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Archives for May 2025

Bruz Beers to Showcase Premier Belgian Beer Selection at Denver’s Belgian Import Festival on June 7

May 19, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Belgian Import Festival and the Bruz BeersDENVER, CO— No need for a passport— Bruz Beers is bringing Belgium to Denver.

On Saturday, June 7, Bruz Beers will host the Belgian Import Festival at their original location on West 67th Avenue from noon to 3pm. This celebration of all things Belgian will serve the largest and most curated selection of Belgian beers to be found in Colorado this summer. Festival guests can sample beers from eighteen world-renowned Belgian breweries, including Orval, Rochefort, Chimay, and St. Bernardus. The complete brewery list is below.

The Belgian Import Festival at Bruz Beers will also feature four food trucks— Big Belly Brothers BBQ, Macs and Mutts, Papa Frites, and Shuck Brothers— and live music by Boot Gun, named “the Denver Rock Band to Watch This Year” by Westword. The Bruz Beers owners and brewers will be onsite, ready to toast with guests and share more about the special offerings they have slated for the festival.

Everyone from seasoned Belgian beer enthusiasts to the Belgian beer curious will find something to love at this gathering dedicated to the European beer culture that inspires the ethos of Bruz Beers. Its owners facilitate a Belgian beer tour overseas each year, and this festival is their opportunity to bring standout beers from their travels home to their community in Denver. “This event is nine years in the making and a dream come true,” says Ryan Evans, CEO of Bruz Beers. “Bringing the finest beers in the world to our tasting room for all to enjoy together is truly a treat!”

Tickets to this Beer Disneyland-esque beer experience cost $60 per person and can be purchased via Eventbrite.

BELGIAN IMPORT FESTIVAL DAY-OF DETAILS

When: Saturday, June 6, 2025 – 12 to 3 pm

Where: Bruz Beers, 1675 West 67th Avenue #100 Denver, CO 80221

Rain or Shine

Breweries on the Menu:

Chimay: Renowned for its Trappist beers, Chimay produces rich, complex ales like Chimay Blue, crafted under monastic supervision in Belgium since 1862. Its beers are celebrated globally for their balance of malt, fruit, and spice.

Cornelissen: Brouwerij Cornelissen, a family-owned Belgian brewery, is famous for its Herkenrode abbey beers and Limburgse Witte, blending tradition with innovative flavors. Its Pax Pils offers a crisp, refreshing take on the classic style.

De Brabandre: Founded in 1894, De Brabandre is known for its Petrus sour ales, particularly Petrus Aged Pale, combining oak-aged tartness with fruity depth. The brewery also crafts the hoppy Kwaremont, inspired by cycling culture.

Dubuisson: One of Belgium’s oldest family breweries, established in 1769, Dubuisson is famed for its Bush Ambrée, a strong, malty ale with caramel notes. Its Cuvée des Trolls offers a lighter, citrusy alternative.

Halve Maan: Located in Bruges, Halve Maan brews the iconic Straffe Hendrik and Brugse Zot, blending centuries-old tradition with modern creativity. Its historic brewery site attracts beer enthusiasts worldwide.

Huyghe: Best known for its Delirium Tremens, a strong golden ale with a spicy, fruity profile, Huyghe has been brewing since 1906. The brewery’s pink elephant logo is a global craft beer symbol.

John Martin: Founded by a British expatriate in 1909, John Martin is celebrated for its Gordon Finest Scotch Ale and the crisp Timmermans lambics. Its portfolio blends Belgian tradition with international appeal.

Kerel: A modern Belgian brewery, Kerel focuses on bold, experimental beers like its Saison and Dark Farmhouse Ale, emphasizing organic ingredients. Its vibrant branding reflects its innovative spirit.

Lindemans: Since 1822, Lindemans has specialized in lambic beers, with its Kriek and Gueuze offering tart, fruity flavors from spontaneous fermentation. Its fruit lambics are a gateway for new beer drinkers.

Orval: A Trappist brewery since 1931, Orval produces a single, distinctive beer, Orval Ale, known for its dry, hoppy, and Brettanomyces-driven complexity. Its elegant bottle design is iconic.

Rochefort: This Trappist brewery, dating back to 1595, crafts three revered beers—Rochefort 6, 8, and 10—with rich, dark fruit, and chocolate notes. Its small-scale production ensures exceptional quality.

Rodenbach: Famous for its Flemish red-brown ales, Rodenbach blends young and oak-aged beers for a tart, fruity profile, with Rodenbach Grand Cru as a standout. Brewing since 1821, it’s a sour beer pioneer.

St. Bernardus: Located in Watou, St. Bernardus brews abbey-style ales, with its Abt 12 quad known for its velvety, dark fruit richness. Often compared to Trappist beers, it’s a craft favorite.

St. Feuillien: Founded in 1873, St. Feuillien produces elegant abbey beers like its Blonde and Tripel, balancing malt sweetness with spicy yeast notes. Its seasonal Saison is a refreshing highlight.

Val-Dieu: Brewed at a Cistercian abbey, Val-Dieu offers authentic abbey beers like its Triple, with fruity esters and a smooth finish. Its recipes draw on centuries of monastic tradition.

Van Steenberge: Known for its Gulden Draak, a dark, boozy tripel, Van Steenberge has brewed since 1784, blending heritage with bold flavors. Its Piraat Ale is a hoppy, adventurous classic.

Verhaeghe: A leader in Flemish red ales, Verhaeghe’s Duchesse de Bourgogne combines sweet, sour, and oak-aged depth since 1825. Its Barbe Ruby is a fruity, dessert-like treat.

Westmalle: A Trappist pioneer since 1836, Westmalle is the birthplace of the Tripel style, with its Westmalle Tripel offering golden, spicy complexity. Its Dubbel is a darker, malt-driven classic.

ABOUT BRUZ BEERS
The acclaimed Bruz Beers was named one of the 13 Best Craft Breweries in America by Hop Culture, has won countless awards and medals, and is dedicated to brewing traditional Belgian-style beers and innovative Belgian-inspired brews. It offers a wide range of Belgian-style seasonal and limited releases on tap at its two Denver area locations or for takeaway in crowlers, bottles and cans. Visit Bruz online at bruzbeers.com.

The Belgian Import Festival
The Belgian Import Festival, hosted by Bruz Beers in Denver, Colorado, on June 7, 2025, from noon to 3 PM at their original West 67th Avenue location, is a vibrant celebration of Belgium’s world-renowned brewing heritage. This event, nine years in the making, showcases rare and acclaimed beers from 18 prestigious Belgian breweries, including Trappist and abbey-style ales, lambics, and Flemish sours. Attendees can enjoy unlimited 2oz pours, a commemorative tasting glass, and pizza slices, with local food trucks and live music enhancing the festive atmosphere. Tickets, priced at $25 for general admission, offer beer enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore Belgium’s diverse beer culture while connecting with brewers, importers, and fellow aficionados in a lively, community-driven setting.

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Beer, Beer Festival

Today’s Top Beer News, Stories, & Fun Facts

May 19, 2025 by beerinfo

The Best IPAs Of 2025—According To The World Beer Cup (May, 19) – IPAs remain the most popular selling craft beer style in America, as well as the top seller at the vast majority of individual breweries. Complete Story.

Swede news! Young St. Peter brewers win gold medal for old Scandinavian beer (May, 19) – Paddlefish Brewing is throwing a party after its World Beer Cup award for an ale made with a local Swedish gift shop. Complete Story.

Massachusetts brewer creates a first of its kind beer in United States (May, 14) – The beer market is overflowing with companies that claim that their product is lighter or less filling and tastes better. Complete Story.

Beer Run: Can THC Brands Find Safety in Three-Tier System? (May, 12) – What’s the best route from online to on-shelf sales? For many intoxicating hemp brands, the solution appears to be finding space with beer and liquor distributors. Complete Story.

Podcast Episode 412: Colt Carpenter of Pax Verum Sources Intentional Ingredients for Nuanced Beers (May, 9) – The small brewery about an hour outside of Indianapolis strikes a cool and edgy pose in its tiny town surrounded by agricultural fields, but the nuance and polish of their beer has found fans across the state. Complete Story.

Among the best: These Ohio breweries brought home World Beer Cup medals. See who won (May, 9th) – Ohioans who enjoy craft beer know there are plenty of excellent options around the Buckeye State to quench their thirst. Complete Story.

Hi-Wire Brewing re-opens RAD Beer Garden with celebration following Tropical Storm Helene (May, 8) – Eight months after Hi-Wire Brewing’s Beer Garden and Distribution Center took on 15 feet of water during the monumental Tropical Storm Helene last September, the brewery announces the reopening of its flagship location at 284 Lyman St. Complete Story.

Wisconsin breweries bring home 5 medals from World Beer Cup (May, 8) – Three Wisconsin breweries came home with awards from the World Beer Cup on May 1, beating more than 8,000 beers from nearly 50 countries. Complete Story.

Washington state brews win 24 medals at World Beer Cup (May, 8) – Washington breweries won 24 medals in this year’s World Beer Cup, bringing home the third-most awards of any U.S. state. Complete Story.

Illinois Craft Beer Week 2025 features more than 80 local breweries(May 7th) – The cornerstone festival and fundraiser of Illinois Craft Beer Week, Beer Under Glass convenes more than 80 Illinois breweries for an evening outdoors at the acclaimed Millennium Park Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace in downtown Chicago. Join us Friday, May 9 for the largest gathering of Illinois craft breweries. Complete Story

California Brewery Becomes King Of Hazy IPAs At World Beer Cup (May, 7) – Breweries from 39 countries competed at the annual World Beer Cup in Indianapolis, and West Coast U.S. breweries captured the most medals for the world’s best IPAs. Complete Story.

Michigan’s Beer & Brat Festival returns to Crystal Mountain to kick off summer fun (May, 5) – Michigan’s big Beer & Brat Festival is being held Saturday, May 24 at Crystal Mountain Resort – smack in the middle of Memorial Day Weekend and as a kick-off to summer fun. Complete Story.

When was beer invented? (May, 5) – Humans discovered fermentation thousands of years ago, but ancient brews would have tasted much differently from the beers of today. Complete Story.

Ranked: Per Capita Beer Consumption by Country (May, 5) – Today, Czechia officially recognizes beer culture as part of its national heritage, with 96% brewed domestically. Complete Story.

“everywhere” a California Brewery Becomes King Of Hazy IPAs At World Beer Cup(May 2) – everywhere brewery of Orange, California copped the gold medal in the Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale category with its Shifted Visions beer. The brewery describes the 7.1% ABV beer as a “hazy India pale ale made with oats and premium pilsner malt and hopped with nectaron, motueka, simcoe and citra.” Complete Story

Craft brewers from around the world to tip beers in Indy
(April, 28) – At a time when the American craft brewery market seems to have leveled out, even losing ground, the Craft Brewers Conference will be held at the Indiana Convention Center this week. Complete Story.

Stevens Point Brewery unveils new summer seasonal ale (April, 24) – The Stevens Point Brewery has launched a new seasonal beer just in time for the warmer months, introducing the Point Great Outdoors Adventure Ale, a wheat ale brewed with subtle tropical notes. Complete Story.

FX Matt Brewing Co. recognized as one of the nation’s best craft beer brewers (April, 23) – Complete Story.

These are Oregon’s 5 best beers, according to our readers (April, 23) – What’s the best beer brewed in Oregon? The Oregonian/OregonLive readers narrowed it down to these five choices in our Readers Choice Awards. Complete Story.

Human Robot Brewery to take over Crime & Punishment storefront in Brewerytown (April, 23) – The growing craft beer brand is moving out of its Schuylkill Banks spot and is also planning to build a tasting room in Bucks County. Complete Story.

Widmer Brothers Brewing celebrates 40 years by bringing back classic beers (April, 22) – One of Oregon’s oldest breweries Widmer Brothers Brewing, is celebrating more than four decades by bringing back old iconic beers that haven’t been seen in awhile. Complete Story.

I’ve Tried Hundreds of Beers. This Cheap Lager Is an Ideal Sipper for Hot Days (April, 22) – There are many great options from Miller High Life to Pabst Blue Ribbon—but this particular beer is my go-to. Complete Story.

AZ Wilderness serving up sustainable beer for Earth Month and year-round (April, 21) – One of their IPAs in particular, aptly named ‘This Beer Saves Water,’ is completely made with drought-tolerant Sinagua Barley. Complete Story.

Beer Nut: Greenfield native Sam Calagione talks beer, baseball and the Grateful Dead (April, 21) – Boston Beer Company’s Jim Koch and Dogfish Head’s Sam Calagione with their flagship beers. Complete Story.

Sacramento Craft Beer 101 with Urban Roots Brewery’s Peter Hoey (April, 21) – Urban Roots craft brewer Peter Hoey talks in April 2025 at his Sacramento restuarant and brewery about what non-beer drinkers should consider when trying a craft beer. Complete Story.

Found Treasure: ‘Teacher Beers’ at Fruition Brewing (April, 21) – Fruition ranks high among them for the inventiveness and execution of their “yuzu hazes,” “Watsonville wildflower honey blondes” and “organic hibiscus snack session sours,” all of them chef-kiss quality. Complete Story.

Belgians mark Easter with massive beer hunt (April, 21) – Belgian beer lovers replaced the traditional Easter egg hunt with a quest for beer on Sunday (April 20) in the garden of an ancient abbey in the town of Lasne, some 12 miles (20 kilometers) south of Brussels. Complete Story.

Cape Cod brewery to buy Mayflower Brewing (April, 18) – Mayflower Brewing, which has a production and taproom in Plymouth, has a deal to be acquired by Cape Cod-based Hog Island Beer Co. Complete Story.

Cheers! 4 Ohio craft breweries are among the top 50 in the nation. See the full list (April, 17) – Rhinegeist in Cincinnati overtakes Great Lakes as the top craft brewery in Ohio, per Brewers Association ranking. BrewDog near Columbus advances; Fat Head’s near Cleveland joins list. Complete Story.

THC Infused Non-Alcoholic Beers To Celebrate 4/20 (April, 16) – With lifestyle choices aplenty, the latest in a growing trend is the fusing of the popular and growing NA beer market with THC. Could this beer be the perfect way to celebrate 4/20? Complete Story.

Fort Point, HenHouse breweries merge amid challenges for craft beer (April, 16) – Here’s how San Francisco’s Fort Point Beer Company and Henhouse Brewing plan to navigate the craft beer industry’s challenges together. Complete Story.

