Beer Release: NW: Get It Now … GRAFF(T) India Pale Lager. A collaboration between New Belgium, Seattle Cider Co., & Two Beers

Ask anyone, trained in the ways of polite table manners, and they will recall being told to "not chew with your mouth open". The reasoning behind this was to avoid combining two things, talking while chewing, that would lead to unintelligible speech. Despite this warning and occasional scolding there are still people out there that insist doing this very thing.

In the brewing industry there are some that would argue that beer isn't restricted to just water, malt, hops, and yeast. Despite some calling it an abomination, there are some that believe that you can combine beer and cider together.

Introducing GRAFF(T), a beer brewed with "... unexpected hops and malt with small batch cider from Washington state".

Coined GRAFF(T) – a nod to the style of beer as well as the process of bonding a shoot from one plant to another – this 7.3 percent ABV beer was brewed at Two Beers Brewing in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood using New Belgium Brewing hop varieties and unfermented apple juice from Seattle Cider Company.

“A graff is an exciting new style we’ve been keeping our eye on and have been dying to create,” said Lindsay Guerdrum, brewer for New Belgium Brewing. “With the recent launch of Seattle Cider Company and their exceptional approach to craft cider, plus their connection with Two Beers Brewing, we saw the opportunity for a unique partnership and more importantly, a beer unlike any other.”

“It’s a lot of fun to see these three companies come together to offer something completely new to the Seattle market,” added Joel VandenBrink, founder of Two Beers Brewing and Seattle Cider Company. “We’ve looked up to New Belgium Brewing since we opened our doors and are honored to be working with them. Plus, it was a ton of fun to brew this beer together!”

More on GRAFF(T) India Pale Lager (IPL)

GRAFF(T) is an India Pale Lager (IPL) brewed with 100 percent Pilsner malt, Mosaic hops from Yakima Valley, Nelson Sauvin hops from New Zealand and a 10 percent by volume addition of unfermented apple juice (also known as “must”) from Seattle Cider Company. After fermentation, the brew is then dry hopped with Nelson Sauvin hops. With 53 IBUs and 7.3 percent ABV, the result is a dry, crisp, effervescent beer-cider hybrid with notes of grapefruit and citrus, accompanied by a brite and dry palate.

Look for both 22 ounce bottles and draft of GRAFF(T) India Pale Lager, wherever you see Two Beers ales and lagers.

Cheers

About Two Beers Brewing Co.

Two Beers Brewing Co. began operations in a small Seattle basement in 2007 and today, produces twelve unique beers including five year-round, seven seasonal and a host of intricate infusions in its 4,800-square-foot SoDo brewery. Two Beers Brewing can be found in Seattle-area bars and restaurants, with tastings kegs and growler fill-ups available at their tasting room located at 4700 Ohio Ave. S. in SoDo, open weekly Tuesday – Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays from 1 – 6 p.m. Select brews can also be found in 22-ounce bottles and 12-ounce cans through the tasting room, as well as local retailers in Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Northern Idaho. For more information, visit www.twobeersbrewery.com.

About Seattle Cider Company

Not your standard cider. Seattle Cider Company is the city’s first cidery since prohibition, bringing true craft cider back to Seattle. Bridging the gap between wine and beer with flavorful, small-batch cider, Seattle Cider’s initial offerings – Dry and Semi-Sweet – break the mold of overly sweet cider, bringing the natural flavors of Washington apples to the forefront. Naturally gluten free and made from a custom blend of fresh pressed, locally grown apples, Seattle Cider’s products are handcrafted with all natural ingredients and never from concentrate, successfully distinguishing themselves from the mass market cider found in stores today. Available in 16-ounce cans beginning September 2013, Seattle Cider products will be available at retailers and bottle shops throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Seattle Cider will also be available on tap in Seattle-area bars and restaurants, with tastings, kegs and growler fills available at The Woods tasting room, located at 4700 Ohio Ave. S. in SoDo, open weekly Tuesday - Saturday. For more information, follow Seattle Cider Company on Facebook and Twitter (@seattleciderco), or visit www.seattlecidercompany.com.

About New Belgium Brewing Company

New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces nine year- round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Ranger, Belgo IPA, Shift Pale Lager and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.