Some news on new beers and brewery changes coming from Smuttynose today including a new Rocky Road Stout that uses 30-pounds of Marshmallow Fluff:
Winter beers are in full swing and we've just tapped another new creation, Rocky Road Stout! Tipping the scales at just 5.5% abv, this dark beauty was brewed with 30 pounds of Fluff (see above), 14 pounds of cacao nibs and then aged on Amaretto-soaked oak chips, which means it covers all the components of Rocky Road ice cream, minus the dairy part. It's on tap now and will also be bottled. If you're skeptical, check out feedback on Untappd.
Other upcoming releases include Winter Rye, Winter Weizen, Holidaze Porter (featuring ginger, galangal, and honey), a British Mild, a double batch of the punter-pleasing Bottle Rocket IPA and two lagers, Munich Dunkel and Schwartzbier.
We're designing a new bottle cooler that will reside in the former home of the espresso machine (R.I.P.). A stash of rare cases will be raided for its debut, including Founders Backwoods Bastard and two different vintages of North Coast's barrel-aged Old Rasputin anniversary releases (14 and 15, for the tickers out there).
We've got two collaboration brews planned for January, but only one to announce right now. Tyler will be brewing a Buddah's Hand Black Saison with Tim Adams from Oxbow Brewing of Newcastle, Maine. Keep an eye on Tyler's blog for more information.
-Nothing that happened in 2012 was more significant than breaking ground on our new home at Towle Farm in Hampton. It took four year to get the financing worked out. I don't really need to say more than that.
-Our physical plant increased by four new 200 barrel fermenters and one 200 barrel bright tank, a new keg washer, a box truck and took out off-site warehousing
-We added ten new co-workers across all departments.
-Our Short Batch Series got a big shot in the arm as we began releasing bottles of each release and we've sped up the frequency of releases. Zinneke Belgian stout and Vunderbar Pilsner both debuted, while Scotch Ale and Big A IPA both returned to the market after a hiatus. We also made our first international brew, 'Murrikan Mild, at Wadworth Brewery in the UK.
-Smuttynose beers earned a few awards and recognitions this year, most notably a runner-up award for Finestkind IPA at the Great British Beer Festival.
-Brewery tour visitors collectively donated nearly $6,000 to our staff-selected non-profits during our three weekly tours. It's a real treat to see how excited some people become when they see a charity that means something to them personally.
Portsmouth Brewery
-The return of Tyler Jones tops the list of headlines from the 21st year of Portsmouth Brewery-ness. While some folks broadcast a cautious optimism (or in some cases outright negativity), Tyler has stepped into the big boots with great skill and enthusiasm. He's introduced a lot of new beers already (the Project X IPA series, Portsmouth Pale Ale and Stephan Urquell pilsner) and has even more in the works, including something big for late winter. He's also got three collaborations planned for the first two months of the year.
-The espresso machine has left the building.
-Craft cocktails made their debut at the bar this year and many of them feature at least one ingredient that's been made in house, including bacon-infused bourbon!
-The physical space of Portsmouth Brewery has changed too. The bathroom renovation project is complete and Chef Todd has revamped our prep kitchen for greater efficiency and more homemade goodness. We've got a new boiler that's much more energy efficient for heating and cooling needs and a new malt mill in our brewhouse fits perfectly and hums like a didgeridoo. We love figuring out ways to make more happen from the same amount of resources!
-Last but not least, we've been fortunate enough to be able to help others this year. This year's Kate the Great release raised $30,000 for four local non-profits, while our Community Pint Day continues to make an impact for a rotating cast of organizations, many of which are suggested by the community at large. 2012's Community Pint Day total should end up right around $4500.
So, in addition to wishing you all Happy Holidays, we want to thank you all (for the second month in a row) for giving us the ability to do, as well as being the reason for, everything I've just inventoried.
Have fun, stay warm and be safe,
JT Thompson
Minister of Propaganda
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