Owners of Brewsters Beer Garden take over former Bear Republic taproom in Rohnert Park (April, 16) – The 11,000-square-foot space by Roberts Lake has been vacant for over two years. It is set to reopen later this year. Complete Story.

Crooked Can to host groundbreaking ceremony for new Minneola brewery, headquarters(April 16) – Crooked Can Brewing Company founders, partners, government officials and community leaders will celebrate the company’s 40,000-square-foot destination brewery and headquarters in Minneola with a groundbreaking ceremony at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 15. Complete Story

Pour List & Can’t-Miss Beers to Try at the 2025 Collaboration Fest (April, 14) – Throughout its eleven year existence, the Colorado Brewers Guild’s Collaboration Fest has not only captured the incredible spirit of camaraderie and togetherness that helped fuel the explosion of the craft beer industry for nearly three decades, but it has also served as a platform for experimentation and innovation for Colorado’s diverse brewing landscape. Complete Story.

2025 Oregon Beer Awards Winners & Recap (April, 14) – The milestone 10th annual Oregon Beer Awards were announced on April 10th at a sold-out ceremony at Revolution Hall in Portland, Oregon. Complete Story.

Top rated West Virginia beers to try on National Beer Day (April, 8) – Despite West Virginia’s relatively small craft beverage industry compared to surrounding states like Ohio or Virginia, Mountain State brewers still put out a ton of top-notch beer that deserves recognition. Complete Story.

From Coors to craft: A look at the history of beer in Colorado (April, 8th) – 9NEWS Photojournalist Bryan Wendland sat down with two historians who literally just finished writing the book on the history of beer in Colorado. Complete Story.

Market Garden Brewery to debut Irishtown Bend Taproom this week (April, 7) – Market Garden Brewery is opening a new taproom in a familiar space in what amounts to a continually growing portfolio of businesses around its home base in Ohio City. Complete Story.

Oak Highlands Brewery moving to Richardson (April, 7) – After ten years in Lake Highlands, Oak Highlands Brewery will move their production facility and taproom to Richardson’s Lockwood District later this year. Complete Story.

How one area brewery is bucking sobering trends (April, 7) – Not so long and forever ago, a group of Colorado Springs entrepreneurs herded its creative energies and funds into a startup brewery named after an epic display of chin whiskers. Complete Story.

Atwater Brewery Releases Atwater Light: Detroit’s Premium Light Craft Beer (April, 7) – Atwater Light Brings a Crafted Touch to Low-Calorie beer, Inspired by the Spirit of Detroit. Complete Story.

Oakshire Commons, third location of Oakshire Brewing is open (April, 4) – Eugene, Oregon’s Oakshire Brewing has opened the Oakshire Commons, the third location for the brewery following the Portland beer hall which opened in 2019. Oakshire Commons is located in the heart of historic downtown Springfield, Oregon just north of Eugene. Complete Story.

Two popular central Pa. breweries are joining forces (April, 4) – Liquid Hero Brewery and Gift Horse Brewing Company announced this week they are joining forces to brew beer under one roof. Complete Story.

Trail Stop Brewery turns once-empty lot into a new city hotspot (April, 4) – A once-vacant floodplain has been transformed into one of Columbia’s newest gathering spots. Complete Story.

Sip in style: These are the 10 best beer labels (April, 3) – These 10 beer labels, nominated by an expert panel and voted as the best by our readers, have mastered the art of grabbing attention, then delivering a delicious brew. Complete Story.

First look inside pFriem Family Brewers Milwaukie taproom in Portland-metro (April, 2) – A little more than a year after the project was first announced, pFriem Milwaukie is ready to open to the public on Monday, April 7th. Complete Story.

Great Divide sells to newly merged Denver Beer Co. and Stem Ciders (April, 2) – In a frenzied few weeks of consolidation, two local brewers merged and then this week announced the purchase of a craft brewing mainstay of 30 years. Complete Story.

The Who’s Who of Beer Cool in 2025 (April, 1) – The country’s top brewers, beer writers and buyers weigh in on the 10 breweries to know right now. Complete Story.

Threshold Brewing becomes first exclusively Polish Language brewery in the U.S. (April, 1) Portland’s own Polish-owned Threshold Brewing is taking the logical next step in embracing their heritage by changing all written and spoken dialect in their taproom to Polish. Complete Story.

Hawaii craft brewery Aloha Beer Co. shares what’s brewing (March, 31) – Aloha Beer is an independent craft brewery in Kakaako, joining Sunrise are Pablo Scurto and KZ Vicente. Complete Story.

Fiction Beer Company Is Making a Comeback on Colfax (March, 31) – A group of the brewery’s former trivia hosts are its new owners. Complete Story.

Why nonalcoholic brews are driving beer innovation (March, 27) – Big companies are going all in on zero-proof drinks in order to expand the struggling category, according to the World Brewing Alliance’s CEO. Complete Story.

Beer’s long and tasty history in the upper Hudson Valley (March, 26) – Albany is the near-forgotten brewing capital of the 19th century. Complete Story.

Memphis brew named best light beer in America (March, 25) – Memphis brewery Wiseacre brought home a top award at the Great American Beer Festival, naming Sky Dog Lager the best light beer in the USA. Complete Story.

Craft Beer and Cannabis Seeds: A New Frontier in Brewing (March, 25) – The latest trend in Washington combines the two most successful forms of indulgence by fusing craft beer and cannabis consumption. Complete Story.

These Are the Best Nonalcoholic Beers in America, According to the Best of Craft Beer Awards (March, 24) – Once an afterthought, booze-free beer is now a major player in craft brewing. Complete Story.

The Beer-Loving City With The Most Breweries In The US (March, 21) – With an ever growing number of breweries, there’s so much for beer lovers to enjoy all across the United States. Complete Story.

Athletic Brewing founders talk nonalcoholic beer, CT origin story (March, 21) – Over a decade ago, Connecticut native Bill Shufelt was at a beer garden with a group of colleagues when he wanted a nonalcoholic drink — but wasn’t able to find one. Complete Story.

Zupan’s Markets Partners with Breakside Brewing for the Latest “Farm-to-Market” Beer Release (March, 21) – Zupan’s Markets is proud to unveil the release of the next installment in its popular Farm-to-Market beer series, crafted in collaboration with Portland’s Breakside Brewing. Complete Story.

Genesee Beer unveils new can line, expects job growth (March, 21) – Genesee Beer has announced the launch of its new can line, a development that is expected to enhance production capabilities and create dozens of new jobs over the coming years. Complete Story.

A Black-owned brewery Roar Brewing to open where Nain Rouge Brewery was in Cass Corridor (March, 21) – A new destination is opening at 666 Selden between Second and Third streets that is said to be Detroit’s first Black-owned brewery. Complete Story.

The Best Beers In America And The World In 2024, According To Untappd (March, 19) – In its second annual Community Awards, the popular beer rating app Untappd has allowed drinkers to have a voice in identifying the best beers on the planet. Complete Story.

186,000 gallons of beer on the wall: Yellow Springs Brewery has momentum, adds new beer to year-round lineup (March, 19) – As Yellow Springs Brewery is focusing on creating approachable beers, it’s adding a new brew to its year-round lineup. Complete Story.

Samuel Adams American Light Debuts Nationwide, Helping Fans Upgrade Their Beer and Lock In Their Seat for Tip-Off (March, 18) – America’s Most Premium Light Beer Ensures Basketball Fans Secure the Best Seats in the House. Complete Story.

Inside Athletic Brewing’s effervescent rise to becoming a core American beer(March 18) – Athletic Brewing is No. 32 on the list of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2025. Explore the full list of companies that are reshaping industries and culture. Just days before Athletic Brewing’s newest busy season begins—Dry January—its primary brewery, in Milford, Connecticut, is shifting into overdrive, working to meet the coming month’s nationwide surge in demand. Nearly 15 million cans will vanish from retail shelves within the first four weeks of 2025. Complete Story

Big Grove Brewery pours support into communities with new micro-grant program, beer release(March 17) – Big Grove Brewery recently launched a new micro-grant initiative to support local projects that enhance and revitalize local neighborhoods. The funding will come directly from the Big Grove for Good Foundation, a first of its kind in the beer industry. Complete Story

Doin’ Beers: 5 Minnesota Beers to Drink in March(March 17) – March is such a weird time for me when it comes to writing a beer column. Sure, there’s St. Patrick’s Day, and local breweries release the occasional dry Irish stout or Irish red to correspond with that, but there just aren’t enough of them doing a St. Paddy’s release for it to be a thing in the way that would make it easy to write about. Complete Story  

Bay Area brewer says tariffs already impacting beer business in multiple ways(March 17) – On Monday evening, many will be hoisting a beer in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. But there’s not a lot of celebrating in the craft beer industry these days, as President Trump’s tariffs threaten brewers with higher prices that may be hard to pass on to consumers. Complete Story

St. Pete’s newest brewery awarded best beer in town (March, 13) – When you’re hot, you’re hot – and St. Pete’s newest brewery is absolutely on fire lately. Complete Story.    

Upstate New York’s renowned craft beer and ice cream brands team up again (March, 13) – Is there be a more formidable dynamic duo of regional craft treats than Southern Tier Brewing and Perry’s Ice Cream? Complete Story.

Adding Sugary Adjuncts to Stouts in the Barrel | Video Tip (March, 12) – While different recipes call for different approaches, Third Eye co-owner and head brewer Kelly Montgomery explains why some stouts need more than one bourbon barrel, and why they add certain sugary adjuncts directly to the barrels. Complete Story.

Creature Comforts Beer Brewed With African Grain Benefits Black Brewmasters (March, 12) – There are 10,000 craft breweries in the United States, yet just 1% are Black-owned, and 2% are owned by women. Complete Story.

The 2025 Texas Craft Brewers Cup Winners (March, 11) – Texas is home to a vibrant craft beer scene. In February the Lone Star State celebrated its best, and we’ve got all the big winners for you… Complete Story.

4 Ways To Add Irish Beer To Baked Goods On St. Patrick’s Day (March, 11) – When it comes to celebratory foods and drinks to indulge in on St. Patrick’s Day, the mind probably goes to green beer on tap at the local bar or a plate of corned beef and cabbage. Complete Story.

Here’s Which Beer Is Most Popular in Your State, According to a New Report (March, 10) – Do your beer preferences line up with your neighbors? This recent study aims to find out. Complete Story.

Delaware beer garden ranked as the best in the nation (March, 7) – Though it may not be wise to go outside in the cold weather lately, Columbus is home to the best beer garden in the nation. Complete Story.

Michigan beer gardens grab No. 2 and No. 3 spots on USA Today’s national list (March, 7) – The Mitten state dominated in this year’s USA Today 10Best battle for top beer garden in the nation. Complete Story.

Charleston brewers among the 1st in the nation to produce a beer using a rare West African grain (March, 5) – April Dove listened intently as Brooklyn Brewery legend Garrett Oliver discussed his work with fonio, an ancient grain grown in Senegal. Complete Story.

Bale Breaker Brewing Announces the 2025 Frenz Collab Lineup (March, 5) – The Bale Breaker Brewing Frenz series of collaboration beers sees the Yakima-based brewery partner with some of the best breweries from near and far. Complete Story.

Fermenting Classic and Imperial-Strength Milk Stouts | Video Tip (March, 5) – From lower-strength versions to higher-gravity ones that need a bigger yeast pitch and more time, Third Eye co-owner and head brewer Kelly Montgomery details their approach to fermenting award-winning milk stouts. Complete Story.

The Brewmaster Blurring the Line Between Beer and Fine Dining (March, 5) – Jared Rouben and Moody Tongue are elevating beer to a Michelin-starred experience. Complete Story.

Marketing idea of the week: Big Grove Brewery pairs Neighborhood Beer with awesome micro-grant program (March, 5) – The Iowa City-based brewery is debuting a new micro-grant initiative to support local projects, that will be partially funded by sales of its new Neighborhood Beer. Complete Story.

New Jersey breweries are getting high ratings on Untappd. What it means for local brewers (March, 4) – Ratings on Untappd, Beer Advocate and Google reviews can make or break small breweries. Brewers have thoughts on how much heed to pay these platforms. Complete Story.

World’s First Beer FromAir®: This Pilsner has Zero Groundwater (March, 3) – By using water sourced from air, this beer blends innovation, sustainability, and brewing excellence, marking the dawn of a new era in beer craftsmanship. Complete Story.

Beer-loving rescue horse inspires “20 Hands Lager” (March, 3) – On Saturday afternoon, a horse whose height rivaled the Water Street skyline drew crowds for a celebration in his honor. Complete Story.

Maryland is Home To The Best Lite Beer in the Country, According to Wine Enthusiast (February, 28) – Wine Enthusiast has ranked MoCo Lite– the collaboration between The MoCoShow and Lone Oak Brewing Company– brewed right here in Olney, Maryland, as the best light beer in the country. Complete Story.

Brewery’s new beer benefits domestic violence shelters (February, 28) – Earth Rider’s One in Four Beer will mark Safe Haven’s 47th birthday and raise funds for three local domestic violence shelters. Complete Story.

Becoming a Beer Sommelier Is Almost Impossible. Explaining It Is Harder. (February, 28) – The exclusive club of Master Cicerones finds the title comes with a few perks and a lot of questions. Complete Story.

Green Bay area breweries tackle a specialty beer for NFL Draft (February, 25) – Nine Green Bay-area breweries are coming together to create a special beer for the NFL Draft. Complete Story.

NYC Beer Week is in full swing, here’s how to celebrate in Queens and across the city (February, 25) – New York City Beer Week is in full swing, running through March 2, bringing a citywide celebration of craft beer to over 40 breweries—including plenty of exciting events in Queens. Complete Story.

The World’s Best Lagers And Pilsners—According To The Brussels Beer Challenge (February, 24) – The best lagers and pilsners were produced in Germany, Vietnam, the U.S., Spain, Italy, France and the Netherlands, according to the competition judges. Complete Story.

More PB&J Mixtape? What Xul Beer Company’s deal with Fanatic means for local fans (February, 24) – Xul Beer Co., known for its super popular PB&J Mixtape, has been growing exponentially in Knoxville since its debut in 2020, and it’s not slowing down. Complete Story.

Maine’s Orange Bike Brewing Company earns national praise for gluten-free beer (February, 24) – A Maine brewery is celebrating after receiving several national honors and creating a lot of buzz around gluten-free beer. Complete Story.

