NEWS & PRESS.....

Aug 2010: Check out our August 2010 Newsletter

Aug 2010: THE ATYPICAL SERIES... Recently, somewhere hidden deep inside Thomas Creek Brewery, our brewers began tinkering with the idea of creating something more unique, something to make people stand up and take notice. Tom wasn’t satisfied with the incredible success of Up the Creek (our 12.5% ABV extreme IPA), nor was he satisfied with inventing the Belgian-Style Porter (Dirty Monk). No, something else needed to be done to really drive home the point, “Don’t Be Typical.” Then, it happened; one day the 3.5 bbl system was free of test batches, there was time in the production schedule, and extra grain in storage. That initial brewing of Conduplico Immundus Monachus, an imperial version of Dirty Monk marked the beginning of what we have come to call our “Atypical Series,” a series a beers that will be wholly unique, but still incredibly delicious. Soon after, Assistant Brewer Matt Manthe’s Key lime and pink peppercorn Saison, Houlbon et Poivre, was in production. Although the small brewhouse had to return to its regular duties for a short time, several uncommon beers are slated to join the first two in the series, both of which are available at the brewery. We hope to release these beers to the public very soon in larger 750 mL corked bottles. Be on the lookout!

Aug 2010: THOMAS CREEK IN ALABAMA... Thomas Creek is proud to welcome a new distributor to our family. Pinnacle Imports of Bessemer, AL is our exclusive distributor for the state of Alabama. For years we received calls from Alabama retailers and customers asking for our product. Once “Free the Hops” was successful in getting the ABV limit raised to 13.9%, the requests increased and we listened! Howdy Alabama!!

 Aug 2010: GROWLERS FOR SALE...

We now have Thomas Creek branded, brown, half gallon growlers. Brown glass prevents the beer inside from spoiling in the light, allowing you to store your pints for days. A beer lineup included in the back text of the growler also allows us to label your beer, saving you the trouble of identifying which beer you are reaching for when your refrigerator inevitably fills up with Thomas Creek growlers. In addition, growlers are refillable; so, just bring your growler back to Thomas Creek for us to sanitize and fill with any of the 13 beers available!

 

Aug 2010: REVIEW IN SBN... Check out the latest edition of Southern Brew News for a shining taste review of our Stillwater Vanilla Cream Ale. You can look for the SBN brewspapers in your favorite beer bars, brewpubs, breweries and beer stores throughout the Southeast or read them on-line.   

Aug 2010: BREWERY BASH 2010... That’s right folks, it’s that time again. When the weather starts to finally cool down, college football gears back up, the leaves on the trees turn those beautiful rustic fall colors, you know what time it is... time for the annual Thomas Creek Brewery Bash! The Halloween holiday weekend will once again be host to the yearly bash at Thomas Creek on October 30th. More details coming soon!

Aug 2010: DOPPLEBOCK WINS AGAIN...

In early July, winners were announced for the 2010 US Open Beer Championships (USOBC), a competition unique for allowing entries from both professional brewers and homebrewers. Deep Water Dopplebock won a gold medal in the Dopple/Strong Bock category. Deep Water Dopplebock (7.0% ABV, 30 IBU) is a full-bodied German style lager with a rich flavor. Malty and smooth, but with very little hop bitterness. Toasted nuts and chocolate are the dominant lingering flavors, making this an excellent companion to our Stillwater Vanilla Cream Ale. Check out our dopplebock in  The Beer Devotional and 1001 Beers You Must Try Before You Die.

July 2010: NEWSLETTER... Please visit our July 2010 Newsletter

July 2010: BEER FOR SALE AT THOMAS CREEK...

Beer sales and beer tastings at Thomas Creek are now legal! For years we have been inundated regularly by beer enthusiasts and tourists who wish to make direct beer purchases from us and we are thrilled that now we can accommodate those requests!

 

In conjunction with a tour, you can now purchase up to 288 oz. of beer per person per day (up to a case of beer, 4 1/2 gallon-size growlers, or 2 gallon-size growlers). You can also sample up to 4 styles of beer (4 oz. pours) during your tour. Depending on which beers we have tapped each day, you may be able to sample a test batch of one of Tom's newest creations or enjoy one of your old-time favorites fresh on draft.

Beers currently available for sale:

Appalachian Amber Ale          Pump House Porter

Class Five IPA                       River Falls Red Ale

Deep Water Dopplebock         Stillwater Vanilla Cream Ale

Dirty Monk Belgian Porter **    Up The Creek Extreme IPA

Dockside Pilsner

**Available in growlers only

July 2010: TC'S 12th ANNIVERSARY...

