New Brew News – May 15, 2017

Our Thoughts: Boulevard has definitely shown that they're not afraid to get adventurous with their Imperial Stouts. We've seen them add coffee, Aztec chocolate, coconut and tart cherry. Now, they're sailing in almost uncharted waters with their new Cabernet Cask Imperial Stout. This beer sees them using barrels that held Groth Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, then went on to be  used to finish Jefferson's Reserve straight bourbon whiskey. Both whiskey AND wine characteristics in beer??!? Inconceivable! This promises to be majestic, luscious and complex, with something for everyone, no matter what your drink of choice is. Look for 750 ml bottles hitting shelves in August, hopefully.

Our Thoughts: For the cocktail lover in your life, Torn Label is putting High Tai, their Mai Tai inspired IPA that's brewed with cherry juice, lime zest and orange peels into cans for a limited time this June. If you're a beer lover, mixology enthusiast or, like us, just really like booze, this will be a tasty summer treat. Judging by the feedback of the draft release on social media, this won't last long. Stay zealous and follow Torn Label's social media accounts for release details.

Our Thoughts: Opening in St. Peters on JUNE 7TH(!!!!) Third Wheel takes it's name from Trixie, a three wheeled vehicle rescued from a junkyard. Abbey Spencer, Certified Cicerone® and head of the all-women beer group The OG, will be guiding the ship as brewmaster. While Third Wheel promises to offer a diverse portfolio of hand crafted brews, this week we're spotlighting Trixie, their American Pale Ale. These beers are usually well balanced between malt and hops, with American versions tending to be cleaner and hoppier, while British versions tend to maltier and more aromatic. Although a somewhat ubiquitous style, we're confident Third Wheel can craft a memorable take on a brewery staple. We welcome Third Wheel to the St. Louis beer community with open arms.

Our Thoughts: If this doesn't make your day, we don't know what will. St. Louis All-Stars Narrow Gauge 2nd Shift and have joined their superpowers to grace us with Hop Train, a delectably hazy IPA that will have your taste buds screaming with delight. Brewed with Zythos, Citra and Amarillo, yet clocking in a 0.8 (!) IBU, this could be a game changer for the hop head always searching for next 100+ IBU IPA. These "zero IBU" IPA's are based around the practice of adding all hops post boil, thus producing intense aromas and flavors, with very little perceptible bitterness. Both 2nd Shift and Narrow Gauge have a strong hop game, so this can't be anything short of spectacular. We can't tell you how "hoppy" this makes us. Look for 16 ounce cans of Hop Train soon!

Our Thoughts: We love it when brewers take the style guidelines, chuck them out the window and brew whatever the heck they want. This Imperial Grapefruit Saison from Main and Mill is a great example of creativity and embodies the spirit of craft brewing, always pushing the envelope and not being held back by anything.  Typically, saisons clock in between 5-7% ABV, but Main and Mill has pushed it into Imperial level, which ranges anywhere between 8-12%. Adding grapefruit ups the refreshment factor, while adding more citrus flavors to an already fruity and thirst quenching beer. We're looking forward to this unique take on a historic Old World beer style.

Our Thoughts: Historically enjoyed with meals by both parents and children, Table Beer (or tafelbier) has been a part of Belgian beer culture since the Crusades. These beers are light bodied and very low in alcohol (usually less than 3% ABV), yet high in flavor. In short, they're the perfect anytime beer. Charleville has shown that they are adroit at Belgian styles, with their Tripel Wit being a fantastic take on a classic style. We're confident their Table Beer will make you think you've magically flown to a Belgian beer garden. Make sure you go check out Charleville's new location on Chouteau in downtown St. Louis, which is opening tomorrow, May 16th.