WTOP’s Beer of the Week: Great Raft Commotion Pale Ale (February, 21) – WTOP’s Brennan Haselton is joined by Neighborhood Restaurant Group Beer Director and James Beard Award nominee Greg Engert to talk about Great Raft Commotion Pale Ale for the latest edition of WTOP’s Beer of the Week. Complete Story.

Michigan 2025 Winter Beer Festival to feature 499 beers on tap (February, 21) – The highly anticipated Winter Beer Festival will once again take place at the home of the West Michigan Whitecaps this weekend. Complete Story.

Arizona Beer Week is here: Flagstaff’s breweries attract visitors from around the world (February, 20) – It’s the middle of Arizona’s Beer Week, and the state is home to over 130 breweries. Complete Story.

Victory Hops: Why the Winning Saison by Forbidden Root and Derive Brewing is Special (February, 20) – Made by Columbus breweries Forbidden Root and Derive Brewing Co., Well Positioned saison received national acclaim at the 2024 Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer. Complete Story.

Snouts and Stouts Brewing: Where craft beer meets canine love! (February, 20) – At Snouts and Stouts Brewing, the love of craft beer and canine companionship blend seamlessly. Complete Story.

Black Owned Beer Brands To Try At Your Next Happy Hour (February, 19) – The rise of Black-owned beer brands highlights the growing appreciation for diversity and innovation in the brewing industry. Complete Story.

2024 Denver International Beer Competition Medal Winners (February, 19) – The Denver International Beer Competition celebrates brewing excellence around the world, and it is all done in Denver, the “Napa Valley of Beer”. Complete Story.

Hop Butcher Explores the Weird Side of Beer (February, 19) – By tapping new hops and out-there ingredients, Hop Butcher for the World has become one of Chicago’s buzziest breweries. Complete Story.

Good Line Beer Co. celebrates historic win, named one of two best breweries in Texas (February, 19) – Complete Story.

Perk Up With These 5 Coffee-Infused Columbus Beers (February, 19) – Brewers across Columbus now work with local roasters to blend coffee into their beers. Complete Story.

Dogfish Head partners with Grateful Dead to debut new beer (February, 19) – Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and Grateful Dead are continuing their “long, strange trip together” with the launch of a new collaborative beer, Grateful Dead Juicy Pale Ale. Complete Story.

This Northern Florida City Is Home To A Thriving Craft Beer Scene (February, 18) – From Oakland Park’s Funky Buddha Brewing to Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing, the Sunshine State is packed full of top-tier destinations for craft beer aficionados—yet one city tends to fly under the radar when it comes to brewing prowess. Complete Story.

Inaugural class announced for American Craft Beer Hall of Fame (February, 18) – The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame announced its inaugural class of inductees last week. Complete Story.

Women-owned brewery in Tempe leads craft beer revolution in Arizona (February, 18) – At last count, Arizona is home to more than 130 craft breweries, brewing over 217,000 barrels of craft beer a year. Complete Story.

Popular Knoxville brewery purchasing Fanatic site to increase production, host private events (February, 18) – Xul Beer Company has received critical acclaim for its work, picking up a gold medal at the World Beer Cup in 2022. Complete Story.

Pantown Brewing blends St. Cloud history with craft beer (February, 17) – The brewery, at 408 37th Ave. N, sits on the former testing grounds of the Pan Motor Co. Inside the brewery, nods to the Pan Motor Co. are everywhere. Complete Story.

Six of the Top Beer Spas Across the World (February, 17) – Would you bathe in beer? Discover if the hype is worth the plunge. Complete Story.

This brewery’s hidden outpost is an attractive oasis along Route 2 (February, 17) – Sterling Street Brewery in Devens is part taproom, part restaurant and part community center, all hidden away in a sprawling manufacturing campus within a former army base. Complete Story.

Luxury Beer Gifts That Will Wow For Valentine’s Day (February, 12) – When you think of beer in terms of Valentine’s Day gifts, the words “luxury” or “high-end” don’t usually come to mind. Complete Story.

Arizona Wilderness Brewery leads a sustainable beer movement (February, 11) – Arizona Wilderness Brewery is charting a different path in the heart of Arizona’s craft beer scene — one that prioritizes sustainability, local partnerships, and environmental stewardship over rapid expansion. Complete Story.

Wyoming Has An Incredible Love Story With Beer (February, 11) – With over 40 breweries operating, the Cowboy State is a state where there is no doubt that beer is loved. The history of beer in Wyoming is impressive, going back to the 1800s. Complete Story.

The World’s Best Guinness-Like Stouts According To Untappd (February, 10) – These are the most popular Irish-style stouts from thousands of reviews on the beer rating website. Complete Story.

Craft Beer Spots from San Diego to Anaheim (February, 10) – Taste your way from the pine-scented mountains outside San Diego, along the Hops Highway, all the way to the ocean breezes of Orange County. Complete Story.

Low-Alcohol Beers Are Trending Like Never Before — Here Are 10 to Try (February, 10) – Not too big, not too small — the Goldilocks of beer falls somewhere between 0–6% ABV. Complete Story.

Side Project Brewing hosts Stout Week from February 11–16 (February, 10) – This hallmark event has become a popular annual tradition and pilgrimage for some craft beer enthusiasts. Complete Story.

Beer News: Beer Overtakes Wine in France / Anheuser-Busch Begins Contract Brewing Pabst (February, 10) – Call it a ‘generational change” if you want, but the fact that beer is currently outselling wine in France, a country renowned for its wine and its wine consumption, is big news. Complete Story.

SweetWater launches “Dive Beer” 4% Lager (February, 7) – SweetWater Dive Beer, a 4% alcohol-by-volume lager, has hit shelves to kick off 2025. Complete Story.

Montauk Brewing Co.: ‘The Surf Beer’ being served on all JetBlue flights (February, 7) – The brewery says its beer can be enjoyed on all flights, both domestic and international. Complete Story.

Black craft beer group creates limited-edition Black History Month brew (February, 6) – Atlanta-based craft beer lifestyle brand Draught Season, in collaboration with Atlanta Influences Everything and Monday Night Brewing, will debut a new beer called “Beer Starts With Us” Saturday. Complete Story.

Pairing Beer And Wings For Super Bowl LIX Football Perfection (February, 6) – But which beer styles work best with wings, especially with the myriad sauces or rubs that can accompany them? Complete Story.

Scientists found a faster way to brew sour beer—with peas (February, 5) – The yeast cannot metabolize sugars derived from peas, thus promoting the growth of essential bacteria. Complete Story.

Here’s What You’re Actually Drinking In A Mango Cart Beer (February, 5) – Among the most popular beers in the United States, it’s hard to think of one that’s more reliably refreshing and flavor-forward than Mango Cart from Golden Road Brewing. Complete Story.

On Tap Sunday: Football + Beer at Atlas Alexandria Brewery (February, 4) – Atlas Alexandria Brewery & Tap Room and Atlas Navy Yard Brewery & Tap Room will both have the big game on all televisions with audio Sunday evening. Complete Story.

Sweetwater Brewing Launches Dive Beer: A Perfect No Frills, Satisfying, Crisp Lager (February, 4) – SweetWater Brewing Company proudly introduces Dive Beer—a crisp, no-frills lager that channels the laid-back spirit of dive bars everywhere. Complete Story.

More Than Half Of Beer Drinkers Are Open To Trying Marijuana-Infused Beverage Alternatives, Study Shows (February, 4) – As interest in alcohol alternatives continues to grow while more states move to legalize marijuana, a new study signals that there’s a significant market opportunity for beer makers to enter into the cannabis space with THC- and CBD-infused beverages. Complete Story.

Dallas brewery makes ‘Sell the Team’ beer in the wake of the Luka Doncic trade (February, 4) – It allegedly “pairs well with our despair & confusion,” which Mavs fans need at this point. Complete Story.

11 Unique Beers From Around The World To Add To Your Bucket List (February, 3) – If someone tells you they hate beer, it just means they haven’t tasted the right one yet. Complete Story.

SteepleJack Brewing’s The Union on Hawthorne opens (February, 3) – Portland and Hillsboro, Oregon founded SteepleJack Brewing opens their fourth location The Union on Hawthorne on Monday, February 3rd, 2025. Complete Story.

The States That Drink the Most Beer in America (2024) [MAP] (February, 3) – Americans love beer. According to new data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 6.3 billion gallons of beer were consumed in the United States in 2022. Complete Story.

A Utah brewery says it’s the first in the U.S. to make a new kind of beer (January, 31) – Kiitos Brewing in Salt Lake City has produced a new beer that its maker says is the first of its kind in the United States, and possibly just the second made in the world. Complete Story.

San Francisco brewery offering $1 beers for life as prices rise elsewhere (January, 31) – How would you like to drink beer for $1 for the rest of your life? That’s what a local San Francisco brewery is offering right now. But the price has to be right. Complete Story.

The Best Beer For The NFL Playoffs—According To A Beer Cicerone And Sports Bar GM (January, 24) – Katherine Benecke, a beer cicerone and sport bar and beer hall general manager, shared her top “draft” picks for the best beers to pair with the NFL playoffs. Complete Story.

Terrapin Beer Co. Celebrates 20 Years of Iconic Wake-n-Bake Beer with Exciting Wake-n-Bake Off Event in Athens, GA (January, 24) – Terrapin Beer Co., is excited to announce the 20th anniversary of its Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout seasonal beer and the annual Wake-n-Bake Off event on Sunday, January 26th, 2025, at the Terrapin taproom in Athens, GA. Complete Story.

Try Wisconsin’s new, climate-friendly beer (January, 24) – Karben4 and Clean Wisconsin are launching the sustainable Wisconsin Kernza® Pub Ale on Jan. 30. Complete Story.

The Oldest Beer Receipt (Circa 2050 BC) (January, 24) – Written in cuneiform on an old clay tablet, the 4,000-year-old receipt documents a transaction. Complete Story.

Expand Your Sense Of Smell With This Beer Expert’s New Aroma Class (January, 23) – Master Cicerone® Jen Blair has started a new sensory program designed to educate people on aromas in beer. Aroma is a very important indicator in beer as well as in life. Complete Story.

Knoxville breweries get creative with mocktails, food and specials to defeat Dry January (January, 22) – January is “the worst month” for Knoxville brewers, Knox Brew Hub owner Zack Roskop told Knox News, but creative brewers and bar owners find ways to make it through. Complete Story.

This East Bay Brewery Is Tripling Down With Its Third Beer Garden (January, 21) – Headlands Brewing lands in a new Walnut Creek space, building on the popularity of its beer gardens in Lafayette and Berkeley. Complete Story.

The Best Hazy IPAs Of The Year—According To Top Beer Competitions (January, 20) – IPAs remained the most popular craft beer style last year, accounting for 60% of the craft beer market, according to the Brewers Association. Complete Story.

2025 ‘Barrel Jam’ Barrel-Aged Beer Festival (January, 17) – In order to enjoy Buffalo winters, we must celebrate Buffalo winters. That means that we must take advantage of the snow-related activities that are presented to us. Complete Story.

Big Ditch Brewing hosts first non-alcoholic beer pong tourney in Buffalo (January, 15) – Big Ditch Brewing Company recently launched a non-alcoholic hazy IPA. Complete Story.

Buckstin’s new beer to help end ALS (January, 15) – Buckstin Brewing has a new beer, and part of the proceeds from this one will benefit a fatal condition with no known cause of cure. Complete Story.

Griffin Claw Brewing bringing back paczki-flavored beer ahead of Fat Tuesday (January, 15) – Fat Tuesday is 48 days away (March 4), and ahead of that, one local brewery is bringing back a Paczki-flavored seasonal beverage. Complete Story.

These seven Erie County beer, wine and mocktail makers nabbed awards this winter (January, 15) – Altered State Distillery ranked in national survey of places to get mocktails. Lavery Brewing wows at PA Farm Show, where North East wineries also clean up. Complete Story.

2025: Candy-flavored brews, craft lagers, “healthy” beer and more trends on tap (January, 15) – Amid a “new normal” of shifted drinking patterns, here’s what I’m expecting in 2025. Complete Story.

Valley’s Pedal Haus Brewery starts selling craft beer in cans (January, 14) – Pedal Haus Brewery, an award-winning local beer maker, is making it easier for Arizonans to enjoy their favorite styles at home. Complete Story.

Marketing idea of the week: Bitchin’ Kitten’s Girl Scout beer fundraiser (January, 14) – Bitchin’ Kitten Brewery, the No. 1 cat-themed brewery based in Morrisville, Pa., is bringing back a great fundraiser / beer release that benefits the Girl Scouts. Complete Story.

How Athletic Sparked the Nonalcoholic Beer Boom With Brews That Don’t Suck (January, 14) – The company that dominates the market wants to change how we experience beer. Complete Story.

The World’s Best Stout—According To European Beer Star Competition (January, 13) – Stouts were divided into three subcategories, but stout beers also won in other categories. Complete Story.

A Naperville Taproom Is Changing the Way Customers Think About Nonalcoholic Beer (January, 10) – Go Brewing is fully stocked for Dry January, after selling out in 2024. Complete Story.

Chuckanut Brewery Expands Distribution of its Canned Beers (January, 9) – Good news for Oregon, but also good news for everyone who lives within the Chuckanut Brewery distribution footprint. Complete Story.

Here’s Dogfish Head’s 2025 craft beer and beverage release calendar (January, 9) – Chock full of off-centered goodness, the brewery’s annual release calendar unveils a host of new products and re- introduces fans to some beloved throwbacks, all of which are slated to hit shelves next year. Complete Story.

Watch Tom Holland and Brother Harry Celebrate the Launch of Tom’s Non-Alcoholic Beer BERO at Target (January, 9) – In a new Instagram video to promote the release of BERO at Target, Tom and Harry guess which flavor they associate with their brothers. Complete Story.

Firestone Walker Brewing Wins Big At Global Beer Competitions (January, 8) – In Nuremberg, Germany, Firestone Walker Brewing racked up three gold medals at the prestigious 2024 European Beer Star competition. Complete Story.

The Most Anticipated Oregon & SW Washington Breweries, Cideries, Taprooms opening in 2025 (January, 8) – After a crushing year for Oregon brewery and taproom closures, there is still a lot to be excited for in 2025. Complete Story.

