I was at The Woods Tasting room at Two Beers Brewing last weekend enjoying a fine beverage, as I am wont to do. Dan Armerding, who manages the place, was noticeably excited. If you know Dan at all, you know that’s nothing unusual. But this time he was excited, in particular, to tell me about a beer they were about to release that featured Citra hops from one single farm: “Smitty’s Farm.”
Kevin Smith used to brew at Two Beers. Now he’s one of the owners at Bale Breaker Brewing. His family owns Loftus Ranches, one of the leading hop farms in the Yakima Valley. So, “Smitty’s Farm.” When you’re at The Woods, ask Dan to pour you a Smitty’s IPA. He’ll know what you mean.
Here’s some other stuff you should know about that beer and the pending release of the next Alta Series of beers.
Two Beers Brewing’s Popular Alta Series Enters Second Year, Accompanied by Release of New Single Hop, Single Farm Series
Fall Line Russian Imperial Stout makes its bold return, while new series showcases hops as one of Washington state’s top crops
SEATTLE (February 4, 2014) – After an exciting first year, Two Beers Brewing is thrilled to announce the return of its popular Alta Series, accompanied by the announcement of its new Single Hop, Single Farm series. The re-release of the growing brewery’s bold Fall Line Russian Imperial Stout (formerly known as ‘Switchback’) includes 1,800 limited edition bottles, which sold out in just under a week its first year. Available at The Woods on Saturday, February 8 beginning at 1pm, craft beer lovers will also be able to enjoy the first beer in Two Beers Brewing’s Single Hop, Single Farm series, highlighting the delicious Citra Hop sourced from Loftus Farms in Washington state’s Yakima Valley.
“We love what both of these series’ showcase,” said Joel VandenBrink, owner and founder of Two Beers Brewing. “One highlights the true flavors of one of the single most important ingredients in beer, while the other shows the diversity and boldness that can be attained through craft brewing.”
Two Beers Brewing’s new Single Hop, Single Farm series is dedicated to the glory of Washington’s hop crop. Featuring a different single-hop each release, this series showcases the bold flavors found in each individual variety. The first beer of the series features the infamous Citra hop – harvested from Loftus Ranches in Yakima, Wash. – offering notes of citrus and tropical fruit, paired with a clean and crisp palate. With a new hop featured approximately every two months, Two Beers Brewing is honored to be supporting and working with local growers on this exciting new series.
Saturday also marks the launch of the second year of Two Beers Brewing’s Alta Series. As the first beer of the series, Fall Line Russian Imperial Stout makes a bold return with a 12 percent ABV, 50 IBUs and SRM of 77. A style born out of the cold north and the Russian courts desire for rich, toasty brews, this unique beer has been barrel aged in brandy barrels for six months, followed by four months of aging on Theo organic cocoa nibs and vanilla beans. A deep, multilayered beer, its thick, smooth body carries immense, complex flavors of coffee, plums, chocolate, vanilla and highland peat under a deep milk-chocolate creamy head.
Featuring four bold, complex ales – each reaching above 9.0 percent ABV and boasting its own distinct personality – the Alta Series has been handcrafted to offer a unique twist with every sip. Whether its the complexity obtained by aging in brandy barrels, the tartness imparted by fresh fruits or unique twist provided by a complex blend of spices, the Alta Series sets out to distinguish itself from the others and reach the upper limits.
The release of these two new beers, taking place Saturday, February 8 from 1-6pm, will include bottles for purchase, $5 pints of Citra Hop IPA, 10-ounce pours of Fall Line for $8, and delicious food from popular food truck Lumpia World available for purchase. Fall Line Russian Imperial Stout ($14) and Single Hop, Single Farm Citra Hop IPA ($6) will hit shelves through Washington and Oregon beginning the week of February 10. For more information on new releases, special tastings and more, follow Two Beers Brewing on Facebook, Twitter (@twobeersbrewing) and Instagram, or visit www.twobeersbrewery.com.