Archives for June 2023

2023 National Homebrew Competition Medal Winners

June 26, 2023 by Dow Scoggins

Photo credit of PHOTO © BREWERS ASSOCIATION

San Diego — The American Homebrewers Association® (AHA)—the national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the hobby of homebrewing—announced the winners of the 2023 National Homebrew Competition (NHC) during its annual Homebrew Con™ conference in San Diego. 120 medals in 40 categories were awarded for the most outstanding homemade beer, mead, and cider. Six major awards recognizing overall brewing excellence were also presented.

The NHC has long been recognized as the world’s largest stage for amateur homebrewers to showcase their skills, creativity, and passion for the craft of fermentation. The 2023 competition received 4,335 entries from 1,708 homebrewers across 50 states, Washington, D.C., and 13 countries. 164,105 entries have been evaluated since the inaugural AHA National Homebrew Competition in 1979 in Boulder, Colo.

MOST-ENTERED STYLE CATEGORIES
The winners of the most-entered categories were:

MAJOR AWARDS
In addition to category style awards, six major awards recognizing overall brewing excellence were presented.

Homebrewer of the Year Award – Sponsored by Muntons
Recognizes the best-of-show beer judged from all gold medal winners in all beer categories.
John Heasley | Portland, OR | The Brewing Network

Cidermaker of the Year Award – Sponsored by Woodchuck Hard Cider
Recognizes the best-of-show cider judged from all gold medal winners in the cider categories.
James Werner | New Berlin, WI | Beer Barons of Milwaukee

Meadmaker of the Year Award – Sponsored by Redstone Meadery
Recognizes the best-of-show mead judged from all gold medal winners in the mead categories.
Shane Kammerer | Shawnee, KS | Kansas City Bier Meisters

Samuel Adams Ninkasi Award – Sponsored by Samuel Adams
Recognizes the entrant who accumulates the most points in the final round of competition.
Richard Shoff | Baldwinsville, NY

Gambrinus Club Award – Sponsored by Fermentis
Recognizes the club garnering the most final round points per total club entries.
New York City Homebrewers Guild | New York, NY

Homebrew Club of the Year Award – Sponsored by Briess Malt & Ingredients Co.
Awarded to the club accumulating the most total points in all categories of beer, mead, and cider in the final round of competition.
Kansas City Bier Meisters | Kansas City, KS

“The impressive quality of entries from this year’s winners demonstrated immense dedication, innovation, and skill in the art of homebrewing. These creations captivated the taste buds of the judges, showcased a diverse range of flavors, and set the standard for excellence in fermentation,” said Chris Williams, competition director. “Congratulations to the 2023 National Homebrew Competition winners!”

A complete list of winners of the 2023 National Homebrew Competition can be found here.

HOMEBREW CON
Homebrew Con, the nation’s largest annual gathering of brewing and fermentation enthusiasts, returned sunny San Diego, where more than 1,300 American Homebrewers Association members attended the three-day conference for good brews, good vibes, and brew-IQ-boosting sessions. The AHA awarded the following for outstanding contributions to the homebrewing community.

ANNUAL RECOGNITION AWARDS

Radegast Club of the Year Award – Sponsored by Yakima Chief Hops
Awarded to a homebrew club for its efforts with community outreach and spreading the joys of homebrewing.
Horsemen of the Hopocalypse |Fort Worth, Texas

Homebrew Shop of the Year Award – Sponsored by BSG HandCraft
Awarded to homebrew supply shops on the merits of community support, education, customer service and engagement, promotion of homebrewing, and responsible business practices.
Patriot Brewery & Homebrew Supply | Elkhorn, Neb.

American Homebrewers Association Governing Committee Award
Awarded for outstanding service to the community of homebrewers.
Drew Beechum | Pasadena, Calif.

“To the participants, judges, sponsors, competition organizers, and volunteers who made this year’s Homebrew Con a resounding success, we say thank you. Cheers and congratulations to all the winners for making some of the world’s best homebrew,” said Julia Herz, AHA executive director.

