Monday, March 30, 2009

Shmaltz Pint Night at Lederhosen

I just received this press release from Shmaltz. They will be holding an event at Lederhosen in New York City. In addition to one of the best packaging in the industry, Shmaltz makes some tasty beers. I just posted my review of their Pomegranate Ale.

"Shmaltz Brewing Company, handcrafters for well over a decade of HE'BREW - The Chosen Beer, will host a Pint Night event at Leder in New York City on Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 8 pm (39 Grove Street, cash bar). Come join Shosenhmaltz rep Sean Lynch as he pours select offerings in the HE'BREW line at one of NYC's oldest German bars. Anyone who buys a pint of HE'BREW Beer gets to keep the glass."

Sackets Harbor Beer is in Florida.

Republic National Distribution Company to Distribute 1812 Amber Ale throughout the State

-GOUVERNEUR, N.Y., March 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Seaway Valley Capital Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: SWYV), a diversified holding company, is pleased to announce that wholly owned subsidiary Sackets Harbor Brewing Company has executed a wholesale distribution agreement with Republic National Distribution Company (www.rndc-usa.com) to distribute its products throughout the state of Florida.


Including Florida, Republic and its affiliates currently have distribution capabilities in twenty states, primarily in the South and Midwest. Republic will initially market Sackets Harbor's award winning War of 1812 Amber Ale.


"From Key West, Orlando, Jacksonville to Pensacola, 1812 Amber Ale is already becoming a new favorite in craft beer circles," stated Brian Hill, President of Sackets Harbor Brewing Co. "Republic National now offers 1812 Amber Ale in draught as well as bottles throughout Florida, and its established relationships with prestigious retailers such as Total Wine & More, ABC Fine Wine and Spirits, and Publix Super Markets, Inc., makes Republic National a sought after craft beer distributor." Mr. Hill continued, "With production secured at High Falls Brewing Company and the marketing capabilities of Republic National, I have little doubt that Florida will become one of our most exciting markets."


In December 2008, the company announced that High Falls Brewing Company of Rochester, N.Y. (www.highfalls.com) had been contracted to brew the company's War of 1812 Amber Ale.


Sackets Harbor Brewing Company craft beers can be found in restaurants and retail locations in New York, Massachusetts, Florida and Vermont. To learn more, visit http://www.1812ale.com/ .


About Sackets Harbor Brewing Company: Sackets Harbor Brewing Company develops, produces, and markets micro brewed beers such as the award winning "War of 1812 Amber Ale" and "Railroad Red Ale" as well as "Thousand Island Pale Ale", "1812 Amber Ale Light" and "Harbor Wheat" craft beers. Its "War of 1812 Amber Ale" is the company's flagship brand and was the winner of a Silver Award at the 1998 World Beer Championship. The company has also developed complementary products such as Sackets Harbor Coffee and Sackets Harbor Brewing Co. Root Beer.


About Seaway Valley Capital Corporation: Seaway Valley Capital Corporation (www.seawayvalleycapitalcorp.com) makes equity, equity-related, and debt investments in companies that require expansion capital. Seaway also seeks investments in leveraged buyouts and restructurings. Seaway will consider investment opportunities in a number of different industries, including retail, restaurants, consumer products, media, business services, manufacturing, and select technologies. Seaway Valley's current portfolio consists of the following companies: Hackett's Stores, Inc. (HCKE.PK), Alteri Bakery, Inc., Sackets Harbor Brewing Company, North Country Farms, LLC, and Seaway Restaurant Group.


Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, and members of their management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-statements include fluctuation of operating results, the ability to compete successfully and the ability to complete before-mentioned transactions. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results. The Company encourages the public to read the above information in conjunction with its year-end statement, Form 10-KSB for December 31, 2007, and the second and third Quarter Form 10-Q financial statements. The financial statements can be viewed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, at http://www.sec.gov/.

For more information, please contact:
Seaway Valley Capital Corporation
Email:contact@seawaycapital.com
Web:www.seawayvalleycapitalcorp.com

Investor Relations: Paul KnopickE & E
Phone: 949/707-5365

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Ithaca Double IPA

I tasted Ithaca Beer Company's Double IPA at Aroma Thyme Bistro with Chef/Owner Marcus Guiliano. I bought two four packs about 10 months ago when I heard that IBC might stop producing the beer. Here is our video blog about the beer.



