For our Fall Issue, Owen Ogletree provides the telling details behind two well traveled beers that may move around but have never gone out of style.

It was Owen, himself an intrepid voyager, who once observed you had to go to Mexico or Cleveland to get a classic Vienna Lager. But that’s no longer the case. In a revival that is notable for an emphasis on balance, moderation and taste, quite a few American craft brewers have chosen to include a Viennese lager in their portfolios.

Should you find yourself in a Mexican restaurant with no American craft in sight, check out the Negra Modelo for a taste of Vienna – and some Napoleonic history – that pairs well with enchiladas.
If a taste of London is what you’re looking for, it’s a bit easier to tap the source. Extra Special Strong Bitter, or ESB, is readily available as an import from London as well as from American craft brewers. It’s the balance of malt, hops and alcohol in this so-called bitter that make it a classic.

Vienna Lager

The story of Vienna Lager began in 1841 when brewer Anton Dreher of the Schwechat Brewery in Austria used his kilns to lightly roast a new type of pale malt that produced beers with a pale color, light notes of toast and a soft, elegant, sophisticated flavor profile. Dreher’s malt took on the name Vienna malt, and the novel brew followed suit with the moniker Vienna Lager.

Fall 2013, Issue 14 - DOWNLOAD

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Summer 2014, Issue 15 - DOWNLOAD

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We recommend saving the PDF to a book reader such as iBooks for Apple devices or Aldiko book reader for Android devices. You may then organize the magazine issues into collections. The PDF is equivalent to Digital Magazine formats as experienced on readers such as the Kindle, Nook, Zinio App., iTunes App., Google Play App. and more.

Our online Premium Web Magazine version is a "news style" format and is easiest to read on mobile devices because text and images optimally size to your device.

Fall 2014, Issue 16 - DOWNLOAD

Want to download this issue to your device so that you can read it offline? No problem. Download the PDF HERE.

We recommend saving the PDF to a book reader such as iBooks for Apple devices or Aldiko book reader for Android devices. You may then organize the magazine issues into collections. The PDF is equivalent to Digital Magazine formats as experienced on readers such as the Kindle, Nook, Zinio App., iTunes App., Google Play App. and more.

Our online Premium Web Magazine version is a "news style" format and is easiest to read on mobile devices because text and images optimally size to your device.

Constellation Brands, which made waves with its billion dollar purchase of Ballast Point, has added Florida's Funky Buddha to its list. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. For all the details, see the release below:

VICTOR, N.Y., Aug. 10, 2017— Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a leading beverage alcohol company, announced today its purchase of Florida-based Funky Buddha Brewery, reinforcing its strategy to lead the high-end beer segment in the United States. Funky Buddha is the fastest growing craft brewery in Florida, and produces bold craft beers made with high quality ingredients. It has an award-winning portfolio led by Floridian Hefeweizen and Hop Gun IPA. Funky Buddha joins Constellation’s Craft & Specialty Beer Group in the beer division.

Funky Buddha Lounge & Brewery was founded in 2010 in Boca Raton, Florida, by husband and wife Ryan and Giani Sentz. As the demand for Funky Buddha’s beers skyrocketed, Ryan and Giani invited Ryan's brother KC Sentz, and his wife Melissa Sentz, to join the business. In 2013, the Sentz family started Funky Buddha Brewery, located in the heart of Oakland Park’s burgeoning Culinary Arts District. At 54,000 sq ft and with a capacity of 45,000 BBLs, Funky Buddha Brewery is South Florida’s largest craft microbrewery by size and volume, and is Florida’s busiest tap room by beer sales.

Zephyr Conferences has announced dates for its 2018 Beer Bloggers and Writers Conference (BBC). For all the details, see below:

(Red Lodge, MT) – Zephyr Conferences wrapped up the Beer Bloggers & Writers Conference (BBC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin last week with highlights including a presentation by Frank Boon of Belgium’s Brouwerij Boon, a tasting session with renowned author Randy Mosher, and a look at the history of beer with the Smithsonian’s Susan Evans.  The event drew approximately 150 bloggers, writers and enthusiasts.

