Monthly Archives: September 2012

Microbrewery-friendly bill making progress in Nashville

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Little Harpeth Brewing logo(Nashville, TN) – Interesting update from Little Harpeth Brewing’s Steve Scoville on brewer-friendly legislation in Nashville…

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This evening the Metro Planning Commission approved, and passed on to the full metro council, a bill defining and allowing Nano Breweries in commercially zoned districts and a fairly long list of other types of zoning districts that also allow restaurants and bars.

During the public hearing, we were able to convince the planning commission that the maximum permitted production for Nano Breweries should be 18,000 BBL per year.

This was the second reading of the bill, and it now goes to the metro council’s planning committee for review before going to the full metro council for final approval.

If we are lucky, and the bill gets passed as amended with the current 18M BBL limit, the number of locations where breweries are permitted in Metro Davidson County (Nashville, TN) will increase by at least an order of magnitude.

Most of the newly permitted locations will have higher rental rates than industrial districts, but in the down economy, breweries in planning will still have a much better chance of finding a home to start their business.

There are some restrictions that constitute minor inconveniences, but all in all it was a pretty good day in Nashville, Tennessee for growing our brewing industry.

Steve Scoville, Head Brewer, Mead Maker, Keeper of the Bees
Little Harpeth Brewing
Nashville, Tennessee
www.LittleHarpethBrewing.com

Jester King Gotlandsdricka, To Øl Sans Frontiére up next in Rare Beer Club

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Supporter Post:

One of the most badass beer labels of all time? Whomever is doing the artwork for Jester King Craft Brewery…that brewery has a winner on its hands. And you can hold the rare gem known as Gotlandsdricka in your hands thanks to The Rare Beer Club. Gotlandsdricka is brand new and hasn’t been released in any form before today (Friday) so you can go by Jester King’s track record for now… with all beers rated 84 to 92 on Beer Advocate (hard to decipher but those are good scores). Below, more details on this month’s featured beers…

1) Use a BeerPulse special discount when ordering

Use one of the promo codes below when you order!

BEERPULSE10 – $10 off ANY Beer Club Membership (2-month minimum)
BEERPULSE15 – $15 off ANY prepaid Beer Club Membership of 6 months or longer
BEERPULSE25 – $25 off ANY prepaid 12 month Beer Club Membership

2) Check out this month’s featured beers

Jester King Gotlandsdricka – Exclusivity note: Outside of RBC, this beer will be available only in Texas beginning in late October (along w/ a small handful of events). “Primitive, raw, wild beer, Gotlandsdricka is indeed a rare, traditional style. Considering this, when Jester King set out to try their hand at what we believe is the first commercially-brewed example of the style in the US, they were keen to focus on use of juniper, smoked malts, herbs and low hopping rates.”

To Øl Sans Frontiére Belgian AleTo Øl Sans Frontiére Belgian Ale – 88/93 on RateBeer. Exclusivity note: “We should mention that this beer is brand new to the United States—and we’ve snatched up all but 30 cases that are going to be split by Chicago, California, and New York—so our members will be hording the vast majority of the nation’s supply of this very tasty brew.”

Read more info on these two beers and breweries.

To get these beers, please place your order on or before October 15th.

3) Don’t like those beers? Substitute!

For your first shipment, you will receive the above two beers unless you specify otherwise. You may call and ask for one of the beers that they still have on the floor and substitute it into your first shipment. Just make sure to do so right after you place your order.

Beginning with the second shipment, Rare Beer Club personal memberships are, by default, given additional flexibility through the Future Shipment Update (FSU) Program. Members are sent an email at the beginning of the month detailing the two upcoming selections and a form that allows them to either skip the entire shipment, skip only one of the beers, or add more bottles of either the featured beers or their favorite past selections. In short, you’ll never get a beer you don’t want as a personal member.

Here’s what is currently available for ordering from past months:

[table]
Rank,Beer,Ratebeer Score
1,Castelain Grand Cru (Blond Biere),90/93
2,De Proef Primitive Flemish Wild Ale (aka Reinaert),94/86
3,Elevation Prostator Smoked Doppelbock,(NEW)
4,DeGraal Triverius ,76/89
5,Cisco Island Reserve Saison Farm House Ale,78/43
[/table]

Jester King Gotlandsdricka Ale

4) How many bottles can I order?

You can order a no-obligation membership or a prepaid membership. There is no cancellation fee. 100% satisfaction is guaranteed. There are three different membership levels:

Platinum – (6) – 750 ml. bottles each month, three bottles of two different beers. $68.95 plus $18.00 S&H per month.

