Hopheads rejoice: Alpine Beer Company’s acclaimed double IPA, Pure Hoppiness, is getting ready to make its national debut next month.
It’s the first significant move for an Alpine brand that last November was acquired by Green Flash.
“Pure Hoppiness IPA defines and distinguishes the Alpine brand,” Green Flash co-founder Mike Hinkley said in a press statement. “For years, folks from around the country have been trading their own local craft favorites for this exceptional Alpine beer. We are celebrating a full year of a successful partnership and two years of brewing together.”
12,000 cases of six-packs and 3,000 half-barrel kegs of Alpine’s coveted beer, produced and sold by Green Flash, will be shipped via the larger company’s distribution network to key retailers in all 50 states, the company said. Green Flash expects the limited run to remain in the marketplace for just one month.
Prior to the upcoming release, Pure Hoppiness was only available on draft and in 22 oz. bottles in the San Diego area.
“The process of brewing Pure Hoppiness at the Green Flash facility has been one of trial and error and ultimately, success,” Alpine co-founder and Brewmaster Pat McIlhenney said in the statement. “In addition to making recipe adjustments to scale up the quantity, we’ve been paying specific attention to the technical aspects unique to producing this particular beer. We are proud of the results and look forward to sharing a sip of Pure Hoppiness with hop heads everywhere.”
In the statement, Green Flash said it plans to release 6-packs nationally each November to “commemorate the Green Flash and Alpine union.”
Green Flash originally began producing limited quantities of Alpine beer in 2013 and officially acquired the company in November 2014.
Alpine Brewmaster, Pat McIlhenney and son, Shawn McIlhenney, Alpine’s Head Brewer, oversee production and work closely with Green Flash to ensure that all Alpine beers brewed at Green Flash are “as close to the originals as possible,” the company said.
“Green Flash is committed to beer consistency and quality control, and we are asserting meticulous attention to detail as we work with Pat and Shawn to brew Pure Hoppiness and all Alpine beers,” Green Flash Brewmaster Erik Jensen said.
Green Flash said it also plans to package several other popular Alpine beers, including Hoppy Birthday, Duet and Willy Vanilly. Those beers will initially be made available in 6-packs, in California, before rolling out to select nationwide markets next February.