Arkansas Untappd Update!

I get asked for this often, but it's been awhile so I finally got off my duff and did one of these. New to the game? I basically go to Untapped and check all of the Arkansas brewery totals, then sort them. Ta-da! Not much to it, but it's some fun info to look at. It's not actual sales mind you, it's the number of check-ins on the Untappd app. It could be samplers, could be full beers, could be some brewery's fans don't like to use the app.... basically there's nothing scientific about this at all, I just enjoy seeing it and am also a sharer.

Who's new to the list? Well I added Rebel Kettle, Prestonrose Farm, Leap of Faith, Refined Ale and New Province.

A lot of shuffling around as the "Big 4" at the top all seem to be pulling away. Keep in mind too the length of time some of these places have been open. Lost Forty has been open basically 1 1/2 years and is hanging around the top and leaping over breweries every update.

I also remember when my list didn't have a single Arkansas brewery over 10,000 check-ins, now we're about to have 5 breweries with such and 2 of them actually over 20,000.

So I'll shut-up now, here's your list.

Brewery	Total Check-Ins
Core Brewery	23,667
Diamond Bear	22,150
Ozark Beer Company	15,495
Lost Forty Brewing	14,768
Fossil Cove	9,866
Saddlebock	8,300
Apple Blossom	8,093
Stone's Throw	5,886
Bike Rack	3,332
Superior Bathhouse	2,796
Vino's Brewpub	2,665
Bentonville Brewing	2,580
Blue Canoe	2,364
West Mountain	2,131
Moody Brews	1,892
Rebel Kettle	1,642
Flyway Brewing	1,514
Columbus House	1,355
Damgoode Brews	1,193
New Province Brewing	740
Black Apple Crossing	699
Foster's Pint & Plate	682
Bubba Brew's Brewing	593
Gravity Brew Works	121
Brick Oven	105
Prestonrose Farm	63
Refined Ale Brewery	50
Leap of Faith	37

Stone's Throw Brewing Celebrates American Craft Beer Week

Events across U.S. highlight small breweries

 

Little Rock, AR (5/15/2016) - Stone's Throw Brewing announced today its schedule of events to celebrate the biggest week of the year in American Craft Beer. For the 11th year in a row, the Brewers Association has declared American Craft Beer Week (ACBW), the nationwide celebration of U.S. small and independent craft brewers. The weeklong tribute provides an opportunity for craft brewers to share their diversity, creativity and passion for the beverage they love with the greater craft beer community. From May 16 – 22, all 50 states will be holding events including exclusive brewery tours, special craft beer releases, food and beer pairings, tap takeovers and more to celebrate the ever-advancing beer culture in the United States.

“American Craft Beer Week has provided independent beer fans across the country a chance to support their local breweries since 2006. With celebrations happening in all 50 states, this is truly an annual national event that recognizes all those involved in making craft beer from small breweries in the U.S. such a success.” -Julia Herz, publisher of CraftBeer.com and craft beer program director at the Brewers Association

For American Craft Beer Week 2016, Stone's Throw Brewing will be participating in the following events:

Tuesday, May 17, 6:30pm: ACBW 5Beers5Bites Dinner with the Southern Gourmasian

Wednesday, May 18, 6:00pm: #BetterWithBeerFreeMovie "Strange Brew" in the taproom

Thursday, May 19, 5:00-7:00pm: Smoke and Brew at Eggshells Kitchen Company

Thursday, May 19, 6:30pm: Arkansas Brewing History #ArkiePubTrivia in the taproom

Friday, May 20, 11:00am-?: Flying Saucer Little Rock 18th Anniversary Rare Brew Tapping of Cellared 2015 Anniversary Stout Aged in Rock Town Distillery Rye Whiskey Barrel

Friday, May 20, 4:00-10:00pm: #NewBrewFriday Release of Walterloo Wit in the taproom

Saturday, May 21, 1:00pm: Free Tour of Stone's Throw Brewing

Saturday, May 21, 2:00-6:00pm: Wit Hot American Summer at the Mellow Mushroom

Saturday, May 21, 6:00-9:00pm: 2016 Hot Springs Craft Beer Festival at Hot Springs Convention Center

Sunday, May 22, 11:00am-2:00pm: ACBW #BeerBrunch with Sweet Soul in the taproom

Stone’s Throw Brewing is the product of four guys—Theron Cash, Brad McLaurin, Shawn Tobin and Ian Beard—who met in the local home brew club, the Central Arkansas Fermenters. After doing most of the work themselves to turn a century old building in Little Rock’s MacArthur Park Historic District into a production facility, they began brewing operations on July 4, 2013 and opened a taproom on August 1, 2013. Stone’s Throw Brewing specializes in small-batch, artisanal beers that are both creative and drinkable.