A year of free beer on the line as city-wide treasure hunt begins in St. Paul (January, 8) – The Hunt for the Golden Beer Can will take place across public land around the city. Complete Story.

‘Fred Thirst’ Beer Pays Tribute To Limp Bizkit Frontman (January, 7) – Two Texas breweries are rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ out an American IPA that pays homage—but not royalties—to Limp Bizkit and its charismatic frontman Fred Durst. Complete Story.

Moody Tongue Sushi: A 15-course omakase experience with beer pairings opens in January (January, 7) – Complete Story.

The Important Rule To Remember When Pairing Beer With Chocolate (January, 7) – Beers are crafted all over the world, and connoisseurs pair different beers with everything from cheese boards to the complex flavor profiles of whiskey. Complete Story.

Beer drinkers are thirsting for nonalcoholic brews in North Carolina (January, 7) – The sale and consumption of nonalcoholic beer in North Carolina is on the rise, mirroring a nationwide trend. Complete Story.

Texas Brewery Launches Limp Bizkit Themed Beer Called Fred Thirst (January, 3) – Texas brewery Celestial Beerworks is rollin’ out a new Fred Durst-themed beer so you can finally have something to drink at your next Limp Bizkit-themed parties besides hot dog flavored water. Complete Story.

6 new NA beers to try this Dry January (January, 3) – Dry January has arrived, and so have new nonalcoholic beers. Complete Story.

New England has 3 brewery hotels that ‘every beer lover needs to visit,’ according to USA Today (January, 3) – Beer lovers can extend their sudsy stay at brewery hotels across the nation, and New England has three of the best, according to USA Today. Complete Story.

New Beer Alert – The 2025 “Dry January” Edition (January, 2) – Never have non-alcoholic beers been better and more available. And with Dry January ON we’re showcasing some of the best breweries and beers in this uber-hot sector. Complete Story.

What’s The Most Popular Beer In America? (January, 2) – America loves beer. There’s no doubt that an icy cold one is the drink of choice at sporting events, backyard barbecues, a party, or as an easy-to-sip-on beverage when going out. Complete Story.

Breweries in Bourbon Country: Here are 9 craft breweries to try near downtown Louisville (December, 31) – Visitors often flock to downtown Louisville for its ever-growing bourbon scene, but the urban core has a vibrant beer culture, too. Complete Story.

Athletic Brewing Co., CT’s nonalcoholic beer, has changed American drinking for the better (December, 31) – In 2017 when Bill Shufelt and John Walker founded Athletic Brewing Co. in Connecticut it was one of the first breweries in the country to exclusively specialize in nonalcoholic (NA) beers. It’s hard to believe now, but at the time many were more likely to roast than toast them. Complete Story.

New Beer Alert: Best Champagne Beers For New Year’s Eve (December, 31) – For those of you who don’t want to stray from the Champagne concept on New Year’s Eve, there’s a school of beer imports loosely referred to as Bière de Champagne, that deftly straddle both worlds. Complete Story.

Best in Beer Editors’ Picks: Our 2025 Bucket List (December, 31) – When it comes to memorable beer experiences, we get to do more than most—and we love that part of the job—but we can’t do it all. Complete Story.

Classing It Up: 12 West brings new look, beer to Ahwatukee (December, 30) – After a refresh and remodel, 12 West Brewing Co. opened Nov. 29. Complete Story.

Costco Is Quietly Selling an Award-Winning Beer Under the Kirkland Signature Label (December, 30) – Ah, Costco. Home of $1.50 hot dogs, epically large flat-screen TVs and — thanks to one of the country’s most revered breweries — a very delicious cheap beer. Complete Story.

This Oregon brewery is one of the 20 ‘must-visit’ beer spots in the U.S. (December, 30) – Pelican Brewing on the Oregon coast is one of the country’s 20 ‘must-visit’ breweries for beer fans, according to a new list. Complete Story.

How Jimmy Carter Sparked America’s Craft Beer Industry (December, 30) – Former President Jimmy Carter played an important role in the creation of today’s booming craft beer industry. Craft beer’s roots trace back to underground home brewing, which was legalized with a stroke of the pen by Carter in 1978. Complete Story.

2024 best golf beers: Our toast to the game’s finest brews (December, 28) – Cheers to golf, the activity that we love and loathe, that rewards and punishes, that is the namesake of this very website. Complete Story.

Ferment Brewing Excels at Winter w/ new Barrel-Aged Strong Ales, Frog beer, and Yurts (December, 20) – One of the many things that Hood River, Oregon’s Ferment Brewing does really well is winter. Complete Story.

Beer Alert: New Czech Pilsners And Winter Lagers (December, 20) – The winter holidays are ON and American brewers are addressing things with a refreshing roster of new beers that you’ll want to have under the Christmas tree. Complete Story.

This Week in Beer: N/A Producer Grüvi Rebrands and More (December, 20) – Grüvi, the Denver-based maker of non-alcoholic beer and wine, has a new logo, packaging and a brand-new variety pack. Complete Story.

The 8 Stories That Defined the Beer Industry in 2024 (December, 20) – As is holiday tradition around these parts, below I’ve put together a shortlist of what I believe to be the most important storylines and turning points for the industry in 2024. Complete Story.

Colorado’s best breweries and beers of 2024 (December, 19) – Colorado breweries survived a difficult year, but they kept making great beer. Complete Story.

We Asked An Expert: This Is The Biggest Beer Trend You’ll See Even More Of In 2025 (December, 19) – If you asked craft brewing industry workers a decade ago whether beer lacking one of its defining characteristics — the resulting buzz — could successfully vie for shelf space and tap handles alongside those with alcohol, the very question likely would’ve resulted in a collective spit take. Complete Story.

We sampled five Ohio pilsners to pick our favorite. See which craft brewery won. (December, 18) – We sampled five Ohio pilsners to pick our favorite. See which craft brewery won. Complete Story.

Northern Michigan brewery’s Igloo Village drops you into a whimsical snow-covered forest (December, 18) – Michigan’s most acclaimed beer garden has transformed into a whimsical “Igloo Village” for winter. Complete Story.

Former UF Lineman Turns Beer Passion, Family’s Legacy Into State’s ‘Best Small Brewery’ (December, 18) – Jim Barrie gazes at the frames hung on the wall of his brewery, BarrieHaus Beer Co. in Ybor City, pointing to artifacts of his great-great-great grandfather’s brewery and speaking of continuing the family legacy. Complete Story.

The Perfect Beer Glass Shape, according to Math (December, 18) – A mathematician has calculated the ideal shape for a beer glass to keep the liquid inside as cool as possible. Complete Story.

World’s Oldest Beer Discovered, And I Wonder What It Tastes Like (December, 17) – We’ve all heard the saying, “Monks invented alcohol or beer,” but it seems like our ancestors may have enjoyed a tipple as long as 10,000 years ago. Complete Story.

Breweries diversified with non-alcoholic beer, collaborations in 2024 (December, 17) – As 2024 rolls into 2025, it’s a good time for a bit of retrospective on the year, to look back on the state of the local beer scene and the changes and trends that emerged in the past 12 months. Complete Story.

Pop culture-themed brewery settles into Arvada shopping center (December, 17) – Three former employees of SomePlace Else Brewing in Arvada opened their own business a little farther north in the same northwest suburb. Complete Story.

Berks woman turns 110, credits longevity to Yuengling beer (December, 16) – A Berks County native is celebrating a huge milestone this week. Complete Story.

Three Rules of Authentic Trappist: the beer bottle that’s a work of art (December, 16) – How Tête de la Course embraced the concept for a special edition Trappist beer and used it to craft an object of desire. Complete Story.

Von Ebert Brewing reveals 2025 Beer Release Calendar (December, 16) – Von Ebert Brewing is kicking off what is sure to be a milestone year by revealing their 2025 beer release calendar. Complete Story.

Kevin Ely of Wooly Pig Finds Small Tweaks That Make Big Impacts in Robust, Farm-Brewed Lagers (December, 13) – What happens when an experienced brewmaster trades his 100-barrel production plant for a five-barrel kit built into an old farm? Complete Story.

Dogfish Head founder says he’s still against beer conglomerates, despite getting acquired (December, 13) – First and foremost, Dogfish Head cofounder Sam Calagione is a storyteller. Complete Story.

10,000-Year-Old Rice Beer Was The First Known Booze In East Asia (December, 12) – The rice beer was produced using a technique that is still used in Taiwan. Complete Story.

The 2024 Year in Beer (December, 12) – As 2024 comes to a close, the Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers—recaps a year of decelerated growth and continued honing of offerings. Complete Story.

New Berlin Brewing Co. passes 2-year mark, embracing craft beer and unique history (December, 9) – For Mike Leckie-Ewing, the brewery business has been a bear. Complete Story.

Breakside’s Guide to Institutional Beer Quality | Brewing Course (December, 6) – Ben Edmunds, cofounder and brewmaster of Breakside Brewing in Portland, Oregon, shares his insights on how to build and maintain a methodical quality program that can take your brewery’s beers from consistently good to consistently excellent. Complete Story.

The Simple Way To Discover Great New Beers When Traveling (December, 6) – If you’re a beer fan, then local beers are an underrated sort of “tourist attraction” when you’re traveling to a new town. Complete Story.

The Best 2024 Winter Beers and Holiday Ales Ranked & Reviewed (December, 5) – One of the best parts about the slower colder months of the year is discovering new winter and holiday seasonals, and going back to limited-time classics. Complete Story.

A Great Year For Beer: 8 Best Beers Of The Year (December, 4) – There’s great beer everywhere but sometimes a beer stops you in your tracks and makes you take a step back. These are the eight beers from 2024 that did just that for me. Complete Story.

Meet The Voice Of Beer In America (December, 4) – John Holl hosts or co-hosts three podcasts about beer and produces three more, has written six books about beer, is the editor and co-owner of All About Beer and writes about beer for innumerable publications. Complete Story.

Craft brewery cultivates beer community in Norcross (December, 4) – Open nearly four years, Cultivation Brewing Co. in Norcross is a bit off the beaten path, but once you navigate the winding road to the top of a hill, you’ll find a surprising beer oasis. Complete Story.

12 best breweries in Charlotte (December, 3) – Charlotte is a beer lover’s paradise with over 40 breweries in city limits, plus dozens more in nearby towns. Complete Story.

Foodie Finds: Buckstin Brewing Company offers great food and hospitality (December, 2) – Not only did Buckstin Brewing Company survive the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdowns. It continues to thrive today, winning awards for its beer and food. Complete Story.

14 Stout Beers That Will Get You In The Holiday Spirit (December, 2) – Dark and decadent, stout beer is the perfect treat around the holidays. Complete Story.

What is the state of Oklahoma’s craft beer scene? (December, 2) – After Oklahoma made it legal for breweries to operate taprooms in 2016, the state’s craft beer scene exploded. Complete Story.

Not only does beer taste great, there are health benefits associated with it, too! (December, 2) – Craft brews in particular possess heart-healthy compounds. Complete Story.

Tourism and state park leaders unveil official craft beer for Kentucky State Parks 100th Anniversary (November, 27) – Andy Beshear joined Against the Grain Brewery and tourism and state parks leaders at Natural Bridge State Resort Park to announce the official Kentucky State Parks 100th Anniversary craft beer. Complete Story.

Mellotone Beer Project announces official grand opening in former Taft’s Ale House space (November, 20) – Mellotone Beer Project is opening this weekend in the former Taft’s Ale House space in Over-the-Rhine. Complete Story.

Holiday Gift Guide 2024: The Best Gifts For Craft Beer Lovers (November, 20) – Here are eight great sure-fire gifts every craft beer lover will appreciate. Complete Story.

Fat Head’s to release special beer on Holiday Beer & Good Cheer Black Friday event (November, 20) – Fat Head’s Brewery is holding a Holiday Beer & Good Cheer Black Friday event, offering a special beer release while seeking donations for several non-profit organizations. Complete Story.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Goes Public With Its Most Limited Release Beer (November, 19) – Celly Drippins has been a secret offering for years, but will be officially released this year on November 22 at Sierra Nevada’s Mills River taproom. Complete Story.

The State That Drinks The Most Beer Isn’t California Or Texas (November, 19) – Today, our collective thirst for brewskies remains unquenched, but perhaps no state loves it more than….Complete Story.

We Asked 10 Beer Pros: What’s the Biggest Red Flag at a Brewery Taproom? (November, 19) – There are thousands of breweries in the U.S., and a visit to any of them can be a mixed bag. Complete Story.

15 Breweries Beer Lovers Need To Tour Around The US (November, 14) – Whether you are on vacation or just looking for something fun to do on the weekends, having a few beers accompanied by a brewery tour is a great time just waiting to happen. Complete Story.

Why You’ll Find A Plastic Ball Inside Every Guinness Beer Can (November, 14) – With 8,735 years left on its 9,000-year lease at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, it’s a safe bet that the Guinness brewery is here to stay. Complete Story.

How Do Hops Affect Beer? A Guide to Popular Varieties and Their Flavors (November, 14) – Hops are the key ingredient that turn beer into beer. If you want to be an expert, here’s what you need to know. Complete Story.

The World’s Best IPAs—According To Untappd Ratings (November, 12) – The world’s best IPAs, according to Untappd’s ratings, include three beers by Massachusetts-based Treehouse Brewing Co. Complete Story.

Women have a long and influential history in beer brewing (November, 12) – For thousands of years, women were at the forefront of producing the world’s beer. Complete Story

We Asked 9 Brewers: What’s the Most Overrated Beer Trend? (November, 12) – The most overrated beer trends, according to brewers. Complete Story.

Love Your Neighbor collaborative beer release party sends love to those in need (November, 12) – Love Your Neighbor is a new beer on the scene thanks to a collaboration between Broad Street Love and Love City Brewing in Philadelphia. Complete Story.

How Athletic Brewing Outsold Heineken’s and Bud’s Nonalcoholic Beer (November, 11) – Nonalcoholic beer is one of the fastest growing segments of the beer industry, and Athletic Brewing is on top. WSJ explains how Athletic’s strategy helped reinvent nonalcoholic beer. Complete Story.

Beer science: This popular glass keeps your brew coldest, says physics (November, 11) – How do you keep a glass of beer cold the longest? By using science, of course. Complete Story.

Northern Michigan brewery grows into an epic year-round beer garden (November, 11) – Situated in a grove of trees along scenic M-22 is a local brewery that has carved out quite a name for itself over the last decade. Complete Story.

