Elite Brands of Colorado

Altitude Spirits Tasty Holiday Cocktails

2011-11-30T19:37:00.000-08:00

Check out these great cocktail recipes featuring the Organic and delicious Altitude Spirits!

Ummmm! TAG/Thomas Fogarty Umami Wine Dinner

2011-11-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

TAG’S Chef Troy Guard prepares umami-intense dishes for the

über-edgy wines by Thomas Fogarty winemaker Michael Martella

On November 30, 2011 Michael Martella, the winemaker for Thomas Fogarty Vineyards in Santa Cruz Mountains since its inception in 1981, will visit TAG to present his wines, representing the absolute cutting edge in the crisper, moderately scaled, cold climate grown contemporary style to which more and more wine lovers are turning these days.

First, some background: the Santa Cruz Mountains American Viticultural Area is one of the cradles of the California wine industry. In the mid-nineteenth century, in fact, there were over 14,000 acres of commercial wine grapes grown on these mountain slopes, and the region was widely known as the Chaine d’Or, or “Chain of Gold.”

The post-Prohibition growth of California wine may have concentrated mostly in warmer regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma County – where grapes ripen much more easily, as long as a month before they do in Santa Cruz Mountains – but modern day pioneering vignerons like Fogarty have been quietly carving their niche, growing their sleek style of Chardonnay and exotically spiced Pinot Noirs and other red wine grapes at 2,000 ft. –plus elevations, chilled by winds blowing in from the Pacific just 10 miles away.

Because of the intrinsic balance and emphasis on terroir (i.e. “sense of place,” often with minerally complexities) rather than simple varietal fruitiness of the Thomas Fogarty wines, TAG Chef Troy Guard has planned a special menu – working with longtime friend, wine journalist Randy Caparoso (the award winning founding partner of the Roy’s family of restaurants, and today, an editor for Sommelier Journal) – that emphasizes the “fifth sensation,” known as umami.

What is umami, and why such a big deal? While not an everyday term, umami is one of the common sensations everyone tastes in foods and drinks, along with the sensations of sweet, sour, salty and bitter (the hot taste of spices might be considered a sixth sensation, but it is considered more of a tactile feel rather than something perceived by taste buds).

Caparoso, who will be guest speaking alongside Mr. Martella at this winemaker dinner, tells us, “if you boil it all down, umami is nothing more than a taste activated in by ingredients containing high amounts of amino acid. A vine ripened heirloom tomato, for instance, is especially high in umami; so is authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, seaweeds, mushrooms, especially truffles and sea urchin, and the highly reduced veal and seafood stocks traditionally used by chefs as the bases of sauces that help bind and intensify dishes.

“In restaurants the deliberate use of ingredients that are high in amino acids especially comes in handy when preparing dishes specifically to bind and balance matching wines, in the same way that sauces do. After all, the best balanced dishes are always the easiest to match with wines; and vice-versa, the best balanced wines are always the easiest to match with food.”

Hence, the high umami menu planned for the wines of Thomas Fogarty, which by nature of their mountain origins are appreciated more for their balance rather than brute strength, and aromatic complexities as opposed to simple “varietal character.”

So are you ready for some high elevation culinary adventure? Your entrée to this event, taking place in TAG’s underground dining room, is just $68/person (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations are by pre-payment, which you can make by calling TAG at 303.996.9985, or through opentable.com. The works:

Thomas Fogarty Vineyards & TAG present

a Santa Cruz Mountains wine meets umami dinner

November 30, 2011

with guest winemaker, Thomas Fogarty’s Michael Martella

& guest umami host, Randy Caparoso

amuse-gueule

Veal cheeks arancini with butternut squash & parmigiano reggiano

2008 Thomas Fogarty, Monterey Gewürztraminer

Fresh lemon grass lobster roll with monkfish paté, tarragon, mitusuba & crispy fennel

2008 Thomas Fogarty, Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay

Fresh roasted sea bass with soba & wakame in grilled tomato seafood broth

2008 Thomas Fogarty, Rapley Trail Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Estate Pinot Noir

Ravioli of crispy sweetbreads & porcini with Swiss chard & tofu skin

2007 Thomas Fogarty, Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Franc

Tasmanian pepper berry lamb with

smoked heirloom potato, charred onion soubise & pecorino salad

2006 Thomas Fogarty, Lexington Santa Cruz Mountains Meritage

Chocolate beet cake, sea urchin gelato & Sicilian pistachio crumble

Coffee or tea

Troy Guard

TAG chef/owner

It's Tasting Time Again!

2011-08-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

Don't even think about missing this one!
Even more deets soon to follow.

112 Reasons to come to GIBF 2011

2011-05-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

We hope to see you at the Falling Rock this Sunday!

