Karl Strauss Press Releases

Karl Strauss Wins Gold and Silver at the Olympics of Beer

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – May 11, 2012 San Diego hosted the ninth bi-annual World Beer Cup® this past weekend in conjunction with the Craft Brewer’s Conference. The conference brings together brewers from around the world with 4,500 attendees. The competition is highly regarded and considered the largest international gathering of beers with more than 3,921 entries from 799 breweries across 54 countries and 45 U.S. states. Karl Strauss took home a Gold medal for its Red Trolley Ale and a Silver medal for its Two Tortugas Belgian Quad. “We are very proud of these two medals and we know what an honor it is to win when there’s so much great competition,” says Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewmaster.

Karl Strauss’ Red Trolley Ale won a Gold medal in the Irish-Style Red Ale category, beating out entries from across the globe. “Red Trolley is on fire right now!” says Segura. “We’ve been brewing this beer for 23 years, it’s our best-seller, and it keeps dominating in competitions.” The beer also took home a Gold medal at the 2010 World Beer Cup as well as the 2010 Great American Beer Festival®. Red Trolley Ale is one of only 7 beers in the world out of more than 7,250 beers entered into competition in the last two World Beer Cups to have won a gold medal in each. Overall sales of Red Trolley have increased by 36% since its first big win in 2010.

Two Tortugas, the company’s 2011 limited-release Holiday Ale, took home a Silver medal in the Belgian-Style Dark Strong Ale category. The company sold through the original release of Two Tortugas in record time, partly due to the fact that the beer also won a Bronze medal at the 2011 Great American Beer Festival. “Our fans raved about this beer and now that we’ve medaled at World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival, we may have to bring it back,” says Segura. He goes on to say, “While it is hard to find Two Tortugas now, we are already working on the third installment of our ‘12 Days of Christmas’ holiday series, so look for that this Fall.”

211 judges from 27 countries conducted blind-tastings over three days to determine the world-class examples of 95 different style categories. Overall, San Diego brewers took home medals in 16 of the 95 categories, including 5 Gold’s, 3 Silver’s, and 8 Bronze’s. “These medals validate all of the hard work we put into brewing great beers and they help elevate San Diego as one of the great beer destinations,” says Segura. For more information on Karl Strauss’ award-winning beers, visit www.karlstrauss.com. Share it, cheers.

Stay tuned in the coming months for more details on each of these projects. For additional information and to view renderings, blueprints, and photos, visit http://www.karlstrauss.com/PAGES/WhoWeAre/Press/2012Projects.html. Share it, cheers.

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About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Since 1989, Karl Strauss Brewing Company has pioneered the local beer scene in San Diego. 23 years later, the company continues to brew an innovative line-up of award-winning beers ranging from longtime favorites like Red Trolley Ale to new releases like Wreck Alley Imperial Stout. In 2011, the company brewed 40,000 barrels and ranked #44 on the list of the country’s top craft breweries. To keep up with double-digit sales growth, the company is adding capacity to its brewery, expanding distribution throughout California, opening a new brewery restaurant, and breaking ground on an extensive brewery renovation. For more information visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739. Follow us on twitter and become a fan on facebook. Share it. Cheers.

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Karl Strauss Brewing Company Set to Expand

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 07:00:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – April 19, 2012 San Diego’s oldest operating craft brewer is set to expand distribution into Northern California. For more than two decades, Karl Strauss Brewing Company has shared its handcrafted beers exclusively with Southern Californians. To keep up with double-digit sales growth in Southern California and new territory demand, Karl Strauss is adding brewing capacity to maintain the quality and consistency it’s become known for. During construction, the brewery also has plans for major renovations that will lead to public tours, tastings, and hosted events. The company’s plans for growth continue with the official announcement of a new brewery restaurant in San Diego’s 4S Ranch neighborhood. With the expanded distribution, brewery project, and new brewery restaurant in place, Karl is poised to share its award-winning beers with craft beer fans across the Golden State.

1. Northern California Expansion
After years of customer demand, Karl Strauss has put the pieces in place to expand into Northern California. The company will enter the new market with a full portfolio of offerings, including award-winning Red Trolley Ale, Tower 10 IPA, and a selection of special releases. As one of the top three fastest growing craft breweries in the Western region, Karl Strauss looks forward to introducing its line-up to the entire Golden State.

Projected new market entry date: early summer 2012
2. The Brewery Expansion
To prepare for the expansion into Northern California and to keep up with growing local demand, the company is installing several key pieces of equipment, increasing overall capacity, and adding to its production force.

Production capacity: 80,000 barrels (25,000 barrel increase, or 31% increase from 2011)
Upgrades:
-Four 240-barrel JV Northwest fermenters
-New Comac keg machine imported from Italy; can clean and fill 60 kegs per
hour
-New driveway and loading dock, allowing for increased commercial truck shipments
-Cooperage investment (additional 600+ kegs)

3. The Brewery Project
With craft beer tourism on the rise, Karl Strauss is constructing a craft beer destination open to the public complete with tours and tastings. From an outdoor beer garden with wood-fired oven and food truck dock, to a custom built 20-tap bar and barrel-aging room, this space will be every beer fan’s favorite hangout.

Projected opening date: late summer 2012
Key features: 20-tap custom built bar, barrel-aging room, merch and beer-to-go sales, brewery tours, private meetings spaces, outdoor beer garden and fire pit.
Architect Firm: Public Architecture + Planning
Jobs created: 20 full-time and part-time positions
Address: 5985 Santa Fe Street, San Diego, CA 92109

4. Karl Strauss Brewing Company, 4S Ranch
Karl Strauss is opening its seventh brewery restaurant in the north San Diego community of 4S Ranch. Fans have
been begging the company to open an inland location, and this spot hits the mark, showcasing the company’s West
Coast Pub Fare concept, on-site brew-house, and a modern brewery-loft vibe.

Projected opening date: July, 2012
Jobs created: 100 positions, including hourly staff and several managers
Address: 10448 Reserve Drive, San Diego, CA 92127
Brewery info: New 7-barrel JV Northwest system, 2-vessel brew house, 1 fermenter and two bright tanks

Stay tuned in the coming months for more details on each of these projects. For additional information and to view renderings, blueprints, and photos, visit http://www.karlstrauss.com/PAGES/WhoWeAre/Press/2012Projects.html. Share it, cheers.

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Karl Strauss Changing of the Barrels Debuts 23rd Anniversary Old Ale

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:00:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – January 19, 2012 The NY Times recently listed San Diego’s thriving craft beer scene as a top place to visit noting that “Long established craft breweries like Karl Strauss Brewing Company …have mentored brewmasters and created demand for some seriously offbeat ales”. Karl Strauss is proud to have played a major role in securing that reputation. As a pioneer in the local beer community, Karl Strauss is celebrating its 23rd Anniversary with the 2nd annual Changing of the Barrels event on February 2, 2012. This intimate event takes place inside the main brewery in Pacific Beach and will debut the release of the 23rd Anniversary Old Ale.

Changing of the Barrels is limited to 100 ticket holders who will be the first to try the 23rd Anniversary Old Ale and have the exclusive opportunity to taste the 24th Anniversary Flanders Red Ale before it goes into barrels for 12 months. In addition, there will be several specialty beers on tap, food from MIHO Gastrotruck, live music by Blackout Party, and the chance to mingle with the Karl Strauss brew crew. Guests will leave with a commemorative snifter glass.