Gold – (4) – 750 ml. bottles each month, two bottles of two different beers. $51.95 plus $15.00 S&H per month.

Silver – (2) – 750 ml. bottles each month, one bottle of two different beers. $31.95 plus $13.00 S&H per month.

The beer will arrive at your address approximately 2-3 weeks after the 15th-of-the-month deadline passes.

ORDER NOW BUTTON

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If you have questions or comments, please fill out the form below. Thanks!

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The Bruery Reserve Society membership renewals arrive, public sales begin 10/25

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(Placentia, CA) – More news from The Bruery today…

First, a copy of what was sent out today to existing Reserve Society members:

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Dear Reserve Society member,

The year is not quite through and we still have some major releases coming your way, but it’s already time to start thinking about 2013!
Between today, September 28th, 2012 and Wednesday, October 24th, 2012, you have the exclusive opportunity to sign up for the 2013 Reserve Society and you are GUARANTEED a space in our membership during this period.

On October 25th, sales for 2013 will open up to the public, at which point, we can no longer guarantee your spot.

We are VERY excited for some of the beers that 2013 will be bringing such as “Bois” aged in several types of oak barrels, Kumquat Sour in the Rye, a barrel aged English-style barleywine with Portola coffee, a barrel aged apricot strong ale, and the first ever bottling of Cherry Oude Tart. All of these beers will be EXCLUSIVE to the Reserve Society, plus more!

For those who live in California, we will also be able to ship beer within the state beginning in 2013 at an additional cost, we think this will be a great opportunity for those who rarely get a chance to visit our brewery. If you would like to have the beers that are included with the membership shipped to you, we will sell a “shipping package” for the included beers in January, once the system is setup to handle that request. From then on, each allocation will have it’s own shipping option when you purchase the beer.

Full details on the membership, including a list of likely beers, is available on the webstore at http://society.thebruery.com so head on over and renew today!

—

Below, some additional info that was sent out about a month ago.

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2013 Reserve Society & The Preservation Society

Dear Reserve Society Members,

There is still plenty of fun to be had and beers to be enjoyed in 2012, but we have heard quite a few requests for information about next year, so we would like to release details about the 2013 Reserve Society and our new Preservation Society.

The Reserve Society won’t be going on sale until October 1st, and the Preservation Society until January 2nd, but if you’re deciding whether you’d like to continue being in the Reserve Society or go with another option, hopefully these details will help you in making your decision.

2013 Reserve Society: Membership will remain at $295 and will start January 1, 2013 and end December 31, 2013.

Membership into the 2013 Reserve Society includes the following bottles, available after their release date (except for initial package offerings):
— 1 bottle of Melange #3 (Initial Package, January pickup)
— 1 bottle of White Chocolate (Initial Package, January pickup)
— 1 bottle of Otiose (Initial Package, January pickup)
— 1 bottle of Chocolate Rain (Available in March)
— 2 bottles of Black Tuesday (Available in late October)
— 2 bottles Barrel Aged 5 Golden Rings (Available in December)
— 1 bottle of Mystery Beer #1 (Mystery Release Date)
— 1 bottle of Mystery Beer #2 (Mystery Release Date)
— 1 piece of high quality merchandise

Other Perks:
— Guaranteed access to many releases throughout the year
— 15% off: Allocations, other purchases through The Bruery website, purchases at the Tasting Room, and when purchasing Bruery beer at The Bruery Provisions
— Access to special growler fills, special flights, and Reserve Society events
— First right of refusal to join 2014 Reserve Society
— Shipping within California (at an extra cost)

Anticipated Releases for 2013**:

— Sour in the Rye
— Chocolate Rain*
— White Oak
— Sans Pagaie
— Bois
— Bois Aged in Rye Whiskey Barrels*
— Bois Aged in Brandy Barrels*
— Bois Aged in new American Oak Barrels #4 Toast*
— Kumquat Sour In The Rye*
— Barrel Aged English Barleywine with Portola Coffee* (Name pending)
— Blueberry Sour* (Name pending)
— Mystery Beer #1
— Mystery Beer #2
— Tart of Darkness
— White Chocolate
— Barrel Aged Apricot Strong Ale* (Name pending)
— Bourbon Barrel Aged Smoking Wood
— Cherry Oude Tart*
— Oude Tart
— Black Tuesday
— Grey Monday*
— Melange #1
— Bourbon Barrel Aged Autumn Maple
— Melange #3
— Rueuze
— Barrel Aged 5 Golden Rings*
— Smoking Wood – Rye Barrel Aged
— Approximately 8 very exciting Provisions Series releases

* = Exclusive (Reserve & Hoarders Society Only, not included in Preservation Society membership or to general release)
** = Subject to change

Barrel aged beers tell us when they are ready, so keep in mind any stated release dates are estimates only.