Here are all the medal Winners:

Category 1: Pale American Beer
Gold: Mike Gallagher of Charleston, SC Lowcountry Libations
Silver: Caleb Meinke of Cambridge, WI Madison Homebrewers & Tasters
Bronze: Evan Brill of Louisville, KY Louisville Area Grain and Extract Research Society (LAGERS)

Category 2: Pale European Beer
Gold: Metts Potter of Morrow, OH Bloatarian Brewing League
Silver: Wayne Doucette of Big Lake, MN River City Brewers
Bronze: Jason Lorenz of Taylor, MI Motor City Mashers

Category 3: Pilsner
Gold: Jared Aumen of Ann Arbor, MI Ann Arbor Brewers Guild
Silver: Robby Narquis of Richland, WA
Bronze: Gregory Rinehardt of Abingdon, VA Stooges Brew Club

Category 4: Pale Malty European Beer
Gold: Alex Rezmerski of Louisville, KY Louisville Area Grain and Extract Research Society (LAGERS)
Silver: Chad Medford of Moore, OK Red Earth Brewers
Bronze: Jonathan Hughes of Moses Lake, WA

Category 5: Amber European Beer
Gold: Shane Sprague of Irvine, CA with Chris Kohl OC Mashups
Silver: Andy Cox of Wilton, CT Underground Brewers of Connecticut
Bronze: Nicholas LaFond of Saint Anne, IL

Category 6: Dark European Lager
Gold: Jason Dunn of Corona, CA Inland Empire Brewers
Silver: Robert Abbott of Chester, NH Brewtubers Online Brew Club
Bronze: Jason Slaasted of Caledonia, WI with Eric Lewis

Category 7: American Wheat & Blonde
Gold: Bryce Hunter of Grand Rapids, MI QUAFF
Silver: Rodolfo Valladares of Kansas City, KS Kansas City Bier Meisters
Bronze: Zach Kosslow of Pittsburgh, PA Three Rivers Alliance of Serious Homebrewers

Category 8: German Wheat & Rye Beer
Gold: Joseph Hirtz of Valrico, FL Brandon Bootleggers Homebrew Club
Silver: Dustin Striplin of Tacoma, WA with Jamie Striplin Browns Point Homebrew Club
Bronze: Paul Brown of Pinole, CA Diablo Order of Zymiracle Enthusiasts (DOZE)

Category 9: Pale British Ale
Gold: Mark Kunzelmann of Saint Louis, MO St. Louis Brews
Silver: 12A Alex Cigan of Brooklyn, NY New York City Homebrewers Guild
Bronze: 11C Dann Searcy of Kansas City, MO with Sally Crosson Kansas City Bier Meisters

Category 10: Scottish & Irish Ale
Gold: Richard Shoff of Baldwinsville, NY
Silver: James Matthews of Arnold, MO
Bronze: John Huhn of Springfield, MO Zymurgists of the Ozarks

Category 11: American Pale Ale
Gold: Brandon Holt of San Diego, CA with Kevin Holt QUAFF
Silver: Russell Berger of Portland, OR Portland Brewers Collective
Bronze: Steve Gardner of Greenville, SC

Category 12: Amber & Brown American Ale
Gold: Mike Butler of Olathe, KS with Stephanie Butler Kansas City Bier Meisters
Silver: Keith Wright of Mustang, OK Red Earth Brewers
Bronze: Bob Rouse of College Park, MD

Category 13: Brown British Beer
Gold: Stephen Schmitt of Evanston, IL Evanston Homebrew Club
Silver: Mike Gallagher of Charleston, SC Lowcountry Libations
Bronze: Dann Searcy of Kansas City, MO with Sally Crosson Kansas City Bier Meisters

Category 14: Irish & British Stout
Gold: Chris Hunter of Martinsville, IN Artesian Homebrewers
Silver: Richard Shoff of Baldwinsville, NY with Richard Shoff
Bronze: Christopher Johnson of San Diego, CA QUAFF

Category 15: American Porter & Stout
Gold: Christian Chandler of Chandler, AZ Arizona Society of Homebrewers
Silver: Mike Rousseau of Charleston, SC
Bronze: Brian Smith of Pottstown, PA Bruclear Homebrew Club

