As written for the Shelburne News by Ryan Chaffin

 

 

“Celebrate the right to be original,” is one of my favorite mission statements I have seen from a craft brewery recently. Being original is what craft breweries have been doing for the better part of two decades. Right in this neck of the woods, Fiddlehead Brewery, Drop in Brewing and Frost Beer Works are some of the leaders paving the way by doing things their own way. Vermont is known for being a leader in this industry. Farrell Distributing has been proudly supporting these efforts for decades, as well representing some of the best of the best with our “made in Vermont” partners. Vermont consumers are blessed with many local offerings, but we are also very lucky to have such a great representation from top national brands.

After reviewing their brewery information they go on to say “In 2000, Nico Freccia and Shaun O’Sullivan founded 21st Amendment Brewery in San Francisco’s historic South Park neighborhood. While sitting together in a summer class on brewing science at UC Davis, they hatched a plan for what would become 21st Amendment”. Just like our local “Made in Vermont” brands here, they also realized that the brewery captured the essence of the neighborhoods.  They continue to say “Breweries were the local gathering places, to exchange ideas, debate politics and philosophy. Places that provided something unique—hand crafted beer that was different at every brewery and that defined the taste of a neighborhood”.  We certainly see that here locally and having visited that part of the country we share many common values when it comes to beer.

Here are a few brews from 21st Amendment to keep your eye out for:

 

Brew Free! Or Die IPA –  7.0% by volume, 70 IBU’s making this a super hoppy brew, but I should say for those who stay away from aggressively hopped beers, this one has an incredible malt backbone making for a very balanced IPA. “Three different malts and two types of hops come together delivering a deep gold color”. Just like all 21st Amendment beers, you can find these available in cans, and luckily this one is around all year. I had my first experience with this one last fall and very much appreciated the balance on all fronts that it delivers.

 

El Sully, 4.8% by volume and 19 IBU’s a Mexican – style lager, combines for a super drinkable, sessionable warm sunny day beer! “Three different types of malts will give El Sully a nice light straw color”. This is a brand new release for them this year rolling out nationally last month and locally here in VT just recently. You can find this available in cans making this a great choice for a picnic, day on the lake or sitting by a pool. I recently found myself in downtown Burlington looking for a cold glass of water on a sunny day. Plans changed when I stepped up to the bar and saw this one available; I made a quick game time decision to enjoy an El Sully! If you like the profile of a Corona, this makes for a great alternative.

 

Hell or High Watermelon – 4.9% by volume and 17 IBU’s, an American wheat beer brewed with real watermelon delivers am incredibly crisp and refreshing beer. “They start by brewing a classic American wheat beer, which undergoes a traditional secondary fermentation using fresh watermelon. Like Lady Liberty, who stands for independence and perseverance. In the pursuit of innovative beer, there is no obstacle too great. No journey too long. No fruit too gigantic. This American wheat beer is brewed with real watermelon, for a flavor that’s surprisingly crisp, dry and refreshing—summer in a can.” You can find this seasonal beer here locally from April through summer while supplies last, this one is a must try.

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Check out 21st Amendment on social media to stay up to date with all of their happenings, @21stAmendment on Twitter and @21st Amendment Brewery on Facebook. I hope you get a chance to check out these beers. We love feedback, so let us know what you think!

Ryan Chaffin

Director of Marketing | Farrell Distributing

ryanc@fdcvt.com

www.farrelldistributing.com

Facebook – @Farrelldistributing

Twitter – @FarrellDistVT