The brewery has just released the 2008 vintage Old Stock Ale - an event much anticipated by lovers of fine beer across the country.

This year’s offering continues in the tradition of earlier vintages that have played to rave reviews and is brewed with Marris-Otter malt and imported Fuggles hops.  Customers have called it “awesome” and “even better than the ’07 if that’s possible”.  Past vintages have received “Superlative” and 5-star ratings.   

Old Stock, like a fine wine, is designed to be cellared, actually improving with age.  Over time, the beer mellows and rounds-out making it a constantly changing flavor experience. 

With an ABV of 11.4%, Old Stock is elegant and silky and has a port-like quality that pairs it well with cheeses like a Colston-Bassett Stilton or Parmagiano Reggiano.

Look for it, as they say, wherever fine beers are sold.

Our new Belgian Farmhouse Style Ale

(Saison) called Le Merle – The Blackbird, is now widely available at retail outlets in 750ml corked and wired bottles. This subtle, sophisticated beer has already gotten some critical endorsement. It’s lovely stuff traditionally brewed using a unique Belgian yeast strain.

Le Merle clothing now available, see our online store!

With the developing interest in Belgian abbey ales and the monasteries that brew them, it’s time to remind the world that here in the U.S., we have a Monk of our own.

Jazz icon Thelonious Monk is the inspiration for North Coast Brewing’s new Belgian-style abbey ale called, appropriately enough, Brother Thelonious. The beer is being released in conjunction with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, and the brewery will make a contribution to the Institute for every case sold to support jazz education.

Like a Belgian “Dark Strong Ale”, the beer is rich and robust with an ABV of 9%. The package is a 750 ml bottle with a traditional cork and wire finish or 12oz 4 packs and features a label picturing the jazz master himself.

“Being a huge fan of Monk and his music has made working on this project something special”, said Doug Moody, North Coast’s Senior Vice-President and National Sales Manager. “We’re honored to be associated with a world class organization like the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz and feel that this terrific beer will represent its namesake well.”

Look for Brother Thelonious wherever fine beers are sold and fine sounds are heard.

When you buy Brother Thelonious Belgian Style Abbey Ale you also help to support the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz whose mission is to offer the world's most promising young musicians college level training by America's jazz masters and to present public school-based jazz education programs for young people around the world.  All of these programs are offered free of charge to the students and schools.

 

North Coast has an active program of developing even more amazing beers than are in the regular portfolio. Brewmaster, Mark Ruedrich has created some small batch, barrel-aged beers that are truly remarkable.

Aging high gravity beers in oak barrels adds a whole new level of complexity and enjoyment to the flavor profile, and our experience with the technique has been stunning.  Coming in the wake of the spectacular Old Rasputin X which was aged in whiskey barrels, Mark has had great success with some ’05 Old Stock Ale aged in Bourbon barrels and some in brandy barrels.  It’s exquisite, but there’s not much of it.  It’s available only at the brewery retail store or through mail order in California.

And, there’s yet another batch of Old Rasputin that’s been aging for several months in whiskey barrels.  Stay tuned and keep an eye on the website for details.

 

The readers of the Northwest Brewing News just voted North Coast Brewing the Best Brewery in Northern California. We’re really pleased about this one. They also named Old Rasputin as the Best Imperial Stout. The folks in the Northwest have had a head start on the rest of the country where craft beers are concerned, so we think it’s a pretty knowledgeable bunch….with great taste. Thanks, guys.

 

Fort Bragg, Mendocino County, August 22, 2007 . . . North Coast Brewing Company (NCBC), pioneers in the production of microbrews since 1988, is educating consumers about pairing craft beers and fine food, with guidance from noted chef and author John Ash. 
On August 9, brew master Mark Ruedrich and sales manager Doug Moody presented the full line of NCBC beers to students of the “Sophisticated Palate”, a program of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone, Napa Valley.  Students tasted all of North Coast Brewing Company’s beers – from light and fruity to rich and robust.  Following the tasting, the participants enjoyed a seven-course dinner paired with beer.

 

This coming year marks the 51st anniversary of the Monterey Jazz Festival – the longest-running jazz festival in the world. And, we’re again very pleased to have been chosen as the official brewery for the event. It allows us to further our support of jazz education. Our Brother Thelonious will be featured and other North Coast beers also will be available there to go along with the great sounds.

www.montereyjazzfestival.com