April Fool’s Day over, isn’t it? In any case, if you haven’t seen the Heavy Table piece, check it out.  Their website has been update as well, and more importantly they’ve shared details of their flagship beers: Patersbier, described as “A crisp monk’s golden ale” and Pubstitute, “a dark Scottish session ale.” Definitely a departure from what you might expect from a new brewery and probably a smart move as well. There aren’t many Scottish Ale brewed in this market that don’t fall into the Wee Heavy/Scotch Ale gravity range. And Patersbier… I’d guess that some of you probably haven’t even heard of the style, let alone tasted an example. I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a couple different homebrewers’ attempts at the Northern Brewer recipe designed by Kris and “Brew Like a Monk” author Stan Hieronymus. If these were any indication, I think it’s fair to say that Pour Decisions commercial product will be very good.

We wish them well. I’m looking forward to trying their beers.

In a move that surprised even myself, I got a note today from brewer Dave Berg announcing that Schell’s next Stag Series beer will be a “German IIPA” with nods to both the breweries German heritage and current fascination with big, bold, boozy hoppy beers. Said Berg, “Not many people know this, but after a few years in New Ulm, I’ve developed a bit of a fascination with with hop-forward beers. It came as a surprise really… like discovering The Suburbs in high school. They just blew me away.” Berg said that the beer will feature pilsener and Munich malts as well as loads and loads of Hallertau hops and Schell’s house lager yeast. Lager yeast? “Yes. That’s one of the “secrets’ to make this beer special.”

Also finding its way to my inbox tonight was yet another internal memo from Summit Brewing Co., detailing their latest Unchained beer. This beer, said to be a departure from the rest of the series actually draws inspiration from The Blue Nile’s Al McCarty. “It’s a blend, a veritable “Suicide” so to speak. Of course we’re not calling it that…” McCarty lent his expertise and began blending Summit offerings over the course of several months. The beer is a careful blend of Summit’s EPA, Horizon Red, Porter and a high octane version of their Oatmeal Stout that will be blended aged in French oak barrels with additions of vanilla beans & cocoa nibs. “It’s gnarly. Period.” Look for it on tap in early June, and in bottles by mid-June.

Looks like we’ve been duped. Al & Summit confirmed that this indeed is a joke.

Castle Danger Brewery fires up, Mike Creager, Lake Country News Journal

“Life’s definitely busy.”

Owners Jamie and Clint MacFarlane own Castle Haven Cabins. No doubt they’ll be quite busy in upcoming months… running a resort is a lot of work, and from what we hear, running a brewery is no small affair, either. Castle Danger is delivering kegs now and plans to get a license to sell growlers. You can catch them at Gitchee Gumee or places such as Sir Benedict’s in Duluth. We wish them the best of luck!