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Weekly Online Newsletter Vol.85

We thank each and every one of you for supporting our brands not only this week but, year-round. Let’s take this week and celebrate the current state and bright future of craft beer by raising a pint!

What is American Craft Beer Week?

For the 12th year in a row, the Brewers Association invites you to celebrate American Craft Beer Week®, the nationwide celebration of U.S. small and independent craft brewers. The week long tribute provides an opportunity for craft brewers to share their diversity, creativity and passion for the beverage they love.

Quick Hits on the current state American Craft Beer from CraftBeer.com

Brewery Count: As of November 30, 2016 there were 5,005 breweries in the U.S. Almost all (99%) are small and independent craft brewers.

Continued Growth for the Segment: By mid-2016, small and independent breweries grew by eight percent, reflecting dynamism and a bright spot for the domestic beer market.

Never Go Out of Styles: IPAs continue to hop up, now accounting for roughly one-quarter of craft volume. More sessionable styles, including golden ales, pilseners and pale lagers, are up 33 percent, totaling nearly five percent of craft.

Beercation Destinations: Learn about some of America’s most beery destinations in the #beertravel section of CraftBeer.com. Travelocity also enlisted their help in 2016 to create the very first Beer Tourism Index.

Perfect Pair: 73% of craft beer purchasers gave “complements my meal” as a very or somewhat important selection criteria in their beer choice when dining out. Check out the CraftBeer.com Beer & Food Course (there’s a professional chef and enthusiast version) to learn more about the power of beer and food.

CHEERS!

Online Weekly Newsletter Vol.83

After nearly missing one of the final pushes for snow today.  I found it fitting to talk about a brand new summer variety pack by Summit Brewing Company; Boundary Waters Box. Hopefully, this keeps our spirits up and gets us ready for the summer weather that’s just ahead of us!

The box is stocked with refreshing flavors ready for a classic Minnesota summer on the beach or in the boathouse. In the pack you will find familiar Summit classics such as the Summer Ale and the Keller Pils, as well as two new faces: the Hefeweizen and Wit Bier.

The Summit Hefeweizen is an old friend to the Midwest, first being introduced in 2002. Leaving the brewery in 2011, the beer is now back with a new look. The branding of this summer-fresh ale is reminiscent of that quintessential summer moment of throwing a line off a boat. Colors of the can mirror those of a Minnesota day reflecting on the lake.

Off the lake onto the farm, the Summit Wit Bier connects puffy white clouds to its traditional white ale. Bright tones of yellow and blue create the warmth of a summery Minnesotan day on the farm, although the beer can be enjoyed anywhere.

Summit Wit Bier, a delightful new Belgian-style White Ale featuring refreshing aromas of spice, citrus and flowers.

Over 400 years ago, brewers in Belgium’s Louvain Valley, just east of Brussels, began using herbs and spices like orange peel and coriander to spruce up more traditional Bavarian wheat beers. Adventurous fellows, they were. Customarily called Biere Blanche by the French or simply Wit Bier by the Flemish, Summit’s Head Brewer Damian McConn says these summertime thirst-quenchers are almost opaque or white in appearance.

“Wit Biers contain significant amounts of protein and yeast in suspension,” says Damo. “They’re typically lightly hopped and lower in alcohol, containing pale malt, malted and unmalted wheat, and a touch of oats for mouthfeel and body. Our Summit Wit Bier follows this traditional profile, with small amounts of orange peel, grains of paradise, and fresh-ground coriander enhancing the final beer’s citrus and herbal qualities.”

“For a unique spin on this world classic,” Damo adds, “we’ve used 100 percent Mandarina Bavaria hops and an obscure Belgian white yeast strain for aromas of peach, apricot, and additional citrus refreshment.” All that adds up to a light body and a slightly dry, tart finish for Summit Wit Bier

Welcoming home our old friend Summit Hefeweizen. First introduced in 2002, the classic German wheat beer left our St. Paul brewery in 2011 to visit friends and family in the old country. Worry not, however — since departing the Summit portfolio, this beer has remained the same sessionable and highly carbonated beverage you once knew and loved.

While away, the one-time summer seasonal sunned for a spell on Germany’s Lake Constance with a gang of traditional yet spicy Tettnang hops. It also traveled the countryside with German Pils and Carawheat, a couple of the malts responsible for Hefe’s lightly toasted and breadcrumb background. Summit Hefeweizen even had a little quality time one-on-one with a tremendous German yeast strain; we hear the results were just magical, producing familiar aromas of banana and clove.

But six years is a long time to be away, and it turns out folks back here in the states missed our Hefe — especially during those summer nights at the lake, at the ballpark, and at home by the grill.

“This classical style was first developed by the brewers of Bavaria, Germany, to refresh thirsty beer lovers during hot continental European summers,” says Head Brewer Damian McConn. “It was one of our very first seasonal beers, and with its effervescent, slightly dry finish, beautiful golden haze, and billowing head of foam atop the glass, this is truly one of the most refreshing beer styles available.”