Two Beers Brewing Launches New High Gravity ‘Alta Series’

08 Jan 2013 --- Two Beers Brewing is proud to announce the fast-approaching release of its new Alta Series on Saturday, February 2. Featuring four bold, complex ales – each reaching above 9.0 percent ABV and boasting its own distinct personality – the Alta Series has been handcrafted to offer a unique twist with every sip. Whether its the complexity obtained by aging in brandy barrels, the tartness imparted by fresh fruits or unique twist provided by a complex blend of spices, the Alta Series sets out to distinguish itself from the others and reach the upper limits.

“This new limited edition series gives us a chance to really showcase a different side of Two Beers Brewing,” stated Joel VandenBrink, founder and head brewer at Two Beers Brewing Co. “The Alta Series is our tribute to lofty heights and to the crazy pursuit of the upper limits in life. These small batch beers truly push the envelope and are unlike anything we’ve ever created.”

The first beer released as part of Two Beers Brewing’s new Alta Series will be the Switchback Russian Imperial Stout. A style born out of the cold north and the Russian courts desire for rich, toasty brews, The Alta Series’ Russian Imperial Stout has been barrel aged in brandy barrels for six months, followed by four months of aging on Theo organic cocoa nibs, vanilla beans and bing cherries.  A deep, multilayered beer, Switchback features a 12 percent ABV, 50 IBUs and SRM of 77. Its thick, smooth body carries immense, complex flavors of coffee, plums, chocolate, cherries, vanilla and highland peat under a deep milk-chocolate creamy head.

Marking the launch of the Alta Series, Switchback will be released on Saturday, February 2 at Two Beers Brewing’s SoDo tasting room, The Woods. Beginning at 11 am, craft beer enthusiasts can purchase one of only 1,000 22-ounce bottles for $13 each (limit six per customer), one week before they are released to Seattle area retailers and bottle shops. Attendees of the Alta Series launch party will also enjoy a special lineup of Two Beers Brewing beers on tap, including barrel-aged The Hearth Winter Warmer, barrel-aged Evolutionary IPA and bourbon-infused Heart of Darkness Imperial CDA. Finally, guests will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets – $5 each benefitting the Washington Trails Association – for the chance to win one of two 3-liter bottles or one 6-liter bottle of Switchback Russian Imperial Stout (each valued at more than $200).