“One of the biggest takeaways from this year’s BBC, was that we are living in an opportune moment. With a huge swath of Millennials turning 21 and an even greater segment of Baby Boomers retiring, the U.S. is witnessing an explosion in those seeking beer, wine, spirit and food experiences from tourism trails, tap and tasting rooms, to festivals,” said Sara Pletcher, conference logistics manager for Zephyr Conferences. “Add to that the growing number of independent and craft brewers across the country, means there are a plethora of opportunities for brewers, writers, bloggers and marketers in this space. In fact, there is a need, and that’s where the BBC and Beer Marketing & Tourism Conference (BMTC) can be a great resource.”

Cape May Brewing Co. has announced two new barrel-aged brews this week - Phantom Crew and Higbee. For all the details, see below:

Cape May, NJ-- Cape May Brewing Company is pleased to announce a double release in their Barrel Aged Series. On Saturday, August 19, Phantom Crew and Higbee will release from their Brewtique at 1288 Hornet Road in the Cape May Airport.

“Our Barrel Aged Series is really coming into its own,” says CMBC president and co-owner Ryan Krill. “With this double release, our fans can expect two brews that will change minds as to what a barrel-aged beer can be.”

Taking inspiration for names from the ghost stories that abound throughout Cape May, these next two releases are no different.

Higbee is named for Thomas Higbee, whose ghost is said to haunt the beach that bears his name. After leaving the family inn and farmstead to his niece, Etta, in his will, Higbee stipulated that he be buried on the beach, overlooking the view he so loved in life. Nonetheless, Etta moved his body to be interred with her at Cold Spring Cemetery, leaving behind his ornate grave.

Birdsong Brewing Co. has announced its coveted Wake Up Porter, brewed with coffee and vanilla, will be available August 24. For all the details, see the release below:

CHARLOTTE, NC — It’s just about that the time of year when we start wishing, hoping and drinking to the arrival of fall. Birdsong Brewing is doing their part to speed along seasonal change with the Aug. 24 release of Wake Up Porter, the beloved coffee vanilla porter.

Wake Up Porter, brewed with Central Coffee Company’s coffee and Madagascar vanilla beans, debuted in 2014 and was well received from the outset. The beer takes its name from the eponymous Rage Against The Machine song.

Wake Up Porter is an exercise in complex flavor layering and attention to detail, which have become hallmarks of Birdsong’s culinarily influenced beers. The brewers make a cold brew with the beans and add it to the beer during secondary fermentation. The vanilla beans are sliced, soaked in bourbon and added around same time as the cold brew.

This year, Wake Up Porter is being given some room to stretch out on the robust Birdsong beer release calendar. “This seasonal hasn’t really had a chance to shine and get it’s full 90 days on the market,” says Chris Goulet, principal owner of Birdsong. “Last year we only had it out for seven weeks.” It will be available in cans and on tap across North and South Carolina.

Ninkasi has announced it will package First Rule IPA, initially a drafty-only brew, in 12 and 22-ounce bottles. For more, see below:

EUGENE, Ore.—Aug. 10, 2017—It’s no secret Ninkasi Brewing Company has a hop love affair. This continues to be evident in its newest Special Release Series beer—First Rule IPA. Originally released to Ninkasi’s Rare & Delicious Series in March 2017, the brewery is proud to elevate this beer to its Special Release Series in 12 and 22-ounce bottles and on-draft. Available August through December, beer drinkers can find First Rule IPA across Ninkasi’s distribution footprint.

Crafted with the most sought-after hops, First Rule IPA is a testament to brewing without limitations. Ninkasi’s brewing team developed this recipe almost in secrecy, using the best hops available. The result? A flavorful IPA with an incredible hop profile featuring El Dorado, Calypso, Mosaic, Simcoe, Citra, and Amarillo hops.

“Whatever it is you like about an IPA, chances are you’ll find it in this beer,” says Ninkasi founding brewer and co-founder, Jamie Floyd. “The all-star lineup of hops brings elements that are tropical, floral, juicy, resinous, bubble gum, and downright dank!”

Special Release Series: First Rule IPA