Archives for March 2026

Portland, Maine — Rupee Beer, named Best Beer to Pair with World Food, is a multi-award-winning line of Indian-inspired beers specially crafted to complement Indian, spicy, and global cuisines.

Since launching in 2020, Rupee Beer has stayed true to its mission: reimagining how beer pairs with bold, flavorful global dishes. After successfully entering the Pacific Northwest with its launch in Washington state, Rupee is excited to announce its expansion into Oregon, bringing its total U.S. distribution footprint to 22 states.

A Portfolio Crafted for Global Flavor
Rupee Beer has earned widespread acclaim for its thoughtfully designed lineup, which includes:

Basmati Rice Lager (flagship)
India Pale Ale
Mango Wheat Ale (summer seasonal)
Non-Alcoholic option
Darjeeling Hard Tea

Each beer is brewed to balance and enhance the spices and complexity of Indian and international cuisines. The range was developed in collaboration with legendary master brewer Alan Pugsley, a 40-year industry veteran who has helped launch more than 100 beer brands worldwide.

About the Founders

Brothers Van and Sumit Sharma, sons of Indian restaurateurs with over 50 years in the business, grew up surrounded by the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. After their family immigrated to Maine from Europe, the brothers noticed a clear gap: reliable, high-quality Indian beer was hard to find in a state often described as one of the least diverse in America.

Following time living in London and Australia, the Sharmas returned to Portland, Maine during the pandemic. Drawing on their family heritage and frustrated by the lack of beers that truly paired well with spicy Indian food, they created Rupee Beer — a fresher, locally crafted alternative designed specifically for bold, global dishes.
Partnering with Alan Pugsley — a British expat in Maine and longtime fan of Indian cuisine — the brothers built Rupee Beer to educate American drinkers on the art of thoughtful beer-and-food pairing.

National Growth Continues

Now distributed in 22 states, including the new addition of Oregon, Rupee Beer remains focused on its core mission: elevating the global dining experience one perfectly paired pint at a time.

About Rupee Beer

Rupee Beer was founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic by brothers Van (Vanit) Sharma and Sumit Sharma in Portland, Maine. As sons of Indian restaurateurs who immigrated from London (via Europe) to Maine in the early 1990s and opened some of the state’s first Indian restaurants, the brothers grew up immersed in bold, spicy flavors and the family business. Frustrated by the lack of quality Indian beer options — especially in a then-homogeneous state like Maine — and inspired by their experiences living abroad in London and Australia, they set out to create a better alternative: a crisp, refreshing, lower-carbonation beer specifically designed to pair with Indian, spicy, and global cuisines without overwhelming the food.

Partnering with legendary British expat master brewer Alan Pugsley (a 40+ year veteran who co-founded Shipyard Brewing and has helped launch over 100 brands worldwide), the Sharmas developed their flagship Basmati Rice Lager using traditional Indian-inspired recipes. Launched commercially in 2021 initially as a complement to to-go orders at their family’s Bombay Mahal restaurant, Rupee Beer quickly gained traction for its smooth, food-friendly profile. The brand has since expanded its portfolio to include an India Pale Ale (putting authentic Indian flavors “back” into the style), seasonal Mango Wheat Ale, a Non-Alcoholic option, and Darjeeling Hard Tea.

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MONTCLAIR, N.J. — Montclair Brewery has launched Lumumba Smoked Ale, the newest addition to its annual Black History Month Beer Series. The beer is now available in the Montclair taproom and through select distribution partners.

The brewery’s Black History Month series celebrates influential Black leaders, culture, history, and resilience through carefully crafted beers. Lumumba Smoked Ale offers a smooth malt profile layered with refined smoky character, delivering a distinctive yet highly approachable drinking experience.

Later this month, the brewery will re-release its Limited Edition Doby Caramel Pale Ale, another standout in the series that honors baseball legend and former Montclair resident Larry Doby. A special Black History Month to-go beer flight featuring a mixed four-pack of beers, along with music and art, will also be part of the month’s celebrations.

Lumumba Smoked Ale pays tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the Congolese nationalist leader who played a pivotal role in ending colonial rule in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He became the country’s first Prime Minister in 1960 and was widely seen as one of Africa’s most promising new voices before his assassination in 1961 amid Cold War tensions. Historians note that his left-leaning politics led him to fall out of favor with Western powers. Today, his legacy remains a powerful symbol of independence, sovereignty, and African self-determination.

