New Brew In Wolaver’s Organic Farmer Series!
The brewers of Wolaver’s organic ales have crafted another new beer as part of their seasonal Organic Farmers series. Morgan Wolaver and Brewmaster Mike Gerhart worked with neighbors at Vermont Coffee Company just down the street from the brewery to create Alta Gracia® Coffee Porter. The new beer is brewed with organic roasted barley and chocolate malts for a rich, dark and robust flavor with an infusion of organic vanilla beans, and coffee from the Dominican Republic farm community Alta Gracia.
Alta Gracia is a non-profit farm working to empower farmers with tools and techniques to grow quality shade-grown organic coffee. The result is growers who feel pride in their stewardship of the land, are paid fairly for their labor, and have healthy sustainable farms.
Part of the farm’s mission towards sustainable agriculture is to improve literacy rates among the community and a school and library have been built for this purpose. Each year the money from Alta Gracia coffee sales sends two volunteers to the farm to teach at the school and to work on new agricultural projects.
In addition to making a great beer, the collaboration will donate $1 per pound of coffee used for the making of Alta Gracia Coffee Porter. This year’s brews have raised $1000 which will be used in the Alta Gracia community for agricultural projects. Alta Gracia Coffee Porter follows Will Stevens’ pumpkin ale and is scheduled to hit shelves November. Available in 6 packs, cases and draft. Visit wolavers.com and cafealtagracia.com for more info.
Otter Creek “Ski For Free” deal returns for 2010
Otter Creek Brewing is partnering with Vermont’s premier ski resorts again this year to offer consumers the chance to ski or ride midweek for free (when your buddy pays, that is). The promotion is valid January 1 through March 31, Monday through Friday. To take advantage of this “buy one, get one free” deal on lift tickets, look for Otter Creek “Ski for Free” coupons in a store near you. Vermont offers the finest conditions in the east and midweek is great snow and no lines. Visit ottercreekbrewing.com for more information on participating mountains and details.
QVH New Release in Otter Creek’s Imperial Series
Otter Creek Brewing’s Imperial Series continues with a very special new brew. “Quercus Vitis Humulus is our brewers’ tribute to the mighty oak, luscious grape, and humble hop,” says Brewmaster Mike Gerhart. The homage begins with a bold 27 degree plato barley-wine, warm-fermented with Bohemian lager yeast, then blended with Sauvignon Blanc grape juice and fermented a second time with a pure culture of Champagne yeast. When this intricate brew was complete, they aged it on lightly toasted French Oak. The six week journey through the Middlebury brewery results in a deeply complex ale which clocks in at 12% ABV, with 38 IBU. Available in 22 oz and draft.
Coming to stores in November will be the Otter’s Selection Gift pack- a tall black box containing three 22-oz bottles and a glass to drink them with. This year’s gift pack will feature all three Otter Creek Imperial ales: Russian Imperial Stout, Imperial India Pale Ale, and the new Q.V.H.. A very nice gift for any beer lover.
Otter Creek Winter Ale Special Release Raspberry Brown returns
Otter Creek Winter Ale is available November through January. The special release is a smooth brown ale, with a touch of raspberry. Rich and toasty with a warming body and light hops, this is a malty and perfectly fruited beer- very appealing and comforting. Just right for wintertime. www.ottercreekbrewing.com 5.85% ABV
Wolaver’s Healthy Holidays Recipe Contest
If you have a recipe with beer as an ingredient, now is your chance to cash in. Wolaver’s is running their Healthy Holidays Recipe Contest, and one lucky winner will receive a $200 shopping spree at the grocery store of their choice. The contest will run throughout the holiday season, starting November 1. Please submit your favorite recipe at wolavers.com
Otter Creek Brewing Okemo Mountain Holiday Ski Trip Giveaway
Otter Creek Brewing has partnered with Okemo Mountain in Ludlow Vermont to give you the chance to win the perfect gift for any skier or rider. The trip includes lodging and lift tickets, as well as a brewery tour. Anyone 21 years or older can enter to win at www.ottercreekbrewing.com starting Nov 1. The winner will be drawn on December 22nd, just in time for Christmas.
