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Dow Scoggins

National Beer Day – April 7th. Celebrate with your favorite beer!

April 7, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

National Beer Day - April 7thNational Beer Day is celebrated in the United States every year on April 7, marking the day that the Cullen–Harrison Act was enacted after having been signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on March 22, 1933. This led to the Eighteenth Amendment being repealed on December 5, 1933, with the ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. April 6, the day prior to National Beer Day, is known as New Beer’s Eve.

Background
Upon signing the legislation, Roosevelt made his famous remark, “I think this would be a good time for a beer.” The law went into effect on April 7 of that year in states that had enacted their own law allowing such sales. The beer could contain up to 3.2% alcohol by weight (or 4.05% by volume) compared to the 0.5% limit of the Volstead Act because 3.2% was considered too low to produce intoxication.

People across the country responded by gathering outside breweries, some beginning the night before. On that first day, 1.5 million barrels of beer were consumed, inspiring the future holiday. Today, April 7 is recognized as National Beer Day, and April 6 is known as New Beer’s Eve.

The Cullen-Harrison Act was not the official end of prohibition in the US (that happened on December 5, 1933, when the 21st Amendment was ratified). What the Cullen-Harrison Act did do was redefine an “intoxicating beverage” under the Volstead Act. As such, April 7 is a beer specific holiday and should not be confused with Repeal Day celebrated on December 5.

Recognition
National Beer Day was first celebrated in 2009 by Justin Smith of Richmond, Virginia. After much prodding from his friend, Mike Connolly, Smith started a Facebook page that was noticed by Colorado Beer Examiner, Eli Shayotovich. Smith’s promotion of the new observance day via various social media outlets was rewarded when the beer drinking app Untappd created a badge for National Beer Day that rewarded participants that checked a beer into the app on April 7. National Beer Day has since been trending on social media every year on April 7 using the hashtag #NationalBeerDay.

Source: Wikipedia

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Filed Under: Beer, craft lager

Brewers Association: Craft Beer Production Declines 9% in 2020 Amid Pandemic; Number of Breweries Tops 8,700

April 6, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

Brewers Association: Craft Beer Production Declines 9% in 2020 Amid PandemicBoulder, Colorado — The Brewers Association(BA)—the trade association representing small and independent American craft brewers—today released annual production figures for the U.S. craft brewing industry. In 2020, small and independent brewers collectively produced 23.1 million barrels of beer and craft beer production declined 9%, decreasing craft beer production’s overall beer market share by volume to 12.3%, down from 13.6% the previous year.

The overall beer market* dropped 3% by volume in 2020. Retail dollar value was estimated at $22.2 billion, representing 23.6% market share and a 22% decline over 2019. Craft brewers provided more than 138,000 direct jobs, a 14% decrease from 2019.

“2020 was obviously a challenging year for many small brewers, but also one that proved their resilient and entrepreneurial nature,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “In a year where U.S. draught sales were down more than 40%, small brewers found new ways to connect with their customers and keep their businesses running.”

Download infographic

The number of operating craft breweries continued to climb in 2020, reaching an all-time high of 8,764, including 1,854 microbreweries, 3,219 brewpubs, 3,471 taproom breweries, and 220 regional craft breweries. Throughout the year, there were 716 new brewery openings and 346 closings. While openings decreased approximately 30% compared to 2019, only half of this drop is attributed to COVID. Increasing market competitiveness and maturity were also factors, and the decline was apparent before the pandemic.

“While many small breweries will remain under pressure until they can fully reopen and welcome their communities into their breweries, the 2020 closing rate has remained on par with 2019, suggesting that the vast majority of breweries will survive going forward,” added Watson.

Note: Numbers are preliminary. For additional insights from Bart Watson, visit Insights & Analysis on the Brewers Association website. The full 2020 industry analysis will be published in the May/June 2021 issue of The New Brewer, highlighting regional trends and production by individual breweries.

About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 5,400-plus U.S. breweries. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events including the World Beer Cup®, Great American Beer Festival®, Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, SAVOR™: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience, Homebrew Con™, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The New Brewer® magazine, and Brewers Publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com® and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association® and the free Brew Guru® mobile app. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 13672 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

 

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Filed Under: Beer, craft lager, craftbeer

Firestone Walker Introduces “Nectaron IPA” Single-Hop Hazy IPA

April 5, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

Firestone Walker Nectaron IPA, a Single-Hop Hazy IPAPaso Robles, California: Firestone Walker’s pacesetting pursuit of New Zealand hops reaches new heights with Nectaron hazy IPA—the latest single-hop release from the brewery’s Propagator Series, available exclusively in the latest “Crafted Thru Hops” IPA mixed pack.

