes Brewery’s giant traveling beer barrel – will be present, sampling your new favorite array of beers. Come get your photo taken with this keg on wheels while sipping some craft beer from one of his many taps.

Where: Beer Corner USA, 3570 & 3578 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68131

Wednesday, October 16, noon-2pm

What: “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” Lunch

We will be making our own happy hour at Omaha Tap House– right in the middle of the day! In fact, we can’t think of a better way to spend a Wednesday. Come meet the gang from Deschutes Brewery – here all the way from Oregon – and sampling beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Jubelale and Chainbreaker White IPA.
Where: Omaha Tap House, 1403 Farnam Street, #136, Omaha, NE 68102

Wednesday, October 16, 4-6pm

What:  Deschutes Brewery Meet, Greet and Sample

Are you a craft beer fan? Here’s your chance to come chat with the folks from Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery while they’re in town celebrating their Nebraska launch. Try some fantastic beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Jubelale, Hop Trip, Chasin’ Freshies and Chainbreaker White IPA.

Where: HyVee-Stony Brook, 14591 Stony Brook Blvd., Omaha, NE 68137

Wednesday, October 16, 6:30-9:30pm

What: Deschutes Brewery’s Hats off to Homebrewers

Attention homebrewers and beer geeks…come share your love for craft with the fabulous staff from Nebraska Brewing Company and Deschutes Brewery. Chat with Nebraska Brewing Company’s Head Brewer Tyson Arp and Deschutes Brewer Ryan Schmiege.  Sip on an exclusive brew made just for the event, out of your commemorative snifter. Gather complimentary brewing supplies, including clone recipe booklets and bags of whole flower hops, to use in your next homebrew (supplies are limited).  Win a $100 gift certificate to the newly opened Patriot Homebrew Supply.  But that’s not all…

Enjoy three beer samples from each brewery, expertly paired with three gourmet tapas-style items from Chef Chad Waters of Nebraska Brewing Company.  Plus a full glass of an exclusive Hats Off To Homebrewers brew.  Mix in a “Stump the Brewmaster” Q &A session.  It all adds up to a can’t-miss-night! Check out the amazing pairing menu below…

• Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale and NBC Brunette Brown Ale
  Venison Sliders – Mirror Pond Kissed Pickled Onions, Brunette 7 Grain Mustard and Horseradish Aioli English Cheddar Cheese
• Deschutes Chainbreaker White IPA and NBC Beer formally known as Hop God
  Seafood Taco – Avocado Ranch, Mango Salsa, Cotija Cheese, Baby Arugula
• Deschutes Jubelale and NBC Apricot Saison
  Spiced Rubbed Ribeye “Carving Station” – Jubelale Shallot Marmalade, Apricot Au Poivre Saison Jus Rosemary Batard

Grab a fellow homebrewer or craft beer fan and join us for this amazing event!  Cheers!

Where: Nebraska Brewing Company, 7474 Towne Center Pkwy #101, Papillion NE 68046

Cost: The cost is $20 per person.  www.hatsoffne.eventbrite.com

Thursday, October 17, noon-2pm

What: “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” Lunch

We will be making our own happy hour at Leadbelly– right in the middle of the day! In fact, we can’t think of a better way to spend a Thursday. Come meet the gang from Deschutes Brewery – here all the way from Oregon – and sampling beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Jubelale and Chainbreaker White IPA.

Where: Leadbelly, 301 N 8^th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508

Thursday, October 17, 5-7pm

What:  Deschutes Brewery Meet, Greet and Sample

Are you a craft beer fan? Here’s your chance to come chat with the folks from Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery while they’re in town celebrating their Nebraska launch. Try some fantastic beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Jubelale, Hop Trip, Chasin’ Freshies and Chainbreaker White IPA. Beers will be perfectly paired with gourmet pizzas from Yia Yia’s. Get a photo with Woody, the brewery’s giant traveling beer barrel!

