Monday, February 22, 2010

Back In Brown: The Original Honey Brown Returns to It's Roots

Honey Brown's “new” look adopts the exact same iconic label and packaging that made the beer famous.

First introduced in 1994 and widely popular in the late 90s, The Original Honey Brown is mounting a comeback. Credited as one of the first beers to add honey, The Original Honey Brown sold like wildfire. Made with clear water, barley malt, hops and pure Manitoba White Clover honey, its distinctive taste won over beer fans quickly. “It developed somewhat of a cult following,” said John Fischer, brewmaster for The Original Honey Brown. “Sixteen years ago, it was a very new idea among American craft brewers to use honey as a beer ingredient and people loved it.”

In its heyday, sales of The Original Honey Brown quickly peaked to 250,000 barrels, fueled by consumer demand for the smooth, unique flavor profile. When the brewery started going through hard times in the late 90s it pulled back its support of The Original Honey Brown. Sales dipped and the brewery quickly reacted by repackaging the beer, hiking up the price and putting it in the craft brew section of grocery stores. It didn’t work. Distribution lagged and sales slumped further.

“We’re excited to re-launch a popular beer that people once loved. Back in the late 90s, the brewery failed to recognize they had a hit on their hands with The Original Honey Brown. The great recipe remained the same but the changes to the packaging made it hard for people to find,” said Jason Drewniak, brand manager for The Original Honey Brown. “I couldn’t be happier to get back to our roots and tell consumers that The Original Honey Brown is back. And it looks just like they remember,” added Drewniak.

Starting today, people can find their old favorite, The Original Honey Brown – like it looked when it was first introduced in 1994. The “new” look adopts the exact same iconic label and packaging that made The Original Honey Brown famous. Along with the packaging changes, The Original Honey Brown will have a new, lower price in many areas where it’s sold – making it competitive among specialty beers, which was a key part of the beer’s original success.

According to Drewniak, sometimes you have to admit when you’ve gotten off track. “Consumers spoke with their wallets. They stopped buying the beer we know they love because they didn’t recognize it and couldn’t find it,” he said. “We don’t have to create something new. We already had the right recipe for success. We just have to give people what they want.”

Reaction from distributors and retailers to the return of The Original Honey Brown has been very positive. The boost in availability for the brand will mean old fans will get a chance to rediscover the beer and new fans will be introduced to what was once among the hottest new introductions in the beer business. The Original Honey Brown is available in six and 12-pack bottles, and 12-pack cans at grocery, convenience and drug stores throughout the country. It’s also available on draft at bars and restaurants.


Honey Brown's “new” look adopts the exact same iconic label and packaging that made the beer famous.02.22.2010 – First introduced in 1994 and widely popular in the late 90s, The Original Honey Brown is mounting a comeback. Credited as one of the first beers to add honey, The Original Honey Brown sold like wildfire. Made with clear water, barley malt, hops and pure Manitoba White Clover honey, its distinctive taste won over beer fans quickly. “It developed somewhat of a cult following,” said John Fischer, brewmaster for The Original Honey Brown. “Sixteen years ago, it was a very new idea among American craft brewers to use honey as a beer ingredient and people loved it.”

In its heyday, sales of The Original Honey Brown quickly peaked to 250,000 barrels, fueled by consumer demand for the smooth, unique flavor profile. When the brewery started going through hard times in the late 90s it pulled back its support of The Original Honey Brown. Sales dipped and the brewery quickly reacted by repackaging the beer, hiking up the price and putting it in the craft brew section of grocery stores. It didn’t work. Distribution lagged and sales slumped further.

“We’re excited to re-launch a popular beer that people once loved. Back in the late 90s, the brewery failed to recognize they had a hit on their hands with The Original Honey Brown. The great recipe remained the same but the changes to the packaging made it hard for people to find,” said Jason Drewniak, brand manager for The Original Honey Brown. “I couldn’t be happier to get back to our roots and tell consumers that The Original Honey Brown is back. And it looks just like they remember,” added Drewniak.

Starting today, people can find their old favorite, The Original Honey Brown – like it looked when it was first introduced in 1994. The “new” look adopts the exact same iconic label and packaging that made The Original Honey Brown famous. Along with the packaging changes, The Original Honey Brown will have a new, lower price in many areas where it’s sold – making it competitive among specialty beers, which was a key part of the beer’s original success
.
According to Drewniak, sometimes you have to admit when you’ve gotten off track. “Consumers spoke with their wallets. They stopped buying the beer we know they love because they didn’t recognize it and couldn’t find it,” he said. “We don’t have to create something new. We already had the right recipe for success. We just have to give people what they want.”

