Press Release:
(Denver, CO) – Starting this week, Crooked Stave Artisans Distributing (CSA) will introduce a selection of bottles from Green Bench Brewing Co. to independent liquor stores, bars, and restaurants throughout the state. This will be the first time the St. Petersburg, Florida based brewery will be regularly available in the Denver metro area and beyond.
Green Bench, which opened its doors in September 2013, is St. Petersburg’s first microbrewery and was named in honor of St. Petersburg’s old nickname, “City of the Green Benches” – the downtown sidewalks were lined with thousands of green benches in the early 1900’s. Since opening, Green Bench has garnered multiple awards for its beer at the 2014 U.S. Open Beer Championship and was also named one of the Top 10 breweries of the year.
With a 15-barrel brewhouse, five 15-barrel fermenters, and one custom-built oak foeder, Green Bench head brewer Khris Johnson produces a variety of American styles including several IPAs in addition to a 100% oak-fermented line of Franco-Belgian styles.
“Sharing a sense of excitement for the complexities that emerge when wild fermentations are allowed to linger in oak, the thoughtful minds at Green Bench have created a complex and delicate range of beers. Their use of a foeder that uniquely combines French and American oak allows for a highly intricate foundation of flavor for the wild characteristics to build upon,” says CSA Buyer André DiMattia. “Emerging within America’s somewhat boisterous beer scene of Brett-forward and bacteria-laced beverages, Green Bench’s offerings are certain to grab the attention of many given the precision and clarity of flavor found within each of their new bottled offerings. This is a great beginning to something that we feel will be a beneficial contribution to the world of wild beers.”
Starting today, April 21st, CSA will introduce the following 500ml bottles from Green Bench’s Belgian line-up:
Saison de Banc Vert (6.5% ABV) – A 100% oak fermented farmhouse ale in a custom-built foeder, the first of its kind, consisting of 75% French Oak and 25% American Oak staves. Dry, clean, and crisp, this “Green Bench Saison” is packed with fruity esters similar to citrus peels and spicy, peppercorn-like phenols from the brewery’s farmhouse yeast strain. Saison de Banc Vert is a core in the St. Peter’s Belgian Line.
Saison de Banc Noir (6.0% ABV) – A 100% oak fermented farmhouse ale in a custom-built foeder consisting of 75% French Oak and 25% American Oak staves. By combining the rustic, peppery flavors of the farmhouse yeast strain with the complex dark fruit notes of roasted wheat and dark Belgian candi syrups, Green Bench has created an intricately delicate “Black Saison” that contains ornate notes of raisins, plum, dark grape, and peppercorns. Saison de Banc Noir is a core in the St. Peter’s Belgian Line.
Saison de Banc Vert Naturally Conditioned on Brettanomyces (6.8% ABV) – Saison de Banc Vert conditioned on wild yeast. The result is a slightly dryer, more effervescent mouthfeel and a uniquely rustic, wild aroma and flavor profile.
Saison de Banc Noir Naturally Conditioned on Brettanomyces (6.3% ABV) – Saison de Banc Noir conditioned on wild yeast. The result is a slightly dryer, frothier mouthfeel and a uniquely rustic, wild aroma and flavor profile.
About CSA: Crooked Stave Artisans Distributing is the distribution arm of Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project. As an emerging distribution company in Colorado, CSA is focused on the artisans they represent including an ever-growing portfolio of the best International and American breweries, cideries, wineries, distilleries and food producers.
About Green Bench Brewing Co: Founded in September 2013, Green Bench is St. Petersburg, Florida’s first production microbrewery. Using the highest quality ingredients, Green Bench aims to set the standard for beer and help push the craft to heights never thought possible.