The Difference Between Non-Alcoholic Beer and Alcohol-Free Beer, Explained (November, 6) – The first lesson to learn about NA beer is that the products in the category aren’t technically beer. Complete Story.

2024 Washington Beer Awards, the List of Winners (November, 5) – Last night in SeaTac, Washington we learned about the winners of the 2024 Washington Beer Awards. Complete Story.

A Vote For American Craft Beer on Election Day (November, 5) – Election Day is finally here and no matter how you feel about the candidates, it remains a critical moment for all of us in charting the nation’s future. Complete Story.

What makes lager yeast special? Inside the genetics of beer (November, 5) – University of Wisconsin scientists explore a microbe’s cold-tolerance for better brewing. Complete Story.

Oregon City Brewing Company Opens a Book-Themed Beer Destination in Canby (November, 4) – Bookworms and beer-lovers can now congregate at Oregon City Brewing’s second location, the Canby Beer Library, which opened in the former Canby Municipal Library building in late October. Complete Story.

Voodoo Brewing is latest addition to St. Petersburg’s craft beer scene (November, 4) – After years of anticipation and setbacks, the brewery at 220 Fourth St. N. is now open. Complete Story.

The Japanese Beer Brand We Can’t Get Enough Of (November, 4) – Motivated American beer lovers can track down Japanese beers to help quench their thirst, and we have our favorites. Complete Story.

This Iconic American Brewer Just Brought Back a Cult Beer (October, 31) – Gone but not forgotten, Pinner — Oskar Blues’s former session IPA — is on its way back from the grave. Only, it won’t be called “Pinner,” nor will the name on the can read “Oskar Blues.” Complete Story.

The 2024 Canada Beer Cup Award Winners (October, 28) – The Canada Beer Cup is a national competition celebrating independently owned and operated breweries across Canada. Complete Story.

Mapped: America’s Beer Consumption By State (October, 28) – From backyard barbecues to Sunday night football, beer is deeply woven in the fabric of American culture. Complete Story.

Saints’ Alvin Kamara gets free beer for life from New Orleans brewery after signing contract extension (October, 24) – Kamara got a nice cherry on top of his big contract extension. Complete Story.

Does Beer Expire? (October, 24) – Yes, but not in the way you expect. Complete Story.

Ever heard of Country Club beer? It was brewed at this Kansas City spot after Prohibition (October, 23) – The Goetz Brewing Company survived Prohibition, and launched a large Kansas City facility at 17th & Indiana in 1936. It made Country Club lager there until the company merged with Pearl Brewing in 1961. Complete Story.

Running Hot & Cold: How Temperature Affects Beer More than We Realize (October, 23) – From the weather at the farms that grow the ingredients to every aspect of brewing and on to the climate in which we enjoy it, temperature affects beer profoundly. Complete Story.

Top 250 Rated Beers (October, 22) – The legendary Top 250 Rated Beers on BeerAdvocate, and arguably the best beers in the world. Complete Story.

Make Your Best Grodziskie (October, 22) – A great one to enjoy by the autumn bonfire, this is a style that any smoked-beer enthusiast should know how to make—and it can be nearly as easy to brew as it is to drink. Complete Story.

Canada Beer Cup Announces The Best Beers In Canada For 2024 (October, 21) – The Canada Beer Cup is Canada’s only national not-for-profit beer competition. Complete Story.

Maine brewery ferments beer inside Charlie Lopresti’s record-breaking pumpkin (October, 21) – Pumpkin beers are a dime a dozen, especially this time of year. But what about a pumpkin beer inside a giant, award-winning pumpkin? Complete Story.

This six-pack of California beer costs $120. It’s worth every penny. (October, 21) – Hanabi Lager Co. has one of the most innovative brewing styles in California beer. Complete Story.

Bend’s newest craft beer adventure, Terranaut Beer, opens taproom (October, 16) – Trio of partners open doors in former Monkless site. Complete Story.

Abita Beer to open a new brewery ‘in the heart of New Orleans’ next year (October, 16) – The New Orleans brewery, to be located on Tchoupitoulas Street, will be the Abita Springs-based company’s second. Complete Story.

Spider-Man Actor Tom Holland Announces A Non-Alcoholic Beer (October, 16) – Movie star Tom Holland, famous for playing Spider-Man, has announced his next career move: beer. Complete Story.

Beer Might Be Healthier Than You Think (October, 16) – Beer doesn’t have an image typical of a health drink, as the beverage is more often associated with boozy frat parties than with supplements and herbal teas. Complete Story.

The Best Beers In America, According To The Great American Beer Festival (October, 15) – Winners of the 2024 edition of the competition were announced at a celebration on October 12 at the Denver Convention Center, which is home to the festival every year. Complete Story.

Baby born in microbrewery parking lot honored with special beer (October, 15) – A baby born in the parking lot of his parents’ favorite microbrewery in Michigan was named after the business, which in turn created a special brew to honor the newborn. Complete Story.

This local brewery makes Alabama’s highest-rated beer according to VinePair (October,15) – According to VinePair’s findings, Alabama’s highest-rated beer is the Hitchhiker IPA—a seasonal release from Birmingham’s Good People Brewing Company. Complete Story.

The Great American Beer Festival In Denver Is On! (October, 11) – The Great American Beer Festival, or simply the GABF as it’s known as in the biz, has returned to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado for a weekend of serious drinking. Complete Story.

Women-owned breweries are helping to redefine New England craft beer industry (October, 11) – Amid the hops and malts, a growing number of women are making their mark on what has traditionally been a male-dominated space. Complete Story.

No-Li Brewhouse Welcomes the Legend, Charlie Papazian (October, 11) – No-Li Brewhouse welcomes Charlie Papazian to Spokane for a meet-and-greet and book-signing event on October 25th. Complete Story.

Forget acid washed! Wrangler partners with Coors Banquet for beer wash jeans (October, 11) – Americans might be drinking less beer these days, but that’s only opening up more inventive ways to deal with the surplus. Complete Story.

Brewing an Annual Comfort: Celebration Fresh Hop IPA (October, 10) – Not every beer needs to chase the latest trends and tech—consider Sierra Nevada’s Celebration IPA, the fresh-hopped seasonal that remains reassuringly old-school. Complete Story.

Utah’s New NHL Team Makes Beer Sales History in Inaugural Game (October, 10) – The beer was flowing in Salt Lake City on Tuesday night. Complete Story.

7 pumpkin beers to try during the short but sweet season (October, 9) – From Roadsmary’s Baby to Yamma Jamma, the spicy, malty pumpkin potables are treats, not tricks. Complete Story.

Sun King beer honoring former Purdue basketball coach Gene Keady to be released Oct. 18 (October, 9) – Fans of Purdue Men’s Basketball, Gene Keady and beer won’t have to wait much longer to get their hands on a can of Sun King Brewery’s newest brew in the legendary coach’s honor. Complete Story.

Award-Winning Beers! Here are the Winners From the 2024 Arizona Craft Beer Awards (October, 8) – Tucson’s Barrio Brewing was the big winner of the night at the 3rd annual Arizona Craft Beer Awards, presented by PHOENIX magazine and the Arizona Craft Brewer’s Guild. Complete Story.

Cheers Inside the Wild Ride of the Great American Beer Festival (October, 8) – The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is more than just a celebration of craft beer—it’s a testament to the creativity, passion, and craftsmanship of brewers across the nation. Complete Story.

Oregon Beer Awards 2024 Fresh Hop Competition Medal Winners (October, 8) – Judging for the 9th annual Oregon Beer Awards Fresh Hop competition was held on Saturday, October 5th, with 15 judges selecting nine medal winning beers from three categories. Complete Story.

Alexandria brewery releases new beer named for local Olympic champion (October, 8) – Atlas Brew Works is debuting two new beers and one is named after a hometown hero who won a gold medal at the Olympics. Complete Story.

Beer can artwork accidentally trashed by museum worker (October, 8) – A museum in the Netherlands has recovered an artwork that resembles two empty beer cans from the trash after an elevator technician accidentally disposed of them during his shift, officials said. Complete Story.

The Tennessee Brewery Where You Can Drink Hand-Crafted Beer From Hand-Blown Glassware (October, 7) – Matthew Cummings is a creative individual. With a bachelor’s degree and a master’s of fine arts, both in glass sculpture, he founded Pretentious Glass Co. in 2012 in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. Complete Story.

Germany: Oktoberfest wraps in Munich, 7 million liters later (October, 7) – Roughly 6.7 million people flocked to Oktoberfest in Munich in recent weeks, consuming 7 million 1-liter mugs of beer. Both police and ambulance services were less busy than usual. Complete Story.

GABF goes beyond beer in its 42nd year (Ocotber,7) – If you want to visit a German biergarten, watch live sports, get Halloween spooky or play yard games, this year’s Great American Beer Festival has it all. Complete Story.

Jolly Pumpkin founder remembered as ‘wicked smart’ pioneer in beer brewing (October, 7) – The craft beer brewing industry lost a pioneer with the recent death of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales founder Ron Jeffries. Complete Story.

Tim Aten Knows: Naples welcomes colorful new brewpub (October, 7) – Kaleidoscope Beer Co. plans to add some color to the local brewpub scene. Complete Story.

Surly’s Darkness Day brings beer and metal together this weekend (October, 4) – The annual (and free) celebration of Surly’s barrel-aged stouts takes place on Oct. 5 with Rocket From the Crypt headlining. Complete Story.

No glove, no problem. Ann Arbor brewery owner snags Tigers game ball with his beer cup (October, 4) – David Becker achieved a lifelong dream during the Tigers-Rays game on Sept. 26. Complete Story.

6 Grand Strand brewing companies team up to help ‘Beer City, USA’ after Helene (October, 4) – Six brewing companies along the Grand Strand are working to collect supplies for people in North Carolina impacted by Helene. Complete Story.

Want to have a séance with Sam Adams? Samuel Adams Brewery is selling kit for just $18.03 (October, 4) – If you’ve ever had the very niche thought that you want to tell colonial patriot Samuel Adams that you love the beer he inspired, you now might have a chance to do so. Complete Story.

Virginia craft beer industry unites for Hurricane Helene relief efforts (October, 4) – Out of all the things that scream “patriotic” in America, beer and serving your fellow neighbor are near the top of the list. Complete Story.

5 Tequila Barrel-Aged Beers to Try Right Now (October, 2) – Bypass the tequila shot with these agave influenced brews. Complete Story.

Filed Under: Beer, craftbeer

Biography of Bert Grant and the Yakima Brewing and Malting Co.

May 17, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Biography of Bert Grant

Biography of Bert GrantBert Grant’s Early Life and Introduction to Brewing
Herbert Lewis Grant, known as Bert Grant, was born in 1928 in Dundee, Scotland. At the age of two, his family immigrated to Toronto, Canada, where he spent his formative years. Grant’s introduction to beer came early, with family lore suggesting he consumed his first beer before age 10, sipping from opened bottles left behind by his father’s guests. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for beer, not for its intoxicating effects but for its flavor and the science behind it.

At 16, during World War II, a manpower shortage in Canada led Grant to leave school and take a job at Canadian Breweries (later Carling). He started as a beer taster, sampling 50–100 beers daily, a role that honed his palate and deepened his understanding of brewing chemistry. A top student in chemistry, he worked in the brewery’s chemistry department, choosing beer over a competing offer to become an apprentice gold assayer. His early career included experimental brewing at Canadian Breweries, where he developed innovative recipes using multiple malts and hop varieties. However, his ideas were often rejected by accountants for being too costly, a frustration that shaped his later independent ventures.

Career in Brewing and Hops

Grant’s career took him to the United States, where he worked for Stroh Brewing Company, developing a pilot brewing program. His reputation grew, leading to international consulting roles with major breweries like Anheuser-Busch, Guinness, Coors, and Foster’s. His expertise extended beyond brewing to hops, a passion that defined much of his career. In 1967, Grant moved to Yakima, Washington, the heart of American hop country, to work for S.S. Steiner Inc. There, he redesigned a hop extract plant and pioneered the first U.S. hop pelletizer, a game-changing innovation that standardized hop aroma and bitterness, revolutionizing the brewing industry.

Grant’s love for hops was legendary. He carried a vial of hop oil, which he used to enhance the flavor of bland mainstream beers like Budweiser or Coors during travel. This practice, reportedly employed at brewing conferences, shocked peers but underscored his commitment to bold, hop-forward flavors. He also served on the Hops Research Council, championing new American hop varieties like Cascade, which later became a cornerstone of craft brewing.

Founding Yakima Brewing and Malting Co.

In 1981, after decades in the industry, Grant sought to brew beers that reflected his personal taste. At age 54, he founded Yakima Brewing and Malting Co., opening the first brewpub in the United States since Prohibition on July 1, 1982, in Yakima’s historic Opera House. This venture was a bold rebellion against the dominance of mass-produced lagers, introducing locals to flavorful, hop-heavy ales. The brewpub later moved to Yakima’s former train depot, becoming a destination for beer enthusiasts and a catalyst for the city’s tourism industry.

Grant’s flagship beer, Grant’s Scottish Ale, was a misnomer, bearing little resemblance to traditional Scottish ales. At 4.7% ABV with 40–45 bitterness units, it was heavily hopped with Yakima Valley Cascade hops, reflecting Grant’s love for bold flavors. He described it as inspired by nostalgic Scottish-Canadian ales from the 1950s, brewed with premium Northwest barley and Cascade Mountain water. The brewery expanded to offer an India Pale Ale (IPA), Imperial Stout, Amber Ale, and seasonal brews, many of which were pioneers in their styles. Grant’s IPA, released in 1982, was among the first modern craft beers to use the term “India Pale Ale” on a bottle label, leveraging Pacific Northwest hops to redefine the style.

The brewpub’s success was immediate, attracting a loyal following and expanding to Seattle and Portland markets. By 1986, Portland Brewing contracted to produce Grant’s beers for the Oregon market, a testament to their popularity. Grant’s commitment to quality and consistency set his brewery apart in an era when many early craft brewers struggled with variability. His Scottish Ale won national acclaim, and the Lazy Days seasonal ale took gold at the 2004 World Beer Cup.

