Rahr & Sons to celebrate Springfest with new year-round beer

Image courtesy of Rahr & Sons Brewing Co.

National Beer Day is celebrated on April 7, but locals can get a head start with Rahr & Sons by attending the Fort Worth brewery's upcoming Texas Light Springfest Social Run/Walk benefiting Rahr to the Rescue.

Kicking off on Saturday, April 5 at 8 a.m., Springfest is being billed as the "lighter, brighter cousin of Oktoberfest, packed with all the deliciousness you love from Rahr." Tickets for Springfest are $30 per person, with participants getting a spot in the 3-ish mile run/walk, bottled water, a custom Texas Light pint glass, three draft beers and breakfast.

As for Texas Light (3.5% ABV), it's a new beer described as a light, crisp refresher that's "guaranteed to add a bounce to your step" with only 3.6 carbs and 86 calories. Up to now it's been a draft only taproom exclusive, but Texas Light is coming soon to retail with availability in six-packs of 12-ounce cans.

For more information or to purchase Springfest tickets, visit https://rahroktoberfest5k.com/social-runs. Also note that canine companions are welcome to run/walk alongside their humans.

Lakewood saddles up Pony Pils, a new SMU-inspired brew

Image credit: Lakewood Brewing Co.

Lakewood Brewing Co. of Garland has released a new beer inspired by the alma matter of Wim Bens, founder and president of the brewery. Bens graduated from Southern Methodist University of Dallas (a.k.a. SMU) in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in advertising.

As for the beer, Pony Pils is an America golden lager being billed as "The Beer of Mustang Nation." With an ABV of 4.5%, Pony Pils is "designed for a fun tailgate and game-day experience."

“I’ve been wanting to do a Pony beer for years, and I think that craft beer fans are ready to embrace the crispy bois (beer lingo for light and crisp craft lagers),” says Bens. “As a Mustang, I can’t wait to be on the boulevard on game day with a Pony Pils in hand.”

Pony Pils will also support Lakewood's first scholarship offering, with $1 from every case purchase going to the LBC Future Brewer STEM Scholarship. This initiative strives to "inspire the passions of the next generation of craft brewers.”

Regarding availability, Pony Pils is being delivered to limited draft accounts in July, with cans set to hit shelves in August. The goal, of course, is to hand-off Pony Pils to SMU fans in time for opening day on the gridiron, when the Mustangs meet Louisiana Tech at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on Saturday, September 2.

Take note, though, that while Pony Pils is being launched to kick-off football season, the beer will be available year-round.

Revolver adds new Blood to year-round lineup

Blood brothers in beer: Blood & Honey and Blood & Honey Light from Revolver (Photo © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D).

Counted among the many North Texas breweries celebrating 10-year anniversaries of late is Revolver Brewing of Granbury. Debuting in October 2012, the company has gone on to become one the area's largest production operations, rolling out in the neighborhood of 30,000 barrels of beer 2022 (combined numbers, according to the Brewers Association, including the Revolver Brewhouse satellite in Arlington).

And yes, the brewery was acquired by MillerCoors in 2016. Despite what some may think of that, Revolver can also boast to having the top-selling locally-made craft beer in its portfolio. The company's flagship, Blood & Honey, has been a staple of Revolver's lineup since day one, making it one of the few North Texas beers to remain in continuous production for the last decade.

Now, popularity aside, where and when to drink Blood & Honey is a pertinent question. The beer's 7.0% ABV might be a bit much for lakeside loungers basking in the heat of a typical Texas summer day. Recognizing this, Revolver recently launched Blood & Honey Light, a year-round beer made with the same ingredients (blood orange peel, local honey and spices), but with a lower ABV of only 4.5%.

So, how does Blood & Honey compare with its slimmed-down sibling?

Sipping the two beers side-by-side, Blood & Honey Light is breadier, while the original is, well...bloodier. The honey and spice character is less upfront in the Light version, allowing the beer's bready base (malted two-row barley and wheat) to show a bit more. Conversely, Blood & Honey presents with fuller flavors, as it highlights the interplay of sweet honey notes offset by a more noticeable bitter orange peel element.

