In the Arkansas craft beer community, there are very few beers as celebrated as Cuban Pull Imperiale by Moody Brews. It debuted in late 2016 before Josiah Moody went to Bike Rack Brewing in Bentonville and hasn’t been seen since. However, I’m excited to announce that Cuban Pull Imperiale is back, perhaps as soon as this week. For those who don’t know, this is an imperial version of Cuban Pull, a coffee-infused brown ale. Moody ages the brew in Rock Town Distillery rum barrels for a full year, then rests it on espresso beans. The result is an alarmingly smooth brew with an ABV of 9.4% rich flavors of vanilla, rum and caramel. I’m not exaggerating when I say that this is one of the best beers I’ve ever had, from any brewery anywhere in the world. When I spoke to Moody this weekend, he was unsure when it would go on tap at Vino’s, though it could come as early as this week. Moody made about three barrels worth of Cuban Pull Imperiale, but that will not last long. Keep your eyes on the Moody Brews Facebook page and be ready to get to Vino’s on a moment’s notice when this one is released.
Flyway Brewing has a brand new beer making its debut this week. The taproom is releasing Wapiti Wit, a 4.5% ABV classic wheat beer that features quite a bit of flavor. I got to sample it this weekend and found it well rounded with fruity esters, silky texture and a satisfyingly dry finish. For those who don’t know, “wapiti” is a Native American word for “elk,” which fits right in to Flyway’s Arkansas wildlife-themed branding. Wapiti Wit goes on tap at Flyway Wednesday starting when the doors open at 4 p.m.
Lost Forty Brewing today is releasing their second riff on the increasingly popular 2nd Rodeo cream ale. For its Freshcut Monday release, the taproom is releasing a small batch of Peach 2nd Rodeo. The brew team used fresh peaches from Barnhill Orchards in Lonoke to give this 4.1% ABV crowd-pleaser a delicious fruity profile that celebrates Arkansas summer. Previously, Lost Forty released a watermelon version that was done exceptionally well, and there’s no reason think the peach release will be anything but tasty. It’s only available by the glass today at the taproom, so make plans to get there at 4 p.m. for a taste.
Fall is (allegedly) coming soon, and Rebel Kettle Brewing Company is here this week with their popular take on an Oktoberfest brew. For its 4:30 Thursday release, the taproom is bringing back Show ‘em Your O’Fest, a 6.1% ABV Marzen-style beer. Rebel Kettle brews this with 100% German malts and select Noble hops for a classic, mildly spiced Oktoberfest that has excellent balance. You can get this one by the glass and in crowlers and growlers to go starting Thursday.
For you hopheads, this week’s most attractive release is going to be at Stone’s Throw Brewing. Its #NewBrewFriday tapping is Amer Belge, which literally translates to “bitter Belgian.” Amer Belge is a 7.9 % ABV Belgian IPA. It starts with Stone’s Throw’s classic Bernoulli pale ale, which gets aggressively hopped seven times with American hops. The result is a mildly funky ale with loads of juicy hop notes that will make craft beer lovers very happy. Check it out at the MacPark location on Friday starting at 4 p.m.
Do you have any beer news to share with us? Email steveshuler@gmail.com.
RIP Damgoode Pies
November 20, 2023
