The Conduit
Stories from the Abbey
News and Events
Beer and Cheese: The Lost Abbey and Brothers Provisions
The Lost Abbey and Brothers Provision team up for an adventure in Beer and Cheese pairings at The Lost Abbey Tasting Room, Friday May 31st. Beginning at 4pm, we'll pair 5 of Brothers Provisions exquisite cheeses with 5 of our Lost Abbey Beers. Tickets are $20 and are first come- first serve available at the tasting room. Ticket includes 10 tastings ( 5 beers and 5 cheeses or a different ratio if you so desire)Hope to see you there!
Tomme heads North for Seattle Beer Week
Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey's Director of Brewery Operations (and overall nice guy) leaves the heat of Southern California and heads Northwest for Seattle Beer Week 2013! If you're in the area, stop by and say hi! CLICK HERE for a full list of events during Seattle Beer Week.
Brewers night with Tomme ArthurThursday, May 16thElliot Bay Pizza4 - 7pmSourfest Thursday, May 16thBrouwers Pub8pm - 10pmBottle Signing with Tomme ArthurFriday, May 17thBeer Junction3- 5pmBottle Signing with Tomme ArthurFriday, May 17thChucks 85th6 - 9pmLost Abbey Tap TakeoverSaturday, May 18thSuper Deli MartAll Day (Tomme will stop by for a beer around 11am on his way to the airport... maybe 2 beers)
Sede Vacante Release Details
Inspired by the shroud of mystery that envelopes the Vatican City during the Papal Conclave, The Lost Abbey presents their newest creation, Sede Vacante (SEH-deh vah-CAHN-teh). Created from a cloak and dagger blend of variously aged barrels previously stored in the catacombs of the brewery, Sede Vacante is a marvel of equal parts flavor and mystery. The creation of the beer itself was veiled in secrecy; the formulation written on black papyrus was burned soon after completion.
An extremely limited amount of bottles, less than 100 cases, will be available beginning Saturday, March 23rd beginning at 10am at the Lost Abbey tasting room. With its small-batch size, Sede Vacante’s lore will only be intensified by its fleeting availability.Sede Vacante is a blend of Barleywine aged in Cognac barrels and Brandy barrel-aged Angel’s Share and at packaging came in at 15% abv. A contemplative beer with substantial depth, Sede Vacante imparts tones of dark fruit and vanilla, with a warming finish from the Cognac. The strongest beer to emerge from The Lost Abbey, portions of the beer spent almost 5 years in a barrel. Sede Vacante can be enjoyed immediately or cellared till the next Papal Conclave, however long that may be.Sede Vacante Release Details:- When: Saturday, March 23rd, 2013. Doors open at 10am- Where: Port Brewing/ The Lost Abbey – 155 Mata Way, Suite 104, San Marcos, CA 92069- Total Release: less than 100 cases- Format: 750ml cork finished bottles- Price: $35 per bottle- Limit: One case per person (12 bottles)
Track 12 of The Ultimate Box Set Releases Saturday, November 24
This Saturday, November 24, 2012 we're releasing the twelfth and final beer in our Ultimate Box Set series. Track 12 is a Fresh Track; a non-fruited sour that's a blend of three beers aged in oak barrels and inspired by Black Sabbath's epic 1980 hit Heaven and Hell.
This Saturday, November 24, 2012 we're releasing the twelfth beer in our Ultimate Box Set series. Track 12 is a Fresh Track; a non-fruited sour that's a blend of three beers aged in oak barrels and inspired by Black Sabbath's epic 1980 hit Heaven and Hell.
The epic culmination of our Ultimate Box Set; Track 12 is an inspired new sour designed for Sinners and Saints AlikeFor Track 12 we created a new beer – a non-fruited sour made from a blend of Avant Garde, a previously unreleased sour brown ale, and a splash of Gift of the Magi. Aged in oak barrels the beer offers a musty nose followed by a compelling mélange of sweet and sour flavors.Among all the Tracks we have released this year (many of which are now medal winners), the DOBO feels that Track 12 is the one that offers the most intriguing possibilities for the long run. We think all you Sinners and you Saints are really going to enjoy this one.You'll find the beer details (blend, ABV, liner notes, album art, etc.) on the website here. Details on the other Box Set beers can be found on
Ultimate Box Set Track 11 Releases November 10, 2012
This Saturday, November 10, 2012 we're releasing the eleventh beer in our Ultimate Box Set series. This one is a Re-mix Track that's a experimental nod to Charlie Daniels' Southern rock classic, The Devil Went Down to Georgia.
