Newport Storm Brewing Company announced the availability of its “annual beer,” a practice the brewery began in 2000. Each annual brew showcases “unique flavors and extreme qualities, and features an ABV of 11% or higher,” per Brewmaster Derek Luke. Annual Release ‘17 is inspired by the German lagers and the technical traditions German brewers use to make them. The beer had a long, cold fermentation using a Bavarian lager yeast strain. Two German earthy, spicy hops, Saphir and Tettenang, and almost 20 percent rye grain, the lager yeast strain made this medium amber-colored lager “full with sweet, malty fig-like flavors and spicy notes of rye.” Roughly 3,000 bottles were produced and will be distributed throughout Rhode Island.