Throughout 2010, Sierra Nevada will release four specialty beers to help celebrate 30 years of brewing. The first of these bottle-conditioned beers, Fritz & Ken’s Ale, is called a ‘Pioneer Stout’ by it’s creators Fritz Maytag (Anchor Brewing) & Ken Grossman (Sierra Nevada) and will be released in mid-March.
Label text: Fritz Maytag, owner of San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing Company, is regarded as the godfather of the craft brewing movement. Fritz agreed to guest brew this very special ale with us in honor for our 30th Anniversary. As a nod to the robust black ales that seduced both Fritz and Ken in the early years, we bring you this Pioneers Stout, a rich and roasted ale, perfect for aging, and worthy of your finest snifter. Enjoy!
The second release from the series, Charlie, Fred and Ken’s Lager, will be an ‘Imperial Helles’ named for it’s collaborators- Charlie Papazian (American Homebrewer’s Association), Fred Eckhardt (Award Winning Beer Author) & Ken Grossman. This lager will hit shelves mid-May.
Label text: Charlie Papazian and Fred Eckhart are the men who launched a thousand breweries. Their writing on the art of homebrewing and steadfast promotion of beer culture helped propel the craft brewing movement. Charlie and Fred agreed to work with us on this special ale in honor of our 30th Anniversary. This Imperial Helles Lager is a testament to the ever-evolving brewer’s art. Bold yet balanced with distinct toasted malt character, moderate sweetness and clean and floral hops. Enjoy!
Third on the list, Jack & Ken’s Ale, is an ‘American-style Barleywine’ from the minds of Jack McAuliffe (New Albion Brewing) & Ken Grossman for release in July. Early reports say that this limited release is an extremely tasty creation and should age exceptionally well.
Label text: Jack McAuliffe is the original micro-brewer. McAuliffe’s tiny New Albion Brewery in Sonoma, California inspired countless brewers to start small-scale breweries of their own. Jack agreed to guest brew this very special ale with us in honor of our 30th anniversary. This American barleywine is a nod to the big ales New Albion served at their legendary summer-solstice parties. It is robust and complex — brewed with 100% American Cascade Hops.
The last of the releases, Our Brewer’s Reserve: Oak Aged Ale, is not a collaboration, but a blend of three of Sierra Nevada’s most popular ales and should ship mid-October.
Label text: Brewers Reserve is a special ale highlighting our pioneering history and the innovative spirit that has carried us through all these years. It is a marriage of our three most acclaimed ales: Oak Aged Bigfoot, Celebration Ale, and fresh Pale Ale blended together and generously dry hopped. Come join us in celebrating thirty years with this most special brew. Drink it now, or save it for a future anniversary of your own.
These new limited-release beers will come corked and caged in 750ml bottles, so keep your eyes peeled or hit up your local craft beer bottleshop and have them set some aside for you. For more information on Sierra’s 30th Anniversary releases, please visit the Sierra 30 website.