The Stone’s Throw Brewing tap room is open to the public Tuesday-Thursday, 4:00-9:00 pm, Friday 4:00-10:00pm, Saturday 12:00-10:00 pm, and Sunday 11:00 am-9:00 pm. The tap room features different food trucks each day and offers all night happy hour on Wednesdays, #ArkiePubTrivia at 6:30pm on Thursdays, new beer releases every first Friday of the month (and any other Friday we feel like), free brewery tours at 1:00pm and beer infusions at 4:00pm on Saturdays, and beer to go on Sundays. Current beer selection, food truck schedules, and upcoming events can be found at www.stonesthrowbeer.com, on Facebook at StonesThrowBrewing, Twitter @stonesthrowbrew and Instagram @stonesthrowbrewing.

The Biggest Small Beer Ever Made: American Craft Beer Week 2016

Brewer's Association: Yes, this is a real beer (an imperial porter, to be exact), and it was created in collaboration with over 4,000 of the Brewers Association's small and independent craft breweries. It’s The Biggest Small Beer Ever Made, and you’ll only be able to drink it during American Craft Beer Week, May 16 – 22.    So head on over to http://www.craftbeer.com/acbw and help #MakeSmallBeerBig at a participating location near you.  

Press Release: American Craft Beer Week Celebrated in Central Arkansas

Arkansas Brewers Guild Host Events Highlighting Growing Industry

 

North Little Rock, AR, May 10, 2016 – For the 11th year in a row, the Brewers Association has declared American Craft Beer Week (ACBW), the nationwide celebration of U.S. small and independent craft brewers. The weeklong tribute provides an opportunity for craft brewers to share their diversity, creativity and passion for the beverage they love with the greater craft beer community. From May 16 – 22, all 50 states will be holding events including exclusive brewery tours, special craft beer releases, food and beer pairings, tap takeovers and more to celebrate the ever-advancing beer culture in the United States.

“American Craft Beer Week has provided independent beer fans across the country a chance to support their local breweries since 2006. With celebrations happening in all 50 states, this is truly an annual national event that recognizes all those involved in making craft beer from small breweries in the U.S. such a success." - Julia Herz, publisher of CraftBeer.com and craft beer program director at the Brewers Association 

The Arkansas Brewers Guild gets a head start on ACBW with a series of events in the Argenta Arts District May 13-15. Breweries from around the state will converge for a weekend long ACBW kickoff party: Tap Takeover at Flyway Brewing Friday night, Beer Garden at Legends in Argenta Saturday night, and Brewers’ Brunch at Skinny J’s Argenta Sunday morning.

“The local brewing community is jumping fully into the phenomenon that is American Craft Beer Week by starting a few days early! The Arkansas Brewers Guild is excited to put on an entire weekend of events all within a few blocks of each other in Argenta that will lead into everything member breweries have planned for ACBW.” - Ian Beard, President Arkansas Brewers Guild

The weekend begins with the Arkansas Brewers Guild Tap Takeover hosted by Flyway Brewing, located at 314 Maple St. in North Little Rock. Beginning at 4:00pm Friday, May 13, beers from nine Arkansas breweries will be featured simultaneously for the entire evening. There is no entry fee, and representatives from each brewery will be present to talk about their product with beer enthusiasts. Participating breweries include Bentonville Brewing Company, Bubba Brew's Brewing Company, Diamond Bear Brewing Company, Flyway Brewing, Fossil Cove Brewing Co., Lost Forty Brewing, Rebel Kettle Brewing Co., Stone's Throw Brewing, and Superior Bathhouse Brewery.