You must be 21 years or older to be in the Reserve Society. All pick-up purchases take place in Placentia, California, thus CA (Placentia area) sales tax will be applied to all orders at a rate of 7.75%. All shipping orders will be taxed at the shipping address rate.

Please note that we will not be able to ship outside of California. If you are outside of California, please designate a trustee who is over 21 years of age to pick-up or receive shipment of your beers.
Preservation Society

Starting on January 2, 2013, we’ll be accepting memberships into the Preservation Society. This is the perfect membership for those who want to be guaranteed a bottle of our more limited releases, and the convenience of shipment to your doorstep within California. It also makes a great gift for an aspiring beer afficianado.

This membership is billed quarterly and includes 3 of our limited release bottles per quarter, but will not include any of the ‘exclusive’ beers listed above. The cost per quarter varies on the beers included in the membership, but generally it’ll be in the $50-60 range. Members receive a 10% discount on every quarterly release, and have access to purchasing additional bottles of some releases through our website, Provisions and the Tasting Room, however, the 10% discount applies only on the quarterly shipments and does not include additional beer purchased through the website, Tasting Room or Provisions.

Members may join or cancel throughout the year, however there will be a limit to the number of members we can accept. Members will also have priority in joining the 2014 Reserve Society. We’ll be releasing more details as we get closer to the new year.
We hope you continue to enjoy your 2012 membership and that we’ll have you along as we continue to brew and grow in 2013!

Cheers,
Your Friends at The Bruery

Oskar Blues expanding distribution to Ohio, Kentucky with Superior, Stagnaro

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oskar blues dales canning line pic

[Photo credit: OskarBlues.com]

Press Release:

(Longmont, CO) – Ten years ago funky little Oskar Blues Grill & Brew started the “Canned Beer Apocalypse” by stuffing their voluminously hoppy Dale’s Pale Ale in a can. Today, Oskar Blues announced a partnership with Stagnaro Distributing (Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky) & Superior Beverage Group (Columbus to Cleveland) to expand their line of boundary busting canned beer to the burgeoning craft beer scene of Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

“This CAN easily be the biggest craft beer launch Ohio has ever seen,” said Mike Stagnaro, President & CEO Stagnaro Distributing.

This announcement follows record setting releases in the Alabama and Chicagoland markets over the previous two months by the brewery. Oskar Blues’ passion play announcement to open an additional brewery in the beer and outdoor centric mountains of North Carolina has allowed the rapidly growing brewery to create capacity to open new markets for the first time in three years. The North Carolina brewery is on pace to begin brewing beer in December of 2012 and produce 40,000 barrels in 2013.

Oskar Blues grew from 13,000 barrels (2007) to 59,000 barrels (2011) in five years while craft beer in-a-can has come of age. America’s first craft brewery to brew and can their beer is projected to produce 90,000 barrels in 2012.

Last year Oskar Blues began “The Oskar Blues Ordeal” bus trips and claimed three medals at the GABF. This year during GABF the brewery will be releasing 16oz. cans of the 2012 World Beer Cup Gold Medal winning G’Knight Imperial Red IPA, a second collaboration beer with Sun King Brewery in the Ball Corporation Alumi-tek Can and a yet to be announced revolutionary NEW package to craft beer.

Surly Brewing logo

Surly Brewing making progress on Minneapolis site, competing for environmental grants

“The site has some great attributes. But it also has some great challenges," said Surly’s real estate consultant, Tom Hauschild. "And the environmental conditions and the buildability of the soil are two major ones. So if those two things can be rectified at a reasonable cost, this could be a great solution for Surly.”

More >> Star Tribune.

 

Breweries:

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The Bruery Sour Rugbrød Danish-style Rye Brown Ale goes on tap Monday

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The Bruery logo(Placentia, CA) – The latest from The Bruery, per Friday’s newsletter.

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This upcoming week we have all kinds of fun things planned for you. We’ll be bringing on a brand new beer, adding some curated flights to our lineup and will also be bringing back a reincarnation of our long dormant Reserve Bottle List!

This upcoming Monday is going to be a busy one for us over here. First off, we’ll be releasing a brand new variation of an old classic- Sour Rugbrød. Sour Rugbrød, which comes in at 7.6% ABV, is a variation of our classic Danish-style rye brown ale which has been soured with our proprietary mix of yeasts and bacteria. To celebrate the release of that draft only offering we will be pouring a flight of some of our favorite sours — Hottenroth, Sans Pagaie, Oude Tart, Sour Rugbrød and Tart of Darkness. For those of you looking for a good introduction to sour beer, this is a great opportunity to try some of the best we have to offer.