The Crafted Thru Hops mixed pack featuring Nectaron IPA rolls out to all Firestone Walker markets starting this week.

This new mixed pack—12 x 12-ounce cans—also includes three other hoppy beers from one of the nation’s foremost IPA brewers: Mind Haze, a hazy IPA done the Firestone way; the West Coast IPA legend known as Union Jack; and the latest release in the Luponic Distortion IPA series.

Nectaron IPA: Limited Single-Hop Release
Nectaron IPA is beer four years in the making, dating back to when Brewmaster Matt Brynildson first toured several family hop farms in the famed Nelson region of New Zealand. As he rubbed and smelled different hops, one experimental cultivar stole Brynildson’s attention. Known then by its code name of Hort 4337, this hop was loaded with juicy tropical flavors of passionfruit, grapefruit and pineapple.

The following year, Brynildson returned to New Zealand, where hop farmer Brent McGlashen of MAC Farms remembered the brewmaster’s fondness for 4337—which McGlashen was growing on an experimental basis prior to it being given the commercial name of Nectaron. He gave Brynildson early dibs on some of the first yields, which ultimately resulted in this new single-hop release.

“My faith in the Nectaron hop was happily rewarded,” Brynildson said. “This is just a beautiful IPA loaded with tropical New Zealand style.”

Mind Haze: Let Your Mind Wander
From the coast of California comes Mind Haze, a free-spirited beer made to elevate your perceptions—juicy, fresh and loaded with an imaginative array of tropical hop flavors. This is a hazy IPA done the Firestone way. Mind Haze is ultimately a beer that breaks the mold with explosive hop aromas, a luscious texture and enduring freshness.

Union Jack: Loud & Proud
Huge flavor that packs a punch. This is Union Jack—an icon of the West Coast IPA style, for those who like their beer loud and proud. Union Jack is the IPA that helped blaze the trail for the revolutionary West Coast style. Named for the British Lion who co­founded the brewery, Union Jack is intensely hoppy yet eminently drinkable from start to finish. A fad-proof IPA for any hop head.

Luponic Distortion: Flavors through Hops
No fruits. No flavorings. No shortcuts. Just the magic of 100 percent natural hops—this is the Luponic Distortion IPA Series. Each Luponic Distortion release features a new hop blend with a focus on emerging and experimental cultivars—all to showcase the insane range of flavors that can be derived from 100 percent natural hops. The latest edition showcases a blend of four New Zealand-grown hops—Nectaron, Nelson, Motueka and Riwaka—for a uniquely fruity and complex flavor profile.

Firestone Walker Brewing
Founded by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker in 1996, Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a California beer company with three innovative brewing facilities. Firestone Walker’s main brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio ranging from iconic pale ales to vintage barrel-aged beers. The Barrelworks facility in Buellton makes eccentric wild ales, while the Propagator pilot brewhouse in Venice specializes in R&D beers and limited local offerings. Firestone Walker is also the brewery behind 805, one of the nation’s fastest-growing beers. Firestone Walker was recently named “Best American Brewery of the Decade” by Paste Magazine.More at FirestoneBeer.com

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

Great American Beer Festival Update: The Festival Will Return in 2022 – The Competition Is ON for 2021

April 5, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

Great American Beer Festival 2019After much deliberation, we’d like to announce that the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), the country’s largest ticketed beer festival, will skip its public tasting event in 2021 and return in person to celebrate its 40th anniversary Oct. 6-8, 2022, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Despite vaccination efforts and the gradual reopening of the country, the health and safety concerns for large indoor gatherings, like GABF’s 60,000-attendee event, remain.

While we are disappointed to cancel the festival portion of GABF for the second year in a row, and we will miss celebrating with beer lovers and our craft brewing community, we are excited to continue with the GABF competition and national passport program this year.

