E-Malt.com News article: USA: Pyramid introduces Imperial Hefeweizen, a craft beer category first

Pyramid Breweries Inc., brewers of the award winning Pyramid Hefe Weizen, introduced on August 29th Imperial Hefeweizen, the first in a line of new limited edition, specialty beers known as Pyramid’s “Brewers Reserve.”

“Pyramid pioneered the wheat beer market back in ’85 with the first year-round wheat beer brewed in the U.S. since prohibition and soon followed it up with our American style Hefe Weizen. Now we’re taking that wheat beer tradition one step further by introducing one of the first, if not the first, Imperial Hefeweizens brewed and distributed in the U.S.,” said Art Dixon, Seattle Head Brewer for Pyramid Breweries. “Our team is truly pumped to feed our passion for wheat beers in this new select Brewers Reserve release.”

Pyramid’s new Imperial Hefeweizen, like our flagship Hefe Weizen, is a smooth, unfiltered ale, but also features a pleasant hop flavor and a more full-bodied and robust taste. The limited edition ale is brewed in small batches of less than 120 barrels using the finest West Coast ingredients, combining 60% malted wheat with Nugget and Tettnang hops for a robust, yet surprisingly refreshing taste. Pyramid Imperial Hefeweizen has an alcohol by volume level of 7.5%.

“Beer aficionados are in for a one-of-a-kind taste experience with our new Brewers Reserve beers,” said George Arnold, Master Brewer for Pyramid Breweries. “Starting with our inaugural Pyramid Imperial Hefeweizen, these limited edition beers are specifically designed for those who want to take their craft beer experience to the next level.”

According to Arnold, West Coast brewers were the first to brew 'double' hopped versions of their original brews. Some brewers then began to bring the malt into balance with the hops, creating more complex flavors. Today, the term "Imperial" is used to suggest this added complexity. Additionally, the word "Imperial" is borrowed from the Imperial Stout style, which is also a maltier, hoppier interpretation of a familiar beer.

Pyramid Imperial Hefeweizen is available beginning in September in select locations on draft and in 22oz bottles while supplies last. The company plans to then follow up its inaugural Brewer’s Reserve beer with another unique offering in early 2008.

About Pyramid Breweries Inc.

Pyramid Breweries Inc. is a leading brewer of specialty, full-flavored beers produced under the Pyramid and MacTarnahan's brand names. Pyramid’s family of unfiltered wheat beers continue to be honored by beer drinkers and judges, earning the most craft beer medals in the last decade at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival (GABF). Since its beginning, Pyramid beers have received a total of 33 medals at the GABF. The brewery has also received a total of 9 medals in international competition at the World Beer Cup.

The Company owns two alehouse restaurants adjacent to its full-production breweries under the Pyramid Alehouse and MacTarnahan Taproom brand names in Berkeley, California, and Portland, Oregon, respectively, and three alehouse restaurants in Walnut Creek and Sacramento, California, and Seattle, Washington. More information about Pyramid Breweries is available at www.pyramidbrew.com.



30 August, 2007