“Aslan,” a name traditionally associated with a particularly famous mythical lion, is now one synonymous with great beer, sustainability and strong community involvement here in the northwest. Aslan Brewing Co. is a newcomer to the microbrewery scene (circa 2013) but like many of the ambitious, focused micro breweries here in the northwest, they have no intentions of leaving their brew quality, commitment or reach in the “micro” category. After a few years of consistent growth, Aslan Brewing was finally able to outfit their brewery last month with a new system that promises to double their current output. How do you double your output on a 15BBL system? Well a 30BBL system of course. Oh, and 3 new 60BBL fermenters to accommodate the additional output of the new 30BBL brewhouse. (A “brewhouse” is the mash tun, lauter tun, boil kettle, and whirlpool.) That’s really a lot of beer. A BBL converts to about 31.5 gallons here in the US when we’re talking about liquid gallons. This means each batch will net you about 1260 gallons of beer and when you factor in that there are 8 pints in a gallon, were talking about lot of net beers. This production increase has continued to pave the way for expansion throughout Washington and as of recently, now Oregon.

Historically, most of Aslan’s offerings have been limited to draft and didn’t often leave Bellingham in anything other than a keg. Two of their flagship beers, “Batch 15” and “Dawn Patrol” however are now being offered in 12oz cans. We have been distributing “Batch 15” in limited quantities for a while now, but we are excited to not only announce the launch of the “Dawn Patrol” Pacific Ale into our markets, but a more consistent supply of both excellent beers from Aslan Brewing Co. moving forward.

Of course Aslan Brewing Co. is more than just a righteous brewpub with great beer, and continue to have a strong commitment to their original goals of sustainability and community involvement. Originally certifying USDA organic for their products, in January of 2016 they registered and were certified as a Type B corporation.

“a B Corp inspires businesses to compete not only to be the best in the world, but to be the best for the world. Through a rigorous review and inspection process conducted by the B Lab, B Corps are required to meet higher standards of social and environmental performance and ensure that these standards are comprehensive and transparent. It’s like our USDA Organic certification but for the whole business, not just the beer. Unlike traditional corporations, B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions not only on their shareholders, but also on their stakeholders (e.g., workers, suppliers, community, consumers, and the environment.” – Aslan Brewing “Sustainability”

Joining an exclusive group of 1500 as a B-Corp, Aslan Brewing has continued to make good on their promises of leaving smaller footprints and giving back to the community, donating 15.5% of their profits to local organizations in 2016, becoming a clean energy partner, harvesting rainwater, and even going so far as to install their own grain silo on site to reduce grain bag usage, among many others. (You can check out more at http://www.aslanbrewing.com/sustainability/) A truly admirable dedication and just one of the many reasons we are happy to be working with Aslan Brewing Co. to share their beers with the world.

So be on the lookout for Batch 15 IPA and Dawn Patrol in stores and be sure to check out their website to learn more about their beer selection and their ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Beer Info

BATCH 15 IPA

7.0% ABV // 65 IBU // 1.060 OG

MEDIUM BODY + ZIPPY CITRUS + UNFILTERED

This hazy, juicy IPA is hopped heavily with Citra and Simcoe, then paired with choice American wheat and two-row barley. Intentionally unfiltered to spotlight the rawness of organic hops, this IPA is less bitter but more flavorful and balanced than most West Coast versions.

HOPS:
Bravo, Citra, Chinook, Simcoe
MALT:
2-Row Pale, Wheat
AWARDS:
[2015] 1st Place / People’s Choice / Yes, We CAN! Festival

DAWN PATROL PACIFIC ALE

5.3% ABV // 18 IBU // 1.054 OG

MEDIUM BODY + PINEAPPLE & MANGO NOTES + REFRESHING

This beer is mild yet complex in its delivery. The hop presence is noticed by subtle flavors of pineapples that meld beautifully with the slightly spicy and minty character derived from the use of Rye malt. A somewhat recently pioneered style, this Pacific Ale is delivered unfiltered to accentuate its fresh farm to glass, unprocessed, organic qualities.

HOPS:
Cascade, El Dorado
MALT:
2-Row Pale, Caramunich, Munich, Rye