Newbies – New Releases That You Want to Look Out For

American Craft Beer|February 2nd, 2015|

So many beers, So little time… When a brewery releases a new spring seasonal in the frigid depths of January – it had better be good – and this one weathers any controversy. We’ll have more on that – plus we’ve some interesting new releases from DuClaw and Oskar Blues that you’ll want to check out.

The IRA Resurfaces In The Pacific Northwest (Eugene, OR) – No not that IRA, we’re talking about Ninkasi’s newest year-round offering. Ninkasi Dawn of the Red is a 7% ABV India Red Ale that’s bursting with tropical notes and tethered to a deep amber malt backbone. Look for “The Red” to begin rolling out around February 15th.

A Valentine’s Day Play (Baltimore, MD) – With Valentine’s Day soon upon us (It’s on February 14th guys, so don’t blow it again this year), DuClaw Brewing has a new seasonal that you can celebrate it with. DuClaw Naked Fish is a 4.6% ABV medium-bodied Stout brewed with Chocolate Raspberry Coffee that pours midnight black and is never too filling.

Wishful Drinking (Lakewood, NY) – Southern Tier appears to have gone to Helles lately and their newest release is a perfect example. Southern Tier Where the Helles Summer? is their 4.6% ABV Helles Lager that’s brewed for an eventual thaw. Winter be damned – this spring seasonal was optimistically released in late January in yet another example of “Wishful Drinking.”

A Brewhouse Rarity Arrives (Frederick, MD) – Flying Dog has just rolled out the first Brewhouse Rarities release for 2015 and it sounds hot! Brewhouse Rarities Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout is a 5.7% ABV combination of sweet spice and roasted flavors with a lingering chili finish. This limited edition “hottie” is out there now – but it won’t be forever – so you know what to do.

Cincy 3-Way (Cincinnati, OH) – Oskar Blues will be releasing a special draft-only collaboration with Blank Slate Brewing Company of Cincinnati, that will debut at the Oskar Blues booth at the Cincy Winter Beer Fest on February 13th & 14th. Cincy 3-Way Porter is a big 7% ABV ale that was brewed to pair brilliantly with the city’s famous Cincinnati chili. The beer will also be on draft at bars and restaurants throughout the city and at special Cincinnati Beer Week events.