July marks the 12th anniversary of Thomas Creek  Brewery! It seems like just yesterday that we began, but we have been at it for 12 great years! Thanks to everyone out there drinking Thomas Creek who helped the brewery get where it is today. We truly could not have done any of it without the loyal support and commitment of our fans.

July 2010: MEET THE BREW DOGS...

Our brewery wouldn't be complete without the brew dogs, Barley & Porter. On any given day when you come in for homebrew supplies or a tour, Barley and Porter will greet you at the door and expect a belly rub soon after. General work duties include  lapping up spilled beer, chasing cases of beer down the conveyer line and border patrol, what a hard job for them right? They bring a special kind of work ethic to Thomas Creek that could only come from the canine world. Not only do they put in their time, Barley & Porter brighten the place up with their cheerful attitudes and perky personalities. If you've never met them, stop by with a dog biscuit sometime!

July 2010: COMMUNITY TAP OPENS...

The Community Tap is now open and offering a craft beer and wine selection that rivals any, but in a unique, boutique style setting. With six rotating taps and a selection of beers whose origins range from Belgium to Greenville's own Thomas Creek, there is sure to be something for everyone. Check out their website www.thecommunitytap.com for a complete beer and wine list. And don't be afraid to ask for something off the wall.

July 2010: BOTTLE TREE RELEASES...

The much-anticipated brand Bottle Tree Blonde has finally hit stores, pubs and restaurants across South Carolina and Louisiana! Check out the rave review from the Hub City Brew Review & press coverage from the Spartanburg Herald Journal and FOX Carolina.

June 2010: NEWSLETTER... Please visit our June 2010 Newsletter

June 2010: BONNAROO REMINDER...

If you're heading to Manchester, TN this year for the infamous Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, be sure to stop by the Broo'ers Festival in Centeroo for a few cool, refreshing Thomas Creek beers! The Broo'ers Village will feature live entertainment, perfect food pairings, 'Broo U' beer seminars and much much more. Stop by on your way through Centeroo, and Seek The Creek!

June 2010: TASTING BILL UPDATE... We're so close!! H4572 has been ratified by the SC House after the Senate combined and amended 3 bills. Next stop- the Governor's desk! Thomas Creek will soon be well on our way to offering formal tours, tastings and limited beer sales (cases & growlers) right from the brewery!! So stay tuned for details!

June 2010: TC IN THE PRESS...

Thomas Creek was recently featured on Fox Carolina! Newscasters go inside the brewery for an in-depth look at the brewing process. Check out the video here!

All About Beer's most recent issue includes tasting notes on two Thomas Creek beers- Appalachian Amber Ale & Class Five IPA. You'll find the reviews in the section entitled "Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers."

June 2010: WINNING MEDALS...

Thomas Creek rounded up 5 medals from the 2010 Carolinas Championship of Beer!

*Silver Medals awarded for: Appalachian Amber Ale, Class Five IPA, Pump House Porter 

*Bronze Medals awarded for: Deep Water Dopplebock, Dockside Pilsner

 

Thomas Creek walked away with another 3 medals at the 2010 World Beer Championships!

*Silver Medals awarded for: Appalachian Amber Ale, Class Five IPA, Deep Water Dopplebock

June 2010: UPSTATE BREWTOPIANS MTG... The Upstate Brewtopians are a vibrant and enthusiastic group of homebrewers who are ready and willing to help out newcomers and trade techniques with  fellow experienced homebrewers. It's a great opportunity for anyone interested in homebrewing to see what it's all about! The Upstate Brewtopians meet this month on June 12th at Thomas Creek and we'd love to see you here!

June 2010: CONTRACT BREWING... Ever wonder how contract brewing works? Acclaimed blog writer Brian Cendrowski helps navigate the ins and outs of contract brewing in his most recent post on the the HOPPRESS blog.

May 2010: NEWSLETTER... Please visit our May 2010 Newsletter

May 2010: BONNAROO... Well folks, it looks like there will be even more great craft beer available at Bonnaroo this year! Thomas Creek has been asked to participate in the Broo'ers Festival at Bonnaroo 2010. Have kegs & tent, will travel to Manchester, TN!

May 2010: EXPANSION UPDATE... In late 2009, Thomas Creek Brewery began an expansion into the 3rd module within our warehouse complex. Construction has been coming along and we are nearly finished! By the first of May, we will have an additional 1,200 square foot keg cooler available for refrigerated storage. The condensing units and compressors  are installed and wired, we are working on sealing the doors. This long-needed addition to the brewery will allow TC to have more inventory available for our distributors and customers, as well as accommodate additional production throughout the facility. 

