Karl Strauss Celebrates 2009 To the Nines

Dec. 9, 2009 - PRLog -- To celebrate the memorable year that was 2009, Karl Strauss Brewing Company is releasing its first ever bottled holiday ale, To the 9’s.  This beer commemorates the accomplishments of the past year, including the company’s 20th Anniversary, a brewery expansion, and the addition of a brand new bottling line.  “2009 was a good year for Karl Strauss Brewing Company and we wanted to have a little fun with this beer by making it all about the 9’s—9% ABV, 99 IBUS, 9 SRM, and 9 types of hops,” says Paul Segura, Brewmaster.  

To the 9’s is a bold reinterpretation of a classic Imperial IPA.  Unlike most other versions of the style that tend to be piney and citrussy, this beer is dry-hopped with European noble hops for a more earthy and woodsy aroma.  “We wanted to brew a holiday beer that wasn’t your typical spiced ale.  We landed on an Imperial IPA with a nod to the holidays by creating a subtle spice character with the noble hops,” says Paul.  He adds, “Most people don’t associate noble hops with Imperial IPA’s, but we thought it added interest to the style.”

The nine hop varieties that comprise To the 9’s are a blend of Bravo, Warrior, Columbus, Nugget, Palisade, and Glacier, with a mix of Willamette, Saaz, and Tettnang used for dry-hopping.  The end result is an extremely complex beer with a spicy, woodsy character.  No singular hop varietal dominates the palate, creating a well rounded, wine-like depth of flavor. English Extra Pale malts were used to create a firm malt backbone for the hops while contributing a deep, golden color.  The beer is extremely smooth for 9% ABV, with a warm, dry, lingering finish.  

The earthy character of this beer makes it an excellent match with spicy foods, such as Thai, Indian, or Mexican.  To the 9’s is also a great beer to share around the holidays—the lingering alcohol warmth and slightly spicy notes make it a great after dinner sipper.  

To the 9’s is now available in 22oz bottles as well as on draft throughout Southern California.  “We are only releasing 600 cases of this beer so get it while it’s still around because it’s going to go quickly.  This is one gift you might want to save for yourself,” says Paul.  For more information and a video about making To the 9’s, visit www.karlstrauss.com.

Specs:
9.9% ABV
99 IBU   
9 SRM
      
Label Copy:
“…and what a year it was. 20 years of beer was celebrated, a new bottling line came to life. In honor of ’09, we brewed a beer with English Extra-Pale malts and no less than 9 hop varieties to give it 99 IBUs, 9.9% ABV and 9 SRM. This Imperial IPA has a woodsy, earthy hoppiness with citrus and spice top notes in the aroma. Full in body and spirit, it’s the perfect beer to take leave of the old year in style and welcome the New Year dressed to the nines.”


About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Two college grads, a 75-year-old master brewer, and a passion for beer… when Karl Strauss Brewing Company started brewing full-flavored, quality handcrafted beer in 1989, it was the first craft brewery to open in San Diego in more than 50 years. Today, you can enjoy our flagship beers, special releases, and seasonals at any of our six brewery restaurants or other fine drinking establishments throughout Southern California. For more information visit karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739.

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Karl Strauss Brewing Company started brewing handcrafted beer in 1989. Today, you can enjoy our quality beers at our six brewery restaurants or other fine drinking establishments throughout Southern California. For more info visit karlstrauss.com.