Reaction from distributors and retailers to the return of The Original Honey Brown has been very positive. The boost in availability for the brand will mean old fans will get a chance to rediscover the beer and new fans will be introduced to what was once among the hottest new introductions in the beer business. The Original Honey Brown is available in six and 12-pack bottles, and 12-pack cans at grocery, convenience and drug stores throughout the country. It’s also available on draft at bars and restaurants.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Harbor Brewing Company, Inc. Enters War of 1812 Amber Ale in World Beer Cup 2010

Sackets Harbor Brewing Company Also Attending Craft Brewers Conference in April

SACKETS HARBOR, N.Y. --- Sackets Harbor Brewing Company has announced that it has entered their "War of 1812 Amber Ale" in the World Beer Cup 2010 to be held in Chicago (www.worldbeercup.org). The event, which accepts a limited number of entrants in 90 beer categories, is billed as "the most prestigious beer competition in the world."

Sackets Harbor Brewing Company founder and Master Brewer Stephen Flynn stated, "Entering our War of 1812 Amber Ale in this competition is an important step to increase the brand's exposure outside the Northeastern region, and regardless of the outcome of the competition, our presence at the show will do just that."

The World Beer Cup will be held simultaneously with the 2010 Craft Brewers' Conference (www.craftbrewersconference.com), which the company will be participating in as well. The Conference is held for professional brewers to promote brewing education and idea sharing to improve brewery quality and performance. The conference is also the industry's largest networking opportunity for breweries and brewery vendors to help foster partnerships and profitable business relationships.

The company recently announced that it has commenced in its search for property to potentially be used for the construction of a commercial brewery in which both packaged and draught product would be produced and distributed.

About Harbor Brewing Company, Inc. Harbor Brewing Company, Inc. develops and acquires craft brewing companies and select craft beer labels. The company acquired Sackets Harbor Brewing Company ("SHBC") (www.1812ale.com) in August 2009. SHBC develops, produces, and markets micro brewed beers such as the award winning "War of 1812 Amber Ale" and "Thousand Island Pale Ale" as well as "Railroad Red Ale," "1812 Amber Ale Light" and "Harbor Wheat" specialty beers. Its "1812 Amber Ale" is the company's flagship brand and was the winner of a Silver Award at the World Beer Championship. The company has also developed complementary products such as Sackets Harbor Coffee and Sackets Harbor Brewing Co. Root Beer.

For more information, please contact:
Harbor Brewing Company, Inc.
Email: 1812ale@nnymedia.com

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Coney Island Craft Lagers Launches New Beer!

Coney Island Craft Lagers(R) (Shmaltz Brewing Co.) is thrilled to celebrate the announcement of Zamperla USA as the official operator of Luna Park, the new amusement park opening in Coney Island this Memorial Day Weekend. Special for this historic moment, Shmaltz Brewing is cooking up the summer release of their own newest attraction: Coney Island Luna Lager(TM).

Based on the original Luna Park (1903 - 1946), one of Coney Island's four historic amusement parks, Zamperla USA puts the city's Coney Island redevelopment plan into motion, and Shmaltz Brewing is very excited to be an ongoing reveller in this ambitious effort. Luna Lager(TM) commemorates the launch of the new Luna Park 2010, and brings to life a delicious newcomer to their award-winning craft lager lineup for the community to enjoy this summer at America's Playground. Mayor Michael Bloomberg will make an official announcement regarding Luna Park today, Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 12 pm EST at the New York Aquarium (Surf Avenue & W. 8th Street).

Proceeds from Coney Island Craft Lagers(R) also continue to help Coney Island USA, a 501(c)(3) Arts Non-Profit fulfill its mission to defend the honor of lost forms of American popular culture in Brooklyn's historic Coney Island neighborhood. Coney Island Luna Lager(TM) will be available this summer throughout New York City in 22 oz. bottles and a very limited supply of kegs at specialty shops and select bars. Please see the attached label artwork for Coney Island Luna Lager(TM).