Innovations and Controversies

Grant was a scientist at heart, often pushing boundaries. He tested his Scottish Ale and found it contained 170% of the U.S. RDA of Vitamin B-12, printing this on table tents and six-pack cartons. This move drew scrutiny from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), who disapproved of nutrient claims on alcohol. Similarly, his hard cider sparked disputes with regulators over whether it was a wine. Grant’s outspoken nature and disdain for bland beers—he once called the ATF “riddled with prohibitionists”—made him a polarizing figure, but his innovations left a lasting mark.

He was also a character, often wearing a kilt and clan pin to greet customers, occasionally dancing on the bar, and keeping a claymore sword to enforce his no-smoking policy. His brewery’s coaster proclaimed he brewed to satisfy “the most demanding beer drinker in the world, himself.”

Later Years and Legacy

In 1995, Grant sold Yakima Brewing and Malting Co. to Stimson Lane Vineyards & Estates (parent of Chateau Ste. Michelle), calling it an “anti-retirement” deal to ensure quality control. He remained a consultant and active spokesman, producing 10,000 barrels annually by 2001. That year, the brewery was sold to Black Bear Brewing, which planned a national network but faced financial difficulties, leading to the brewpub’s closure in 2005.

Grant’s health declined in his final years, and he moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, to be near his children. He died on July 31, 2001, at age 73, from a bowel rupture. He was survived by two sons, David H. and Peter A., three daughters, Shannon D., Melanie Bond, and Wendy Cundall, and five grandchildren.

Impact on Craft Brewing

Bert Grant is widely regarded as the “Dean of America’s craft brewers” and the “Patriarch of the micro movement.” His brewpub model inspired countless others, and his hop-forward beers, particularly the IPA, laid the groundwork for the Pacific Northwest’s robust brewing scene. By 2001, the U.S. had over 1,500 craft breweries, a growth spurred by pioneers like Grant. His focus on quality, bold flavors, and local ingredients reshaped American beer culture, proving consumers craved alternatives to mass-market lagers.

In 1998, Grant published The Ale Master: Bert Grant, The Dean of America’s Craft Brewers, a concise autobiography detailing his journey and philosophy. His legacy endures in the craft beer industry, with beers like Grant’s Perfect Porter and Scottish Ale remembered fondly by enthusiasts. The Yakima Herald dubbed him the “Neil Young of Microbrews,” acknowledging he didn’t invent beer but transformed it indelibly.

Grant’s influence extended beyond brewing. His preservation of Yakima’s Opera House earned him the city’s gratitude, with Mayor Lynn A. Carmichael declaring August 14, 1982, as Yakima Brewing and Malting Day. His work with hops and his fearless advocacy for flavorful beer cemented his status as a craft brewing legend, ensuring his name remains synonymous with the American microbrew revolution.

Craft Brewers Hall of Fame first Inductees
Fred Eckhardt – Portland-based craft beer advocate and writer
Charles and Rose Ann Finkel – Founders of Pikes Brewing
Bert Grant – Beer advocate who opened first modern brewpub in US
Ken Grossman – Founder of Sierra Nevada Brewing
Michael Jackson – Legendary English writer and beer journalist.
Jim Koch – Founder of Boston Beer Company
Fritz Maytag – Longtime owner of Anchor Brewing
Jack McAuliffe, Jane Zimmerman, and Suzy Stern – New Albion Brewing
Charlie Papazian – American nuclear engineer, brewer and author. He founded the Great American Beer Festival and also served as President of the Brewers Association for over 30 years.

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Filed Under: Beer, breweries

Imperial Stout Day – May 17th – Raise a Toast to Bert Grant

May 16, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Imperial Stout Day

The Birth of Imperial Stout Day – May 17th
May 17th was always a special day for craft beer pioneer Bert Grant. Born on May 17, 1928, he would grow up to become one of the most influential figures in American brewing history. But it wasn’t just his birthdate that would come to mean something to beer lovers—it was what he gave to them decades later.

In the early 1980s, when most Americans thought beer came in one color and one flavor, Bert Grant dared to do something different. From his Yakima, Washington brewpub—the first in the country since Prohibition—he brewed a beer that was bold, black, and unapologetically rich: the first American-made Imperial Stout.

In 1984, at the Great American Beer Festival, Bert tapped his Imperial Stout creation to curious crowds. It was dark as midnight and thick with roasted malt and warming alcohol—more akin to sipping whiskey than the fizzy lagers people knew. Some were stunned. Others converted on the spot. Craft beer had found a new icon.

To honor Bert Grant’s legacy, and to celebrate the style he fearlessly introduced to American palates, we now raise a glass every May 17th—the day of his birth—as Imperial Stout Day.

A day for rich pours, long finishes, and bold dreams.

Cheers, Bert. You changed everything.

Bert Grant (1928–2001): Pioneer of American Craft Brewing

Herbert Lewis “Bert” Grant was a trailblazer in American craft beer, widely recognized for revolutionizing the industry with bold, hop-forward styles and for opening the first modern brewpub in the United States.

Born on May 17, 1928, in Dundee, Scotland, Grant immigrated to Canada at a young age and began working in the brewing industry as a teenager. His career took him through major brewing companies in Canada and the U.S., including Carling and Stroh’s. In 1967, he moved to Yakima, Washington, where he worked for hop supplier S.S. Steiner and helped develop the country’s first hop pelletizing machine—advancing hop utilization across the industry.
Bert Grant (1928–2001): Pioneer of American Craft Brewing
In 1982, at age 54, Grant founded Yakima Brewing & Malting Co., also known as Grant’s Brewery Pub, in an old opera house in Yakima. It was the first brewpub in the U.S. since Prohibition. From that humble but historic location, he brewed the first American-brewed India Pale Ale (IPA)—a bold, hop-forward beer that helped ignite a revolution in American craft brewing.

In addition to pioneering the IPA, Grant also brewed the first Russian Imperial Stout in the United States, a robust and intense style that would become a staple among American craft brewers. His imperial stout made its public debut at the 1984 Great American Beer Festival, where it introduced U.S. beer drinkers to the deep flavors and high alcohol content characteristic of the style.

Known for his larger-than-life personality, Grant was a passionate promoter of hops—famously carrying hop oil to dose bland lagers—and a fierce advocate for flavor in beer. At his pub, he was often seen wearing a Scottish kilt, and he once enforced a no-smoking rule by brandishing a claymore sword.

Grant sold his brewery in 1995 but remained an influential figure in the craft beer world until his death in 2001. His legacy lives on in every hop-forward beer served in America, and he is remembered as one of the true fathers of the American craft brewing movement.

Looking for beer festival – Top 10 Beer Festivals in America

Filed Under: Beer, imperial stout

BrewBilt Brewing Shines with Gold Medal at 2025 California Brewers Cup

May 15, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

BrewBilt Brewing Shines with Gold Medal  Grass Valley, CA –  BrewBilt Brewing, a rising star in California’s craft beer scene, proudly claimed a Gold Medal for its Party Eyes Kolsch in the German-Style Kolsch category at the 2025 California Brewers Cup. Hosted by the Sacramento Area Brewers Guild and supported by regional brewing guilds across the state, this prestigious competition celebrates California’s finest craft beers. This year, 203 craft breweries submitted 1,360 entries, making BrewBilt’s victory a standout achievement.

Crafted with 100% California-grown malt from Admiral Maltings and premium hops from Indie Hops, Party Eyes Kolsch is a crisp, refreshing beer that embodies BrewBilt’s commitment to quality and local ingredients. Since its founding in Grass Valley nearly three years ago, BrewBilt has focused on creating distinctive beers that honor tradition while embracing innovation.

“Winning Gold for Party Eyes Kolsch is a tremendous honor, especially in a competition of this caliber,” said Bennett Buchanan, President of BrewBilt Brewing. “We’re grateful to our team and partners like Admiral Maltings and Indie Hops for helping us craft something truly special.”

The 2025 California Brewers Cup, one of the nation’s largest craft beer competitions, featured 64 categories judged by a panel of industry experts. Winners were revealed at a ceremony in Sacramento on April 25, 2025.

“This year’s competition showcased an incredible level of skill and creativity,” said David Teckam, Lead Judge. “BrewBilt’s Party Eyes Kolsch is a testament to the innovation thriving in California’s craft brewing community.”

For the complete list of winners and more details, visit www.brewerscupofca.com.

About BrewBilt Brewing
Nestled in the heart of Grass Valley, California, BrewBilt Brewing has quickly become a beacon of craft beer innovation since opening its doors in July 2022. Founded by Jef Lewis, who brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience from the San Francisco craft beer scene, the brewery is a family affair with his son contributing to its operations. The vision for BrewBilt was to create balanced, approachable beers using 100% locally sourced craft malts from Sacramento Valley producers like Admiral Maltings, emphasizing sustainability and regional terroir. Their flagship Party Eyes Kolsch, a gold medal winner at the 2025 California Brewers Cup, exemplifies their commitment to quality, blending European tradition with American craft ingenuity.

At the helm of brewing operations is Bennett Buchanan, BrewBilt’s President and COO, whose expertise shapes the brewery’s distinctive portfolio. Buchanan’s focus on regionally sourced ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship has earned BrewBilt accolades, including a 2023 California State Fair Gold Medal for their Brain Bypass Helles Lager. From the crisp Sierra Primavera Italian Pilsner to the robust Jesters Privilege IPA, each beer reflects a dedication to flavor and freshness. With a taproom and outdoor beer garden, BrewBilt BrewHaus, now open in Nevada City, the brewery invites locals and visitors alike to savor its creations in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. Learn more at www.brewbiltbrewing.com.

 

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Filed Under: Beer, Beer Competition

Top 10 Colorado Mountain Breweries

May 13, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Top 10 Colorado Mountain Breweries Colorado’s mountain breweries are a craft beer lover’s dream, scattered across the Rocky Mountains in charming high-altitude towns that blend rugged beauty with hoppy creativity. From Frisco’s Outer Range Brewing Co. at 9,097 feet, pouring juicy In The Steep Hazy IPA, to Telluride Brewing Company in the San Juan Mountains at 8,750 feet, crafting the nutty Face Down Brown, these spots thrive on pristine snowmelt and local ingredients. Broken Compass in Breckenridge (9,602 ft) delivers tropical vibes with its Coconut Porter, while Casey Brewing & Blending in Glenwood Springs (5,761 ft) transforms local fruit into funky Fruit Stand sours. Knotted Root in Nederland (8,230 ft) keeps it eclectic with Cloud City Hazy IPA, showcasing the state’s knack for pairing alpine air with bold flavors.

Further afield, Elevation Beer Co. in Poncha Springs (7,464 ft) serves piney First Cast IPA near Monarch Mountain, and Vail Brewing Company in Eagle-Vail (7,500 ft) pours resinous Gore Creek IPA for après-ski crowds. Westbound & Down in Idaho Springs (7,526 ft) fuels I-70 travelers with Westbound Double IPA, while HighSide Brewing in Frisco (9,097 ft) keeps it crisp with First Cast IPA. Bonfire Brewing in Eagle (6,601 ft) rounds out the list with Rope Drop Hazy IPA, perfect for patio sessions with mountain views. These breweries, nestled in Colorado’s peaks, craft beers that capture the spirit of adventure, from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts, making every sip a toast to the high country.

Top 10 Colorado Mountain Breweries

1. Outer Range Brewing Company
Nestled in Frisco, where the Tenmile Range looms like a snowy sentinel, Outer Range Brewing Company is your après-ski haven. Picture yourself stomping snow off your boots, the air crisp with pine, as you step into a taproom buzzing with mountain energy. The views of Mount Royal beckon through the windows, but it’s the beer that keeps you grounded—bold, hoppy IPAs and delicate Belgian-style ales crafted with the precision of a snowboarder carving fresh powder.

Their brews, like the In the Steep IPA, burst with citrusy hops that feel like a sunny day on the slopes, while the L’Ours Saison whispers of wildflowers tucked in alpine meadows. Outer Range’s pet-friendly vibe means your trail dog can join you, sprawled by the bar as you sip a hazy IPA, toasting to another day conquering Summit County’s peaks. It’s not just a brewery; it’s a love letter to the mountain lifestyle, where every pint feels like a summit celebration.
Website: https://www.outerrange.com

2. Casey Brewing & Blending – Glenwood Springs
Tucked along the roaring Roaring Fork River in Glenwood Springs, Casey Brewing & Blending is a sour beer lover’s paradise that feels like a secret hideout for flavor adventurers. This gem crafts farmhouse ales and barrel-aged sours with over 99% local Colorado ingredients, transforming peaches, cherries, and even the mountain air into liquid art. The taproom, a cozy nook with rustic wooden vibes, invites you to sip slowly while soaking in the aroma of oak barrels and the nearby scent of BBQ from the joint next door. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger, debating whether to try another funky sour or just marvel at the snow-capped peaks peeking through the window.

What makes Casey truly special is its obsession with the craft—every beer is a love letter to patience, with some brews aging for years before they hit your glass. The Fruit Stand series, bursting with local stone fruit, is like drinking a Colorado summer, while their experimental blends might make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a mad scientist’s lab (in the best way). Pair your pint with a sunset soak at the nearby hot springs, and you’ve got a day that screams mountain magic. Whether you’re a sour nerd or just curious, Casey’s taproom is a must-visit for anyone chasing bold flavors in a laid-back, high-altitude haven.
Website: https://caseybrewing.com/


3. Westbound and Down Brewing Company

In Idaho Springs, where the Rockies’ rugged heart beats loud, Westbound and Down Brewing Company channels the Wild West into every pour. Tucked along Clear Creek, the taproom feels like a saloon for modern adventurers, with mountain air wafting in and the echo of I-70 humming nearby. After a day hiking or skiing Loveland Pass, you’ll find solace in their cozy space, where the spirit of the frontier meets craft beer innovation.

Their lineup, like the Juicy IPA or Double IPA, packs a hoppy punch as bold as a miner’s dynamite, while the Colorado Pale Ale nods to the state’s golden aspen groves. Each sip tells a story of the West—rugged, free, and a little rebellious. Whether you’re warming up by the bar or pairing a pint with grub from the neighboring Buffalo restaurant, Westbound and Down is your pitstop for mountain-fueled refreshment.
Website: https://www.westboundanddown.com

4. Telluride Brewing Company – Telluride
Nestled in the jaw-dropping San Juan Mountains, Telluride Brewing Company is where snowmelt meets hoppy dreams, brewing beers that taste like they were born from the peaks themselves. This Telluride treasure, perched at 8,750 feet, crafts everything from crisp lagers to the legendary Face Down Brown using pure Rocky Mountain water and a knack for balance. The taproom’s vibe is pure mountain town—think flannel-clad locals, ski bums, and hikers swapping stories over pints while live music hums in the background. Step onto the patio, breathe in the alpine air, and you’ll swear the beers taste better with those 14,000-foot peaks staring you down.

