Brews News: 9 Exciting Things Happening in Local Craft Beer & Cider

The region’s craft brewing and cider industries are continually giving us new reasons to get excited, from brew-centric events to special collaborations and seasonal brews. Ready for the latest? Here are nine things you need to have on your radar:

Wyndridge Gold Rush Bottle Release

If you’re looking to put your beer aside and sample a cider from an extraordinary cider maker, join Wyndridge Farm for the Thursday, March 22, release of Cider Master Scott Topel’s Gold Rush Cider.

This cider was fermented using only Gold Rush apples, which exudes a spicy sweetness with notes of citrus, ginger and wildflower honey. The end result is a complex blend of flavors which balance the bright acidity. The cider is fermented with fruit from Peters Orchards in Adams County, Pa., and has an ABV of 6.9%. These 22-ounce bottles will only be available at the Farm Store and cost $11.99 each. 885 S. Pleasant Ave., Dallastown; (717) 244-9900

Ploughman Cider Releases its First Pét-Nat Wine

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Ploughman Cider has just released Jules, which is the debut release in its Ploughman 64 series of small batch/limited offerings. The Pét-Nat is made of 2016 Adams County Vidal Blanc, with hazy, bold and aromatic attributes. It’s also Ploughman Cider’s first wine, made in a manner similar to a farmhouse cider. It’s a definite must-try! But act quickly, as only 355 bottles are available and Ploughman 64 releases are reserved for farmers markets only. Get yours today at Farmers on the Square in Carlisle, Headhouse Farmers’ Market in Philadelphia and at the farm.

Seasonal Favorite, Yards Saison, To Be Released in April

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One of Yards Brewing Company‘s most beloved seasonal brews is making its way back into production. Yards Saison, with a 6.5% ABV, will be released in April, much to the pleasure of saison-seekers in Philly and beyond!

Three New Scratch Series Beers Released by Tröegs Independent Brewing: #318, #319 and #320

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Tröegs Independent Brewing is always adding to its impressive Scratch Series and the latest versions were released on March 15. These include:

  • #318, a double IPA with Lemondrop hops; 9.9% ABV
  • #319, a Fest lager, featuring robust caramel flavors; 6.3% ABV
  • #320, a session IPA, complete with a perfect combination of Azacca, Centennial, Chinook and Comet hops; 5.2% ABV

Søle Ales Releases Terp Lord, a Double IPA with Honey

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Terp Lord, Søle Ales’ latest, was released on March 16. This must-try wildflower honey DIPA weighs in at 8% ABV with plentiful additions of Mosaic and Denali hops.  Four-packs and cases (maximum of one case per person) are available solely at the Søle Ales tasting room. FYI: Only 100 cases exist, so we suggest calling ahead to ensure that these beer beauties are still available. 101 Northampton St., Easton; (610) 330-9114

Evil Genius releases Morning Mudslide with Herman’s Coffee 

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Morning Mudslide, a 10% ABV imperial porter, is now on tap at Evil Genius Beer Company. This creative brew features specialty and dark malts, milk sugar, vanilla, cacao and espresso beans locally roasted by Herman’s Coffee. Stop by Evil Genius today to pick up some of this creative collaborative beer. Crowlers and growlers are available to take some home! 1727 Front Street, Philadelphia; (215) 425-6820

Cape May Brewing Company Three-Course Beer Dinner at Nectar

Enjoy three culinary courses by Nectar‘s Chef Patrick Feury perfectly paired with Cape May Brewing Company beers during this fabulous dinner on Tuesday, March 27, at 6:30 p.m. The evening will feature the following pairings:

  • Chef Feury’s duck dumplings with plum sauce, yellowtail canapé vegetable maki and spicy roasted eggplant with crunchy wonton, paired with a firkin of Always Ready Pale Ale (4.8% ABV).
  • Roasted lamb sausage served with Brussels sprouts, goat cheese and pickled beets, paired with Cape May India Pale Ale (6.3%).
  • Bang Island mussels stew with wild Maine shrimp, Viking Village scallops, lemon grass, leeks, ginger and carrot, paired with Devil’s Reach Belgian Strong Golden Ale (8.6%).
  • Green apple cheese crème brûlée, paired with Concrete Ship Russian Stout (9.3%).

The cost is $70 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and reservations are required. 1091 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn; (610) 725-9000

Arms 2 Artisans at Backward Flag Brewing

Torie Fisher, of veteran-owned Backward Flag Brewing Company, and Jason Carty, executive director, created Arms 2 Artisans (A2A), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching military veterans about the craft beer trade.

The organization’s mission is to “foster the successful transition of post-9/11 veterans from military service to post-service life through an artisan skills program by providing education, experience and a network of peer support.”

A2A will provide a paid fellowship program in the craft beer industry and job placement opportunities in addition to a lifelong network of peer support in order to ensure that our nation’s veterans are provided with the best chance for success.

Learn more about A2A by visiting the organization website699 Challenger Way, Forked River, New Jersey; (609) 622-8911

 Two South Jersey Brewing Companies Opening in 2018: Bonesaw Brewing Company and Somers Point Brewing Company

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Hard at work, the owners of two forthcoming South Jersey brewing companies are planning to open their brewery doors this year. Bonesaw Brewing Company is planning a spring opening in Glassboro, New Jersey, and Somers Point Brewing Company is hoping for an early fall opening outside of Ocean City. Stay up to date on the latest details by following Bonesaw Brewing Company and Somers Point Brewing Company on their Facebook pages.

  • Feature photo: Wyndridge Farm
  • Nectar dining room photo: Nectar