“Last year was the first time we did this event and everyone who came had a great time,” says Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewmaster. “This event is cool because it takes place inside the brewery and it’s a chance for us to show off our barrel aging program.” Guests who attended last year’s event can taste how the 23rd Anniversary Old Ale has evolved after a year in the bourbon barrels and make notes on next year’s beer for future comparison.

The 23rd Anniversary Old Ale was aged for 12 months in American oak barrels and is the first Karl Strauss barrel-aged beer to be offered unblended. It’s loaded with complex layers of toffee, molasses, dried figs, and toasted oak. A pronounced warming bourbon flavor contributes to the beer’s 12.2% alcohol content—making this strong ale an ideal after dinner sipper or accompaniment to desserts like bread pudding. The company only bottled 413 cases of this beer, encouraging fans to enjoy one now and lay another down several years. “This beer is only going to get better with age,” says Segura. “As time passes, the bourbon character will mellow and more of the dried fruit and vanilla flavors will come out.”

The 23rd Anniversary Old Ale will be available on tap at all six Karl Strauss Brewery Restaurants and select beer bars across Southern California, beginning February 2, 2012 until it runs out. 22oz bottles will be available throughout California beginning early February. To purchase tickets to the Changing of the Barrels anniversary event, visit www.karlstrauss.com.

Share it, cheers.

Changing of the Barrels Event details:
Date: February 2, 2012 (our actual Anniversary!)
Time: 6pm-9pm
Where: Karl Strauss Brewing Company, 5985 Santa Fe Street, San Diego, CA 92109
Ticket Price: $50 per person, tickets online only
What's included: beer for the night, MIHO Gastrotruck food ticket, live music, a commemorative 23rd Anniversary snifter, and a 33 Beers tasting book. This is also the only chance to try the 24th Anniversary Flanders Red Ale before it goes into barrels for 12 months.

23rd Anniversary Old Ale Stats:
12.2%ABV
23 SRM
30 IBU

The Bottle:
When we started brewing back in 1989, the closest thing in town to an English-style Old Ale came in a paper bag. Twenty-three years later, we like to think we had something to do with improving the local beer selection in San Diego. Our 23rd Anniversary Old Ale is indeed “old ale,” after spending a full year in American oak bourbon barrels. The result is an unblended and unmistakably complex strong ale with rich layers of toffee, molasses, dried figs, warming bourbon, and toasted oak. Save a bottle. Like us, this one gets better with age.

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About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Karl Strauss Brewing Company is celebrating 22 years of brewing in San Diego. From humble roots, a big vision, and the desire to share handcrafted beer with America’s Finest, Karl Strauss has grown from one brewery restaurant to a local institution—brewing 34,000 barrels in 2010 and operating six successful brewery restaurants across Southern California. The company has not strayed from its pioneering roots with new releases like Big Barrel IIPA and Whistler Imperial Pils, while still capturing hearts and the 2010 WBC and GABF gold medals for long-time favorites like Red Trolley Ale. With distribution solely in California, Karl Strauss is ranked #44 on the list of the country’s top craft breweries. For more information visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739.

http://twitter.com/karl_strauss; http://facebook.com/KarlStraussBrewingCompany

Karl Strauss Two Tortugas Belgian Quad Wins Big at GABF!

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – October 4, 2011 This past weekend, Karl Strauss Brewing Company participated in the 30th annual Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in Denver, Colorado and won a Bronze Medal for its upcoming Holiday Ale release, Two Tortugas Belgian Quad. The Holiday Ale competed in the Belgian-style Abbey Ale category and beat out 73 other entries. Two Tortugas was the only Belgian-style Quadruple Ale to medal in the Belgian-style Abbey category, which also included Belgian Dubbels and Tripels.

Two Tortugas is the second installment of the Company’s 12 Days of Christmas holiday series, naming each beer with a San Diego twist. After several test batches, the brewers landed on a recipe that showcases dark fruit flavors and a spicy Belgian yeast character. The winter warmer finishes smooth at 11.1% ABV, making it an ideal beer to enjoy this season, or lay down and enjoy for years to come. “We wanted to brew a big, complex Belgian beer that will continue to develop and change over time,” said Karl Strauss Head Brewer, Matt Johnson. “Right now the beer is very malty with a definite warming character. Over time, the spiciness will become more prevalent and the caramel malt flavors will evolve into dark fruit flavors like raisins and plums.” The Holiday ale will be available to the public in mid-November, with a preview tasting at the “Reverse Tap Takeover” LA Beer Week event on October 13, 2011.

The winners were announced during the Members-Only session of the GABF at the Denver Convention Center. The GABF is the world’s largest beer competition, with more than 3,930 beers entered from 526 breweries in 48 states. Karl Strauss was one of 466 breweries pouring their beer to more than 49,000 festival attendees. In addition to attending the festival, Matt Johnson judged five categories in the competition that the company did not enter. “After going through the judging process, this win means even more,” says Matt. “The judging is completely blind and each judge really takes the process very seriously. To win in a category with so many entries and so many rounds of judging, feels like a huge accomplishment.” The GABF winners were selected by an international panel of 167 beer judges from 11 countries. Judges critiqued 83 beer categories covering 134 beer styles, choosing the best commercial examples to represent each style.

For more information about the Great American Beer Festival winners visit http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com. To purchase tickets to the “Reverse Tap Takeover” visit www.karlstrauss.com. Share it, cheers.

Label copy:
San Diego may not top the list for birdwatchers but it certainly tops the list for beer-drinkers. And while you’re more likely to spot a Sea Turtle than a Turtle Dove, tracking down a world class beer is easy. Two Tortugas is the 2nd addition to our less than literal “Twelve Days” series of holiday ales. This Belgian-inspired Quadruple Ale has a delicate union of toffee, dark fruits, and warming spices that will continue to develop with age. Raise a glass to 2011 or save a bottle for 2021, this turtle’s got legs.

Specs:
11.1% ABV
35 SRM
25 IBU

Ingredients
Malts: Pale, White Wheat, CaraBelge, Cara Munich II
Hops: Bravo, Willamette
Yeast: Belgian Abbey
Adjuncts: Dark Belgian Candy Sugar

Available: 22oz and on draft mid November, 2011

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Karl Strauss Highlights Craft Beer in La Jolla with “Wall Street Brewdown”

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:00:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – September 14, 2011 Karl Strauss is celebrating the grand reopening of its La Jolla Brewery Restaurant with an exclusive craft beer and food pairing event. “Wall Street Brewdown” will showcase the newly renovated space, highlighting Karl Strauss as the craft beer destination in La Jolla. The event will take place on Thursday, September 28, 2011 from 5pm to closing. This one-time only event will feature 12 beers paired with more than 20 delicious small plates.

The reopening will also debut Tower 20 IIPA—a bolder, hoppier version of fan-favorite Tower 10 IPA. “We thought this would be the perfect event to unveil Tower 20 IIPA, so people can try them side by side,” says Paul Segura, Brewmaster, Karl Strauss Brewing Company. “We’ll be tapping Tower 20 on cask, and as a special treat, we’ll also be pouring it straight from the brewing tank.”

In between bites, guests can mingle with the brewers, take a brewery tour, or grab a seat at what’s sure to become the go-to craft beer bar in La Jolla. Your $20 ticket gets you into this private event along with 5 beer tasters, unlimited food pairings, and a souvenir Karl Strauss logo pint glass. For tickets and more information visit: www.karlstrauss.com . Share it. Cheers.