The Competition Is ON for 2021
As previously announced, the Brewers Association will host the 2021 GABF competition and awards ceremony that typically coincides with the festival. Winners of the world’s most prestigious professional beer competition will be revealed during the Brewers Association’s annual Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America® on Sept. 10, 2021, at the Colorado Convention Center. The awards ceremony will be livestreamed from the Bellco Theatre on The Brewing Network. The brewer registration period for the GABF competition is June 8-22, 2021.
More information about the competition : Click Here

The Passport Is BACK for 2021
Despite the festival cancellation, beer lovers across the country will have the opportunity to participate in a national passport program Sept. 17 through Oct. 17, 2021. Passport holders will have exclusive access to deals at participating breweries nationwide. More than 1,100 breweries from all 50 states participated in the inaugural program last year. Passports are priced at $20 and will be available for purchase in July. Brewery registration for the 2021 passport program opens June 29.

Denver Beer Week to Coincide with CBC
Denver Beer Week, the Mile High City’s annual event coinciding with GABF, will shift its dates to correspond with the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America (CBC) Sept. 9-12. From Sept. 10-18, the nine-day celebration of craft beer, hosted by VISIT DENVER, is anticipated to feature more than 200 events, including tap takeovers, rare beer tastings, meet-the-brewer events, and more. Brewers attending CBC are encouraged to start planning their Denver Beer Week events. More information about where and how to list your Denver Beer Week events will be coming soon.

Read the press release and THANK YOU as always for your support!
Please reach out to us with any questions.

We hope to see you in Denver Sept. 9-12, 2021, for the Craft Brewers Conference! Space is limited and registration opens May 4.

 

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

Colorado Pint Day is returning April 7th, 2021!

April 1, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

Colorado Pint DayThis year, The Colorado Brewers Guild is excited to announce that there are over 150 breweries will be participating in Colorado Pint Day, a record breaking amount of locations across the state. The glasses are exclusively available at participating breweries. Once the glasses are gone, they’re gone. Participating locations listed below!

New this year, select breweries will also be offering “Catch a Pint” stickers. Check their social media for more details.

In partnership with CBG member breweries and Grandstand, $1 from every glass will be donated to the CBG.

This year’s glassware is the 16 oz. Libbey Willi Becher showcasing art created by Colorado-based designer Brooks Engel of Nowhere Land Supply, “Catch a Pint” is the theme for the 2021 edition of the Colorado Pint Day artwork.

In the past, this event has been very popular. This year breweries will continue to  follow all social distancing guidelines as well as all of the on-premises dining guidelines at that time. It’s important to keep in mind that this may change how Pint Day works at your local brewery. Each brewery will choose how to participate in Pint Day, and may extend over multiple days so be sure to check with them before stopping in to get a pint and a glass.

