The brewery has just released the 2008 vintage Old Stock Ale - an event much anticipated by lovers of fine beer across the country.  This year’s offering continues in the tradition of earlier vintages that have played to rave reviews and is brewed with Marris-Otter malt and imported Fuggles hops.  Customers have called it “awesome” and “even better than the ’07 if that’s possible”.  Past vintages have received “Superlative” and 5-star ratings.   

Old Stock, like a fine wine, is designed to be cellared, actually improving with age.  Over time, the beer mellows and rounds-out making it a constantly changing flavor experience. 

With an ABV of 11.4%, Old Stock is elegant and silky and has a port-like quality that pairs it well with cheeses like a Colston-Bassett Stilton or Parmagiano Reggiano.

Look for it, as they say, wherever fine beers are sold.

Introducing Le Merle

Our new Belgian Farmhouse Style Ale (Saison) called Le Merle – The Blackbird, is now widely available at retail outlets in 750ml corked and wired bottles. This subtle, sophisticated beer has already gotten some critical endorsement. It’s lovely stuff traditionally brewed using a unique Belgian yeast strain.

Le Merle clothing now available, see our online store!

Brother Thelonious Swings

With the developing interest in Belgian abbey ales and the monasteries that brew them, it’s time to remind the world that here in the U.S., we have a Monk of our own. Jazz icon Thelonious Monk is the inspiration for North Coast Brewing’s new Belgian-style abbey ale called, appropriately enough, Brother Thelonious. The beer is being released in conjunction with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (www.monkinstitute.org), and the brewery will make a contribution to the Institute for every case sold to support jazz education.

Like a Belgian “Dark Strong Ale”, the beer is rich and robust with an ABV of 9%. The package is a 750 ml bottle with a traditional cork and wire finish or 12oz 4 packs and features a label picturing the jazz master himself.

“Being a huge fan of Monk and his music has made working on this project something special”, said Doug Moody, North Coast’s Senior Vice-President and National Sales Manager. “We’re honored to be associated with a world class organization like the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz and feel that this terrific beer will represent its namesake well.”

Look for Brother Thelonious wherever fine beers are sold and fine sounds are heard.

When you buy Brother Thelonious Belgian Style Abbey Ale you also help to support the Thelonious Institute whose mission is to offer the world's most promising young musicians college level training by America's jazz masters and to present public school-based jazz education programs for young people around the world.  All of these programs are offered free of charge to the students and schools.

Red Seal Triumphs at Final Four

Bob Townsend, beer columnist at the Atlanta Journal Constitution, sponsored a beer competition mirroring the NCAA basketball tourney.  Starting with the Sweet 16, beers were seeded and voters selected the winner of each match up.  The winner then advanced to the next bracket.  The Final Four were Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, Sweetwater 420 Extra Pale Ale and our own Red Seal Ale.  When the final buzzer sounded, Red Seal had beaten all challengers copping more than 67% of the vote.  That’s a slam dunk, baby!!!