Categorized under: beer, Beer Profile, Shmaltz

Beer Profile: Coney Island Human Blockhead, Lenny’s R.I.P.A, and Luna Lager

Smaltz Coney Island Human Blockhead

The Return of Coney Island Human Blockhead, Lenny’s R.I.P.A, and Coney Island Luna Lager

Pound for pound, Coney Island Human Blockhead is a finely crafted professional. 8 specialty malts of barley, wheat, rye, and oats create an enormously developed body. Juggling 6 hop varieties from European Noble roots to American Pacific Northwest new school flavors balances this weighty task. Traditional proprietary Lager yeast shines true elegance on this innovative recipe for a complex demonstration of pure enjoyment. 10% alcohol nails it home.

Originally developed by renowned magician and sideshow performer Melvin Burkhart, the “human blockhead” stunt remains a staple at the Coney Island sideshow to this day. With Burkhardt leaving after 25 years of performance in Coney Island, the act is kept alive by the current MC of the CI Sideshow, Donny Vomit. The sideshow runs from April – September, and since Donny joined in 2004, he has performed over 2,000 shows. He comments, “As a kid, I always thought it would be cool to have an action figure made after me, but having a kickass beer is a whole lot better. Drink my beer!!” Coney Island Human Blockhead pays delicious tribute to the wildly mustachioed MC and the legacy of this shocking act.

Smaltz - Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A

Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A.

Now Available In 4 Packs. Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the tragic death of legendary satirist Lenny Bruce (R.I.P.A. in 22 oz. bottles was initially released on August 3, 2006), Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A. is brewed with an obscene amount of malts and hops, and soars to 10% alc. With shocking flavors far beyond contemporary community standards, Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A. has been touted by beer aficionados and critics alike as The Most Radical Jewish Tribute Beer ever created. Shmaltz is proud to introduce Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A. in 4 packs (12 oz. bottles) as a new year-round offering starting in January 2010.

Coney Island Craft Lagers Launches New Beer w/ Luna Park (Coney Island)‏
Coney Island Luna Park
Coney Island Craft Lagers (Shmaltz Brewing Co.) is thrilled to celebrate the announcement of Zamperla USA as the official operator of Luna Park, the new amusement park opening in Coney Island this Memorial Day Weekend. Special for this historic moment, Shmaltz Brewing is cooking up the summer release of their own newest attraction: Coney Island Luna Lager.

Based on the original Luna Park (1903 – 1946), one of Coney Island’s four historic amusement parks, Zamperla USA puts the city’s Coney Island redevelopment plan into motion, and Shmaltz Brewing is very excited to be an ongoing reveller in this ambitious effort. Luna Lager commemorates the launch of the new Luna Park 2010, and brings to life a delicious newcomer to their award-winning craft lager lineup for the community to enjoy this summer at America’s Playground. Mayor Michael Bloomberg made the official announcement regarding Luna Park on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at the New York Aquarium (Surf Avenue & W. 8th Street).

Proceeds from Coney Island Craft Lagers also continue to help Coney Island USA, a 501(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. Coney Island Luna Lager will be available this summer throughout New York City in 22 oz. bottles and a very limited supply of kegs at specialty shops and select bars. Please see the attached prototype label artwork for Coney Island Luna Lager.

About Shmaltz Brewing Company

Shmaltz Brewing Company is a recipient of the “2008 Distinguished Business Award” by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Shmaltz was recently named one of the “Top 20 Fastest Growing Bay Area Companies” by San Francisco Business Times, and was acknowledged by Beverage World Magazine as a “2009 Breakout Brand.”

Established in San Francisco in 1996 with the first batch of 100 cases of HE’BREW Beer bottled, labeled, and delivered by hand, Shmaltz has sold over 5 million bottles of beer to date. Along with their acclaimed line of HE’BREW Beers, Shmaltz introduced its new line of sideshow-inspired Coney Island Craft Lagers with seven featured attractions including Coney Island Lager, Albino Python, Sword Swallower, Human Blockhead, Mermaid Pilsner, Freaktoberfest, and Luna Lager. Proceeds help Coney Island USA, a 501 Arts Non-Profit fulfill its mission to defend the honor of lost forms of American popular culture in Brooklyn’s historic Coney Island neighborhood.

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.

***Awards Received in 2009***

Shmaltz’s Coney Island Craft Lagers(TM) Win 4 Craft Beer Awards in 2009

Coney Island Human Blockhead(TM) took home the National Grand Prize in the “Loose Lager” category at the United States Tasting Championship (July 2009). With rigorous field trials held over a one-month period and a concentration on six different regions around the country, Shmaltz’s seasonal attraction won alongside other Grand Champions such as Farmhouse Ale (Smuttynose), In-Heat Wheat (Flying Dog) and Captain Sig’s Northwestern Ale (Rogue).

Coney Island Human Blockhead(TM)also took Second Place in the “Strong Lager” category at the 2009 Manitou Springs Craft Lager Festival in Manitou Springs, CO (August 8 & 9, 2009). The Craft Lager Festival annually recognizes the highest quality craft lagers with awards in several style categories. The festival is unique as its staffed solely by volunteers who put on the event to benefit open space and parks in their local communities, and to support the remarkable art of craft brewing.

At Hotoberfest in Atlanta, GA (October 3, 2009), Coney Island Albino Python(TM) was awarded a Silver Medal in the Best Brew Competition. Hotoberfest features a consumer-voting competition where all of the awards are based on public opinions of the attendees at the event. Coney Island Albino Python(TM) also received 1st Place in the “Other” category at the West Coast Brew Fest in Sacramento, CA (May 16, 2009), and the Los Angeles Times named Coney Island Albino Python(TM) the “Beer of the Month” in January 2010.

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