CLEARWATER, FL — Big Storm Brewing Company, Florida’s fastest growing craft brewery, announced the official release of Categories 1 through 4 of its Belgian-style Hurricane Series.
Belgian brewers have had a strong influence on brewers around the world, especially on the craft beer movement in America.
“After our Belgian Single was awarded a Silver Medal at this year’s Best Florida Beer Competition, we knew we were on to something, and decided to expand our Belgian offerings,” stated Mike Bishop, Founder of Big Storm.
Released in conjunction with the Atlantic Hurricane Season, each offering is named for the different levels defined by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed. As hurricanes grow stronger with each category, so does the ABV in the Big Storm Hurricane series. As consumers continue to enjoy craft beer in record numbers, The Hurricane Series has been immediately popular.
BELGIAN SINGLE – CATEGORY 1 ABV 6.0 / IBU 15
A silver medalist at the 2016 Best Florida Beer awards, the Belgian Single is the first in the Big Storm “Hurricane Series.” It is pale yellow in color and pours a billowy white head. This award-winning ale is well carbonated with fruity and spicy Belgian yeast character and a floral hop aroma.
BELGIAN DUBBEL – CATEGORY 2 ABV 6.6 / IBU 18
The second installment of the Big Storm “Hurricane Series,” the Dubbel features a deep reddish amber to copper in color with rich malty flavor. This best seller presents dark or dried fruit esters reminiscent of raisin, plum and dates. The dense creamy off-white head sits atop a clear and complex sweet malt flavor that generally finishes moderately dry.
BELGIAN TRIPEL – CATEGORY 3 ABV 9.2 / IBU 38
Category 3 has a higher alcohol content and features a yellow to deep golden color, with a creamy white head. Citrusy esters are present with a slight note of banana, as the beer laces the glass. The Tripel has become a fan favorite due to the somewhat spicy, dry, ale with a firm malt flavor and higher hop bitterness.
BELGIAN QUADRUPEL – CATEGORY 4 ABV 10.6 / IBU 25
Characterized by the reddish amber in color, the distinctive nature of this ale is a rich malty presence and the intense dark fruit esters of raisin, plum, and dates. The complex malt flavors and yeast esters leaves the drinker with a warm satisfying experience.
Category 5, a Belgian Quintupel, will be the last installment in the Big Storm Hurricane Series. It is currently in production and will be released later this summer.
ABOUT BIG STORM BREWING CO
Founded in 2012, Big Storm Brewing Co. was created to fill a void in the Tampa Bay local craft beer market approachable beer, made with spirit, authenticity and quality that everyone could enjoy. From the quintessential beer nerd to the everyday beer drinker, Big Storm beers have earned the reputation for being exceptionally drinkable. Best known for their signature brands Arcus IPA, Wavemaker® Amber Ale, Helicity™ Pilsner and Oats In Hose® Oatmeal Stout, Big Storm is a true craft pioneer using locally sourced ingredients like wild flower honey to lend a subtle sweetness for a clean finish in its IPA. These award winning suds are named after the common summer storms along the Gulf Coast of Florida.
In early 2016 Big Storm opened their landmark 16,000 SF production brewery and taproom in Clearwater, FL and expanded the original taproom and brewery in Odessa, FL to 8,000 SF.
Big Storm Brewing Co. is one to watch, producing beer that is artisanal, complex and catering to craft beer enthusiasts and regular beer drinkers alike.
For more information, visit the website at www.bigdstormbrewery.com
2016 Florida Beer Championships – Professional Competition
- Best In Show Champion – Oktoberfest Märzen Lager
- Gold Medal – Oktoberfest Märzen Lager
- Silver Medal – Category 1 Belgian Single
- Bronze Medal – Helicity Pilsner