Where: Moran’s Liquor Works, 3400 A Street, Lincoln, NE 68510

Thursday, October 17, 6:45pm-10pm

What: Deschutes Brewery Bicycle Pub Crawl

It’s time to explore great craft beer all over Lincoln – by bicycle. Get your gang together and celebrate Deschutes Brewery beers on tap at some favorite watering holes and shops. There will be something deliciously different to try at each stop!

Where:

• Moran’s, 3400 A St, Lincoln, NE 68510  (meet around 6:45ish)
• Cycle Works, 720 N 27th St., Lincoln, NE 68503 (arrive around 7ish)
• Dempsey’s Burger Pub - 228 North 12 Street, Lincoln, NE 68508 (arrive around 8ish)
• Doc’s Place, 140 N 8th St., Lincoln, NE 68508 (arrive around 9ish)
• Yia Yia’s, 1423 O St., Lincoln, NE 68508 (last stop! 10ish)

Friday, October 18, 5-7pm

What:  Deschutes Brewery Meet, Greet and Sample

Are you a craft beer fan? Here’s your chance to come chat with the folks from Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery while they’re in town celebrating their Nebraska launch. Try some fantastic beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Jubelale, Hop Trip, Chasin’ Freshies, Chainbreaker White IPA and something very special! Beers will be perfectly paired with fare from Greta’s Gourmet Cuisine.

Where: The Still, 6820 S 70^th Street, Lincoln, NE 68516

Friday, October 18, 7-10pm

What:  Deschutes Brewery Flight Night

Friday is flight night! Take off with tapas style plates, each paired perfectly with Deschutes Brewery beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Chainbreaker White IPA, Jubelale and Black Butte Porter. If that doesn’t make you fly on down here, then you will when you hear what foods inspired the small plates (hint, bacon).

Where: Single Barrel, 130 North 10^th Street, Lincoln, NE, 68508

BOULDER, CO—Vying for attention in the international arena, 23 American craft breweries, all members of the Brewers Association’s Export Development Program, won 36 awards in 22 different categories at European Beer Star, one of the most respected and recognized beer competitions in the world. The honorees were announced on September 18 at drinktec in Munich, Germany.

The competition is limited to 51 judging categories with consideration given to types of beer which have their origins in Europe. Over 1,500 beers from 40 different countries were evaluated by 102 beer and brewery expert judges. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded in every category and given for authentic, distinctive beers of impressive taste and quality that best fulfill the criteria of the particular style.

American craft breweries that received gold medal honors included:

“At Deschutes Brewery, we have been participating in the European Beer Star competition for several years, with success.  When we began our brewery, over 25 years ago, our model was a European one where American beer would return to its roots in Britain and continental Europe.  To be able to compete successfully in such a prestigious event as the European Beer Star is validation that our efforts have been worth it,” said Gary Fish, president, Deschutes Brewery. “Our efforts to export beer to Europe are still in their infancy.  However, we know, through the European Beer Star and the Brewers Association Export Development program, our opportunities for success are far greater than if we attempted to develop a new market, sophisticated in beer, on our own it would be incredibly difficult.”

“What an amazing honor to receive our fourth European Beer Star Award for our Left Hand Milk Stout,” said Eric Wallace, president, Left Hand Brewing Company. “We are incredibly proud to produce such a widely acclaimed sweet stout both in the United States and in the European Union. We hold the European Beer Star competition in high regard and it is very rewarding to be recognized on the international stage for our efforts.”

“As demand for products from small and independent craft brewers continues to grow in America, we are seeing the same things in many markets around the world.  Consumers are looking for unique and distinctive products,” said Bob Pease, chief operating officer, Brewers Association. “We’re thrilled to see that the international community is simultaneously responding to the ingenuity of American craft brewers as they continue to produce innovative, flavorful, unique and high-quality beers.”

Exports of American craft beer have maintained tremendous growth over the past several years. The Brewers Association’s Export Development Program reported record exports of American craft beer in 2012, with American craft beer export volume increasing by 72 percent with an estimated value of $49.1 million. Total American craft beer exports have increased by over 500 percent since 2007.

For more information about the European Beer Star Awards and a complete list of the 2013 American craft brewery winners, visit the European Beer Star website. Learn more about the Export Development Program on the Brewers Association website.