Telluride Brewing is the kind of place where you’ll want to toast to every adventure, whether you just shredded the slopes or survived a bumpy Jeep trail. Their Face Down Brown, a nutty, award-winning gem, is the perfect fireside companion, but don’t sleep on their hoppy Whacked Out Wheat for a zesty twist. With a food truck often parked nearby slinging tacos, you can fuel up for round two while planning your next hike. It’s not just a brewery—it’s a love letter to Telluride’s rugged, free-spirited soul, where every sip feels like a high-five from the mountains.
Website: https://www.telluridebrewingco.com/

5. Cabin Creek Brewing – Georgetown 
Perched on the shimmering shores of Georgetown Lake, Cabin Creek Brewing is a high-altitude haven where craft beer and mountain magic collide in historic Georgetown, just off I-70. This family-friendly brewpub, voted Colorado’s Best New Brewery in 2020, feels like a cozy ski chalet with cathedral ceilings and over 50 windows framing jaw-dropping Rocky Mountain views. Sip on a frosty Pounder Foeder-Fermented Pils, brewed with snowmelt straight from the peaks, or savor the rich, coffee-kissed Cheaters Mocha Oatmeal Stout while munching on artisan pizza or a bison-loaded Mountain Burger. The sprawling patio, complete with heaters and quirky ice-fishing tents, begs you to kick back with a pint and soak in the crisp alpine air after a day of hiking or skiing.

Cabin Creek’s vibe is all about blending old-school Western grit with new-school brewing flair, thanks to a passionate team of five Coloradan founders who built this gem from the ground up. Their beers, like the hoppy Trail Tag Hazy IPA or the malty Slinger House Lager, are as bold as the silver miners who once roamed Georgetown’s streets. Pair that with a Thai chile chicken pizza or crispy fried chicken sandwich, and you’ve got a meal that fuels your next adventure. Dog-friendly and community-driven, this lakeside hotspot is where locals and I-70 travelers swap stories, toast to the “Silver Queen of the Rockies,” and maybe even plan a winter yurt session. Cabin Creek isn’t just a brewery—it’s a love letter to Colorado’s wild heart.
Website: https://www.cabincreekbrewing.com/

6. Tommyknocker Brewery
Idaho Springs’ Tommyknocker Brewery is the granddaddy of mountain breweries, slinging pints since 1994 in a town carved from mining history. The taproom, steps from Clear Creek, hums with the ghosts of gold rush days and the clink of glasses raised to modern mountain escapades. With the Rockies towering overhead, it’s a spot where time slows, and the beer flows.

Their Maple Nut Brown Ale is a sweet, nutty ode to autumn in the mountains, while the Pick Axe IPA cuts through with a hoppy edge as sharp as a miner’s tool. Tommyknocker’s brews are as timeless as the peaks, pairing perfectly with their homemade sodas or a hearty meal at the attached brewpub. This is where you come to taste Colorado’s soul, one pint at a time.
Website: https://www.tommyknocker.com

7. Broken Compass Brewing Company
Breckenridge’s Broken Compass Brewing Company is a love song to the Rockies, tucked in a ski town where the peaks of the Tenmile Range steal your breath. The taproom, a short trek from the slopes, buzzes with the energy of skiers and hikers swapping tales of powder days. With views of snow-capped summits, it’s a place where the mountain lifestyle flows as freely as the beer.

Their Coconut Porter is a cult favorite, wrapping you in roasty warmth like a fireside chat, while the Camp Hale Kolsch is crisp and refreshing, like a dip in an alpine lake. Broken Compass crafts beers for everyone who loves the mountains, from snowboarders to trail runners. Sip an Irish Red, and feel the caramel sweetness linger as you plan your next Breck adventure.
Website: https://www.brokencompassbrewing.com

8. Elevation Beer Co. – Poncha Springs
In the heart of Chaffee County’s mountain playground, Elevation Beer Co. in Poncha Springs is your go-to for bold beers and cabin-in-the-woods vibes at 7,464 feet. Surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo and Collegiate Peaks, this brewery feels like a basecamp for explorers, serving up everything from hoppy IPAs to velvety stouts in a taproom that’s equal parts cozy and rugged. The dog-friendly patio is a hit with furry friends, and the firepit makes chilly evenings feel like a group hug from the Rockies. It’s the perfect spot to refuel after a day of rafting, skiing Monarch, or just pretending you’re a mountain hermit.

Elevation’s beers are as adventurous as the folks who drink them, with standouts like First Cast IPA delivering piney, citrusy punches that scream Colorado. Their barrel-aged series, like the decadent Oil Man Imperial Stout, is for those who want to sip something as big as the peaks outside. The taproom’s rotating food trucks and live music keep the energy high, and the staff’s passion for craft beer is contagious. Whether you’re a local or a road-tripper passing through, Elevation Beer Co. is a high-altitude hug that’ll leave you buzzing with mountain fever and a new favorite brew..
Website: https://www.elevationbeerco.com/

9. Rock Cut Brewing Company
Estes Park’s Rock Cut Brewing Company is your gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, where elk roam and the peaks pierce the sky. The taproom, with its rustic charm and mountain views, feels like a basecamp for adventurers. After hiking Longs Peak or spotting wildlife, you’ll find the patio alive with laughter and the clink of glasses under a starry alpine night.

Their Longs Peak Porter is a dark, roasty tribute to the iconic summit, perfect for cozying up after a chilly day, while the Trail Ridge IPA bursts with citrusy hops that echo the vibrancy of a mountain sunrise. Rock Cut’s beers are brewed with the spirit of exploration, each sip a nod to the wild beauty just outside Estes Park. Grab a pint, share stories of the trail, and let the Rockies steal your heart.
Website: https://www.rockcutbrewing.com

 
10. Aspen Brewing Company
In the glitzy heart of Aspen, where the Roaring Fork Valley cradles snow-dusted peaks, Aspen Brewing Company is a locals’ favorite that hums with mountain swagger. The taproom, steps from the Silver Queen Gondola, is a cozy retreat where skiers and hikers mingle, swapping stories of powder stashes and trail triumphs. With the Elk Mountains looming, every pint feels like a toast to alpine glory.

Their Independence Pass IPA is a hoppy powerhouse, as bold as the winding road it’s named for, while the This Season’s Blonde is light and crisp, like a sunny day on the slopes. Brewed with pure mountain water, Aspen’s beers capture the essence of this iconic town—wild, refined, and utterly refreshing. Kick back with a flight, soak in the vibe, and let the mountains work their magic.
Website: https://www.aspenbrewingcompany.com

 

Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: https://beerinfo.com/top-10-beer-festivals/

Filed Under: Beer, breweries

101 Beer Jokes to Crack Open a Laugh

May 13, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

101 beer jkes

101 Beer Jokes to Crack Open a Laugh

101 Beer Jokes

Raise a glass and get ready to chuckle with our ultimate list of 101 beer jokes! Whether you’re a craft beer nerd, a lager loyalist, or just love a good pun, these funny beer puns and brewery humor quips will have you hopping with laughter. From IPA-inspired zingers to stout-hearted one-liners, we’ve brewed up a batch of original gags perfect for sharing at the bar or on National Craft Beer Day. So, grab a cold one, settle in, and let’s tap into the fun—no designated driver required for these laughs!

Beer Jokes

  1. Why did the beer go to therapy? It had too many “deep-rooted” hops issues!

  2. What’s a beer’s favorite workout? The keg lift!

  3. Why don’t beers ever fight? They just settle it over a pint.

  4. How do you know a beer is shy? It’s always hiding behind the foam.

  5. What did the IPA say to the lager? “You’re too pale for my taste!”

  6. Why was the beer can embarrassed? It got caught chilling in the fridge.

  7. What’s a brewer’s favorite dance? The hop-and-skip!

  8. Why did the stout refuse to date? It was too dark and brooding.

  9. How do beers flirt? They give a foamy wink.

  10. Why did the beer join a band? It had the best “pitcher”!

  11. What’s a beer’s favorite holiday? National Beer Can Appreciation Day, of course!

  12. Why was the ale so confident? It knew it was well-brewed.

  13. What did the bartender say to the overconfident beer? “Don’t get too hoppy!”

  14. Why don’t beers use dating apps? They prefer to meet at the tap.

  15. What’s a beer’s favorite book? The Great Gats-beer.

  16. Why did the beer fail at stand-up? Its jokes were too flat.

  17. How do you cheer up a sad beer? Give it a little headspace.

  18. What’s a beer’s dream job? A professional chiller.

  19. Why did the porter go to school? To improve its “body” of knowledge.

  20. What did the beer say to the glass? “You complete me.”

  21. Why was the brewery so cool? It had the best fans—ceiling and human!

  22. What’s a beer’s favorite sport? Keg-tossing.

  23. Why don’t beers ever lie? They’re always transparent in the glass.

  24. How do beers stay in touch? They send bottle messages.

  25. Why did the beer blush at the bar? It overheard some “steamy” brewing talk.

  26. What’s a brewer’s favorite instrument? The barley-cello.

  27. Why did the IPA get kicked out of the party? It was too bitter.

  28. What did the beer say to the wine? “You’re too grapey for this crowd.”

  29. Why do beers love summer? They get to chill by the pool.

  30. What’s a beer’s favorite movie? Brewed Awakening.

  31. Why was the lager so calm? It was brewed with deCAF!

  32. How do beers travel? In a six-pack road trip.

  33. Why did the beer go to therapy? It couldn’t handle the pressure of being canned.

  34. What’s a beer’s favorite game? Truth or Dare—you always pick pour!

  35. Why don’t beers ever retire? They love staying in circulation.

  36. What did the stout say to the pilsner? “You’re looking a little light.”

  37. Why was the beer can so fit? It did daily crunches in the pack.

  38. How do you know a beer is fancy? It demands a frosted glass.

  39. Why did the ale join a choir? It had a rich, malty voice.

  40. What’s a brewer’s favorite weather? A frosty forecast.

  41. Why don’t beers ever argue? They just foam over differences.

  42. What did the beer say at the gym? “Time to work on my hops!”

  43. Why was the brewery so loud? Too many beers were fermenting!

  44. How do beers stay motivated? They keep their spirits high.

  45. Why did the beer refuse to share? It was a little too hoppy.

  46. What’s a beer’s favorite dessert? A frothy float.

  47. Why did the IPA go to art school? It loved bold strokes.

  48. What did the bartender say to the impatient beer? “Hold your head, I’m pouring!”

  49. Why don’t beers play chess? They’d drink the knight away.

  50. What’s a beer’s favorite song? “Sweet Caroline”—it’s a bar classic!

  51. Why was the stout so wise? It had years of barrel-aging.

  52. How do beers celebrate? With a toast and a clink!

  53. Why did the beer can go to therapy? It felt too “boxed in.”

  54. What’s a brewer’s favorite flower? Hops, naturally!

  55. Why did the lager get promoted? It was always cool under pressure.

  56. What did the beer say to the soda? “You’re too bubbly for me.”

  57. Why don’t beers ever get lost? They follow the tap lines.

  58. What’s a beer’s favorite vacation spot? The Brew-hamas.

  59. Why was the ale so popular? It had a lot of “character.”

  60. How do beers apologize? With a frothy “I’m sorry.”

  61. Why did the beer join a book club? It wanted to discuss Malt and Prejudice.

  62. What’s a brewer’s favorite animal? A hoppy kangaroo.

  63. Why did the IPA refuse to chill? It liked being a little bitter.

  64. What did the beer say to the fridge? “You’re my coolest friend.”

  65. Why don’t beers ever gossip? They keep things bottled up.

  66. What’s a beer’s favorite hobby? Can collecting, obviously!

  67. Why was the brewery so romantic? It was full of steamy brews.

  68. How do beers stay organized? They stick to the six-pack plan.

  69. Why did the stout go to therapy? It had an identity crisis with porter.

  70. What’s a beer’s favorite joke? Anything with a good punchline!

  71. Why did the beer can go to school? To improve its “can-fidence.”

  72. How do beers make friends? They bond over a cold one.

  73. Why was the lager so chill? It was brewed with zen.

  74. What did the beer say to the tap? “You’re my lifeline.”

  75. Why don’t beers ever panic? They just take a deep sip.

  76. What’s a brewer’s favorite board game? Risk—because brewing’s a gamble!

  77. Why did the IPA get a tattoo? To show off its bold side.

  78. What did the beer say at the party? “I’m here to liven things up!”

  79. Why was the ale so artsy? It loved painting with malt.

  80. How do beers stay fit? They do keg curls.

  81. Why did the beer can blush? It was caught in a steamy bar scene.

  82. What’s a beer’s favorite TV show? Breaking Brew.

  83. Why don’t beers ever quit? They’re too hopped up to stop.

  84. What did the stout say to the IPA? “You’re too hoppy for your own good.”

  85. Why was the brewery so eco-friendly? It recycled every can!

  86. How do beers say goodbye? “Catch you on the next pour!”

  87. Why did the lager go to yoga? To find its inner fizz.

  88. What’s a beer’s favorite dance move? The frothy twirl.

  89. Why was the ale so talkative? It was full of malt-itude.

  90. How do beers handle stress? They just ferment it out.

  91. Why did the beer can go to the gym? To get a little “canned.”

  92. What’s a brewer’s favorite season? Fall—for the harvest ales!

  93. Why don’t beers ever oversleep? They’re always up with the yeast.

  94. What did the beer say to the bartender? “Make it quick, I’m losing my head!”

  95. Why was the IPA so adventurous? It loved exploring new hops.

  96. How do beers stay trendy? They follow the craft craze.

  97. Why did the stout join a book club? It loved dark, complex stories.

  98. What’s a beer’s favorite car? A Brew-ick.

  99. Why don’t beers ever get bored? They’re always fermenting new ideas.

  100. What did the beer say to the glass? “Let’s make some bubbles!”

  101. Why do beers make the best friends? They’re always down for a pour!

Beer Quotes – A collection of famous beer quotes

Filed Under: Beer

Athletic Brewing Company’s Two For The Trails Grant Program Wins Double Gold At Halo Awards

May 12, 2025 by Spencer Mapes

MILFORD, Conn., and SAN DIEGO, CA – Athletic Brewing Company, America’s largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer, today announced that its Two For The Trails environmental grant program received two 2025 Gold Halo Awards for Best Cause Product Initiative and Best Sustainability or Conservation Initiative.

