March Madness: We’re Having a COOP Ale Works Tournament

Ed. note: Shout out to COOP Ale Works for sponsoring our podcast for the last few years. They’ve been awesome, and we love their product. Also thank you to our intern Jacob Overton for putting together this COOP bracket. Happy voting, and may the best hops win.

I reached out to COOP to gather sales numbers and they provided their top 12 best-selling beers of 2017. These are reflected in the 1-12 seeds and include the year rounds and seasonals. You can view the bracket at the bottom. Voting for which beer is your favorite will take place on Twitter over the next few weeks (so make sure you’re following!). You can vote on the first matchup below.

We're doing a @COOPAleWorks bracket this year. The first Round 1 matchup is below. Vote on which beer is your favorite (we'll whittle it down over the next few weeks). https://t.co/ZNExlIGaKx

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) March 13, 2018

Second matchup below. Happy voting! https://t.co/ZNExlIGaKx

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) March 15, 2018

Oktoberfest and Horny Toad advanced in the first two games. Game 3 below. Thanks for voting! ⤵️

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) March 19, 2018

No. 9 Oktoberfest moves on.
No. 5 Horny Toad moves on.
No. 6 Elevator Wheat moves on.

Next up: No. 7 DNR vs. No. 10 Briefcase Brown. Vote below.https://t.co/ZNExlIGaKx

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) March 21, 2018

We're on to Round 2 after Oktoberfest, Horny Toad, Elevator Wheat and DNR advanced past the first round. Here's our first Elite 8 matchup featuring the No. 1 seed F5 IPA. https://t.co/ZNExlIGaKx

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) March 22, 2018

F5 IPA narrowly beats out Oktoberfest in Round 2. Here's our second second round matchup.

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) March 29, 2018

F5 IPA vs. Horny Toad in one semifinal. Next up …

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) April 2, 2018

And for good measure, we'll throw the last quarterfinal game in there, too.

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) April 2, 2018

Final Four voting today on our @COOPAleWorks tournament. Some low seeds in the other semifinal!

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) April 6, 2018

Final Four voting today on our @COOPAleWorks tournament.

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) April 6, 2018

The Seeds

No. 1 — The Flagship

F5 IPA – American IPA | 7.1% ABV | 85 IBU

A straightforward malt body supports the distinctive bouquet of Columbus and Falconers Flight hops that impart citrus, grapefruit and pine notes characteristic of the West Coast style. F5 is a belligerent hop reckoning.

2. Alpha Hive

Alpha Hive Double IPA | 8.9% ABV | 100 IBU

This double IPA is infused with a fierce American hop profile and a delicate, bee-crafted orange blossom honey from Northern California. A sting of darkness, floral notes and many a compelling nuance make this spring seasonal delicious. This is no time to buzz off.

3. Tyron Saturday Siren 

Saturday Siren Pilsner – Other |5.4% ABV |47 IBU

Inspired by weekly siren tests. Saturday Siren is a crisp and refreshing pilsner built for summer days. Dry hop additions of Idaho 007 and Comet bring new world flavor to this old world style. The lake, the pool and the grill are calling, so pack the cooler and get outside.

4. Native Amber 

Native Amber Red Ale – American Amber/Read | 6.1% ABV | 55 IBU

Native Amber is an audacious blend of hops and malt. Caramel and biscuit notes carry the Cascade and Cluster hop additions through to an enjoyably round finish. The malt complexity proves rich and the dry-hopped character is invigorating.

5. “The Refreshing” Horny Toad Blonde  

Horny Toad Blonde Blonde Ale | 5.3% ABV | 25 IBU

Crisp and clean, Horny Toad is a premium blonde ale with a hint of Noble hop bitterness to balance the two-row and pilsner malt body. This refreshing libation is a great introduction to craft beer and COOP Ale Works.

6. The DNR 

DNR Belgian Strong Dark Ale | 10% ABV | 30 IBU

This Belgian-style dark ale is the culmination of central and western European malts. Noble hops, candy sugar and a traditional Trappist yeast. Notes of dried fruit, cinnamon and vanilla make DNR a very complex experience to be enjoyed in moderation.

7. The Vator – Elevator Wheat  

Elevator Wheat Hefeweizen | 5.6% ABV | 17 IBU

A unique spin on a classic style, this spicy wheat ale starts with a blend of Maris Otter, white wheat and a hint of rye. After a late addition of Cascade hops, the beer is fermented on German wheat yeast. Notes of clove and banana can be found along with noticeable spice from the rye.

8. Spare Rib Pale Ale 

Spare Rib Pale Ale Pale Ale – American | 4% ABV | 35 IBU

Big on late-hopped flavor, easy on bitterness, this American Pale Ale has a heaping portion of Columbus and Citra hops added after it leaves the brewhouse.

9. OKtoberfest

Oktoberfest/Märzen | 5.6% ABV | 20 IBU

Taking a step away from our namesake, once a year we craft a lager worthy of extra days in the cellar. The COOP Oktoberfest combines Munich malt, Bavarian hops and a traditional German yeast, and calls for the celebration of fall’s arrival. It’s time to find a tent, fill your stein, prost, yodel and polka!

10. Grand Sport Kyle Porter 

Gran Sport Porter | 5.2% ABV | 43 IBU

Gran Sport is a robust porter marked by its finesse and distinct malt backbone. Aromatic notes of chocolate and roasted coffee compliment the full-bodied mouthfeel derived from a healthy addition of oat flakes. Dark. Roasty. Malty. Splendid.

11. Briefcase Brown Ale 

Briefcase Brown Ale Brown Ale – American | 4% ABV | 18 IBU

Briefcase Brown is a rich and malty ale with notes of caramel, chocolate and light roast. Brewed with local sorghum molasses, this distinguishable ale will quench the desire of those looking for something a little more uptown.  Get to work!

12. Negative Split 

Negative Split Pale Ale – Belgian | 4% ABV | 10 IBU

Aromatic malt, wheat and oats merge with fruit-forward esters from the traditional Belgian-style yeast to create this unique, quaffable and satisfying beverage. Drink the second half faster, because it’s not getting any colder!