Category 16: American IPA
Gold: Christopher Burgess of Castle Rock, CO 39N Homebrewers
Silver: Nicholas McCoy of Sachse, TX Draft Punk
Bronze: John & Stephanie Meerse of Simsbury, CT

Category 17: Specialty IPA
Gold: Robert Knipper of San Marcos, CA Society of Barley Engineers
Silver: Kevin & Kazuko Masaryk of San Diego, CA QUAFF
Bronze: Kevin Kiernan of Washington, DC DC Homebrewers

Category 18: Hazy IPA
Gold: Jon Dieter of Concord, OH Brewly Homebrew Club
Silver: Peter Cooke of Bridgewater, NJ Garden State Homebrewers (GSHomebrewers)
Bronze: David Howell of Springfield, MO Them Beer Knobbers

Category 19: Strong American Ale
Gold: Larry & Donna Reuter of Akron, OH Society of Akron Area Zymurgists (SAAZ)
Silver: Michael Moody of Jacksonville, OR
Bronze: Simon Svensson of Molnlycke, Sweden

Category 20: Strong European Lager
Gold: Kevin Olson of Raymore, MO ZZHops Homebrewing Club
Silver: Stephanie Butler of Olathe, KS with Mike Butler Kansas City Bier Meisters
Bronze: Andy Cox of Wilton, CT Underground Brewers of Connecticut

Category 21: Strong British Ale
Gold: Lucas Orr of San Diego, CA QUAFF
Silver: Jim Satin of Brooklyn, MI Ann Arbor Brewers Guild
Bronze: Kenneth Berry of McKinleyville, CA Humboldt Homebrewers

Category 22: Imperial Porter & Stout
Gold: John Heasley of Portland, OR The Brewing Network
Silver: Frank Wilkinson of Ambler, PA
Bronze: Tim Bickel of Oklahoma City, OK Red Earth Brewers

Category 23: Saison
Gold: Keith Blanchard of Chatham Township, NJ Morris Area Society of Homebrewers
Silver: Daniel Kukuk of Detroit, MI Motor City Mashers
Bronze: Jon Weaver of Naples, FL

Category 24: Belgian Ale
Gold: Phil LaFleur of Loveland, CO Weizguys Homebrew Club
Silver: Duane Jenness of Worcester, MA WIZARDS
Bronze: Matt & Courtney Castellino of Thousand Oaks, CA with Todd Slater Thousand Oaks Homebrewers

Category 25: Strong Belgian Ale
Gold: Duke Austerberry of Ferndale, MI
Silver: Jose Gutierrez of Edwards, CA Brewing Enthusiasts of the Antelope Valley Region (BEAVR)
Bronze: Mike Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT Zion Zymurgist Homebrew OPerative Society

Category 26: European Sour Ale
Gold: Jeff Bair of Kansas City, MO with Jeff Bair
Silver: Joshua Cotton of Brooklyn, NY New York City Homebrewers Guild
Bronze: Kevin Wojdak of Elk Grove Village, IL Urban Knaves of Grain

Category 27: Fruit Beer
Gold: Jamye & Cody Naramore of Quenemo, KS Kansas City Bier Meisters
Silver: Will Dull of Apopka, FL Brew Club of Seminole County
Bronze: Jose Gomera of East Patchogue, NY with Albania Morales

Category 28: Spiced Beer
Gold: Jonathan Eckles of Savannah, GA Savannah Brewers League
Silver: James Brameyer of Mount Airy, MD
Bronze: Rob Hardisty of Fort Collins, CO Liquid Poets

Category 29: Seasonal Spiced Beer
Gold: Jason Bryant of Herndon, VA Wort Hogs
Silver: Scott Rauvola of San Diego, CA QUAFF
Bronze: Joel McGormley of Zionsville, IN

Category 30: Smoke-Flavored Beer
Gold: Randy Daniels of Des Moines, IA with KC McKinney Iowa Brewers Union
Silver: Keith Loats of Seven Hills, OH
Bronze: Michael Beck of Griffith, IN Illiana Beer Rackers Union (IBRU)

