Archives for July 2025

Ska Brewing’s flagship and most acclaimed beer, True Blonde Ale, has added another accolade to its storied legacy. The time-tested honey ale was recently crowned a Good Food Awards winner by the Good Food Foundation, following its earlier recognition as a finalist in the 15 Years of Good Food Awards.

True Blonde Ale stands among an elite group of 55 winners across 18 categories, celebrated for exceptional taste, masterful craftsmanship, and sustainable production. For 15 years, the Good Food Awards have honored food and beverage producers who excel in both flavor and ethical practices. This year, over 8,000 public votes helped select winners from past award recipients, spotlighting True Blonde Ale’s enduring appeal.

This crisp, medium-bodied blonde ale, brewed with honey from Durango’s own Honeyville, has been a cornerstone of American craft beer since Ska’s founding in 1995. Available nationwide through Ska’s distribution network and at the brewery’s Durango World Headquarters, it remains a fan favorite.

True Blonde Ale boasts an impressive resume, including five Great American Beer Festival wins, two World Beer Cup awards, and honors at the Colorado State Fair and L.A. International Beer Competition. This 2025 Good Food Awards win marks its second triumph in the competition, following a victory in 2019.

“True Blonde holds a special place for us—it was the first beer we brewed when we opened 30 years ago,” says Dave Thibodeau, President and Co-Founder of Ska Brewing. “Those first two kegs poured at what’s now the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. We’re incredibly proud that our original beer continues to earn such recognition.”

For media inquiries about Ska Brewing’s True Blonde Ale achievements, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.

About Ska Brewing

Born in 1995 with a punk rock ethos and a nod to ska music, Ska Brewing has been defying conventions and crafting bold, memorable beers ever since. From the crisp Mexican Logger to the defiant Modus Hoperandi IPA, Ska’s creations are as distinctive as their drinkers, embodying a rebellious spirit that resonates across the craft beer world.

For more information please visit https://radcraftbeer.com/news/ska-good-food-awards-2025

VISTA, CA & NAMPA, ID – Mother Earth Brew Co. is thrilled to announce the release of Renaissance Hazy IPA, the latest addition to its celebrated Project X Series. Available starting July 11, 2025, this vibrant hazy IPA bursts with tropical flavors and showcases unique cover art, making it a standout for craft beer enthusiasts.

A Flavorful Blend of Hops
Renaissance Hazy IPA is crafted with a dynamic hop combination of Nelson Sauvin, Citra, Elani, and Vic Secret, delivering a tropical explosion in every sip. According to Matt Watterson, Head Brewer at Mother Earth Brew Co., the beer offers a complex yet balanced profile:

Nelson Sauvin: Bright, fruity notes of white grape and gooseberry.

Citra: Zesty citrus with hints of lime and grapefruit.

Elani: Smooth tropical juiciness, enhancing sweetness.

Vic Secret: Passionfruit and earthy, dank cannabis undertones.

The addition of isolated terpenes amplifies the herbal, dank aromas, creating a bold yet smooth experience with a soft mouthfeel and subtle bitterness. Expect vibrant flavors of ripe mango, grapefruit, and passionfruit, complemented by sticky pine and a clean finish that invites another sip.

Art Meets Craft in Project X
True to the Project X Series tradition, Renaissance Hazy IPA pairs exceptional beer with striking artwork. The can’s label, designed by artist @the_real_darius_, blends the timeless elegance of a Renaissance-style marble statue with the energy of a modern city skyline. This dreamlike fusion of ancient and contemporary, nature and industry, mirrors the beer’s harmonious balance of bold and approachable flavors.

“This label is a visual celebration of contrast and creativity, much like the beer itself,” said Kamron Khannakhjavani, Director of Marketing at Mother Earth Brew Co. “It’s a renaissance of style, flavor, and imagination.”

About Mother Earth Brew Co.
Mother Earth Brew Co., founded in 2010 in Vista, California, is a family-owned craft brewery known for its award-winning ales and lagers, with an additional facility in Nampa, Idaho. Started by Daniel Love and Kamron Khannakhjavani in San Diego County, the brewery expanded from a modest garage to over 70,000 square feet, emphasizing complex, palate-pleasing beers like Cali Creamin’ and Four Seasons. Daniel Love, the founder and CEO, has overseen significant growth, including the 2012 addition of the Vista Tap House and the 2016 Nampa facility, which aimed to produce 100,000 barrels annually, making it Idaho’s largest brewery at the time. Head Brewer Chris Baker manages production across both locations, focusing on innovation with new styles like hazy IPAs and blond stouts, using advanced equipment like centrifuges to enhance aroma and clarity. The brewery prioritizes sustainability and quality ingredients, earning a Travelers’ Choice award from Tripadvisor for its welcoming tap rooms.

