We brought you some of these highlights already, and now the official word from Terrapin on 2014:
Athens, GA- Jan. 10, 2014
2013 was a year to remember for Terrapin Beer Co. The company saw a 41% increase in production over 2012 with a total volume of 32,671 BBL (450,133.8 CE). Twenty-three unique beers hit shelves, and the company actively collaborated on a number of beers brewed and released by partnering breweries. New beers, new markets, new equipment, and new employees strengthened an already-strong brewery and promises continued growth in the future.
Where They've Been: 2013 in Review
A major boost to kick off 2013 was the installation of a brand-new state-of-the-art 100 BBL brew system built and installed for Terrapin by ROLEC-GmbH. This new brew system replaced the 25 BBL brew system in place since the opening of the company's Athens brewery in 2007.
Two new year-round beers graced shelves: Tree Hugger turned heads with its malt-centric subtlety, and a few months later went on to win both a silver medal at the European Beer Star and a gold medal in the German-style Altbier category at the Great American Beer Festival. RecreationAle transformed the outdoor craft beer scene as the company's first release in 12 oz. cans, allowing Terrapin fans to pack along big taste in a compact, non-breakable container. Maggie's Peach Farmhouse Ale, brewed with GA peaches, snagged the summer Seasonal Sessions spot. And the Reserve Series, a line of small-batch limited-release brews, came to life with White Chocolate Moo-Hoo and Cinnamon Roll'd Wake-n-Bake.
With the production increase, Terrapin was able to expand distribution into both the state of Maryland and into Washington, D.C. More territory naturally means more to do: Terrapin hired more employees in 2013 than any previous year. The company was able to bring on all previous tour volunteers as part-time tour staff, and along with a number of new part-time and full-time production, sales, and administrative staff, a total of 35 new employees joined the Terrapin family in 2013.
Another benefit of 2013's growth was the company's ability to work actively with other like-minded brands and organizations, and to increase their philanthropic contributions. With the release of RecreationAle, Terrapin teamed with Osprey Packs in creating a raffle that each month lets four fans win a Talon 22 backpack built for the rugged outdoors, and with plenty of space to pack in those cans. A series of special cask events and tour percentage nights raised funds for the Athens, GA chapter of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) to help them in their ongoing quest to build a series of multi-use trails in the East Athens Community Park. Connecting with Chain Buster Productions spawned the first annual RecreationAle Challenge in 2013: this has grown to three Terrapin-sponsored race series in 2014. Through large events held at the brewery such as the annual Anniversary Carnival and Hop Harvest Festival, funds were raised for worthy organizations like Dogwood Alliance andCommunity Connection. These sponsorships and donations, paired with numerous merchandise donations to local non-profit organizations' fundraising efforts, totaled nearly $28,000 by 2013's end.
Where They're Going: 2014 Starts Now...
A New Look for the Year-Round Line-Up
Two new beers with year-round availability will be introduced in the first half of 2014. Hi-5 IPA, a never-before seen California-style IPA, will roll out in 12 oz. cans in mid- to late-March, and will be the second canned offering on Terrapin's permanent line.
Not to be overshadowed with new releases, both original brew Rye Pale Ale and Golden Ale, available only in the brewery's home state of Georgia, will get label upgrades to highlight each beer's unique character.
To Everything There is a Season
Both of Terrapin's seasonal lines will see a few changes in 2014. The Seasonal Sessions line will start things off with a new early spring offering. Mosaic Red Rye IPA, originally released as Side Project 19 in 2013, will make the jump into 12 oz. bottles (while keeping the stunning original 3D label artwork) and should see shelves beginning in February.
On the Monster Beer Tour, Terrapin's line of seasonal high-gravity beers, both the summer and fall slots will be filled with new beers. In a nod to Rye Squared, a Monster Beer discontinued in 2012, Terrapin will release Rye Cubed Triple Rye IPA in June, to complete the Terrapin Trilogy of Rye. Following in September will come a twist on Monk's Revenge Belgian-style IPA... a Belgian Black IPA. The name is to be determined, but expect the Monk to be well-represented.
Specials, Collabs, and Sides: Oh My
Terrapin is no stranger to the idea of one-off special releases. Imagination in brewing to create unique styles is something that Terrapin brewmaster Spike Buckowski is well-known for.
Since 2008 the brewery has released 20 different Side Project brews; these beers are released as one-time brewing improvisations, though a number of previous Side Projects which proved especially popular have found homes within Terrapin's various lines. Expect to see four Side Projects in 2014, starting with SP 21: Pineapple Express, which is shipping now. This smoked pineapple Helles was the winner of the company's first annual Employee Homebrew Challenge. SP 22: MoonRay, another tip-of-the-hat to a retired beer (Sunray Wheat), will be a chocolate-orange Weissenbock arriving in April. In July will come an ancho-brownie-inspired concoction by the name of SP: 23 Guano Loco, and Side Projects 2014 will be rounded out by the winner of the second annual Employee Homebrew Challenge as SP 24. The Employee Homebrew Challenge judging will take place on Friday, Jan. 10 at their employee holiday party.
Full of Balarney, a dry Irish stout designed to be served on a Nitro tap, will return as a draft-only special release just in time for St. Patrick's Day. A new addition will be come in the form of a collaboration with
Green Flash Brewing Co. out of San Diego, CA; Tangerine Dreamsicle is slated be available starting in June. So Fresh & So Green, Green will return in its 5th edition in October. So Fresh & So Green, Green is a single-hopped fresh hop ale; the use of just one hop features the unique flavor and aroma characteristics of the chosen hop. Fresh hops are harvested, immediately shipped overnight to Athens, and used in the brew. The beer is brewed within 36 hours after harvest! The hop variety changes each year; 2014's hop will remain under wraps until the reveal when the hops arrive at the brewery.
Collaboration is a huge part of the craft brewing world, and 2014 will be no different. Brewmaster Spike Buckowski often travels to breweries both stateside and international to work with other respected craft brewers. On the home front, Terrapin has the aforementioned collaboration with Green Flash planned, along with a small regional release with their hometown distributorNortheast Sales. Buckowski is still filling in his trip calendar; more details on other collaborations will be released as they are set.
Reservations Required
December of 2013 saw the introduction of a new line of beers titled the Reserve Series. Reserve Series beers are small-batch limited-release beers packaged in 22 oz. bottles, each waxed by hand. White Chocolate Moo-Hoo and Cinnamon Roll'd Wake-n-Bake will return in 2014, preceded by an as-of-yet unnamed Imperial Pumpkin Pie Porter to be released in August.
Oh, the Places They'll Go...
Building on their impressive growth from 2013 will be what drives 2014 for Terrapin Beer Co. After expanding distribution modestly in 2013, the company is hoping to expand into multiple markets through the year. In the first quarter, Terrapin will become available in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas of Louisiana and will start distribution into parts of West Virginia. They'll also fill out markets in Maryland, becoming available state-wide, and will begin exploring potential markets inKentucky and Ohio.
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