Your New Favorite Beer: All Hail the KING TIDE

 

Your New Favorite Beer: All Hail the KING TIDE

 

 

 

On the odd chance you don't already know it, your new favorite beer has arrived here at Island Brewing Company. The King Tide, as we are calling it, has many beautiful things about it, the glinting and gorgeous copper color, that delicate lace producing head, the inscrutable Double IPA regalness. We're talking about 85 IBUs with Centennial and Zythos hops surging in to buoy your taste buds. The 9.8% ABV is sure to have you rummaging through some interesting parts of your brain, and sharing the finds with your friends. We're doing full 16 oz pints for $6, and Island Nation Members savor the goodness for $4. So in short, now you know!

Jubilee, Pumpkin, Wild Turkey Oak Chip Cask!

T-day is nearly upon us and to celebrate we're tapping what will be a very unique cask condition ale Wednesday. Here's what's happening. First, we brew the Jubilee, our Old Ale, with its big malt flavors, flavors that make the enthusiastic kind of lose it the rare times we run out of it on tap. Then we age it in a cask, throw in some pumpkin and some oak chips soaked in Wild Turkey. The end result? Well, we don't know yet. But come Wednesday at the brewery, we will. Be among the select few that will get a taste of this special beer. One thing is for sure: it won't last long!

Island Brewing Company Delivery Van Spotting Contest!

 

 

Island Brewing Company Delivery Van Spotting Contest

We were so stoked on how our delivery van came out that we are having a van spotting contest!

The rules are pretty simple: if you see the van, take a picture of it, tag where you are and post it! There will be two categories: most number of photos will get you the win, as will the most creative. You don't have to be in the photo, you do have to keep it safe: (i.e. don't get run over by the van trying to take a picture of it.) And tempting as it may be, you can't just hang out at the brewery and take pictures of it parked. But you already knew that.


Where do you post? It’s your choice of three convenient places.

On our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/islandbrewingcompany

On Instagram: @islandbrewingcompany

On Twitter: @islandbrewingco


We're going to have running tallies posted at the brewery so you’ll know you are in the lead.

Oh: what will you win? How about $70 gift certificate (each category) and the bragging rights that go with it?  Contest ends at the end of November. Should be fun: Ready, set, go!

New Look for the Delivery Van!

 

 

 

Super stoked on the new look for the delivery van: the wrap came out awesome and you'll doubtlessly be seeing more of us zooming up and down the Santa Barbara coast area! Stay tuned for some fun spot-the-delivery-type contests!

 

Pumpkin Carving Contest! Monday Oct 28!

Halloween is almost here and there's been no shortage of goblins asking us about the details of our annual Pumpking Carving Contest. This year may be a little tricky, but we're going ahead any way: dress warm. The sharp tool wielding among you will know that we usually held this event in the back of the brewery in years past. However, since our new tanks are back there now, we're momentarily out of space. So. The plan is to rig up our big white tent out front and give it a whirl. So mark the calendar, or scratch off whatever maybe already there. Monday  5:30-8:30, we'll be hacking and slicing and dicing. The pumpkin innards will be flying. And prizes will be given to old and young alike. Juding at 7:45!

Now Flowing: Avocado Honey Ale!

Now flowing: Our Avocado Honey Ale! It's a long wait. And the wait is over. So to recap: No avocados are harmed brewing this beer. This limited release seasonal ale is the end of summer collaboration of bees, beekeepers, avocado growers and brewery workers. It's a combined labor of love with the taste of sunlight in every sip. Avocado honey is a flavorful amber honey collected only from hives in avocado orchards. When added to the boil in the brewing process, it creates a uniquely smooth tasting beer with a slightly sweet finish. Enjoy it while it lasts! 5.3% abv.

Bourbon Barrel-Aged Beer Fans Rejoice

Sometimes there's a little something special here at Island Brewing Company. And sometimes there's something a little extra special, and every now and then there's something a little extra extra special. This, as you've guessed, is one of those rare times.