1	Lion Imperial Lager
2	Lion Stout
3	Plank Pils
4	Plank Hefeweizen
5	Plank Heller Weizenbock
6	Plank Dunkler Weizenbock
7	Belgoo Magus
8	Cucapa Runaway IPA
9	Cucapa Low Rider Double Rye
10	Cucapa La Migra Stout
11	Steelhead Extra Pale
12	Steelhead Extra Pale
13	Steelhead Double IPA
14	Steelhead Extra Stout
15	Steelhead Scotch Porter
16	Steelhead Double Dread Red
17	Jamaica Sunset
18	Jamaica Red
19	Green Flash West Coast IPA
20	Green Flash Hop Head Red
21	Green Flash Double Stout
22	Green Flash Imperial IPA
23	Green Flash Le Freak
24	Ommegang Witte
25	Ommegang Hennepin
26	Ommegang BPA
27	Ommegang Three Philosophers
28	Duvel Belgian Ale
29	Duvel Triple Hop
30	d'Achouffe La Chouffe
31	d'Achouffe Houblon Chouffe
32	Maredsous Tripel
33	Liefmans Fruitesse
34	Liefmans Cuvee Brut
35	Liefmans Goudenband
36	Redstone Meadery Traditional Mead
37	Redstone Meadery Sunshine Nectar
38	Redstone Meadery Boysenberry Nectar
39	Redstone Meadery Black Raspberry Nectar
40	Redstone Meadery Juniper Berry Mead
41	Redstone Meadery Nectar of The Hops
42	Fort Collins Brewery Major Tom's Pomegranate Wheat
43	Fort Collins Brewery 1900 Amber
44	Fort Collins Brewery Kidd Lager
45	Fort Collins Brewery Red Banshee
46	Fort Collins Brewery Rocky Mountain IPA
47	Fort Collins Brewery Chocolate Stout
48	Fort Collins Brewery Z Lager
49	Fort Collins Brewery Wheat Wine
50	Fort Collins Brewery HellesBock
51	Fort Collins Brewery Maibock
52	Grand Teton Brewing Bitch Creek ESB
53	Grand Teton Brewing Sweetgrass IPA
54	Grand Teton Brewing Pursuit of Hoppiness
55	Grand Teton Brewing Persephone Pils
56	Grand Teton Brewing Lost Continent
57	MateVeza IPA
58	MateVeza Black Lager
59	Sünner Kölsch
60	Omer Blonde Ale
61	St Feuillien Saison
62	St Feuillien Biere de l'amitie
63	Urthel Saisonniere
64	La Trappe Isid'or
65	La Trappe Dubbel
66	La Trappe Tripel
67	La Trappe Quadrupel
68	Urthel Hop-It
69	Lucifer Golden Ale
70	Gouden Carolous Classic
71	Gouden Carolous Triple
72	Gouden Carolous Hopsinjoor
73	Gouden Carolous Keizer Rood
74	Gouden Carolous Keizer Blauw
75	Kasteel Tripel
76	Kasteel Donker
77	Kasteel Rouge
78	St. Louis Peche
79	St. Louis Framboise
80	Samichlaus Classic
81	Straffe Hendrik Tripel
82	Straffe Hendrik Quad
83	The Bruery Mischief
84	The Bruery Saison Rue
85	The BrueryTrade Winds
86	The Bruery Rugbrød
87	Saison Dupont Farmhouse Ale
88	Foret Organic Saison Ale
89	Scaldis Refermentee
90	Scaldis Peche Mel
91	Scaldis Blonde Triple
92	Dupont Avril
93	Aspall Organic Cider
94	Aspall Demi-Sec
95	Bateman's Triple XB
96	Bateman's Combined Harvest
97	De Proef Grande Blanche
98	De Proef Witte Noire
99	De Proef Zoetzuur
100	De Ranke XX Bitter
101	Geants Saison Voisin
102	Jenlain Ambree
103	EKU Pils
104	EKU 28
105	Kulmbacher Eisbock
106	Henney's Dry Cider
107	He'brew Messiah Bold
108	He'brew Origin Ale
109	He'brew Lenny RIPA
110	Coney Island Lager
111	Coney Island Albino Python
112	Coney Island Sword Swallower

GIBF 5

2011-05-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

Time flies indeed.
It's time once again for our hugely popular trade tasting event, the Great International Beer Fest.
The venue will again be the Falling Rock Tavern at 1919 Blake from 2:00 to 5:00pm.

As always, there will be great food, prizes, and of course hundreds of our great craft beers to sample.
Mark your calendar--we'll see you there!

A Michelle of All Trades

2011-04-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

Need your plumbing fixed, a stone cold pick for the Final 4 bracket, or just want to place an order for some Elite wines or craft beers? Our Michelle can help with all that and lots more.
In addition to her many duties at Elite, her mechanical know-how has bailed us out in several situations, and last week she easily won the company NCAA Bracket, correctly picking Butler and Connecticut to make the Final Four, and UConn to go all the way.
Brava Michelle!

Here's To Conferencing!

2011-03-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

It's CBC - Brewer's Association Conference time right now in San Francisco. The Craft Brewers Conference is the premier craft brewing industry educational event, bringing together more than 2,600 of the world’s leading brewers, brewery owners, brewery/brewpub marketing and management, and brewing supply professionals. This year's sessions were sold out, and record attendance of 3,900 (including, of course, Elite Brands) is expected.
Cheers to that!

New Cider--In the House!

2011-03-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

Since the first American settlers arrived to our country over 300 years ago until prohibition in the 1920’s, hard cider was the original drinking man’s beverage on the farm, in the factories and through our coastal shipyards.
     Located in the frontier gold mining town of Julian, California, our growing company continues the American tradition of handcrafted, quality hard cider production using the finest ingredients, painstaking attention to detail and good old fashioned hard work.
One taste of our premium hard cider and you will experience why Julian Hard Cider is “American to the Core”.
     The Julian Hard Cider recipe originates from 1670 colonial America and is comparable to the finest British ciders. Unlike many “impostor” hard ciders on the market, it is easy to have more than one pint of Julian Hard Cider as we do not use concentrated apple Juice or additives which leave the drinker with a lingering sugary film and after-taste.
     Why is Julian Hard Cider the choice of true cider lovers? We have only one ingredient… the freshest apples in the world! Our cider is lightly carbonated with tartness, acidity and a clean dry finish, enabling it to stand firmly on its own or compliment your favorite meal.