Blood & Honey is also heavier on the palate, though that and the above comparison just shines a spotlight on Blood & Honey Light's reason to be in the first place. The new beer offers an easier-drinking alternative with enhanced refreshment, all the while not sacrificing the flavors that built the Blood & Honey fanbase.

Look for Blood & Honey in six-packs of 12-ounce cans and bottles wherever Revolver beers are sold. Consumers can also pick up a Blood & Honey 50/50 mix-pack, featuring six cans each of Blood & Honey and Blood & Honey Light.

A ten-year toast to the Temptress

Image credit: Lakewood Brewing Co.

Fresh off the celebration of its tenth anniversary, Lakewood Brewing Co. of Garland is now a member of a select group. The company is one of only eight active breweries (more will join the list in 2023) to reach what is historically a rare milestone. Since 1857, the year the first known brewery was making beer in North Texas, less than 10% of those who opened have made it to the ten-year mark.

My introduction to Lakewood came when I met founder Wim Bens at a beer festival in early 2011. This was more than a year before the brewery made its debut in August 2012. Bens mentioned he was seeking feedback on test batches for styles being considered for Lakewood's opening day lineup. Subsequent meetings at Homebrew Headquarters followed, which led to my first taste of Temptress Imperial Milk Stout in June 2011.

Temptress was one of two stout recipes in the running, the other being a beer called King Henry. They originated from a split batch, Temptress finished with a London ale yeast prior to being sweetened with lactose and vanilla post-fermentation. King Henry, on the other hand, was unsweetened and fermented with a Belgian yeast.

Based on early returns, Bens would say, "We're leaning towards the Temptress."

Now 11 years later, Temptress has been a staple of Lakewood's portfolio since day one. And, according to sales director Kyle Jordan, it's the #1 selling craft stout in Texas (based on recent IRI data). Retail shipments of the beer total just under 23,000 cases per year, on average (draft sales are not included in this number).

Temptress itself is a rare breed as well, being one of only a handful of North Texas beers to be in continuous production for 10 years or more. Such longevity is impressive, considering how breweries must now operate in a market where consumers demand fresh, new releases on a daily basis.

Of course, it helps that Lakewood has kept things interesting for the whole of the last decade. Temptress has spawned over 10 different commercial varieties (not counting taproom one-offs), the best-selling versions since 2016 being Peanut Butter Temptress and French Quarter Temptress, in that order. It also forms the basis of one of the area's most sought-after barrel-aged beers, Bourbon Barrel Temptress.

Oh, and let's not forget the baked goods. Wackym's Kitchen, a locally-owned and operated bakery, took the beer and turned it into a confection, launching The Temptress cookies in May 2019.

Looking back over my notes from that initial tasting in 2011, I expressed the opinion that milk/sweet stouts were an under-represented style. At the time, this was certainly true since the only other one around was Left Hand Milk Stout -  an iconic representation of the style on the national level.

Well, after ten years of tempting local craft beer drinkers with its chocolatey goodness, I think it's fair to say Temptress is on its way to being recognized in a similar manner. That is, as one of the iconic beers of North Texas.

Big D rotator now regular offering at Lakewood

The beer’s label features the "Big D Robot," a nod to Dallas' iconic Traveling Man
taking Big Tex and the Fair Park ferris wheel for a stroll (Lakewood Brewing Co.)

Lakewood Brewing Co. of Garland has announced the release of Big D Double IPA, a permanent iteration of its popular rotating IPA series of 2021 that effectively served as a testing ground for this new year-round offering.

“Last year’s Big D series was a lot of fun for us and a way to experiment with what makes great IPAs,” says Wim Bens, president and founder of Lakewood. “The IPA landscape is always changing, but we think that balance is key to making an IPA that people want to keep coming back to. So, we created a wonderful balance of strength, hoppiness, flavor and aroma.”

