LUCAS BOLS AND STILLWATER ALES JOIN FORCES TO REINVENT THE TRADITIONAL DUTCH “KOPSTOOTJE”
The Premiere Partnership to Launch a National U.S. Tour in Early 2012 to Showcase the Revolutionary Style of Drinking Craft Beer and Bols Genever together!
COME HANG OUT W/ BRIAN STRUMKE OF STILLWATER!
December 13, 2011, New York, NY — Lucas Bols, the world’s oldest distilled spirits brand, has found a natural match with brewing wünderkind Brian Stillwater of Stillwater Artisanal Ales, who has created a unique beer to sip alongside Bols Genever. The new brew, is designed to educate Americans in the experience of Kopstootje (pronounced kop-stow-che), the unique Dutch century-long tradition of a “beer and a shot”. Lucas Bols and Stillwater Ales, a first of its kind partnership, will roll out a ten-city U.S. tour this March to introduce the concept to the masses.
Chug it, Slam it, or Down it, are typical words associated with drinking a “shot” of liquor, but Kopstootje, a Dutch drinking ritual found in every bar in Holland is a bit more refined in the technique. Literally translated as a “little head butt”, a Kopstootje is a shot sipped from a tulip glass filled to the brim with Bols Genever and paired up with a beer. Bartenders fill the tulip glass to the absolute rim creating a meniscus shape that almost overflows. Drinkers bend forward, put their hands on their back and slurp the top, then take a sip of the accompanying beer.
At the 2011 Tales of the Cocktail event in New Orleans, Lucas Bols saw an opportunity to educate the U.S. bartender community and American consumers alike about Kopstootje. The brand introduced the “beer and Bols” pairing concept by setting a record for the World’s Largest Kopstooje Toast. Over 400 imbibers and revelers participated in the event making history, along with garnering intrigue around the Kopstootje concept.
The success of this event led Lucas Bols to seek collaboration with the nomadic American Craft Brewer, Stillwater Artisan Ales, to create tailor-made Kopstootje beer, for the American public, which will be released in early 2012.
“Lucas Bols is deeply committed to crafting the highest quality spirits and we’re thrilled to be partnering with brewing luminary Brian Stillwater, who shares this same commitment,” said Tal Nadari, Managing Director Lucas Bols USA. “Stillwater Kopstootje Beer is being specially brewed to accompany Bols Genever’s rich bouquet of botanicals and malty flavor. It will be a perfect accompaniment to Bols Genever’s malty flavor, and will give the Dutch tradition an American twist.”
About Lucas Bols USA/ Bols Genever
Lucas Bols B.V. was originally established in 1575 in Amsterdam, Holland. The company is built on a long and rich heritage which forms the basis for all of its brands. Based in Amsterdam, Lucas Bols B.V. distributes across 110 countries. As one of the world’s leading cocktail liqueur and spirit producers, the company prides itself on its commitment to innovation and excellence, incorporating the lively, cosmopolitan spirit of modern day Amsterdam with an international flavor.
Genever was awarded the prestigious A.O.C. status (Appellation d’Origine Controllée) in 2007 and can only be named as such if produced in Holland and a few neighbouring areas. www.lucasbols.com
About Stillwater Artisanal Ales
A nomadic brewing venture helmed by Brian “Stillwater” Strumke, the goal of Stillwater Artisanal is to create living art. Although packaged within a medium often overlooked for its artistic merits, Stillwater aims to offer something new and intriguing with each brew. Stillwater presents more than just a fine crafted beverage, rather an occasion that evokes emotion and inspires contemplation. Brewer Brian Stillwater believes art is not a sum of actions but rather an approach to life and draws inspiration from the world around him, whether it is a season, location, or humanity itself. His intent is to encapsulate this muse, exhibiting an artistic rendition to the best of our abilities.
Brian took his beers public in 2010 and now travels to various breweries in the US and Europe hand-crafting small-batch, authentic ales. His award-winning brews have been featured on NPR, in The Washington Post, Food & Wine, New York Magazine, and The Atlantic Monthly to name a few. Distribution of Stillwater currently reaches over 30 states and 12 countries.