Thursday, March 12, 2009

Cortland Beer Company Begins Production


For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Dan Cleary, Operations Manger
Owner: Terry Vestal


Cortland Beer Company Plants Feet In The City

Cortland's own beer buddies Dan Cleary and Terry Vestal, founding partners of Cortland Beer Company, are moving forward with plans to open Cortland’s own microbrewery.

R20;From the very beginning we’ve wanted to be Cortland's beer; said Dan Cleary. “That means sharing our beer here and ultimately, making great beer here.”

The historic Cortland Foundations building located at 75 East Court Street right behind Cortland Seafood, will be home to Cortland Beer Company’s production line. As a micro manufacturing enterprise Cortland Beer Company will initially employ one brewer and have the opportunity to make different styles of beer for Cortland’s thirsty beer connoisseurs.

This move from brewing only on contract with Butternuts Beer and Ale, to brewing in our own local brew house gives us the opportunity to customize our beer,” said Terry Vestal “along with our flagship beers we will be producing seasonal ale’s, Session Beers even make specific recipes for, customers and occasions.”

2008 sales of Cortland Beer Company’s first contract ale Crown City Kolsch exceeded Cleary and Vestal’s expectations. Crown City Kolsch has been available as a draft (one pint) and through a growler (half a gallon) at downtown bars, restaurants, and at Bargain Beverage.

When the new facility comes online, Cortland Beer Company will open for public tours of its production process and conversations with the brew master as well as samples, tastings and product retailing from its in-house taproom. Also available will be retail merchandise such as hats, shirts, and other items.

Cortland is our home and it deserves locally crafted beer,” said Terry Vestal “We’re working hard to bring great beer to Cortland.

Cortland Beer Company, created in June of 2007, is the creation of Cortland residents Terry Vestal and Dan Cleary. The company’ first beer Crown City Kolsch was introduced to downtown Cortland bars and restaurants about a year ago during downtown Cortland’s Chill-A-Bration. More about Cortland Beer Company can be found at www.cortlandbeer.com .

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The Cortland Beer Company has been producing beer but has yet to bottle or can their beers. As a graduate of SUNY Cortland, I am thrilled that Mr. Vestal is bringing great craft beer to the city. I am even looking forward to a Bud-Bud Light type Cortaca showdown between the Ithaca Beer Company and the Cortland Beer Company. Good Luck to Mr. Vestal and everyone at CBC.
On a side note, I have been trying desperatly to contact someone at CBC. If anyone knows how to get ahold of someone there then please let me know.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Mahar's Mild Ale

Over the last 20 years Mahar's has established itself as one of the best beer bars in the country. In celebration of their 20th anniversey, Middle Ages Brewing Company decided to brew a special beer for Mahars. Don Cazantre of the Syracuse Post Standard writes about the beer in this article.

Mahar's Mild poured a dark brown color with a thin tan head. The aroma was malty, with a coffee aroma mixed with some light chocoloate notes. The body was thin with a dry roasted malty taste. The finish was short, lightly carbonated and little hints of dryness.

The craft beer world has been obsessed with big beers lately and we have seen "Imperial" versions of just about every style. The need for low ABV session beers is just as important and Lew Bryson and others have started to campaign for more session beers. You can follow their effort at http://sessionbeerproject.blogspot.com/ .

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Doc's Draft Framboise

Doc's Draft Framboise is made by the Warwick Valley Winery and checks in at a 5.5% ABV. I had been wanting to try this for a long time and eventually picked up a bomber to split with Mrs. TFH.
It poured a clear, light pink rose color with large amount of bubbles that dissapaited quickly and formed a thin row of bubbles that surrounded the perimieter of a champagne glass. The aroma was overwhelming, with huge amounts of tart raspberries. The body was sweet up front, light raspberries on the palate, and a sour finish. The body was crisp, almost the exact same texture as champage.
Overall, I really liked this version of a Framboise. It is a nice light sipping drink that is almost a combination of a Flemish sour ale and champagne. This would go great with a fruit desert.