Terrapin Beer Co., whose Monster Beer Tour line of high-ABV seasonal brews have long been coveted by big beer fans, has for the first time invited a fellow craft brewer to help create a new breed of Monster. Terrapin has joined forces with southerly neighbor Cigar City Brewing to release Vapricot Apricot Ginger Imperial IPA as the fall selection of Terrapin’s Monster Beer Tour. Though massive in size, Vapricot will prove that even the spiciest of Monsters has a sweet side, too.
Collaboration brews are a large part of Terrapin’s repertoire, and Vapricot marks the first time a collaboration has been released as part of Terrapin’s regular rotating Monster Beer Tour series. Cigar City head brewer Wayne Wambles joined Terrapin’s brewmaster Brian “Spike” Buckowski in his brewhouse in Athens, GA, to brew the beer inspired by a bit of an inside joke. Though Wambles resides in Tampa, a mecca of Cuban culture that includes cigars, he’s joined the modern movement of “vaping” as a healthier alternative to traditional smoking.
Wayne Wambles has been part of the commercial brewing world since 1996 and has been with Cigar City Brewing since the brewery’s opening in 2008. Like Terrapin’s Buckowski, Wambles got his craft beer start in homebrewing. Both brewmasters jumped into the commercial brewing world in 1996, and both have been with their respective breweries since the beginning.
From the label: When you can’t see the smoke through the haze, reach for a beer the cuts right through. Two neighboring breweries in the South, Cigar City and Terrapin Beer Co., introduce “Vapricot” Apricot Ginger Imperial IPA. Brewed with apricot puree and ginger for a sweet and spicy profile, this multidimensional beer will help you see things more clearly.
ABV: 9.05% IBU: 70 OG: 18
Hops: CTZ, ADHA 529, Simcoe, El Dorado, Equinox (Dry Hop – Equinox, El Dorado, Citra) Malts: 2-Row Pale, Honey Malt, Carastan, Kiln Amber Other: Apricot Puree, Unfiltered Ginger Juice
Vapricot will be packaged in 1/6 BBL kegs and 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles, and is now shipping to distribution in early September throughout Terrapin Beer Co.’s entire distribution footprint.
ABOUT CIGAR CITY BREWING
“In a state known for theme parks, Cigar City Brewing has become a major attraction for those who appreciate and seek out excellent beer. It opened with a flourish and spread its reach quickly, appealing to both hardened beer geeks and brew novices with eyebrow-raising flavors and commitment to quality. Capitalizing on the Latin culture and tobacco-manufacturing history of Tampa Bay, Cigar City highlights those strengths on its labels and in its beer names and recipes. Many of the beers it produces – Jai Alai IPA, Improv Oatmeal Rye India-Style Brown Ale, Cubano-Style Espresso Brown Ale – reflect the sensibilities and ingredients of Florida. One of Cigar City Brewing’s most sought after beers is a special release called Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout. The 11 percent ale is aged on cacao nibs, Madagascar vanilla beans, ancho chiles, pasilla chiles, and cinnamon.” – John Holl, The American Craft Beer Cookbook
At Cigar City Brewing, we make beer we like to drink and toast those who choose to drink with us. Behind all our beer is the philosophy that quality is achieved by giving first rate ingredients to first-rate people in a space where they are free to pursue their passion. We acknowledge that what we do at Cigar City Brewing isn’t for everyone, but we welcome all.
ABOUT TERRAPIN BEER CO.
Terrapin Beer Co. has a portfolio of six year-round beers, four Seasonal Sessions beers, the Monster Beer Tour collection of four high-gravity selections, and the Side Project series of one-time releases. Terrapin co-owners John Cochran, President, and Brian “Spike” Buckowski, Brewmaster, have developed a reputation for high-quality beers that push the boundaries of creative brewing.
Terrapin Beer Co. is open to the public for tours every Wednesday – Sunday with live music and tastings; please see our website for hours of operation. The brewery is located at 265 Newton Bridge Road in Athens, GA. The tours are an excellent opportunity to taste Terrapin’s full line of award-winning beers at their freshest and to see the brewing process first hand. For more information visit the website or Facebook page.
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