More Info: http://julianhardcider.biz/

Hoppy Anniversary!

2011-02-18T14:52:00.000-08:00

Elite Brands of Colorado celebrated their 8th Anniversary in business this week.
They've come a long way, and are looking for many more years to follow.
Congratulations Terry and Elite Brands of Colorado!

Some of our morning crew enjoy an anniversary cupcake breakfast.

Eight great years and many more!

Another New Addition

2011-02-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

Elite is happy to welcome Grand Teton Brewing to our craft beer lineup.
Grand Teton Brewing Company is the original brewery of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. We have been brewing their handcrafted beers at the base of the Tetons since 1988.

Since they've been around awhile, many of you are probably familiar with their portfolio, but for those who aren't, here are just a few of the highlights:

Bitch Creek

Bitch Creek perfectly balances big malt sweetness and robust hop flavor for a full bodied mahogany ale. Like the stream for which it is named, our Bitch Creek ESB is full of character, and not for the timid.

Sweetgrass

An American Pale Ale of distinction! 2009 Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal winner in its category, this crisp and fragrant beer is hopped and dry hopped with plenty of Amarillos and Cascades. Try it with any bold, flavorful food to complement its citrusy, resinous spiciness.

Pursuit of Hoppiness Imperial Red

Brewed to showcase the brash beauty of American hops--topping out at 100 IBUs, and about 8.5% alcohol by volume, this thick and warming beer is to be shared and savored. Tastes like it sounds--lots of hops and spice.

Lost Continent Double IPA (available Apr-Sept).

A more traditional Double IPA flavor profile--drier, less malty, more hoppy.To the delight of hopheads everywhere, the style has survived through the centuries and has become the beer of choice for adventurers with the curiosity to discover what lies over the horizon.

First New Elite Brewery of 2011

2011-01-03T15:48:00.000-08:00

The pride of Humboldt County, Mad River Brewing is in th' house!
Tasty beers, great pricing and lots of awards.

Spread the Madness!

Sommelier In Training

2010-12-20T17:08:00.000-08:00

Baby Jade is making great progress, working her way up to opening wines by corkscrew after mastering Stelvin screw top bottles with the greatest of ease.
Next on the agenda -- decanting and serving of aged red wines, advanced food and wine pairing, cigar service and a final test in Champagne sabering!

Jade's pick of the month:
Château de Montfaucon Côtes du Rhône Blanc "Comtesse Madeleine" 2008 paired with Strained Pea Purée.

Delicious Saber Rattling

2010-11-24T11:28:00.000-08:00

Last month, Jack Van Antwerpen, Big Kahuna at Belgium's Bosteels Brewery was making a market visit to Colorado and dropped into the Cheeky Monk to remind the Elite staff and friends of how delicious his craft brews are (although he didn't need to).

After a few Kwaks and Tripel Karmeleits, Jack proceeded to open a few bottles of his incomparable Champagne-styled Deus Brut de Flandres--an amazingly complex and distinctive beer.
As a grand finale, he opened the bottles in the historic and dramatic Saber style (for those unfamiliar, read all about it here).
To date, The Cheeky Monk doesn't keep swords or sabers on hand, but a chef's knife from the kitchen proved to be up to the task (mostly due to Jack's skill). He shattered the lip of the bottle on the first try, sending a fountain of Deus with the intact wire and cork flying across the room).

There's nothing like a bit of fun and showmanship to make a world class brew taste even better. Personally though, I'll stick to opening my Deus in the standard way. It's much safer for my clumsy fingers, and not one drop of the stuff escapes my glass.

If you haven't already, grab a case or two of the Deus Brut for the holidays--it's perfect for holiday meals and celebrations, especially the New Years Eve toast (*saber not included).

Bruery Top Chef Sighting

2010-10-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

For sure, we love all things Top Chef, but their latest permutation, Top Chef Desserts has really stretched our patience boundaries-a more dysfunctional collection of egos, tempers and flat out oddballs we've never seen.

On October 6th's episode, we couldn't help noticing a (seemingly) accidental product placement (compared to their many, many premeditated ones). Near the episode's end, while the chefs were engaged in a finger pointing bickerfest a near empty bottle of The Bruery Orchard White could clearly be seen on the table behind them. Nice.

I'm sure the stress of competition weighs heavy on the Top Chef contestants, but seriously, how angry can a person be with a full glass of Orchard White in their hand?