Exhibit A, on the left. Our Starry Night Stout. Aged in a Bourbon Barrel for seven months. Yes, this is the same stout that won a Gold at the Great American Beer Festival in the foreign-style stout category. And the very same stout that won a Gold and the World Beer Cup. Except now it's had the benefit of aging in a bourbon barrel. The result is a fantastic blend of roast, oak, and bourbon notes.

Exhibit B, on the right. Our Island Pale Ale aged in a Bourbon Barrel. This features a lot of the oak and vanilla with a bourbon numerator and hop denominator. Or is it the other way around. May have to try another sip. Those with steel trap memories will no doubt remember the last time we did this our IPA won Gold at GABF. So yes, this is a multidimensional offering.

540 bottles each. And counting down!

In Which We Pronounce Suds'n'Surf a Huge Success

In Which We Pronounce Suds'n'Surf a Huge Success

 

 

It was an epic day that tooks months of planning, a legion of volunteers, and the willingness of the craft beer community: in short all the stars aligned for the Deep Magazine Suds'n'Surf Beer Festival, Carpinteria's first ever craft beer festival. More than 40 breweries converged on Linden Field offering an amazing selection of craft beer from all over California, and beyond.

 

We had a keg of our just released Bourbon-barrel Stout on hand, among some cask ales brewed specifically for the event, and if you didn't get a chance to taste the Stout, don't wait, because the cases are flying out the door at the brewery! In any event, if was a epic and stellar day and we were glad to be a part of it. Thanks again one and all: Till next year!

The Countdown is On! Surf 'n' Suds Beer Festival in Carpinteria!

The countdown is on to the first ever beer festival in Carpinteria! The Surf 'n' Suds Beer festival will be taking place right on Linden field at Carpinteria State Park, right in front of Island Brewing Company. The stats are a little astounding for our two stop light beach town: 40 breweries and counting was the last tally. Add to that, three live bands, local surfboard shapers, a surf movie tent, and cornhole bean bag toss, food trucks, and we're looking at a fun filled day to say the least. Yes we will be there, and yes we will be here! For tickets, head on over to http://deepfest.com/. Hopefully there are a few left, word was they were going quick.

Island Brewing Company Seeks Sales Rep

Island Brewing Company Seeks Sales Rep


Island Brewing Company is an established craft brewery seeking a qualified individual for our Sales Representative position. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, energetic, smile, and get the job done. We’re looking for someone with an uncommon tenacity for securing new accounts and an ability and expand existing accounts. Further requirements include passion for craft beer, outstanding sales presentation skills and familiarity with Santa Barbara/Ventura/Ojai and surrounding areas. Previous experience selling craft beer is a plus and having a flexible schedule and willingness to work nights and weekends as needed is necessary.

Additional job requirements include a valid driver's license and reliable automobile; and the ability to lift 35 pound cases of beer and maneuver 160 pound kegs. Compensation will be salary plus commission and depend on experience: for the right person this is a long-term and potentially lucrative opportunity. This is a full-time position with health benefits, vacation, and the chance to grow with us. Please email a resume and cover letter explaining why you are the best person for this position. We will be accepting applications until July 30, interviewing shortly thereafter. Paul@islandbrewingcompany.com

Island Brewing Company Offering Brewery Tours

Island Brewing Company Offering Brewery Tours

 

Ever wondered how beer is made? And what exactly is going on in all those big, shiny tanks in the back of the brewery? Island Brewing Company will be offering free, scheduled brewery tours throughout the summer. Brewery tours will be held twice a day during weekends at 2:00 and 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sundays.

