Newbies – New Releases That You Want to Look Out For

American Craft Beer|June 9th, 2015|

So many beers- So little time…When is a Pale Ale not that at all? We’ll take on that complex craft beer conundrum for you – plus we’ll get into some new releases from Ballast Point and Lagunitas that sound exceptionally serious!

Hypersonic Drive (Healdsburg, CA) – Bear Republic has a hefty seasonal that’s come out recently and we’ve been meaning to get to. Bear Republic Mach 10 is a 9.2% ABV IPA hybrid that’s massively hopped but tethered to a pronounced and unapologetic European malt backbone. This one came out in late May and it’s out there now (but it won’t be for long) – so you know what to do.

Citrusinensis (Petaluma, CA / Chicago, IL) –Lagunitas has a newbie joining their 2015 OneHitter Series. Lagunitas Citrusinensis Pale Ale is a limited edition ale that was brewed with fresh Sanguinello blood oranges, that they concentrated in to juice (without heat), and added it to a “wheatier” version of Lagunitas New Dogtown Pale Ale. If there’s a current ABV on this title the brewery has yet to give it up.

When is a Pale Ale Not a Pale Ale? (San Diego, CA) – Ballast Point has a year-round we crave every summer that’s not quite what says it is – but we don’t care because it’s delicious. Ballast Point Pale Ale is actually a 5% ABV Kölsch, closer to a Pilsner in style, and brewed true to the Cologne, Germany tradition. Go figure…

#10 / #10 / #10 (Houston, TX) – The latest from Saint Arnold’s popular barrel-aged beer series started rolling out yesterday – so you’ve been warned. Bishop Barrel #10 is a massive 12.7% ABV ale that starts with a Barleywine that they brewed for their 20th Anniversary that’s been aging in Woodford Reserve barrels for nearly a year. Like we said – you’ve been warned.

White Is Right (Baltimore, MD) – Heavy Seas Beer has a new seasonal coming out in July that we’re psyched about. Heavy Seas Riptide is a big 7.25% ABV White IPA that’s brewed with a malt body similar to a Belgian-style Wit and then amped up like an American IPA using Czech Saaz, French Strisselspalt, and Cascade hops.