Warehouse Trade Show Blind Tasting Results

2010-10-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

As previously reported, Dave Moore of Divino was our 2010 Warehouse Trade Show Blind Tasting contest winner. Congrats again to Dave.
As everyone in the wine business already knows--blind tasting is hard. A lot of folks were on the right track and made sound assessments, but as usual, guesses ran the gamut of potential grape varieties and place of origin.
Wine #2, the Bierzo from Castro Ventosa proved particularly difficult. It wasn't a surprise that nobody pegged it correctly, although many were able to peg it as an Old World based on it's tannin and earth notes.
It's worth pointing out that both of the blind tasting wines wholesale for less than $11.00, and many of our tasters identified them as wines that sold for higher price points, which officially makes them great values.
Thanks to all who participated. We had fun, and we hope you did too.
Here's the scoop:

Wine #1. Cooper Hill Pinot Gris Oregon 2009

Old/New World Wine
Old World      50%
New World    50%

Country
Australia    7%
Chile    7%
France    32%
Italy    11%
New Zealand    14%
Spain   7%
USA     22%

Region
Alsace    6%
Bordeaux    13%
California    6%
Loire    19%
Marlborough    6%
Oregon    13%
Other    13%
Rias Biaxas    6%
Veneto    6%
Vouvray    6%
Washington    6%

Varietal
Albarino    7%
Chardonnay    7%
Chenin Blanc    7%
Muscadet    3%
Pinot Blanc    4%
Pinot Gris/Grigio    14%
Riesling    7%
Sauvignon Blanc    43%
Torrontes    4%
White Blend    4%

Vintage
2006    4%
2007    4%
2008    62%
2009    27%
2010    4%

Alc. Content
<12.5%       32%
12.5%-13.0%    36%
13.1%-13.5%    29%
13.6%-14.0%    4%
>14.0%       0%

Approx. Wholesale Price
$6-$11      43%
$11.25-$15.00    36%
$15.25-$20.00    21%
>$20.00 0%

Wine #2. El Castro de Valtuille Bierzo 2007

Old World/New World Wine
Old World    52%
New World    48%

Country
Argentina   4%
Australia    8%
Chile   4%
France    8%
Italy      35%
Spain    15%
Uruguay    4%
USA    23%

Region
Abbruzzo    8%
Barossa     8%
Bierzo      0%
Central Coast    8%
Napa      8%
Oregon    8%
Other    8%
Priorat    8%
Rhone    15%
Santa Rita    8%
Sonoma    8%
Tuscany    8%
Umbria     8%

Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon    12%
Carignan    4%
Carmenere    4%
Grenache    4%
Malbec    4%
Mencia    0%
Merlot    15%
Montepulciano    4%
Negroamaro    8%
Pinot Noir    12%
Sangiovese    15%
Shiraz    8%
Syrah    4%
Tannat    4%
Tempranillo    4%

Vintage
2002    8%
2005    17%
2006    8%
2007    25%
2008    33%
2009    8%

Alc. Content
<12.5%         0%
12.5%-13.0%    19%
13.1%-13.5%    26%
13.6%-14.0%    52%
>14.0%        4%

Approx. Wholesale Price
$6-$11         15%
$11.25-$15.00    54%
$15.25-$20.00    19%
>$20.00   12%

2010 Warehouse Blind Tasting Winner

2010-10-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

The results are in, and we have a winner!

Dave Moore of Divino Wine and Spirits came closest to identifying the two contest wines. He guessed Wine #1 as an Oregon Pinot Gris, and it indeed was an Oregon Pinot Gris.

The two wines were:
1. Cooper Hill Pinot Gris Oregon 2009
2. El Castro de Valtuille Bierzo 2007 (100% Mencia)

More (lots) detailed stats to follow soon about everyone's guesses. Thanks to everyone who participated, and have a great flight to California, Dave!

Postcard From Belgium

2010-09-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

Several members of our ~~lucky~~ deserving sales staff have been spending the last week in beautiful Belgium on ~~vacation~~ an educational product knowledge fact finding mission.

Here's an update from our Boulder rep Joe (with more to follow later):

Our Elite crew just left Mechlin after some breakfast and a walk, and still am in awe on how great this country is. Yesterday we toured a brewery (Het Ancher) that has been around since the 1600's. One of the oldest breweries in Belgium, and has been in the family for 5 generations. Amazing. All the beers (Gouden Carolus) are TOP QUALITY. So much so, he brews many of the beers from other brewers in Belgium at his facility because of quality control.

After the tour, we went to the top of the chapel in Mechlin, I have some great pictures of this place. It took the people of the town 70 years to complete this, talk about the energy put into something, many families spent their whole life on this, and still never witnessed it's completion.

Then, we went to Charles LeClef's family home, (owner of the Brewery) that was built in 1630, older than America, where he just put two giant copper distillers in the old living room. He has been experimenting with single malt whiskey. Good product, can't wait for it to age another 10 years.

Right now the Elite crew, along with the Wetten Importing crew and guests, are headed to Bruges for a tour of the Halve Maan Brewerym.

Ciao,
Joe

La Trappe Is Back!

2010-06-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

It is with great pleasure that we announce the return of La Trappe to the North American beer market, replacing Koningshoeven. It may not come as a big surprise to you given the success of last year’s La Trappe Isid’or, but we believe that La Trappe is a stronger brand name than Koningshoeven, even though that's the name of the monastery.
The artwork remains unchanged and is the same as the brand image across the globe. At the same time, the name “La Trappe” will eliminate any doubts as to the Trappist status of this world-class brewery.

La Trappe is one of the seven beers of the world that is allowed to carry the ‘Authentic Trappist Product’ label – the best guarantee of authenticity, recipe and tradition. This means that La Trappe is the only Dutch Trappist beer; the other six – Achel, Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle and Westvleteren – are from Belgium. This makes La Trappe a very special beer. And you can taste it. The atmosphere of dedication, silence and contemplation that reigns within the walls of the monastery find their expression in this fine range of beers.