 

The tour runs about 20 minutes and covers the history of Island Brewing Company, and explains the brewing process, ingredients, and offers a behind the scenes look at what's happening at the brewery. "As more people discover craft beer, and the difference in flavor fresh, local beer brings with it, there are more interested people in the brewing process and the history of beer, and we're happy to share that with them," says owner and brewer Paul Wright. Island Brewing Company is located at 5049 6th Street, Carpinteria, CA.  For more information, call (805)745-8272 or email paul@islandbrewingcompany.com

Summer Staples Arrive: Tropical Lager and Island Weiss

Summer Staples Arrive: Tropical Lager and Island Weiss

Well if you don’t already know, consider yourself informed: summer is here and with it comes the release of two of our most popular summer beers.

The wait is over for the Tropical Lager. This light and refreshing lager features organic malts. So light and refreshing it may make you want to do some yard work. So light and refreshing it may make you want to stop. Which will it be? A couple sips of 5.1% abv and 16 IBUs and you will know.

Next up is a beer we haven’t had in awhile, and apparently it’s high time for the Island Weiss. This is a Bavarian-style Weiss beer in all its unfiltered, 4.7% abv, and 17 IBU glory. The weiss yeast brings forth hints of banana and clove, and is served best cold with a little sun, a little sand, a little beach. But perhaps you have another serving idea. We’d love to hear it. Cheers.

Island Brewing Company Embraces American Craft Beer Week May 13-19

 

It's a big week for small breweries: We'll be celebrating American Craft Beer Week May 13-19th with above normal levels of camaraderie, special releases, prizes and events!

Monday: Rock Paper Scissors tournament. You read that right and you already know the rules.

Tuesday: We’ll be celebrating various levels of beer expertise with Beer Trivia.

Wednesday: Toast Off in which we’ll be judging the best toast makers among us.

Thursday: Blending competition and BBQ food truck.

Friday we’ll host a Vertical VIP Flight tastings as we raid the barchives.

Saturday: Live, live, live music.

Sunday: we’re setting sail and cruising the streets on Santa Barbara's only amphibious vehicle, The Land Shark. Imagine a couple dozen of your closest friends driving a tank like vehicle into the ocean with a few kegs of beer, 6:30-8:30. Sign up at the brewery!

More Big Doins: New Tanks and a Boiler to Boot!

More Big Doins: New Tanks and a Boiler to Boot!

 

It's been a couple of months of heavy lifting, literally and figuratively, as Island Brewing Company saw some major milestones through March and April 2013, the results of several years of strategic planning that will allow the craft brewery to both increase its capacity, efficiency, and beer style selection. “We’ve been interested in expanding capacity at the brewery for some time,” said owner and brewer Paul Wright. “Demand is up for craft beer and we’re pleased to have some major projects online in time for summer.”

Replacing the brewery’s original steam boiler with a new one will offer several benefits: faster brew times, a smaller carbon footprint, and increased efficiency. “Most people don’t think about the boiler when it comes to the brewing process, but it’s pretty simple: no hot water, no brewing,’ says Wright. The brewery’s new boiler features an increase in fuel-to-steam efficiency as well as lower electrical power consumption and a cleaner burner.

 

 

In with the new boiler.

 

 

New Tanks: Steady team, steady.

Something you don't see every day: Thanks to Colson's Towing!

Pallet Jack Powered

No one get squished please.

 

In the building and vertical. Repeat three times.

The new view

 

Island Brewing Company had also been interested in expanding its existing tank capacity to keep up with demand. The purchase of 3- 45 barrel tanks, two fermenters and one brite tank will allow the brewery to increase both the volume of its most popular beers and take some of the pressure off the existing tanks, freeing that tank capacity for a wider variety of seasonal offerings. “The investment represents a major increase in tank space for us. Stay tuned. We’re going to have more beer around here and more selection than ever before,” says Wright. “And those are all good things.”

Big Island: Now in Bottles!

The Big Island has been bottled! An intricate grain bill and heavy hand with the hops have produced an Impreial Pale Ale weighing in at 10% abv and 100 IBUs, all lovingly bottled into our 22 oz. bottles, waiting for you at the brewery, as well as some of the finer beer establishments around town. When they're gone, they're gone until next year which is a long winded way of saying that the time is ripe for you to make your way to Island Brewing Company and grab your fair share! See you soon if not sooner.