Colorado Pint Day Participating Breweries

105 West Brewing Co
300 Suns Brewing
4 Noses Brewing Company
6 & 40 Brewery
Baere Brewing Co.
Barnett & Son Brewing Co
Barquentine Brewing Co.
Barrels and Bottles Brewery
Barrels and Bottles Brewery at Camp George West
Bent Barley Brewing Company
Beyond The Mountain Brewing Company
Big Trout Brewing Company
Black Forest Brewing Company
Black Shirt Brewing
Blue Spruce Brewing – Centennial
Blue Spruce Brewing – Littleton
Blue Tile Brewing
Bonfire Brewing
Brass Brewing Co
Bristol Brewing Co
Broken Compass Brewing – Main Street
Broken Compass Brewing – OG
Bruz Beers
Bruz Off Fax
Burly Brewing Company
Burns Family
Cabin Creek Brewing
Call to Arms Brewing
Camber Brewing Company
Cannonball Creek Brewing
Cerberus Brewing Co
Cerebral Brewing
Chain Reaction Brewing Company
Cheluna Brewing Company
City Star Brewing
Coal Mine Ave Brewing
Comrade Brewing Co.
Copper Kettle Brewing Co.
Counter Culture Brewery
Crooked Stave– Friends & Family Taproom
Crystal Springs Brewery
De Steeg Brewing
Dead Hippie Brewing
Denver Beer Co – Olde Town Arvada
Denver Beer Co – South Downing
Denver Beer Co/Cerveceria Colorado – Platte St
Dolores River
Dos Luces Brewery
Downhill Brewing Company
Dry Dock Brewing – North Dock
Dry Dock Brewing – South Dock
Epic Brewing Company
FH Beerworks
Fiction Beer Company
Florence Brewing
Fossil Craft Beer Company
Fraser River Beer Co
Frolic Brewing
Gilded Goat Brewing Company
Goat Patch Brewing Co
Great Divide Brewing Co – Ballpark
Great Divide Brewing Co – Barrel Bar
Great Frontier Brewing Company
Green Mountain Beer Co
Halfpenny Brewing Company
Hideaway Park Brewery
High Alpine Brewing Co.
Holidaily Brewing Company
Horse & Dragon Brewing Co
Iron Mule Brewery
Jade Mountain Brewing
Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery
JAKs Brewing Co
Jessup Farm Barrel House
Joyride Brewing
Kokopelli Beer Co
LandLocked Ales
Launch Pad Brewery
Left Hand Brewing
Liquid Mechanics Brewing
Living the Dream Brewing Co
Locavore Beer Works
Lone Tree Brewing Company
Loveland Aleworks
LUKI Brewing
Mash Mechanix
Mirror Image
Mighty River Brewing Company
Mockery Brewing
Monumental Beer Works
Moonlight Pizza
Mother Tucker Brewery – Louisville
Mother Tucker Brewery – Thornton
Mountain Cowboy Brewing Company
New Terrain Brewing Company
Novel Strand
Odell Brewing – Sloans Lake – Opening April 5th!
Odell Brewing Co. – Ft Collins
Odell Brewing Co. – RiNo
Odyssey Beerwerks
Old 121 Brewhouse
Our Mutual Friend Inc.
Over Yonder Brewing Company
Paradox Beer Company
Peak View Brewing Company
Peaks N Pines Brewing Company
Peaks N Pines Brewing Company – Fountain Taproom
Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.
Pikes Peak Lager House 
Pikes Peak Monument Taproom
Platt Park Brewing Company
Post Brewing Company – Denver
Post Brewing Company – Lafayette
Post Brewing Company – Longmont
Post Brewing Company– Boulder
Prost Brewing Company – Denver
Purpose Brewing & Cellars
Ramblebine Brewing
Ratio Beerworks
Red Leg Brewing Company
Red Swing Brewhouse
Resolute Brewing Company – Arvada
Resolute Brewing Company – Centential
River North Brewery – Blake Street
River North Brewery – Washington Street
Rock Cut Brewing Company
Rockyard Brewing Company
Sanitas Brewing Co
Seedstock Brewery
Six Capital Brewing – Now Open!
Ska Brewing Co.
Ska Street
Snowbank Brewing
Spice Trade Brewing Company
Station 26 Brewing Co
Storm Peak Brewing Company
Strange Craft Beer Company
The Empourium Brewing Company
Timnath Beerwerks
Tommyknocker Brewery
Two22 Brew
Upslope Brewing – Lee Hill
Upslope Brewing – Flatiron Park
Vail Brewing Co – Eagle Vail
Vail Brewing Co – Vail Village
Verboten Brewing
Very Nice Brewing Company
WeldWerks Brewing Company
WestFax Brewing Company
Wibby Brewing
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Company
Wild Provisions Beer Project
WildEdge Brewing Collective
Wiley Roots Brewing Company
Woods Boss Brewing Company LLC
Yampa Valley Brewing Co

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Terrapin Female-Led Brew Team Supports International Women’s Day with Special Pink Boots Society Brew

March 6, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

Terrapin Female-Led Brew Team  and the  Pink Boots SocietyAtlanta, Georgia – On Monday, March 8th, Terrapin’s female-led brew team will brew a classic American pale ale, alongside Terrapin’s ATL Brew Lab team. The beer will feature the Pink Boots Blend and all proceeds will benefit the Pink Boots Society . The beer will be sold at select bars and restaurants in the Atlanta area as well as in crowlers for curbside sales at the Tasting Room in Athens.

Terrapin is proud to be an industry leader in diversity and inclusion, particularly in the makeup of its Operations team. Nearly 50% of Terrapin’s brew staff are women, compared to the industry average of 7.5% average (Brewers’ Association). Terrapin also boasts an all-female Quality Assurance team.