La Trappe Dubbel Splendid, authentic beer with a warm ruby red color. A touch of sweetness in the flavor with a fresh and gently aromatic character.

La Trappe Tripel Powerful, dark blond, well-colored beer. Its fruity, bittersweet taste gives it a special character.

La Trappe Quadrupel La Trappe’s strongest beer with a marvelous amber color. Its warm taste is full-bodied and mild, slightly sweet and pleasantly bitter. A unique beer that is actually laid down for years in the cellars of the abbey for further conditioning.

La Trappe Isid’or has been specially created to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Brewery de Koningshoeven. It is a mildly sweet amber beer with a hint of caramel. Soft bitter flavor with a fruity aftertaste.

GIBF Tasting Lineup

2010-05-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

Here's the goodies we'll be pouring at our giant yearly trade tasting--the 4th annual Great International Beer Festival, Sunday May 23, from 1-4 pm. Meet the Brewers/Representatives and take advantage of special quantity discounts for attendees.
Call Elite if you need more info: 303-394-7535.

1 Lion Lager
2 Lion Imperial Lager
3 Lion Stout
4 Michael Plank Hefeweizen
5 Michael Plank Heller Weizenbock
6 Michael Plank Dunkler Weizenbock
7 Michael Plank Heller Dopplebock
8 Belgoo Magus
9 Ommegang Witte
10 Ommegang Hennepin Farmhouse Ale
11 Ommegang Rare Vos
12 Ommegang Abbey Ale
13 Ommegang Three Philosophers
14 Duvel Belgian Ale
15 d'Achouffe La Chouffe
16 d'Achouffe Houblon Chouffe
17 d'Achouffe McChouffe
18 Maredsous Brune
19 Maredsous Blonde
20 Maredsous Tripel
21 Shipyard Special Export
22 Shipyard IPA
23 MateVeza IPA
24 MateVeza Black Lager
25 Sünner Kölsch
26 Kwak
27 Tripel Karmeliet
28 St Feuillien Tripel
29 St Feuillien Saison
30 Urthel Hop-It
31 Urthel Samaranth Quadrium
32 Urthel Saisonniere
33 Koningshoeven Dubbel
34 Koningshoeven Tripel
35 Koningshoeven Quadrupel
36 La Trappe Isid'or
37 Tilburg Dutch Brown
38 Meantime IPA
39 Meantime London Porter
40 Redstone Meadery Sunshine Nectar
41 Redstone Meadery Boysenberry Nectar
42 Redstone Meadery Black Raspberry Nectar
43 Redstone Meadery Nectar of Hops
44 Redstone Meadery Traditional Mead
45 Redstone Meadery Juniper Berry Mead
46 Redstone Meadery Vanilla Bean Cinnamon Mead
47 Jenlain Blonde Ale
48 Hook Norton Double Stout
49 Baird Red Rose Amber Ale
50 EKU 28
51 Geants Saison Voisin
52 Serafijn Celtic Angel (Pale Ale)
53 Christoffel Nobel
54 Nøgne-0 Porter
55 Amager Sundby Stout
56 Henney's Vintage Cider
57 The Bruery Orchard White
58 The Bruery Mischief
59 The Bruery Saison de Lente
60 The Bruery Rugbrød
61 Hofbräu Hefe Weizen
62 Hofbräu Original
63 Hofbräu Dunkel
61 Hofbräu Maibock
65 St. Bernardus Witbier
66 St. Bernardus Tripel
67 St. Bernardus Prior 8
68 St. Bernardus Abt 12
69 Des Rocs Grand Cru
70 La Binchoise Reserve
71 Duchesse de Bourgogne
72 Oud Beersel Oude Kriek
73 Echt Kriekenbier
74 Val Dieu Grand Cru
75 Eel River Acai Berry Wheat
76 Eel River IPA
77 Eel River Porter
78 Eugene City Honey Orange Wheat
79 Track Town Ale 200 Meter
80 Issaquah Menage a Frog
81 Rogue Pink Spruce Gin
82 Rogue Dead Guy Whiskey
83 Delirium Nocturnum
84 Delirium Tremens
85 Lucifer Golden Ale
86 Gouden Carolous Classic
87 Gouden Carolous Triple
88 Gouden Carolous Hopsinjoor
89 Gouden Carolous Keizer Rood
90 Gouden Carolous Keizer Blauw
91 Kasteel Tripel
92 Kasteel Donker
93 Kasteel Rouge
94 St. Louis Peche
95 St. Louis Kriek
96 Samichlaus Classic
Bear Republic , Richard Norgrove
97 Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA
98 Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale
99 Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye
100 Bear Republic Big Bear Black Stout
101 Saison Dupont Farmhouse Ale
102 Moinette Artisanal Brune Ale
103 Foret Organic Saison Ale
104 Scaldis Belgian Special Ale
105 Scaldis Refermentee
106 Witkap Single
107 St. Amand Country Ale
108 Dupont Avril
109 Aspall Dry Cider
110 Aspall Blush Cider
111 Aspall Organic Cider
112 Bateman's Triple XB
113 Bateman's Combined Harvest
114 Reinart Flemish Wild Ale
115 De Proef Grande Blanche
116 He'brew Genesis Ale
117 He'brew Messiah Bold
118 He'brew Origin Ale
119 He'brew Lenny RIPA
120 Coney Island Lager
121 Coney Island Albino Python
122 Coney Island Sword Swallower
123 Coney Island Human Blockhead
124 Port Brewing Wipeout IPA
125 Port Brewing Shark Attack Double Red Ale
126 Port Brewing Old Viscosity
127 Lost Abbey Red Barn Ale
128 Lost Abbey Devotion
129 Lost Abbey Lost & Found

A Plethora of Shmaltz Kudos

2010-04-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

2009 Press Recap--

The beer media loves Shmaltz / Coney Island Beers as much as we do!