The brewery chose to honor Lumumba after renewed global attention during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. A dedicated Congolese supporter, Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, gained international recognition by attending matches dressed as Lumumba and holding a motionless pose throughout Congo’s games — a living tribute that mirrored the famous Lumumba statue in Kinshasa. The powerful gesture sparked widespread media coverage and brought Lumumba’s historical significance back into the global spotlight.

The beer’s can label features a photo of the well-known Lumumba statue in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, along with a small image of Michel Nkuka Mboladinga.

“As a former football (soccer) player, coach, and lifelong fan of the tournament, seeing that powerful tribute to Lumumba during the matches was incredibly moving,” said Leo Sawadogo, Co-owner and Head Brewer of Montclair Brewery. “Lumumba represents courage, leadership, and the pursuit of independence — values that deserve continued recognition. Creating this beer was our way of honoring that legacy while sharing an important story with our community.”

Both Lumumba Smoked Ale and the returning Doby Caramel Pale Ale will be available in the Montclair Brewery taproom and at select distributors and retail partners while supplies last, offered in cans and on draft.

In addition to the beer releases, Montclair Brewery is hosting a full calendar of Black History Month programming throughout the month, including live performances by musicians connected to the African diaspora and an art exhibition featuring works by Sydnei Smith Jordan on display in the taproom.

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LONE TREE, Colo. — Lone Tree Brewing has introduced Peach Wheat Ale, now available in cans and on draft throughout Colorado. The refreshing, fruit-forward beer takes the place of the brewery’s longtime flagship, Peach Pale Ale, in its year-round lineup.

The brewing team at Lone Tree has long excelled at incorporating real fruit into its beers, earning multiple awards for the beloved Peach Pale Ale. As consumer demand for juicy, fruit-enhanced beers continues to grow, the brewery is excited to debut this updated recipe—one that honors one of its earliest creations while delivering a fresh, modern take.

Peach Wheat is built on a classic American Wheat Ale foundation, featuring generous additions of real peaches. Bold hop character brings notes of tropical fruit, candied peach, and apricot that perfectly complement the soft wheat and pale malt backbone. It pours a hazy soft orange with a medium body, approachable bitterness, and a clean stone-fruit finish.

“The end of Peach Pale Ale marks the close of an important chapter for us, but we’re thrilled to welcome the brighter, more fruit-forward flavors of this new wheat ale,” said Jerry Siote, Director of Brewhouse Operations at Lone Tree Brewing. “The most successful breweries honor tradition while staying willing to experiment and evolve with customer preferences. Peach Pale played a key role in our growth, teaching us how to balance real fruit with a ‘beer-first’ philosophy. Collaborating with Hopsteiner helped us highlight Alora hops in the new Peach Wheat, which deliver beautiful notes of peach, yuzu, sweet melon, and apricot.”

Peach Wheat is currently available on draft and in 6-packs to go at both Lone Tree Brewing locations in Lone Tree and Parker, as well as at retailers and venues across Colorado.

About Lone Tree Brewing Co.

Founded in 2011, Lone Tree Brewing Company was the first brewery to open in Lone Tree, Colorado, in Denver’s south metro area. More than a decade later, it remains a beloved community staple with two welcoming tasting rooms: the original location near Park Meadows Mall in Lone Tree and the newer Lone Tree Brewing Parker in the heart of Parker, Colorado.
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Chicago(March 12) In a move that signals both resilience and ambition in Chicago’s craft beverage industry, Half Acre Beer Company and Maplewood Brewery & Distillery have announced their merger, creating a unified company poised to navigate the evolving market landscape. The partnership, revealed on March 10, 2026, combines two of the city’s most beloved independent breweries into a “premier Chicago beverage company” that promises to preserve their individual identities while expanding into new territories.

Half Acre Beer Company, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Bowmanville, has long been a staple of Chicago’s craft beer scene with its iconic Daisy Cutter Pale Ale and a focus on innovative, hop-forward brews. The brewery operates a spacious production facility and taproom, known for its community events and artistic collaborations.

Meanwhile, Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, established in 2014 in Logan Square, brings a diverse portfolio to the table, including award-winning beers like Son of Juice IPA, as well as spirits, hop waters, and THC-infused non-alcoholic seltzers. Their lounge-style taproom emphasizes a relaxed vibe, complete with cocktails and small bites, reflecting a broader approach to beverages beyond traditional beer.