What: Special Pink Boots Society brew in honor of International Women’s Day

Who: Anita Riley, Terrapin Brewer
Chrissy Loganchuk, Terrapin Brewing Supervisor
Jess Hurd, Terrapin Brewing Supervisor
Brian “Spike” Buckowski, Co-Founder and VP of Brewing
Development (available 12pm – 3pm)

When: Monday, March 8th
9:30am – 4:00pm

Where: ATL Brew Lab, Terrapin Taproom at Truist Park
755 Battery Ave SE, 30339

About Terrapin Beer Co.
Terrapin Beer Co. began as a passion for beer between founders Brian “Spike” Buckowski and John Cochran. The two brewed and released their first beer in 2002, a Rye Pale Ale that went on to win a gold medal at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival (GABF). Inspired by the creative culture of Athens, Ga., the brewery’s home, Terrapin works to create unique experiences through its craft beers and is distributed in 22 states. In 2019, Terrapin launched Terraprint, which focuses on environmental sustainability and community outreach. For more information about Terrapin’s year-round and seasonal lineups, or Terraprint, visit www.terrapinbeer.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

A New Beer for A New Day, Stone Dayfall Belgian White Now Available

March 6, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

 Stone Dayfall Belgian WhiteESCONDIDO, California – Stone Brewing announces the release of Stone Dayfall Belgian White, a bright and refreshing beer brewed with Bergamot orange peel and coriander. Like all good sunsets, this beer is expressive of the brewery’s celebrated past and its bright new beginnings.

First, the beer:
Stone Dayfall Belgian White pours an inviting deep gold with haze and a thin white head. The flavor is ripe with citrus up front followed by floral and light herbal notes. Orange, spice and honey are present in the aroma, alongside subtle notes of graham cracker. It’s slightly tart with a smooth lingering citrus finish.

As the brewery’s most passionate fans know, many of Stone’s innovations flow out of Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station, where brewers experiment daily on its small batch system. This is the home of the coveted Stone Brewing Liberty Station Witty Moron, the winner of two gold medals and one bronze at the Great American Beer Festival.* Brewers tweaked the malt to create a more light, traditional Belgian White and Witty Moron’s celebrated recipe lives on, making its national debut in Stone Dayfall Belgian White.

With Stone, every dayfall signals the reward at the end of a well lived day. Days in which the full spectrum of beer is available, so that everyone from light beer drinkers to hoppy IPA drinkers can enjoy the beer of their choice. Even a refreshing Mexican-style lager has earned the guardianship of the Stone gargoyle, as evidenced by Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager. Now with Stone Dayfall Belgian White, and its own unique flavor direction, even more ways to enjoy the dayfall are here.

Stone Dayfall Belgian White is a limited release of the Stone Pilot Series, a series of unique, high-potential innovations for consideration in Stone’s year-round lineup. The beer is now available nationwide on draft and in 12oz six-pack and 12-pack bottles.

*Awards:
Great American Beer Festival 2014 Gold in Other Belgian Style Ale category
Great American Beer Festival 2015 Bronze in Other Belgian Style Ale category
Great American Beer Festival 2017 Gold in Other Belgian Style Ale category

QUICK FACTS
Name: Stone Dayfall Belgian White
Release Date: Week of March 1, 2021
Web: Stonebrewing.com/dayfall
Stats: 5.5% ABV
Packaging: 12oz six-pack and 12-pack bottles & draft
Find Beer: Find.stonebrewing.com

TASTING NOTES
Appearance: Inviting deep gold with haze and a thin white head
Aroma: Integrated aromas of orange, citrus, floral, spice, honey, along with subtle notes of grain/graham cracker
Taste: Up front citrus including orange, lemon, and lime, with floral and a light herbal component
Palate: Slight tartness, medium-body, and a smooth finish with lingering citrus

FOOD PAIRINGS
Starters: Hummus with Toasted Pita Bread, Yellowfin Ahi-Poke “Nachos”*, Stone Bavarian Pretzel*/**, Bruschetta
Salads/Soups: Fruity Goat Salad* (with mixed berries and shredded filo-wrapped goat cheese), Greek Salad, Gazpacho
Main Courses: Impossible Burger*/**, Spinach Risotto with Zested Lemon, Falafel Wrap, Grilled Trout
Desserts: Chocolate Chip Cookie, Lemon Sorbet

ABOUT STONE BREWING
The San Diego-based Stone Brewing is the 9th largest craft brewer in the United States. An industry leader in environmental sustainability, Stone averages 4.5 gallons of water usage per 1 gallon of beer, as compared to the 7:1 industry standard. Stone operates breweries in Escondido, CA and Richmond, VA, plus nine tap room and bistro locations and one of the nation’s largest craft-centric beverage distributors, Stone Distributing Co. The company’s long list of environmental efforts includes a LEED Silver Certification, world-class water reclamation, solar panels, creative uses of spent grain, and even live goats for ecological vegetation management. Stone has been called the “All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine twice. To find Stone beers, visit find.stonebrewing.com. For more information on Stone Brewing .

