Deschutes Brewery sent out a media tip sheet today with several notable items upcoming for 2018. Among the highlights:

The next Reserve Series beer: The Ages

“A gueuze-inspired, multi-year blending shapes a wild brew brimming with fruity, spicy esters and savory, tangy pear and white pepper flavors. Deschutes’ first release in a 500ml bottle, this is a beer for the ages.”

This will be released in April, and is 7.5% abv and 15 IBUs. I’m curious about the 500ml bottle format and what the price point on that will be compared to other Reserve Series beers. (And if it’s not going to be wax dipped, as in the picture below.) This is also a beer that’s been completely under my radar, so I’m definitely curious to try it.

New Sour Series on Draft Only

“The Deschutes Sour Series is a new offering from Deschutes Brewery. An innovative and creative series of stainless, lacto soured beers that vary in the use of fruit, hops, spices and specialty ingredients, all maintain a harmonious and clean acidity ranging from mild to medium. This series combines two trends among craft beer consumers: an emerging interest in kettle sours and a movement toward fruit-flavored beers. This series delivers both in a distinctly Deschutes way that is culinary-inspired and truly unique. Pear Bergamot Sour Ale tasting notes include pear and citrus with a floral aroma. Next up this spring, Black Raspberry Sour.”

I’d heard about this recently and I like the idea of an experimental kettle sour series. These beers will rotate quarterly, and I don’t know if they will repeat in following years, or if the brewery will experiment with new flavors each year. (I hope the latter.)

30th anniversary collaboration beer: Fresh Chair Northwest Pale Ale

“In celebration of Deschutes Brewery’s 30th birthday, they’ve partnered with several Deschutes Brewery alumni to collaborate on seven exciting brews. The first debut includes former brew masters Larry Sidor and Cam O’Connor now of Crux Fermentation Project, in the creation of a perfect blend of award winning Fresh Squeezed IPA and Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale. Encompassing the popular hop varieties Citra, Mosaic and Centennial, a bright and bold hop aroma compliments a drinkable malt body. All proceeds from this beer will benefit restoration of streamflow and improved water quality in the Deschutes River Basin.”

It’s Deschutes’ 30th anniversary this year, and these seven collaborations with past brewers (and possibly like-minded breweries? I haven’t heard the full plan) should be pretty great. This first collaboration brew drops in March and will be draft only. Keep an eye out for more to come.

Finally: The return of Twilight Ale!

“Back by unrelenting customer demand, Twilight Summer Ale hits the shelves just in time for summer this year! Originally introduced in 2004, this clever golden-hued ale pours remarkably crisp and clean. A distinctive malt body complements a refreshing hop profile led by a healthy dose of bold Amarillo hops. It’s going to be a great summer.”

Yes, it’s happening, bottles and draft, and it will be out from April through August! Enough said.