Dustin Kellner, Laurelwood Brewing Company.
Laurelwood Brewing Company, NE 51st Avenue

I just got a few emails from some of the brewers in town about some current and upcoming releases. These releases come from four very different breweries and cover quite a range of styles.

Inspired by the the end of the world drama of our last winter snow storm, Laurelwood has released an Imperial Black IPA called: Arctic Apocalypse. "This is an Imperial IPA with a twist. It's actually quite black in color. Unlike your normal super big IPA, we did a little something (no artificial ingredients of course) to create a super dark Imperial Black Ale. We swear, in a blind tasting there's no way you'd guess this beer was as dark as night. Of course, all the normals apply- it's super hoppy and supper big. Check it our for yourself. Just don't expect the expected. 9% ABV. 100+ IBUs."

BridgePort is also releasing their Bridgetown Brown: "At 5.2 percent ABV, Beertown Brown Ale brings together roasted chocolate and caramel malt flavors creating a smooth rich brown ale. With hops added into the combination, the crisp spice mix creates a perfectly balanced pint. 5.2% ABV. 20 IBUs." Available now at all BridgePort locations on tap and in bottles at the usual retailers.

Roots Organic Brewing Company
Chip Conlon, Roots Organic Brewing Company.
As for upcoming releases, next week is going to be spectacular! First up is Root's Organic Brewing Company's Flanders Red. I've just started getting into this style and I'm excited about their take on this beer. There is a release part at the brewery on Wednesday, January 14th. This will be available in limited, one liter bottles and on draft at Roots Organic Brewery exclusively. "Considered, “The Burgundy’s of Belgium”. This is exquisite ale made with a blend of wild and domestic yeast strains. Brewed two years ago, 3/4 of this beer spent eleven months of it’s life in neutral Pinot Noir French Oak barrels. It was then re - blended with the remainder of the original Flanders Red that had been cellaring since it’s conception. After going through a secondary fermentation, we cellared it again for the last eight months. This Belgian beer is extremely smooth with a fruity nose that will leave no senses untouched. 9.2% ABV."

And, if that wasn't enough, on Thursday, January 15th, Old Lompoc Brewing releases it's Bourbon Barrel Aged Pagan Porter: "Come experience this six month old robust Porter that was conditioned for three months in fresh Bourbon barrels, blended and then aged for an additional three months. Exclusive tapping at the 5Q on Thursday the 15th, but will be available at the New Old Lompoc, Hedge House, and Oaks Bottom Pub on Friday the 16th. VERY LIMITED PRODUCTION, only one 1/2bbl will be served at each of the pubs. If you love chocolate and bourbon, you will surely not want to miss this."