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Dow Scoggins

101 Beer Quotes and More – A collection of famous and fun beer quotes

January 10, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

Beer Quotes - A collection of famous beer quotes

Beer has inspired some of the greatest minds to utter words of pure genius—or at least pure hilarity—proving once again that a frosty pint is the ultimate muse. Take Homer Simpson, who wisely declared, “Here’s to alcohol: the cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems,” perfectly summing up why we love the stuff while conveniently ignoring the hangover math. Then there’s Dave Barry reminding us that “without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer—oh, I grant you the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.” And who can forget the classic logic: “Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!” Cheers to these timeless gems that make every sip feel like a philosophical victory.

More famous beer quotes from U.S. Presidents, writers, actors, comedians, punk rockers, and more.

Jack Nicholson – Actor
“Beer, it’s the best damn drink in the world.”

Frank Zappa – Musician
“You can’t be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline – it helps if you have some kind of football team, or some nuclear weapons, but in the very least you need a beer.”

Plato – Classical Greek philosopher
“He was a wise man who invented beer.”

Tina Fey – Comedian and writer
“In a study, scientists report that drinking beer can be good for the liver. I’m sorry, did I say ‘scientists’? I meant Irish people.”

Thomas Jefferson – Third U.S. President
Thoughts on the matter: “Beer, if drunk in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit and promotes health.”

Sid Vicious – Punk Rocker
“I’ve only been in love with a beer bottle and a mirror.”

Martin Luther – Protestant Reformation
“Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!”

Martin Luther – Protestant Reformation
“Beer is made by men, wine by God.”

Henry David Thoreau – American author, poet
Thoughts on the matter: “Instead of water we got here a draught of beer…a lumberer’s drink, which would acclimate and naturalize a man at once—which would make him see green, and, if he slept, dream that he heard the wind sough among the pines.”

Winston Churchhill – British Prime Minister
Thoughts on the matter: “Most people hate the taste of beer—to begin with. It is, however, a prejudice.”

J.P. Donleavy – Irish-American novelist
Thoughts on the matter: “When I die, I want to decompose in a barrel of porter and have it served in all the pubs in Dublin. I wonder would they know it was me?”

Bill Carter – Writer, documentary maker
Thoughts on the matter: “There is no such thing as a bad beer. It’s that some taste better than others.”

Russell Crowe – Actor, The Gladiator
Thoughts on the matter: “I have respect for beer.”

Anne Sexton – Poet, writer
Thoughts on the matter: “God has a brown voice, as soft and full as beer.”

Benjamin Franklin – Inventor, Diplomat, Publisher and Founding Father
“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

Milan Kundera – Author of The Unbearable Lightness of Being
“Isn’t beer the holy libation of sincerity? The potion that dispels all hypocrisy, any charade of fine manners? The drink that does nothing worse than incite its fans to urinate in all innocence, to gain weight in all frankness?”

Ray Bradbury – Sci-fi author, book lover
“Beer’s intellectual. What a shame so many idiots drink it.”

Charles Bukowski – Author, drinker
“stay with the beer. beer is continuous blood. a continuous lover.”

Stephen King – Author
“A man who lies about beer makes enemies.”

William Shakespeare – Playwright
Thoughts on the matter: “For a quart of Ale is a dish for a king.”

Abraham Lincoln –  U.S. president
“I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer.”

Dave Barry – Humorist and writer(Dave Barry comes up with some of the best beer quotes of all time)
“Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.”

Thomas Pynchon – Author, Gravity’s Rainbow
Thoughts on the matter: “Oh, this beer here is cold, cold and hop-bitter, no point coming up for air, gulp, till it’s all–hahhhh.”

Edgar Allan Poe – poet
“Fill with mingled cream and amber,
I will drain that glass again.
Such hilarious visions clamber
Through the chambers of my brain.
Quaintest thoughts — queerest fancies,
Come to life and fade away:
What care I how time advances?
I am drinking ale today.”

Hunter S. Thompson – Wild-card, drug consumer
“There is an ancient Celtic axiom that says ‘Good people drink good beer.’ Which is true, then as now. Just look around you in any public barroom and you will quickly see: Bad people drink bad beer. Think about it.”

Sylvia Plath – American Poet
“The beer tastes good to my throat, cold and bitter, and the three boys and the beer and the queer freeness of the situation makes me feel like laughing forever. So I laugh, and my lipstick leaves a red stain like a bloody crescent moon on top of the beer can. I am looking very healthy and flushed and bright-eyed, having both a good tan and a rather excellent fever.”

Hugh Hood – Canadian essayist, professor
“Nothing ever tasted better than a cold beer on a beautiful afternoon with nothing to look forward to than more of the same.”

Kaiser Wilhelm – Last King of Prussia(With all these beer quotes, at least one had to come from Baveria.
“Give me a woman who loves beer and I will conquer the world.”

Ellen Kushner, The Fall of the Kings
“Across the troubled maelstrom of time, people always need a beer.”

Dave Barry Beer Quotes
41. “Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.”

42. “Not all chemicals are bad. Without chemicals such as hydrogen and oxygen, for example, there would be no way to make water, a vital ingredient in beer.”

43. “I have never gotten into wine. I’m a beer man. What I like about beer is, you basically just drink it, then you order another one. You don’t sniff at it, or hold it up to the light and slosh it around, and above all you don’t drone on and on about it, the way people do with wine. Your beer drinker tends to be a straightforward, decent, friendly, down-to-earth person, whereas your serious wine fancier tends to be an insufferable snot.”

44. “In more than 20 years of opening beers with guys, I have NEVER seen the Swedish Bikini Team show up. Almost always, the teams that show up in beer drinking situations consist of guys who have been playing league softball and smell like bus seats.”

45. “In the Bowling Alley of Tomorrow, there will even be machines that wear rental shoes and throw the ball for you. Your sole function will be to drink beer.”

46. “What may seem depressing or even tragic to one person may seem like an absolute scream to another person, especially if he has had between four and seven beers.”

47. “All other nations are drinking Ray Charles beer and we are drinking Barry Manilow.” (Referring to the quality of American beer at the time.)

Jim Koch, the founder and brewer of Samuel Adams Beer Quotes
48. “When I started Sam Adams, American beer was a joke, and it pissed me off. And now, American brewers make the best beer in the world.”

49. “Beer is one of the great treasures of mankind. It’s been with us for 12,000 years.”

50. “I wanted to create a beer revolution in the United States in the same way Samuel Adams created a political revolution.”

51. “Our Boston Lager was the first time America had tasted rich, flavorful, fresh beer.”

52. “In Utopias, you will get a beer that breaks all the rules and boundaries for beer.”

53. “The fundamental insight was: ‘I can make the best glass of beer that is available to the beer drinker in the United States. There has to be a market for that.’”

54. “Unfortunately almost all our beer knowledge comes from Budweiser, Miller, and Coors. It’s as if all we knew about food we learned from McDonalds.”

55. “There is food in beer, but there is no beer in food. Beer is like liquid bread—it provides the same necessary nutrients. I say, just lay off the food.”

56. “Gemütlichkeit is a somewhat untranslatable German word that means the warm, friendly coziness of beer.”

Barack Obama Beer Quotes
57. “It will be out soon! I can tell from firsthand experience, it is tasty.”
— Referring to the White House Honey Ale recipe during a 2012 Reddit AMA.