12 Handcrafted Karl Strauss Beers
Tower 20 IIPA (cask and from the tank) ● 22nd Anniversary Vanilla Imperial Stout Imperial Amber Lager ● Belgian Trippel ● Padre Porter ● Big Barrel Double IPA Karl Strauss Oktoberfest ● Tower 10 IPA ● Red Trolley Ale Windansea Wheat Hefeweizen● Karl Strauss Amber Lager ● Woodie Gold

Beer Stations and Sample Pairings
Tower 10 IPA : Red Dragon Cheese ● Chipotle Cranberry Cheddar Windansea Wheat Hefeweizen : Calamari ● Cotija-Avocado Sliders ● Mango Salad Belgian Trippel : Carlsbad Mussels ● Sweet & Stinky Fries ● Ahi Poke ● Sirloin Strips Red Trolley : Pork Chops ● BBQ Wings ● Piggy Bank Mac ● BBQ Pork Sliders 22nd Anniversary Vanilla Imperial Stout : Beeramisu

Tray Passed Items
Black n Bleu New York Strip ● Black Garlic Fondue Shooters ● Beef Dip Sliders Beer Shakes with Spiced Cream ● Top Sirloin & Ale Mushroom Sauce Seared Ahi ● Hummus on Flatbread ● Sirloin Strips ● Portobello Skewers Rollos Locos ● Fish Tacos ● Drunken Shrimp ● Thai Wraps Chorizo Sliders ● Bahn Mi Minis

Karl Strauss Brewing Company, La Jolla
1044 Wall Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 551-2739

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Something’s Brewing Under the Boardwalk

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:00:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – July 28, 2011 As a local brewery in Pacific Beach, Karl Strauss is giving a nod to life at the boardwalk with its latest release, Boardwalk Black Rye. Conjuring images of a dark ocean and cool breezes, Boardwalk Black Rye is a spicy take on an American Black Ale with an intense citrus hoppiness and complex roasty finish.

American Black Ales are a fairly recent addition to the craft beer world. These beers are similar to IPA’s in flavor, but with the addition of roasted and dark malts for an added layer of depth and malt complexity. Karl Strauss kicked their interpretation up a notch with the addition of cararye and chocolate rye malts for a spiciness that complements the floral notes from the Athanum hops. “This beer has a lot going on, but in a very balanced way,” says Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewmaster. “It starts with a bright, citrus hop profile, then you start to get the spiciness from the rye, and the finish has a really pleasant dry, roast character.”

Boardwalk Black Rye is the final addition to the Karl’s Coastal Reserve series. In late 2009, Karl Strauss debuted the Coastal Reserve series to showcase its more innovative, west coast inspired hop-forward beers. The series of four beers kicked-off with Big Barrel Double IPA, followed by Whistler Imperial Pils, Blackball Belgian IPA, and is now completed by Boardwalk Black Rye.

Boardwalk Black Rye comes in at 8% ABV, with enough alcohol to support the bold hop and malt flavors. “The brewers here at Karl Strauss are huge hopheads, so the Coastal Reserve Series has been a really fun outlet for us to show our creativity,” says Segura. A limited draft release and 800 cases of 22oz bombers will be available across Southern California beginning early August. For more information, visit www.karlstrauss.com. Share it. Cheers.

Stats:
8.0% ABV
80 SRM
80 IBU

Tagline:
A spicy black rye ale with a robust West Coast hop profile.

Label:
When the sun goes down past Crystal Pier, the postcard view of the Pacific fades into the dark. As the tourists head off down the Boardwalk, a distinctly local vibe returns to PB. Boardwalk Black Rye is a spicy black ale with a hop profile that’s pure West Coast. Black and caramelized rye malts add complex spicy and roasted notes, while three massive additions of Ahtanum hops provide the vibrant floral aroma and citrus hop character of a Double IPA. Keep Boardwalk out of the cellar, this hoppy offering is best enjoyed fresh.

About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Karl Strauss Brewing Company is celebrating 22 years of brewing in San Diego. From humble roots, a big vision, and the desire to share handcrafted beer with America’s Finest, Karl Strauss has grown from one brewery restaurant to a local institution—brewing 34,000 barrels in 2010 and operating six successful brewery restaurants across Southern California. The company has not strayed from its pioneering roots with new releases like Big Barrel IIPA and Whistler Imperial Pils, while still capturing hearts and the 2010 WBC and GABF gold medals for long-time favorites like Red Trolley Ale. With distribution solely in California, Karl Strauss is ranked #44 on the list of the country’s top craft breweries. For more information visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739.
http://twitter.com/karl_strauss; http://facebook.com/KarlStraussBrewingCompany

Karl Strauss Keeps the Momentum Going with 8 More Medals!

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:00:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – July 6, 2011 Straight off the heels of a big win at the LA International Beer Competition, Karl Strauss Brewing Company takes home eight more medals from the California State and San Diego Beer Competitions. “This has already been an exciting awards season for us, and these additional wins give us a lot of energy as we gear up for the busy summer season,” says Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewmaster.

Karl Strauss was awarded a gold medal for their unstoppable Red Trolley Ale at the San Diego International Beer Festival. After a breakout year in 2010—taking double gold at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup—Red Trolley has been on fire and taking home awards in every competition entered. “We’ve always loved this beer and we’re just stoked to see it getting so many accolades,” says Segura. More than 150 breweries from around the world participated in the competition.

The company also had a great showing at the California State Fair Commercial Craft Brew Competition. Each of the seven beers entered took home a medal or honorable mention—including gold medals for Pintail Pale Ale and Conquistador Doppelbock and silver medals for Blackball Belgian IPA, Windansea Wheat Hefeweizen and Red Trolley Ale.

For more information on the award winning beers, visit www.karlstrauss.com. Share it. Cheers.

San Diego International Beer Competition
Gold:
Red Trolley Ale (Irish-Style Red Ale)

California State Fair Commercial Beer Competition
Gold:
Pintail Pale Ale (American Pale Ale)
Conquistador Doppelbock (Bock)

Silver:
Red Trolley Ale (Irish-Style Red Ale)
Blackball Belgian IPA (Belgian & French Ale)
Windansea Wheat Hefeweizen (German Wheat & Rye)

Honorable Mention:
HM Gold: Tower 10 IPA (American-Style India Pale Ale)
HM Silver: Karl Strauss 22nd Anniversary Vanilla Imperial Stout (Russian Imperial Stout)

About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Karl Strauss Brewing Company is celebrating 22 years of brewing in San Diego. From humble roots, a big vision, and the desire to share handcrafted beer with America’s Finest, Karl Strauss has grown from one brewery restaurant to a local institution—brewing 34,000 barrels in 2010 and operating six successful brewery restaurants across Southern California. The company has not strayed from its pioneering roots with new releases like Big Barrel IIPA and Whistler Imperial Pils, while still capturing hearts and the 2010 WBC and GABF gold medals for long-time favorites like Red Trolley Ale. With distribution solely in California, Karl Strauss is ranked #44 on the list of the country’s top craft breweries. For more information visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739.
http://twitter.com/karl_strauss; http://facebook.com/KarlStraussBrewingCompany

Karl Strauss Red Trolley Goes “Off the Rails”

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:21:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – June 27, 2011 After brewing the award-winning Red Trolley Ale for more than two decades, Karl Strauss Brewing Company is ready to unveil the beer’s turbo charged cousin—Off the Rails. Off the Rails is a double version of Red Trolley Ale with more malt, more hops, and more alcohol. This West Coast Imperial Red Ale is full of dark fruit flavors, toffee, and a smooth warming finish.