Category 31: Wood-Aged Beer
Gold: David Moore of Carlsbad, CA with David Harbick QUAFF
Silver: Joel McGormley of Zionsville, IN
Bronze: Mark DeBreaux of Wimberley, TX

Category 32: American Wild Ale
Gold: Sean Thomson of Denver, CO The Brew Crew
Silver: Billy & Theresa Wilks of San Diego, CA
Bronze: Dwayne Haynes of APO, AE

Category 33: Specialty Beer
Gold: Mike Butler of Olathe, KS with Stephanie Butler Kansas City Bier Meisters
Silver: Brian Stulak of Palm Harbor, FL Pinellas Urban Brewers (PUB) Guild
Bronze: Peter Graham of Fishers, IN

Category 34: Traditional Mead
Gold: Steve Fletty of Falcon Heights, MN Saint Paul Homebrewers Club
Silver: Michael Wilcox of Wichita, KS Kansas City Bier Meisters
Bronze: Shane & Susan Kammerer of Shawnee, KS Kansas City Bier Meisters

Category 35: Cyser & Pyment
Gold: John Pagano of Carpinteria, CA
Silver: M2A Ashley Earle of Concord, CA Diablo Order of Zymiracle Enthusiasts (DOZE)
Bronze: M2B Stephen Wilson of Syracuse, NY

Category 36: Fruit Mead
GoldM: Shane & Susan Kammerer of Shawnee, KS Kansas City Bier Meisters
Silver: Steve Fletty of Falcon Heights, MN Saint Paul Homebrewers Club
Bronze: Bill Boyer of Kennesaw, GA North Georgia Malt Monkeys

Category 37: Spice Mead
Gold: Travis Hammond of Santee, CA QUAFF
Silver: Matthew Mead of Grand Rapids, MI Michigan Mead Coalition
Bronze: John Aitchison of Northridge, CA Maltose Falcons

Category 38: Specialty Mead
Gold: Todd Donnelly of Chardon, OH Society of Northeast Ohio Brewers
Silver: Steve Fletty of Falcon Heights, MN Saint Paul Homebrewers Club
Bronze: LaVaughn & Yakima Barker of Brookfield, WI

Category 39: Standard Cider & Perry
Gold: Annie Johnson of Seattle, WA North Seattle Homebrewers
Silver: Richard Shoff of Baldwinsville, NY
Bronze: Jeff Carlson of Grand Rapids, MI PrimeTime Brewers

Category 40: Specialty Cider & Perry
Gold: James Werner of New Berlin, WI Beer Barons of Milwaukee
Silver: Jeff Carlson of Grand Rapids, MI PrimeTime Brewers
Bronze: Jeff Carlson of Grand Rapids, MI PrimeTime Brewers

The 2023 National Homebrew Competition and Homebrew Con were made possible in part by the generous support of sponsors.

About the American Homebrewers Association:
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has worked on behalf of the homebrewing community since 1978 and celebrates a membership of more than 36,000 homebrewers. The AHA organizes events including the Homebrew Con™, National Homebrew Competition, Big Brew for National Homebrew Day, and Learn to Homebrew Day. The AHA also publishes Zymurgy®, the longest-running magazine for homebrewers. The AHA is part of the Brewers Association®, whose Brewers Publications® division is the leading publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature for today’s craft brewers and homebrewers. Beer lovers, fermentation fans, and anyone interested in making their own homemade beer are invited to learn more at HomebrewersAssociation.org. Follow the AHA on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

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 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen Opens In Tampa

June 15, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

POTTSVILLE, Pennsylvania – D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., the Oldest Brewery in America, is excited to announce the completion of a multi-year project with the June 15 opening of the new Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen.

Located in Uptown Tampa on the brewery site, the Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen is uniquely positioned within miles of popular destinations including Busch Gardens, the University of South Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and the Tampa waterfront, all of which attract millions of visitors annually. Guests can now enjoy a first-class dining experience with fresh, local cuisine paired accordingly with Yuengling beers, private dining and meeting room space, an outdoor recreation area and beer garden, as well as a gift shop and a soon-to-be opened coffee bar – all of which are inspired by the traditions of America’s Oldest Brewery.