Many late nights and help from a few good friends have helped make this possible. We are so excited to finally have access to more storage, refrigeration and streamlined operations. The end result will yield a higher level of service to our distributors and vendors, and more beer in the hands of our faithful beer-drinking customers.

 

May 2010: BOTTLE TREE  LAUNCH... April 26th marked the launch of a new beer brand in the Upstate. Bottle Tree Beer Co. owner Fred Block has a long history of homebrewing, craft beer appreciation and research in the beer industry. Now in a production partnership with Thomas Creek, Bottle Tree is launching into the Southeast, full steam ahead. Please visit this week's article in the Spartanburg Herald Journal to learn more about the Bottle Tree brand, its  illustrious history and where to find the beer near you!

May 2010: TOP OF THE HOPS RECAP... Over 2000 people attended the inaugural Top of the Hops Beer Festival on April 10th at the Bi-Lo Center. Attendees were able to sample over 200 beers from around the US and the world. If you missed it this year, plan on attending Top of the Hops 2011! We'll let you know all the details in the months to come. Thanks to everybody who helped make this event possible and thanks for all you Thomas Creek fans out there who showed us a bunch of love during Top of the Hops 2010!

April 2010: NEWSLETTER... Please visit our April 2010 Newsletter

April 2010: NEWSLETTER... Sign up for our monthly newsletter!

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April 2010: BLOGGING... Thomas Creek has recently started blogging! Check it out & subscribe at www.thomascreekbeer.blogspot.com!!

April 2010: BEER FEST WEEK SCHEDULE...

Thurs, April 8th, 5:00-6:30: TC On Tap @ Green's www.greensbeverages.com
Thurs, April 8th, 7:00 – 10:00: TC Randall Night @ Barley's!! www.barleystaproom.com/greenville
Fri, April 9th, 6:30 – 9:30: Brewers Reception
Sat, April 10th, 1:00 – 2:00: VIP Early Entry to Top of the Hops Beer Festival www.topofthehopsbeerfest.com/greenville
Sat, April 10th, 2:00 – 6:00: Top of the Hops Beer Festival!! www.topofthehopsbeerfest.com/greenville
Sat, April 10th, 3:00:: Brew University class at TOH Beer Fest- Homebrewing 101 w/ Brian Cendrowski
Sat, April 10th, 4:00: Brew University class at TOH Beer Fest- Evolution of Craft Beer w/ Tom Davis
Sat, April 10th, 5:00: Brew University class at TOH Beer Fest- Beer & Cheese Pairings w/ Whole Foods Market
Sat, April 10th, 7:00 – 10:00: Cask Night @ Barley's! www.barleystaproom.com/greenville

April 2010: THOMAS CREEK INTERNATIONAL...

On March 30, 2010, Thomas Creek joined the likes of other American craft breweries. when we shipped our first international order.  Although the 20 ft. container vessel bound for Sweden only represented 10 percent of our shipped volume during the month, we all knew how important this shipment was. In addition to the new one-way kegs, specially treated pallets, and multitude of packaging material, weeks of legal and financial preparation was required to pull off a relatively small international order.

But why go through all of this trouble for such a small percentage of our sales? As many beer exporters will attest, it is the American presence in the international beer market that is important. Individuals living outside of the US often associate American beer with the big three who have long produced beer for the masses. 

However, the rise of American craft brewing has changed the face of brewing; from pushing old styles over the top to creating entirely new styles. Beer savvy Europeans recognize this ingenuity, and credit American craft brewers as the impetus   for the creation of new flavors that are beginning to redefine beer. Adventurous brewers from across the US are ready to introduce the world to the new face of American beer.

March 2010: NEWSLETTER... Please visit our March 2010 Newsletter

March 2010: TOP OF THE HOPS BEER FEST...

For years, craft beer lovers in the Upstate have been forced to travel all over the Southeast to enjoy  a festival devoted to beer.   Well, area residents need not worry anymore; gone are the long hours of travel necessary to sample beers from all over the country in a unique festival setting.  Coming this April, Greenville will play host to the inaugural Top of the Hops Beer Festival.

On April 10, breweries from around the world will be proudly serving over 120 different beers to the lucky few who are able to purchase the limited number of tickets.  In addition, local restaurants will be serving a wide selection of food that is sure to compliment the vast array of beer styles.

If you are looking for  a way to pass the time while enjoying your beer, then wander over to the educational tent and check out one of the seminars, such as “Cooking with Beer” or “How-To-Brew Beer.”  If you just can’t bare to stay inside on a Saturday afternoon, pass the time by enjoying one of the regional bands set to perform or games such as corn hole.

