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We blame the industry for this… It used to be that when we wrapped up our Weekend Picks on Friday, we could coast through the weekend. There was little need to check in for updates – things were pretty much done. But clearly all that’s changed. So here’s some of what’s happened in the world of craft beer while you were enjoying your weekend.
Wynkoop’s Bull Testicle Stout Unleashed! (Denver, CO) – Normally we’d hold something like this for our regular Newbies column – but when a brewery makes a move as ballsy as this, it demands immediate attention. In a move that does not want for cojones, Wynkoop Brewing Company has just released ahand-canned version of its world-famous Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout. “This is another seminal moment in our 25 years of small-batch liquid art,” says Wynkoop’s Marty Jones.The new hand-canned version of “Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout” will be sold in unique two-packs of labeled 12-ounce cans. “We’re certain that this is the ballsiest canned beer in the world,” Jones adds, “and we believe it’s also the nation’s first two-pack of cans.”
Beer City Updates (Asheville, NC) – It’s been a while since Asheville officially became the East Coast’s “center of the craft beer universe” and all of the new breweries coming to town are making all kinds of announcements and pronouncements. It’s all about speed at Sierra Nevada’s future facility and according to their blog, their new brewery will feature state-of-the-art technology and be able to fill nearly 1,000 bottles per minute. New Belgium Brewing is all about their East Coast digs as well. They expect to officially break ground in Asheville at the end of this year and are planning on brewing 50,000-75,000 barrels of beer their first year, according to reports from our friends at beerpulse.
And It Pairs So Well With Porridge (Munlochy, Scotland) – “A controversial beer is brewing up a storm for targeting morning drinkers. Campaigners fear the Cold Turkey Breakfast Beer produced by the Black Isle Brewery will encourage alcoholism.” Alistair Munro, reporting for the Scotsman.com, writes that the brewery owner, David Gladwin, is defending his 2.8% ABV Cold Turkey, saying that it was “”designed for people who appreciate what they are drinking” and that it was the “polar opposite” to the type of alcohol commonly associated with drinking problems. He added: “If, like me, you are up very early in the morning and you fancy a low alcohol beer with your eggs and ham, I don’t see a problem with that.”
Go West Young Man! (Dover, DE) -Dominion Brewing has begun the process of distributing to the states of Ohio and Michigan. At the beginning of March, Dominion brands Oak Barrel Stout, Hop Mountain, Double D IPA, and Morning Glory Espresso Stout will officially enter the two states. Additionally, seasonal brews will be made available throughout the year. The brewery has selected Premium Beverage Supply in Ohio and Rave Associates in Michigan to represent their brand. Release parties are planned in both states and the new ventures will be featured in a blog on OldDominion.com
Delaware Legislators Threaten To Do The Right Thing! (Wilmington, DE) – In a shocking departure from form, Delaware lawmakers have introduced legislation that might actually benefit the state’s populace as well as its craft brewers. According to DelawareOnline, House Bill 31 will “allow liquor stores to fill and sell growlers on their premises.”