According to a press release, Lakewood used copious amounts of a unique blend of hops, imparting big West Coast IPA hop character with a punch of tropical aroma. The resulting notes of orange, peach, and mango are said to ride a wave of balanced bitterness to create a surprisingly drinkable 8% ABV double IPA.

The beer is one of many new and limited releases to come from Lakewood, as the brewery celebrates its 10th year in business during 2022.

“I might be biased, but this is the best IPA we’ve come out with so far and it’s a perfect way to start celebrating our 10 years in beer!" adds Bens. "We have a lot us surprises in store for this year. I can’t wait!”

Big-D Double IPA is available now on draft and in six-packs of 12-ounce cans at the Lakewood taproom, with statewide distribution rolling out in the days ahead.

Tangerine Queen now reigning year-round at Lakewood

Image courtesy of Lakewood Brewing Co.

Lakewood Brewing Co. of Garland has announced the elevation of Tangerine Queen, an American wheat beer with orange peel and tangerine, to year-round status. This news coming fresh off the beer's debut as a new citrusy spring seasonal just last year.

“Since citrus are winter fruits, we decided to release Tangerine Queen at the peak harvest season,” says Wim Bens, president and founder of Lakewood. “Tangerine Queen was a huge hit for us last year, so we decided to make it a year-round offering. It’s just such an easy drinking beer with tangerine aroma up front, sweet citrus in the middle, and a soft finish. Perfect for any day of the year.”

To be available on tap and in six-packs of 12-ounce cans, a fresh batch of Tangerine Queen will begin appearing on shelves across Texas next month.

As for a seasonal replacement, word has it Lakewood has another Queen in the works for the coming spring.

Ten years in, this Hammer still hits

Image credit: Peticolas Brewing Co.

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the first time I drank Velvet Hammer.

How is this possible you ask? I mean, Peticolas Brewing Co. didn't go into production until December 2011. Well, let's just say the beginnings of a blog and the beginnings of a brewery came together around this time 10 years ago.

In fact, the coming together came to be in the parking of the Bavarian Grill in Plano. There was a meeting, and there was a beer...the latter delivered by way of the trunk of Michael Peticolas' car.

At the time, the Hammer didn't have a name. It was a test batch to gather feedback from anyone willing to meet Peticolas for an impromptu beer share. Of course, the test batch evolved into a debut offering that dared to defy convention. Rather than follow the standard blonde ale and IPA playbook, Peticolas had the idea of opening with something a wee bit bolder. Enter the Hammer, an imperial red ale with an ABV of 9%.

The beer was poured publicly for the first time on January 24, 2012 at the Meddlesome Moth. Before long, the band Shotgun Friday had written a song about the beer. The tune was played at the brewery's first anniversary bash - an event, incidentally, which featured a somewhat unusual wedding. You see, what happened was...a cheesemonger married a beer.

But I digress...

I bring this all up for a couple of reasons. For one thing, it recalls great memories dating back to before the local craft beer boom got started. There's more to it, though, when you consider a certain significance.

Not many North Texas beers have stood the test of time for 10 years. Like it or not, today's market operates with a one-and-done type mentality. If you like a new beer nowadays, you better get it while you can, because the NEXT new thing is right around the corner.

Yet, here we are 10 years later, still drinking Velvet Hammer. It's been like the trusty tool you always reach for, which makes for the perfect analogy, given the beer's name and its status as a sturdy and reliable brew.

So, what am I getting at?

Take the quality, consistency and longevity and add this - I believe it's fair to say Velvet Hammer fits the definition of being "widely known and acknowledged especially for distinctive excellence." Those aren't my words in quotes, they're Webster's.

And, maybe I'm wrong, but I think that means it's iconic.

Lakewood introduces new lippy libation

Image courtesy of Lakewood Brewing Co.

Lakewood Brewing Co. of Garland is adding a little sass to its year-round lineup.

Please 'N Thank You is a hop-forward West Coast-style pale ale brewed with Amarillo, Cascade and Mosaic hops. According to a press release, the beer starts with a very nice hop aroma and finishes with a bright and assertive hoppiness leaving you thirsting for more.