Round the mountain and run boy run, if you want a chance at a complete Box Set, this is your last one.Track 11 is an experimental re-mix track -- Angel's Share aged in fresh bourbon barrels with an addition of fresh sliced peaches and a splash of Brettanomyces Clausenni to kick it up a notch.You'll find the beer details (blend, ABV, liner notes, album art, etc.) on the website here. Details on the other Box Set beers can be found on the Box Set home page.The tasting room doors will open at 10:30 am for this special event. As with all Box Set releases, the beers must be consumed on site, same day. Unopened bottles may not be carried out. Each bottle is 375ml and is $15 each.
The Lost Abbey to Release Ultimate Box Set Collector's Edition November 24
Craft Brewery will culminate its yearlong special release series with a limited edition collector’s set
SAN MARCOS, Calif. - October 17, 2012 — Bringing its 12-month paean to classic rock anthems to a shuddering crescendo, The Lost Abbey will issue the complete Ultimate Box Set as a special collector’s edition on November 24, 2012. Limited to a total of 500 publicly available sets, the collector’s edition will include each of the 12 special edition brews (aka: “Tracks” 1 through 12), a custom-designed album sleeve with the full-sized art used on each of the beer labels and liner notes from the brewers -- all packaged in hand-built, numbered metal road cases. The Box Set case and album sleeve were designed by Grammy® award-winning art director Matt Taylor of Varnish Studio in collaboration with John Schulz of StudioSchulz. Each of the Sets will cost $450 and be available only by lottery drawing.
The Ultimate Box Set releases began in January of 2012 with the brewery releasing one beer every month with names inspired by classic rock songs invoking Heaven or Hell. The beers covered the full gamut of The Lost Abbey's signature stylings -- fruit and spiced, wood-aged, sours, wild, and spontaneously-fermented ales. Each was issued in 375ml corked, hood-and-wire format, included original label art, and was limited to a total run of approximately 1,000 bottles; 350 of which were sold in the brewery tasting room and had to be consumed onsite. The remaining bottles, reserved for the upcoming collector’s sets, will be the only full bottles ever allowed to leave the brewery."This is the most ambitious project we’ve ever undertaken," said Tomme Arthur, director of brewery operations for The Lost Abbey, and the mind behind the Ultimate Box Set. “Not only have we produced 12 exceptional rare beers, but the original label art and stories associated with each, along with the one-of-a-kind hand-built road cases brought the entire concept together beyond anything I’ve encountered in my near 20 years of brewing. It really is the Ultimate Box Set."Because of the extremely limited nature of the collector’s sets, the brewery will not put them into general distribution. Rather, the 500 will be allocated to the public via a lottery with names drawn from patrons who purchased individual Track releases each month in the tasting room. Two lottery drawings still remain allowing those who purchase Track 10 in October and Track 11 in November an opportunity for a full collector’s set.The final release in the set, Track 12, will issue on November 24, coinciding with the complete collector’s set. This Track, as with the earlier individual releases, will be available to the general public in the tasting room and must be consumed on site. More information on the beer will be posted on The Lost Abbey website in mid-November.About Port Brewing / The Lost AbbeyFounded in 2006, Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey produces an extensive line-up of award-winning ales and lagers. Under the direction of legendary brewmaster and co-founder Tomme Arthur, the brewery was named 2007 Great American Beer Festival Small Brewery of the Year, and 2008 World Beer Cup Champion Small Brewery. The company's beers, many of which are aged in oak barrels for 12 months or longer, are universally recognized for their complexity, unique flavors, and bold, boundary-pushing styles. For more information, contact Port Brewing / The Lost Abbey at 155 Mata Way, Suite 104, San Marcos, CA 92069, telephone (800) 918-6816, and on the web at www.lostabbeydev.wpengine.com.
