Growlers: Brewed in Arkansas Debuts, Lost Forty Hazy IPA, Prestonrose Turns 3

After months of planning and hard work, Arkansas’ first statewide beer magazine is ready for publication. Brewed in Arkansas will hold a launch party Thursday evening at 6 p.m. to celebrate the inaugural quarterly issue. Becca Bona, formerly with Rock City Eats and now with The Daily Record, is the magazine’s publisher. The publication itself is a collaboration between The Daily Record and Rock City. In this first issue, expect the focus to be on Central Arkansas breweries and beer activities. I’ve contributed one article to the cause, and several other accomplished beer writers are also pitching in. These are the kind of things that happen in a healthy, vibrant brew scene, and it’s thrilling to see it happening here in Arkansas. The launch party Thursday is open to the public; expect to see the magazine around town starting this coming weekend.
Lost Forty Brewing today is jumping into the hazy IPA game with its Freshcut Monday release. Squirrel Sailor Hazy IPA is a 6.3 percent ABV New England-style brew with four different hop varieties. Idaho 7, Amarillo, Centennial, and Mandarina Bavaria hops give this IPA its bright, opaque hue and a juicy flavor profile. This isn’t the first time Lost Forty has made a New England IPA, but it is the first large-scale version with a consistent recipe (Trash Panda changes its hop profile each time it comes out). This is a pilot batch; Lost Forty is planning a wide release with cans this summer. You can try it today at the taproom by the glass only and at certain bars and restaurants across town later this week.
Happy third birthday to Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Company in Paris, Ark. Liz Preston’s microbrewery has drawn quite a following and is widely considered one of the better breweries in the state. This week, Prestonrose is holding a special birthday event each day it is open. On Thursday, it’s a taco party featuring farm-fresh ingredients. On Friday, Prestonrose is holding a “Farmcuterie” party with plenty of charcuterie favorites. Saturday is the big day with a roasted whole hog (a hog that got fat on Prestonrose’s spent brewing grains). Then, Prestonrose is holding “Fat Sunday,” a Mardi Gras-themed party complete with gumbo and a crawfish boil. Prestonrose is open from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 12-4 p.m. Sunday. By the way, if you can’t make it to Paris this week, get to Dos Rocas Beer and Tacos in SoMa; the restaurant has a rotating Prestonrose tap that is currently pouring Seeds, an excellent rye saison.
Stone’s Throw Brewing has a pair of releases for its #NewBrewFriday event. First, it’s Ol’ Razzle Dazzle, a smoked raspberry porter that comes in at 5.5 percent ABV. This is a highly unique brew that has more tart raspberry flavor when it’s first poured, then warms to reveal more smokiness. Stone’s Throw is also releasing its Mickey’s Irish Red, a 6 percent ABV brew that’s more of a classic recipe. This Irish red is malty and slightly sweet, with a deep red color and a slightly dry finish that comes from roasting the barley before brewing. Both are on tap at 4 p.m. on Friday at the MacPark location.
No new beer from Flyway this week, although there’s still plenty of Lord God Imperial Chocolate Stout to enjoy. Flyway is canning the second batch of its Early Bird IPA this week. Those cans will be available in the taproom and will get some distribution around Arkansas as well.
Rebel Kettle also doesn’t have anything new on tap this week. However, the brewery is happy to announce that its new crowler machine is now up and running. Any of Rebel Kettle’s beers can be taken to go in a crowler, so stop in this week and take some home with you.
Do you have any beer news to share with us? Email steveshuler@gmail.com.

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