Fun Beer Facts, Breweries and More: Click Here

Filed Under: Beer, craftbeer

Second Oldest Brewery in the USA? – Terre Haute Brewing Company

March 3, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

Terre Haute Brewing Company1837: TERRE HAUTE BREWING COMPANY IS BORN
Chauncey Warren and Demas Deming Sr. opened the brewery that would eventually become Terre Haute Brewing Company (THBC).

1869-1889: EXPANSION YEARS
The plant was leased, sold, and eventually bought outright by Anton Mayer, a German immigrant and former brewmaster. Anton expanded the facility, which came to occupy two blocks at Poplar and 9th Streets in Terre Haute, with a production capacity of 2,500 BBL.

In 1878, bottling capabilities were established and a new brewhouse was completed across the street. By 1880, a total of 30,000 barrels were produced annually. The brewery was sold in 1889 to Crawford Fairbanks and John Beggs. It was at this point in time when THBC was first incorporated.

1892-1902: THBC BECOMES SEVENTH LARGEST
Terre Haute Brewing Company became the seventh largest brewery in the United States, producing 100,000 barrels per year. Brewmaster Walter Braun created a lager named Champagne Velvet (CV), which quickly became the flagship beer of the company.

1910: THE CROSSROADS OF AMERICA
THBC further expanded, covering three city blocks and hiring 250 employees. The city of Terre Haute itself became a wild place, being referred to as “Sin City,” as it was known for its betting houses, saloons and brothels – which were often frequented by Chicago’s mobsters.

1918-1933: PROHIBITION YEARS
During the era of Prohibition, the brewing company changed its name to Terre Haute C.V. Company. Under this new name and image, they produced a non-alcoholic version of Champagne Velvet (a cereal beverage) and their own root beer. Eventually, the restrictions of Prohibition forced the brewery to suspend operations in 1928 and its assets were sold. Crawford Fairbanks died in 1924.

1934: A WHOLE NEW BEGINNING
Oscar Baur, a Terre Haute native, purchased the facility in 1933 and Terre Haute Brewing Company reopened after Prohibition ended on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1934. A parade led the celebration as bands played a march that was specially written for the occasion, fittingly titled: “Champagne Velvet March.”

The company grew to employ 900 people and produce 1.5 million barrels of beer per year. By the end of its first year in production, Champagne Velvet was available in 19 states.

1935–1940: NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION
By 1935, THBC was producing 202,000 barrels of beer and selling it in 48 states via the largest bottling line ever constructed. Brewmaster John Blohme celebrated an annual capacity of over 400,000 barrels per year by 1936.

Additionally, Champagne Velvet was the first canned beer to be produced from Terre Haute Brewing Company – with a $1,000,000 flavor protection insurance policy printed on the side panel!

1952–1990: UNFORTUNATE EVENTS
Oscar Baur died in 1952 and his son, Edward Baur took over – renaming it back to Terre Haute Brewing Company. In 1958, ownership changed (again) and the Champagne Velvet trademarks were sold and moved to Chicago. The buildings in Terre Haute remained standing.

1990–2016: TRANSITIONING TO MODERN TIMES
In 1990, Terre Haute resident Mike Rowe found a 1902 document written by Walter Braun that contained most of the recipe for Champagne Velvet. Several years later, he opened a new Terre Haute Brewing Co., in the original building. Production ended in 2006.

The Champagne Velvet recipe and rights were sold to Indiana’s Upland Brewing Company in 2012. Terre Haute Brewing Company, and its original building, were bought in June 2015, where it went through renovations until mid-2016. The doors reopened to the public in May 2016.