“We are so pumped to have so many of our fellow brewers in one place enjoying a pint with the craft beer community! Despite being competitors on paper, we all love to get together and talk shop and everyone is always willing to help out when you need them.” -Matt Foster, Brewer Flyway Brewing

The Guild continues the festivities with a Beer Garden at Legends in Argenta Saturday, May 14, from 4:00-11:00pm, located at 520 N Main St., North Little Rock. Along with great local music, art, craft vendors and food trucks, eleven Arkansas breweries are serving their products. Admission is $5, beverage tickets are available for purchase from the Guild and redeemable for brews from Blue Canoe Brewing Co., Bubba Brew's Brewing Company, Core Brewing Company, Damgoode Pies, Diamond Bear Brewing Company, Flyway Brewing, Fossil Cove Brewing Co., Lost Forty Brewing, Ozark Beer Company, Rebel Kettle Brewing Co., and Stone's Throw Brewing.

“The Legends in Argenta beer garden is a joint effort between the Arkansas Brewers Guild and Legends of Arkansas that promises to be a huge draw for festival goers. With Mulehead as the music headliner and so many great local products available, Argenta is the place to be Saturday night!" -Susie Cowan, Executive Director Legends of Arkansas

Craft beer enthusiasts are encouraged to join the Arkansas brewing community for brunch Sunday, May 15, from 10:00am-3:00pm at Skinny J’s Argenta located at 314 N Main St., North Little Rock. Skinny J’s features only Arkansas beers on tap, making it an ideal spot for Guild members to share fellowship before heading home for a full week of ACBW activities at their own breweries.

The Arkansas Brewers Guild is organized to promote, in every lawful manner, the common interests of the members of the brewing industry in Arkansas. It is recognized by the Brewers Association as the official trade group for the industry in the state. The Guild operates as a non-profit corporation and pursues its mission through public events, industry initiatives, and governmental action. Find out more about upcoming Guild events at https://www.facebook.com/arkansasbrewersguild

10 Reasons You Should Attend Firkin Fest Today

Sure, the most obvious reason to go to Firkin Fest today in Argenta is the beer! Great breweries from Arkansas and around the world are bringing fun, creative and hopefully tasty brews for you to sample. So you've got that. But I've come up with 10 more reasons. 10 MORE REASONS! Just for you.

1. The weather is going to be perfect. Forecast starts at about 80 degrees and sunny at 6pm, the start time, and ends up about 70 degrees by the end at 9pm.

2. It's Stevie Wonder's birthday. C'mon. It's very superstitious, the writings on the wall...

  

3. There will be music from talented local pop singer/songwriters Isaac Alexander and Jason Weinheimer. 

https://isaacalexander.bandcamp.com/

4. There's food from eight local restaurants: Arkansas Ale House, Damgoode Pies, Old Chicago Pizza, Skinny J's, @ the Corner, Cafe Bossa Nova and Zaffino's by Nori.

5. It's Friday the 13th, so you really don't want to go camping or something do you?

6. It's just fun to say. Firkin Fest. Fun Firkin Fest. A freakin' fun Firkin Fest. Go ahead, try it. Now imagine it after a few beers.

 

7. The event is Benefiting the Argenta Downtown Council. Drink for a cause! 

8. You never know what you're going to get when you tap a frikin. Case in point? Watch the video below:

    9. It's Friday! You'll still have all weekend to do the things you need to get done this weekend!   10. None of the current candidates for president will be in attendance! Zero!  

See you there!

Press Release: Oskar Blues Now In All 50 States

OSKAR BLUES BREWERY GOES NATIONAL, NOW AVAILABLE IN 

ALL 50 STATES

 

 

Longmont, CO, Brevard, NC, Austin, TX - Oskar Blues Brewery, the brewery that launched the canned beer apocalypse, announced the addition of Montana, making the brew now available in all 50 states. Oskar Blues will partner with Summit Beverage Company in the Missoula and Butte markets and Bronken's Distributing in the Bozeman market to reach national distribution.

 

"When I first left my home state of Alabama, I was dead set on being a fly fishing guide in Wise River Montana. My wife and I never made it past Lyons, CO as the vibe of the surrounding mountains grabbed us and we put down roots. A few years later we started Oskar Blues." said Dale Katechis, soul-founder. "Now almost 20 years later, we're completing our trip to Montana bringing our journey full circle."