“As a 6th generation brewing family, it is a highlight for us to evolve our business into this new, unique hospitality experience,” said Wendy Yuengling, Chief Administrative Officer and 6th generation family member. “For 194 years we have been committed to brewing great beer for every taste. Now, we are proud to have created an incredible gathering place, not just for our beers to be enjoyed, but also a destination for delicious food and family entertainment. We are excited to be invested alongside renowned local organizations that share in our commitment to the future of Uptown Tampa.”

Announced in 2019, Yuengling broke ground on the campus in 2020, and more recently, conducted a building completion ribbon-cutting ceremony with community leaders, including USF President Rhea Law and Commissioner Gwen Myers, who praised Yuengling for its commitment to Tampa over the past 20 plus years, and for the 200 jobs created with this new hospitality complex.

Key information about the Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen includes:

Location: 11109 N. 30th Street, a short 30-minute drive from Tampa International Airport. The new hospitality building is 42,000 square feet in size, located in front of the brewery, both of which sit on 3.5 acres of the overall Yuengling property.

Cuisine: Chef-inspired menu includes locally grown ingredients and combines both Pennsylvania and Florida culinary influences. Featuring a modern take on traditional cuisine, many food items showcase Yuengling’s beer portfolio as ingredients. Food offerings will appeal to a broad range of tastes and culinary preferences.

Beer: The beer lineup is led by Yuengling’s core brand portfolio: the flagship Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Golden Pilsner, Black & Tan, as well as the upscale light brand: FLIGHT by Yuengling. Other beers include Yuengling Premium Beer, the heritage brands: Dark Brewed Porter and Lord Chesterfield Ale®, the new Bongo Fizz and seasonal selections such as Oktoberfest and Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter.

Amenities: Upon opening, phased seating capacity will be as follows: Initially indoor seating for 300 and outdoor seating for 200. In the coming months, full capacity seating will be for up to 800 guests total (300 indoor and 500 outdoor) with a soon-to-be completed outdoor concession, the Yuengling Bistro Kitchen, which will include 300-person picnic seating. An area for outdoor games will also open later this summer. There will be a total of five bars (three inside and two outside) and 88 tap handles when finished. Private dining and conference rooms are available for up to 120 people for special events.

Design: The design elements of exposed brick, metal, and natural wood details are reminiscent of Yuengling’s rich industrial history as the Oldest Brewery in America, dating back to 1829. Artifacts and advertising memorabilia are on display from Yuengling’s 194-year history as an American-owned and family-operated brewery.

“We offer our special thanks to the Greater Tampa Bay community that has provided ongoing support for our company going back over the last two decades,” said Yuengling. “While our original brewery is based in Pottsville, PA, we are very proud to call Tampa our second home. We are excited to build upon our relationships in the area by welcoming guests to this new destination, which helps tell our unique story of America’s Oldest Brewery,” she said.

“There are many individuals who helped make this opening day possible but we want to especially thank Mark Sharpe, Executive Director, Tampa Innovation Alliance,” said Yuengling. “Mark’s shared vision, and collaboration were instrumental in helping us build great partnerships with the city and throughout the community – so many people came to embrace Yuengling, and we are tremendously thankful for all the support,” she said.

Many people in the region know the brewery from its local sponsorship of The Yuengling Center with its distributor partner, J. J. Taylor. The Yuengling Center is a multi-purpose, sports facility on the campus of the University of South Florida. Yuengling Brewing Company of Tampa has been a proud member of the Greater Tampa Bay community since its purchase of the Stroh’s Brewery in 1999. This is the brewery’s first venture in creating a dining and entertainment destination.

About D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. 

D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., America’s Oldest Brewery®, is family-owned and operated since 1829. Principal beer brands include Yuengling® Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Black & Tan, Golden Pilsner, Premium, Light, Dark Brewed Porter, Lord Chesterfield Ale®, Oktoberfest, Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter, FLIGHT by Yuengling, and Bongo Fizz.  Production is supplied by two breweries in Pottsville, PA and one in Tampa, FL. A separate joint venture called The Yuengling Company was recently established with Molson Coors Beverage Company to expand production and distribution further west.  Yuengling beer is currently available in 26 states with recent expansion into Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

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Oak Road Brewery Celebrates 8th Anniversary by Releasing New Beer in Support of Charleston Memorial Stair Climb

June 15, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

SUMMERVILLE, South Carolina— As part of its 8th anniversary celebration, Oak Road Brewery will release the #NeverForget beer, brewed through its Women in Brewing initiative. This limited series juicy IPA is specifically brewed in support of Charleston Memorial Stair Climb’s mission of paying tribute to the 412 First Responders lost on 9/11.