“Fans have loved Red Trolley since we first brewed it as our holiday beer 22 years ago,” says Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewmaster. “Off the Rails is an opportunity to take the flavors people love in Red Trolley and really push the limits by doubling the recipe.” Brewed with an impressive amount of caramel 60 and 80 malts, and a healthy dose of Willamette and Warrior hops, the finished beer has the same flavors as Red Trolley Ale, but with a more assertive and complex malt profile, and a warming increase in alcohol.

Small batches of Off the Rails have been brewed over the past two years for draft only and the response has been overwhelming. “Each time we brew this beer, our fans clamor for more. It’s really rewarding to be able to offer this beer in bottles for the first time,” says Segura. The company is bottling a very limited supply of 200 cases in 22oz bottles for release in early July. The bombers will be available across Southern California in select retail accounts. For more information visit www.karlstrauss.com. Share it. Cheers.

Off The Rails
Stats:
8.5% ABV
32 SRM
40 IBU

Bottle:
After brewing our award-winning Red Trolley Ale for more than two decades, we decided to raise the stakes. Why mess with a good thing? Because it’s that kind of dangerous thinking that leads to the next great beer. For this undertaking, we more than doubled our Red Trolley recipe with massive amounts of sweet caramel malts and earthy Willamette hops. Off The Rails has arrived: A West Coast Imperial Red Ale with rich toffee flavors, undertones of dark fruits, and a derailing hop character. If this is your first time off the rails, hang on with both hands.

About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Karl Strauss Brewing Company is celebrating 22 years of brewing in San Diego. From humble roots, a big vision, and the desire to share handcrafted beer with America’s Finest, Karl Strauss has grown from one brewery restaurant to a local institution—brewing 34,000 barrels in 2010 and operating six successful brewery restaurants across Southern California. The company has not strayed from its pioneering roots with new releases like Big Barrel IIPA and Whistler Imperial Pils, while still capturing hearts and the 2010 WBC and GABF gold medals for long-time favorites like Red Trolley Ale. With distribution solely in California, Karl Strauss is ranked #44 on the list of the country’s top craft breweries. For more information visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739.
http://twitter.com/karl_strauss; http://facebook.com/KarlStraussBrewingCompany

Karl Strauss Wins Big: “CRA Best Brewery”+ 5 LA Fair Medals

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:00:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – June 20, 2011 Awards season is in full swing and Karl Strauss Brewing Company is off to a great start. The company was recently voted “Best Brewery” by the San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association (SDCRA) in addition to taking home five medals and an honorable mention from the Los Angeles Commercial Beer Competition.

Karl Strauss was bestowed the “Best Brewery” honor at the annual SDCRA Gold Medallion Banquet on Tuesday June 7, 2011. San Diego’s Mayor, local politicians and dignitaries, and more than 1,100 restaurant and hospitality industry members were in attendance at the sold-out banquet. Karl Strauss was named the winner in the “Best Brewery” category over the other two finalists, Ballast Point Brewing Company (2010 World Beer Cup “Small Brewing Company of the Year”) and Stone Brewing Company of Escondido. “This is the third year in a row that our peers have voted us the “Best Brewery” in San Diego and we’re really honored. We were up against some great competition so we’re really proud of this award,” says Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewing Company Brewmaster.

On the heels of the CRA news, the company learned it won five medals, including two golds, at last weekend’s Los Angeles Commercial Beer Competition at the Pomona Fairgrounds. “We only entered seven beers, so to hear that we took six prizes was huge! This validates all of our hard work,” say Segura. The competition, in existence since 2002, is BJCP certified and widely regarded as one of California’s premiere beer competitions. More than 400 entries from 70 participating breweries participated in the contest.

A majority of the company’s winning beers, including Red Trolley Ale and Tower 10 IPA, are available year-round in bottles and on draft. A selection of the medal-winning beers will also be available for the public to sample in the “Beer Tavern” during the L.A. Fair. The L.A. County Fair runs from September 3 through October 2 at the Pomona Fairgrounds. For more information on the award winning beers, visit www.karlstrauss.com.

Gold:
Blackball Belgian IPA (Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale)
Whistler Imperial Pils (Other Strong Ale or Lager)

Silver:
Red Trolley Ale (Irish-Style Red Ale)
Minden Maibock (Bock)

Bronze:
Conquistador Doppelbock (German-Style Strong Bock)

Honorable Mention:
Tower 10 IPA (American-Style India Pale Ale)

About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Karl Strauss Brewing Company is celebrating 22 years of brewing in San Diego. From humble roots, a big vision, and the desire to share handcrafted beer with America’s Finest, Karl Strauss has grown from one brewery restaurant to a local institution—brewing 34,000 barrels in 2010 and operating six successful brewery restaurants across Southern California. The company has not strayed from its pioneering roots with new releases like Big Barrel IIPA and Whistler Imperial Pils, while still capturing hearts and the 2010 WBC and GABF gold medals for long-time favorites like Red Trolley Ale. With distribution solely in California, Karl Strauss is ranked #44 on the list of the country’s top craft breweries. For more information visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739.
http://twitter.com/karl_strauss; http://facebook.com/KarlStraussBrewingCompany

Karl Strauss’ Beach to Brewery Raises Thousands for Surfrider Foundation

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:30:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – June 2, 2011 Saturday May 14, 2011 marked Karl Strauss Brewing Company’s 8th Annual Beach to Brewery Beer + Music Fest. More than 2,000 guests celebrated Karl Strauss’s 22nd Anniversary with 22 different beers on tap, including World Beer Cup® and Great American Beer Festival gold medal winning Red Trolley Ale, Parrot in a Palm Tree Holiday Baltic Porter, Whistler Imperial Pils, and many more. The festival took place at the company’s main brewery in Pacific Beach, raising money and awareness for the Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our oceans and beaches.

Beach to Brewery 2011 raised $10,000 for the local chapter of Surfrider, with $90,000 raised to date. In addition to the donation, Karl Strauss supported Surfrider’s “Rise Above Plastics” campaign by giving each guest a souvenir cup, eliminating the use of more than 17,000 disposable plastic cups during the event. Partnering with Hands-On Recycling, the company was able to sort the trash from recyclables during the event, diverting more than 75% of the event waste. For the second year in a row, the company offered a discounted 1-year Surfrider membership when purchasing event tickets online—resulting in new members for the San Diego Surfrider Chapter.

This year’s event featured four talented local bands, including Little Deadman, Cuckoo Chaos, Blackout Party, and Stranger. During the event, guests were treated to five specialty casks paired with gourmet cheese from Venissimo. Crowd favorites included the Scotch on Scotch with Cahill Whiskey Cheddar and Double Dry-hopped Pintail Pale Ale paired with Chipotle Cranberry Cheddar. More than 700 guests took a tour of the recently expanded brewery and bottling line. “We love having the opportunity to show people around the brewery and letting them see where the beer is made,” says Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewmaster. Upon exiting the tours, festival-goers could bid on several big-ticket silent auction items, including an autographed Tony Hawk skateboard deck and a Bay Taylor Guitar.

The Friday before the event, Karl Strauss hosted their 4th annual beach clean-up with more than 30 staff volunteering. In one afternoon, the company collected more than 65 pounds of trash and over 1,000 cigarette butts. “One of our core values as a company is to care for our community and our environment, so partnering with Surfrider on Beach to Brewery is a natural fit. We enjoy the partnership and look forward to working with them in the future,” says Matt Rattner, president and co-founder, Karl Strauss Brewing Company. To view the event photos, visit www.karlstrauss.com. Share it. Cheers.