Now in its 23rd year, The Halo Awards, presented by Engage for Good, are the first and most prestigious honor for excellence in corporate social impact. They recognize the most innovative and effective partnerships between companies and nonprofits, celebrating organizations that are going beyond good intentions to deliver measurable change for both business and society.

Athletic Brewing was recognized for its commitment to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces worldwide through its Two For The Trails environmental grant program, which contributed up to $2 million to more than 170 projects in 2024.

“We started Athletic with the belief that business can be a powerful force for good,” said Bill Shufelt, Co-Founder and CEO of Athletic Brewing. “Two For The Trails is our way of giving back, and creating a positive ripple effect that’s felt for generations to come. This recognition is a huge honor and a testament to the amazing work of our nonprofit grant recipients.”

Established as a founding principle of the Athletic Brewing business plan, and named in honor of Shufelt’s family ritual of toasting post-trail adventures with two brews, the Two For The Trails program has grown into the largest annual environmental grant program in the craft brewing industry. To date, the program has contributed more than $6.3 million to trails and outdoor spaces.

“What makes Two For The Trails truly special is the diversity and integrity of the projects we support,” said Cara Wilson, Impact Manager at Athletic Brewing. “From regenerative land management and invasive species removal to improving ADA accessibility on trails, we’re committed to funding conservation work that’s thoughtful, impactful, and inclusive. With projects in 46 states and three countries so far, we’re aiming to expand our reach to all 50 states by the end of 2025 — helping more people connect with and care for the outdoors.”

Athletic Brewing’s commitment to sustainability and philanthropy extends beyond Two For The Trails. The company maintains exceptional levels of water recapture and efficiency at its custom breweries in Connecticut and California, donates up to $100,000 annually to meaningful causes through its IMPACT Brew Series, and is proudly a Certified B Corporation™.

Earlier this year, Athletic Brewing released a short film celebrating the work of three recent Two For The Trails grant recipients to raise awareness about the unique environmental concerns that each nonprofit encounters. The film is available to view on YouTube.

Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for the next round of Two For The Trails funding can sign up on the Athletic Brewing Company website. Applications open summer 2025.

The 2025 Halo Awards were presented live on April 24 at the Engage for Good Conference in Palm Springs, CA, where Athletic Brewing accepted the awards in person.

About Athletic Brewing Company

Athletic Brewing Company is America’s largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer. Athletic is revolutionizing how modern adults drink by crafting game-changing NA brews that can be consumed anytime and anywhere. Launched commercially in 2018, Athletic is the number one non-alcoholic beer brand in America1 and a top 20 U.S. brewing company2. Its award-winning brews are available nationwide at over 75,000 retail locations. Athletic operates custom breweries in Connecticut and California and donates up to $2 million annually to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces across the globe via its Two For The Trails program. Athletic is proudly a Certified B Corporation™.

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Filed Under: Non-Alcoholic Beer Tagged With: Athletic Brewing

History of Jack McAuliffe and New Albion Brewing

May 12, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

History of Jack McAuliffe and New Albion Brewing
History of Jack McAuliffe and New Albion Brewing

Early Life

John R. “Jack” McAuliffe was born on May 11, 1945, in Caracas, Venezuela, to John McAuliffe, a translator of German documents for the FBI during World War II, and his wife. The family moved frequently due to his father’s career with the U.S. Department of State, living in Honduras, Colombia, and eventually Fairfax, Virginia, where Jack spent much of his childhood. As a teenager, he developed an interest in welding, volunteering with a local welder, which honed his mechanical skills—skills that would later prove instrumental in building his brewery.

Founding New Albion Brewing Company

In 1975, Jack McAuliffe found a suitable rental property—a former agricultural warehouse outside Sonoma, California—and quit his engineering job to pursue his dream. With approximately $5,000 and the help of business partners Suzy Stern (née Suzanne Denison) and Jane Zimmerman, who each contributed $1,500, he founded the New Albion Brewing Company in October 1976. The name “New Albion” paid homage to Sir Francis Drake’s term for the San Francisco Bay Area and a historic San Francisco brewery, Albion Brewery. McAuliffe, Stern, and Zimmerman worked together to transform the warehouse into a functional brewery, with McAuliffe designing and building much of the equipment himself.

Using salvaged materials, including 55-gallon Coca-Cola syrup drums, a World War II-era bottle washer, and a 1910 semi-automatic labeler, McAuliffe constructed a gravity-fed, 7.5-barrel brewing system. The brewery produced three core beers: a pale ale, a porter, and a stout, all bottle-conditioned for five weeks rather than pasteurized, a technique that preserved flavor and set them apart from mass-market beers. The pale ale, brewed with American Cascade hops and a two-row malt blend, was particularly innovative, introducing bright, citrusy flavors that became a hallmark of American craft beer.

New Albion brewed its first batch in 1977, becoming the first modern microbrewery in the United States since Prohibition. Despite its small scale—producing about 450 barrels annually at its peak—the brewery quickly gained attention. Publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Brewers Digest visited, spreading word of McAuliffe’s pioneering efforts. Local Sonoma restaurants embraced the beers, and the brewery’s reputation grew among beer enthusiasts.

Challenges and Closure

Despite its critical success, New Albion faced significant challenges. The craft beer market was virtually nonexistent in the late 1970s, and McAuliffe struggled with a lack of small-scale brewing equipment, limited financing, and resistance from retailers and distributors accustomed to mass-produced lagers. Consumers often found the robust flavors of New Albion’s beers unfamiliar. The brewery’s small size and inability to scale production hindered profitability.

McAuliffe sought to expand and open a brewpub, which required navigating restrictive California laws that prohibited on-premises alcohol sales. Alongside Fritz Maytag of Anchor Brewing, he lobbied California assemblyman Tom Bates, contributing to the passage of Assembly Bill 3610 in 1983, which legalized brewpubs. However, New Albion’s financial struggles proved insurmountable. In November 1982, after six years, the brewery brewed its final batch and closed, leaving Jack McAuliffe and his partners, particularly Stern, in debt.

Post-New Albion and Retreat from Brewing

Disheartened by New Albion’s failure, McAuliffe left the brewing industry, taking a job at Mendocino Brewing Company (formerly Hopland Brewery) briefly before returning to engineering. He moved to Las Vegas and later San Antonio, Texas, living a low-profile life and avoiding the burgeoning craft beer scene. For years, he remained an elusive figure, known to many in the industry only through legend.

Meanwhile, New Albion’s legacy grew. The brewery’s equipment was acquired by Mendocino Brewing, and former employee Don Barkley became its head brewer. McAuliffe’s innovative use of Cascade hops and his blueprint for small-scale brewing inspired a generation of brewers, including Ken Grossman of Sierra Nevada, Jim Koch of Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams), Gordon Bowker of Redhook Ale Brewery, and homebrewer Charlie Papazian, founder of the Brewers Association.

Revival and Recognition

In 2005, historian Maureen Ogle tracked down McAuliffe for her book Ambitious Brew: The Story of American Beer, bringing renewed attention to his contributions. In 2010, Sierra Nevada invited McAuliffe to collaborate on “Jack & Ken’s Ale,” a barleywine commemorating the brewery’s 30th anniversary, marking his tentative return to the industry. In 2011, he attended the Craft Brewers Conference in San Francisco, receiving a standing ovation and reconnecting with the community he had inspired.

In 2012, Jim Koch, who had acquired the New Albion trademark in the 1990s to protect it, proposed reviving New Albion Ale. McAuliffe traveled to Boston to brew the original recipe, using the same yeast strain preserved at the University of California, Davis, since 1977. The beer, a deep golden pale ale with Cascade hops, was released in 2013 by Boston Beer Company, with all profits donated to McAuliffe. The revival was a success, reintroducing New Albion to a new generation and cementing McAuliffe’s legacy.

McAuliffe transferred the New Albion trademark to his daughter, Renee M. DeLuca, who learned of her father’s identity in 2000. DeLuca, based in Cleveland, Ohio, relaunched New Albion, partnering with BrewDog USA to produce beers, including a non-alcoholic stout and a traditional pale ale. In 2014, she launched a crowdfunding campaign to continue production, offering rewards like New Albion merchandise and a chance to meet McAuliffe.

Impact on the Craft Beer Industry

Jack McAuliffe’s New Albion Brewing Company is widely regarded as the catalyst for the American craft beer revolution. Despite its short lifespan, the brewery demonstrated that small-scale, flavor-driven brewing was viable, challenging the dominance of macrobreweries. McAuliffe’s innovations, particularly his use of Cascade hops, defined the American pale ale and influenced the development of India pale ales (IPAs), now staples of craft brewing.

New Albion’s influence is evident in the success of breweries like Sierra Nevada, Samuel Adams, and Redhook, whose founders cite McAuliffe as an inspiration. The brewery’s model of using repurposed equipment and local ingredients became a blueprint for countless microbreweries. By 1980, there were only eight craft breweries in the U.S.; by 1994, there were 537, and by 2012, nearly 2,000, a growth trajectory sparked by New Albion.

McAuliffe’s advocacy for brewpub legislation also had lasting impact, enabling small breweries to sell directly to consumers and fostering the growth of tasting rooms and brewpubs. His emphasis on quality, craftsmanship, and innovation set a standard for the industry, earning him the title “the father of craft beer.”

Later Life and Legacy

As of 2025, McAuliffe, now 80, lives in retirement in Northwest Arkansas. He occasionally participates in brewing events, such as the 2012 Great American Beer Festival, where New Albion Ale was showcased. His contributions have been recognized with awards, including induction into the California Beer Hall of Fame alongside Fritz Maytag. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has collected artifacts from New Albion, preserving McAuliffe’s legacy for future generations.

New Albion remains a symbol of the craft beer movement’s origins, with its signage displayed at Russian River Brewing Company and its recipes inspiring modern brewers. The Jack McAuliffe’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and quiet influence, transforming American beer culture and leaving an indelible mark on an industry that continues to thrive.

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Filed Under: Beer, breweries

Breweries in Airplane Hangars: A Flight of Craft Beer Innovation

May 11, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Breweries in Airplane Hangars: Hunter-Gatherer Brewery – Columbia, South Carolina

Imagine sipping a crisp IPA in the shadow of a vintage airplane wing or enjoying a stout with a view of a runway. Across the globe, craft breweries are transforming old airplane hangars into vibrant taprooms, blending aviation history with bold brews. These unique spaces offer more than just beer—they’re destinations for beer lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers. Buckle up as we take you on a tour of the coolest breweries housed in repurposed airplane hangars!

1. Hangar 24 Craft Brewing – Redlands, California
Located across from Redlands Municipal Airport, Hangar 24 Craft Brewing was born in a former airplane hangar. Founded by pilot and homebrewer Ben Cook, this brewery channels aviation vibes with beers like Orange Wheat and Pugachev’s Cobra. The taproom offers stunning views of planes taking off and the San Bernardino Mountains. Don’t miss their annual AirFest, where beer and aerobatics collide!
Hangar 24 Craft Brewing taproom in Redlands, CA

2. Hunter-Gatherer Brewery – Columbia, South Carolina
Nestled in the historic Curtiss-Wright Hangar at Jim Hamilton – L.B. Owens Airport, Hunter-Gatherer Brewery is a 13,000-square-foot gem. This hangar-turned-brewery features a taproom, event space, and an observation deck overlooking the airstrip. Aviation history shines through with displays honoring pilots like Amelia Earhart. Pair their ESB with the view of planes buzzing by!
Hunter-Gatherer Brewery Website

3. Aviator Brewing Company – Fuquay Varina, North Carolina
Aviator Brewing Company kicked off in 2008 inside a hangar at Raleigh’s Triple W Airport, brewing with repurposed dairy tanks. While they’ve since moved to a larger facility, their aviation roots run deep with beers like Devil’s Tramping Ground Tripel. The hangar vibe lives on in their taproom’s retro pilot aesthetic, perfect for a hoppy pit stop.
Aviator Brewing Company taproom

4. Archer Brewing Co. – Brisbane, Australia

Down under in Brisbane’s Wilston, Archer Brewing Co. calls a WWII-era hangar home. The bar? It’s crafted from an old aircraft wing! With aviation-themed decor and a laid-back vibe, this brewery serves up crisp lagers and hazy IPAs in a space that feels like a step back in time.
Archer Brewing Co. in WWII hangar

5. MadTree Brewing Parks & Rec – Blue Ash, Ohio

Opened in February 2025, MadTree Brewing Parks & Rec transformed a 15,000-square-foot hangar at the former Blue Ash Airport into a brewery and community hub. With a living wall, botanical chandeliers, and a beer garden, it blends nature and aviation history. Family-friendly features like a playscape and calming room make it a standout. Try their hazy IPA while soaking in the hangar’s open, airy vibe.
MadTree Brewing Website

6. Skookum Brewery – Arlington, Washington

Tucked into a hangar at Arlington Municipal Airport, Skookum Brewery keeps it simple with a focus on bold beers. The aviation setting adds a cool backdrop without overwhelming the experience. Grab a porter and watch small planes taxi by—it’s the ultimate low-key hangar hangout.  Skookum Brewery Website

7. Moonraker Brewing – Auburn, California
Located on Amelia Earhart Lane in a hangar setting, Moonraker Brewing leans into its airfield roots with aviation-inspired beer names. Known for juicy IPAs, this brewery offers a relaxed taproom where you can sip while dreaming of flight. It’s a must-visit for West Coast beer fans.  Moonraker Brewing Website

Why Hangar Breweries Are Taking Off
These breweries aren’t just about great beer—they’re about creating unforgettable experiences. Airplane hangars offer wide-open spaces perfect for taprooms, event venues, and outdoor patios. The aviation history adds a unique story, making each visit feel like a mini-adventure. Plus, the industrial charm of a hangar pairs perfectly with the craft beer ethos of innovation and creativity.

Plan Your Visit
Ready to explore these high-flying breweries? Check their websites for hours, beer menus, and events like brewery tours or air shows. Whether you’re a craft beer nerd or just love a cool vibe, these hangar breweries are worth the trip. Have a favorite hangar brewery we missed? Let us know in the comments!

 

 

 

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Filed Under: breweries

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