TODAY: MODERN NEW CRAFT BREWERY
THBC is bringing the historic significance – along with quality, locally-sourced beer – back to one of its original facilities. As one of the original nine commercial breweries in the U.S., and the second oldest operating brewing, current brewmasters incorporate many local ingredients as well as references to the Terre Haute heritage in our beers. We are creating craft beers with the best of today’s craftiest brewers, as well as classic styles true to their roots.

 

 

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

Deschutes Brewery Acquires Boneyard Beer

March 3, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

Deschutes Brewery acquires fellow Bend based brewery Boneyard BeerBend, Oregon – Today, Deschutes Brewery and Boneyard Beer announced a new joint venture, forming a unique, Bend-based, local-to-local, craft-to-craft partnership. Boneyard Beer Founder, Tony Lawrence and Deschutes Brewery Founder, Gary Fish, who originally worked together almost 30 years ago, will reunite to bring together two of the Pacific Northwest’s (PNW) most iconic and award-winning breweries. With over 60 years of combined experience and poised at an incredibly exciting time in this industry, Lawrence and Fish will begin this new venture with the energy and attitude that Deschutes and, later, Boneyard, brought to the industry when they were just starting out. Together, they are determined to be a powerful catalyst of the future of craft beer.

These two small-town brewers, both born and raised in Bend, OR just a couple miles apart, are embarking on a new joint venture that will provide Boneyard the ability to increase availability of their portfolio of brands like RPM IPA in cans at grocery stores, liquor stores and bars throughout the PNW.

“This partnership is built on relationships,” said Gary Fish, founder of Deschutes. “Family and employee owned, our two breweries become a collection of inspired people maintaining their individualistic free spirit and undying vision for what beer can be. I am beyond proud of what Tony has accomplished in Boneyard and am thrilled to be working with him again.”

“I cut my teeth at Deschutes and it’s still a home of sorts,” said Lawrence who founded Boneyard in 2010. “It was an integral part of my personal and professional journey. My experience as a 21-year-old snowboard transplant falling into the Deschutes orbit was amazing. It gave me a direction to follow and an opportunity in both Bend and craft beer. To combine forces with Deschutes in Bend and explore what Boneyard is capable of is simply a dream come true.”

For Fish and Lawrence, this reunion is nearly 30 years in the making. Both industry icons share an enthusiasm for craft beer, appreciate the significance of both breweries being based in Bend, share roots of being family-owned businesses, and have the cherished memories of carving out and exploring a fledgling industry in the late 1980s.

“I’m most excited about the opportunity this union provides both companies,” Fish stated. “Boneyard’s rebel spirit and independent attitude will be great for Deschutes.” Together, Deschutes and Boneyard’s partnership provides an opportunity to expand Boneyard’s availability and satisfy the demand of thirsty “Boneheads” throughout the Pacific Northwest. “One of the most significant aspects of this deal is that both brands will retain their separate identities, continuing to do what they do best.”

Lawrence explained that throughout his 12 years at Deschutes, Fish gave him the autonomy to creatively figure out complex challenges during years of explosive growth that can often stunt the growth of a young company. “He never doubted or challenged our efforts,” said Lawrence who’s looking forward to redirecting some of his attention from the boardroom to the brewhouse. “I whole-heartedly believe we can do great things together; we have respect for our roots and we’re proud of our journey, but that journey is far from over.” Since the late eighties Deschutes has been not only a steadfast source of great beer, but also great brewers, all schooled in that original idea of bringing better beer to the people.

About Boneyard Beer
Boneyard Beer was started with one goal in mind – make great beer. In 2010, Boneyard Beer was created in an old auto shop tucked away in the backstreets of Bend, Oregon’s historical district. Without any outside investors or major bank loans, Boneyard’s inception was unconventional to say the least. After decades in the brewing industry, owner Tony Lawrence built up a “boneyard” of old equipment he collected from 13 different breweries around the country. Alongside co-founders, Clay and Melodee Storey, Lawrence pieced this second-hand brewing equipment together to brew the first batch of Boneyard Beer in May 2010. As Boneyard has grown, the initial fermenters have been replaced with shiny new ones, but the original, refurbished 20-barrel system is still the one Boneyard uses for seasonal and special release beers today. With the capacity of 15,000 barrels per year it allows our Brewers to have creative minds and a lot of fun! Where can you get Boneyard Beer? Check out our freshly “minted” beer finder on our website! https://boneyardbeer.com/beer-finder/