Ultimate Box Set Track 10 Releases October 20, 2012
This Saturday, October 20, 2012 we're releasing the tenth beer in our Ultimate Box Set series. This one is a Fresh Track that's an ode to the Meatlof operatic 1977 rock anthem, Bat Out of Hell.
You'll probably want to get Track 10 sooner rather than later because, like the song says, this one will probably be gone when the morning comes.Track 10 is a big coffee and cacao beer that began as a fresh Serpent Stout base sent to age in four hand-selected bourbon barrels. Then, to maximize the flavors, 17lbs of coffee and 4lbs of cacao nibs were added shortly before bottling.You'll find the beer details (blend, ABV, liner notes, album art, etc.) on the website here. Details on the other Box Set beers can be found on the Box Set home page.The tasting room doors will open at 10:30 am for this special event. As with all Box Set releases, the beers must be consumed on site, same day. Unopened bottles may not be carried out. Each bottle is 375ml and is $15 each.
Ultimate Box Set Release updates
As we enter the home stretch of our Ultimate Box Set releases, we thought this would be a good time to update you on the logistics of the last few releases as well as the complete Boxed Set itself. Here’s what you need to know
- Track 10 release -- is slated for release on October 20, 2012. Once again, we’ll be opening the tasting room doors at 10:30a.m. As with all Box Set releases this beer must be consumed on site. Unopened bottles may not be carried out. More details on this release will be posted on The Lost Abbey website the week before the release.
- Track 11 release – Track 11’s release has been moved up by one week to November 10, 2012 to coincide with San Diego Beer Week and give us a little more breathing room between it and the release of Track 12 and the full Ultimate Box Set collection. As always we’ll post more details on our website as we near the release date.
- Final Lottery Drawings – The 3rd lottery drawing (for those who purchased Tracks 7 - 9) will be held this week. If you’re a winner you’ll be notified shortly thereafter. Because of the short amount of time remaining between now and the full collection release, we’ll also be doing lottery drawings immediately following the release of Track 10 and following Track 11. Winners of the Track 10 lottery will be notified by November 11, winners of the Track 11 lottery by November 16.
- Track 12 release - Track 12 will release on Saturday, November 24, 2012 in conjunction with the Full Box Set Collection release. As with previous Box Set bottle releases, the tasting room will open to the general public for bottle sales at 10:30 am. We’ll have complete details on Track 12 available shortly after Track 11’s release in November.
- Full Box Set Collection release – First off, we’re pleased to announce that we’re bumping the total number of complete collections from 350 to 500. When, we originally planned this release back in 2011, we estimated that we’d have enough to release 350 individual bottles each month and have 350 left over to release as part of the complete collection. As it turns out, we were lucky with the barrel yields so we’re able to increase the total number of complete sets to 500. As a result, we’re also able to draw an additional 150 lottery winners (names drawn will be divided equally among each track) to reach the full 500 set allocation. There will be no additional complete sets available to the general public the day of release.
- Lottery Winner Pickup - We will issue the Full Collections to the lottery winners on Thanksgiving Weekend – Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25, 2012. You will be contacted in early November to schedule a private appointment to come in and pick up your Ultimate Box Set. As of yet, we don’t have a price for the full collection (all the pieces aren’t done quite yet), but we anticipate having that information along with payment options and all the details of what will be included in the Ultimate Box Set in Mid-October. Please keep an eye out for the email notice.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, we’ve set up an Ultimate Box Set hotline and email address. You can telephone (925) 269-7381, or email us at LABoxSet@gmail.com.
Ultimate Box Set Track 9 Releases September 15, 2012
The Track 9 release is knockin' at your door.
Vodcast #31 Knockin' On Heaven's Door from The Lost Abbey on Vimeo.
This Saturday, September 15, 2012 we're releasing number nine in our Ultimate Box Set series. This one is a Remixed Track that pays homage to Guns n' Roses' cover of the Bob Dylan classic, Knockin' on Heaven's Door.