“Growing up in the south, we can sometimes get a little sassy - but only in the most polite way” says Lakewood founder Wim Bens with a wink. “Ending any sentence with 'please and thank you' is right up there with 'bless your heart' when it comes to southern passive sassiness. And this beer doesn’t make any excuses.”

Look for Please 'N Thank you on draft and in six-packs of 12-ounce cans at craft beer-friendly locations throughout Texas, as well as at the Lakewood Taproom.

Deep Ellum adds DTX to year-round lineup

Image courtesy of Deep Ellum Brewing Co.

Deep Ellum Brewing Company has announced the release of DTX Golden Ale, a new offering that will replace Deep Ellum Lager in the brewery's year-round lineup. Described as crisp, light and refreshing, DTX Golden Ale (4.8% ABV, 15 IBUs) is named in tribute to the company’s hometown of Dallas, Texas.

“DTX is a refreshing take on a golden ale,” says Deep Ellum’s Innovation Brewer, Brian Morris. “Simplicity, balance and approachability were driving factors for designing this beer. DTX hosts a beautiful interplay of pilsner malt and delicate hop character.”

According to a press release, DTX Golden Ale is seen as a foil to the to the brewery’s well-known Dallas Blonde, which pokes fun at the city’s stereotypes - a joke rooted in affinity for the place.

"Deep Ellum believes that there is nothing better than a hometown brew: it’s the happy hour go-to, the one that makes you proud of where you live, the one that you consider getting inked at least twice, it’s at every house party and all of your out-of-town friends crave it. Thus, DTX Golden Ale is a taste of Dallas - a celebration of the city’s arts scene, music, colors and flavors, because it’s a great place to visit and an even better place to be from."

Look for DTX Golden Ale to appear on tap at select locations, with six-packs of 12-ounce cans coming soon. Consumers can also find DTX Golden Ale at the original Deep Ellum Dallas Taproom or the Funkytown Fermatorium in Fort Worth.

Shannon adding new pilsner to its portfolio

Image courtesy of
Shannon Brewing Co.

Shannon Brewing Co. of Keller has announced a new addition to its year-round lineup in the form of Pussy Willow Pilsner (5.9% ABV, 25 IBU), a beer named for the blooming tree representing luck, good fortune, and prosperity - three things those behind the brewery think everyone can use.

Said to be "perfectly balanced with a subtle malt backbone and a light hop flavor," Pussy Willow Pilsner is brewed with Pilsen, Vienna and Munich malts, along with a blend of Tettnang and Saaz hop varieties. The beer is then lagered for over 40 days to create what the company describes as a "very approachable pilsner."

A launch party for Pussy Willow Pilsner will be held at the brewery on Friday, March 23. After that, pending label approval, Pussy Willow Pilsner will be available on draft and in six-packs of 12-ounce cans throughout Shannon's distribution footprint.

Lakewood enters the American IPA fray

Image courtesy of Lakewood Brewing Co.

After years of brewing other variations on the style (namely a Belgian IPA, a session IPA and a black India pale lager), Lakewood Brewing Co. has released its first American-style IPA.

Lakewood IPA (7% ABV, 50 IBU) is brewed with a mix of Mosaic, Citra, Mandarina, and Bravo hops. That combination adds notes of papaya, tangerine and grapefruit to a beer the brewery says is a great choice for seasoned hop heads and those who may be new to the style.

"We’re excited to finally release an American IPA, a style many fans have been asking for,” says Wim Bens, founder and president of Lakewood. “It’s bittersweet (no pun intended), as this beer is replacing our retired IPAs – Hop Trapp and Hopochondria.”

A launch party for Lakewood IPA is scheduled for Friday, March 9, at Happiest Hour in Dallas. The evening will feature happy hour pricing on all Lakewood beers from 4-8 p.m., with swag and glassware giveaways to go on while supplies last.

As for when and where you can get it outside of the event, Lakewood IPA is available now in North Texas, both on tap and in six-packs of 12-ounce cans. Shipments to other markets will follow in the coming weeks.