As a proud presenting sponsor of the Top of the Hops Beer Fest, all of us at Thomas Creek would like to invite everyone (21 and older, or course) out to spend the afternoon sampling some of the best beers available to the public.  Make sure to stop by our booth to check out a wide variety of Thomas Creek products, including this month’s featured beer, Deep Water Dopplebock, and a few offerings that you won’t find in stores.  While you’re there, check out our new merchandise, leave us some suggestions, or just spend some time talking to the team that helps make Thomas Creek possible.  Tickets are available through the Bi-Lo Center Box Office, or by visiting www.topofthehopsbeerfest.com or www.ticketmaster.com. 

March 2010: A DIRTY MONK IN BREWING IN THE AREA...

This month, Thomas Creek’s lineup is getting a little help from a Dirty Monk, our new Belgian porter.  With a taste profile somewhere between a Belgian black ale and IPA, some might say that this porter is confused.  However, we prefer to let this robust Belgian’s smoky tones and slightly bitter finish speak for itself.  Brewed with authentic Trappist yeast, this porter is sure to delight with its unique flavors.  Look for Dirty Monk at Total Wine’s new growler station, where the public will have their first chance to take the Dirty Monk home.  Also, Flying Saucer in Columbia, SC will have Dirty Monk on tap during one of their rare keg nights sometime this month or in early April, so don’t miss your chance to try this one of a kind beer.  While we do plan to offer Dirty Monk in bottles, a release date has not been determined at this time. 

6.5% ABV - 60 IBU

Feb 2010: NEWSLETTER... Please visit our February 2010 Newsletter

Feb 2010: THOMAS CREEK EXPANDS...  

In these tough economic times, microbreweries are one of the few businesses that continue to experience economic growth. While the three largest domestic breweries are struggling to maintain their market share, microbrews are becoming increasingly popular.

Thomas Creek has recently acquired two additional 60 barrel fermenters, and one 60 barrel Bright beer tank. We now have nine fermenters and five Bright beer tanks, increasing annual capacity to roughly 18,000 barrels. Additionally, TC has moved into a third warehouse, and the brewery now occupies 20,000 sq ft. The TC market includes SC, NC, GA, TN and VA. Our goal for 2010 is to be in FL an AL as well.

Feb 2010: NEW LEGISLATION... Last year, Bill 3693 was submitted to the SC House of Representatives, but ended session in the Judiciary Committee. SC House Bill 3693 would have allowed very limited tastings to be conducted in a designated area of the brewery. In conjunction with the four other microbreweries in SC and the local beer wholesalers association, we have been working on a compromise bill that would allow for tastings and limited sales as part of our brewery tours. If the amended version is passed, we will be able to offer four 4 oz. samples of beer and sales of 288 oz. per person/per day; this would allow for sales up to two 1 gallon growlers, four 2 liter growlers, or one case of beer. While the bill is currently in the hands of the SC legislators, in the future we might be calling on your support for in-state microbreweries. Follow the issue at www.southcarolinabeer.org.

Jan 2010: BEER FESTIVALS... Check us out at these upcoming beer festivals throughout the Southeast:

1/16/10: All About Beer's World Beer Festival, Columbia, SC * 1/23/10: Winter Warmer 2010, Asheville, NC * 1/30/10: Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting, Atlanta, GA

2/27/10: Charleston Brewvival, Charleston, SC * 3/13/10: Beertopia Beer Festival, Fort Mill, SC * 3/27/10: Myrtle Beach Beer Fest, Myrtle Beach, SC

4/10/10: Top of the Hops Beer Festival, Greenville, SC * 4/11/10: Classic City Brew Fest, Athens, GA * 4/17/10: Hickory Hops Brew Festival, Hickory, NC

4/24/10: All About Beer's World Beer Festival, Raleigh, NC

 

    **You can also check out our Calendar for more events we will be attending this spring.

Dec 2009: EXPANSION...

From our beginning in 1998, we have always envisioned expanding the brewery down the warehouse row where we inhabited only 1 of 3 modules. That was, until late 2007 when we acquired the 2nd module in the strip, quickly filling it with equipment, cellar tanks and a new bottling line. Now in 2010, we have officially moved into the 3rd warehouse module on the property. Now with nearly 20,000 square feet, we are working hard at filling up the new space with equipment, packaging materials, and a much-needed brand new cooler. Yay for more space!