Track 9 began as a few barrels of Cuvee de Tomme that hadn't matured enough to make it to bottling last year. To those we added currants and an additional dose of Brett and let Nature do what she would. The result is a jammy brew with just the right amount of tartness and funk. You'll find the beer details (blend, ABV, liner notes, album art, etc.) on the website here. Details on the other Box Set beers can be found on the Box Set home page.The tasting room doors will open at 10:30 am for this special event. As with all Box Set releases, the beers must be consumed on site, same day. Unopened bottles may not be carried out. Each bottle is 375ml and is $15 each.
Cricket
1. You hate it when I spell your name Jessie, what else bugs the bejeezus out of you?The birthday song. It's trite and no one can sing it well. Other than that just this lovely little narcissistic society we've created for ourselves.2. What are you always listening to on your headphones?Usually all sorts of podcasts but mostly comedic by nature. I prefer to walk around with mental stimulation and giggles emitting from my face. It's helpful too because it makes an onlooker think I'm a crazy person thus blending right in at the transit station.3. It’s common knowledge that you’re a master Angry Birds player, besides that game, what’s your favorite Smart Phone App?Someone has gravely led you astray. I have a crippling fear of birds and love for bovines of all variety. Therefore, that is a game I would never support. To them I say "GOOD DAY!!" shazaam is pretty neat though. I wonder how It works you know. 4. If you had the choice to record DVD commentary on any movie to be included on the disc, what would it be and what would you wear?It would have to be " the room " and I'd wear the same clothes as the main character named Jonny. After all I too am just an average American man. 5. 4th of July is right around the corner, do fireworks still make you go “ooooh… aaaahhhh”?No, just aaahhhh no ooooh. And I should clarify the aaaahh is more of shriek like AAAAAAAHHH!!!! 6. Favorite Seinfeld episode?Only correct answer: the contest. 7. I want to re-ask a question that was asked last week, it’s a good question but Kelsey’s answer sucked… Picture this: We’re building a Lost Abbey Restaurant, and letting the staff each craft and name a meal on the menu… What would be your culinary creation (Sandwich, burrito, crepe, etc)?You know how some people question if the first moon landing was a hoax. I question you for thinking this is a " good question ". That said, halibut or shark or some kind of higher end fish I guess.
Carnevale Masquerade 2012
Our annual Carnevale masquerade party celebrating the release of our lent beer, Carnevale, was last weekend. Here's a few photos of the folks who attended.[nggallery id=45]
And The Winner Is... Sunburned Monk
Central Californian wins The Lost Abbey's first Commercial Conclave competition with story of surfing Good Samaritan
SAN MARCOS, Calif. -- Congratulations to Mario Gutierrez of Selma, California. His concept for a 30 second commercial titled "Sunburned Monk" was named the winner in The Lost Abbey's first Commercial Conclave Competition.
The contest, which ran throughout the month of December, asked fans to submit their ideas for a 30 second to one minute commercial advertising Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey beers. The best concept, as determined by a panel of Port Brewing employees, will be produced as a broadcast commercial for the brewery with the winner on set with the cast and crew for the filming."We were really surprised at how many people submitted ideas, including full scripts and even some videos," said Ryan Tillotson, The Lost Abbey's multimedia supervisor and director for the upcoming shoot. "There were a lot of great submissions, but a few really stood out from the others," he said.Gutierrez' concept, "Sunburned Monk", a story of a beach-going monk who helps a surfer, was chosen for the "clever way it captured both the Port Brewing and Lost Abbey brands without a single word being spoken," Tillotson said.As grand prize winner, Gutierrez will receive an all expenses paid trip to San Diego, VIP treatment at the brewery, and go on set to assist in the filming of the commercial.Production is scheduled to begin in February with the commercial premiering some time in late March or early April.Two other winners were also named in the Conclave Competition. First runner up went to Simon Ford of San Pedro, California for his concept "Perfect Session", in which the day of a Port Brewing brewer parallels a surfer's perfect session on the water. Second runner up went to Dave A. Keenan (location unknown) for his submission, "Runaway Monk", which details the "real" source of The Lost Abbey's beers.Both winners will have their concepts developed into commercial shorts later in the year.
We're Coming to New Jersey!
Well, word is out -- beginning in January, Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey will be distributing in New Jersey! Below is the official press release from our new distribution partners for the Garden State, Hunterdon Distributors.(Note: Tomme will be heading East in early January to help celebrate our launch. Keep an eye on our events calendar for appearances in the area.)