BEND, OR—Deschutes Brewery is taking full advantage of its close proximity to some of the world’s leading whole flower hops this season, releasing two fresh hop beers later this month. Hop Trip, now in its ninth year of bottling, is full of freshly harvested Crystal hops that travel from the fields at Oregon’s Sodbuster Farms and into the brew kettle – all in a matter of hours. Chasin’ Freshies, in its second year in the Bond Street Series, uses Gamache Farms’ famed fresh Amarillo hops for this year’s vintage.

Cam O’Connor, brewmaster at Deschutes Brewery, said, “Fresh hop season is one of my favorite times of the year. The number of different beers that are made with fresh hops gives people an unlimited selection to choose from. All the amazing flavors and aromas that permeate from fresh hop beers are really exciting for me. I feel like a kid in a candy store sometimes during this season.”

The highly celebrated Hop Trip has been enjoyed by Deschutes Brewery fans for nearly a decade and is once again offered in 12-ounce bottle 6-packs as part of the Bond Street Series lineup. Why the longevity for this particular brew? Not only does it taste fantastic, but there’s a great story. The brewery team rushes over to the Willamette Valley each year to pick, bag and load up fresh whole flower hops. They quickly return to Bend, Oregon and dump these freshly harvested jewels into the brew kettle. The result? A perfect pale ale with a uniquely citrus punch and fall spice flavor. 5.5% Alcohol by Volume (ABV); 38 IBUs

Chasin’ Freshies, dubbed after the ski town pastime of chasing fresh powder on the slopes, hit the scene last year with some well-carved turns. Rather than the heirloom Cascade hops of the 2012 version, the brewers changed things up for 2013 and feature the fresh and bold Amarillo hops in this IPA. Fresh hop beer lovers will appreciate the bold, juicy aroma and flavor that comes but once a year. 7.2% Alcohol by Volume (ABV); 65 IBUs

Both beers will be available in most of the 22 states where Deschutes Brewery beers are sold, starting in October.

About Deschutes Brewery

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Deschutes Brewery began as a brew pub in downtown Bend, Oregon and is known for such brands as Black Butte Porter, its flagship brew and the nation’s number one selling craft porter, and the popular Mirror Pond Pale Ale. In addition to its original Bend pub, this family and employee-owned brewery opened a second pub in Portland’s Pearl District in 2008. The company’s main brewing facility is located on the banks of the Deschutes River and produces over 250,000 barrels of beer annually for distribution in 21 states and two provinces. Deschutes Brewery was named one of America’s Best Places to Work in 2013 by Outside Magazine. To find out more, visit www.DeschutesBrewery.com

BEND, OR—When the crispness of fall starts to fill the air, Jubelale from Deschutes Brewery starts to show up on shelves and tap handles. Dark and malty, layered flavors unwrap to reveal chicory and earth notes and a hoppy kick to finish. Each year, a different local artist creates an original piece of work to grace the label and packaging of Jubelale. For 2013, Bend, Oregon artist Avlis Leumas created a mysterious owl perched along a wintery Deschutes River.

“It’s an incredible honor to join the ranks of a group of artists I have admired for so many years. The great thing about creating Jubelale art is that, because each piece is so uniquely brilliant and diverse from the next, the only thing you have to do is be yourself,” said Leumas. “My goal with this piece, which is titled ‘Lost in the Loud’, was to create balance with opposites: as serene and quiet as the piece is, there is movement and activity everywhere.”

At the time that Leumas created the piece, there was an owl living in Farewell Bend Park along the river in Bend who had become a bit of a local celebrity through social media and photographs. Leumas wanted to tell the story of the owl by loading the artwork with landmarks, while weaving in history and metaphor. He wanted people to look at the label and get lost in the story, just like they get lost in the complex flavors of Jubelale each fall and winter.