“It’s an honor for us to brew #NeverForget and support Charleston Memorial Stair Climb by donating a portion of the proceeds. This event, like so many others, is one we feel personally connected to and participate in. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with this organization in honoring the lives lost and ensuring we never forget the sacrifice they made,” Erin Cox, Co-Owner and Women in Brewing Head Brewer.

#NeverForget will be released during the Charleston Memorial Stair Climb’s Pre-Climb Party hosted by Oak Road Brewery, located at 108 E 3rd N St. Summerville, SC 29483, on June 16, 2023 from 5 – 9 PM ET. This juicy IPA made with mosaic, citra and el dorado hops will only be available for a limited time through the taproom and special 4-packs of cans to go.

“We invite the entire lowcountry community to join us in honoring those 412 First Responders at the Pre-Climb Party and the Charleston Memorial Stair Climb event the following day. We are thankful for the opportunity to honor these men and women through the release of #NeverForget,” Erin Cox, Co-Owner and Women in Brewing Head Brewer.

To learn more about the Pre-Climb Event, please visit oakroadbrewery.com. To learn more about Charleston Memorial Stair Climb, please visit charlestonstairclimb.com.

About Oak Road Brewery

Founded in 2015 by Ben Bankey, Brian Cox, Erin Cox and Brad Mallett in Summerville, South Carolina, Oak Road Brewery, has mastered the art of lagering local German-inspired beers that are approachable and unpretentious. With a mission of creating a relaxing and fun atmosphere, Oak Road Brewery is dedicated to keeping it local, and making Summerville a destination for beer drinkers everywhere. As part of this mission, Oak Road Brewery has received many accolades since opening its doors more than seven years ago. Local, regional and national accolades include a U.S. Open Beer Championship Gold Medal winner, multiple medals from U.S. Beer Wars and South Carolina Brewers Guild and Summerville and Greater Dorchester Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year Award.

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Alter Brewing Co. Releases New Alterficial Intelligence Beer Series

June 6, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

DOWNERS GROVE, Illinois – We here at Alter Brewing Company are excited to announce the release of our first Alterficial Intelligence Project beer! This project is the ultimate fusion of man and machine to create wonderfully far-out beers. It is a series that we hope will captivate the senses, elevate the experience, and redefine what it means to enjoy great beer. We combine leading AI generating platforms Chat GPT and Midjourney with our incredible brew team to craft some suds that we believe — nay! — know will dazzle your taste buds.

The first beer, Cukezilla Versus Lime Kong is available now at all three Alter locations while supplies last. Additional AI Project beers will be released periodically through the year on a… changing… schedule. They will be on draft and in an extremely limited run of cans available exclusively at Alter locations.

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AZ Wilderness Partners With Equality Maricopa to Make Arizona’s First LGBT License Plate a Reality

June 6, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

PHOENIX, Arizona – Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. announced the launch of Prism, a prickly pear lager that will raise funds to create Arizona’s first LGBTQIA+ license plate.

The beer is being released in collaboration with Equality Maricopa, a resource group that supports LGBTQIA+ students and employees of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges across the Valley. Last year, Equality Maricopa began the push for Arizona to create a specialty license plate, proceeds from which would fund the PRISM Scholarship—a scholarship for LGBTQIA+ students—in perpetuity. If the license plate is adopted, Arizona will become one of the first states with an LGBTQIA+-themed license plate design.

To get the license plate produced, the organization needs to provide the state with $32,000, and they’re over halfway toward that goal. A percentage of the sales of Prism (the beer) will be donated to help them get the rest of the way.

