O’Fallon Hemp Hop Rye Beer Released

O’Fallon Brewery released its newest beer, O’Fallon Hemp Hop Rye, to distributors in Missouri and eight other states today. “We are proud to introduce another innovative style to beer lovers,” said Tony Caradonna, president. “This is an amber ale brewed with both toasted hemp seeds and rye, an unusual combination that works really well together.”

Head Brewer Brian Owens began developing the new recipe late last year. “We started by brewing three different test batches to determine the best proportions and combinations of ingredients,” he said. After receiving approval from the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) on the recipe and the label, Owens and his team brewed a 15-barrel batch in O’Fallon for release on draft to a few Missouri establishments. In April the company brewed the first 100-barrel batch for release in 6- pack bottles. “I traveled to our facility in Wisconsin to work with the brewing staff at Stevens Point on the finer points of the recipe,” said Owens. “Our team in Wisconsin is always enthusiastic when we bring them new ideas, and we are all happy with the results of the first Hemp Hop Rye brew.”

Hemp Hop Rye is brewed with three kinds of malted barley, two types of rye, three varieties of hops and toasted hemp seed. “Hemp is a botanical cousin to hops,” said Owens, “and we use one that’s grown organically. It’s extremely nutritious and adds a wonderful nutty flavor in the finish. It’s a perfect compliment to the rye and to the Cascade, Hallertauer and Summit hops in the beer.”

The packaging for the brewery’s newest product was developed by the local creative group known as Boxing Clever. “From the minute we shared our Hemp Hop Rye concept with those talented folks,” Caradonna said, “they got it! We are especially happy with the designs they created and believe they’ll help sell Hemp Hop Rye.”

Missouri Beverage Company handles local distribution for O’Fallon and will begin distributing the beer throughout the state immediately.