Beer Briefs: Capital of Craft | AleSmith | Green Flash & Jameson

The San Diego Brewers Guild is busy planning for this year’s Beer Week (November 1 - 10) and a group of brewers are collaborating on the official beer: Capital of Craft IPA. Reps from 3 Punk Ales Brewing Co., Amplified Ale Works, Bagby Beer Co., Burgeon Beer Co., Gravity Heights, Nickel Beer Co., and North Park Beer Co. gathered at Second Chance to brainstorm. And despite the popularity of hazy IPAs, this one will not be. Tickets are already on sale for the Guild Fest on November 2.

Jeff Bagby of Bagby Beer Co (in focus) voiced his strong opinion that Capital of Craft IPA should not be hazy

Thanks to AleSmith Brewing’s new 10-barrel pilot system, they’ve canned and will be releasing a new IPA for four straight days, starting today (alongside a cask version for the tasting room). The cumulation of the yearly “IPA Week” is Friday, when a mixed four-pack goes on sale. Below are the details:

Wander (7.5% ABV) Belgian-style IPA with South African Hops
Cheer (6.5% ABV) Sour IPA with El Dorado and Idaho 7 Hops
Dream (8.25% ABV) Hazy Double IPA with Mosaic and Ekuanot Hops
Play (6.2% ABV) IPA with Citra and Simcoe Hops

Green Flash’s Celtic Sun IPA, available now through the end of August, was made to be consumed alongside Jameson Irish Whiskey’s Caskmates® brand. “Consumers today enjoy a wide variety of beverage choices, even in a single setting,” said Green Flash’s brewmaster Erik Jensen. “Our new beer was brewed to offer a unique drinking ritual with whiskey that we’re referring to as the ‘Perfect Irish Complement.’ We’re encouraging everyone to alternate sips of Celtic Sun IPA with Caskmates® IPA whiskey to taste how these products truly complement one another.” Jensen added: “No boilermakers here!”