58. “There’s never a bad day for a beer and a weisswurst.”
— Said in response to the suggestion of holding a G7 summit in Bavaria, Germany (where he famously drank beer at 11 a.m. with traditional sausages).

59. “Smoothie sounds okay, but a beer sounds better.”
— At the Iowa State Fair in 2012, when offered a smoothie by a vendor.

Charlie Papazian author of The Complete Joy of Homebrewing Beer Quotes

60. “Relax, don’t worry, have a homebrew.”

61. “Remember, the best beer in the world is the one you brewed.”

62. “The best beer in the world is the one in my hand.”

63. “Buy a man a beer, and he wastes an hour. Teach a man to brew, and he wastes a lifetime.”

64. “Worrying still can spoil your beer more than anything else.”

Fritz Maytag(Anchor Brewing)

65. “We brewers don’t make beer, we just get all the ingredients together and the beer makes itself.”

66. “Beer does not make itself properly by itself. It takes an element of mystery and of things that no one can understand.”

67. “It’s very hard to get pretentious about beer. You can become knowledgeable and start to talk with a highfalutin’ vocabulary. But you can only go so far with beer, and I’ve always liked that.”

68. “There is nothing quite like our beer anywhere in the world. Our brewing methods evolved gradually, based on what we knew about the past traditions, and also using a lot of common sense.”

69. “We created a revolution in beer and we had a wonderful time doing it.”

70. “In California, we had a fantastic freedom to brew whatever we wanted.”

71. “There’s more creativity and more integrity and more variety in America than in the rest of the world combined.”

72. “I used to say that we’re trying to make beer that most people won’t like.”

73. “Never be ashamed by your ignorance, just your lack of curiosity.”
— A favorite Maytag-ism shared by Anchor staff, emphasizing learning in brewing.

Greg Koch(Founder of Stone Brewing) Beer Quotes

74. “No longer – no longer will we put up with fizzy yellow beer!”
— His famous rallying cry, often shouted from barstools with a megaphone during events and book tours.

75. “If my mother was tied up and held ransom, I might think about making a light beer.”
— On why Stone would never brew watered-down, mass-market styles.

76. “We are in a time of irrational exuberance in craft brewing. We are like a Third World bus, with all these people hanging on to the roof. Sooner or later, we are going to hit a bump in the road.”
— Reflecting on the rapid growth (and potential risks) of the craft beer industry.

77.“If you said to people [in 1996], ‘Hey, would you like an aggressively bitter beer? Would you like something that has a flavor profile that’s different from anything you’ve ever experienced?’ How would people even respond to that?”
— On pioneering bold, hop-forward beers like Arrogant Bastard Ale without market testing.

78. “We know that we have to fight for a choice, because what big beer wants to do is remove choice.”
— His view on the threat of macro brewers to independent craft brewing.

79. “Hey, consumers, we think you deserve something that’s going to be in tip-top shape.”
— Emphasizing Stone’s commitment to fresh, high-quality beer.

Norm Peterson Quotes and Comebacks with Woody(Cheers)
80. Woody: “Can I pour you a beer, Mr. Peterson?”
Norm: “A little early, isn’t it, Woody?”
Woody: “For a beer?”
Norm: “No, for stupid questions.”

81. Sam: “What’s new, Normie?”
Norm: “Terrorists, Sam. They’ve taken over my stomach and they’re demanding beer.”

82. Woody: “What’s going on, Mr. Peterson?”
Norm: “The question is what’s going in Mr. Peterson? A beer, please, Woody.”

83. Woody: “Hey Mr. Peterson, there’s a cold one waiting for you.”
Norm: “I know. If she calls, I’m not here.”

84. Woody: “Pour you a beer, Mr. Peterson?”
Norm: “Alright, but stop me at one… make that one-thirty.”

85. Coach: “How does a beer sound, Norm?”
Norm: “I don’t know, Coach. I usually finish them before they get a word in.”

86. Sam: “Whaddya say to a beer, Normie?”
Norm: “Hiya, sailor. New in town?”

87. Woody: “What’s the story, Mr. Peterson?”
Norm: “Boy meets beer. Boy drinks beer. Boy meets another beer.”

88. Woody: “Hey Mr. Peterson, Jack Frost nipping at your nose?”
Norm: “Yep. Now let’s get Joe Beer nipping at my liver, huh?”

89. Sam: “What’ll it be, Normie?”
Norm: “Well, I’m in a gambling mood, Sammy. I’ll take a glass of whatever comes out of that tap.”
Sam: “Looks like beer, Norm.”
Norm: “Call me Mister Lucky.”

90. Woody: “What’d you like, Norm?”
Norm: “I need something to kill time before my second beer. How about a first one?”

91. Norm: “Women. Can’t live with ’em… pass the beer nuts.”

Homer Simpson quotes
92. “Beer… the cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems.”
(The ultimate Homer philosophy – from “Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment”)

93. “All right, brain. You don’t like me and I don’t like you, but let’s just do this and I can get back to killing you with beer.”
(Homer negotiating with his own mind before work)

94. “No TV and no beer makes Homer… something something.”Marge: “Go crazy?”
Homer: “Don’t mind if I do!!!”
(Iconic meltdown from when Marge bans both)

95. “To alcohol! The cause of – and solution to – all of life’s problems.”
(A slight variation of the first one, but always worth repeating)

96. “Ah, good ol’ trustworthy beer. My love for you will never die.”
(Pure devotion)

97. “Beer: Now there’s a temporary solution.”
(Homer’s take on quick fixes)

98. “Homer no function beer well without.”
(Grammatically challenged brilliance)

99. “Well beer, we’ve had some good times.”[singing sadly]”When I was 17, I drank some very good beer… I drank some very good beer I purchased with a fake I.D. My name was Brian McGee…”
(The heartbreaking farewell in “Duffless” – complete with fake ID nostalgia)

100. “I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.”
(Extreme measures, Homer-style)

101. “Beer! Beer! Give me some beer!”
(Desperate, primal Homer energy)

102. “Mmm… gummi beer.”
(When he discovers gummi-shaped beer candies – priorities!)

More Famous Quotes
101. “My beer is Rheingold — the Dry beer!” – Paul Newman – Beer Ad

101. Winston Churchhill
“Most people hate the taste of beer—to begin with. It is, however, a prejudice.”

102. “Make sure that the beer—four pints a week—goes to the troops under fire before any of the parties in the rear get a drop.”(A wartime directive emphasizing morale for frontline soldiers during World War I or II rationing.)

Earnest Hemingway
103. “It was as natural as eating and to me as necessary, and I would not have thought of eating a meal without drinking a beer.” — Reflecting on beer’s everyday role in life.

104. “This beer is good for you. This is draft beer. Stick with the beer. Let’s go and beat this guy up and come back and drink some more beer.” — A raw, spirited line from his novel To Have and Have Not (also quoted in letters)

105. Andre the Giant
“I know I have eaten more good food, drunk more beer and fine wine, had more friends, and seen more of the world than most men ever will.” — A reflective quote from André himself, acknowledging his larger-than-life experiences (including beer).

New Beer Quotes of 2026
Classic Beer Quote of the Day from Curt Cignetti after Indiana’s dominant 56-22 Peach Bowl win over Oregon, securing their spot in the CFP National Championship against Miami:
“I’m really not thinking about the next game. I’m thinking about cracking open a beer.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Bars, Beer

Celebrating National English Toffee Day with Founders Backwoods Bastard: A Sweet Symphony in a Glass

January 8, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

Celebrating National English Toffee Day with Founders Backwoods Bastard: A Sweet Symphony in a GlassJanuary 8 marks National English Toffee Day, a delightful occasion dedicated to honoring one of America’s beloved confections. This day celebrates the rich, buttery sweetness of English toffee, a treat that has captivated taste buds for generations with its crunchy texture and caramelized flavors. While toffee itself might conjure images of sticky candies or indulgent desserts like sticky toffee pudding, it’s also a flavor profile that appears in unexpected places—like craft beer. Enter Founders Backwoods Bastard, a bourbon barrel-aged Scotch ale that captures toffee-like notes through its masterful brewing, making it an ideal “beer of the day” to toast this holiday.

The Origins and Joy of National English Toffee Day
National English Toffee Day, observed annually on January 8, shines a spotlight on the American variant of this classic British sweet. English toffee is traditionally made from sugar, butter, and often almonds or other nuts, cooked to a hard crack stage for that signature snap. Though its exact origins are murky, toffee has roots in 19th-century England, evolving into a staple treat in the U.S. where it’s often coated in chocolate for extra decadence. The day encourages indulgence—whether baking homemade batches, sharing store-bought favorites, or incorporating toffee into recipes like puddings and ice creams.

Celebrations are simple yet satisfying: Many mark the occasion by enjoying toffee in its purest form or experimenting with it in baked goods. It’s a reminder of how this humble candy brings warmth and nostalgia, especially during the winter months. For beer enthusiasts, extending the festivities to include brews with complementary flavors adds a modern twist, bridging the gap between confectionery and craft beverages.

Founders Backwoods Bastard: A Barrel-Aged Masterpiece
At the heart of today’s pairing is Founders Backwoods Bastard, a standout offering from Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This beer starts as the brewery’s flagship Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale—a robust, malty brew with an 8.5% ABV and rich sweetness from imported malts—but elevates it through aging in oak bourbon barrels for about a year. The result? A potent 11% ABV elixir with 50 IBUs, blending the warmth of Scotch ale with the nuanced depth of bourbon.

Key ingredients include Nugget and Willamette hops for a subtle earthy spice, alongside Abbey and Crystal malts that contribute to its deep caramel backbone. The barrel-aging process infuses oaky vanilla, whiskey undertones, and a smoky complexity, creating a sip that’s both bold and balanced. Tasters often note aromas of single malt scotch, roasted malts, dried fruits like figs, and a hint of dark fruit, all wrapped in a velvety mouthfeel. Available year-round in bottles and on draft, it’s earned a perfect 100 rating on RateBeer, cementing its status as a cult favorite since its debut around 2007.
Visually striking in its packaging, the beer pours a deep mahogany with a creamy head, inviting you to savor its layers.

The Toffee Connection: Where Beer Meets Candy
What ties Founders Backwoods Bastard to National English Toffee Day? It’s all in the flavor profile. While the beer doesn’t contain actual toffee, the Crystal malts and barrel aging impart prominent notes of sweet caramel and buttery richness—reminiscent of English toffee’s core essence. These toffee-like undertones mingle with vanilla and spice, evoking the sensation of biting into a piece of homemade toffee or drizzling caramel sauce over a warm pudding.

For an ultimate experience, pair a chilled glass of Backwoods Bastard with actual toffee treats. The beer’s warming alcohol and subtle smoke cut through the candy’s sweetness, creating a harmonious balance. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or a toffee lover, this combination elevates the holiday, proving that flavors can transcend categories.

As we raise a glass (or unwrap a candy) on this January 8, 2026, let’s appreciate how traditions like National English Toffee Day inspire creative pairings. Founders Backwoods Bastard isn’t just a beer—it’s a flavorful bridge to confectionery bliss, perfect for toasting the sweeter side of life.

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Filed Under: Beer, breweries

Top 10 Bockfest Festivals in America plus a few more

January 7, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

Photo by Brewery District CURC

Get ready to raise your steins and chase away winter at the best bock beer festivals in the USA—these epic spring celebrations of rich, malty doppelbocks, crisp maibocks, and quirky German traditions are pure beer-lover heaven! From Cincinnati’s massive Bockfest (March 6-8, 2026) with its legendary goat-led keg parade drawing thousands, to New Ulm’s cozy Schell’s Bock Fest (March 7, 2026) featuring bonfires and hot-poked caramel bock, and Pottstown’s hilarious Sly Fox Goat Races (first Sunday in May) where the winning goat names the maibock—these top bockfests blend hearty lagers, live polka, brats, and unforgettable goat antics for the ultimate toast to warmer days ahead. Prost to the most fun, flavorful bock bashes across America!

Bockfest (Cincinnati, Ohio) – March 6-8, 2026
Get ready to goat wild at America’s biggest and oldest bock beer festival! Held in historic Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati’s Bockfest kicks off spring with a hilarious goat-led parade pulling a keg of doppelbock, tons of local craft bock beers flowing freely, heritage tours, live music, and thousands of cheerful revelers toasting Cincinnati’s brewing legacy—it’s the ultimate bock party you don’t want to miss!
Address: Multiple venues in Over-the-Rhine (main events around Bockfest Hall, e.g., 1811 Vine Street)
Website: https://www.bockfest.com/

August Schell’s Bock Fest (New Ulm, Minnesota) – March 7, 2026
Bundle up for a Midwest classic at one of America’s oldest family-owned breweries! Schell’s Bock Fest is all about poking hot irons into your caramel-rich bock beer for extra flavor, massive bonfires to chase away winter, bratwursts grilling nonstop, a wild bock medallion scavenger hunt, live polka tunes, and crowds singing “Ring of Fire”—pure German gemütlichkeit and the perfect way to welcome spring with strong, smooth bock lagers!
Address: 1860 Schell Road, New Ulm, MN 56073
Website: https://www.schellsbrewery.com/events/bockfest/

Sly Fox Bock Fest & Goat Race (Pottstown, Pennsylvania) – First Sunday in May (May 3, 2026)
Who needs horse racing when you’ve got goats? Sly Fox’s legendary Bock Fest & Goat Race turns spring into a hilarious spectacle with real live goat races—the winner even names the brewery’s special maibock! Pair that with ice-cold German-style bocks, polka dancing, brats, and massive crowds cheering under the sun for one of the most fun, family-friendly bock beer festivals in the USA.
Address: 331 Circle of Progress Drive, Pottstown, PA 19464
Website: https://www.slyfoxbeer.com/bockfest

Capital Brewery Bockfest (Middleton, Wisconsin) – February 28, 2026
Shake off winter chills at Capital Brewery’s epic outdoor Bockfest! Celebrate the tapping of platinum award-winning Blonde Doppelbock and Maibock with quirky traditions like the fish toss, a 1K “Running of the Blondes” in silly outfits, live music, food trucks, and steins raised high—it’s Middleton’s backyard party where strong bock beers and Midwest fun make spring feel unbeatable!
Address: 7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562
Website: https://www.capitalbrewery.com/

Big Bear Lake Maifest (Big Bear Lake, California) – Typically mid-to-late May  
Trade snow for sunny spring vibes at Big Bear Lake’s Maifest, a multi-weekend Bavarian bash that’s like Oktoberfest’s cheerful little sister! Twirl around traditional Maypole dances, sip imported maibocks and refreshing Maibowle punch, feast on authentic German grub, and soak in live music amid mountain views—perfect for bock beer fans craving a scenic, festive escape.
Address: Big Bear Lake Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Website: https://bigbearevents.com/big-bear-lake-maifest/

German-American Society Bock Fest (Pinellas Park, Florida) – Typically spring 
Warm-weather bock lovers rejoice! The German-American Society’s Bock Fest brings ceremonial doppelbock tappings, specialty pours from local breweries, hearty German food, lively music, and sunny community cheers to Pinellas Park—it’s a laid-back Florida twist on classic bock traditions where strong lagers and good times flow under palm trees.
Address: 8098 66th Street North, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Website: https://germantampabay.com/bockfest/

Sacramento Turn Verein Bockbierfest (Sacramento, California) – Typically mid-April 
Dive into authentic Bavarian bliss at Sacramento’s historic Turn Verein, where Bockbierfest celebrates dark, malty bock beers imported straight from Germany alongside homemade eats, polka bands, folk dancing, wine, champagne, and a cozy Kaffeehaus—it’s the capital’s most genuine spring bock gathering for raising steins and feeling fröhlich!
Address: 3349 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
Website: https://sacramentoturnverein.com/bockbierfest/

Plattduetsche Park Maibock Festival (Franklin Square, New York) – Typically spring  
Spring blooms deliciously at Plattduetsche Park’s Maibock Festival, featuring a custom-brewed golden maibock paired with a massive hot-and-cold buffet, live Bavarian bands, and biergarten vibes on Long Island—grab your lederhosen for this tasty tribute to lighter bock styles and German hospitality!
Address: 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY 11010
Website: https://www.parkrestaurant.com/

NuLu Bock Fest (Louisville, Kentucky) – March 28, 2026
Goat races meet great bock beers in Louisville’s trendy NuLu neighborhood! This street party features adult and baby goat dashes down “Nanny Goat Strut,” local craft bock pours, live music, vendor fun, and the “Best of the Wurst” contest—it’s quirky Kentucky energy at its bock-loving best.
Address: 600-700 blocks of East Market Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Website: https://www.nulu.org/BockFest

Beaver Island Brewing Maibock Fest (St. Cloud, Minnesota) – Typically May 
Welcome spring the Minnesota way at Beaver Island’s casual Maibock Fest: fresh maibock releases on tap, juicy brats sizzling, yard games, commemorative glasses, and everyone encouraged to rock lederhosen or dirndls—it’s a relaxed taproom bash bursting with bock beer cheer and community spirit!
Address: 216 6th Avenue S, St. Cloud, MN 56301
Website: https://beaverislandbrew.com/

Schulz Bräu Brewing Maifest (Knoxville, Tennessee) – Typically mid-May 
Southern hospitality meets German roots at Schulz Bräu’s Maifest: fresh maibock tappings, local vendors (think plants, crafts, and farms), cocktails, live music, and plenty of prost-ing—Knoxville’s springtime bock bash is pure fun in an authentic brewery setting.
Address: 126 Bernard Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917
Website: https://www.schulzbraubrewing.com/maifest/

Lakefront Brewery Bockfest (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) – Typically spring
Milwaukee’s lager legacy shines at Lakefront Brewery’s Bockfest, pouring hearty maibocks and doppelbocks alongside brewery tours, classic German bites, live tunes, and that unbeatable beer hall atmosphere—perfect for bock enthusiasts in America’s brewing heartland.
Address: 1872 N Commerce Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Website: https://lakefrontbrewery.com/

Summit Brewing Bockfest (St. Paul, Minnesota) – Typically late winter/spring 
Cozy up to bonfires and hot-poked bock beers at Summit Brewing’s winter-to-spring Bockfest in St. Paul—strong seasonal releases, food trucks, live entertainment, and Twin Cities camaraderie make it a frosty-yet-fiery celebration of Minnesota’s bock traditions.
Address: 910 Montreal Circle, St. Paul, MN 55102
Website: https://www.summitbrewing.com/

Liars Bench Beer Co. Bockfest (Portsmouth, New Hampshire) – Typically late March/early April 
New England’s craft scene gets bock-y at Liars Bench’s multi-brewery Bockfest, showcasing classic doppelbocks to creative twists, goat-inspired dishes, German lagers galore, and Northeast flair—it’s a flavorful fest for adventurous bock beer hunters!
Address: 459 Islington Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Website: https://www.liarsbenchbeer.com/events-1

Sprankle Woods Maifest (Ohio/Pennsylvania border area) 
Channel old-school German-American vibes at this community Maifest with ceremonial maibock keg tappings, colorful Maypole dances, polka bands pumping the energy, and traditional festivities—it’s a hidden gem for bock beer fans seeking heartfelt spring celebrations near the Ohio border.
Address: 340 Riemer Road, Winfield/Jefferson Township area (near Ohio border)
Website:https://spranklewoods.com/

 Top 10 Beers in America – Ales  Lagers  Specialty  Barrel Aged

Filed Under: Beer Festival, breweries

San Diego Brewing Unveils Montezuma’s Haze IPA: A Juicy New Addition to Its Hop-Forward Lineup

January 6, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

San Diego Brewing Unveils Montezuma's Haze IPA: A Juicy New Addition to Its Hop-Forward LineupSan Diego, CA – January 6, 2026 – San Diego Brewing Company, one of San Diego’s original craft breweries and a beloved fixture since 1993, is thrilled to announce the release of Montezuma’s Haze IPA, a bold and juicy New England-style hazy IPA that pays homage to the rich history and vibrant spirit of the region.

Brewed with a generous blend of tropical hops including Citra, Mosaic, and El Dorado, Montezuma’s Haze IPA delivers explosive notes of pineapple, mango, and citrus, wrapped in a soft, pillowy mouthfeel with a signature hazy glow. At 6.8% ABV, this unfiltered brew offers low bitterness and maximum drinkability—perfect for San Diego’s year-round sunshine and craft beer enthusiasts seeking the next big haze.

“Inspired by the legendary Aztec emperor and the adventurous soul of San Diego, Montezuma’s Haze is our take on the hazy IPA craze that’s sweeping the nation,” said Head Brewer at San Diego Brewing Company. “We focused on creating a beer that’s bursting with fruit-forward flavors while staying true to our roots in crafting delicious, hoppy brews.”

Montezuma’s Haze IPA is now available on draft  at the San Diego Brewing Company brewpub located at 10450 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92120. Join us  at the brewpub, featuring special pours, food pairings, and live music. Follow @SanDiegoBrewing on social media for updates and events.

About San Diego Brewing Company
Established in 1993, San Diego Brewing Company stands as one of San Diego’s original craft breweries and a beloved brewpub in the heart of Mission Valley. Renowned for its award-winning house-brewed beers—with a strong emphasis on bold, hop-forward IPAs—crafted in small batches using time-honored recipes and premium ingredients without preservatives or adjuncts, the brewery pairs its exceptional taps with a full restaurant menu featuring elevated pub fare, vegetarian options, and dog-friendly outdoor seating. Under recent passionate new ownership committed to preserving its legacy while innovating for the future, San Diego Brewing Company continues to be a go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking authentic San Diego craft beer experiences.

Filed Under: Beer, breweries

Top 10 Barrel Aged Extreme Imperial Stouts (12.5%+ ABV) – 2026

January 3, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

Top 10 Barrel-Aged Imperial Stouts (Over 12.5% ABV)

Top 10 Barrel-Aged Imperial Stouts (Over 12.5% ABV)

In the world of craft beer, few styles command as much reverence and anticipation as barrel-aged imperial stouts exceeding 12.5% ABV. These massive, inky-black powerhouses combine the deep roast, dark chocolate, espresso, and caramelized malt of a classic Russian imperial stout with the transformative magic of extended aging in bourbon, rye, rum, or other spirit barrels. The result is a velvety, boozy symphony of vanilla, oak, toasted coconut, dried fruit, and warm whiskey notes that often hides its formidable strength behind remarkable balance and complexity. From iconic annual releases like Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Stout (17.4% ABV) and Firestone Walker Parabola (14.1% ABV) to ultra-limited gems from breweries such as Toppling Goliath, Side Project, Bottle Logic, and Revolution, these beers represent the pinnacle of the style. As winter settles in, they offer profound warmth and depth, rewarding patient sippers with layers of flavor that evolve in the glass—and often in the cellar—for years to come.

1) Monochrome Brewing’s Eigengrau – Illinois
Monochrome Brewing’s Eigengrau (around 14.5% ABV) has quickly risen to acclaim from this young Illinois brewery, earning a gold medal at FoBAB for its sophisticated blend aged in premium barrels like Four Roses, Willett, and vanilla bourbon. It delivers rich roast, complex barrel tannins, and deep chocolate-oak integration in a clean, non-adjunct style that’s elegant and highly regarded.
Address: 2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608
Website: https://www.monochromebrewing.com

2) Toppling Goliath’s Assassin barrel-aged variants – Iowa
Toppling Goliath’s Assassin barrel-aged variants stand out as some of the most coveted and highest-rated barrel-aged imperial stouts, often earning scores in the upper 4.0s on platforms like Untappd and BeerAdvocate. The 2025 vintage and variants like Double Barrel Assassin (around 14.9% ABV) deliver an intensely rich fudge-like chocolate base layered with bold bourbon warmth, oak, and sometimes apple brandy or rye influences for added complexity. Aged for over a year—sometimes nearing two—in premium barrels, these ultra-limited releases are true “whales” known for their smooth yet deadly depth and balance.
Address: 1600 Prosperity Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
Website: https://www.tgbrews.com

3) Revolution Brewing’s Deth’s Tar – Illinois
Revolution Brewing’s Deth’s Tar (Barrel-Aged) is a Chicago classic at 14.8% ABV, where oatmeal contributes a silky, tar-like thickness to a base of deep roast, dark chocolate, and caramel. Aged in bourbon barrels for a full year, it integrates notes of vanilla, toasted coconut, and subtle warmth, making it viscous, roasty, and deceptively drinkable despite its strength—consistently scoring in the mid-4.0s and a staple for stout enthusiasts.
Address: 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Website: https://revbrew.com

4) Oskar Blues’ Barrel-Aged Ten FIDY – Colorado
Oskar Blues’ Barrel-Aged Ten FIDY offers accessible excellence around 12.5-12.9% ABV, transforming the base stout with bourbon barrel aging that brings espresso, burnt sugar, rich chocolate, and smooth oak-vanilla notes. Widely available in cans, it’s balanced, warming, and highly rated (often 4.4+), serving as a gateway to bigger barrel-aged experiences with its robust yet approachable profile.
Address: 1640 S Sunset St, Longmont, CO 80501
Website: https://oskarblues.com

5) Goose Island’s Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Stout – Illinois
Goose Island’s Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Stout pushes the boundaries with its extraordinary 17.4% ABV, achieved through double aging in freshly emptied Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond bourbon barrels. This results in a masterclass of toasted marshmallow, warm vanilla, pronounced oak, and intense bourbon character that’s boozy yet remarkably balanced and layered, earning high praise with ratings around 4.5 on Untappd and 97 on BeerAdvocate. It’s a standout in the iconic lineup, celebrating pure barrel complexity.
Address: 1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612
Website: https://www.gooseisland.com

6) Riverlands Brewing’s Tranquil – Illinois
Riverlands Brewing’s Tranquil 2025 continues their award-winning barrel-aged program with a clean, bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout (typically 13-14.5%+ ABV range based on prior releases). It emphasizes elegant dark chocolate, oak, and subtle warmth without adjuncts, resulting in a refined, balanced pour that’s a standout from this St. Charles gem.
Address: 1860 Dean St, Unit A, St. Charles, IL 60174
Website: https://www.riverlandsbrewing.com

7) Mikerphone Brewing’s Sir Blends A-Lot #5 – Illinois
Mikerphone Brewing’s Sir Blends A-Lot #5 clocks in at a hefty 15.75% ABV as a masterful blend of ultra-long-aged stouts (32-40 months) in top-tier barrels like Weller, Willett, and Buffalo Trace. The result is profound depth with woody tannins, vanilla, espresso, dark fruit, and chocolate, hiding its strength behind silky smoothness and earning strong ratings for its blending artistry.
Address: 121 Garlisch Dr, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Website: https://www.mikerphonebrewing.com

8) Firestone Walker’s Parabola – California
Firestone Walker’s Parabola is a legendary bourbon barrel-aged Russian imperial stout that has been captivating beer enthusiasts since its debut in 2010, consistently ranking among the world’s elite barrel-aged offerings with its impenetrable black pour and soaring strength around 14.1% ABV in recent vintages. Each annual release spends a full year maturing in premium bourbon barrels—such as the exquisite 12-year Elijah Craig and 11-year Henry McKenna selections for the 2025 edition—imparting profound layers of black cherry, dark chocolate fudge, roasted coffee, vanilla, charred oak, and subtle bourbon warmth, all balanced in a velvety, full-bodied texture that hides its potency behind elegant complexity and a silky finish.
Address: 1400 Ramada Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Website: https://www.firestonewalker.com

9) Verboten Brewing & Barrel Project – Colorado
Verboten Brewing & Barrel Project’s Others in Darkness series is a celebrated barrel-aged imperial stout that showcases the brewery’s mastery of dark, high-ABV beers, often pushing 13-15% ABV with variants like the massive 14.5% anniversary release. The base version spends a full year (or more in special blends) in premium barrels—typically Colorado small-batch bourbon, with creative twists including rye whiskey, rum, cognac, or multi-barrel finishes—yielding rich layers of dark chocolate, vanilla, oak, licorice, dark fruits, and subtle warmth that hide its strength behind a velvety, viscous body.
Address: 127 E 5th St, Loveland, CO 80537
Website: https://verbotenbrewing.com

10) River North Brewing’s Double Barrel Aged Shadowman – Colorado
River North Brewing’s Double Barrel Aged Shadowman reaches extreme heights at up to 20.4% ABV in recent releases, sequentially aged in whiskey and single malt barrels for massive layers of chocolate, roast, caramel, and oak. It’s one of the strongest and most complex out there, demanding slow sipping for its warming, viscous intensity.
Address: 6021 Washington St, Unit A, Denver, CO 80216
Website: https://www.rivernorthbrewery.com

10) Rhinegeist’s Rye Barrel Aged Night Whale – Ohio
Rhinegeist’s Rye Barrel Aged Night Whale brings aggressive spice and char from rye whiskey barrels to a massive base around 15.7% ABV, balancing herbal rye notes with cocoa, vanilla, roast, and oak. It’s a bold, balanced beast from Cincinnati that stands out for its intensity and integration.
Address: 1910 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website: https://rhinegeist.com

 

 

 Top 10 Beers in America – Ales  Lagers  Specialty  Barrel Aged

Filed Under: Beer, breweries

The History of the UC Davis’s Brewing Program form the 1956-1980’s

December 30, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

The History of the UC Davis's Brewing Program form the 1956-1980's
In the late 1950’s, the beginning:
The UC Davis brewing program began in the late 1950s, driven by industry needs. In 1956, the Lucky Lager Brewing Company urged the university to train technical personnel, leading to equipment and funding donations from the company and the Master Brewers Association of the Americas. The first brewing technology courses in the U.S. started in 1958, taught initially by Dr. Herman Phaff (a yeast expert) and then Dr. Tommy Nakayama. These were held in Cruess Hall using a new pilot brewery dedicated on December 8, 1958. The focus was on complementing UC Davis’s strong wine fermentation program with scientific brewing education for industrial-scale production.

1960s: Expansion Under Michael Lewis
The program grew significantly after Professor Michael J. Lewis, a biochemist specializing in yeast and fermentation, joined the Food Science and Technology faculty in 1962 (some sources note formal appointment in 1964). Lewis designed core courses like Malting and Brewing Science (lecture) and Practical Malting and Brewing (lab), emphasizing yeast physiology, biochemistry, cereal grains, enzymes, and beer flavor sensory analysis. These prepared students for roles at major breweries in an era of consolidated industrial lager production. In the late 1960s, Lewis collaborated with University Extension to offer professional short courses for industry professionals.

1970s: Milestones and Ties to Emerging Craft Brewing
Key developments included the introduction of the nation’s first four-year undergraduate degree in fermentation science with a brewing concentration for the 1971-1972 academic year. The program continued focusing on rigorous science for large-scale brewing, but it inadvertently influenced the craft beer movement. In the mid-1970s, classes included field trips to New Albion Brewing Co. (founded 1976 by Jack McAuliffe, the first U.S. microbrewery post-Prohibition). Homebrewing classes began in 1976, teaching sanitation, all-grain methods, and yeast selection amid rising amateur interest. Professional extension programs expanded.

Early 1980s: Continuation and Growing Influence
Under Lewis’s leadership (until his retirement in 1994-1995), the program maintained its emphasis on undergraduate and professional training in brewing science. The craft brewing scene began accelerating in the U.S. during this period, with UC Davis alumni and resources supporting early pioneers. Homebrewing and extension courses for amateurs and professionals continued, laying further groundwork for the craft revolution that boomed later in the decade and beyond. Graduates typically entered major breweries, but the scientific foundation influenced smaller operations.

Overall, from the 1950s to early 1980s, UC Davis transitioned from basic industry-supported courses to a comprehensive, science-driven program that trained brewers for industrial giants while unintentionally seeding the American craft beer renaissance through education, alumni, and connections to early microbreweries.

University of California, Davis 
One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616
Website: https://brewing.ucdavis.edu/

Filed Under: Beer

2026 Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival: Anchorage’s Premier Winter Beer Celebration

December 30, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

2026 Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival: Anchorage's Premier Winter Beer Celebration
The 2026 Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival is set to return as one of Anchorage’s most anticipated winter events, bringing together craft beverage enthusiasts for a weekend of tastings, live music, and community vibes. Organized by the Brewers Guild of Alaska in partnership with Peak 2 Peak Events, this festival highlights the thriving craft scene in the Last Frontier.

Event Details: Dates, Location, and Sessions
Mark your calendars for January 30–31, 2026. The festival will take place at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in downtown Anchorage, a spacious venue perfect for hosting multiple tasting sessions.
Expect three distinct sessions across the two days, allowing attendees flexibility:
Friday evening session
Saturday afternoon session
Saturday evening session

Each session features unlimited samples from a wide array of beverages, paired with food vendors and live performances by local bands.

What to Expect: Over 250 Beverages and More
This expanded event showcases over 250 regional beverages, going far beyond traditional beer. Highlights include:
Award-winning craft beers from Alaskan and Pacific Northwest breweries
Rich, high-alcohol barley wines – a specialty that’s rare to find in such concentration
Ciders, meads, seltzers, wines, and an increasing selection of non-alcoholic options like creative kombuchas and botanical drinks

The festival is known for its barley wine competition, one of only a handful in the U.S., where brewers vie for gold pan trophies in categories like Barley Wine and Winter Warmer. Past winners have included standout entries from breweries like Midnight Sun Brewing and Reuben’s Brews.
Food pairings from local vendors complement the drinks, with options ranging from hearty appetizers to sweet treats. Live music adds to the festive atmosphere, making it a perfect mid-winter gathering.

Why Attend the Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival?
Alaska’s craft beverage industry has exploded in recent years, with over 50 breweries statewide producing world-class drinks inspired by the rugged landscape and pure ingredients. This festival is the ultimate showcase:

Discover new favorites: Try limited-edition pours unavailable elsewhere.
Support local: Proceeds benefit the Brewers Guild of Alaska.
Inclusive fun: Designated driver tickets are affordable, and non-alcoholic options ensure everyone can join.
Winter escape: Combat the January blues with warmth, flavors, and camaraderie.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur chasing bold barley wines or a casual visitor exploring ciders and meads, there’s something for every palate.

Tickets and Practical Information
Tickets are available exclusively through the official platform, MyAlaskaTix, via the event website: www.alaskacraftbrewandbarleywine.com. Beware of resale scams – only purchase from authorized sources.
Sessions typically sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended. The event is 21+ for alcohol sampling, with ID required.

For the latest updates on participating breweries, competition details, and session times, check the official site or follow on social media.

Join thousands of attendees in celebrating Alaska’s craft heritage at the 2026 Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival – a true highlight of Anchorage’s winter calendar!

Here are the 2025 Alaska Craft Brew and Barley Wine Festival – Medal Winners
Barley Wine Winners
Gold – Three Ryes Men Barleywine – Reuben’s Brews – Washington
Silver – Arctic Devil – Midnight Sun Brewing – Alaska
Bronze – Apocalyptic Sky Trumpet – 49th State Brewing – Alaska
Honorable Mention – 2025 Barley Wine – Hoodoo Brewing – Alaska

Winter Warmer Winners
Gold – 2024 Jim Beam Double Barrel Aged Eisboch – Glacier Brewhouse – Alaska
Silver – Barrel Aged Black Pearl Imperial Coconut – Maui Brewing – Hawaii
Bronze – Reuben’s Brew Barrel Aged Stout – Reuben’s Brews – Washington

Brewers Guild of Alaska
The Brewers Guild of Alaska (BGA), founded in 2000 as a scrappy non-profit by a band of visionary craft brewers, is the beating heart of the Last Frontier’s booming beer scene—championing over 50 independent breweries, cideries, and meaderies through fierce legislative advocacy, hands-on education, and epic community events that keep Alaska’s taps flowing with bold, boundary-pushing pours like hazy IPAs brewed with midnight sun barley and barrel-aged stouts infused with wild Alaskan berries. From hosting the legendary 29th Annual Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival in January 2025 at Anchorage’s Dena’ina Center—where 65+ breweries slinged 250+ samples amid live music and food trucks—to powering the Boots & Brews Beer Fest in Fairbanks and the massive Alaska Crafted Festival in Eagle River, the BGA turns winter nights into hoppy havens and equips brewers with everything from financial workshops to biotransformation seminars at their November 2025 Alaska Crafted Conference. Whether you’re a local chasing that perfect Arctic Devil barleywine or a visitor plotting a northern beer road trip, the BGA’s all about raising a glass to sustainable sips, small-batch innovation, and the rugged spirit that makes Alaskan craft beer as untamed as its wilderness—sláinte to the guild keeping the north’s brew game strong!

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

Filed Under: Beer, Beer Competition

Atlanta’s Oldest Bars and their stories

December 28, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Dive into Atlanta’s oldest bars, where history pours as freely as the drinks at the city’s oldest and most iconic watering holes! From Atkins Park, the undisputed granddaddy of them all (established in 1922 and still slinging Southern comfort food in its cozy, phoenix-emblazoned digs), to legendary dives like Moe’s and Joe’s, Manuel’s Tavern, Northside Tavern, and the gloriously quirky Clermont Lounge, these spots have survived Prohibition, politics, blues riffs, and wild nights to become beloved ATL institutions. Whether you’re chasing cold beers, live music, political chatter, or unapologetic fun, Atlanta’s oldest bars offer a perfect mix of nostalgia, character, and good vibes that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.
Atlanta's Oldest Bars and their stories
Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar (1922)
Step into Atkins Park in Virginia-Highland, and you’re walking into Atlanta’s oldest continuously operating tavern—a true survivor that started as a humble delicatessen back in 1922, cleverly navigating Prohibition before snagging its beer and wine license right after repeal (full liquor came in 1980). This cozy spot, with its classic tin ceilings, dark wood vibes, and phoenix motifs symbolizing Atlanta’s rebirth, became a neighborhood legend under visionary restaurateur Warren Bruno, who bought it in 1983 and turned it into a beloved hangout. Today, it’s lovingly run by his widow, Sandra Spoon, who keeps the farm-to-table Southern comfort food flowing—think duck fat-fried wings that are downright addictive—along with family-friendly brunches and late-night drinks. What makes it unique? It’s the perfect blend of history and heart, where generations of locals gather in a timeless space that feels like home, proving that some Atlanta classics never go out of style.
Address: 794 North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Website: https://www.atkinspark.com/
Moe's and Joe's Tavern (1947) - Number 1 PBR bar in America!
Moe’s and Joe’s Tavern (1947)
Picture this: Two brothers fresh from WWII open a no-frills tavern in Virginia-Highland in 1947, and it becomes an instant classic—Moe’s and Joe’s is that unpretentious dive where time stands still, complete with worn wooden booths, a vintage cash register, and walls that whisper stories of generations past. Founded by Moe and Joe Krinsky (who famously traded 1,700 pitchers of PBR for a 1947 Rolls-Royce—talk about a deal!), it was once a Pabst Blue Ribbon “tied house” and remains the nation’s top seller of the stuff. Legendary bartender Horace McKennie poured pitchers for over 50 years, becoming the soul of the place. Though ownership has changed hands, the current team keeps the spirit alive with expansions like a full bar and patio while preserving the divey charm. What sets it apart? Those killer wings, ice-cold PBR pitchers for pocket change, and a loyal crowd of locals who treat it like their living room—it’s Atlanta’s ultimate neighborhood haunt where everyone knows your name (or at least your drink order).
Address: 1033 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Website: https://www.moesandjoesatl.com/

Manuel’s Tavern (1956)
Manuel’s Tavern in Poncey-Highland is more than a bar—it’s Atlanta’s unofficial political headquarters and community living room, opened in 1956 by the charismatic Manuel Maloof, a Lebanese immigrant’s son who turned a deli into a welcoming pub inspired by European taverns he loved during WWII. Manuel, who later became a bigwig in local politics (DeKalb County CEO and “Godfather” of Georgia Democrats), filled it with salvaged treasures and banned jukeboxes to spark real conversations—Jimmy Carter even announced his gubernatorial campaign here! The walls are a wild museum of memorabilia, from political bumper stickers to sports pennants. Still family-owned and operated by Manuel’s son Brian Maloof, it draws everyone from presidents to plumbers with hearty pub grub and a massive beer selection. Its magic? That rare cross-section vibe where blue-collar folks rub elbows with journalists and power players—it’s on the National Register of Historic Places for good reason, embodying Atlanta’s soulful, talkative spirit.
Address: 602 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Website: https://manuelstavern.com/

Photo by Northside Tavern

Northside Tavern (c. 1950s–1960s, roots earlier)
Tucked in West Midtown amid gleaming skyscrapers, Northside Tavern is Atlanta’s gritty blues sanctuary—a cinderblock dive that started as a 1940s grocery store/gas station before evolving into a blue-collar watering hole in the ’60s and finding its true calling as a live music spot in the ’70s. Under continuous family ownership since 1975 (originally by Butler Webb, then his daughter Ellyn Webb until recently, with family still at the helm), it exploded into legend in the ’90s when musician Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck convinced Ellyn to make it a blues haven. Live blues thumps seven nights a week in this smoky, no-frills joint with barred windows and stiff pours. What makes it unforgettable? It’s the authentic juke joint feel—pool tables, cheap drinks, and raw performances from legends like Beverly “Guitar” Watkins—that’s kept it thriving against gentrification, earning spots on “best dive bars in America” lists and even its own documentary.
Address: 1058 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Website: https://northsidetavern.com/ 

Clermont Lounge (1965)
The Clermont Lounge may not be the Atlanta’s oldest bar, but  it is Atlanta’s oldest strip club.  Down in the basement of the historic Clermont Hotel (now a boutique hotspot), the Clermont Lounge is Atlanta’s wildest, most iconic strip club—a gloriously unpolished gem that’s been shaking things up since 1965 as the city’s first and longest-running adult venue. Born from a former supper club space with a colorful past (including a short-lived fake “Playboy Club” that got sued), it’s proudly female-owned and defies every stereotype with dancers of all ages and vibes—legendary Blondie has been crushing beer cans with her assets since 1979! Celebs from Anthony Bourdain to Lady Gaga flock here for the quirky, cash-only chaos. Current owners keep the retro dive energy alive amid the hotel’s upscale revival. Its charm? Pure, unapologetic weirdness—karaoke nights, burlesque flair, and a “be yourself” ethos that makes it a beloved landmark where tourists, locals, and oddballs unite for unforgettable, laugh-out-loud nights.
Address: 789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Website: https://www.clermontlounge.net/

Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: Click Here!

Filed Under: Bars, Beer

Top 10 American Herb and Spiced Beers of 2025

December 26, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Photo by Oleksii Hulak

This Top 10 Herb and Spiced beer list showcases the creative use of herbs, spices, and botanicals (such as coriander, orange peel, juniper, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, chili peppers, or unique gruit blends), drawn from medal winners and highly regarded examples in major competitions like the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup, U.S. Open Beer Championship, and other notable sources.

These beers incorporate herbs and spices—distinct from or in addition to hops and roasted malts—to deliver pronounced, balanced characters ranging from refreshing citrusy notes to warming holiday spices or earthy herbal depth. Moderate hopping allows the botanicals to shine without excessive bitterness, creating harmonious and complex profiles.