Additional launch events are also in the works, with details on those to be revealed on the brewery's social media channels.

Rahr & Sons readies new year-round offerings, moving Midnight Cab to cans

 Image credit: Rahr & Sons Brewing Co.

Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. of Fort Worth has announced additional details related to the release of three beers appearing on its 2018 production calendar.

The first of these is Adiós Pantalones, a beer brewed with lemon and lime that Rahr & Sons is billing as a Cerveza de Sesión (session ale). One of two new entries into the brewery's year-round lineup, Adios Pantalones is described as a refreshing, light-bodied beer that can be enjoyed with just about anything.

Also set to join Rahr & Son's regular rotation is Paleta de Mango, a mango and lime beer crafted with Mexican pequin chiles. Originally brewed as a collaboration with Casa Cervecera Morenos of Mexico, it was created for the Cerveza México trade show in Mexico City this past November. The result proved to be popular, so the decision was made to brew it again and make it a new full-time fixture.

These two beers will debut during a special Cinco de Mayo event to be held at the Fort Worth brewery on May 5, 2018. Tickets for the event, which includes an appearance by the world's first metal mariachi band, Metalachi, are on sale now at the following location: https://rahrandsons-brewing-company.ticketleap.com/metalachi/.

As for the last of the aforementioned three beers, Rahr & Sons will package the seasonal favorite, Midnight Cab, for the first time this year. For those who may not be familiar, Midnight Cab is a black saison that's been aged in French oak cabernet barrels. Featuring notes of white pepper, black tea and currants, the beer will hit the market beginning in April. Look for it on tap and in four-packs of 12-ounce cans.

All aboard for Armadillo's new Land Yacht IPA

Image courtesty of Armadillo Ale Works.

After more than four years of being one of the few North Texas brewing operations to eschew the IPA, Armadillo Ale Works of Denton has altered course to produce a version of craft beer's most popular style.

Land Yacht IPA (7.3% ABV, 75 IBU) is set to embark on an introductory tour of the Metroplex, after which it will join Armadillo's core lineup alongside Honey Please, Royal Champ and Greenbelt Farmhouse Wheat. The beer is an American IPA that's been brewed to style, featuring a copious amount of Azacca, Mosaic, Citra, Columbus, and Centennial hops.

But why, you may ask, would a company that's known for its uniqueness decide to release a stylistic IPA at this point in its evolution? According to co-founder Yianni Arestis, it's all about doing the unexpected, which up to now has been a hallmark of Armadillo's approach.

"Normally, we cross style boundaries and use special ingredients in our beers to offer the consumer something tasty, interesting and truly different," says Arestis. "After coming out with seven beers like that, though, we felt it would be cool to show people we can brew to style with the best of them."

Special Land Yacht IPA glassware will be available at launch events occurring this weekend (Armadillo Ale Works).

Along those lines, you won't find any additives in Land Yacht IPA. With so many different takes on the IPA in the market these days, many falling in line with the current trend of adding fruit infusions, Arestis and co-founder Bobby Mullins chose to go against the grain in sticking to style. Accordingly, their first IPA foray is all about the hops, a characteristic that's been subtly built into the Land Yacht name.

"We wanted a name that hinted at the beer using 'a boatload of hops,' as well as something that alluded to going on a 'tropical flavor trip,'" says Arestis. "Since it's an American IPA, we figured a big, classic American car, a land yacht if you will, would make sense. Plus, the longhorns on the hood are an obvious tie-in to our Texas roots."

As for how it turned out, an early sample of Land Yacht IPA shows it to be a beer that gives off notes of sharp citrus and pine initially, with a ripe pineapple and tropical fruit character developing as it opens up. It's a little dank and a little musky with not a lot of bitterness, the latter meaning more emphasis was put on highlighting hop flavor and aroma. The beer is neither east coast or west in terms of a regional designation, but rather something that falls somewhere in the middle. Given that, instead of trying to pin it down, maybe just call Land Yacht IPA what it is...a really good, easy-drinking Armadillo-style IPA.

