Karl Strauss Releases New Holiday Ale
San Diego, CA – December 9, 2009- 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.