Hunterdon Welcomes Port Brewing & The Lost Abbey to New Jersey
Phillipsburg, NJ – December 13, 2011 – The New Year will bring a wave of excitement to beer enthusiasts in New Jersey. Hunterdon Distributors is pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement to distribute the highly acclaimed beers of Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey. In addition to an assortment of their most well-known beers, the inaugural launch will feature a special draft-only release brewed exclusively for the New Jersey market. Official release parties have already been scheduled for the first week of 2012.Based in San Diego and founded in 2006, Port Brewing Company is comprised of two of the most highly regarded labels in the country: Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey. The Port Brewing line includes more aggressive and assertively hopped American & West coast-style beers, while The Lost Abbey concentrates on a unique collection of barrel-aged and Belgian-style ales.Led by Tomme Arthur, one of the nation’s most well-respected craft brewers, both brands have found their way to the top of the craft beer charts with dozens of medals and media accolades to speak of over the last five years. Port Brewing was awarded both “Small Brewery of the Year” and “Small Brewer of the Year” at the 2007 Great American Beer Festival and “Champion Brewery” and “Champion Brewmaster” in the Small Brewery category at the 2008 World Beer Cup. All of their products have received near-perfect ratings on both Ratebeer.com and Beer Advocate.With distribution in only eight US markets, products from both Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey have become some of the most sought-after in the industry. The company has always taken a conservative approach to expansion while putting more emphasis on providing a unique and well crafted product. When the time came to open a new market on the East Coast, they felt New Jersey was a perfect fit.As stated by Tomme Arthur: “Hunterdon's reputation precedes it. A lot of our good friends in the brewing industry have their beer represented by Hunterdon and have nothing but good things to say about the company.”Hunterdon Distributors is proud to be adding Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey to its already impressive product offering in the state of New Jersey. Please visit Hunterdon’s website at www.hunterdonbrewing.com as details regarding the official release parties will be posted soon.About Hunterdon DistributorsHunterdon was founded in 1996 and has grown steadily over the years into a company with sixty-five full-time employees. Hunterdon has raised the bar for craft beverage availability and selection in the state by providing the most diverse and sought-after portfolio the market has to offer. The company currently represents over fifty domestic craft brands, hundreds of imports and a unique line of micro-distilled spirits, sakes, ciders and meads. Owners Mike Short and Dave Masterson continue to focus on bringing quality products to the New Jersey consumer.
Commercial Conclave Competition
How often is it you're sitting around with friends enjoying a great beer when a great idea for a beer commercial strikes? (If your answer is "never", you're drinking the wrong beer.) Well, here's your opportunity to put that creativity to work and possibly win a trip to San Diego to go on set and help bring your commercial concept to life!
In early 2012 we'll be filming our first broadcast-ready commercial, and we're looking to our Faithful Followers to tell us how they'd introduce our brewery and its products to those who've yet to be enlightened. To help stimulate everyone's creativity we're holding a competition all December long for the best commercial concept! Judged by our in-house Conclave, three winners will receive Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey merchandise and wearbles. And our Grand Prize winner will be coming to San Diego!Grand prizeAn all expenses-paid two-day trip to San Diego, V.I.P. status at Port Brewing / The Lost Abbey and go on set to film the commercial with our acclaimed in-house director, Ryan Tillotson and his production crew!
The Rules
- Idea submissions may be as simple as a few lines describing the overall concept, or as detailed as a complete script with action and dialogue. (Length is up to you, but the more details the better.)
- Concept submissions can be for both or either brands (Port Brewing, The Lost Abbey) The subject matter can be for the brand or a specific beer.
- Submitted concepts must be unique, original and yours. (Plagiarism is bad)
- Submit as many concepts as you like, but each concept must be submitted individually. Multiple submissions of the same concept will be disqualified.
- Concepts must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM Pacific Time on December 31, 2011.
How we'll be judging
- Concepts will be judged by a wholly subjective and very opinionated Conclave of Port Brewing / The Lost Abbey Cardinals (aka: employees).
