{"id":2063,"date":"2009-12-16T00:02:34","date_gmt":"2009-12-16T04:02:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.2beerguys.com\/blog\/?p=2063"},"modified":"2009-12-16T00:02:34","modified_gmt":"2009-12-16T04:02:34","slug":"karl_strauss_tothe9s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/2beerguys.com\/blog\/2009\/12\/16\/karl_strauss_tothe9s\/","title":{"rendered":"Beer Profile: Karl Strauss releases first ever holiday ale"},"content":{"rendered":"

KARL STRAUSS CELEBRATES 2009 TO THE NINES<\/strong>
\n\"Karl<\/p>\n

San Diego, CA<\/strong> \u00e2\u20ac\u201c December 9, 2009- To celebrate the memorable year that was 2009, Karl Strauss Brewing Company is releasing its first ever bottled holiday ale, To the 9\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s<\/strong>. This beer commemorates the accomplishments of the past year, including the company\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s 20th Anniversary, a brewery expansion, and the addition of a brand new bottling line. \u00e2\u20ac\u01532009 was a good year for Karl Strauss Brewing Company and we wanted to have a little fun with this beer by making it all about the 9\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s\u00e2\u20ac\u201d9% ABV, 99 IBUS, 9 SRM, and 9 types of hops,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d says Paul Segura, Brewmaster.<\/p>\n

To the 9\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s is a bold reinterpretation of a classic Imperial IPA. Unlike most other versions of the style that tend to be piney and citrussy, this beer is dry-hopped with European noble hops for a more earthy and woodsy aroma. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We wanted to brew a holiday beer that wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t your typical spiced ale. We landed on an Imperial IPA with a nod to the holidays by creating a subtle spice character with the noble hops,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d says Paul. He adds, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Most people don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t associate noble hops with Imperial IPA\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s, but we thought it added interest to the style.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\"Karl
\nThe nine hop varieties that comprise To the 9\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s are a blend of Bravo, Warrior, Columbus, Nugget, Palisade, and Glacier<\/strong>, with a mix of Willamette, Saaz, and Tettnang <\/strong>used for dry-hopping. The end result is an extremely complex beer with a spicy, woodsy character. No singular hop varietal dominates the palate, creating a well rounded, wine-like depth of flavor. English Extra Pale malts were used to create a firm malt backbone for the hops while contributing a deep, golden color. The beer is extremely smooth for 9% ABV, with a warm, dry, lingering finish.<\/p>\n

The earthy character of this beer makes it an excellent match with spicy foods, such as Thai, Indian, or Mexican<\/strong>. To the 9\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s is also a great beer to share around the holidays\u00e2\u20ac\u201dthe lingering alcohol warmth and slightly spicy notes make it a great after dinner sipper.<\/p>\n

To the 9\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s is now available in 22oz bottles as well as on draft throughout Southern California. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We are only releasing 600 cases of this beer so get it while it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s still around because it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s going to go quickly. This is one gift you might want to save for yourself,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d says Paul. For more information and a video about making To the 9\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s, visit www.karlstrauss.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Specs:<\/strong><\/p>\n