Samuel Adams Releases Collaboration Beer With Colorado's Brewery Rickoli as Part of Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream Program

24 Jul 2014 --- Samuel Adams released Oats McGoats, a limited-edition American stout brewed with Wheat Ridge, Colo.'s Brewery Rickoli.

The collaboration is part of the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream Brewing and Business Experienceship, which provides one craft brewer annually with hands-on brewing and business coaching.

As part of the 2014 Experienceship, Samuel Adams brewers and Rick Abitbol, founder and brewer of Brewery Rickoli, collaborated on a unique brew inspired by Rick's commitment to brewing full-flavored, gluten-reduced beers. What resulted is Oats McGoats, a gluten-reduced American stout brewed with flaked rye, oat malt and golden naked oats.  At 6.5% ABV, the full-bodied, moderately-carbonated beer is accented by earthy, spicy flavors and a hint of roasted coffee notes. Starting the week of July 27th, Oats McGoats will be available on draft in a limited number of bars and restaurants in and around Denver, and will also be served at the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery and in Brewery Rickoli's tasting room.

"Brewing this collaboration beer with Brewery Rickoli was a rewarding experience and great reminder that the craft brewing industry is like no other," said Samuel Adams founder and brewer Jim Koch. "We support one another and celebrate our shared passion – making quality, full-flavored craft beer.  It's that small brewer spirit that will continue to help strengthen and grow our industry."

"Brewing with the Samuel Adams brewers was a great experience, and one that I will certainly never forget," said Rick Abitbol, brewer and founder of Brewery Rickoli.  "The support I have received through the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream program has been invaluable, and this collaboration beer is definitely one of the highlights."

Brewing and Business Experienceship
The Brewing and Business Experienceship is similar to an extended internship that is tailored to the selected brewery's business needs. In addition to the collaboration beer project, the Experienceship includes a trip to the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery to receive coaching by Samuel Adams experts in a variety of areas such as ingredients procurement, labeling and compliance, and sales and distribution. The program also provides access to and funding for industry events of the brewer's choice.

The Experienceship is part of Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream, a micro-lending and coaching program for small businesses in food, beverage, craft brewing and hospitality. The Experienceship was created specifically for craft brewers who have received microloans through the program. In addition to Brewery Rickoli, MateVeza in San Francisco, Calif. and Roc Brewing Co. in Rochester, N.Y. have participated in the Brewing and Business Experienceship. The application process for the 2015 Experienceship brewer is currently open, and the winner will be announced at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver this October.