BLOOMINGTON, IN —2017 was an exciting year for Upland Brewing Co., and 2018 is looking to be even better with the celebration of their 20th Anniversary. Founded in 1998, Upland brewed 500 barrels in its first year at the original brewery on 11th Street. Always pushing onward and upward, Upland's expansion over the years has included two breweries that continually create award-winning beers. In addition, Upland has expanded to four locally-focused and locally-revered brewpubs and tasting rooms across central Indiana and a wholesale distribution footprint that's focused on the Midwest for core beers and spans the coasts with sour ales in key markets. With numerous new releases planned for 2018, there are no plans of stopping anytime soon.
“Our 20th anniversary signals a lot of exciting innovation and change throughout our entire portfolio, not least of which is the return of our Preservation Pilsner in 15 pk 12oz cans. Also, keep an eye on our rotating Tart Series and Side Trail IPA Series—our new release calendar features many beers that were originally forged in the small batch arena, now ready for prime time. The brewers are always experimenting, and we’re excited to bring many of these beers to wider audiences,” said David Bower, VP of Sales.
Kicking off the new year with a Side Trail IPA series, Upland will bring back the much sought-after Juiced in Time, which will be released at Upland locations February 2nd and in distribution shortly after. Originally draught only, this hazy IPA will return in 4 pk 16 oz cans and will be the first of five released in the 2018 series. A Tart Series will also be introduced in January with the return of Upland’s sleeper hit of 2017, Petal to the Kettle, a kettle sour brewed with rose, hibiscus, and strawberry. The Tart Series will continue with Two of Tarts, a gose with passionfruit and mango, and a third kettle-soured beer that’s currently in the works.
“We have a lot to celebrate in year 20 with the introduction of 20+ new core beers and the release of several new beers in 12 oz cans. Our wood-aged sour program is also ramping up innovation the launch of 20+ new beers, including several collaborations. The goal for these new beers is to show the kind of experiences we want to create in our next 20 years,” said Pete Batule, Head of Brewing Operations
Upland will also introduce a new summer seasonal beer that is light, citrusy, and perfect for summer adventures. Life Exotic is a saison brewed with tangerine and lemon zest, giving it an undeniably refreshing flavor. “We’re inspired by outdoor hobbies enjoyed on the weekends, and Life Exotic is the perfect go-to beer for lake-lounging,” said Batule. Fans can pick up a 6 pk 12 oz cans this summer and also enjoy on draught.
On the sour side, the first small-batch release of the year from the Wood Shop Sour Ale Brewery will be available exclusively to Secret Barrel Society members. This first release includes Guava, which will also become available to the public early February. Sour fans can expect even more ambitious and creative beers this year, with collaboration beers in the works with Freigeist, Mikkeller, and Cigar City. Upland’s annual Sour Wild Funk Fest is set for April 7 at the Mavris Arts & Event Center in downtown Indianapolis, where sour devotees can try some of 150+ rare sour beers from around the country. Tickets are now on sale at uplandsourfest.com.
Upland’s 20th Anniversary celebrates two decades of bringing people together to enjoy good craft beer with festivities planned throughout the year. It’s onward and upward to honor a legacy of great beer while introducing the next chapter of the Upland story. You can download the full 2018 release calendar here.
About Upland Brewing Co.
Located in Bloomington, Indiana, Upland Brewing Co. has an intriguing brewing story that dates back to 1998. Our mission is to brew remarkable beers in remarkable ways, staying true to the artisan, progressive spirit found in our part of the Midwest. Upland is currently the third largest brewery in Indiana and brews more than 50 different styles of beer annually.
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