As if that weren’t enough, we will also be bringing back our Reserve Bottle list that day. For those of you who are uninitiated with our Reserve Bottle List, we bring out special bottles, many of which are were limited in their original release or have since been discontinued, and make them available for on-premise consumption. The idea behind that program is that we would like to make many of our favorite beers available for you to enjoy with friends and family. As a twist on our old format, we will now be donating half of all Reserve Bottle List sales to charity. We think this is a great way for us to give back a bit to our community and provide many of our most die-hard fans access to some limited beer. This list will be available everyday, with the list changing slightly each season. […]

This weekend we will be serving:

Nottenroth *
Hottenroth *
Loakal Red *
Mischief *
Humulus Lager
Humulus Sterling
Go Team!
Old Richland
Autumn Maple
Brown Creeper
Saison De Lente
Saison Rue
Sans Pagaie
Oude Tart
A Steins Throw
White Oak
Sour Rugbrød (Starting Monday)

Anchor Mark’s Mild (Zymaster #2) magnum bottles go on sale on Monday

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Anchor Zymaster Series No. 2 Mark's MildPress Release:

(San Francisco, CA) – On September 30, 1971, Mark Carpenter joined Anchor Brewing Company as one of five employees. In the decades that followed, Mark played a key role in developing the many innovative beers that were produced at Anchor. And upon becoming brewmaster in 2010, Mark has continued that innovation – starting with the release of Brekle’s Brown in 2011, and with the 2012 introduction of the Zymaster® Series, a unique series of beers rooted in its exceptional respect for the ancient art and noble traditions of brewing. The inaugural beer in the series, Zymaster Series No. 1: California Lager, was released in February 2012.

This past July, Zymaster Series No. 2: Mark’s Mild was released in draught only. To commemorate Mark’s 41st anniversary, we’re releasing a limited edition magnum (1.5 Liters) of Mark’s Mild. Beginning Monday, October 1st, Mark’s Mild magnums will be sold only through the Taproom at our brewery while supplies last. Mark’s Mild is inspired by the British Mild style, lower in alcohol, but high in flavor. This brew has a malty sweetness with hints of chocolate, nuts, caramel and toffee, and a smooth, thirst-quenching finish, proving the notion that beer doesn’t have to be extreme to be interesting.

Anchor Brewing Company is proud to have Mark Carpenter as our brewmaster and friend. We invite you to raise your Anchor and help us celebrate.

Mark’s Mild Magnums Availability:
The Taproom
Anchor Brewing Company
1705 Mariposa Street
San Francisco, CA 94107

Monday – Friday
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Limited Edition Magnums (1.5 Liters) while supplies last
Price: $29.99

Mark’s Mild has a special significance to its brewmaster. Read more about its origin.

Watch what our friends from throughout the industry had to say about Mark’s 40th anniversary in this video:

 

 

Dogfish Head Chicory Stout returns November 1st

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dogfish head chicory stout 4-pack crop

Press Release:

(Milton, DE) – Back in 1995, when Sam Calagione had little more than a dream and a glorified homebrew rig, he had to brew two or three 10-gallon batches of beer a day to supply Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats.

It was a blessing in disguise. Brewing the same styles of beer all day every day got pretty boring. Because the batches were small, Sam could afford to indulge his off-centered whims. He’d wander into the brewpub’s kitchen and grab a handful of raisins, a cup of maple syrup or a few scoops of coffee.

One of the beers born in those early days was Chicory Stout, brewed with organic Mexican coffee, St. John’s Wort, licorice root and roasted chicory.

“This is one of the oldest recipes that we do at Dogfish Head,” Sam says. “It’s a really roasty, chocolatey, mellow session stout.”

The coffee for Chicory Stout comes from Notting Hill, a small roastery just a few miles from Dogfish’s coastal Delaware brewery.

Clocking in at a not-too-boozy 5.2% ABV, Chicory is a fantastic food beer. It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, smoked fish, barbecue and rich chocolates like those from our friends at Askinosie Chocolate in Springfield, Mo.

This winter seasonal is released once a year in November throughout Dogfish Head’s distribution network. To find it near you, visit our Fish Finder and punch in your ZIP code.