- Judging criteria include but are not limited to originality, cleverness, brand/product representation, budget requirements and feasibility.
- Winners will be notified the week of January 16, 2012. (Look for the white puff of smoke from the east end of the Abbey.)
If you're ready to submit your concept for consideration, Click here to enter!
The Fine Print
Entrants must be 21 years or older as of December 1, 2011. Employees of Port Brewing Company and their family members are not eligible to enter. All concepts submitted for consideration become the property of Port Brewing. Winners agree to have their likeness used in Port Brewing marketing and media materials.
Beer Release: Cuvee de Tomme 2011
Date: December 17 December 24, 2011 - 12:00pm - 7:00pmThis will be the release date for Cuvee de Tomme 2011, our multi-award winning bourbon barrel-aged aged strong ale with sour cherries.
Release Details:
- Style: Cuvee de Tomme 2011
- Format: 375ml cork-stoppered bottles
- Price: $15 per bottle
- Limits: 6 bottles per person
Supplies of this beer are extremely limited. Bottle sales will be brewery only and a select quantity of draft will be available in the Southern California region, however, it will not reach any of our other distribution areas (sorry).Because we expect this beer to sell out quickly, we'll open our doors at 11am for registration; bottle sales will begin at 12pm.Standard disclaimer: This is a barrel-aged beer. As such release dates are subject to change based on the whims of the barrels.Update 1: 12/14/11 - Release has been delayed by one week to December 24, 2011.
Local Radio Thinks We're the Best
Being here in San Diego, we're chocked full of great craft breweries. So many in fact that it's not unusual to see and members of the local brewing community on TV and the radio.What is unusual, however, is to be driving to work listening to the radio when suddenly the people on air are talking about you (or at least your brewery) being the best in the county -- which is exactly what happened to us this morning.The following is an on air conversation between KPRi 102.1 FM radio personalities Madison and Pamela Howe, and San Diego local beer connoisseur, Robbert Jeffords regarding San Diego Beer Week. Guess who they all agreed as the best brewery in San Diego?Lost Abbey on KPRi Radio
Live Broadcast from Lost Abbey Barrel Night
Okay, so you weren't able to land tickets to our annual Barrel Party Night. No worries, because we've got the next best thing -- a live streaming broadcast from the party! Our oh-so suave host, Andy Killion, and The Lost Abbey Camera crew will be there to bring you all faces, food, fun (and, of course, barrel-aged beers) as it happens!
Check out the promo spot
Tune in Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 7pm PDT:
5th Annual Barrel Party Night
The Details
- What: Lost Abbey Annual Barrel Night 2011
- When: Saturday, November 5, 2011 - 7pm to 10pm
- Where: The Lost Abbey / Port Brewing, San Marcos, San Diego County, CA
- How Much: $80 per each; $150 for a pair
Tickets go on sale October 5, 2011 at 12pm PDT and must be purchased online.
Click here to purchase ticketsSOLD OUT
Tickets for last year's event sold out very quickly, so make sure to purchase tickets early!
Libri Divini - August 2011
The Official Newsletter of Port Brewing & The Lost AbbeyVolume 3, Issue 4
In this issue:
Around the Brewery | New Faces | Pre-Stone Anniversary Breakfast | Farewell to Larry #5 | End of Summer Sale | New & Upcoming Releases
Around the Brewery
Hard to believe it's already August, but here it is. Around the Abbey we've been so busy that we almost didn't notice summer is just about at an end. Since spring we've been brewing so much that we've passed our total production for 2010 and are in the midst of yet another expansion to meet demand.As part of that expansion we recently moved fermenters 7 and 8 (aka: "Heaven" and "Hell" since that's what had to be moved to get them into the brewhouse) into our production area next door in anticipation of the arrival of a couple more big fermenters in the next few weeks. Tomme's also made mention of acquiring a couple of new grain silos which will prevent us from running our current one dry each week (it's hard to make beer when you have no malt).
