Gordon Biersch Pours Gold Medal-Winning Rauchbier For Limited Time

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- After claiming a gold medal win at the 2014 Great American Beer Festival^® (GABF), Gordon Biersch is thrilled to announce today, it is now offering Rauchbier and a menu of perfectly paired entrees, for a limited time at participating restaurants across the country. The limited-time offer comes on the heels of the launch of a new selection of craft beers made by seasoned brewers for those guests interested in trying new styles and flavor combinations.

Guests can enjoy Gordon Biersch's Rauchbier, a traditional Bamberg-style smoked beer made from the finest malted barley with a smooth, clean and enticing Beechwood smoke finish. Gordon Biersch's Rauchbier was recognized recently at the GABF in the Smoke Beer category at its Annapolis, Md., location. Presented by the Brewers Association, GABF is the largest national beer competition recognizing the most outstanding beers produced in the U.S. Rauchbier and its accompanying menu will be available at most Gordon Biersch locations through March 29, while select restaurants will offer the craft beer for an extended period of time.

"We're thrilled to be brewing one of our finest beers and give our brewmasters the ability to express their creativity in a way like never before," said Tom Dargen, director of brewing operations for CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, Inc. "When it comes to craft beer, our guests enjoy variety and Gordon Biersch's Rauchbier and diversified beer menu will allow them to explore a broad selection of flavors and styles."

As part of the expanded beer program, Gordon Biersch offers a variety of "hop forward" styles of IPAs and spicy, fruity Belgian beers that appeal to casual beer drinkers and connoisseurs alike. Depending on the location, some of the new beers include:

• Saison – a spicy, boldly flavored ale that hails from the French-speaking Belgian countryside. This fruity, peppery beer gets its flavor from a specific yeast strain.
• Belgian IPA – a pale Belgian ale brewed with a nice balance of fruity and spicy notes that is finished with Saaz hops; 2014 GABF silver medal winner in the American-Belgo-Style Ale category by the Gordon Biersch in Rockville, Md.
• Pale Ale – an American style ale with a copper hue and bright vibrant floral notes of citrus, grapefruit undertones and a slightly dry finish. 
• Porter – a dark ale made with caramel and chocolate malts for a depth of malt flavor. 

Known for its premium selection of German-style beers that are crafted to the exacting standards of the Reinheitsgebot or German Beer Purity Law, Gordon Biersch offers signature and award-winning German lagers and Ale, including its Marzen and Golden Export. The brand's Golden Export recently won a gold medal at the 2014 GABF in the Munich-Style Helles category at its Broomfield, Colo., location. In addition, Gordon Biersch's highly skilled brewers craft a variety of seasonal brews and traditional styles made with finest quality ingredients throughout the year, including Belgian and Farmhouse Ales, American IPAs, Imperials, Porters and barrel-aged beers. Furthermore, the restaurant features a wine list comprised of well-known producers from top growing regions around the world and a fun drink menu of classic cocktails.

About Gordon Biersch

Gordon Biersch is an upscale casual restaurant specializing in local brewing and handcrafted, seasonal foods. Over the years, Gordon Biersch has won many medals for our German lagers, which are brewed in-house according to the Reinheitsgebot purity law of 1516. Most recently, the brand won a Silver Medal for its newest beer – a Belgium IPA at the Great American Beer Festival. Gordon Biersch is located in 18 states across the country and the District of Columbia. For additional details about Gordon Biersch, please visit http://gordonbiersch.com/.

About CraftWorks

CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, Inc. is the largest craft brewery restaurant operator in the country with nearly 200 franchised and company-owned restaurants primarily operating under the Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants and Rock Bottom Restaurants & Breweries brands. As a leader in the casual dining segment, CraftWorks also operates strong regional brands, including ChopHouse and Big River, and employs more than 12,000 people throughout the U.S. All of CraftWorks' restaurant brands have innovative menus with made-from-scratch food and a vast selection of unique craft beer, as well as unbeatable service and loyalty programs that tout over a half-million active members. Based in Broomfield, Colo., CraftWorks is not only committed to serving its loyal guests, but also the communities in which its restaurants operate. In 2000, the CraftWorks Foundation was formed and has contributed millions of dollars, positively impacting communities throughout the country. For additional information about CraftWorks, the foundation and its craft brewery restaurant brands, please visit www.craftworksrestaurants.com.

CONTACT: Elayne Sommers
Fish Consulting
202.588.8138
[email protected]

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SOURCE Gordon Biersch