Alpine Willy Vanilly Going Year-Round & Nationwide

This month, San Diego craft brewery, Alpine Beer Company is debuting fan-favorite, Willy Vanilly to national consumers. Willy Vanilly is a vanilla-spiced American wheat ale that gained an ardent following among Alpine locals as a draft-only offering served exclusively in the Alpine Beer Company tasting room and restaurant. Willy Vanilly will be sold as a year-round beer in 6-packs (12oz bottles) and on draft across the country, introducing a flavor-forward new brew to the diverse Alpine Beer Company distribution lineup. 

Alpine Beer Company Brewmaster Patrick McIllhenney, added vanilla to enhance the flavors in their mildly-hopped American Wheat Ale, Willy. In doing so, McIllhenney was hoping to develop a “gateway” beer for those newly exploring the world of craft beer, however the balanced flavor profile of Willy Vanilly appeals to craft beer aficionados and novices alike.

“After primary fermentation & maturation we add a touch of vanilla extract to compliment the sweet nuttiness of the wheat malt,” explains Alpine Beer Company’s Head Brewer, Shawn McIllhenney.  “The result is a very appetizing, aromatic vanilla infused American Wheat Ale.  Amarillo hops add just a hint of fruitiness through the beer.”

Light & drinkable, the beer became an immediate success among Alpine Beer Company tasting room regulars, and scored a bronze medal in 2008 at the highly competitive San Diego International Beer Fest. Until now, the beer has only been served on draft at the brewery.

In addition to Willy Vanilly, the Alpine Beer Company year-round national lineup includes the following packaged offerings:  Duet IPA, Hoppy Birthday Pale Ale, Mandarin Nectar Orange Blossom Honey Ale with Orange Zest and Coriander, and Pure Hoppiness Double IPA.