New Brews on the Horizon: A Journey through the Latest Releases
As we step into the warmer months, the world of craft beer is bursting with fresh and exciting releases, ready to tantalize our taste buds. With breweries innovating and experimenting, this season presents a fantastic opportunity to explore new flavor profiles and styles. From barrel-aged wonders to refreshing hazy ales, here’s a roundup of what’s brewing in the scene.
A variety of barrel-aged beers
Barrel-Aged Beauties from Felons Brewing Co
Leading the charge this summer is Felons Brewing Co, a brewery known for its adventurous spirit and commitment to quality. Their latest creations, Running Ashore and Wee Heavy, showcase the magic of barrel aging. Running Ashore is an 8.3% ABV oak-fermented saison, resting for nine months in Koerner Slavonian ex-Chardonnay barrels. It offers a delightful medley of fresh pear, delicate native flowers, and the sweetness of honeysuckle. This beer balances perfectly with its vanillin notes, making it a standout.
Meanwhile, Wee Heavy, clocking in at 9.2% ABV, is crafted with sturdy character as an oak-matured heavy ale. Its notes of rye whiskey, spiced fruits, and rich caramel create a hearty experience that’s perfect for cooler evenings.
Beerfarm’s Hazy Innovation
Next up, we have Hazy Pale, the latest from Beerfarm, aimed at hazy ale aficionados. This 4.6% ABV offering distinguishes itself from its predecessors, Royal Haze and Hazy Standard, by combining the brewery’s signature malt with the vibrant Clayton Riwaka hops from New Zealand.
Charlotte Freeston, the Innovation and New Product Development Manager, shares her excitement for this brew:
“This beer hits the juicy nail on the head with the bright NZ hop character really shining against the juicy US hops we know and love.”
The resulting flavors of exotic citrus and stone fruits meld seamlessly, making it the perfect session beer for summer gatherings.
Refreshing summer beers
Urban Alley Brewery Celebrates Tradition
Urban Alley Brewery has also dropped two exciting beers this month. The first is Ein Stein, a M\u00e4rzen Amber Lager crafted for Oktoberfest, which brings floral notes and a hint of medium-low bitterness at 5.2% ABV. It promises a nostalgic nod to festive celebrations with flavors of biscuit and sticky date.
On the other hand, Sirens Call, a hazy IPA, delights the senses with tropical fragrances. This six percent ABV beer combines Sabro Incognito, Talus Cryo hops, and a generous dose of Citra to create aromas of coconut and mango, ultimately delivering flavors of guava and grapefruit that elicit beachy vibes.
Gage Roads and the Balinese Escape
Further cementing the trend of unique collaborations, Gage Roads Brew Co has partnered with Bali-based Kura Kura Brewery to unveil the VayCay XPA. This light yet vibrant beer, sitting at 4.6% ABV, is a tropical explosion of flavors - ripe guava, mango, passionfruit, and lime balance with the complex notes of Sauv Blanc.
Head Brewer Ross Brown emphasizes the brewery’s aim with this limited release:
“We’ve put together a Balinese inspired medley of hops, bursting with ripe guava and tropical delights.”
Rogue Ales Unveils New IPA Sub-Style
Not to be outdone, Rogue Ales & Spirits have stepped up with the Pacific Northwest IPA. This latest addition to their core lineup takes the classic IPA and reimagines it with a tribute to the evergreen forests of Oregon. Brewed with Chinook, Simcoe, Strata, and the innovative 2B Experimental hops, this beer expertly balances tradition and innovation.
Master Brewer Joel Shields reflects on their commitment to pushing boundaries:
“We’re always looking for ways to innovate… pushing the IPA category forward while staying true to the flavors that define the Pacific Northwest.”
Exploring new IPA styles
Heaps Normal’s Light-hearted Approach
In keeping with summer vibes, Heaps Normal has introduced Third IPA into their core range. This West Coast-style IPA offers a refreshingly dry finish, curated to resonate with modern wellness culture while inviting light-hearted enjoyment. This is Heaps Normal’s first addition in over two years, and it encourages a playful perspective on drinking without sacrificing flavor.
Collaboration Brews from Three Tails Brewery
Finally, we’re thrilled about the creative collaboration coming from Three Tails Brewery, who has partnered with local producers Spencer Cocoa and Acreage Coffee to develop Mudgee Mochaccino, a stout that pays homage to regional craftsmanship.
This rich stout features an infusion of 10kg of cocoa nibs, 2kg of coffee grounds, and a stunning 125 double shots of coffee, steeped with grains for a robust character. It undoubtedly represents the specialty producers of Mudgee while delivering a full-bodied experience with depth and complexity.
Celebrating local producers
Conclusion
As we explore these new releases, the creative spirit of the craft beer world shines brightly. Each brewery tells a unique story through their beers, inviting us to embark on a taste journey that reflects their dedication, innovation, and passion. So, grab a glass, toast to summer, and dive headfirst into the delightful complexity of these freshly brewed offerings that are set to define the season.
