Great Lakes Brewing Co. today announced a new name for one of its popular beers.
The double IPA formerly known as Alchemy Hour will now be known as Chillwave, which will be available in March 2014. The change stemmed from a trademark matter with Craft Brew Alliance, Inc. (CBA), which represents an alliance between Widmer Brothers Brewing, Kona Brewing Co. and Redhook Brewing.
UPDATE: Here’s the official press release from Great Lakes:
CLEVELAND—In March of 2014, Great Lakes Brewing Company® (GLBC) will release their Seasonal Alchemy Hour Double IPA under a new name: Chillwave Double IPA. A statement was released to fans on GLBC’s website this morning.
The new name is the result of an unforeseen trademark matter involving Craft Brew Alliance, Inc. (CBA) and Widmer Brothers Brewing which arose shortly after Alchemy Hour Double IPA’s strong market debut in February, 2013. “A lot of thought and preparation went into the name,” says GLBC Co-Owner Pat Conway. “We were disappointed that we had to change it, but both parties handled the situation amicably. The beer is still excellent, regardless of the name. We’re very proud to release it again as Chillwave Double IPA.”
Chillwave Double IPA will hit GLBC’s markets in March, 2014 on draft and in 4-Packs. The recipe, which features a blend of Mosaic hops, Nugget hops, and honey malt, remains unchanged. The label’s artwork pays tribute to the North Coast’s underground surf culture, and will return with slight modifications.
The name Chillwave Double IPA references the cold, often harsh conditions that Great Lakes surfers must face each time they ride waves. The Chillwave story:
Great Lakes surfers work hard for their thrills. They wake before dawn, listening to the weather report like school kids hoping for a snow day. If the waves are worthy, they ride. No matter the cold, no matter the season, no matter the frozen crystals gathering in their beards, or the wind-whipping, white knuckle conditions they must face. Yeah, they’re all a little crazy. But we didn’t craft our Double IPA for the faint of heart. With a flash of Mosaic hops and a kiss of honey malt, it’s a rush in a bottle. Drink our Chillwave. Then go out and ride your own.