All this new equipment will allow us to keep ramping up production and eliminate some of the off and on shortages we've been experiencing. And while there's no expansion of our distribution territories planned just yet, who knows -- 2012 could present some new opportunities for us.Things have been busy over in the tasting room as well. Even though we're a tiny operation compared to many of our San Diego craft brewing compatriots, we're on track to see almost 60,000 (yes, 60,000!) visitors this year. To handle all the new folks we've already added an additional 20 taps --for a total of 44 handles -- and we've got some exciting new remodels in the works for the fall. Look for an announcement with details some time after Labor Day.All told, it's pretty good stuff and we owe it all to you, the Faithful. Thank you. You keep drinking and we'll keep brewing.
New Faces: Meet Ryan Tillotson
Recently you may have noticed one the addition of some new multimedia components -- photo galleries, video shorts and live broadcasts -- the Lost Abbey website and our social media pages. (And if you haven't noticed, why not?) All this is the work of our new Multimedia Supervisor, Ryan Tillotson, who recently joined us after graduating from film school up in the Los Angeles area.A gifted guy behind the camera, Ryan is tasked both with documenting life here at the Abbey, and providing you with an informative (and hopefully interesting) look inside the operations of a small American craft brewery.Beyond providing daily snapshots from around the brewhouse, Ryan has also produced the first two of our "making of" videos (Hot Rocks, La Cruda and Ten Commandments), and our time-lapse silo video. He's also the man who directed our live broadcasts from the Anniversary Party and Christmas in July. Over the next couple of months you can look forward to plenty more from him.Ryan's in the brewhouse most weekdays and a few weekends as well. You'll also catch him at events around town and some big national ones such as the GABF. If you happen to bump into him anywhere, make sure to say hello. Who knows, he could make you Internet famous...You can talk to Ryan on Twitter too. Follow him at http://twitter.com/LostAbbeyRyan
Pre-Stone 15th Anniversary breakfast
Stone Brewing's 15th Anniversary party is just a week away, and as usual we'll be serving breakfast at the brewery for everyone who wants to carbo-load before heading up to the first session a "stone's" throw away at Cal State San Marcos.
Our dynamic-duo of chefs, Jason Danderand and Steve Owen will be manning the Magic kitchen and griddling, grilling, frying, smoking and steaming their way through a monster buffet of rib-sticking breakfast foods. As always, the food and fun are free, the beers are regular price.Doors open at 8:30am on Saturday, August 20, 2011. More information is available here.
A Fond Farewell to Larry #5
Each summer we host an intern who spends several weeks with the brew crew learning how to make beer the Port/Lost Abbey way. (We're not really sure if this hurts or helps in the real world, but whatever.) Our first intern five years ago was named Larry, and even since then we've always referred to the summer intern as "The New Larry".This year's Larry (number 5) is Travis Herman who hails from the East Bay area up in Northern California. Travis recently left a career in bio-research and for the past five weeks has been working long hours learning the craft of brewing from the ground up. (Biggest lesson: "brewing is a lot of hard work.")Travis' internship ends today and he, along with his dog, Hudson, who came down here with him, is driving back to Northern California this weekend to rejoin his wife, who is six months pregnant. A quiet, friendly guy with a wry sense of humor and a quick brain, we're all going to miss him around here and wish him the best of luck in starting his career as a brewer.If you're ever in the Bay Area and happen to run into Travis, feel free to call him "Larry". He's only one of five to have earned the title, so you know he'll appreciate it.
End of Summer Sale
With summer winding down we need to clear some room to make way for new stuff expected this autumn. As a result we've put all of our Port and Lost Abbey tanks, T's and shirts on sale in our online shop. Now through Labor Day (September 5, 2011) you'll find all these oh-so-cool wearables marked 25% off. Stock is limited to what's on hand (read "no backorders"). so if you want the best selection you should shop sooner rather than later.» Click here to see everything on sale.
New Beer Releases
Here's a quick list of recent and upcoming beer releases:
- July 16: Santa's Little Helper (Bourbon Barrel-Aged) - 22 ounce bottles and draft. Limited quantities in distribution
- Aug. 5: Summer Pale Ale (SPA) - Draft only. Distribution limited to Southern California.
- Aug. 15: Panzer Pils - 22 ounce bottles and draft. Seasonal; Full distribution.
- Aug. 19: Hop 15 - 22 ounce bottles and draft. Seasonal; Full distribution.
For a full release schedule, check our event calendar.