About Shmaltz Brewing Company

Shmaltz Brewing Company is a recipient of the "2008 Distinguished Business Award" by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Shmaltz was recently named one of the "Top 20 Fastest Growing Bay Area Companies" by San Francisco Business Times, and was acknowledged by Beverage World Magazine as a "2009 Breakout Brand."

Established in San Francisco in 1996 with the first batch of 100 cases of HE'BREW Beer bottled, labeled, and delivered by hand, Shmaltz has sold over 5 million bottles of beer to date. Along with their acclaimed line of HE'BREW Beers, Shmaltz introduced its new line of sideshow-inspired Coney Island Craft Lagers(R) with seven featured attractions including Coney Island Lager(R), Albino Python(R), Sword Swallower(R), Human Blockhead(R), Mermaid Pilsner(R), Freaktoberfest(R), and Luna Lager(TM). Proceeds help Coney Island USA, a 501(c)(3) Arts Non-Profit fulfill its mission to defend the honor of lost forms of American popular culture in Brooklyn's historic Coney Island neighborhood.

Shmaltz offerings are available in over 25 states through over 30 wholesalers at more than 1500 retail specialty shops across the U.S. including Beverages & More, Whole Foods, Total Wine, select Krogers, and Cost Plus.


For more information, please visit www.shmaltzbrewing.com

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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Landmark Beer Changes Brewers


A few weeks ago, we wrote about Flying Bison's financial troubles and F.X. Matt's proposal to buy the Buffalo brewery. While The Buffalo News reported that the deal was not final, it seems as if the deal is either completed or will be completed soon. In addition to brewing their own beer, Flying Bison also brewed beer for the Landmark Beer Company. Deal or No Deal (Howie Mandel?) it seems as if the Syracuse based Landmark Company is not waiting around. has stated that the brewery has found a new brewer to make their beer.

In a blog posted on Friday, Landmark Owner Kiernan states that Landmark has: "decided to move our production to another brewery. That brewery would be the Paper City Brewing Company in Holyoke Massachusetts."

Kiernan also states that Landmark will be bringing back their Landmark India Style Red Ale as well as tweaking their IPA recipe. The Red Ale will be out in bottles and on draft by Mid-March and the IPA will be dryer, with more hops and a lighter color. Landmark also had Custom Brewcrafters brew an oak aged imperial stout that will be called Black Steel and will be available the first week in March.

You can read Landmark's post here.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Peekskill Brewery Expands




Peekskill Brewery’s Expansion Yields Big Results

Ready for the Launch of Year-Round Beer Line-Up


February 11, 2010

Peekskill, NY- The Peekskill Brewery has started the New Year in full force. The brewpub recently doubled its brewing capacity. The expansion will allow for a fuller showcase of Peekskill Brewery house brews, a major goal since its inception in September 2008.


Beginning on Thursday, February 11th continuing through Sunday, The Peekskill Brewery will host a weekend long celebration to launch its year-round line-up of brew available on draught. That evening the Brewery’s beer will be discounted, new lower growler prices will go into effect and patrons who order a Peekskill Brewery Tap Crawl will receive a tee-shirt.


Brewmaster Neill Acer, alongside co-owners Keith Berardi and Morgan Berardi chose four of their most popular beers to fill the line-up’s roster. The line-up consists of the Paramount Pale Ale, Hop Common, Old Wagon Ale and Vanilla Bourbon Stout. As the year progresses, the Brewery will add gradually add in seasonal beers into its production schedule.


“The demand for our beers made our expansion both necessary and natural…and we plan on doing more. We will still continue to host guest breweries, but our mission has always been to make our own mark. And working with Neill to make this happen has been inspiring,” said co-owner and General Manager Keith Berardi.

The Peekskill Brewery is a Restaurant, Brewpub and Beer Bar located on the Riverfront Green in Peekskill, NY. Now open for over a year, the brewery’s mission providing the regional area with fine food and craft beer.

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Sunday, February 7, 2010

Draft Magazines 25 Best Beers of 2009


Draft Magazine has recently released their list of the 25 Best Beers of 2009. The list appears in the January-February 2010 issue and two of New York's finest have made the cut.

Draft says: "We tasted more than a thousand beers this year--some fresh from the tank, others from centuries-old recipes--and crowned the top 25 that blew us away in 2009, either for the first time or the hundredth. Some are multi-medal award winners, others have captured the imagination of bloggers and beer geeks and still others have sat quietly, awaiting their moment of glory. Here it is."

