Wiseacre Brewing Co., Memphis, will launch two new year-round beers this summer: Irusu Rice Lager and Puffel Hazy Double IPA. The introduction of these two brews will also represent two new packaging opportunities, with Irusu offered in a 15-pack and Puffel coming first in a 4-pack of 16-ounce cans and later in a 19.2-ounce stovepipe can.
“I was able to take a magical trip to Japan with a friend who was born there, and I fell even more in love with the country I had admired from afar for most of my life,” explained co-founder and brewmaster Davin Bartosch. “It is out of the Japanese tradition of super dry rice lager that Irusu was born. This beer has a gentle, smooth taste and a dry, palate-cleansing finish. Our artist Rachel Briggs knocked it out of the park yet again with the label, which was influenced by ukiyo-e woodblock art.”
“Puffel is a completely different story!” Davin continued. “This beer will be right at 9% ABV and is new age-y with the hazy appearance and hop character. The hop variety is something new for us, we are thrilled that we got our hands on enough of the highly sought-after New Zealand Nelson Sauvin hops to commit to Puffel being a year round beer.”
“Not that we take this notion too seriously, but with these two beer releases, we are bringing balance into the universe,” said Kellan Bartosch, Wiseacre co-founder. “On one hand, Irusu is the lightest beer we’ve ever made at 99 calories. In contrast, Puffel will be massive in every way, from mouthfeel to aroma, and flavor.” He added, “We’re also excited about the new packaging options, which offer different values and purchasing opportunities for the wide variety of Wiseacre fans.”
Wiseacre is currently sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington DC and, of course, Tennessee.
