As Terrapin Beer Co. continues on an upward trajectory, many may be wondering what the brewery has up its shell for the new year. 2014 set the pace for big things, and 2015 is sure to deliver with new beers, a new tour space with new hours, new markets, and some exciting packaging changes coming down the line.
Year-rounds and seasonals get updates while staying familiar
The current Year-Round brews will remain as-is through the year, though fans can look forward to some new packaging options. Terrapin Rye, Golden Ale, and Hopsecutioner will join RecreationAle and HI-5 in 12 oz. cans. In addition, RecreationAle and Hopsecutioner will go big with 16 oz. cans later in 2015. The variety pack will get a makeover with the new pack focusing on IPAs slated to be released mid-year. The IPA Survival Kit variety pack will also feature a never-before-seen Krunkles recipe; like the current Box Set variety pack, the IPA Survival Kit will be the only place to find the Krunkles beer.
Terrapin’s seasonal brews will see only a few changes in 2015. The Seasonal Sessions line-up will remain the same, though beginning with Mosaic Red Rye IPA, all 4 brews will be packaged in 12 oz. cans. The Monster Beer Tour will see one update as Terrapin has decided to put Hopzilla Double IPA on hiatus. Filling the first quarter Monster Beer Tour slot will be Hop Selection Single-hopped Double IPA. Hop Selection will showcase one hop variety each year; the 2015 brew will feature Ella hops from the 2014 harvest.
Side Projects, collaborations, and other special releases offer up surprises
Terrapin is no stranger to the idea of one-off special releases. Imagination in brewing and creating unique styles is something that Terrapin brewmaster Spike Buckowski is known for, and since 2008 the brewery has released 24 different Side Project brews; these beers are released as one-time brewing improvisations, though a number of previous Side Projects which proved especially popular have found homes within Terrapin’s various lines. Expect to see two Side Projects in 2015: SP 25 – Liquid Lunch Peanut Butter & Jelly Baltic Porter will appear in June, and the 2014 winner of Terrapin’s annual Employee Homebrew Challenge will finish the year as SP-26 (details TBA).
Collaboration is a huge part of the craft brewing world, and this year will be no different. Terrapin will welcome three breweries into their facility for collaborative brews. Black is the New Wit Imperial Black Rye Wit, created with New Belgium Brewing, is due for release in mid-to-late February. Mother Earth Brewing will join Terrapin for an early summer collaboration, and Cigar City Brewing will visit the Classic City in early fall. Details for those projects are still in-the-works. Terrapin will also again partner with their Athens-area distributor Northeast Sales to release Das CuckooFest Fest Bier in the fall.
Annual special release So Fresh & So Green, Green will return in all its single-hopped/fresh-hopped glory in October, with one exciting change. Though the hop variety for this year’s brew will stay under wraps until brew day, Terrapin is planning to package So Fresh & So Green, Green in 19.2 oz. cans.
The Reserve Series will again see three releases in 2015. These small-batch limited-release beers will be packaged in 22 oz. bottles with each waxed by hand. An imperial blackberry saison called Maggie’s Blackberry Cobbler will arrive in May and Tiramisu-Hoo in November. Cinnamon Roll’d Wake-n-Bake, last seen in 2013, will make a comeback in December.
Terrapin’s can-do attitude
Last year Terrapin installed a brand-new canning line, which allowed the brewery to increase production of year-round canned beers RecreationAle and HI-5. Both beers have been very well-received by fans who enjoy having the option of a more portable craft beer. Not one to miss an opportunity, Terrapin will be expanding its canned offerings in 2015. All four Seasonal Sessions beers and the year-round variety pack will transition to 12 oz. cans along with year-rounds Terrapin Rye, Golden Ale (available only in the state of Georgia), and Hopsecutioner. Later in 2015, the company will also be introducing RecreationAle and Hopsecutioner in 16 oz. cans. Special release So Fresh & So Green, Green will move into 19.2 oz. cans.
The turtle wanders into some new territories
Terrapin will continue to look towards new markets in 2015. The brewery has already officially launched sales with two distributors in West Virginia and will be growing within that market over the next few months. Terrapin is also researching markets in Kentucky and Ohio with the hope of beginning distribution within those states before year end.
Homebase changes in space and time
The brewery’s newly renovated tasting room opened to the public at the end of 2014, boasting a unique space with 32 taps and décor created largely with reclaimed materials. To celebrate the updated space, Terrapin expanded their public tour hours effective Jan. 2, 2015. Guests can now visit the brewery for tours and tastings on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 4:30 – 7:30 pm, and Sundays from 1:30 – 3:30 pm. Live music, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a big back yard to play in on nice days make the tour a great afternoon activity. Tours and tastings are free with the option of purchasing a souvenir pint glass.
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