Last December, Catawba Brewing released the first in a new series of fruited IPAs brewed in their Asheville South Slope pilot brewery, when they rolled out a Pineapple IPA for their “Tropical Xmas” party. Since then, many other fruit-forward hoppy beers have made all-too-brief appearances in Catawba tasting rooms, consistently ranking among their fastest-selling Small Batch beers. Beginning this July, Catawba’s newly branded Friki Tiki IPAs are here to stay.
Ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavors marry perfectly with the aroma and flavor notes of fresh West Coast hops. Brewed with flaked wheat in the mash, these India Pale Ales feature the soft mouthfeel and juicy character associated with New England IPAs. The hop profile for each Friki Tiki release is carefully chosen to complement a massive addition of real fruit. Seasonal fruit selections vary between batches to ensure optimal freshness, showcasing the tropical and citrus-forward character of each beer, always light in body and incredibly drinkable.
Now slated for 30-barrel batches at Catawba’s Morganton production brewery, these specialty IPAs will soon be available throughout Catawba’s 5-state distribution area. Appropriately, the first in the production series will be the one that lit the torch last winter, Friki Tiki Pineapple IPA. The beer will be released on Friday, July 14, with island-themed food and festivities planned at all four Catawba tasting rooms. Look for it to arrive in draft-only distribution soon thereafter.
SMALL BATCH RELEASE (THURSDAY, JULY 13):
Catawba Brewing taps a New England IPA (6.2 percent ABV) on Thursday, July 13, at all four of their tasting rooms. Brewed with flaked wheat and oats, the beer received a massive addition of Mosaic and Citra hops late in the boil, with more Mosaic used for drop-hopping. Burlington Ale Yeast contributes the characteristic soft hazy glow and well-rounded mouthfeel. This is a big juicy tropical hop bomb, with flavor notes of ripe mango, papaya, and passion fruit.
FRIKI FRIDAY (JULY 14):
Catawba Brewing hosts a “Friki Friday” Release Party for their new Friki Tiki Pineapple IPA (6.5 percent ABV) on Friday, July 14, at all Catawba locations. This is the first in a new monthly series of fruited IPAs. Brewed in 30-barrel batches at their Morganton production brewery, these specialty IPAs will see a draft-only roll-out throughout Catawba’s 5-state distribution area. Friki Tiki parties feature island-themed music and food. At Catawba’s Asheville South Slope tasting room, DJ Travis Medford will spin garage and surf rock, while Deli Llammma food truck serves up a special Tiki-inspired menu. Catawba Charlotte and Morganton will both throw release parties of their own with local flavor.
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