 

The craft brewery continues exponential growth in the first half of 2016 with the release of BEERITO Mexican Lager and the opening of a third brewery in Austin, TX. Oskar Blues has maintained its position as the largest American craft brewery to package beer exclusively in cans, with growth hailing from both its flagship Longmont brewery and location in Brevard, NC. The Austin brewery and music venue, as well as the completion of its U.S. distribution in Montana will continue to fuel explosive growth in 2016.

 

As Oskar Blues expands its efforts to get cans of Dale's Pale Ale and the rest of the portfolio in the hands of beer drinkers all around the globe, the brewery will be making its first foray into the Southern Hemisphere with the launch of the Australian market in June. OB will partner with Phoenix Beers and will initially sell the six core Oskar Blues brands - Dale's Pale Ale, Mama's Little Yella Pils, Pinner Throwback IPA, Oskar Blues IPA, Old Chub Scotch Ale and Beerito Mexican Lager. The brews will be available in cans and draft.

 

In addition to the new Austin brewery, Oskar Blues Brewery helped fuel the development of partner Perrin Brewing Company's expansion to Colorado and orchestrated the acquisition of Cigar City Brewing in Tampa, Florida. The collaborations brought years of large-scale growth and resources along with expansion expertise to help both breweries strengthen their future position within the craft beer community. Similarly to Oskar Blues, Perrin and Cigar City's award-winning brews are well known and respected within the craft community.

 

Oskar Blues has continued to strengthen its core offerings as well as its ancillary brands like Hotbox Roasters and REEB Cycles. B. Stiff & Sons Old Fashioned Sodas recently released four new flavors and expanded distribution to include CO, NC and VA in 2016. The Oskar Blues fooderies group is expanding with the summer opening of CHUBurger and Hotbox Roasters Café brick and mortar locations in the RiNo district of Denver.

 

To learn more about Oskar Blues, visit www.oskarblues.com.

#5Beers5Bites Beer Dinner at The Southern Gourmasian

I was fortunate enough to attend Stone's Throw Brewing's monthly #5Beers5Bites beer dinner at The Southern Gourmasian restaurant last night and I must say if you haven't been to one of these you're really missing out. Assuming you love food and beer. The pairings are great and the whole things is very interactive, informative and above all delicious. Watch for the next one.

Here's a bit more on last night's:

1st
Pork belly corn dogs, sweet and spicy mustard
Aceypalooza Pale Lager

2nd
Bourbon smoked octopus, white beans, celery, red onion
Kupfer Munich Dunkel

3rd
TSG Gardens Asian Greens, Soft Egg, Jalapeño Vinaigrette, KWAC Feta, Bentons Bacon Croutons
Dunbar Pear Cider

4th
Thai Infused “Sous Vide” Beef Short Rib, Coconut Crusted Onion Rings, Tamarind Ketchup
Cover Crop Rye IPA

5th
Caramel Chocolate Turtle Tarts, Kaffir Lime Whipped Cream
Shamus Stout

#5Beers5Bites Pork belly corn dogs with Aceypalooza Pale Lager. Fantastic start. Some spicy mustard kicks it up. pic.twitter.com/IoHsyJJWh6

— Woo Pig Brewey! (@WooPigBrewey) April 19, 2016

#5Beers5Bites How about some Bourbon Smoked Octopus with a Kupfer Munich Dunkel? Surprised how much I liked this. pic.twitter.com/cfq2mNobPi

— Woo Pig Brewey! (@WooPigBrewey) April 20, 2016

#5Beers5Bites Oh wow, delicious Dunbar Pear Cider with some greens and a soft egg is just perfection. #winner pic.twitter.com/4O3EgisXTi

— Woo Pig Brewey! (@WooPigBrewey) April 20, 2016

#5Beers5Bites Thai infused beef short ribs, coconut crusted Onion rings & Cover Crop Rye IPA. #OMG #unbuttonpants pic.twitter.com/nQdXqTwueH

— Woo Pig Brewey! (@WooPigBrewey) April 20, 2016

#5Beers5Bites We're thru the looking glass folks. Caramel chocolate turtle with Shamus Stout. Be jealous. #SlowClap pic.twitter.com/or69SDQn4c

— Woo Pig Brewey! (@WooPigBrewey) April 20, 2016

20th Anniversary Encore Series: Stone 6th Anniversary Porter

FIND THE BEER: http://find.stonebrewing.com

"We celebrated our first five years in business by releasing anniversary India pale ales, with each subsequent IPA brewed to be hoppier and more intense than the previous. For our 6th anniversary in 2002, we extended this concept by making an intensified version of Stone Smoked Porter. We cranked up the malts and hops a notch or three and conditioned it on French and American oak, which accentuated our porter's distinctive smokiness and amplified its chocolate and roast coffee flavors while also adding subtle notes of toffee, cherries, dried berries and vanilla. We're proud those who missed out - as well as those who didn't - a fresh shot at experiencing this smoky, dark-as-night wonder."