SweetWater Danktoberfest up next in Dank Tank series, arrives in October

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SweetWater Danktoberfest Lager

Press Release:

(Atlanta, GA) – SweetWater Brewing Company’s devilishly talented brewers are at it again. Just in time for a fall release, the boys have banded together to brew the first true lager style beer to come from the South’s second largest craft brewer. Danktoberfest, a high gravity Oktoberfest-style brew, is the latest creative brain-child to come from the brewery’s infamous Dank Tank series.

This full-bodied lager delivers a malty taste and bready aroma, packed with zesty hops and huge amounts of heat. Weighing in at a whopping 8.5% ABV, Danktoberfest is brewed with German malts and hops to include: Pilsner, Munich, Cara Munich, Aromatic, Dark Munich malts; and German Perle and Hallertau Mittelfruh hops.

Danktoberfest will be packaged in 22-ounce bottles and hit shelves in select locations starting the first week of October. Samples will also be available on draft at SweetWater’s Tasting Room on select tour dates. Fans should act fast and save some for the cellar. Mr. Dankenshnitzel won’t last long.

“We are excited to be able to break through our ‘ale wall’ and get our hands dirty with some serious lagering,” said SweetWater Head Brewer Nick Nock. “Carrying on the Oktoberfest tradition, we used fine German malts and hops, while adding in our own dankness to give it a classic SweetWater spin.”

SweetWater’s Dank Tank lineup is a series of rarely released beers from the hombres of headiness. These occasional treats from the dark side of SweetWater’s soul emerge from the brewery’s experimental one-hitter…the Dank Tank. Brewed only when the itch gets so bad, they just have to scratch it.

For more on the Dank Tank series, Mr. Dankenschnitzel’s story and SweetWater Brewing Company, visit www.sweetwaterbrew.com.

ABOUT SWEETWATER BREWING COMPANY:
SweetWater Brewing Company is an Atlanta‐based craft brewery specializing in aggressive West Coast style beers. SweetWater’s brews are unpasteurized and designed to be consumed fresh so distribution is limited to the Southeast. The award‐winning lineup of year‐round brews includes SweetWater 420, IPA, Exodus Porter, Blue, LowRYEder and Georgia Brown. SweetWater also features a Catch and Release series of beers available on a limited basis throughout the year, and an experimental, one‐time‐only Dank Tank series. The SweetWater Brewery, open for tours every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5:30‐7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 2:30‐4:30 p.m., is located at 195 Ottley Dr. NE, Atlanta GA 30324. For more information about SweetWater Brewing Company, please visit www.sweetwaterbrew.com. For more of a social relationship with SweetWater Brewing Company follow @sweetwaterbrew on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sweetwaterbrew

Heineken launches James Bond SKYFALL marketing campaign with first video

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(White Plains, NY) – Heineken®, the world’s leading premium beer brand, has launched a thrilling new TV and digital campaign, in anticipation of the release of the 23rd James Bond adventure, SKYFALL™, which sees Daniel Craig bring his explosive portrayal of James Bond to a Heineken ad for the very first time. Challenging consumers to defy his enemies and ‘Crack the Case’, viewers will be taken on an epic train journey alongside stunning Bond newcomer Bérénice Marlohe.


The interactive experience begins exactly where the commercial leaves off, with viewers invited onto a train by the smoldering Bérénice before it embarks on a voyage through a spectacular vista of snowy mountains. Putting viewers through their paces, a series of grueling tests will lead them to ‘Crack the Case’ while protecting its contents from ferocious villains.

Shot in the United Kingdom, the interactive campaign pays homage to the James Bond franchise with a series of subtle nods towards previous films. The train carriages were inspired by classic Ken Adam Bond film sets and replica James Bond film props were used throughout the campaign ad.

Interesting facts on the ‘Crack the Case’ Television Commercial:
· The film was primarily shot at Shepperton Studios in the UK. Elements were also filmed at a train station in Timișoara, Romania, with a team who were able to transform a 82 degree set into a snowy landscape.

· Replica James Bond film props were used throughout the film as a tribute to the franchise and fans alike. Eagle-eye spectators will also spot the Spectre ring from ‘Dr. No’, the Zorin industries and Spectre logos and the Faberge Egg used in ‘From Russia with Love’ and ‘Goldeneye’.

· The soundtrack titled ‘Man Like That’ was written and performed by rising New Zealand music star Gin Wigmore, who also makes an appearance in the film.