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8th Annual Beach to Brewery Supports San Diego Surfrider

Tue, 03 May 2011 07:00:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – May 3, 2011 Karl Strauss Brewing Company and the Surfrider Foundation, San Diego Chapter, are hosting the 8th Annual Beach to Brewery Beer and Music Fest on Saturday, May 14, 2011 from 2pm-7pm. The benefit takes place at the Karl Strauss Main Brewery in Pacific Beach and includes 22 beers on tap, live local music, and a non-competitive bike ride from the beach to the brewery.

To celebrate Karl Strauss’ 22nd Anniversary, the event will feature 22 unique beers on tap, including the new Blackball Belgian IPA, 22nd Anniversary Barrel-Aged Vanilla Imperial Stout, seasonal favorite Pintail Pale Ale, and World Beer Cup/Great American Beer Festival gold-medal winning Red Trolley Ale. In addition to the diverse assortment of beers on tap, there will be 5 special casks created just for the event, including a Scotch on Scotch brew and a Lavender Hefeweizen. Tours of the expanded brewery and bottling line will be available throughout the event.

Beach to Brewery is known for showcasing local talent, and this year is no exception. Little Deadman kicks things off—they recently recorded a new album and this is their first show in months—followed by indie rockers Cuckoo Chaos and Blackout Party. Stranger will close the night with their world beat rock. Local non-profit, Sezio, will be on-site screen printing made-to-order band t’s and a limited edition event shirt.

To date, Karl Strauss Brewing Company has raised over $80,000 for the local San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation through Beach to Brewery. This year, in an effort to support Surfrider’s “Rise Above Plastics” campaign, guests will be given a reusable souvenir cup that will replace more than 10,000 disposable plastic cups at the event. Karl Strauss has hired Hands-On Recycling to individually sort the remaining recyclables from trash to divert unnecessary waste from landfills. Leading up to the main event, the company is supporting Surfrider’s cause in a hands-on way by hosting an employee beach clean up to keep its local Pacific Beach neighborhood clean.

Tickets for Beach to Brewery are $25 pre-sale and $30 at the door. Attendees have the option to add a 1-year Surfrider membership for the discounted price of $15 when purchasing their event ticket online. The event has sold out the past four years, so guests are encouraged to buy tickets early. Free shuttles to and from the event will depart from Dusty Rhodes Park in Ocean Beach as well as the Library in Pacific Beach and run throughout the event. For tickets and more information visit: www.karlstrauss.com. Share it. Cheers.

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About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Karl Strauss Brewing Company is celebrating 22 years of brewing in San Diego. From humble roots, a big vision, and the desire to share handcrafted beer with America’s Finest, Karl Strauss has grown from one brewery restaurant to a local institution—brewing 34,000 barrels in 2010 and operating six successful brewery restaurants across Southern California. The company has not strayed from its pioneering roots with new releases like Big Barrel IIPA and Whistler Imperial Pils, while still capturing hearts and the 2010 WBC and GABF gold medals for long-time favorites like Red Trolley Ale. With distribution solely in California, Karl Strauss is ranked #40 on the list of the country’s top craft breweries. For more information visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739.
http://twitter.com/karl_strauss; http://facebook.com/KarlStraussBrewingCompany

Karl Strauss Brewing Company Gets “Blackballed”

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:00:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – March 31, 2011 Karl Strauss Brewing Company is at it again with their much anticipated release of Blackball Belgian IPA. This innovative addition to the Karl’s Coastal Reserve Series joins the ranks of Big Barrel Double IPA and Whistler Imperial Pils as another example of a beer that redefines preconceived notions of the style. “Karl’s Coastal Reserve series is our take on big, hoppy beers and we thought a spicy, fruity Belgian IPA would be a great addition to the line-up,” says Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewmaster.

Blackball Belgian IPA began as a small test batch brewed at one of Karl Strauss’ satellite breweries. Fans quickly embraced the unique blend of Belgian spice paired with an intense citrusy hoppiness. After a successful run on draft during last year’s American Craft Beer Week, it was decided that Blackball was destined to go beyond the taps and into 22oz bottles. “It was really cool to see people latch onto this beer and beg us to bring it back. We love the way it turned out and we think we’ll turn some people on to a style they might not have tried before,” says Segura.

This Belgian IPA started as a Double IPA recipe and fermented with a Belgian yeast strain to impart a distinctive fruity and peppery character. In addition to using the spicy Belgian yeast, Blackball Belgian IPA was brewed with a hefty dose of coriander and Curacao, giving the beer an added layer of complexity. The 8.5% ABV brew was then dry-hopped with a blend of Cascade and New Zealand hops creating a tropical aroma and citrus hop bitterness that lingers through its crisp, dry finish.

“When you take the first sip of Blackball you get hit with a ton of hop bitterness that gives way to a peppery, Belgian finish,” says Segura. “And the nose on this beer is citrus and mangoes with hints of orange blossom.” The robust fruitiness and lingering bitterness make Blackball an excellent choice to pair with spicy dishes, citrus salads, and delicate seafood.

Named for the checkered flags that dot the San Diego coastline, Blackball Belgian IPA is available April 1, 2011 and will be distributed in 22oz bombers and on draft throughout Southern California. The suggested retail price for the 22oz bottle is $5.99 to $7.99. Get this one while you can, as we recommend enjoying this hoppy beer at its freshest. For more information, visit www.karlstrauss.com. Share it. Cheers.

Blackball Belgian IPA Specs:
8.5% ABV
80 IBU
14 SRM

Label Copy:
When checkered blackball flags dot the California coastline, experienced surfers migrate to advanced breaks where strangers to the sport dare not. Blackball is a Belgian-inspired India Pale Ale with a robust West Coast hop profile. Belgian ale yeast, coriander, and Curacao lend a fruity and spicy character for an ale bolder than your average IPA. A blend of New Zealand and Cascade hops add a vibrant floral aroma and clean citrus hop bitterness that lingers through its crisp, dry finish. Drink up while it’s young, heavily hopped IPA’s are best enjoyed fresh.

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About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Karl Strauss Brewing Company is celebrating 22 years of brewing in San Diego. From humble roots, a big vision, and the desire to share handcrafted beer with America’s Finest, Karl Strauss has grown from one brewery restaurant to a local institution—brewing 34,000 barrels in 2010 and operating six successful brewery restaurants across Southern California. The company has not strayed from its pioneering roots with new releases like Big Barrel IIPA and Whistler Imperial Pils, while still capturing hearts and the 2010 WBC and GABF gold medals for long-time favorites like Red Trolley Ale. With distribution solely in California, Karl Strauss is ranked #40 on the list of the country’s top craft breweries. For more information visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739.
http://twitter.com/karl_strauss; http://facebook.com/KarlStraussBrewingCompany

Karl Strauss Celebrates 22 Years with Special “Changing of the Barrels” Anniversary Event

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – January 24, 2011 February marks the 22nd Anniversary of craft beer in San Diego, and Karl Strauss Brewing Company is celebrating the occasion with a new event and limited release brew. Join the company for its inaugural “Changing of the Barrels” event to be held at the main brewery in Pacific Beach on February 2. This intimate event kicks off the company’s new anniversary barrel-aging series, offering the public an exclusive chance to taste the 22nd Anniversary beer unblended, side by side with the blended version that will be released later in the month.

