There’s always something new and exciting happening in the craft beer world. This week’s interesting news will please some who are already in the know and allow others to become privy to what all the fuss is about in the coming months.

Ithaca LeBleu release leaves many empty-handed

Last Saturday at 11 a.m., Ithaca Beer Co. released LeBleu, a sour blueberry ale originally intended to come out in December. It was on sale only at the brewery’s tasting room, and anyone in line after about 9 a.m. left empty-handed, myself included. With only 1,200 bottles available, this beer was a blend of LeBleu’s past offerings and is the last of its kind since the head brewer left the company after crafting it. Ithaca Beer Co. even enforced a one-case-limit per person, disappointing many of the more than 150 people in line by noon. It was the fastest-selling release the company has ever had.

Samuel Adams hopes to can

In an April 12 WEEI radio interview, Boston Beer Co. chairman Jim Koch elaborated on a comment that Sierra Nevada ‘copied’ Boston Beer. His response was that the company is currently working with can manufacturers to improve the brand’s beer can by making upgrades. Once they finalize plans, Sam Adams would be packaged in a can. He gives one year as a rough estimate for the can’s release. The main motivation for Koch is the portability of cans, but also to stay competitive with Sierra Nevada, which released its famous Pale Ale and Torpedo Extra IPA in 12- and 16-ounce cans, respectively, in late February.

Goose Island’s Bourbon County Stout to be brewed year-round

Goose Island’s Bourbon County Stout is known as the first bourbon barrel-aged stout of its kind. The beer had been a seasonal release brewed just once per year with sought after varieties like Bourbon County Coffee Stout or Bramble Rye Bourbon County. Now, it will be open to year-round production and distribution. Since 1994, Goose Island has aged this 14.5 percent stout in bourbon barrels ranging from 8, 12, 16 and 18 years old. The beer costs about $25 for a 4-pack, but it may decrease in price as quantity goes up. As of March, it can be found at most beer stores around the nation and will likely continue to sell quickly.

-Compiled by Lucas Sacks, staff writer, ldsacks@syr.edu

Published on April 17, 2012 at 12:00 pm