Click for the scoop:

Bienvenue Alexandre!

2010-03-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

Big Congrats to our Sales Manager Nick and his wife Liz-- A brand new baby boy, Alexandre Nicolas, weighing 8 lbs, 9oz, and 20" long was born Sunday the 7th!

Now Nick gets to split his time between wine bottles and milk bottles.

Joel Aiken Joins Amici!

2010-02-11T17:20:00.000-08:00

Amici Cellars of St. Helena, California, has announced that Joel Aiken will join the company as Winemaker and Partner, effective immediately. Aiken recently left his position as Vice President of Winemaking for Beaulieu Vineyard (BV), where for 25 years he made the highly praised BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon label.
“We’re thrilled to have a winemaker with such a long history of making superb wines from Napa Valley,” said Bob Shepard, Managing Partner of Amici Cellars. “Joel has a reputation around the world as a brilliant winemaker, and we know that he can make some fabulous wines for Amici Cellars.”
Aiken will bring his expertise in both traditional winemaking techniques as well as the latest innovations to Amici Cellars. www.amicicellars.com

New Addition to Elite Portfolio

2010-01-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

Elite is very happy to announce the addition of Duvel Moortgat USA, to their portfolio! Duvel Moortgat USA imports high-quality Belgian beers including Duvel Golden Ale, Maredsous Abbey Ales and Achouffe Belgian Ales, a portfolio has grown to include ten imported beers that distributed in over 45 continental US states.
Duvel Moortgat USA is owned by Duvel Moortgat of Belgium, which also owns our sister company Brewery Ommegang. Duvel Moortgat USA and Brewery Ommegang are both headquartered in Cooperstown, New York. Duvel Moortgat USA is in its 5th year of operation, and Brewery Ommegang celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 13, 2007.

If you're not already familiar with these fine producers, do so soon, they're an impressive selection of Belgian and Belgian-styled craft brews.

Duvel

Maredsous

Ommegang

d'Achouffe

Elite Scores

2009-12-18T14:20:00.000-08:00

The Wine Enthusiast Magazine Top 25 Beers of the Year list has hit the street.

The good news: Several Elite represented breweries made the list--comprising 36% of the total.
The bad news: Some of the beers listed are rare and limited and not available in Colorado. The highlights are:

3. The Bruery Orchard White
8. Lost Abbey Cuvee de Tomme *
9. Nogne-O/Stone/Jolly Pumpkin Collaboration (available in CO, but we're sold out).
10. Russian River Beatification *
11. Blaugie La Moneuse Saison - (available via pre-order).
12. Lost Abbey Duck Duck Gooze (top lambic at GABF) *
13. St. Bernardus Witbier
17. Jolly Pumpkin Bam Biere
19. Caracole Nostradamus

* Sorry, rare/limited and not currently available in Colorado.

We'd also like to give a shout to our Colorado homies Left Hand and Avery who also made the list.
These are all great producers, so be sure to check out their entire beer rosters.

Kwak Spotting

2009-11-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

In the photo gallery of the Westword review of the Cheeky Monk:

Keep 'em coming.

Congrats!

2009-10-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

Elite Denver Sales Rep Travis and his wife Sarah gave birth to baby Vanessa on Wed. the 21st.
She arrived a little ahead of schedule (probably didn't want to miss Halloween) but mom and baby are doing great. Pics to follow...

Congrats Travis and Sarah!!

It's Freaktoberfest Time Again!

2009-10-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

It's time again to celebrate Shmaltz' new release--the second coming of a bewitching offering of the season: Coney Island Freaktoberfest.
A tasty treat for Halloween, Coney Island Freaktoberfest is a blood red lager that is artfully crafted to lure the spirit's deepest rapture, conjured to exorcise the grim horrors of the armies of soulless Lagers everywhere. It was boiled and toiled in their stainless cauldrons, produced with 6 malts, 6 hops, and a gripping 6.66% ABV.

Mad Hatter Shiraz--Breakfast of Champions

2009-10-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it--Mad Hatter Day was Tuesday October 6th.
The holiday is a great excuse (though one isn't needed) to toss back a few glasses of Hewitson Winery's tasty McLaren Vale Shiraz "Mad Hatter".

Towards that end, The Today Show's Hoda and Kathie Lee got an early start on the holiday--sipping the Hewitson on camera (looks like they enjoyed it).

The Mad Hatter is a rich and delicious Shiraz, perfect for sipping and richly flavored meals--silly hat optional.

Bourdain Has A Lion

2009-09-12T16:49:00.000-07:00

This week, the increasingly famous food and travel writer Anthony Bourdain was once again eating and drinking in some off the beaten path places in New York for his No Reservations series.

The last time his show featured an episode from NYC, we spied him drinking a Hofbräu beer out of a huge glass boot.

This time around Tony was in Staten Island with underground rock legend David Johansen eating at a Sri Lankan restaurant and sipping a Lion Beer.