Land Yacht IPA will be available as a draft-only offering. Look for it on tap beginning this weekend at launch parties planned at the following locations.


Friday, June 30

• East Side, Denton: 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, July 1

• Lakewood Growler, Dallas: 4-7 p.m.
• Brewed, Fort Worth: 6-9 p.m.

Get your Goatman: Lakewood's trash-tossing terror returns

The Goatman of White Rock Lake is said to be a seven-foot tall half-man, half-goat,
with a bad temper and  a tendency to throw trash at unsuspecting people (Lakewood Brewing Co.).

A legend is set to return, as Goatman (9.3% ABV) from Lakewood Brewing Co. will begin appearing on a regular basis as part of the brewery's year-round lineup starting February 27.

Originally brewed in the fall of 2013, Goatman is the first beer to be brought out of retirement from Lakewood's Legendary Series.

"From the moment we released Goatman, we knew we had a fan favorite on our hands", says Wim Bens, president and founder of Lakewood. "It was big, bold, aggressive and just the right amount of dank. This beast always held a special place in our hearts, and we couldn't be happier to release it to the public once again."

Goatman is described as a mash-up of two types of beer - one half being a Cascadian black IPA, with the other half being a schwarzbier. That, according to the brewery's creative director, Craig Bradley, means it can't really be pinned down into one stylistic category.

"It's a unique hybrid of beers, which we love," explains Bradley. "We dry-hop Goatman with 100% Simcoe, a unique hop that features earthy, aromatic pine and berry notes. With a pound per barrel, it adds a depth of bitterness that balances nicely with the roasted malt character."

Look for Goatman to be available on tap and in four-packs of 12-ounce bottles. Launch events, including pint nights with collectible glassware, will be announced in the coming days, with details to follow on Lakewood's social media channels (Facebook, Twitter).

* Click here for a review of Goatman, posted shortly after its debut in 2013.

Two new cans coming from Texas Ale Project

100 Million Angels Singing recalls lyrics from the Johnny Cash song "The Man Comes Around," while
Payne Pils is a reference the brewery's location at the corner of Payne St. and Riverfront Blvd. (Texas Ale Project)

Like many breweries have done in recent history, Texas Ale Project opted to go the mobile canning route when it made the decision to offer its products in cans for the first time in November 2015. The idea, of course, being that the convenience of the mobile option allows a brewery to get packaged beer on the market without having to pay the upfront cost of an in-house canning line.

For T.A.P., though, the purchase of something more permanent was always in the long-term plan. And now, with the delivery and installation of a new canning line in April, not only is it a plan that has come to fruition, it's also one that means more packaged products are in store for fans of the Dallas-based brewery.

First off the line will be T.A.P.'s year-round double IPA, 100 Million Angels Singing (9.2% ABV, 100 IBU), with cans appearing on shelves in mid-May. Brewed with Simcoe and other hop varieties, the beer's "smooth, yet robust hop profile...offers notes of pine, resin and citrus."

Following that this summer, the brewery will can Payne Pils (5.5% ABV, 31 IBU), a Czech-style pilsner that fits the mold of a Zwickelbier in that it's served unfiltered. The beer, which was first introduced at T.A.P.'s first anniversary party, is the first lager to come out of the brewery and one that's crafted in a traditional manner with a recipe consisting of Pilsen malt and Czech Saaz hops.

According to a press release, the new canned offerings will be available for purchase in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton and the newly-added Johnson County. A launch party for 100 Million Angels Singing is also in the works, with that event to be held at the brewery on May 27.

Funkwerks to offer Nelson Sauvin year-round in 4-packs

Image credit: Funkwerks.

Becoming the latest beer to be packaged by the brewery in smaller-format 330 mL bottles, Funkwerks has announced the addition of Nelson Sauvin to its year-round lineup.

A single-hopped saison ale, Nelson Sauvin is named after the hop variety that is used in its making. It's described by Funkwerks as having the "aroma of gooseberries, honeydew melon and a hint of spiciness from the brewery's house saison yeast strain."

