Fresh Beer Times - Volume 208

GORDON BIERSH BREWING COMPANY

Märzen - Märzen (Mayrt-zen) was historically brewed in Bavaria from March through the end of October. It was brewed dark and strong, using dark roasted Munich and caramelized Munich malt to help cover up flavor changes from the lack of refrigeration (ice in those days) used to keep the beers cold in the cellars during the warm summer months. Gordon Biersch Märzen accentuates the flavors of the dark roasted imported malted barley and exhibits a caramel malt aftertaste, while downplaying the hop level.

Blonde Bock - Bock beers are represented by a male goat, which in German lore symbolizes strength and virility. In accordance with the Reinheitsgebot (German Purity Law of 1516), bock beers must have a pre-fermentation malt sugar concentration of 16.5%, which converts over to at least 7% alcohol after fermentation. These strong beers were made popular in the early 1600s by monks in order to minimize their hunger during fasting periods. While most bocks are dark, Blonde Bock is golden-colored and malty with a rich, creamy head. The rich flavor is counterbalanced with the just the right level of bitterness from the Hallertau aroma hops and create a very smooth profile.

SommerBrau - SommerBrau is a kölsch style beer. Kölsch literally means the beer of Cologne, Germany. This beer style is a light bodied beer fermented using a special top fermenting yeast strain, which we import specially from Germany, brewing it true to style. It is brewed with 80% pale-malted barley and 20% malted wheat. The pinpoint bitterness of the German Tettnang hops and crisp finish make this beer perfect for summertime enjoyment.

VICTORY BREWING COMPANY

Weissbeer - As invigorating as the morning rays of the summer sun, Sunrise Weissbier satisfies when the heat is on, too. This unfiltered, Bavarian style ale is true to its origins with all ingredients except for the water having been imported from Germany. It remains unfiltered to feature the tangy, fruity flavors of its unique yeast. The imported German malt contributes greatly to add a crisp, citric snap that makes this beer a superb summertime refresher.

SHIPYARD BREWING COMPANY

Wheat Ale -Shipyard Wheat Ale is a crisp, refreshing, American style wheat ale with a soft golden color and nice copper hue. This filtered wheat beer has 4.5% alcohol by volume and is made with 60% Malted Wheat and 30% Pale Ale Malt. There are touches of Light Munich and Caramunich Malts and a hint of Crystal Malt. This beer is subtly hopped with Glacier and Hallertau Hops and an exciting new aroma hop called 04-188. Grown in the Pacific Northwest, this experimental hop is a hybrid of Cascade and Fuggles and is also used in dry hopping to give this beer a pleasing, earthy aroma. "Shipyard Wheat Ale is a very intriguing beer."

BOULDER BEER

Cold Hop British-Style Ale - a unique ale with a rich golden hue, and the 7th release in our Looking Glass Series of specialty beers. Cold Hop's pleasantly fruity, floral hop aroma and earthy flavor perfectly balance the mild sweetness of the English grains, resulting in a refreshing yet high-gravity British-Style ale. Now coming in 6-packs!

ROGUE

John John Juniper Pale Ale -In their second collaboration effort, Rogue Master Brewer, John Maier, and Master Distiller, John Couchot are releasing John John Juniper Pale Ale. This ale consists of Rogue Juniper Pale Ale aged in Rogue's Juniper Gin barrels. Gin lovers will recognize the oddity in this approach - gin is not typically aged in barrels. A hint of cucumber and a Sprucey note in the aroma followed by a Juniper bite mid palate finishing with a soft oakiness.

Double Mocha Porter
- A huge mouthful of malt and hops, with notes of bitter rich chocolate. This porter is the creme de la creme. Double Mocha Porter (previously XS Imperial Porter) is a new package for 2010. It was first brewed in July 2007 as a special product for the Oregon Brewer's Festival and is an Imperial version of Rogue's award winning Mocha Porter.

SHINER BEERS

Blonde - Blonde made its debut as the original recipe Kosmos Spoetzl brought to the "Little Brewery." A golden lager that pays sincere tribute to its Bohemian roots, Shiner Blonde carries a distinctive flavor followed by a satisfying, smooth finish. Although Shiner's Blonde owes its heritage to the German homeland, it represents the best of a true American lager. That's Shiner Blonde - red, white and brewed.

Smokehaus - Enjoy Shiner's Smokin' Sommer Bier! Brewed with pale malt that's been smoked with native mesquite in the backyard of the little brewery in Shiner, Texas (pop. 2,070), this refreshing Helles-style beer has a smoky flavor that goes great with all the flavors of summer.

SARANAC BREWING

Summer Brew- For nearly 100 years, Europeans have mixed lemonade and beer as a refreshing beverage during the summer months. Saranac continues this tradition with Saranac Summer Brew - A refreshing blend of lemonade and lager. Kick back, relax and enjoy!

Saranac 12 Beers of Summer - Pool parties, barbeques, fireworks, and Saranac 12 Beers of Summer. Everyone's favorite summer variety package is back for another successful season. Where else can you get six award winning beers in one great refreshing summer package?

PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Saranac Pomegranate Wheat
Saranac Belgian White
Saranac Hefeweizen
Saranac Golden Pilsener
Saranac Summer Ale
Saranac Kolsch

Other returning favorites hitting the shelves:

Dogfish Festina Peche and Rogue Somer Orange Honey Ale