Dec 2009: SC LEGISLATION... We are currently working with the SC Brewers Association to create legislation that would allow for tastings and limited dockside sales at microbreweries throughout the state. Check out the SCBA webpage to find out how you can help the cause of SC brewers and craft beer.

Oct 2009: NEW TANKS... Two new fermenters are now in place and being used constantly to keep up with demand. Before long, we will have even more tanks on the way! We have also added a new rake system to the brewhouse that will be making the brewers' lives much easier from here on out!

Sep 2009: MUSIC TO YOUR MOUTH...

Thomas Creek is thrilled to return as a participant in Palmetto Bluff's 3rd annual MUSIC TO YOUR MOUTH- LOWCOUNTRY CELEBRATION from November 18-22. Created in collaboration with Food Network celebrity Chef Tyler Florence and Coastal Living magazine, the Celebration features cooking demonstrations, Lowcountry cuisine from regional guest chefs, vintners and brewers from across the nation, live music, food and wine tastings, and private events. When the best tastes and sounds are all around you, its music to your mouth!

Sep 2009: OCBOBERFEST ON DRAFT... Look for Thomas Creek's fall release Octoberfest- officially released this week!!

Aug 2009: ON TAP ARTICLE REVIEWS APPALACHIAN AMBER ALE...

 Check out Jake Grove's review of Appalachian Amber Ale in      Anderson's Independnet Mail, special On Tap section- go to Independent Mail.

July 2009: RIVER FALLS RED ALE WINS... Thomas Creek's ever-popular River Falls Red Ale wins the Bronze medal for Irish Red Ale at the US Open Beer Championships! More than 1,000 breweries from more than 30 countries, as well as the 29 National Homebrewing Champions from the US & Canada were invited to participate. Breweries and home brewers worldwide competed side-by-side in the blind judging. For details, go to USOpenBeer.com.

June 2009: OFFICIAL UP THE CREEK RELEASE...

Look for it everywhere! Up The Creek is on the streets!

 

June 2009: FACEBOOK & TWITTER... Check out Thomas Creek on Facebook & Twitter

May 2009: UP THE CREEK HIGH GRAV RELEASE...

We are very close to releasing our high gravity UP THE CREEK- EXTREME IPA in 12 oz. 4-Packs. We plan to hit the streets with this beer by the beginning of June. With 111 IBU's and alcohol at 12.5% by volume, this beer is mashed in at a low temperature to increase the amount of fermentable sugars while reducing residual sweetness. This creates a hoppy behemoth of a beer with its alcohol well hidden. Up The Creek is designed to be dangerously drinkable, so use caution or you'll find yourself Up The Creek!!

May 2009: VANILLA SEASONAL RELEASE... The highly anticipated summer seasonal, Stillwater Vanilla Cream Ale, is just starting to hit the streets. This unique offering from Thomas Creek is a light-bodied and golden American-Style Cream Ale with a highly refreshing palate and an undertone of pure vanilla essence. A blend of Tahitian and Madagascar vanilla extracts are infused into the beer at the secondary stage for a balanced sweet flavor that is distinct yet subtle enough to leave you wanting more! Look for the Stillwater Vanilla Cream Ale in 6-packs as well as draft.
 

Apr 2009: TC IN VIRGINIA... New territory! Thomas Creek now has distribution in Richmond, Virginia. As of April, we have launched with Loveland Distributing for the greater Richmond area, and wow what a great reception they have shown us! Multiple tastings, numerous on-premise and retail placements, and a May beer festival have helped usher Thomas Creek brews into the great state of VA. Look out for Appalachian Amber Ale, River Falls Red Ale & Deep Water Dopplebock in Richmond!
 

Apr 2009: ANOTHER DOPPLEBOCK MEDAL... Thomas Creek's Deep Water Dopplebock wins another medal at Carolinas Championship of Beer 2009. After winning a Silver Medal at last fall's Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO, Brewer Tom Davis is proud to be the recipient of another Silver Medal from the annual Hickory Hops CCB judging competition that took place in Hickory, NC in April 2009. Deep Water Dopplebock won the Silver for the German Strong Bock category in both competitions.
 

Apr 2009: HOMEBREW BIZ BOOMS... Thomas Creek's homebrew shop is a booming business. Homebrewers are coming out of the woodwork lately and fantastic homebrews are abound in the Upstate of SC! The local homebrew group Upstate Brewtopians www.upstatebrewtopians.com , are really making a splash in SC and brewing outstanding beers. Check them out online to find out how you can become a member. Also stop by our homebrew shop, right here inside the brewery, for great deals on everything you could possibly need to make your very own tasty concoctions at home.