This year marks the 26^th bottling of Jubelale, the first brew that Deschutes Brewery ever bottled. For 19 of those years, a different local or regional artist has been chosen to create original artwork for the label. This “winter warmer” is a well-balanced favorite for the holiday season. Jubelale will be available in all 21 states where Deschutes Brewery beer is sold, starting in September. 6.7% Alcohol by Volume (ABV); 60 IBUs; 12-ounce bottles and draft.

BEND, OR—Today is Deschutes Brewery’s silver anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than with the long-awaited announcement that their beers will now be available year-round in the greater Philadelphia area? For the past four years, the Oregon brewery has fulfilled the thirst of Philly beer fanatics during one spectacular week, Philly Beer Week. Now, the brewery will be shipping beers all year to the six-county area served by Muller, Inc. Fans there will be now be able to enjoy Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, and Chainbreaker White IPA on draft and in bottles. As a special treat, Philadelphia will be getting bottles of the brand-new Fresh Squeezed IPA, part of the brewery’s experimental Bond Street Series, plus bottles of Deschutes River Ale and Inversion IPA.

John Houck, vice president of sales for Muller, Inc. said, “The Philadelphia craft consumer today has extremely sophisticated taste buds and demands the best brews in the world. We couldn’t be more proud and honored to represent Deschutes Brewery and bring these world class brews to the best beer city in the USA!”

Deschutes Brewery began in 1988 as a brew pub in downtown Bend, Oregon – launching with and building a reputation around Black Butte Porter at a time when dark beer was not popular. This beer went on to become the number one selling craft porter in the United States despite only being available in a limited amount of states. It is in this spirit of experimentation and risk-taking that Deschutes Brewery has continued to grow, and it is now ranked as the fifth largest craft brewery in the nation.

With this new launch, fans living in the greater Philadelphia area will not only have ready access to Black Butte Porter, but also to Mirror Pond Pale Ale, the quintessential, deftly balanced pale ale. In addition, the number one selling new craft brand in 2012 is coming: the hop-forward, citrus-packed, unmistakably smooth Chainbreaker White IPA. So popular in the brewery’s Oregon brewpubs that it made its way into bottles, the new Fresh Squeezed IPA is mouthwateringly delicious. Available only in bottles prior to this launch, these beers, along with some other popular and hard-to-find brews from Deschutes Brewery’s portfolio, will now also be available in draft.

“Philadelphia is a craft savvy market that gives us a perfect launch pad for our first distribution area on the east coast,” said Michael LaLonde, president of Deschutes Brewery. “We’re excited to be working with Muller on a full-time basis and being able to fill the demand that the past years of participating in Philly Beer Week have created for our beers.”

The gang from Deschutes Brewery, including a brewer, will be celebrating the launch with a week-long series of tastings and events in and around Philadelphia in early November. Look for more details in late summer.

Bend, OR

Style: Golden

ABV: 4

Staff Review: Clean and refreshing, gold in color with a herbal, fruit nose. A very mild beer, very sessionable. Tastes of honey and toasty maltiness, the hops are not running the show on this beer, although they do have a lot of fruitiness. While we were expecting a lot more citrus fruit, we are getting more pitted fruit on this. With a very comfortable finish, this beer has a lot of personality at 4% ABV.

Conflux No. 2, the offering from Deschutes, pours with a thick, white head. Spicy notes of coriander  and banana bread. A bubblegum-meets-pine mouthfeel followed by a buttery, dry finish. The hops tend to hold prominence making this beer more IPA than wit. This limited release beer comes packaged in 22 oz bottles and is available in 17 states (in kegs as well).

Collaboration No. 2 is the offering from Boulevard Brewing and pours with a bigger, yet quickly dissipating, head. A prickly entry with earthy, spicy notes. A more traditionally balanced wit beer with a very clean, crisp finish. Ironically, these beers have very different flavor profiles despite the fact they are essentially the same recipe. This beer comes caged-and-corked in 750 ml bottles (and kegs) and distributed throughout the brewery’s 20-state region.

Both beers do one thing: They highlight the flagship style of their brewers. Boulevard’s showcases their yeasty, bottle fermented style while Deschutes’ embraces the hoppy backbone their beers have come to be known for in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.