About Deschutes Brewery
Deschutes Brewery, family and employee owned since 1988, is one of the quintessential beers of the Pacific Northwest. Founded on the guiding principles of true craftsmanship, ultimate quality, and extraordinary consumer experience, Deschutes Brewery is recognized for defining beers such as Black Butte Porter, Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Fresh Squeezed IPA and the non-stop release of pioneering small batch experimental and barrel-aged beers. Deschutes can be found at its brewpubs in Bend and Portland, Oregon, Tasting Rooms in Bend, and Roanoke, Virginia and at accounts in 31 states across the country. Visit Deschutes Brewery’s beer finder at https://www.deschutesbrewery.com/beer-finder/to find a Deschutes beer near you.

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Filed Under: Beer, craftbeer

The story of Deschutes Brewery’s Black Butte Porter

March 2, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

Black Butte Porter - Deschutes Brewery Promised Great Beer and Delivered with its first beer.In 1987, we originally hired Frank Appleton, a brewing consultant from Canada to help us establish the brewing component of our planned brewpub in Bend, Oregon. In addition to designing the equipment, and having it installed, he would formulate the first three beers in our line-up. Not knowing much about it in 1988, we wanted something light, medium, and dark. Frank came up with Cascade Golden Ale, Bachelor Bitter, and Black Butte Porter. Our first brewer, John Harris, then put his hand (and considerable skill) on the formulation and Black Butte Porter was born. However, it was not until sometime later that Black Butte Porter became our “flagship” beer. After a year or so, and out of necessity to keep the brewery going, we began to explore wholesale distribution. Thinking conventionally, we began with Cascade Golden Ale and Bachelor Bitter as being most adaptable to the limited palates of 1980’s drinkers. It just seemed like lighter colored beer would make sense.

Once while meeting with our distributor in Portland, Oregon, Jim Kennedy, he posed a question. He said, “You need to decide what you want to be as a brewery. Now, you can sell these lighter colored beers and carve out your small but reasonable slice of the very large, light colored beer-pie, competing with everyone for that slice. Or, you can sell Black Butte Porter and, although the dark-colored beer-pie is much smaller, you can own the whole thing”. I guess being a contrarian at heart, that proposition appealed to me. Although we had to sacrifice quite a bit to make that happen. You see, the path of least resistance for beer salespeople was certainly not in dark beer. Particularly when we had developed some really popular lighter beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale. But we were committed. For the next few years, we kept the brakes on Mirror Pond and limited its market exposure to ensure Black Butte could gain a foothold in the market. It didn’t hurt that it was winning awards at a pretty good clip in those days. As a result, you could say we developed our second brand first, and we actually had two flagship brands with Black Butte and Mirror Pond sharing that distinction.
Black Butte Porter has continued to evolve, although our target flavors never really changed. But with growth naturally comes change. When we built our larger production facility in 1993, we installed a 50-barrel brewery. Later, we added a German-manufactured 150 barrel brewery that was much more efficient. Getting those two breweries to brew Black Butte Porter that tasted the same was quite the chore. But, we’re pretty stubborn, so four years later, we declared success and the legacy (and flavor) of Black Butte Porter could continue.

Black Butte continues to be our flagship. Even though beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale and Fresh Squeezed outsell it. Black Butte is the best-selling porter in America and a significant point of pride for our team. It has successfully dispelled the misconceptions of dark beer. It is particularly successful at that task with novice craft drinkers. But, if we can get them to taste it, they are usually hooked! It has also spurred spin-offs like Black Butte Anniversary that is an imperial version of Black Butte Porter brewed for our company’s anniversary, but being barrel-aged and topping out around 11% alcohol with various added adjuncts like chocolate, chilis or coffee. We have also made a Black Butte Whiskey, with local distillery, Bendistillery. We make the wash for the whiskey using a variation of the Black Butte formula for that wash. Finally, we also do Black Butte3 where we use an imperial version of Black Butte Porter and age it in barrels that were used for Black Butte Whiskey.

Business consultants like to ask a question evaluating your business. That is, “what can you do your competitors can’t?” For me, the answer is clearly Black Butte Porter. The legend will continue. What we do with it next, well, stay tuned.

Written by Gary Fish, Founder of Deschutes Brewery

 

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Filed Under: Beer, craft lager

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