And if you've been hiding under a rock: Big Island and Little Island

And if you've been hiding under a rock: Big Island and Little Island Releases

 

It's finally here: our most robust, hoppiest offering of the year: The Big Island. If you are among the uninitiated, this is our Imperial Pale Ale. We're talking huge malt backbone and a balanced finish for 10% abv and a 100 IBUs (a big dose of Columbus and Cascade hops), served in a 13 oz. goblet to keep your reflexes intact.

 

Here's the story on the Little Island: So when we brew the Big Island, the resulting grain bed has enough fermentable sugars in it to brew another beer: and thus the Little Island was born from the second runnings of the Big Island mash.. This year's Little Island has grown up a bit when compared to Little Islands of yester year. Technically a Pale Ale with prominent Cascade Hops, the Little Island weighs in at 6.1% and 35 IBUs.

 

Which is for you? Only one way to find out. See you soon!





Attention Bourbon Barrel Aged IPA Fans

Attention Bourbon Barrel Aged IPA fans: You may want to mark your calendar. Correction: you will want to mark your calendar. Six months from now we will be releasing our next batch of Bourbon Barrel Aged IPA. If you had any of the last  Bourbon Barrel Aged IPA, you know why there is that little sense of urgency in this post. Consider yourself in the loop!

Valentine's Day Cask Conditioned Extravaganza!

Valentine's Day Cask Conditioned Extravaganza!

There is every chance that this is going to be one of the best, most flavorful, most mostest bestest tasting cask conditioned ales we've ever put on: and for Valentine's Day to boot. This is a cask of Mocha Stout infused with coffee and organic cacao nibs (unprocessed chocolate). We'll be running it through the hand pump beer engine for a hearty and heartwarming traditional pour for a pint or two to get your Valentine's Day plan off and running! Open at 2. See you then if not sooner.

Gold and Two Silver Medals at World Beer Championships

So you like Island Brewing Company’s Jubilee Ale and have been known to order a Blackbird Porter and/or a Starry Night Stout on occasion? This just in: your taste buds and those of a world champion beer judge have a few things in common when it comes to what makes a good beer great.

So say the results in from the World Beer Championships, held in Chicago, Il. Founded in 1994, the event is America’s oldest international beer competition and is open to all commercially produced beers from around the world, regardless of US distribution. It is a medal-based competition that awards its medals based on a blind tasting out of a 100-point quality rating scale.

The Jubilee scored a 92 for an exceptional rating and Gold Medal, inspiring some prose that would make an English major jealous: “Deep copper brown color. Aromas of dried fruits, roasted nuts, cocoa, and toast with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a roasted grain, jicama and peppery hop finish. A spot-on old ale with lots of flavor and balance.”

Both the Blackbird Porter and Starry Night Stout rated an 89 or highly recommended rating for their Silver Medals. Judges noted the Blackbird Porter’s “Deep copper brown color. Layered aromas and flavors of over-toasted bread, baker's chocolate and roasted zucchini with a supple, dryish medium body and a round, nutty, husky grain and hay accented finish. A nice food beer.”

The Starry Night Stout stood apart for its “Dense aromas of melted toffee, espresso, toasted pumpernickel and creme brulee, with a silky dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and root vegetable and roasted nut driven finish with mild lettuce-like hops. Very nice.”

Very nice indeed.

http://tastings.com/scout_beer.lasso?id=201073

http://tastings.com/scout_beer.lasso?id=201072

http://tastings.com/scout_beer.lasso?id=201071

Island Brewing Company makes DRAFT magazine's Breweries to Watch in 2013

We're that nice combination of pleased and stoked to have gotten a little shout out in DRAFT magazine's piece on Breweries to Watch in 2013! There are some great breweries on this list and to be on it is a nice way to start the new year! Check it out at
http://draftmag.com/features/2013-breweries-to-watch/