For more information please visit https://www.motherearthbrewco.com/

CHICAGO, IL — A new West Coast IPA, Wind & Waves, is set to make waves on Chicago’s Southwest Side. This exciting collaboration between California Wild Ales in San Diego and Open Outcry Brewing Co. (10934 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL) in Beverly blends coastal flair with local pride. Beer enthusiasts can enjoy the debut of this unique brew on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Open Outcry’s taproom.

A Beer Rooted in Community

Wind & Waves is more than just a craft beer—it’s a celebration of friendship, community, and shared heritage. The collaboration brings together Bill DeWitt, a Beverly native and owner of California Wild Ales, and Open Outcry Brewing, a beloved neighborhood spot led by South Side locals Jim and Katie Beck.

“This beer is a tribute to our roots and the connections that tie us to Beverly,” said Bill DeWitt, who grew up in St. Cajetan’s Parish, just blocks from Open Outcry. Both Bill (Class of ’92) and his wife, Monica DeWitt (née Garza, Class of ’95), are St. Cajetan’s alumni, making this project a heartfelt homecoming. Adding to the nostalgia, Monica and Open Outcry co-owner Katie Beck (Class of ’96, Marian Catholic High School) share a longstanding friendship from their school days.

From Beverly to San Diego: The Story Behind the Brew

Bill DeWitt moved to San Diego in 2009, drawn by its sunny beaches and vibrant craft beer scene. What began as a small sour beer club evolved into California Wild Ales, now a celebrated brewery with tasting rooms in Ocean Beach and Point Loma, known for its innovative barrel-aged sours and saisons.

Meanwhile, Open Outcry Brewing has become a cornerstone of Beverly’s community, offering handcrafted beers, delicious food, and a rooftop dining experience that captures the South Side’s spirit. “This is our first long-distance collaboration since becoming owners, and it’s special to do it with friends who share our neighborhood ties,” said Jim Beck, a St. Barnabas Parish native.

What Makes Wind & Waves Special?

Wind & Waves is a bold, crisp West Coast IPA that combines the best of both breweries. Expect bright, hoppy flavors with a refreshing bitterness that evokes Lake Michigan’s breezes and Pacific Ocean swells. This beer bridges the gap between Chicago’s Southwest Side and San Diego’s coastal vibes, offering a unique taste that’s perfect for craft beer lovers.

“It’s about more than just great beer,” said Monica DeWitt. “It’s about bringing people together and celebrating the places and friendships that shape us.”

Where to Try Wind & Waves

Join the celebration at Open Outcry Brewing (10934 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL) on July 20, 2025, to taste Wind & Waves. The taproom’s welcoming atmosphere, complete with rooftop views, is the perfect spot to enjoy this limited-release IPA. Can’t make it to Chicago? Visit California Wild Ales at their Ocean Beach or Point Loma tasting rooms in San Diego to experience the brew.

About California Wild Ales

Founded by Bill DeWitt, California Wild Ales is a San Diego-based brewery renowned for its creative barrel-aged sours and saisons. With two vibrant tasting rooms in Ocean Beach and Point Loma, it’s a go-to destination for craft beer enthusiasts seeking bold, adventurous flavors.

About Open Outcry Brewing

Located in the heart of Beverly at 10934 S. Western Ave., Open Outcry Brewing is a neighborhood favorite owned by Jim and Katie Beck. Known for its craft beers, rooftop dining, and community-driven vibe, it’s a gathering place for locals to connect over great food and drink.

For more information please visit https://www.openoutcrybrewing.com/

Craft beer lovers and do-gooders, get ready to sip with impact! Lawson’s Finest Liquids, the Vermont-based, B Corp Certified brewery, has launched Cosmic Shift IPA (6.2% ABV), a juicy, hop-forward beer that’s out of this world. As part of their Social Impact Program (SIP), this limited-release IPA supports 10 nonprofits across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, marking the first time their Good Brews for a Cause initiative extends beyond Vermont. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a craft beer adventure, here’s why Cosmic Shift IPA is a must-try, plus details on how it gives back.

