Stone Brewing Offers New Mandarina Bavaria Hop In New Pale Ale

Just learned about this new hop... read on:


"ESCONDIDO, CA (April 27, 2015) – Nearly 19 years ago, beer geek entrepreneurs Greg Koch and Steve Wagner launched Stone Brewing Co., selling the very first keg of Stone Pale Ale to San Diego County brewpub Pizza Port. Since that inaugural offering (a creation developed by original Stone Brewmaster Steve Wagner), Stone has earned a reputation for making a wide variety of bold, flavorful and often hop-centric beers. Starting today, a bold new version of Stone Pale Ale—artfully dubbed Stone Pale Ale 2.0—will begin arriving in 12-ounce six-packs and on draft.
 
More than a year ago, Stone Brewmaster Mitch Steele was presented with the challenge of reimagining this iconic recipe. Before deciding on the final formulation for Stone Pale Ale 2.0, Greg, Steve, Mitch and the brewing team evaluated a number of prototypes. It was ultimately decided that the new year-round release should feature a distinctive new hop variety known as Mandarina Bavaria and a radically different grain bill.  
 
“Revamping this recipe was a really big project for us, especially since our loyal fans, myself included, have an emotional attachment to Stone Pale Ale,” explains Wagner. “Mitch and the brewing team really stepped up to the challenge and created something we believe will satisfy people’s changing palates and growing desire for more unique hop varieties.”
 
Mandarina Bavaria, a relatively new hop varietal developed in Germany’s famed Bavaria region, offers a blend of earthy, citrusy, fruity aromatics. Magnum and Herkules hops provide bitterness that’s substantial, allowing for a unique pale ale that’s more hop-forward than its predecessor, without being overbearing. A touch of rye in the grain bill delivers hints of biscuity character and subtle spice on the palate, adding depth to this nicely balanced, eminently drinkable ale." 

Cheers!!

Session IPAs List. Agree?

Getting the week off with yet another list, but, hey, I like session IPAs and there might be a new one in there!!

http://thefullpint.com/dans-blog/top-7-session-ipas/

Cheers!

Greenville's The Community Tap Beer Fest, 2015, Better Than Ever

Still catching my breath after a raucus, beer sampling afternoon@The-Community-Tap's Craft Beer Festival, '15. Their new location at the Greenville Downtown Airport worked well, was crowd friendly and parking was not a problem. If only the sun had shone, might have been a tad warmer. This event has earned its reputation as the "not to be missed" beer event of the Spring here in Upstate.
Managed to sample several new brews and styles. While I try to decode my notes, here are some photos to remind you of just how much fun it was:

 

The Southern Growl Turns One

Looking back on The Southern Growl's #1 Birthday bash last Saturday... lots of beer-centric people, amazing array of beer. Great time, tasty barbque from Butt Seriously and the music hasn't even started yet!! Some photos from the afternoon and I suspect things got even more fun-filled later.Take a look:

Looking forward to Bash #2!!

Cheers!