2017 was an exciting year for us and 2018 is looking to be even better with the celebration of our 20th Anniversary. Founded in 1998, we brewed 500 barrels in our first year at the original brewery on 11th Street. Our expansion over the years has included two breweries and four locally-focused and locally-revered brewpubs and tasting rooms across central Indiana and a wholesale distribution footprint that’s focused on the Midwest for core beers and our sour ales span the coasts in key markets. We have several new releases planned for 2018 and no plans to slow down.

“Our 20th anniversary signals a lot of exciting innovation and change throughout our entire portfolio, not least of which is the return of our Preservation Pilsner in 15 pk 12oz cans. Also, keep an eye on our rotating Tart Series and Side Trail IPA Series—our new release calendar features many beers that were originally forged in the small batch arena, now ready for prime time. The brewers are always experimenting, and we’re excited to bring many of these beers to wider audiences,” said David Bower, VP of Sales.

Kicking off the new year with a Side Trail IPA series, we’re bringing back the much sought-after Juiced in Time. Originally available on draught only, this hazy IPA returns in 4 pk 16 oz cans. Juiced in Time will be the first of five IPAs released in 2018. A Tart Series will also be introduced in January with the return of our sleeper hit of 2017, Petal to the Kettle, a kettle sour brewed with rose, hibiscus, and strawberry. This beer debuted in package last spring in 12 oz bottles, but will now be available in 12 oz cans. The Tart Series will continue with Two of Tarts, a gose with passionfruit and mango, and a third tart beer that’s currently in the works.

“We have a lot to celebrate in year 20 with the introduction of 20+ new core beers and the release of several new beers in 12 oz cans. Our wood-aged sour program is also ramping up innovation the launch of 20+ new beers, including several collaborations. The goal for these new beers is to show the kind of experiences we want to create in our next 20 years, ” said Pete Batule, Head of Brewing Operations

We’ll also introduce a new summer seasonal beer that is light, citrusy, and perfect for summer adventures. Life Exotic is a saison brewed with tangerine and lemon zest, giving it an undeniably refreshing flavor. “We’re inspired by the outdoor hobbies we enjoy on the weekends and our regulars and fans. Our brews tell a story—our purpose— through a tasting experience that’s unique as the inspiration. Life Exotic will be the go-to beer for lake-lounging this year,” said Batule. Pick up 6 pk 12 oz cans this summer and also enjoy on draught.

On the sour side, the Wood Shop Sour Ale brewery will first release exclusive beers to our Secret Barrel Society members, including Guava, which will become available to the public in early February. Sour fans can expect even more ambitious and creative beers this year, with collaboration brews in the works with Freigeist, Mikkeller, Cascade and Cigar City. Our 7th Annual Sour Wild Funk Fest is set for April 7 at the Mavris Arts & Event Center in downtown Indianapolis, where sour devotees can try some of the best sour ales from around the country. Tickets for this event are now on sale at uplandsourfest.com.

Our 20th Anniversary celebrates two decades of bringing people together to enjoy good craft beer with festivities planned throughout the year. It’s onward and upward to honor a legacy of great beer while introducing the next chapter of the Upland story. The full 2018 release calendar can be found here. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *