Archives for July 2026

The Visionary’s Journey: The Story of Alan Sprints, His Beers and His Enduring Legacy

July 20, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

In the misty, hop-scented streets of Portland, Oregon, where the Pacific Northwest’s craft beer revolution simmered like a perfectly conditioned barleywine, Alan Sprints emerged as one of its most uncompromising pioneers. Born on September 7, 1959, Alan was not destined for the corporate grind or the predictable paths of his generation. Instead, he found his calling in the alchemy of fermentation—a craft that blended science, art, and a rebellious spirit against the bland lagers dominating American shelves in the late 20th century.

Alan’s story began in the vibrant homebrewing scene of the 1980s and early ’90s. A dedicated member of Portland’s Oregon Brew Crew, he honed his skills under mentors like the legendary beer writer Fred Eckhardt. Those early experiments weren’t just about making drinkable beer; they were about pushing boundaries. Alan dreamed of beers with soul—strong, complex, and built to evolve with time, much like fine wines or aged spirits. He wasn’t content with sessionable pints alone; he wanted beers that demanded patience, reflection, and celebration.

In 1993, that vision materialized with the founding of Hair of the Dog Brewing Company in Portland. Named after the old remedy for a hangover (“the hair of the dog that bit you”), the brewery embodied Alan’s philosophy: bold, unapologetic, and restorative to the spirit of craft beer. Starting small in a modest space, Alan poured everything into creating ales that challenged conventions. He championed high-gravity brewing, barrel aging, and bottle conditioning at a time when these techniques were rare in the U.S. craft scene. His beers weren’t mass-produced for quick consumption; they were crafted as heirlooms, meant to be cellared, shared among friends, and savored as they matured.

Hair of the Dog quickly became a beacon for enthusiasts and brewers alike. Alan’s hands-on approach—meticulous attention to malt bills, yeast selection, and the subtle influences of oak barrels—produced releases that felt revolutionary. He collaborated generously, supported fellow pioneers, and remained humble even as his reputation grew. Through economic ups and downs, shifts in the industry, and the relentless demands of small-batch production, Alan stayed true to his roots: quality over quantity, authenticity over trends.

For beer fans, tasting a Hair of the Dog beer was a rite of passage. It connected them to a deeper appreciation of what beer could be—not just refreshment, but a narrative in every sip. Alan’s legacy wasn’t measured in barrels shipped or awards won (though there were plenty), but in the community he fostered: collectors dusting off vintage bottles, homebrewers inspired to go bigger and bolder, and a new generation of brewers who viewed strong ales and barrel programs as standard rather than experimental. Even as the brewery navigated challenges, including eventual closure, its influence rippled outward, shaping the modern craft landscape.

Alan Sprints passed away on July 19, 2026, following a difficult illness, but his spirit lives on in every bottle uncorked, every toast raised to innovation, and every brewer who dares to dream beyond the ordinary. He is survived by his loving family—his wife, children, and siblings—who shared in his passion and supported the dream. To his fans, he leaves not just memories, but a cellar full of liquid history.

Obituary: Alan Sprints (1959–2026)

Alan Sprints, visionary founder of Hair of the Dog Brewing Company and a titan of American craft beer, died on July 19, 2026, at the age of 66. He passed peacefully after a period of health challenges, surrounded by family.

A beloved husband, father, brother, and mentor, Alan was born in 1959 and discovered his lifelong calling in homebrewing during Portland’s burgeoning beer scene. Transitioning from enthusiast to professional, he founded Hair of the Dog in 1993, transforming it into one of the most revered and influential breweries in the world. His commitment to bold, high-gravity ales, barrel-aged masterpieces, and beers with exceptional aging potential helped redefine craft brewing in the United States.

Alan’s legendary beers became icons in the craft community:

Adam: A strong, historically inspired ale evoking old-world German traditions, known for its rich malt depth, complexity, and remarkable longevity in the cellar. It exemplified Alan’s mastery of balance in powerful packages.
Fred: A bold tribute to his mentor Fred Eckhardt, showcasing robust malt character, nuanced flavors, and the kind of depth that rewarded extended aging. It was a personal and professional highlight.
Doggie Claws: A seasonal powerhouse, often barleywine-style, celebrated for its intense hop and malt interplay and legendary cellaring potential—beers that evolved beautifully over years.
Dave: One of the rarest and most sought-after releases, a concentrated, intensely flavorful creation that pushed the limits of brewing science and artistry, becoming a holy grail for collectors.

Other standout releases carried the Hair of the Dog name into folklore, including various barrel-aged variants and experimental offerings that influenced trends in sour beers, strong ales, and wood-aged programs nationwide.

Beyond the brewhouse, Alan was known for his generosity, humility, and willingness to share knowledge. He inspired countless brewers, fostered collaborations, and cultivated a devoted fanbase of “Dog” enthusiasts who traded bottles, stories, and memories. His work elevated beer from everyday drink to cultural artifact.
Funeral services will be private, with a public celebration of life planned in Portland to honor his contributions to craft beer. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to organizations supporting craft brewing education or the family’s chosen charities.

Alan Sprints leaves an indelible mark on the industry he helped build. His beers will continue to be poured, cellared, and cherished by fans worldwide. As the craft beer community raises a glass, we say: Rest in peace, Alan. Your legacy is strong, complex, and beautifully aged.

To all his beer fans: Open a vintage Hair of the Dog tonight. Share a story. Toast the pioneer who showed us beer could be so much more. Cheers to Alan Sprints—may his spirit keep inspiring the next round.

The U.S. Open Beer Championship: America’s Wildest, Weirdest, Most Delicious Beer Showdown

July 17, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

If the words “beer” and “championship” belong in the same sentence anywhere in America, it’s here. The U.S. Open Beer Championship isn’t just another medal ceremony with a folding table and a box of ribbons — it’s the third-largest beer competition in the country, judging beer across more than 180 categories and subcategories, with entries pouring in from breweries as far-flung as Alaskan Brewing in Juneau and Damm Brewing all the way from Barcelona, Spain.

Started in 2009, the competition was founded by the former owners, brewers, and directors of Friends Brewing, including Dow Scoggins, Jon Downing, and Rick Roberts, and has spent nearly two decades growing into one of the most respected — and most delightfully chaotic — beer judgings in the world. Over 140 (now 180+) styles get judged every year, medals are shaped like little beer steins, and the whole thing wraps up every July with a Grand National Champion crowned based on total medal points across the field.

Who Took Home the Big Trophy in 2026?
This year’s Grand National Champion is Third Eye Brewing of Hamilton, Ohio, and they didn’t just win — they made history doing it. Third Eye hauled in five gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, for nine total medals, tying the all-time record for most medals won by a single brewery in one year (a mark set by Maui Brewing back in 1990). Their five golds also set a brand-new record for most gold medals won by one brewery in a single competition. This is Third Eye’s second Grand National Champion title in the competition’s 18-year history.

Their gold medal lineup reads like a greatest-hits album:
Mocha Operandi – Breakfast Stout
Double Astral – Chocolate Beer
Unleashed Potential – Coffee Beer
Kelly’s Private Stash Barley Wine – took gold in two separate barleywine subcategories

Rounding out the podium: River North Brewery of Denver, Colorado took second place with four golds (including the deliciously named “Bucket of Bolts” strong ale and “Nightmare Fuel” dark coffee beer), and Feather Falls Brewing of Oroville, California — yes, the brewery attached to a casino — grabbed third with four golds of its own, including an imperial porter called “Angry Mama Bear.”

Click Here – 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship Medal Winners

Breweries of the Year, by Size Class
Because a 200-barrel nano-brewery and a 20,000-barrel regional powerhouse aren’t exactly playing the same game, the U.S. Open also crowns Brewery of the Year across seven output tiers:
0–250 barrels: Sandy Springs Brewing Co, Ohio
251–500 barrels: Forgotten Road Ales, North Carolina
501–1,000 barrels: Wild Heart Brewing Co, South Carolina
1,001–2,000 barrels: River North Brewery, Colorado
2,001–5,000 barrels: Third Eye Brewing, Ohio
5,001–15,000 barrels: Altstadt Brewery, Texas
15,000+ barrels: Alvarado Street Brewery, California

Ohio’s Big Moment
Ohio beer fans have plenty to celebrate this year. Not only did Third Eye Brewing take the top overall prize, but Ohio breweries like Rhinegeist, Masthead, Municipal Brew Works, Streetside Brewery, and Southern Ohio Brewing all picked up gold medals across categories ranging from American IPA to Irish Dry Stout to American Black Ale. For a state that doesn’t always get top billing in national craft beer conversations, that’s a serious flex.

The Funniest Beer Names of the Year
Every year, U.S. Open judges unofficially rank entries by a very scientific metric: laughter volume. This year’s top contenders for funniest name include a North Carolina IPA called “Middle Finger to Monday,” an Ohio brew titled “Beaver on a Big Wheel IPA,” and an Oklahoma City lager that goes by “The Spanish Word for Mango is Mango.” Honorable mention goes to Ohio’s own Narrow Path Brewing for “Ghost Railroad IPA,” which, if you ask us, sounds like it belongs on the side of a caboose.

Top 10 funniest names were:
1. Middle Finger to Monday IPA — Bright Penny Brewing (North Carolina)
2. Beaver on a Big Wheel IPA — Southern Ohio Brewing (Ohio)
3. Tarty to the Party Marion Sour Ale — Wild Ride Brew (Oregon)
4. Yaba Daba Brew! — Three Blondes Brewing (Michigan)
5. The Spanish Word for Mango is Mango – Flix Brewhouse – OK City(Oklahoma)
6. Effed Up Quad – River North Brewery(Colorado)
7. Hop Drop n’ Roll IPA — NoDa Brewing Company (North Carolina)
8. Creamy Fookin’ Pints – Liquid Mechanics Brewing(Colorado)
9. Mermaid Milk Stout — Marker 48 Brewing (Florida)
10. Skool House Bock — Moontown Brewing (Indiana)
10. George Sloshington Pilsner – Mutation Brewing(Georgia)

Honorable Mention(My son, Cameron’s Favorite)
Ghost Railroad IPA — Narrow Path Brewing (Ohio)

A Category for Every Kind of Beer Drinker
What makes the U.S. Open stand out from other big-name competitions is sheer category breadth. This isn’t just IPAs and stouts — although there’s plenty of both. Judges this year sorted through everything from Mexican-style lagers and Baltic porters to gluten-free beers, tea beers, peanut beers, and even a dedicated kids’ and adults’ root beer category. The competition also keeps adding new categories as trends shift: Rice Lager debuted in 2026 after judges noticed a wave of rice-lager entries crowding the International Pilsner category, following the introduction of Imperial Hazy IPAs, Barrel-Aged German Lagers, and Near Gluten-Free beers in recent years.

Pink Boots Blend Category
There’s also a category with real heart behind it: the Pink Boots Blend Category, brewed using a special hop blend created by the Pink Boots Society and Yakima Chief Hops. This year’s gold went to Project Halo Brewing of Fulshear, Texas, for their Maverick Imperial Hazy IPA. Every entry fee in the category gets matched by the U.S. Open and donated to the Pink Boots Society Scholarship Fund, which supports women and non-binary professionals in the fermentation industry — over $12,000 raised through the category so far.

We have 8 judging tables for 32 judges. Click the picture to the U.S. Open live.

Welcome to “The Barn”
All those thousands of entries have to go somewhere, and that somewhere is The Barn — the U.S. Open’s home base and event center in Oxford, Ohio. It’s a converted 5,000-square-foot Amish agricultural barn that Scoggins transformed into a full-blown competition headquarters, complete with two 420-square-foot coolers to keep thousands of entries at the right temperature, a nano brewery, and a dedicated whiskey office for the U.S. Open’s spirits judging. Tucked into the property is also a six-hole putt-putt course built for special needs kids to have a place to play, including Scoggins’ own son, Cameron. It’s the kind of detail that sums up the whole operation: a serious, third-largest-in-the-country beer competition that still runs on volunteers, pizza, and a genuine sense of community.

Click on the picture and see the actual dump!

The ALS Beer Bucket Challenge
Every beer competition ends up with leftover product — cases and cases of cold beer that’s already been poured, sampled, and judged, with nowhere left to go. Founder Dow Scoggins turned that leftover beer into a cause: the ALS Beer Bucket Challenge, a riff on the viral Ice Bucket Challenge that swaps ice water for coolers and buckets of the competition’s leftover cold beer. The U.S. Open donates a portion of its competition proceeds to the ALS Foundation, and as part of the challenge, it’s calling out the other major beer competitions in the country — the Great American Beer Festival, the World Beer Cup, and the New York State Craft Beer Competition — to step up and match the effort.
It’s a fittingly irreverent, big-hearted move from a competition that got its start on pizza money and a brewer’s flight from Canada: put the extra beer to work for a cause instead of pouring it down the drain.

Why It Matters (Beyond Bragging Rights)
For breweries, a U.S. Open medal is more than a shiny sticker for the taproom window — it’s a data point judged blind, style-by-style, by trained beer judges evaluating aroma, appearance, flavor, and overall balance against the official style guidelines. For drinkers, the medal list doubles as a shopping list: if you’re standing in a bottle shop wondering what to grab, “gold medal winner, U.S. Open Beer Championship” is about as reliable a signal as you’ll find on a six-pack.

So next time you crack open a cold one, take a second to check the label. There’s a decent chance it already has a stein-shaped medal to its name.

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Lakewood Brewing Company Releases Two New Beers in Garland TX: Fruition Pineapple Ginger Blonde & Raspberry Temptress

July 13, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

GARLAND, TX (May 2026) — Lakewood Brewing Company has launched two exciting new beers at its North Texas family-owned brewery, taproom, and beer garden. Fruition Pineapple Ginger Blonde and Raspberry Temptress are now on tap at 2302 Executive Drive in Garland and available in stores across Texas.

“If you don’t walk through our doors a beer lover, we hope you’ll find your perfect match by the time you leave,” said Wim Bens, founder and president of Lakewood Brewing Company. “We keep two dozen options rotating on tap that range from IPAs and lagers to popular seasonal releases and new varieties like Fruition Pineapple Ginger Blonde and Raspberry Temptress.”

Fruition Pineapple Ginger Blonde (4.2% ABV)

This light and refreshing blonde ale is built for easy summer drinking. It delivers juicy pineapple notes upfront with a subtle ginger spice on the finish. Golden, bright, smooth, and seriously crushable — it’s the perfect session beer for hot North Texas days.

Raspberry Temptress (9.1% ABV)

A delicious twist on Lakewood’s flagship Temptress, the top-selling milk stout in Texas. This rich imperial milk stout is infused with fresh raspberries, creating a bold, raspberry-forward profile with hints of coffee and chocolate. Originally released as the first beer in Lakewood’s limited Seduction Series, it’s back for summer and already becoming a fan favorite.

Taproom & Food Service

Lakewood Brewing expanded its hours earlier this year and now opens at 11 a.m. seven days a week. Visitors can enjoy the new beers alongside “not your typical pub fare,” including shareables, salads, sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, and desserts — some made with Lakewood’s own beers.

The spacious taproom and beer garden continue to draw beer lovers from across DFW and beyond with a rotating lineup of 24 taps featuring IPAs, lagers, seasonals, and limited releases.

Find Lakewood Brewing Beers

Use the Lakewood Beer Finder online or follow @lakewoodbrewing on social media to locate their beers in stores and on tap throughout Texas.

About Lakewood Brewing Company

Lakewood Brewing Company is a family-owned, independent craft brewery in Garland, Texas, known for making Seriously Fun Beer. Since opening in 2012, Lakewood has become a DFW staple, especially famous for its Temptress Imperial Milk Stout — now the best-selling craft stout in Texas. The brewery offers a diverse portfolio including IPAs, lagers, seasonal releases, and special limited editions.

Whether you’re searching for the best new craft beers in Dallas-Fort Worth, a great taproom with food, or a refreshing summer blonde ale, Lakewood Brewing Company delivers an excellent experience in Garland, TX. Stop by soon to try the latest releases!

For more information, please visit https://lakewoodbrewing.com/

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Blueberry Jams 2026: U-Pick Blueberries, Craft Beer & Reggae Music at Public Coast Farm, Banks OR

July 13, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

BANKS, OREGON — Public Coast Farm is hosting Blueberry Jams, a fun-filled one-day U-Pick blueberry, craft beer, and live reggae music celebration on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Presented by Public Coast Brewing Co. in honor of the brewery’s 10th anniversary, this family-friendly summer event combines fresh blueberry picking, great beer, and world-class reggae in a scenic farm setting.

Event Highlights

Spend a perfect summer afternoon picking ripe blueberries straight from the bush, sipping award-winning craft beer and non-alcoholic options from Public Coast Brewing Co., and enjoying live reggae music. Local food vendors will be on-site with delicious eats available for purchase.

100% of proceeds from U-Pick blueberry sales will benefit the North Coast Land Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting Oregon’s northern coastal lands and seascapes.

Each General Admission ticket includes one pint of fresh-picked blueberries. Guests can explore the farm and pick from up to eight varieties of farm-grown blueberries.

Live Music Lineup

The event features four acclaimed reggae artists:

Dan Kelly of Fortunate Youth — Soulful frontman of the Southern California reggae-rock band Fortunate Youth. A self-taught guitarist and songwriter, Dan has been spreading positive vibes since 2009.
Jubba White — No. 1 Billboard-charting reggae producer, Grammy-nominated musician, and founder of White Stone Productions. He led Dubtonic Kru to victory as “Best New Band in the World” at the 2010 Global Battle of the Bands.
Aaron Nigel Smith — Grammy-nominated and Billboard #1 recording artist who has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Lollapalooza, Pickathon, and venues across the globe.
King Thayo — Versatile artist blending Reggae, Hip-Hop, Afro-Fusion, Soul, R&B, and Pop. With roots in Sacramento and Trinidad & Tobago, his sound reflects rich Caribbean musical traditions.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Time: 12 PM – 7 PM (Doors open at 11 AM)
Location: Public Coast Farm, 22330 NW Fisher Rd, Banks, OR 97106

Ticket Options

General Admission

Advance: $25 | Door: $35 Includes: Admission, one pint of blueberries, parking, live music, and full farm access

VIP Ticket

Advance: $75 | Door: $100 Includes: All GA benefits + food voucher, dessert voucher, two drink vouchers, and a special farm gift

Youth & Child Tickets (must be accompanied by an adult)

Youth (13–17): $10
Child (12 & Under): Free

About Public Coast Farm

Located along historic Route 26 (Sunset Highway) in Banks, Oregon, Public Coast Farm spans 40 scenic acres. The property features lush blueberry fields, beehives, fruit orchards, and hops. It supplies fresh ingredients to its sister properties — the Stephanie Inn and Public Coast Brewing Co. — for seasonal dishes and beers.

About Public Coast Brewing Co.

Situated in Cannon Beach, Oregon (just 70 miles west of Portland), Public Coast Brewing celebrates the Oregon Coast. The brewery operates a 10-barrel brewhouse and serves fresh fare from local farms, including their own Public Coast Farm. Visitors enjoy a large pet-friendly patio, community fire pit, and open views of the brewhouse — making it a welcoming destination for the whole family.

Plan Your Visit to Blueberry Jams

Whether you’re looking for a fun U-Pick blueberry event near Portland, a relaxing farm day with live reggae music, or a way to support Oregon land conservation while enjoying craft beer, Blueberry Jams 2026 is the perfect summer celebration.

Tickets are expected to sell out — secure yours early for this unique Banks, Oregon farm experience.

For more information, please visit https://publiccoastbrewing.com/public-coast-farm/

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Vue Brewing Company: Southington CT’s Top New Nano Brewery Reviving Traditional Craft Beer

July 13, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Tucked inside a corrugated steel warehouse at 36 Triano Drive, Vue Brewing Company is making waves in central Connecticut’s craft beer scene. Since opening in June 2025, this husband-and-wife-owned nano brewery has quickly become one of the best new breweries in Connecticut, earning a perfect 5.0-star rating and glowing reviews from beer lovers across popular rating platforms.

Founders with Deep Industry Roots

Vue Brewing was founded by Justin and Jessica Dawley. Justin, an experienced commercial brewer with over eight years in the industry, serves as head brewer. Jessica manages operations and customer experience. Together, they identified a clear need in the market: more traditional, true-to-style craft beers in an era dominated by high-ABV hazy IPAs and trendy releases.

“Among the hype of the high ABV NEIPA craze, I wanted to open the minds of newer craft beer drinkers and remind the beer community of decades-old traditional styles like English ales. We are definitely seeing a resurgence of clear, crisp traditional styles, which is great!” — Justin Dawley

Gluten-Reduced Beer for Everyone

One of Vue Brewing’s standout features is that 100% of their beers are processed to be gluten-reduced. Using a specialized enzyme during brewing, they break down gluten proteins to very small levels, significantly reducing the risk of reactions for gluten-sensitive drinkers — all while maintaining full flavor and quality.

Although the brewery uses traditional barley and wheat (so they cannot legally label the beer “gluten-free” per FDA rules), the result is a safer option for health-conscious customers and those with gluten sensitivity. This inclusive approach lets friends and family enjoy the same taproom experience without compromise.

Award-Winning Taproom Lineup

Vue Brewing has already earned two GIBCC awards and continues to impress with its balanced selection. Their core lineup includes:

NoCap — A crisp, light, and hoppy 4.6% ABV American Pilsner (flagship)
NiteVue — A smooth, velvety 5.2% ABV Nitro American Stout (flagship)

They rotate in popular styles such as:

West Coast and New England IPAs
Classic English ales
Seasonal fruited ales
Creamy milk stouts
High-ABV winter warmers

This mix of timeless classics and modern interpretations ensures there’s something for every type of craft beer enthusiast.

Taproom Experience & Future Plans

Vue Brewing operates a cozy, plant-filled warehouse taproom open Fridays through Sundays (21+ only, no pets allowed). The space features six draft lines and a welcoming outdoor beer garden.

“We want our customers to feel at home in our brewery. Our mission is not only to provide the best, quality beer, but the best customer experience.” — Jessica Dawley

In just one year, Vue has grown from to-go sales only to a full taproom experience. They were recently approved as a craft café, so Connecticut wines and spirits will soon join the menu. The brewery also maintains a strong community presence at the weekly Bristol Farmers Market and participates in major events including the Real Ale Cask Fest, Bristol’s German Fest, and their own Oktoberfest celebration.

Why Beer Fans Love Vue Brewing Southington

Located in Southington, CT, Vue Brewing Company proves that great craft beer can be both traditional and inclusive. Whether you’re seeking crisp lagers, rich stouts, or gluten-reduced options that don’t sacrifice taste, this rising nano brewery delivers quality and community in equal measure.

If you’re searching for the best new breweries in Connecticut or a welcoming spot for craft beer near Southington, add Vue Brewing to your list.

For more information, please visit

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The Rise and Enduring Spirit of Virtue Cider: A Tale of Vision, Resilience, and Craft

July 11, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

In the spring of 2011, Gregory Hall stood at a crossroads. After two decades as brewmaster at Goose Island Beer Company—the iconic Chicago brewery founded by his father, John Hall—Greg pioneered bourbon barrel-aged stouts. His legendary Bourbon County earned him a reputation as one of craft beer’s most innovative minds. But when Anheuser-Busch acquired Goose Island, Greg saw an opportunity to chase a new passion. He embarked on a two-month pilgrimage to England and France, immersing himself in the ancient traditions of farmhouse cider making. He toured legendary producers, interned at Domaine Dupont in Normandy, and connected with masters like Tom Oliver. What he discovered was a world of balanced, complex, terroir-driven ciders that felt worlds away from the overly sweet, mass-market versions dominating the U.S.

Greg returned with a bold vision: to bring authentic European-style cider to America using the perfect conditions of southwest Michigan. The region’s climate—cool, with ample rainfall—mirrored the great cider lands of Normandy and Herefordshire. In 2011, he purchased a 48-acre farm in Fennville, near the “Cider Coast,” and founded Virtue Cider. Partnering with local family orchards and sourcing heirloom Michigan apples, Greg built something special: rustic cider houses in the Norman French style, barrel-aging programs using French oak and bourbon barrels, and a commitment to sustainability that minimized waste and energy use (later powering much of the operation with solar panels).

Having a great time at the Chicago Cider Festival with Seth Boeve and Greg Gregory Hall from Virtue Cider.

Virtue rose quickly. Greg’s ciders—elegant, food-friendly, and layered with notes of apple, oak, and terroir—stood out. They weren’t just drinks; they were an experience. Visitors made pilgrimages to the farm for tastings, live music, tours of the orchards and barrel rooms, and a taste of rural hospitality. Greg poured his heart into it, treating the cidery like a living embodiment of patience and craft. “Patience is a Virtue,” became more than a tagline—it defined the process of slow fermentation, careful blending, and stewardship of the land. Awards followed, distribution grew, and Virtue helped put Fennville on the map as a destination for craft beverage lovers. Greg’s background in beer translated beautifully: he brought innovation, quality control, and a deep respect for ingredients, all while championing local farmers and sustainable practices.
Like many passionate founders, Greg faced the realities of scaling a craft operation. By 2015, rapid growth brought financial pressures—packaging costs, expansion needs, and the challenges of competing in a nascent cider market. Rather than compromise quality or let the dream falter, he made a pragmatic decision: selling a controlling stake to Anheuser-Busch (via Goose Island). This partnership provided stability, access to better equipment, and broader distribution. Virtue’s production scaled, reaching hundreds of thousands of cases at its peak, introducing more people to thoughtfully made cider. Greg remained deeply involved, ensuring the soul of the brand endured even under corporate ownership. Far from a surrender, it was a strategic move by a forward-thinking leader who had already navigated one major sale with integrity.

The plot twist came in 2023. When Anheuser-Busch began divesting some craft assets, Greg saw his chance. He reacquired Virtue Cider, returning it to independent hands—his hands. It was a triumphant homecoming. Once again fully in control, he focused on what mattered most: world-class ciders fit for the table, environmental stewardship, and sharing the beauty of southwest Michigan. He revived live music, planned renovations for a more European farmhouse feel, and emphasized smaller, higher-quality production aligned with his original ethos.

Yet, by early 2026, another chapter closed. The physical farm at 2170 62nd Street was sold. The tasting room, tours, events, and on-site pilgrimage experience that had defined Virtue for so many came to an end. It was bittersweet—a fall from the idyllic farmstead idyll. But Greg approached it with characteristic grace and positivity. The brand would live on through distribution partners in Michigan and Illinois. He sought new production collaborations to keep crafting excellent ciders without the burdens of maintaining the expansive property. It wasn’t defeat; it was a deliberate pivot by a resilient visionary prioritizing the liquid and the legacy over bricks and mortar.

Through it all, Greg Hall emerges as a true hero of craft: a pioneer who bridged beer and cider worlds, a steward of tradition who adapted to modern realities, and a passionate advocate for quality, locality, and sustainability. He turned a personal passion into a beloved brand that elevated American cider, supported communities, and inspired countless others. The farm may be gone, but Virtue’s spirit—patient, innovative, and rooted in excellence—endures in every bottle. In Greg’s story, rise and “fall” are simply chapters in a larger tale of enduring dedication to making better cider for a better world. Cheers to the man who made it all possible.

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Lakefront Brewery Launches Noon Game IPA: A Low-Calorie, Full-Flavor Session IPA for Everyday Enjoyment

July 11, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Milwaukee, WI — Lakefront Brewery has released Noon Game IPA, a new year-round India Pale Ale crafted for beer lovers who crave bold IPA flavor without the high alcohol content. At just 3.2% ABV and 100 calories, Noon Game delivers bright citrus and tropical hop notes while keeping things light enough for all-day drinking.

The brewery set out to answer a key question: Can a 3.2% beer actually drink like a full-strength IPA? The answer is a resounding yes. A carefully selected blend of Cashmere, Citra, and El Dorado hops brings vibrant aromas of citrus, pineapple, and mango, backed by a smooth malt body that satisfies traditional IPA fans. Whether you’re heading to a noon baseball game, firing up the backyard grill, or spending a relaxed day on the lake, Noon Game is the perfect sessionable companion.

“Full IPA Flavor, More Occasions”

“People still want all the flavor of a great IPA, but they’re also looking for beers that fit more occasions,” said Russ Klisch, President of Lakefront Brewery. “Noon Game lets you enjoy the sunshine, catch the game with friends, and still have the evening ahead of you.”

To celebrate the launch, Lakefront is hosting an epic tailgate party on Sunday, July 19th at noon. The first 300 attendees (21+) will receive a free 12 oz. can of Noon Game IPA, with the first 100 guests also getting a custom Noon Game koozie. Fans can watch Milwaukee baseball on the Beer Hall’s big screen or catch the international soccer final on a giant outdoor video screen. Bring your lawn chair, grab food from Lakefront’s award-winning kitchen or the famous Gluten-Free CurdWagon, and enjoy cold drinks from the patio Beer Hut — including Purple Door Ice Cream for a sweet finish.

Noon Game IPA is now available at Lakefront Brewery and select retailers. Perfect for fans searching for low calorie IPA, session IPA Milwaukee, or Lakefront Brewery new releases.

About Lakefront Brewery

Lakefront Brewery was founded in 1987 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by brothers Russ and Jim Klisch. What began as a friendly sibling rivalry in homebrewing — sparked by a birthday gift of a homebrewing book — quickly turned into award-winning batches that convinced the pair to turn their passion into a business. They started small in a former bakery in the Riverwest neighborhood, brewing with repurposed dairy equipment and 55-gallon drums. On December 2, 1987, they sold their first barrel of Riverwest Stein to a local tavern within rolling distance. Early growth was steady, with production increasing from just a few barrels in the first year to hundreds shortly after, fueled by local support and neighborhood pride.

In 1998–2000, Lakefront moved to its current historic location at 1872 N. Commerce Street — a former coal-fired power plant on the Milwaukee River. The brewery has since become a Milwaukee landmark, known for pioneering achievements like being the first certified organic brewery in the U.S., the first to produce a government-approved gluten-free beer, and one of the earliest craft breweries to offer fruit beers and indigenous Wisconsin-ingredient beers. Today, Lakefront produces a wide range of year-round and seasonal beers, operates a popular beer hall and tours that attract tens of thousands of visitors annually, and distributes across dozens of states and several countries while remaining committed to local ingredients and community

For more information, please visit https://lakefrontbrewery.com/

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Finnish Brewery Olarin Panimo Launches ‘Best Served Without ICE’ Beer to Protest ICE Presence at FIFA World Cup

July 11, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Finnish craft brewery Olarin Panimo is making a bold statement ahead of the FIFA World Cup by releasing a new protest beer called ‘Best Served Without ICE’.

The 4.9% lager is positioned as a response to the controversial deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at World Cup events. The brewery aims to highlight concerns about fan safety and the role of immigration enforcement during the international tournament.

A Statement on Human Rights and Sporting Events

Olarin Panimo, known for using its platform to address social and political issues, previously took a stand against Russia’s war in Ukraine in 2022 through special beer branding. With this new release, the brewery is once again weighing in on an international debate.

“Sporting events should be an arena for building community spirit and shared passion, not for intimidation,” said Ville Leino, one of the founders of Olarin Panimo. “At Olarin Panimo, we want to uphold the safety of all fans at the FIFA World Cup and we oppose the presence of US immigration enforcement at tournament events.”

The beer’s branding was created by the agency United Imaginations. The name “Best Served Without ICE” directly references the brewery’s position on the reported involvement of ICE in World Cup security.

Growing Controversy Surrounding the Tournament

The presence of ICE at the event has sparked significant international discussion throughout the spring, with concerns raised by organizations including Human Rights Watch. Reports indicate widespread fear that immigration agents could make arrests at tournament venues.

Over 120 civil society organizations have issued travel warnings for World Cup visitors, and according to The Guardian, at least one U.S. Democratic politician has proposed legislation to restrict ICE arrests during the matches.

Olarin Panimo’s History of Advocacy

The Finnish brewery has a track record of using its products to speak out on human rights issues. In 2022, Olarin Panimo released beers featuring artwork that reimagined the controversial “Z” symbol associated with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, transforming it into an hourglass representing equality.

“We are a small brewery, but we have never been too small to speak up when human rights are being violated,” Leino added. “This is our way of saying out loud what many people are thinking.”

About Olarin Panimo

Olarin Panimo is a prominent Finnish craft brewery founded in 2015 in the Olari neighborhood of Espoo, Finland. The brewery’s name and identity are deeply rooted in its origins as a homebrewing project in a garage, where founders — including head brewer and key figure Ville Leino — and friends were inspired by a passion for beer and the vibrant underground culture of Olari, known for Finnish rap, skateboarding, and graffiti. Their slogan “Olarilaista, ehdottoman maanalaista” (“From Olari, absolutely underground”) reflects this streetwise heritage. The first commercial beer, Area 21 IPA, was released in late 2015, and the brewery quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach, producing a wide variety of styles with a focus on quality and creativity.

After starting in Olari and expanding to larger facilities in Otaniemi (Espoo), Olarin Panimo relocated its operations to the historic Konepaja industrial area in Helsinki’s Vallila district. The brewery has grown into one of Finland’s respected microbreweries, producing hundreds of different beers (and some ciders) while maintaining strong ties to its community-focused, counterculture roots. Known for rapid product development, taproom experiences, and social advocacy through its releases, Olarin Panimo continues to emphasize great taste, cultural authenticity, and adaptability as it eyes future projects like a potential experiential center in Espoo.

For more information, please visit https://olarinpanimo.fi/

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Iron Heart Canning Expands into Texas with New Fort Worth Co-Packing Partnership

July 11, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

MANCHESTER, NH (June 18, 2026) — The nation’s largest mobile cannery is growing again. Iron Heart Canning Company, a leading mobile canning and co-packing provider for breweries, cideries, wineries, distilleries, and non-alcoholic beverage producers, has partnered with Blue Flag Distillery in Fort Worth, Texas.

This new collaboration establishes a fully operational co-packing facility in Texas while expanding Iron Heart’s mobile canning services across the region.

Bringing Premium Canning Services to Texas and Beyond

“We are extremely excited about the opportunity to bring our industry-leading canning and co-packing services into Fort Worth,” said Tyler Wille, founder and CEO of Iron Heart Canning. “Our partnership with Blue Flag will allow us to immediately offer both our full-service co-packaging and mobile canning services to Texas.”

Iron Heart currently operates more than 80 canning lines across 28 states, serving New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the Southeast, the Midwest, and the Upper Midwest. The Texas expansion extends its reach into East Texas, Oklahoma City, and parts of Louisiana.

Wille emphasized the company’s core focus: “We are passionate about being the best at two things. First and foremost is serving our customers and forging long-term partnerships. The second is our obsession with being the quality leader in canning.”

Iron Heart stands out through its Seam Excellence Program, dissolved oxygen testing, in-house lab capabilities, and ongoing investment in expertise — delivering packaging solutions that are significantly more valuable than insourcing.

About the Partnership with Blue Flag Distillery

Located in the heart of Fort Worth at the intersection of I-30 and I-35, Blue Flag Distillery operates a newly redesigned 20,000 sq ft production facility. In addition to producing its own Single Malt whiskey, Gin, and beer, Blue Flag offers comprehensive manufacturing and packaging services for beer, wine, spirits, sparkling water, coffee, ready-to-drink cocktails, and more.

The TTB-licensed facility provides beverage makers with a one-stop solution to bring new concepts to market.

This strategic partnership strengthens Iron Heart Canning’s position as the go-to provider for high-quality, flexible beverage packaging solutions in the South-Central U.S.

For more information, please visit https://www.ironheartcanning.com/

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Maui Brewing Co. Launches Maui Light NA: Hawaii’s First Packaged Non-Alcoholic Beer from the Islands

July 11, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

KIHEI, Maui, Hawaii (July 7, 2026) — Maui Brewing Co., Hawaii’s premier beverage company, has officially introduced Maui Light NA — the brewery’s first packaged non-alcoholic beer and a natural extension of its popular Maui Light brand.

Light, crisp, and finished with a refreshing hint of lime, Maui Light NA is designed for the laid-back island lifestyle. With less than 0.5% ABV and only 35 calories, this clean and crushable brew delivers everything fans love about Maui Light — anytime, anywhere.

From Taproom Favorite to Canned Island Classic

Maui Light NA first debuted on draft in 2022 as Maui Lime NA in Maui Brewing Co.’s statewide taprooms, where it quickly built a loyal local following. Now, the island favorite is available in cans for the first time, rebranded as part of the Maui Light family and rolling out across Hawaii.

“I’m a beer guy, and Maui Light NA means more moments to crack one open,” said Garrett Marrero, CEO and co-founder of Maui Brewing Co. “We brewed Maui Light NA for the sunrise paddle-outs, the big training days, the motorcyclists, the pilots, and the designated drivers who still want in on the fun. A laid-back brew to enjoy any time, any place.”

Meeting the Demand for Quality Non-Alcoholic Options

As non-alcoholic beer continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry, Maui Brewing recognized the need to deliver a high-quality NA offering for its fiercely loyal fans. “We aim to be Hawaii’s total beverage solution, and that means showing up for our fans and our guests in every moment,” Marrero added.

Producing top-tier non-alcoholic beer requires specialized equipment, so Maui Brewing partnered with Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon. The two breweries collaborated closely, using Deschutes’ advanced NA brewing technology to perfect the recipe and meet Maui’s strict quality standards.

Part of Maui Brewing’s Expanding Light Portfolio

Maui Light NA launches on the heels of the successful debut of Maui Light Lager (4.0% ABV) earlier in 2026, which quickly became a favorite for beach days and lighter moments. A 12-pack of Maui Light Lager is expected in the coming months, with more extensions planned.

Maui Light NA is now available in 6-packs at select Hawaii retailers and restaurants.

About Maui Brewing Co.

Established in 2005, Maui Brewing Co. is an award-winning beverage company based in Kihei, Hawai‘i. Known for innovation, sustainability, and quality, its portfolio includes Maui Brewing Co., Maui Hard Seltzer, Maui Island Spirits, and Kupu Spirits.

Maui Brewing is the 33rd largest craft brewery by volume in the U.S., with distribution in select markets across the country and around the world.

Whether you’re looking for refreshing non-alcoholic beer in Hawaii, the best local NA options on Maui, or new releases from Maui Brewing Co., Maui Light NA is a must-try for island living — any time, any place.

For more information, please visit https://mauibrewingco.com/

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