Ninkasi Releases Sleigh’r

15 Oct 2014 --- Returning to Ninkasi Brewing Company’s winter line-up Sleigh’r, Dark Doüble Alt Ale, and Imperiale, Imperial Stout, will be available this month throughout Ninkasi’s distribution footprint through December.

Hailing from traditional beer styles, these beers were brewed with winter in mind – dark and smooth.

Brewed in the traditional German Alt way, Sleigh’r is darker than its traditional heritage, profiling a malt-forward, dry and toasty beer from Ninkasi’s Seasonal Release Series. “Sleigh’r is a true tribute to the spirited nature of the season,” says Ninkasi founding brewer and co-owner, Jamie Floyd. “A dark, rich toasted-malt flavor is balanced by just enough hop bitterness to make this winter offering deceptively easy to drink.”

Making its way back to Ninkasi’s Special Release Series is Imperiale. This Imperial Stout offers lots of roasted malt flavor, along with a rich, smooth and warming body. “Impeirale is the perfect beer to accompany any winter gathering, pairing well with hearty foods of the season,” says Floyd.

Both beers are available through December across Ninkasi’s distribution footprint: Oregon; Alaska; Arizona; California; Idaho; Montana; Nevada; Washington; and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Sleigh’r  Stats

Style: Dark Doüble Alt Ale
Series: Seasonal Release Series
ABV: 7.2
IBU: 50
Starting Gravity: 1068
Malt: 2-Row Pale, Crystal, Munich, Carahell, Roasted Barley, Chocolate
Hops: Nugget
Available: On draft, 12 and 22-ounce bottles

Description: A delicious Northwest seasonal brewed with winter in mind. A dark doüble alt ale, malty and delicious, it’s sure to keep the winter at bay. And yes, Sleigh’r does rock!

Tasting Notes: An alt ferments with ale yeast at colder lagering temperatures. This effect gives alts a more refined and crisp lager-like flavor than traditional ales. The doüble alt means that it has been “Ninkasified.” Regular alts are 5 to 5.5 percent ABV and 40 IBUs. Sleigh’r has a deep, toasted malt flavor that finishes dry and has 7.2 percent ABV and 50 IBUs keeping it in a perfect alt balance!

Imperiale Stats

Style: Imperial Stout
Series: Special Release Series
ABV: 9.1
IBU: 70
Starting Gravity: 1090
Malt: 2-Row Pale, Munich, Crystal, Flaked Barley, Roasted Barley, Black Malt, Carafa
Hops: Nugget
Available: On draft, 22-ounce bottles

Description: Rich, full bodied and surprisingly smooth, Imperiale Stout has a big roast hit up front. Dark malt flavors are balanced with an ample hop bitterness to finish.

Tasting Notes: Roasted malt up front, with a smooth and creamy body warming the mouth. Caramel, toffee, molasses and a touch of coffee notes are present but unified in one amazingly drinkable beer. Let it bundle you up!