Surly Announces April 2019 Releases

From Surly:

Our April new release lineup is formidable, and rather than make you slog through a long introductory paragraph about hops and barley and the American West and the changing of the seasons, we’re just gonna tell you about ’em. Let’s go.

• SUMMER VARIETY PACK. We’re absolutely stoked for warm weather, and our Summer Variety Pack is brewed for the occasion. Our Furious and Xtra-Citra flagships share the spotlight with two sessionable, seasonal choices:
  • Grapefruit Supreme. As you might have guessed from the name, this tart ale is spiked with grapefruit flavor and gentle tartness. Finishing crisp and citrusy throughout, it sets a new standard for crushable. Your Memorial Day weekend beer rotation has a new contender.
  • Warp Zone Pilsner. We teased a limited release of this beer locally in March, but it’s such a brewery favorite that we wanted it back right damn now. This crisp, classic, German-style pilsner is a remarkably easy drinker.
• HEAT SLAYER. Speaking of which, the hit of 2018’s Summer Variety Pack is back as a standalone six-pack for the summer. This refreshing kölsch-style ale, custom-made for the heat and humidity, pairs well with the startling new phenomenon we like to call “drinking beer outside.” We’re celebrating its release on Sunday, April 7th at the brewery with Slay Day, as we bid a less-than-fond farewell to a particularly brutal Minnesota winter.
• BARREL-AGED DARKNESS. When we ask the brewers what the timeline is on the barrel-aged version of our legendary Russian imperial stout, the response is usually “It’s ready when it’s ready” or “Quit f—ing asking, Stu”. The good news: It’s ready. Ideal for cellaring or the late-April snowstorm that paralyzes everything for 36 hours.
• SPACE RACE: The April BC Small Batch release is a hazy, double dry-hopped take on one of our wildly popular pilot IPAs in the Beer Hall. Twice the haze, twice the dry-hopping, twice the…well, everything.

These beers are available to all Surly markets, and begin hitting local shelves this week. The Space Race and BA Darkness quantities are limited, so if you see something, buy something. ABV, hop profile, flavor notes, and other relevant intel below.
Grapefruit Supreme

• 4.5% ABV
• Hops: Warrior
• Low bitterness
• Flavor/aromatic notes: Grapefruit, lemon, citrus

Warp Zone

• 5.2% ABV
• Hops: Spalt Select
• Low bitterness
• Flavor/aromatic notes: Bread, grain, fresh-cut grass, black tea

Heat Slayer

• 5.0% ABV
• Hops: Spalt Select
• Low bitterness
• Flavor/aromatic notes: Grain, biscuit, floral

BA Darkness

• 12% ABV
• Hops: Warrior, Simcoe, Amarillo
• Malt Bill: 2-Row, Simpson’s Golden Promise, Crystal, Dark Crystal, Oats, Black Malt, Chocolate Roasted Barley
• Special Guest: Belgian Dark Candi Sugar
• Barrels: Rye Whiskey
• Flavor/aromatic notes: Chocolate, vanilla, dried fruit, and cherry flavors, enhanced by the oak and spice of the barrel.
• Bottle Art: 2018 Featured Artist Michael Iver Jacobsen

Space Race

• 9.5% ABV
• Hops: Citra, Simcoe, El Dorado
• Low Bitterness
• Flavor/aromatic notes: Pineapple, guava, papaya, sweet orange