Check out the new spot here, and watch for the lead-in to the Crack The Case game on Facebook following the spot: http://www.youtube.com/user/heineken

# # #

About HEINEKEN USA
HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s premier bier importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world’s most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken Lager, the world’s most international bier brand; Heineken Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light bier brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For a safe ride home, download the Heineken USA-sponsored Taxi Magic™ application from your smartphone at taximagic.heineken.com. Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

Heineken Bond Skyfall 12pack

Heineken’s USD$6.1 billion purchase of Asia Pacific Breweries stake approved

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heineken logo

Press Release:

(Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS) – Heineken N.V. (‘HEINEKEN’) announced that at today’s Extraordinary General Meeting (‘EGM’) in Singapore, shareholders of Fraser and Neave, Limited (‘F&N’) voted in favour of the proposed disposal by F&N of its direct and indirect interests in Asia Pacific Breweries Limited (‘APB’) and F&N’s interest in the non-APB assets held by Asia Pacific Investment Private Limited (‘APIPL’), for a total consideration of S$5.6 billion or €3.5 billion1 (the ‘Transaction’).

The Transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals in Singapore and New Zealand and is expected to close in November 2012, after which APB will be fully consolidated into HEINEKEN’s accounts.

Today’s shareholder approval represents an important milestone for HEINEKEN in gaining full control of APB. HEINEKEN currently holds, directly and indirectly, a 55.6% stake in APB. Upon completion of the Transaction HEINEKEN will own a 95.3% stake2 in APB.

Commenting on the Transaction, HEINEKEN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jean-François van Boxmeer said:

tiger beer logo“I am pleased that F&N’s shareholders have voted in favour of our offer for APB and been able to realise full value from their investment. Once completed, this transaction will further increase HEINEKEN’s financial and geographic exposure to emerging markets and strengthen our competitive position in one of the most exciting regions in the world. Our regional headquarters will remain in Singapore with the Heineken® and Tiger® brands at the heart of our portfolio. We are now ideally positioned to expand our presence across the region and create long-term financial and strategic value for our shareholders. Finally, I’d like to thank Chairman Lee and the other members of the F&N board, who have supported our offer and recommended it to the F&N shareholders.”

The Transaction and MGO
On 17 August 2012, HEINEKEN announced that, through its wholly-owned subsidiary HIBV, it had signed the Definitive Agreements with F&N regarding the Transaction whereby HEINEKEN agreed to pay S$53.00 per APB share for F&N’s entire (direct and indirect) 39.7% effective stake in APB for a total consideration of S$5.4 billion (€3.4 billion1) and a total consideration of S$163 million (€103 million1) for F&N’s interest in the non-APB assets held by APIPL. Since the announcement on 17 August 2012, HEINEKEN has purchased a 13.7% stake in APB (including the 8.6% stake it acquired from Kindest Place Groups Limited on 24 September 2012) for a total consideration of S$1.9 billion3 (€1.2 billion1).

Upon completion of the Transaction, HEINEKEN will, in aggregate, own a 95.3% stake2 in APB. HIBV will then make a Mandatory General Offer (‘MGO’) for all the shares of APB that the HEINEKEN group does not already own, in accordance with the Singapore Code on Take-overs and Mergers. Subsequently HEINEKEN will seek to delist APB.

1 Based on a S$/€ exchange rate of 1.58 as of the close of Singapore business on 27 September 2012.
2 Assuming HEINEKEN will not acquire any additional APB shares prior to completion of the Transaction.
3 Based on 35,491,130 shares acquired at S$53.00 and 13,000 shares acquired at S$52.90.

If all remaining shares would be tendered in the MGO, the total consideration under the MGO will be S$0.6 billion (€0.4 billion1). Further details of the MGO have been provided in the Pre-Conditional MGO Announcement prepared by Credit Suisse and Citi on behalf of HIBV on 17 August 2012.

The MGO will not be made unless and until the Transaction has completed.

Compelling strategic transaction
APB will provide HEINEKEN direct access to two of the most exciting emerging markets in the world: Southeast Asia & the Pacific Islands and China. HEINEKEN believes that the Transaction will generate long-term financial and strategic value for its shareholders based on its compelling strategic merits:

  • Southeast Asia & the Pacific Islands is a growing, dynamic region of over 600 million people with favourable demographics, strong economic development and a fast growing beer market.
  • APB is a leading brewer in Southeast Asia & the Pacific Islands, with the strongest and most widespread presence in the region (#1 and #2 positions in 10 countries; 25 breweries in 14 countries).
  • HEINEKEN will significantly increase its exposure to emerging markets, establishing itself as the brewer with the most diversified emerging markets footprint. On a pro-forma basis for 2011, HEINEKEN will derive 62% of its consolidated beer volume and 55% of its EBIT (beia4) from emerging markets (versus 59% of its consolidated beer volume and 50% of its EBIT (beia4) excluding APB).
  • HEINEKEN will be able to exploit the growth potential of the International Premium Segment (‘IPS’) in the region with the Heineken® and Tiger® brands.
  • HEINEKEN intends to fully develop the Tiger® brand internationally and HEINEKEN’s brand portfolio will be strengthened with APB’s other strong regional and local brands.
  • HEINEKEN will be able to capture the developing and profitable IPS in China through a long-term investment approach.