The merger comes at a challenging time for the craft beer sector, with several Chicago breweries—such as Alarmist, Casa Humilde, Illuminated Brew Works, and Whiner—announcing closures in early 2026 amid declining sales and shifting consumer preferences. However, leaders from both companies emphasize that this union is proactive, born from strength rather than desperation. “We combine as individually strong, complementary businesses that share similar visions for the future of our industry and city,” the owners stated in a joint social media announcement.
Under the new structure, the yet-to-be-named entity will maintain separate operations for Half Acre and Maplewood, ensuring their brands, taprooms, and product lines remain distinct. Kevin McGillen, Half Acre’s president and chief operating officer, is slated to become the CEO of the combined company once the deal finalizes in the coming weeks. This setup allows Maplewood to bring all brewing in-house using Half Acre’s larger facilities, ending reliance on contract production and streamlining efficiencies.

The strategic focus extends beyond beer, aiming to capitalize on growth areas like THC beverages, restaurant operations, and non-alcoholic options. Half Acre President Kevin McGillen described the merger as an opportunity to thrive in a “tumultuous” marketplace, noting the combined portfolio’s potential for innovation in spirits and alternative drinks. Industry observers see this as part of a broader consolidation wave, but one that avoids turning the new company into just “a collection of brands,” instead building a robust platform committed to Chicago’s beverage heritage.

Public reaction has been largely positive, with social media buzzing about the potential for collaborative brews and expanded offerings. On platforms like Reddit, fans expressed relief that the merger prevents potential closures, hailing both breweries as “great” additions to the city’s scene. Beer bloggers and enthusiasts speculate on future synergies, from joint events to new product lines that blend Half Acre’s bold flavors with Maplewood’s distilling expertise.

As Chicago’s craft industry continues to adapt—facing competition from national conglomerates, changing tastes toward low-alcohol and wellness-focused drinks, and economic pressures—this merger stands as a beacon of collaboration. For locals and visitors alike, it ensures that the spirit of independent brewing endures, even as the market demands evolution. With the deal expected to close soon, beer lovers can raise a glass to what promises to be an exciting chapter in the Windy City’s storied beverage history.

About Half Acre Brewing
Half Acre Beer Company, one of Chicago’s pioneering craft breweries, was founded in 2007 by Gabriel Magliaro, who initially contract-brewed beers like Half Acre Lager at a facility in Wisconsin before establishing its own roots in the city. In 2008, the brewery opened on Lincoln Avenue in North Center with used equipment, and by 2009, it introduced its iconic flagship Daisy Cutter Pale Ale—a bold, hop-forward West Coast-style pale ale that became a Chicago staple and helped define the local scene’s raw, intense approach to American microbrews. The company expanded significantly in 2013 by acquiring a larger production facility on Balmoral Avenue in Bowmanville, enabling greater distribution and innovation. Today, Half Acre’s year-round lineup includes crowd-pleasers like Daisy Cutter, the crisp Pony Pilsner, the lighter Half Acre Light Lager (at just 99 calories), and Bodem India Pale Ale, alongside a rotating selection of seasonal, limited, and barrel-aged offerings that showcase purposeful roughness and creative hop selections—making it a go-to for beer lovers seeking authentic, flavorful Chicago craft beer.

About Maplewood Brewing and Distilling
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, a trailblazing Chicago craft beverage producer located in the vibrant Logan Square neighborhood, traces its roots to homebrewing and distilling experiments by founders Adam Cieslak and Ari Megalis as far back as 2005 in basements and makeshift setups. Officially launching in 2013 and opening for production in September 2014 (with the lounge-style taproom following in 2017), Maplewood became the first establishment in Illinois to combine brewing and distilling under one roof, emphasizing innovative, award-winning beers alongside handcrafted spirits. Its flagship lineup shines with hazy, juicy standouts like the tropical-fruit bomb Son of Juice IPA (loaded with Mosaic and Simcoe hops), the balanced Charlatan American Pale Ale, the crisp Pulaski Pils Chicago-style lager, and the rich Fat Pug Oatmeal Milk Stout, complemented by rotating seasonal and limited releases. On the spirits side, offerings include creative gins like Spruce Gin with Colorado spruce tips, whiskeys such as Fat Pug American Malt Whiskey, rye whiskeys, bourbons, and more, plus innovative non-alcoholic options like THC-infused seltzers—making Maplewood a go-to destination for diverse, high-quality Chicago craft beer and spirits enthusiasts seeking bold flavors and boundary-pushing creativity.