Guests will also be the first and only to taste the 23rd Anniversary brew before it goes into barrels for 12 months. “Changing of the Barrels” is limited to 60 tickets and will include beer and appetizers, live music by the local band Blackout Party, and a night of hanging with the   Karl Strauss brew crew. Guests will receive a bottle of the 22nd Anniversary Vanilla Imperial Stout and a commemorative snifter glass.

“We’ve dabbled in barrel aging beers before and I’m excited about this new program where we’ll start aging each of our anniversary beers for an entire year,” says Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewmaster. “I think it’s cool that guests will have an exclusive chance to try next year’s Anniversary Old Ale before its aged. Next year, they can come back and see how the beer has changed in the barrels.” Each guest at the event will receive a 33 Bottles of Beer booklet (33beers.com) to write their tasting notes for comparison year after year.

This year’s 22nd Anniversary beer is a Vanilla Imperial Stout, with a portion aged in bourbon barrels for nine months. The barrel-aged beer was then blended with a fresh batch of stout, along with the addition of fresh split Madagascar vanilla beans. The bourbon and vanilla flavors perfectly complement the dark chocolate and warming fishing of this 8.5% sipper, making it an ideal dessert or after dinner drink.

The 22nd Anniversary Stout will be available on tap at select beer bars across Southern California and in 22oz bottles throughout the state starting in mid February. To purchase tickets to the “Changing of the Barrels” VIP Event visit www.karlstrauss.com.

Event details:
Date: February 2, 2011 (our real Anniversary!)
Time: 5pm-8pm
Where: Karl Strauss Brewing Company, 5985 Santa Fe Street, San Diego, CA 92109
Ticket Price: $50 per person, tickets online only (this event will sell out, so buy early)
What's included: Ticket includes beer and food for the night, live music, a commemorative 22nd Anniversary snifter, and a 22oz bottle of the 22nd Anniversary Vanilla Imperial Stout. This is also the only chance to try the 22nd Anniversary Ale unblended and the 23rd Anniversary Ale before it goes into barrels for 12 months.

22nd Anniversary Vanilla Imperial Stout Specs:
8.5% ABV
50 IBU
80 SRM

Label Copy:
When we opened in 1989, the most adventurous beer in town was our Downtown After Dark Brown Ale. Our 22nd Anniversary Stout is a tribute to our roots and to those that dared to dream big in San Diego. Brewed with vanilla beans and aged three months in American oak bourbon barrels, this complex Imperial Stout has layers. Nuances of dark chocolate and espresso flavors are underpinned by hints of vanilla, bourbon, and oak. Save a bottle. Like us, this Special Release gets better with age.

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About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Karl Strauss Brewing Company is celebrating 22 years of brewing in San Diego. From humble roots, a big vision, and the desire to share handcrafted beer with America’s Finest, Karl Strauss has grown from one brewery restaurant to a local institution—brewing 34,000 barrels in 2010 and operating six successful brewery restaurants across Southern California. The company has not strayed from its pioneering roots with new releases like Big Barrel IIPA and Whistler Imperial Pils, while still capturing hearts and the 2010 WBC and GABF gold medal for long-time favorites like Red Trolley Ale. With distribution solely in California, Karl Strauss is ranked #40 on the list of the country’s top craft breweries. For more information visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739.
http://twitter.com/karl_strauss; http://facebook.com/KarlStraussBrewingCompany

Karl Strauss Introduces Barrel-Aged Baltic Porter for the Holidays

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – November 18, 2010 Karl Strauss Brewing Company is spreading holiday cheer with the release of its Parrot in a Palm Tree Baltic Porter. Brewed to warm you on a cold night, this robust holiday ale takes a seldom seen style to a whole new level.

Parrot in a Palm Tree is a big festive beer. Baltic Porters are known for their rich, dark fruit flavors. Loaded with espresso, dark chocolate, and fruit flavors, this northern European style is similar to a less roasty version of a Russian Imperial Stout. To bring out the raisin and plum flavors in the beer, a portion was aged in tawny port wine barrels from neighbors down the street at San Pasqual Winery. “In the last few years we’ve seen a trend toward barrel aging and we thought rather than putting this beer into bourbon barrels, it would pair better with a sweet, fruity tawny port. We called our friends at San Pasqual Winery and the rest is history,” says Paul Segura, Brewmaster for Karl Strauss. After several months in the barrels, the aged beer was blended with a fresh batch creating a subtle oak and port-like finish.

Weighing in at 8.5%, this beer is a great after dinner sipper, pairing equally well with chocolate and fruit desserts. Karl Strauss Executive Chef, Gunther Emathinger, created a special beer-shake to celebrate the release--blending the Baltic Porter and vanilla bean ice-cream for a festive holiday treat. If you have the willpower and patience, this beer will get better with age and can be enjoyed for several years to come.

Parrot in a Palm Tree is the first release in the company’s “Twelve Days of Christmas San Diego Style” series, naming each installment with a wink to life along the coast. The first in a series of twelve, Parrot in a Palm Tree plays off of the 12 Days Of Christmas, with a distinctively San Diego twist. “Living in San Diego we don’t have partridges, but we do have squawking parrots. We thought this would be a fun nod to the locals,” says Paul. Look for the second installment of the series next holiday season.

Parrot in a Palm Tree is available across Southern California in 22oz bottles and on draft beginning late November until it runs out. For a video of the making of the beer and how to create your own Parrot in a Palm Tree beer-shake, visit www.karlstrauss.com . Share it. Cheers.

Label Copy: In San Diego, we’re not known for our partridges or pears but we can all relate to those noisy parrots and their relentless “caroling”. Parrot in a Palm Tree is a robust Baltic Porter brewed especially for the Holidays. Aged two months in San Pasqual Tawny Port barrels, the resulting brew isn’t for the birds. This winter warmer boasts a complex bouquet of dark fruits, espresso and chocolate, with hints of oak in its warming finish. Raise a glass to 2010 or save a bottle as this limited release will age with the best of them.

Beer Stats:
8.5% ABV
35 IBU
50 SRM

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Karl Strauss Brews Up Impressive Line-up for San Diego Beer Week 2010

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 07:00:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – November 1, 2010 Karl Strauss Brewing Company can’t wait for Friday. That’s when the second annual San Diego Beer Week launches a 10-day run of beer events across the county and the brewery has big plans. SDBW is a chance to showcase all of the world-class beer being brewed in San Diego. To support the cause, Karl Strauss has put together close to forty different events and a “killer line-up of beer,” according to Paul Segura, Brewmaster.

Starting with the beer, Karl Strauss will be releasing SDBW Stout just for the celebration—a complex and flavorful Dry Stout brewed with Star Anise for a subtle licorice character. Also available during SDBW, will be a new Flanders-style Red Ale. This beer’s flavors come in layers, going from tart to bready and finishing like a cherry scone. Other beers out just in time for SDBW include Old Columbia Barleywine—a new full-bodied English-style Barleywine—and the much anticipated Karl Strauss Winter Seasonal, Fullsuit Belgian Brown Ale.