As for the hop itself, the Nelson Sauvin variety comes from New Zealand and is known for its distinctive white wine character. In this case, the hops work with the addition of Muscat grape juice to enhance the beer's fruit attributes, while also contributing to its crisp, dry finish.

"We've brewed Nelson a few times as an experimental [release] and it has always been very popular, particularly among our staff" says Gordon Shuck, co-founder and head brewer. Now, not only will the beer be available full-time, customers will also have the convenience of being able to purchase it in 4-packs of 330 ml bottles. Funkwerks began bottling in the smaller format last year, a decision co-founder Brad Lincoln suggests was influenced by the fact that "people tend to save larger bottles of beer for a special occasion or to share with others." With smaller bottles, he explains, people can purchase and enjoy a single beer without having to commit to something larger.

According to a press release, bottles of Nelson Sauvin should arrive in North Texas by late February.

From Shiner, something Wicked this way comes

Image credit: Spoetzl Brewery.

I'm always curious to find out what's in a certain little white box that shows up on my doorstep every now and again. It's always the same size and shape, and it always has a Shiner stamp of approval somewhere on the outside. The curiosity is natural, I suppose, since I know there's some sort of beer inside, but given the brewery's history and how they've taken a few steps outside the "bocks" over the past few years, lately when I see the package I start to ask myself, "What have they gone and done this time?"

In this case, at least, it turns out that the "little brewery" has gone and done something wicked. It's a new year-round offering called Wicked Ram IPA, and it's the first India pale ale Shiner has brewed in its 106-year history.

Wicked Ram arrived at my door packaged in box full

of hop cones (click to enlarge, © Brian Brown/Beer In Big D)

Now, first off, I think it's important to note that when Shiner makes a statement saying Wicked Ram is "the wickedest brew we've ever made", the word "wicked" is a relative term. Remember, Shiner has focused on lagers for most of its 106 years, and only over the past few has the brewery tried to do some things differently. Even then, Wicked Ram represents a departure compared to other recent releases, in that it's probably the first relatively hop-forward beer in Shiner's portfolio and it's got the highest ABV (6.0%) of any beer the brewery is currently producing.

With that in mind, you can probably gather that Wicked Ram isn't going to have you putting aside your favorite West Coast IPA. Shiner's IPA may be hop-forward, but there's nothing tongue-buckling about it in terms of either intensity or bitterness. The hop character in Wicked Ram is mild-to-moderate (at best), with the hop additions geared towards flavor and aroma much more so than bitterness. As far as the flavors go, Wicked Ram is grassy and floral on the nose, with a bready feel and a touch of caramel malt forming the beer's foundation. There's also some citrus in the finish, though it's more lightly lemony in nature and not like the orange or grapefruit notes that are typical in many American IPAs.

Something else worth mentioning, in case the thought crossed your mind, is that Wicked Ram doesn't really fit the mold of a session IPA. For one thing, the beer's ABV puts it firmly outside the sessionable range. Beyond that, though, Wicked Ram just has more body than I've come to expect from that particular (made-up) craft beer category. In fact, I would argue it has more body than a lot of Shiner beers. That said, we're talking "medium" in that respect, as opposed to something lighter.

So, what's the verdict? I'd say the above more or less speaks for itself. Wicked Ram is an easy-drinking, milder version of an IPA. There's not a lot of bitterness to it, which may appeal to someone looking for an introduction to the style, but there is a reasonable amount of flavor. It's just that it's a little atypical in being florally-based and not having the citrus or pine elements more often associated with today's most popular IPAs. Some will enjoy it...others won't. Like anything else, it all comes down to personal taste.


Wicked Ram
Style: India Pale Ale
Malts: 2-Row Pale, Caramel, Wheat
Hops: Bravo and Crystal in the boil, with Centennial used for dry-hopping.
ABV: 6.0%
IBU: 55
Availability: Year-round in 12-ounce bottles and cans, as well as in 24-ounce bottles and on tap.