Of course Lion's a no brainer match with Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine, but if Idli with Sambar and Sambol isn't on your menu tonight, you can still enjoy Lion Stout any hearty, spicy dish (Carne Asada or Penang Curry, anyone?).

Get On The Bus

2009-07-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

Who had the most fun at our annual Great International Beer Fest?

Well we all did, but certainly the commuters aboard the Elite bus from Ft. Collins/Northern Colorado seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Beer makes everything better!

A New Elite Brew from Colorado (via Mexico)

2009-05-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

Del Norte Brewing Co. of Denver, Colorado specializes in Mexican-style beers. It is brewed locally in small batches with traditional ingredients, and created to capture the styles and flavor of the oldest brewing heritage in the western hemisphere.

Orale Lager Lightly-hopped, full bodied, with a slight sweetness that perfectlly complements the rich flavors of Mexico's cuisines. ABV = 5.0%
Bronze Medal, 2008 Colorado State Fair, Light Lager Category

Mañana Obscura The malty, bold flavor of this beer recalls the European roots of Mexico's great brewing history. Smooth and rich, Manana is superb, whether enjoyed alone or with your favorite food. ABV = 5.0%
Gold Medal, 2008 World Beer Championships, Amber Lager Category
Bronze Medal, 2008 Colorado State Fair, European Amber Lager Category

Tasty New Brews!

2009-04-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Cerveceria de Baja California was founded in 2002, and is located in the City of Mexicali, It is one of but a handful of Mexican microbrews. The product they brew is Cucapá Beer. A name that comes from one of the five Indian tribes that live in the Mexicali Valley. The tradition of nature, the water of the river, the geographical location and the initiative of being the first people to explore the region is what makes Cerveza Cucapá as unique as the Cucapá tribe's ancestors.

The Beers

Cucapá Obscura
This Brown Ale is brewed with four types of malts, which gives it an complex malty taste. This beer is mildly hopped and very well balanced. 4.5% Alc. Vol.

Cucapá Chupacabras Pale Ale
This Pale Ale is impressive. It is the highest rated Mexican beer on tastings.com. Wildly hopped with fresh cascade and centennial hops.

Cucapá Honey
This is an Amber Ale with a honey twist. This beer leads in with a hoppy nose and finishes of with a sweet honey taste in the end. 4.5% Alc. Vol.

They are in stock and available now--
Be the first in your barrio try these surprisingly tasty new brews!

New Napa Producer

2009-03-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

We're happy to announce a new addition to our portfolio (new to Elite Brands that is--they've been making wine for over 30 years):
Robert Keenan Winery.

With vineyards in the prime Spring Mountain District of Napa Valley Keenan specializes in small production bottlings of classic varietals like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

"Michael Keenan continues to impress me with the quality of his wines and readers need to take notice of what is going on at this beautiful winery on Spring Mountain." -- Robert Parker Jr. December 2007

Fans of classically structured and flavored Napa wines should re-acquaint themselves with Keenan's wines soon.

Bourdain Has A Hofbräu

2009-02-26T14:08:00.000-08:00

This week's episode of the Travel Channel's No Reservations cable foodie show ("Disappearing Manhattan") featured a segment at the NYC old school German restaurant The Heidelberg.

Host and culinary snark-arian Tony Bourdain tucked in for a platter heaped high with roast meats, sausages, head cheese and cabbage and washed it all down with a giant 2 liter boot of Hofbräu beer.

We're always jealous of Bourdain's gastronomic conquests, and he couldn't have picked a better beer to match.

Hofbräu has been brewing since 1589, and at one time was Germany's sole producer of Weisse (Wheat) beer. You can't get any more old school than that.

Recession Proof Craft Beers

2009-02-19T14:41:00.000-08:00

Just got this press release from our friends at Shmaltz--nice work!