Speaking of the beer: Named for the PRISM Scholarship, Prism is a delightfully fruit-forward lager brewed with Arizona-grown prickly pear. The label on each can includes an illustration of the proposed design of the license plate. Each can also includes a QR code with a link to make a direct donation to the PRISM Scholarship fund.

To celebrate the beer’s launch, Equality Maricopa will be hosting a happy hour at Arizona Wilderness’ DTPHX beer garden from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, June 10. A dollar from every pint of beer sold during the event will be donated to the license plate creation fund.

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Cartridge Brewing Signs Distribution Rights

June 5, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

CINCINNATI, Ohio – We are thrilled to announce the official news that Cartridge Brewing signs on with Heidelberg Distributing (Ohio Valley Wine And Beer) for Home-Market Distribution Rights. This strategic decision marks a significant milestone for Cartridge as it seeks to further expand its presence and ensure seamless distribution within the local market. Leveraging the extensive network and expertise of Heidelberg, Cartridge will be able to optimize their supply chain, maintain consistent availability, and meet the growing demand for their exceptional brews. Cartridge Brewing has previously been self-distributed within the Cincinnati area and is looking forward to the growth in the Dayton and Cincinnati area.

In December of 2022, Saucy Brew Works (Cleveland, OH), acquired Cartridge Brewing. Cartridge Brewing is proudly located within the historic Peters Cartridge Factory, a revered landmark with a rich legacy. Originally constructed in the 1860s, this factory played a pivotal role as a thriving community hub and the centerpiece of Kings Mills, Ohio. Saucy Brew Works brings forth new opportunities and synergies, propelling Cartridge Brewing’s continued growth and solidifying its position within the industry. Saucy Brew Works has four brewpubs in Ohio and one in Michigan and has continued plans for expansion.

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No-Li Brewhouse Announces Collaboration With Eastern Washington University Brew

June 5, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

SPOKANE, Washington– No-Li Brewhouse is proud to announce its brewing collaboration with the Eastern Washington University (EWU) Craft Brewing Program.

Ty Lindquist, No-Li Brewmaster & Chris Cedric, EWU Professor of Brewing Studies, and EWU students, crafted a unique Belgian Dubbel Ale named “E Dubbel U.”

The highly anticipated small batch release was created on No-Li’s one-barrel pilot Brewhouse.

This inaugural keg tapping will take place on Monday, June 5th at 5 pm at the No-Li Bier Hall. This event marks an exciting milestone for both No-Li and the EWU Craft Beer Industry Professional Certificate program.

No-Li, financial underwriter into the EWU craft beer program & a recipient of 131 international awards, is honored to partner with EWU for this special collaboration beer. By joining forces, we aim to create a beer that not only showcases our mutual dedication to craft brewing but also highlights the talent and creativity of the EWU Craft Beer Program and the growing culture of Spokane Craft Beer community.

“We are thrilled to team up with the EWU Craft Beer Industry Professional Certificate program for this collaboration,” said Ty Lindquist, Brewmaster at No-Li Brewhouse. “This partnership represents the coming together of passionate brewers, industry professionals, and aspiring craft beer enthusiasts. We believe that ‘E Dubbel U’ Belgian Ale is not only a delicious beer but also a testament to the vibrant craft beer community in Eastern Washington.”

The inaugural Keg Tapping & Release Party will be a memorable afternoon of celebration and community. Craft beer lovers are invited to join the festivities and bring their friends along. The first 30 guests to arrive will receive a complimentary drink ticket, ensuring a special treat for early attendees.

No-Li Brewhouse and Eastern Washington University invite everyone to come and raise a glass to this remarkable collaboration. Together, we created a beer that will not only captivate the taste buds but also leave a lasting impression on the students and craft beer enthusiasts in this course.

No-Li Brewhouse

No-Li Brewhouse is a progressive, forward-moving and community minded brewery. We have a deep passion for the artisan craft of beer making. It takes many partnerships, and the work of many hands, to bring 131 International Awards home to Spokane, USA. Together, we are establishing Spokane as a craft beer epicenter.

A marker of an economically vibrant & thriving city is the cultural addition of a regional craft brewery. We are proud to live in Spokane; a community with tradespeople honing their craft and growing their careers with living-wage jobs and full benefits. Craft brewing helps to bind a community together. It gives us a sense of local place and pride.