Financial impact of the Transaction
Following completion of the Transaction, HEINEKEN will fully consolidate APB in its accounts, providing an improved reflection of HEINEKEN’s economic exposure to APB and greater transparency of its operations in the Asia Pacific reporting region.

4  Before exceptional items and amortisation of brands.

The key financial metrics for the Transaction are (assuming completion of the MGO and HEINEKEN achieving 100% ownership in APB):

  • Pro-forma 2011 consolidated volume will increase by 8% to 178.3 mhl, revenue by 8% to €18.5 billion5, pro-forma 2011 EBITDA (beia4) by 9% to €4.0 billion5 and pro-forma 2011 EBIT (beia4) by 10% to €3.0 billion5.
  • The indicative EV/EBITDA (beia4) for the twelve months period ending 30 June 2012 is estimated to be 17.1 times6.
  • Assuming 100% acquisition of APB on 1 July 2011 and taking into account the net profit of APB of S$390 million for the last twelve months ending 30 June 2012 and interest cost of 3% per annum, the transaction would have been accretive to Heineken’s earnings per share on a pro forma basis for the last twelve months ending 30 June 2012.
  • Pro-forma net debt/EBITDA (beia4) for the twelve months period ending 30 June 2012 is 3.3x.

In line with IFRS accounting standards, HEINEKEN will revalue its current stake in APB at closing of the Transaction. The non-cash amount arising from such revaluation will be treated as an exceptional item.

None of the above statements or any other statement in this news release should be interpreted to mean that earnings per share of HEINEKEN, HIBV or APB will necessarily be greater than those for their respective preceding financial periods.

Please review the appendix for further information.

Financing
HEINEKEN has sufficient cash and committed facilities available to finance the Transaction as well as the MGO. HEINEKEN will fund the Transaction and the MGO through available cash of approximately €1 billion, its committed undrawn revolving credit facility of €2 billion and a new bridge commitment of approximately €2.5 billion from its banks. Average acquisition financing costs are expected to be below 3% per annum.

HEINEKEN has a clearly articulated financial policy and is committed to returning to a net debt/EBITDA (beia4) ratio of below 2.5 times within 24 months of completion of the MGO.

Timing and other
The Transaction remains subject to clearance by the Competition Commission Singapore and approval by the Overseas Investment Office in New Zealand.

5  Based on an average S$/€ exchange rate for the year ending 31 December 2011 of 1.75.
6  Based on a price per APB share of S$53.00 for 100% of the share capital of APB, APB’s balance sheet as at 30 June 2012 (valuing minority interests and associates at book value) and an EBITDA for the twelve months period to 30 June 2012 of S$796 million.

The Transaction is expected to complete in November 2012. Subsequently the MGO process will be launched, which will take at least six weeks to complete. Following the MGO, HEINEKEN will seek to delist APB.

rogue beard beer john maier

Rogue brewmaster, father of Beard Beer, hasn’t shaved in 34 years (video)

 

 

CNN Headline News featured Rogue Ales’ Beard Beer briefly on a recent telecast. Rogue said in its original press release that they planned to call the beer, “New Crustacean,” but the CNN report says that they haven’t decided on a final name.

via Youtube | Rogue.

 

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Dogfish Head Birra Etrusca Bronze Ale joining Ancient Ale series (video)

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Dogfish Head Birra Etrusca Bronze Ale

(Milton, DE) – Receiving label approval this week is the newest beer in Dogfish Head’s stable of Ancient Ales: Birra Etrusca Bronze Ale.

You can read more about the story behind the beer on the Dogfish Head blog, watch the video below or read this summary off of the label:

Dogfish Head worked with out Birreria Brother Brewers (Birra del Borgo and Baladin) and biomolecular archeologist, Dr. Patrick McGovern, to create this Ancient Ale. We made a research pilgrimage together to early Etruscan warrior tombs in the hills and along the coast of Tuscany. The 8th c. B.C. recipe is based on chemical and botanical evidence of tree resins, beeswax and honey, whole pomegranates, hazelnuts, grapers and apples inside ancient jars and drinking-bowls. It represents the prehistoric mixed beverage of Italy before the arrival of wine. Our version is fermented with bronze, a popular material in brewing and cooking in the Etruscan era.

