ST. MARYS — Straub Brewery will launch the first of its 2017 craft beer samplers as part of the new Peter Straub Signature Brews series this coming month.
Adventure Series 1 will feature four of Straub’s popular craft beer styles: Wild Boy Hopped Lager, Tight Lines Ale, Boulder Bock and Ridge Top Runner.
The limited-release German-style beers are available throughout Pennsylvania, Straub said Wednesday.
“This new series celebrates our 145-year-old legacy as a craft brewer and the ‘Fiercely Independent’ spirit of the PA Wilds region that Straub Brewery has called home since the 1870s,” William Brock, president and CEO, said. “These beers embody the best of what life has to offer; and pay tribute to the people and the incredible places where we work, live and play.”
The Peter Straub Signature Brews series honors the brewery’s founded, Peter Straub, who left Germany at 19 and traveled here in search of the American dream — “with only a few coins sewn into his jacket and a recipe for beer,” according to the company.
“Seven generations and 145 years later, Peter’s courageous and adventurous pursuit of living life to the fullest endures in every Honestly Fresh and Fiercely Independent (Straub trade names) craft beer produced by his historic American Legacy Brewery.”
The names of the 12 craft beers in the Straub series are inspired by the vast outdoor activities and destinations in the 12½ counties of the brewery’s home region, known as the PA Wilds. This area boasts 2.1 million acres of public land and is one the largest blocks of green between New York City and Chicago, with more than 50 million people who live within a six-hour drive of this region.
In addition to the new Adventure Series 1, Adventure Series 2 (styles to be featured are Dunkel, Helles, Hefeweizen and Oktoberfest) will be released in late summer/early fall to coincide with Oktoberfest celebrations and autumn road trips, and Adventure Series 3 (styles to be featured include Dobbelbock, Pilsner, Altbier and 1872 Lager—a pre-Prohibition-style lager) will be released in late fall/early winter in time for the holiday season.
Adventure Series 1 Features:
Wild Boy Hopped Lager (IPA) is named after the popular Wild Boy Run stream and back road in the PA Wilds region. Straub says the India-style Pale Lager combines traditional IPA malts and American hops with cold-conditioned lager brewing.
“The blend of hops provides citrus, spice and floral aromas,” Straub says, “and a refreshing grapefruit taste.”
Tight Lines Ale (Kölsch), a medal-winner at the 2016 World Beer Cup, pays tribute to the thousands of miles of trout streams, lakes and recreational waterways flowing through the PA Wilds region.
“This Kölsch-style all-malt ale is Straub Brewery’s take on the classic style from the Cologne brewing tradition,” the brewer says. “Its light and refreshing profile nicely complements the renewing spirit of spring and early summer.”
Boulder Bock (Maibock) is offered in recognition of the countless trails, scenic views, hills, mountains and natural formations located throughout the region. Brewed with a unique combination of German and American ingredients, Straub says this Maibock-style all-malt, pale-colored bock lager is a traditional spring release — “Mai” is German for May.
“Boulder Bock’s rich malty flavor, balanced by the European-style hop character, is perfect for welcoming spring to north-central Pennsylvania, or wherever you call home,” says Straub brewmaster Vince Assetta.
Ridge Top Runner (Vienna) is named in respect to the thousands of acres of lush and pristine forests, state parks and untouched game lands within the PA Wilds region, while also paying homage to the rich history of the logging industry and others who worked in the woods building the infrastructure and establishing our communities.
“Ridge Top Runner is first and last a balanced and symmetrical beer,” Assetta says. “The pale amber color is followed by a mild and malty initial taste, and then just enough hop character to keep you going back for more. Extremely smooth and drinkable, be sure to share this Vienna lager with your friends who appreciate great lager beers.”