Cosmic Shift IPA: A Hoppy Brew with Heart

Cosmic Shift IPA is a bold, tropical delight from the makers of Sip of Sunshine IPA. Bursting with juicy hop flavors and vibrant aromas, this 6.2% ABV brew offers a refreshing, otherworldly experience. “Cosmic Shift is something truly special,” says Adeline Druart, CEO of Lawson’s Finest Liquids. “It captures bold, expressive hop flavors and channels them into a beer that supports vibrant communities.” Every sip helps fund meaningful causes, making it a perfect pick for socially conscious beer enthusiasts. Learn more at lawsonsfinest.com/cosmic-shift.

Supporting 10 Nonprofits Across 9 States

Through the Good Brews for a Cause program, Lawson’s Finest donates a portion of Cosmic Shift IPA proceeds to 10 nonprofits, with donations matched by their distribution partners. This initiative, part of the brewery’s SIP, has donated over $2.5 million to more than 400 organizations since 2018. Here are the 2025 beneficiaries, perfect for families exploring these regions:

Vermont Adaptive, Vermont (matched by Baker Distributing Company): Empowers people with disabilities through inclusive sports and recreation. Ideal for families visiting Vermont’s outdoor destinations like the Mad River Valley. www.vermontadaptive.org

Philabundance, Pennsylvania (matched by Sarene Craft Beer Distributors): Fights hunger with food access programs, great for families exploring Philadelphia’s historic sites. www.philabundance.org

Spoonfuls, Massachusetts (matched by Atlantic Beverage Distributors): Reduces food waste and feeds communities, perfect for Boston family trips. www.spoonfuls.org

Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Rhode Island (matched by Atlantic Beverage Distributors): Supports food security, a great cause near Providence’s family attractions. www.rifoodbank.org

Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, Connecticut (matched by Star Distributors and Hartford Distributors): Funds Alzheimer’s care and research, ideal for Hartford family vacations. www.alz.org/ct

NH Food Alliance, New Hampshire (matched by Vacationland Distributors): Promotes local food systems, perfect for families visiting New Hampshire’s lakes. www.nhfoodalliance.org

Cultivating Community, Maine (matched by Vacationland Distributors): Supports food justice and youth programs, great for Portland, Maine, family getaways. www.cultivatingcommunity.org

Community FoodBank of New Jersey, New Jersey (matched by Remarkable Liquids): Tackles hunger, ideal for families near Jersey Shore beaches. www.cfbnj.org

City Harvest, New York City (matched by Sarene Craft Beer Distributors): Rescues food for NYC families, perfect for Manhattan family adventures. www.cityharvest.org

United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, Western New York (matched by T.J. Sheehan Distributing): Supports community health and education, great for Rochester family trips. www.uwrochester.org

Why Families Love Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Lawson’s Finest Liquids isn’t just about great beer—it’s about building vibrant communities. Their Waitsfield, Vermont, Taproom is a family-friendly destination with a welcoming vibe, local food, and live music. The SIP, which includes the Sunshine Fund and Sip of Support, has raised millions for causes like community health, food security, and environmental protection. Families visiting Vermont can enjoy Cosmic Shift IPA while supporting local nonprofits. Check out the brewery’s 2024 Impact Report for more on their mission at lawsonsfinest.com.

Taste the Freshness of Cosmic Shift IPA

Like all Lawson’s Finest brews, Cosmic Shift IPA is Cold Stored, Cold Shipped, Cold Shelved™ to ensure brewery-fresh flavor. Available across 13 states, including Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania, it’s perfect for craft beer fans on vacation. Find it at select retailers or the Waitsfield Taproom. Use the Beer Finder at lawsonsfinest.com to locate Cosmic Shift IPA near your travel destination.

Plan Your Family Beer Adventure

Add Lawson’s Finest Liquids to your family vacation itinerary! Visit the Waitsfield Taproom for a fun, family-friendly experience, or grab Cosmic Shift IPA at retailers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Every purchase supports local nonprofits, making your trip both delicious and impactful. Explore more about Cosmic Shift IPA and the brewery’s community mission at lawsonsfinest.com/cosmic-shift. Cheers to great beer and great causes!

About Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Founded in 2008 by Sean and Karen Lawson, Lawson’s Finest Liquids is a B Corp Certified brewery dedicated to crafting award-winning beers like the Sunshine family of IPAs. From a 1-barrel nanobrewery to a 13-state distribution network, their Waitsfield, Vermont, Taproom is a must-visit for beer lovers. The Social Impact Program (SIP) has donated over $2.5 million to 400+ nonprofits since 2018, supporting community vitality and sustainability.

For more information please visit https://www.lawsonsfinest.com/