MORE INFO: http://www.stone20th.com

Press Release: Ozark Beer Company Purchases New Location

Ozark Beer Company Purchases New Location in Downtown Rogers

New location is more than 50% larger than current space and reflects 

rapid growth in the beer segment of AR’s economy.

Photo Credit: Marty Shutter

After two and a half years of brewing beer at its 1700 S. 1^st St. location, Ozark Beer Co. has purchased a new location.  The current brewery has already reached the capacity owners Lacie Bray, Andy Coates and Jefferson Baldwin envisioned in year five of the young brewery.  “We have quickly outgrown this space,” says Bray. “It was never going to be our permanent home though,” says Andy Coates.   Year one saw Ozark canning its first beer, their American Pale Ale.  Year two saw the the addition of an all-American canning line and a 200% increase in tank capacity from 3 to 9 tanks and canning two other beers; the Cream Stout and Belgian Golden.

“Most breweries start out like this,” says Coates, referring to an initial focus on getting beer into the market and then, “putting more into the retail space and tasting room.”

The purchase of the property reflects the rapid growth in the beer segment of Arkansas economy.  On track to outpace last years estimated $324 million in economic impact, beer in Arkansas is big business and growing. 

“We really want to be part of the growing downtown community,” owner Lacie Bray says.“The purchase of a property in downtown Rogers was a conscious decision to further integrate Ozark Beer Co. into the Northwest Arkansas community, specifically downtown Rogers,” says chief of Marketing and Parties, Marty Shutter.  “This was our only shot at being downtown,” Coates says of the building that was not even for sale when Ozark approached the former owner. “We could have bought a larger, newer facility for 2/3rds of the price,” says Coates, “but it would have been on the edge of town.” 

“We had a map and looked at every building of a certain size,” says Bray. “This building was made to be a brewery.” 

“If this building was in the middle of nowhere it would still be perfect for a brewery,” says Coates.

By relocating the business to downtown Rogers, the young brewery that has already gained impressive national attention from outlets such as Beer Advocate, Men’s Journal, Martha Stewart Living, USA Today, Southern Living, Paste Magazine, Food & Wine and a host of others is assuming a direct role in the future of its community.  

The larger facility also reflects larger demand, so the 10,000 sq./ft. warehouse space means more beer.   Currently Ozark Beer Co.’s demand has meant limited distribution.  The brewery’s beer is currently only available in Benton and Washington counties in NWA and Pulaski and Saline in central Arkansas.  Higher ceilings allow for larger tanks which will in turn allow for larger batches and a greater distribution.

For now, the OBC team will continue to brew at 1700 S. 1^st Street in Rogers pending City approval of their plans.  Once approved and a modest buildout is complete, OBC plans to begin brewing in the new space as early as the end of Summer.

Photo Credit: Marty Shutter

***

The new location, 109 N. Arkansas Street in Rogers was built around 1886 as a flour mill and was opened as Rogers Flour Milling.  Newspaper clippings from the era point to a business that was built and paid for by some of the most influential Northwest Arkansans of the day. 

The lumber that comprises the original structure, long-leaf pine, was milled at the former Van Winkle Mill on what is now Hobbs State Park.  The mill and lumber was responsible for many of the early buildings of our era including The University of Arkansas’ Old Main and the Benton County Courthouse.   

A fire on April, 30^th of 1914 destroyed much of the building and it was subsequently rebuilt.   Over the years the facility has only had a few owners.  It has served as Rogers Transfer Co., a public scales facility and most recently a storage facility for eco-friendly building supplies.

A grand opening and public viewing is being planned for sometime in the coming months and the OBC team plans to be brewing in the new space by the end of Summer.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OzarkBeerCompany/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ozarkbeer