New in 2012 . . .
ALASKAN ROUGH DRAFT EXPORT SERIES:
A SHOWCASE OF ALASKAN'S BEST SMALL BATCH BREWS
Alaskan Brewing has a unique research and development process for new recipes where anyone in the company can work with a brewer develop and brew a recipe on the 1-barrel pilot brew system with free reign to wander far away from traditional styles, ingredients and processes. For years, the favorites of these experimental recipes have been shared only in very limited draft releases - or "Rough Drafts" - with those lucky enough to live and imbibe in our home state of Alaska.
But now, Alaskan Brewing is "exporting" a selection of the best of these brews to taps outside of Alaska through the draft-only Rough Draft Export Series!
 Alaskan's third release in the draft-only Rough Draft Export series is the new for Spring 2013 Bitter Biliken! Alaskan Bitter Billiken Ale is a medium-bodied, deceptively-sessionable beer brewed as an Alaskan-ized version of the classic English Best Bitter style. Slightly darker than the traditional Best Bitter, the Billiken glows a rich chestnut color, echoing the complex European maltfocused flavors. Nutty, toasted almond, biscuit, and toffee malt flavors flirt with hints of wheat and chocolate. A fruity hop aroma and flavor with notes of mango, tropical fruit, strawberry and subtle resin is imparted by hearty dry-hopping using several U.S. hop varieties, including Simcoe, Bravo and Summit. The result is a bright burst of hoppiness that doesn’t overwhelm the complex malt flavor.
Alaskan Bitter Biliken English Best Bitter Brewers' Notes:
As spring turns to summer the Alaskan Brew Crew releases their newest brew, Bitter Billiken English Best Bitter, in the hopes it will bring a warm and sunny summer to Alaska. The Billiken was an early 20th century American good luck charm that made its way to Alaska via merchants. While the pointy-eared figurines quickly faded in the lower 48, their presence grew in Alaska after local carvers added Billikens to their repertoire of ivory carvings. Generations of Alaskans have collected and cherished their Billikens who bring good luck to those that rub their
bellies (or scratch their feet, depending on the tale). To buy a Billiken was said to bring luck; to have a Billiken given to you brings even greater luck.
Specifications:
Original Gravity: 1.055
Alcohol (by volume): 5.7%
Bitterness: 45 IBUs
Color: 24 SRM
Look for the Alaskan Rough Draft Export Bitter Biliken English Best Bitter on draft in select locations through the spring and summer of 2013 throughout Alaska and the entire Alaskan Brewing Co. distribution area. So buy someone a Bitter Billiken Ale and pass the luck around!
Alaskan's second release in this new draft-only series is Alaskan HOPothermia, a bold and brrrrly Double IPA. Nugget and Apollo hops added in the brew kettle provide a green, floral aroma and citrus hop base, while the later addition of Amarillo, Citra, and Centennial hops add notes of spicy grapefruit and orange - complimenting the resilient malt profile. This beer is an outstanding, full-flavored representation of the American Double IPA style with an intense malt body resting in easy harmony with big, drinkable American hop character.
Alaskan Hopothermia Double IPA Brewer's Notes:
Alaskan Hopothermia is a local Rough Draft favorite that'll make you shiver with excitement. This intense, yet balanced Double IPA is a favorite beer to sip on the long Alaskan evenings. A robust malt body supports a generous suite of five American hop varieties. Alaskans are proud of their ability to withstand the extremes that are part of life in the last frontier, so layer up and get ready to lower your core temperature with a pint of Alaskan Hopothermia!
This fearless Double IPA pairs well with the big flavors of Thai food, gourmet pizzas, sharp cheeses, and bitter green salads.
 Specifications:
Original Gravity: 1.076
Alcohol (by volume): 8.5%
Bitterness: 70 IBUs
Color: 20 SRM
Look for the Alaskan Rough Draft Export Hopothermia Double IPA on draft in select locations through the fall and winter of 2012 - 2013 throughout Alaska and the Northwest, and check back here for news on which Export recipe is heading south next!
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