Craft Brewing And Distilling News for September 19, 2012

•Cooperstown, New York-based Brewery Ommegang and Belgium’s Duvel Moortgat have partnered to create a new collaborative brew called Duvel Rustica. A Belgian-style ale, Duvel Rustica combines the fine pils malts and noble Styrian Golding hops found in Duvel’s Belgian Golden Ale with Ommegang’s proprietary yeast. Brewed at Ommegang’s New York facility, the 8.5%-abv limited edition offering will be available in 750-ml. corked bottles and on draft in 43 states, from October through December. Founded in 1997, Brewery Ommegang produces six year-round releases—including its Belgian Pale Ale, Witte, Rare Vos, Hennepin, Abbey Ale and Three Philosophers labels—and a range of seasonal and specialty ales.

•MillerCoors’ Crispin Cider Co. is set to test market a pair of new, USDA-certified organic ciders at Whole Foods. Crispin Bare Naked (6% abv) and Fox Barrel Pear Naked (5.3% abv) are made with organic apple juice and pear juice, respectively, and both undergo a double fermentation process. The first fermentation, which utilizes a proprietary “Forbidden Fruit” wit yeast, allows the unpasteurized juices to achieve natural sugar levels, while the second round involves the addition of more organic juice and a sparkling wine yeast. The result is two single-strength dry ciders made with no added sulfites, sugars, sorbate or benzoate preservatives. Both Crispin Bare Naked and Fox Barrel Pear Naked will initially be available at Whole Foods, with availability expected to expand over the next few months.

•Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin-based Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. has unveiled the latest entry in its Big Eddy Series for 2012, Big Eddy Baltic Porter. Styled after Baltic porters and stouts from the late 1700s, the 8.5%-abv brew is made with seven different malts including Munich, Crystal Rye, Roasted Barley, Special B, Chocolate malt and a blend of Pale malts. Starting this month, Big Eddy Baltic Porter will be available in four-pack bottles and on draft in 21 markets. The new addition joins Big Eddy Imperial IPA, Wee Heavy Scotch Ale and Russian Imperial Stout in the Big Eddy limited release series. The Leinenkugel brand—which also includes seven year-round offerings and a variety of seasonals and specialties—is part of MillerCoors’ Tenth & Blake craft and import unit.

Tagged : cider, craft beer, MillerCoors

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