To enjoy this local liquid goodness, Karl Strauss has events planned for every night of SDBW, starting with a kick-off event at Hamilton’s Tavern in South Park. For this event, the brewery has corralled more than 10 of its favorite beers out of the cold box, including the much loved Big Barrel Double IPA and the Gold Medal winning Red Trolley Ale. Later in the week, Karl Strauss will host a variety of events including a beer and cheese pairing class at Venissimo cheese shop, cask night at Churchill’s Pub, pint night at Bluefoot Bar, and a beer & tapas pairing at KnB Cellars. Karl Strauss will be at the official San Diego Brewers Guild opening party and at the closing Beer Garden: a beer and food pairing event. Karl Strauss Brewing Company SDBW Stout will be paired with some delectable desserts by Chef Jason Graham of Cal-de-Vie spa in Vista while Karl Strauss Executive Chef, Gunther Emathinger, will be pairing a roasted Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chop with New English’s Brewers Special Brown Ale.

Throughout San Diego Beer Week, Karl Strauss Brewery Restaurants will offer limited release beers, beer specials, SDBW cask night, beer brunches, and brewery tours. For more information, visit www.karlstrauss.com . Share it, cheers.

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About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
This year Karl Strauss Brewing Company turns the big 2-1, the most important year in a beer drinker’s life. This coming of age will be celebrated throughout 2010 with a diverse lineup of 35 beers, including 6 year-round favorites, 3 seasonal offerings, and a host of innovative special brews. Located in San Diego and distributed exclusively in Southern California, Karl Strauss currently ranks #40 on the list of Top Craft Breweries in the country. In addition to handcrafting quality beers, Karl Strauss is a leader of the beer and culinary connection at their six local brewery restaurants. For more information visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739. http://twitter.com/karl_strauss; http://facebook.com/KarlStraussBrewingCompany

About San Diego Beer Week
San Diego Beer Week promotes San Diego's thriving craft beer culture by sponsoring a ten-day countywide festival that attracts beer tourism, fosters knowledge of our regional brewing heritage, and serves as a showcase for San Diego's breweries, restaurants, pubs, and other businesses with ties to the craft beer community. For more information visit www.SDBW.org.

Karl Strauss Red Trolley Ale Strikes Gold Again!

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 22:00:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – September 23, 2010 Karl Strauss Brewing Company participated in the 29th annual Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in Denver, Colorado and won the Gold Medal for their Red Trolley Ale. This year was a clean sweep for Karl Strauss Brewing Company as they were awarded a Gold Medal for Red Trolley earlier this year at theprestigious World Beer Cup in Chicago. Red Trolley Ale is amongst a short list of elite beers to win Gold at both the World Beer Cup and the GABF this year.

Originally brewed as the company’s first holiday beer, Red Trolley is one of Karl Strauss’ best-selling draft brands. Brewed with copious amounts of caramel malt, Red Trolley Ale has a rich toffee flavor with hints of dark fruit. “Red Trolley is on fire right now,” says Karl Strauss Brewmaster Paul Segura. “The recognition from our peers this year at the World Beer Cup and GABF has been incredible. It’s a great time to be a brewer in San Diego and we want to congratulate all of the other breweries in town who represented our city.” The winners were announced during the Members-Only session of the GABF at the Denver Convention Center. The GABF is the world’s largest beer competition, with more than 3,520 beers entered from 516 breweries in 48 states. Karl Strauss was one of 455 breweries pouring their beer to more than 49,000 festival attendees.

In addition to attending the festival, Paul judged five categories in the competition that the company did not enter. “The judging process is intense. Anybody who wins a medal at GABF can feel good about the fact that their beer is really scrutinized. As a judge, we put a lot of thought and responsibility into choosing the winning beers,” says Paul. The GABF winners were selected by an international panel of 151 beer judges from 10 countries. Judges critiqued 79 beer categories covering 133 beer styles, choosing the best commercial examples to represent each style.

For more information about the Great American Beer Festival winners visit http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com. Share it, cheers.

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About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
This year Karl Strauss Brewing Company turns the big 2-1, the most important year in a beer drinker’s life. This coming of age will be celebrated throughout 2010 with a diverse lineup of 35 beers, including 6 year-round favorites, 3 seasonal offerings, and a host of innovative special brews. Located in San Diego and distributed exclusively in Southern California, Karl Strauss currently ranks #40 on the list of Top Craft Breweries in the country. In addition to handcrafting quality beers, Karl Strauss is a leader of the beer and culinary connection at their six local brewery restaurants. For more information visit karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739. http://twitter.com/karl_strauss; http://facebook.com/KarlStraussBrewingCompany

About The Brewers Association
Based in Boulder, Colorado, USA, the Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade and education association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their craft beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. Visit BrewersAssociation.org to learn more. The association's activities include events and publishing: CraftBeer.com , World Beer Cup® ; Great American Beer Festival℠ ; Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America® ; National Homebrewers Conference ; National Homebrew Competition ; SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience; American Craft Beer Week; Zymurgy magazine; The New Brewer magazine; and books on beer and brewing. The Brewers Association has an additional membership division of 22,000+ homebrewers: American Homebrewers Association. Consumers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com .

Karl Strauss Oktoberfest Worth The Wait

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:11:55 GMT

San Diego, CA – September 1, 2010 Karl Strauss Oktoberfest is back! The company’s original award-winning seasonal beer is a reminder to Southern Californian’s that fall is just around the corner. “We brew Oktoberfest as a tribute to Karl’s heritage and as a toast to the world’s largest beer party in Munich,” says Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewmaster. “This beer has a ton of rich, malty flavor, but it’s smooth enough to be enjoyed by the liter.”

Unlike most beers that begin with base malt and add specialty malts for flavor, Karl Strauss Oktoberfest is made from 100% specialty malts. A flavorful blend of Vienna, Munich, and Carahell malts create a toasty, nutty flavor that is characteristic of the style. To balance out the sweetness from the malts, the brewers stayed true to tradition using imported Hallertau Perle hops for a spicy finish.

After cold fermenting for several weeks, the golden hued lager is cellared at 50-degrees for an additional three weeks, creating an incredibly smooth finish. Weighing in at 5% ABV, this exceptional session lager is a great complement to traditional Oktoberfest fare, including grilled meats, burgers, and of course, sausages.

Due to an increase in demand, the Company will be brewing 33% more Oktoberfest than last year. Karl Strauss Oktoberfest is available in six-packs and on draft across southern California. Whether you’re rocking lederhosen at the bar or celebrating with friends, enjoy this beer while you can because this party only happens once a year. Prost.

Specs:
5.0 % ABV
15 SRM
20 IBU

Ingredients:
Malts: Vienna, Munich, Carahell
Hops: Hallertau Perle
Yeast: South German Lager

Label Copy:
We brew Oktoberfest in tribute to the world’s biggest beer party. Vienna and Munich malts produce the deep golden color, nutty undertones, and toasted malt flavors characteristic of this renowned Bavarian beer style. Perle hops imported directly from the Hallertau region of Germany give the beer a smooth balanced finish. This celebratory lager puts the ‘fest’ in the month of October.

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Karl Strauss’ Whistler Imperial Pils Takes Classic Style to New Level

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:00:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – June 28, 2010 Karl Strauss Brewing Company is releasing the next installment of its Coastal Reserve Series, Whistler Imperial Pils. Staying with the series’ hoppy, west coast theme, Whistler Imperial Pils takes the classic elements of a pilsner and turns up the volume—more malts, more hops, more alcohol. “The Coastal Reserve series is our chance to bottle some of our edgier offerings,” says Brewmaster, Paul Segura. “We wanted to brew something hoppy but unexpected. We liked the idea of taking the flavor profile of a traditional pilsner and reinterpreting our own bigger, bolder version.”