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Saugatuck Brewing Company Taps Anheuser-Busch and Wholesaler Veteran to Lead Brewery

June 5, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

SAUGATUCK, Michigan – Saugatuck Brewing Company (SBC) is pleased to announce John Miller as its new President and CEO and Brad Mixan as new CFO.

As President and CEO, Miller is taking the helm of a company that is focused on growth. SBC acquired Kalamazoo-based Gonzo’s Biggdogg Brewing in 2019 and followed up with the purchase of Grand Rapids-based Creston Brewery in 2021. After the difficult decision to close its Westnedge location in 2022, the brewery fulfilled its plan this year by reopening that brewpub in the former home of Olde Peninsula Brewpub and Restaurant in downtown Kalamazoo. SBC also recently launched two new product lines with the Lake Street Lager and Rainbow Rodeo IPA.

Miller said, “SBC’s focus has always been on the people that work here, the beer we make and the brew pubs we operate,” and he is excited about the opportunity to put his stamp on the vibrant beer market that is West Michigan.

“Being in the beer business as long as I have, you learn quickly that there are a handful of markets in the country that are uniquely passionate about beer, and West Michigan is at the top of that list,” Miller said. “So, this is an amazing opportunity for me to be a part of this. At SBC we believe it is time to invest. I know our best days are ahead, and we are doing what we need to make things happen.”

Miller has amassed 33 years of experience in the beverage industry since his college days. He most recently served as general manager/operating partner at Double Eagle Distributing, where he was recruited to oversee the purchase, integration and operations of an existing beer and non-alcoholic South Florida beverage distributor.

He also spent more than 22 years with Anheuser-Busch, holding various sales and marketing leadership positions mostly in the Midwest and south east regions of the country. All the while, he interacted directly with many of the best wholesalers in the industry. A “lifelong beer guy,” Miller has seen every facet of the beverage industry, from supplier to wholesaler to retail, and believes he can relate to people in the industry, because he has done their jobs before.

In his free time, he loves to fly fish, which coincides nicely with SBC’s recent release of Rainbow Rodeo IPA, snow ski, and is a “die-hard New York Yankees fan.” As a father of two sons, John, along with his wife Beth, enjoy traveling, spending time on the tennis courts and playing an occasional round of golf.

Miller succeeds Ric Gillette, who has been president and CEO of SBC since 2009.

SBC also welcomed aboard Brad Mixan as the brewery’s new CFO. A CPA with more than 20 years of experience, Mixan most recently served as corporate controller for Nexben Inc., where he oversaw more than $17 million in monthly client funding cash flows and assisted the firm’s financial planning and analysis team with $20 million annual budget management and reporting.

“We’re really looking to leverage technology to position the brewery for future growth and success,” said Mixan. “I think it’s going to help us make better decisions. It’s going to allow us to more effectively manage and operate our brewpubs and brewhouse.”

Mixan has lived in Saugatuck for almost seven years with his wife and their two daughters and has been a fan of SBC for many years.

“I’ve been homebrewing for more than 30 years now and in the financial world for almost 25 years, so being able to combine those two passions has been so rewarding,” he said.

Outside of work, he enjoys homebrewing, exploring nature with the family, cheering on the Spartans and enjoying his new favorite, Rainbow Rodeo IPA, at SBC’s Douglas brewpub.

About Saugatuck Brewing Company:

Saugatuck Brewing Company (SBC) first opened its doors on June 23, 2005 as a small, intimate, start-up brewery in Douglas, Michigan. In 2008, SBC moved the entire operation to the 25,000 square foot facility that serves as the headquarters, brewery, warehouse, and Pub and Brew House. In 2019, SBC opened the second taproom in Kalamazoo, Michigan and in 2021 SBC acquired Creston Brewery in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In June 2022, SBC made the decision to close the Kalamazoo Westnedge location in order to invest in a new location in downtown Kalamazoo that opened April 10, 2023. SBC is distributed in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Missouri, Tennessee, Kansas and Colorado and five foreign countries.

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