Go beerserk with Rabbit Hole's newest brew

Graphics for Shield Biter recall the rooks of the the Lewis chessmen - a set of game pieces
discovered on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland during the year 1836 (Rabbit Hole Brewing).

Are you ready to go beerserk? If so, then you'll want to reach for the latest offering from Rabbit Hole Brewing of Justin.

Shield Biter is a strong Scotch ale (otherwise known as a wee heavy) that's described as an animalistic 8% ABV brew, with notes of lightly-toasted bread and biscuity malt complimenting ruthlessly rich caramel and dark fruit flavors.

Signature Shield Biter glassware will be available while supplies last at
launch events occurring on Thursday, September 14 (Rabbit Hole Brewing).

According to a pre-release note, the inspiration for the beer is drawn from the Viking Age - a period that dates from the late 8th century to the mid-11th century in Northern European and Scandinavian history.

"Old Norse literature paints the picture of a Berserker, a near mythical warrior, as wild and fierce as an animal. So resilient, their skin was said to be able to resist fire and iron, and so savage, they are traditionally depicted as gnawing on their own shields!"

Look for Shield Biter to be available on tap for a limited time beginning Thursday, September 14. Launch parties are scheduled at a number of establishments on Thursday as well, with festivities set to occur at Dallas Craft Co. Keller, East Side Denton and LUCK.

Shannon's seasonal Honey Porter releases September 1

Images courtesy of Shannon Brewing Co.

After introducing the beer as its fall seasonal last year, Shannon Brewing Co. of Keller will release the 2016 edition of its Honey Porter on September 1.

Shannon Honey Porter was a draft-only release when it originally went to market in 2015, but this year will be the first time the beer is offered in cans. And while kegs of Shannon Honey Porter will be shipped to accounts throughout the Metroplex, six packs of 12-ounce cans will only be available at the brewery.

Shannon Honey Porter is brewed with Burleson's Pure Honey (Shannon Brewing Co.)

Built upon a Baltic porter base with Texas wildflower honey added during the brewing process, Shannon Honey Porter is designed "to have a complex blend of deep malt, dried fruit esters and a slightly higher ABV than traditional porters. The brewery's unique fire-brewed process accentuates the malt profile of the beer, which features a slight honey aroma without too much sweetness."

A launch party for Shannon Honey Porter will be held on Thursday, August 25 from 4-7 p.m., at Taverna Rossa in Southlake. After that, not only will the beer be on tap at the brewery's second anniversary party on Saturday, August 27 (click here to purchase tickets), it's slated to be one of the featured brews at the 2016 Southlake Oktoberfest, an event that will take place October 7-9 at Southlake Town Square.

Yessir, it's a new fall seasonal from Community

Image courtesy of Community Beer Co.

Community Beer Co. of Dallas has announced a new addition to its seasonal lineup in the form of Yessir!, a low alcohol pale ale that will join Ascension Coffee Porter in being a fall brewery offering.

Yessir! (5.2% ABV, 32 IBU) is brewed with Eureka and Lemondrop hops, a combination that is said to give the beer an earthy character, with notes of tropical fruit, lemon and mint.

"We are extremely excited to showcase two interesting new hop varieties in this brew, which has a unique depth of malt and a hop character not typically found in beers this low in ABV," said brewmaster Jamie Fulton. "It's positively the perfect cooler weather beer to enjoy as we say goodbye to the dog days of summer!"

According to a press release, Yessir! will be available from mid-August through November on draft and in six-packs of 12-ounce cans. The beer will be sold throughout Texas in all markets that currently receive shipments of the brewery's products.

Community will also celebrate the release of Yessir! on Saturday, September 17, via a unique software-based interactive walking tour of Dallas. More details on that and other launch events will be released in late August by way of the brewery's website and social media channels.

New fall seasonal from Grapevine supports local firefighters

Image credit: Grapevine Craft Brewery (click to enlarge).

Craft beer for a cause is something that's becoming more and more prevalent not only nationally, but also here in North Texas. As further evidence of that, Grapevine Craft Brewery is releasing a new fall seasonal in support of local firefighters with the accompanying label text, "Giving back to the Grapevine community is not just a part of our mission statement, it's a commitment."

Local 3113 Oktoberfest Style Lager is set to launch on draft and in cans with a portion of the proceeds from all sales going to the the Grapevine Fire Fighter's Association. Described as "bigger and bolder than the traditional märzen," the beer is said to have "deep maltiness backing a strong, but balanced hop character and a clean, dry finish. It's the perfect festbier to welcome the coming of fall."

According to a press release, Grapevine will unveil Local 3113 at a mini-Oktoberfest event to be held at the brewery's Taproom and Beer Garden on September 26. Running from noon to 3 p.m., the festivities will include live music and German fare provided by AJ's on Main. Fire trucks will be on site as well, with members of the Grapevine Fire Fighter's Association present to greet and thank the community for their support.