Texas Ale Project cans coming in November

Images the property of Texas Ale Project.

Becoming the latest North Texas brewery to make the move to packaged products, Texas Ale Project (T.A.P.) has revealed the company will begin canning operations in November 2015.

"We are constantly being asked when our craft beers will be available for take-home purchase" says Kat Thompson, the brewery's president and CEO, "so we are incredibly excited to offer our ales in cans."

The timing of the move will coincide with T.A.P's first anniversary, which according to the brewery puts the plan's implementation three months ahead of the originally projected schedule. "This has been an incredible year of growth for us, and launching our ales in cans is the obvious next step" added Kat's husband and co-founder Brent Thompson.

(click to enlarge)

Product design was done in partnership with Saputo Design and Speck Communications. Using color block styling and subtle humor, the intent was to have the label design match the assertive, yet smooth nature of the beers they represent.

Initially, the brewery will release Fire Ant Funeral Amber Ale and 50 FT Jackrabbit IPA with packaging being done by Armadillo Mobile Canning. However, a press release indicates T.A.P. is also working on plans to install an on-site canning line in their Dallas production facility late next year.

Martin House now selling Cellarman's IPA and Gateway Blonde in cans

Image credit: Martin House Brewing Company

Rolling out to retail this week, two Martin House favorites are now available in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans.

The first of these, Gateway Blonde, is the brewery's "go-to session ale" named after Fort Worth's Gateway Park Trail and is brewed with corn (ergo the cornhole recommended activity) and acidulated malt. The latter, while sounding somewhat technical, is a type of malted barley that contains a small amount of lactic acid. Its use can result in a sour-like character in the finish of a beer and is why the brewery says Gateway has a "unique but subtle kick on the finish."

As for the second of the two releases, Cellarman's Reserve IPA is the brewery's single-hop IPA brewed with a basic malt bill in order to put the emphasis on the hop addition. Of course, fans of Martin House know that the hops rotate in this beer, and the brewery says the exact variety for any given release will denoted by a sticker placed on the six-pack carrier. According to co-founder David Wedemeier, initial shipments were brewed with Cascade hops, and he expects the variety to change on monthly or bi-monthly basis going forward.

Cheers!

Cedar Creek taps Gone-A-Rye for full-time status

Image credit: Cedar Creek Brewery

Despite the name in the center of the label, the back-story printed to the left promises that everything has gone right with what will be the Cedar Creek Brewery's fifth year-round beer.

Gone-A-Rye, originally released as a one-off in association with the brewery's first anniversary in 2013, trades in its temporary status for a full-time gig beginning this week. The fan favorite represents a move by Cedar Creek to broaden "its repertoire from the original lineup of session ales."

Brewed with a blend of four different hops, Gone-A-Rye uses some the same varieties as Cedar Creek's Dankosaurus (Apollo, Bravo, 05256). Of course, consumers should expect Gone-A-Rye to be bigger and bolder than its smaller sibling, especially considering hop additions totaling twenty pounds are a full five pounds more than those in Dankosaurus.

A flavor profile provided by the brewery notes that the choice of hops "creates a complex flavor profile that includes hints of peach, pear, citrus and pine," with a bitterness "balanced by the sweetness of the malt and spiciness of the rye." It goes on to say that even with an ABV of 8.5%, Gone-A-Rye is a beer that remains "extremely drinkable."

Look for Gone-A-Rye on tap and eventually in four packs of 16-ounce cans. The first kegs will hit Dallas on Wednesday, August 27, at Lakewood Growler (Keep the Glass Night, starting at 6 p.m.) and Friday, August 29, at Luck (special tapping at 5 p.m.), with deliveries to other Texas markets occurring in the next two weeks. Packaged products will arrive at retail in early October.

Gone-A-Rye

Style: Double Rye IPA

ABV: 8.5%

IBU: 90

SRM: 6.0

Hops: Apollo, Bravo, 05256, Willamette
Malts: U.S. 2-Row, Pilsner, Rye