SHMALTZ BREWING COMPANY GROWS OVER 80% DURING 2008 ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

Projected annual sales for 2009 estimated at over $2 million

1000% Growth In Five Years

San Francisco, New York, Beyond! - February 19, 2009 America's smallest, biggest and most award-winning Jewish (and now Sideshow Freak) Beer Company, Shmaltz Brewing is proud to announce achieving over 80% growth during the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Over the last five years (2003-2008), Shmaltz has seen over 1000% growth, with projected annual sales for 2009 estimated at over $2 million. As all three of America's largest brewers (Bud, Miller and Coors) are sold to overseas companies and American manufacturing suffers month after month, the U.S. craft beer industry thrives. Shmaltz Brewing strides forward with a tradition of releasing exceptional beers in their HE'BREW Beer and Coney Island Craft Lagers(TM) lines while producing jobs, marketing innovative label designs in a seemingly saturated beer market and successfully maintaining a grassroots wholesale network of largely family owned businesses.
This year Shmaltz Brewing turns 13, which in Judaism marks the year of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, the coming of age for a Jewish boy or girl. Shmaltz embraces this monumental occasion with steadily rising revenues, a staff increase from sole proprietor Jeremy Cowan to seven official employees (plus a dedicated tribe of interns), and selling well over five million bottles of beer. Shmaltz celebrates 13 years of delicious beer and delicious shtick with the special release of several new extreme offerings including Coney Island Human Blockhead(TM) (Tough-As-Nails Strong Lager, 10% alc, February - May 2009), Rejewvenator (latest date and fig infused brew in HE'BREW's sacred fruit line-up, Spring 2009) and the sixth edition of their radical Chanukah annual, Jewbelation Bar Mitzvah (13 malts, 13 hops, 13% alc, October 13).Amidst the current economic recession, research conducted by the Brewers Association indicates that beer sales are being affected the least while wine sales suffer the most impact. Overall beer sales in the U.S. reached $97 billion in 2007, while wine sales were merely at $30 billion. Craft beer sales are soaring as it's an affordable luxury, and as noted by the Smithsonian Magazine (December 2008), "some of the best beers in the world today are being made in the U.S." American consumers are buying craft domestic beer in record-breaking proportions. Ranking amongst the country's top niche gourmet microbrews, Shmaltz's delicious creations and ingenious branding flourishes with its cult following spreading across the globe: Shmaltz is currently distributed in over 25 states throughout the U.S., and is now available in Canada and the U.K.2008 marked a momentous year for the Shmaltz team with their top-selling Genesis Ale appearing in the "Being Jewish" exhibition at the new Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, CA. The bottle of Genesis Ale was photographed by the New York Times (June 6, 2008: Arts Section, Museum Review) and featured in their review of the museum opening. Shmaltz's flagship Coney Island Lager(TM) made its way into the NYC museum circuit as the exclusive beer at the MOMA Sculpture Garden. In December 2008, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce presented Shmaltz with a "2008 Distinguished Business Award," recognizing their new line of Coney Island Craft Lagers(TM) as substantial dedication to promoting a positive image of the borough as an ideal place to live, work and play.Carl Hum, President and CEO, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce comments, "At a time when the bottom line is so important Shmaltz Brewing Company has found a way to marry its dedication and commitment to the community with its innovative marketing and quality product. We applaud the creativity of this small business. We are proud to call Shmaltz Brewing Company a Member of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce."Over the course of 2008, proprietor Jeremy Cowan spoke at several national craft beer events including Denver's Great American Beer Festival. He also appeared alongside such beer luminaries as Jim Koch of Boston Beer Company (Sam Adams) and Sam Calagione from Dogfish Head Brewing, in Boston's Extreme Beer Fest presenting How It Took 12 Years, Radical Jewish Brewing, and Sideshow Freaks to Make Shmaltz Brewing a National Success.A recent issue of acclaimed industry publication Beer Advocate (Volume II, Issue VIII) commented, "Today, Jeremy Cowan of Shmaltz Brewing Company is arguably making some of the best contract-brewed beers in America." New York Magazine dubbed Shmaltz as "one of our favorite local brewers," and Jerusalem Post hailed, "HE'BREW is making believers out of beer aficionados and novices alike." USA Today highlighted HE'BREW in its October 2008 article, "Finding God at a Beer Festival."When asked in an interview if Shmaltz Brewing was "going mainstream" by adding a new line beyond the award-winning Jewish celebration ales under the HE'BREW banner, Cowan countered: "I guess if circus sideshow freaks are more mainstream than Jews, Shmaltz is going mainstream!" Cowan states, "For over 125 years Coney Island has been and continues to be America's Playground. Shmaltz Brewing is ecstatic to celebrate that flavor, spirit, and future through this exceptional line of unique craft lagers."
Proceeds from Coney Island Craft Lagers(TM) help Coney Island USA, a 501(c)(3) Arts Non-Profit fulfill its mission to defend the honor of lost forms of American popular culture in Brooklyn's historic Coney Island neighborhood.About Shmaltz Brewing CompanyEstablished in San Francisco in 1996 with the first batch of 100 cases of HE'BREW Beer bottled, labeled, and delivered by hand, Shmaltz Brewing Company introduced 6-packs in 2003 and moved its production East to the acclaimed Mendocino Brewing Company's Saratoga Springs, NY brewery. 2003 to 2008 saw over 1000% growth in sales, with over 5 million bottles sold to date. HE'BREW's award-winning lineup includes its flagship Genesis Ale and Messiah Bold as well as Rejewvenator, Origin Pomegranate Strong Ale, Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A., and the "extreme" Chanukah annual, Jewbelation.Along with their acclaimed line of HE'BREW Beers, Shmaltz introduced its new line of sideshow-inspired Coney Island Craft Lagers(TM) with five featured attractions including Coney Island Lager(TM), Albino Python(TM), Sword Swallower(TM), Human Blockhead(TM), and Freaktoberfest(TM).Shmaltz offerings are available in over 25 states through over 30 wholesalers at more than 1500 retail specialty shops across the U.S. including Beverages & More, Whole Foods, Total Wine, select Krogers, and Cost Plus.Shmaltz Brewing beers have appeared in such distinguished media outlets as The New York Times, CNN Headline News, The Onion, Beer Advocate Magazine, Celebrator Beer News, The Today Show, Bravo, NPR's "Weekend Edition," New York Magazine, Newsweek, Elle, SELF, Men's Health, BUST, Playboy, Associated Press, Reuters, MSNBC, San Francisco Magazine, The Jerusalem Report, New York Jewish Week, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and Forbes.com.

For more information, please visit http://www.shmaltzbrewing.com/ and http://www.coneyislandlager.com/.

What's New ?

2009-02-13T13:37:00.000-08:00

Elite Brands is now blogging!

Our goal is to keep you updated with current product information, upcoming events and company news.

Your input and feedback is encouraged. Please leave a comment with a question, suggestion, or just to say hello, and please visit us often!