The recipe calls for all imported European ingredients. It begins with imported Moravian malts—a staple in classic Bavarian pilsners—for a rich, toasted malt flavor. Next, imported Bohemian Saaz hops are used to impart a noble hop spiciness and floral character. Unlike traditional pilsners, Whistler Imperial Pils is dry-hopped with Saaz hops for an intense earthy hop aroma. Finally, Whistler Imperial Pils is lagered with authentic Czech Budejovice lager yeast for six full weeks for a crisp, clean taste. Whistler Imperial Pils comes in at 7.5% ABV and 65 IBUs. Even with high alcohol and hop bitterness, this beer is remarkably smooth. “Whistler starts malty and finishes crisp and dry, making it a great beer to cut the heat of spicy foods like Thai or Mexican,” says Paul.

Named after the buoy in the San Diego harbor that warns ships of rocky shores and welcomes sailors home, Whistler Imperial Pils’ noble hop kick sends a warning but this crisp, dry lager definitely welcomes another sip. Whistler Imperial Pils will be available on draft and in 22oz bottles across Southern California beginning in early July. “We know people are going to enjoy Whistler. This is not your typical summertime lawnmower beer,” says Paul. For more information and a video about Whistler Imperial Pils, visit www.karlstrauss.com. Share it. Cheers.

Specs:
7.5 % ABV
65 IBU
12 SRM

Label Copy:
“The piercing howl of the SD#1 Whistler Buoy echoes for miles, hailing ships of rocky shores ahead. Like its namesake, Whistler Imperial Pils warns and welcomes at the same time. The grassy and floral bitterness of Saaz hops warns this is no ordinary pilsner, while authentic Moravian malts provide a toasted malt balance that welcomes another sip. Finishing crisp and dry, this addition to the Coastal Reserve Series is right at home in America’s finest beer city.”

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Karl Strauss Takes Home 7 Medals From LA Fair

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:45:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – June 23, 2010 Karl Strauss Brewing Company recently won seven medals, including three golds, at the Los Angeles International Commercial Beer Competition. The competition, in existence since 2002, is BJCP certified and widely regarded as one of California’s premiere beer competitions. The competition included more than 430 entries from 70 participating breweries.

Karl Strauss entered ten beers into the competition and walked away with an impressive seven medals. “We felt confident that the beers we entered were brewed with passion and an attention to quality, so we had our fingers crossed. When we learned we won seven medals we were thrilled,” says Brewmaster, Paul Segura. “Competitions like the LA Fair’s have become extremely competitive and to medal with so many great breweries in the running is an honor.”

A majority of the company’s winning beers, including Red Trolley Ale, Tower 10 IPA, Woodie Gold, and Windansea Wheat Hefeweizen, are available year-round in bottles and/or on draft. A selection of the medal-winning beers will also be available for the public to sample in the “Beer Tavern” during the L.A. Fair. The L.A. County Fair runs from September 4 through October 3 at the Pomona Fairgrounds. For more information on the award winning beers, visit www.karlstrauss.com.

Gold:
21st Anniversary Ale (Experimental Beer, Lager or Ale)
Windansea Wheat Hefeweizen (South German-Style Hefeweizen)
Woodie Gold (Bohemian-Style Pilsener)

Silver:
Conquistador Doppelbock (German-Style Strong Bock)
Red Trolley Ale (Irish-Style Red Ale)

Bronze:
Minden Maibock (Bock)
Tower 10 IPA (American-Style India Pale Ale)

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It’s Award Season and Karl Strauss Is Thirsty For More

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:30:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – June 8, 2010 It starts in Spring, with breweries across the country competing in a number of local, regional, and national beer competitions, all leading up to the Great American Beer Festival in September. Building off the momentum of winning Gold at the recent World Beer Cup, Karl Strauss Brewing Company added a few more awards to the trophy case this past week. The company took home gold and bronze at the San Diego International Beer Festival. It was a notable week since Karl Strauss was also named “Best Brewery” at the Annual San Diego California Restaurant Association Awards.

Karl Strauss was one of nine San Diego breweries to win Gold at the San Diego International Beer Festival. According to the official event website, 350 beers were entered by more than 150 breweries from 15 states and 22 countries. “We knew when we entered, we’d be up against some stiff competition,” says Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewmaster. The company took a Gold Medal for its Minden Maibock—a smooth, toasty German lager—edging out Samuel Adam’s Double Bock. Red Trolley Ale took a Bronze in the Irish Red Ale category, medaling in the competition for the second year in a row.

In addition to the San Diego International Beer Festival, the company was voted San Diego’s “Best Brewery” by the San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association (SDCRA) at the Annual Gold Medallion Banquet. 1,100 members of the restaurant industry cast their votes with Karl Strauss taking the honor over the other two finalists, Ballast Point Brewing Company and Stone Brewing Company. “It’s always nice to be recognized by your peers and this award shows that we’ve really become an integral part of the community over the last 21 years. We’re honored to have been in the running with two great breweries like Ballast and Stone,” says Paul.

Karl Strauss is currently gearing up for the Los Angeles County Fair and Great American Beer Festival competitions. “The reason we’re still around after 21 years is that our passion comes through in every beer we make. Winning awards is just an added bonus,” says Paul. For more information on the award winning beers visit www.karlstrauss.com.

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Karl Strauss Raises $13k to Protect Beaches

Wed, 26 May 2010 23:42:00 GMT

San Diego, CA – May 26, 2010 Saturday May 8, 2010 marked Karl Strauss Brewing Company’s 7th Annual Beach to Brewery Beer + Music Fest. More than 2,000 guests celebrated Karl Strauss’s 21st Anniversary with samples of 21 different beers on tap, including World Beer Cup® gold medal winning Red Trolley Ale, spring seasonal Pintail Pale Ale, and their limited 21st Anniversary Ale. The event took place at the company’s main brewery in Pacific Beach, raising money and awareness for the Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our oceans and beaches.

Festivalgoers enjoyed an impressive line-up of 4 local bands while tasting original beers such as Belgian Stranger IPA, Reef Break Red, and Smokey the Beer. Cheese pairings were offered with the specialty casks tapped each hour and Karl Strauss brewers led private brewery tours through their recently expanded facility. Living up to the event name, the San Diego Bike Club organized over 200 guests who rode their bikes from Pacific Beach to the brewery.

This year’s Beach to Brewery raised $13,000 for the local chapter of Surfrider, with $80,000 raised to date. In addition to the donation, Karl Strauss supported Surfrider’s “Rise Above Plastics” campaign and eliminated the use of more than 17,000 plastic cups during the event. “We understand that Surfrider values our monetary donation, but just as important is the awareness we raise for their cause,” says Matt Rattner, president and co-founder, Karl Strauss Brewing Company. The company also offered a discounted 1-year Surfrider membership when purchasing event tickets online—resulting in dozens of new members for the Chapter. During the event, staff from Hands On Recycling separated and diverted more than 50% of the trash from the event to recycling.

The Friday before the event, Karl Strauss hosted their 3rd Annual beach clean-up in Mission Beach. Company employees met at Mission Beach early in the morning to clean the beach before work. Bill Hickman, Director of the Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter, joined the group. “Our employee beach clean-up has become a tradition we all look forward to each year,” Rattner says; “I think it’s important that we put into action our core value of caring for the environment, and I know Surfrider appreciates that we roll up our sleeves and pitch in.”

To view a video from the event and photos, visit www.karlstrauss.com. Share it. Cheers.

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