EUGENE, Ore.—Oregon’s own Ninkasi Brewing Company announces its year-round Flagship Series offerings for 2016. Starting January, Helles Belles, a Helles Lager, and Easy Way IPA, a drinkable India Pale Ale, join Ninkasi’s lineup of steadfast favorites available year-round in bottles and on-draft.
Known for its highly-hopped offerings like Total Domination India Pale Ale, Tricerahops Double India Pale Ale, and Dawn of the Red India Red Ale, Ninkasi has grown to become the 36th largest craft brewery in the United States and prides itself on making well-balanced, high-quality craft beers for a wide range of palates. Founded in 2006 by Nikos Ridge and Jamie Floyd, Ninkasi first debuted with Total Domination IPA. Since then, the brewery has developed its Flagship Series to include seven diverse beer styles all available year-round.
In 2016, craft beer drinkers can find new additions to Ninkasi’s year-round lineup including Helles Belles, a Helles Lager. After the brewery first released Lux, a German-Style Helles Lager, to its Flagship Series in 2015, it decided to revisit the recipe and brand. “We love Lux, which is why we gave it an upgrade,” explains Jamie Floyd, Ninkasi co-founder and founding brewer. “Helles Belles has a slightly higher ABV and IBU, offering a beer that is a little more expressive and playful for a German-Style Lager.” New branding also demonstrates the brewery’s more playful side, capturing its affinity for rock-‘n’-roll.
Also making its way to Ninkasi’s Flagship Series is Easy Way IPA, a drinkable India Pale Ale. At 4.7% ABV, Easy Way IPA supplements Ninkasi’s year-round IPA lineup by offering a beer that is as aromatic and hoppy as expected with a sessionable character. “This beer still has all that you would expect out of an IPA,” says Floyd. “A big hop aroma and a big hop flavor make it reminiscent of a traditional IPA but with less alcohol; it’s unexpectedly drinkable.”
Helles Belles, Helles Lager
Helles Belles is a headliner for the masses. Light and flavorful, this drinkable Lager strikes a chord between satisfyingly crisp and deliciously crafted. With a sweet, toasted malt flavor, a refreshing finish and just a hint of Noble hops, this beer defines drinkability. Allowed to ferment for a minimum of six weeks, Helles Belles is earnestly crafted to offer a beer that is as enjoyable as it is balanced.
Enjoyed Since: 2016 | OG: 1050 | IBUs: 28 | ABV: 5.3%
Easy Way IPA, India Pale Ale� (Available in select markets January 2016. Available everywhere else February 2016.)
Crafted for those who enjoy the aromatic and hoppy nature of IPAs but are pining for a lower ABV, Ninkasi introduces Easy Way IPA. A dynamic medley of hops and a crisp, satisfying finish define this unexpectedly sessionable IPA. The big, fruity hop nose and toasted malt flavor are anything but ordinary, offering a beer that is both aromatic and drinkable. With an ABV of 4.7%, this beer is for those ready to break the routine and go the Easy Way.
Enjoyed Since: 2016 | OG: 1045 | IBUs: 44 | ABV: 4.7%