Brooklyn Brewery's Brooklyner-Schneider Hopfen-Weisse

Captain Lawrence's Cuvee de Castleton

Editor's Thoughts: Draft gives no specific criteria, nor does it give a numeric rank so it is hard to argue with any of their selections. The Brooklyn beer is very good and we have heard the same about Cuvee de Castleton. It seems that people love these "Best Of" lists and it looks like Draft has put together a nice one. It is hard to overlook the fact that the incorrect spelling of Brooklyner though, especially with the spelling appearing on the bottle, which Draft features on the very next page.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Rohrbach Brewing Co Presents: Brewtopia Social


Rohrbach Brewing Company Presents:

Brewtopia Social

February 25th at 6:30

$12 per person

Styles of the British Isles

Join us for our very first monthly Brewtopia Social! Sample beer and listen to our local beer expert and author Steve Hodos, as he leads you through an interactive, fun night of beer and food samplings, beer history, facts, trivia, and home brewing tips!

Be the first in the world to try Rohrbach’s new “English Mild”

Future socials will be held on the last Thursday of each month.

Call for reservations 594-9800

The Rohrbach Brewing Company
http://www.Rohrbachs.com

Rohrbach Brewing Company
3859 Buffalo Road
Rochester, NY 14624

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

RateBeer 2010 Awards

THE BEST BEERS IN THE WORLD - OVERALL
The best 100 beers in the world as rated by tens of thousands of our worldwide tasters. All beers listed are gold medal winners

#82 Ommegang Rougue Grand Cru
#83 Captain Lawrence Cuvee de Castelton

Editor's Note: 17 of the top 20 are Imperial Stouts. Sounds pretty biased.

THE BEST BEERS IN THE WORLD BY STYLE CATEGORY
All beers listed are gold medal winners. (Note: In some instances the displayed scores are equal for beers of different places. This is not an error. Our calculations simply render much greater detail than we can display.)

English Style Pale & Bitter
English Pale Ale Bitter Golden Ale/Blond Ale Premium Bitter/ESB

#4 Southern Tier Harvest Ale


Belgian Session
Belgian Ale Saison Sour Ale Bière de Garde Abbey Dubbel

#5 Captain Lawrence Cuvee de Castleton

Wheat
German Hefeweizen Wheat Ale Weizen Bock Belgian White (Witbier) Berliner Weisse German Kristallweizen

#3 Brooklyner-Schneider Hopfen-Weisse

THE BEST BREWERS IN THE WORLD
All brewers listed are gold medal winners. (The total number of brewers in our contest is over 8700. The 100 listed represent the top 1.1% of all brewers -- the creme de la creme of world brewing; a greater percentage of the population qualifies as genius for comparison.)

#18 Southern Tier Brewing Company
#36 Brooklyn Brewery
#49 Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
#55 Brewery Ommegang
#89 Ithaca Beer Company

Editor's Note: Five of the best breweries in the world reside in the Empire State. I agree that these are the top five breweries in New York (maybe Sixpoint), although I think you could argue the order here.

BEST BEERS BY COUNTRY
All beers listed; gold, silver and bronze medal winners. Ratings are by RateBeer representatives living in each country tasting the beers available there. Only countries with adequate representation are listed below.

United States - Best Beers

Editor's Note: Shut. Out.

BEER PLACES
Rated by RateBeer locals and those RateBeer representatives traveling to these destinations from outside the country. U.S. places awarded gold, silver, and bronze, except homebrew shops.

BEST BEER BARS

#19 Spuyten Duyvil
#24 Rattle 'N' Hum
#47 Bling Tiger Ale House

BEST BREWPUBS

Editor's Note: Nothing.

BEST BEER RETAILERS

#12 Half Time - Poughkeepsie

Editor's Note: Well deserved. Half Time is amazing.

BEST RESTAURANTS FOR BEER

#13 Coles - Buffalo
#19 Fette Sau - Brooklyn

Editor's Note: Unfortunatly, I have never been to either place.

BEST BREWERIES TO VISIT

#22 Defiant Brewing Company
#23 Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
#36 Ithaca Beer Company
#50 Blue Point Brewing Company

Editor's Note: New York brewery staffs are friendly. I have visited both Captain Lawrence and Ithaca. Brewers Scott and Jeff are amazing people.