Back in March, the brewery said it would release Birra Etrusca Bronze in 2012 though no release date has been formally announced. Look for it in the future in 750ml bottles, 1/2 and 1/6 barrel kegs.

More info on the beer in the video below…

 

 

Carlsberg Group, Singha Corp. to form joint venture in international markets

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singha beer logoPress Release:

Carlsberg Group announced today that it has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Singha Corporation, the leading brewery group in Thailand and owner of the best-selling Thai beer brand, Leo Beer, as well as the very popular Singha Beer brand.

Under the new partnership, Singha Corporation and Carlsberg will form a Joint Venture which will oversee the marketing, sales and distribution of Carlsberg’s international beer brands in Thailand. It is also the intention to launch Singha in selected markets outside of Thailand through Carlsberg Group’s international network.

Copenhagen-based Carlsberg Group is one of the world’s leading brewers, with an extensive portfolio of beer and other beverage brands. The flagship brand – Carlsberg – is one of the best-known global beer brands, enjoyed by consumers in more than 150 countries around the world.

Singha Corporation is the clear market leader in Thailand. Combining Singha’s very strong local portfolio of brands with Carlsberg’s international premium brands enables Singha to further strengthen its number one position in that market.

“We are very pleased to announce this strategic partnership with Singha Corporation. The Thai beer market represents a great opportunity for Carlsberg and we are excited to be partnering with such a strong and dedicated team and one of the most successful beer companies in Asia” says Roy Bagattini Senior Vice President Carlsberg, Asia.

“Teaming up with Carlsberg, one of the world’s leading brewery groups will not only allow Singha to strengthen its premium portfolio in Thailand, but also expand the global presence of Singha beer outside Thailand. We are looking forward to growing our businesses together and exploiting the potential that this exciting partnership will deliver” adds Santi Bhirombhakdi, CEO of Singha Corporation.

In a further comment Dr. Sudhabodi Sattabusya, Sr. Vice President of Singha Corporation “Singha beer is not only the most well-known beer in Thailand but also has a lot fans across the world. Today, we export Singha beer to nearly 50 countries worldwide. Our strategic partnership with Carlsberg has potential to open doors for Singha to new markets, particularly in Europe where we see plenty of untapped potential for our brands. I have reasons to believe that there is significant growth potential for both parties in the future under the umbrella of this partnership”.

tiger beer logo

Heineken completes purchase of KPG’s stake in Asia Pacific Breweries Limited

Further to its announcement of 19 September 2012, Heineken N.V. (“HEINEKEN”) today announced that yesterday Heineken International B.V. completed the purchase of 22,207,130 shares in Asia Pacific Breweries Limited (“APB”) held by Kindest Place Groups Limited (representing 8.6% of the total issued share capital of APB) at a price of S$53.00 per APB share.

via press release.

 

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Evil Genius EYECLOPS variety six-pack of IPAs just released

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evil genius beer co logoPress Release:

[Note: still awaiting packaging shot]

(Somewhere in, PA) – The Idiots at Evil Genius Beer Company are excited to announce the release of their new year-round package, EYECLOPS – IPA Variety Pack (available now). Two of each IPA in every six pack; EVIL EYE PA – American IPA, BLIND EYE PA – Belgian Style IPA, and their new BLACK EYE PA – Black IPA.

EVIL EYE PA – American IPA
Released in January of this year, EVIL EYE PA is their take on an American IPA. Brewed with Falconers Flight, Amarillo, Warrior, and Australian Galaxy, a beautiful amber color gives way to citrus and sweet aromas and flavors.

BLIND EYE PA – Belgian Style IPA
First released as a one-off for Philly Beer Week, the overwhelmingly positive response encouraged the Evil Genius team to keep on brewing! The sweet Belgian yeast mingles pleasantly with citrus tones from the Falconers Flight hops, and combines to offer a surprisingly easy drinking 7.2% beer.

Black EYE PA – Black IPA
Thanks to the good people at Sam Adams, Evil Genius was able to purchase a small amount of “goldrush” hops, Citra and Simcoe to use in this IPA. Dark roasted coffee and burnt flavors deliciously balance with citrus flavors that can only be expected from Citra and Simcoe. (Only available in the EYECLOPS package)

About Evil Genius Beer Company
Evil Genius Beer Company is a craft brewery from Chester Country, Pennsylvania, founded in September 2011, by three guys who love designing, brewing, and drinking great craft beer. Evil Genius currently contract brews at the Cooperstown Brewing Company in Milford, NY, with plans to build a facility in Chester County PA in the near future.