ATLANTA — SweetWater Brewing Co. announces four new brews to be released in February, 2017: Grass Monkey hoppy pale wheat with lemongrass as a new spring seasonal, Old Man Johnson’s Farm imperial stout with raspberries from the Dank Tank, 20th Anniversary Ale, and the first release from the new Hatchery Series. The busy month will culminate with a 20th anniversary party on Sunday, February 19 at the Atlanta brewery, featuring their full lineup of brews, an array of special casks, tours of the brand new barrel aging facility “The Woodlands,” and live music by the band “moe.”
The new spring seasonal, replacing last year’s wildly popular Hash Session IPA (which was converted to a core brand, available year-round, due to its popularity) is Grass Monkey, a hoppy pale wheat with lemongrass. A big stash of Lemondrop hops were added to the kettle and the dry hop, delivering a big citrus blast. Lemongrass herbs were added for a refreshing twist and exotic aroma. The light malt bill of 2-Row and Wheat lets the piney, grassy, lemony notes shine. Light in body with bright citrus notes, this is an extremely complex but very easy drinking brew. Available February – April on draft, in 12 oz bottles, 12 oz cans and 16 oz cans.
Old Man Johnson’s Farm, an imperial stout with raspberries, is SweetWater’s latest experimental, limited release “Dank Tank” creation. Intense aromas of roasted coffee and chocolate from the malt bill are balanced by a subtle accompaniment of Columbus, Willamette and US Golding hops. A purple rain of fresh raspberries added during fermentation complement the dark chocolate with a tasty sweetness. Available starting early February, on draft only.
In 2016, the brewery added “The Hatchery,” a new pilot system (5-barrel brewhouse), to their arsenal, giving the brewers the ability to stretch their creative minds and test all the weird and wonderful recipes they want to try. Tours at the brewery each week feature 2 – 4 Hatchery brews on tap, and the spring 2017 variety pack features the first bottled release from the series. The Single Hop Mosaic IPA heavily features the Mosaic hop and a simple grain bill. A hefty late hop addition and a generous dry hop schedule showcase the juicy orange, mango, citrus and passionfruit flavors, and a big, tropical, biscuity aroma. The result is a light, crushable, moderately bitter brew. Available February – April, only in spring variety packs (bottles).
In celebration of 20 years of heady beers, SweetWater releases their 20th Anniversary Ale, an imperial IPA featuring two uniquely SweetWater ingredients: hop hash and a house blend of Brettanomyces. The ale is extremely hop forward with a residual sweetness; golden in color with a haze. As fermentation finishes, the Brett will start to produce its associated acids and phenols, lending a slightly tart finish. The aroma is fruity, herbal, tropical and citrusy, and the Brett gives a nice touch of funk and earthy phenolics. The beer will be released at SweetWater’s 20th Anniversary Celebration: Sunday, February 19 at the brewery, featuring live music with moe.; tickets available here:https://sweetwater.xorbia.com/20th-anniversary-party/) Available in 750 mL bottles.
ABOUT SWEETWATER BREWING CO:
SweetWater Brewing Company is an Atlanta-based craft brewery living by the motto “Don’t Float the Mainstream!” The award-winning lineup of year-round beers includes SweetWater 420, IPA, Blue, Goin’ Coastal IPA with pineapple, and Hash Session IPA. Four annual seasonal releases offer palate pleasing variety – 2016/17 featured Hash Brown in fall, Squeeze Box IPA with grapefruit in winter, Grass Monkey wheat ale with lemongrass in spring, and a new summer release coming May 2017. SweetWater also features an experimental, one-time-only Dank Tank series and more progressive styles from its brand new barrel aging facility, The Woodlands.
Visit SweetWater Brewery – located at 195 Ottley Drive in Atlanta – for tours and tastings, including brews made in The Hatchery pilot system, available only at the brewery. SweetWater is open for regular tours every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from5:30 – 7:30 p.m. as well as Saturdays and Sundays from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Tour The Woodlands, SweetWater’s brand new barrel aging facility, for an in depth education with your guide, along with tastings of some new funky and beautiful Woodlands Project aged brews. For more information about SweetWater Brewing Company, please visit www.sweetwaterbrew.com. Follow SweetWater Brewing Company on Twitter/ Instagram @sweetwaterbrew, or become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/sweetwaterbrew.