Top 10 American Herb and Spiced Beers of 2025

Top 10 American Herb and Spiced Beers of 2025
Photo by Allagash Brewing

1) Allagash White from Allagash Brewing Company is a quintessential American interpretation of the classic Belgian witbier, expertly spiced with coriander and Curaçao orange peel for bright, refreshing citrus notes and a subtle floral spice that complements its hazy, wheat-driven body. This multi-award-winning beer, including numerous Great American Beer Festival medals, offers a crisp, effervescent finish perfect for warm days or pairing with light seafood dishes.
Address: 50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103
Website: https://www.allagash.com/

2) Red Nose Holiday Wassail from Great Basin Brewing Company is a richly spiced holiday ale that captures the essence of traditional wassail with warming notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other festive botanicals blended into a malty backbone. This gold medal winner in the Herb and Spice Beer category at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival delivers comforting, seasonal flavors ideal for winter gatherings.
Address: 846 Victorian Ave, Sparks, NV 89431
Website: https://www.greatbasinbrewingco.com/

3) Chai Eye Captain from Third Eye Brewing Company is an innovative chai-spiced ale that infuses traditional Indian masala spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and clove into a smooth, balanced base, creating layers of warming aroma and flavor. A gold medalist in the Herb and Spice Beer category at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival, this beer stands out for its bold yet harmonious spice profile.
Address: 11276 Chester Rd, Sharonville, OH 45246
Website: https://thirdeyebrewingco.com/

4) Hecho En Szechuan from Pinthouse Brewing is a unique rice lager infused with Szechuan peppercorns, lime leaf, and zest, delivering a tingling, numbing spice alongside bright citrus and subtle floral notes for an intriguing, refreshing twist on the style. This silver medal winner in the Herb and Spice Beer category at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival showcases creative botanical experimentation.
Address: 2201 E Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78741
Website: https://pinthouse.com/

5) Two Wheeler from Far Field Beer Co. is a tart, effervescent Berliner Weisse delicately spiced with lavender, offering floral, herbal elegance that balances its light sourness and crisp finish. This gold medal winner in the Herb and Spice Beer category at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival highlights subtle botanical sophistication in a sessionable package.
Address: 4471 W Rosecrans Ave, Lawndale, CA 90250
Website: https://farfieldbeer.com/

6) Station 3 Habanero IPA from Lock 15 Brewing Co. is a bold West Coast IPA infused with fire-roasted habanero peppers, blending citrusy hop bitterness with a building heat and smoky spice for an adventurous, fiery drinking experience. A gold medalist in the Herb and Spice Beer category at the 2024 U.S. Open Beer Championship, it’s perfect for spice enthusiasts.
Address: 21 W North St, Akron, OH 44304
Website: https://www.lock15brewing.com/

7) The Great Pumpkin from Elysian Brewing Co. is an iconic imperial pumpkin ale brewed with real pumpkin and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, delivering rich, pie-like flavors with malty depth and a smooth finish. This legendary seasonal has earned multiple Great American Beer Festival medals in spiced categories and remains a fall favorite.
Address: 6010 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98108 (production facility)
Website: https://www.elysianbrewing.com/

8) Nutty Ale-Thundai from Omnium Brewing Company is a creative pale ale spiced with a thandai-inspired masala blend including fennel, almonds, pistachios, cardamom, and rose petals, plus lactose for subtle sweetness and nutty complexity. This gold medal winner in the Herb and Spice Beer category at the 2025 U.S. Open Beer Championship offers exotic, aromatic depth.
Address: 460 High St, Somersworth, NH 03878
Website: https://omniumbrewing.com/

9) Sah’tea from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is a modern recreation of ancient Finnish sahti, spiced with juniper berries and black chai tea for earthy, piney notes alongside warming masala spices in a strong, malty ale. This innovative herb-forward beer embodies off-centered brewing tradition with its unique botanical fusion.
Address: 6 Cannery Village Center, Milton, DE 19968
Website: https://www.dogfish.com/

10) Celis White from Celis Brewery is a revived classic Belgian-style witbier spiced with coriander and orange peel, yielding a hazy, refreshing pour with bright citrus, subtle spice, and a smooth wheat character. Founded by the legendary Pierre Celis and reborn in Austin, this authentic witbier carries a rich heritage of botanical elegance.
Address: 10001 Metric Blvd, Austin, TX 78758
Website: https://www.celisbeers.com/

 

History of Herb and Spiced Beers
Ancient Origins
Beer is one of the oldest fermented beverages, dating back over 8,000 years. In ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq), Sumerians brewed thick, porridge-like beer from barley, often flavored with dates, honey, and herbs for taste and preservation. The Hymn to Ninkasi (c. 1800 BCE), a poem honoring the goddess of brewing, is the world’s oldest surviving beer recipe.

In ancient Egypt, beer (called henqet) was a daily staple, lighter and smoother than Mesopotamian versions. Brewers used emmer wheat or barley, adding herbs, fruits, spices like mandrake, or dates for flavor. It served as food, medicine, religious offering, and worker ration (e.g., for pyramid builders).
These early beers relied on local botanicals rather than hops, which were unknown in brewing at the time.

Medieval Europe: The Era of Gruit
Before hops dominated, European beers used gruit (or gruyt)—a variable mixture of herbs and spices for bittering, flavoring, and preservation. Common ingredients included:
Bog myrtle (sweet gale)
Yarrow
Wild rosemary (marsh rosemary)
Mugwort
Heather
Juniper berries
Ginger
Caraway
Anise
Nutmeg
Cinnamon

Gruit originated in regions like the Low Countries, Germany, and Flanders around the 10th century. The Catholic Church and local lords often monopolized gruit production, taxing it heavily for revenue. These beers were unhopped ales, sometimes with psychoactive or aphrodisiac effects from the herbs.
Traditional survivors include Finnish sahti, flavored primarily with juniper branches and berries, brewed rustic-style without boiling the wort.

Transition to Hops (11th–16th Centuries)
Hops emerged in brewing around the 9th–11th centuries in Central Europe, prized for superior preservation, consistent bitterness, and lower cost compared to taxed gruit. The shift was gradual:

Hops spread from Bavaria and Bohemia northward
Better stability allowed longer storage and trade

Key factors included the Protestant Reformation undermining Church gruit monopolies and the 1516 Reinheitsgebot (German purity law) mandating only water, barley, and hops (yeast added later). By the late 16th century, hopped beer dominated most of Europe, though gruit lingered in places like Westphalia into the 17th century.

Spiced Beers in the Hop Era
Even with hops standard, spices persisted in certain styles:

Belgian witbier → Uses coriander and orange peel
Christmas/winter warmers → Often feature cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger, or spruce, evoking holiday pies and mulled drinks

In colonial America, scarce barley led to beers fermented with pumpkin or other local produce, sometimes spiced. Modern pumpkin ales (popularized in the 1980s by breweries like Buffalo Bill’s) add pumpkin pie spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, clove) for fall seasonal appeal, though actual pumpkin is often minimal.

Modern Revival
The 1990s craft beer boom revived herb and spiced beers. Brewers experiment with gruit-inspired unhopped ales, botanical additions, or hybrids (herbs + hops). Styles like “Herb and Spice Beer” encompass everything from juniper-lavender gruits to chili-chocolate stouts.

International Gruit Day (February 1) celebrates this heritage, and breweries worldwide release limited editions using ancient-inspired blends. Today, these beers offer diverse, complex flavors beyond hop bitterness—earthy, floral, spicy, or medicinal—connecting modern drinkers to millennia-old traditions.1.7s68 sources.

 

Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: Click Here!

 

Filed Under: Beer, Beer Competition

Ghostfish Brewing Company Expands Production with Acquisition of Former Pike Brewing Facility in Seattle

December 25, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Ghostfish Brewing Company Expands Production with Acquisition of Former Pike Brewing Facility in SeattleSeattle, Washington – Ghostfish Brewing Company, a leading pioneer in dedicated gluten-free craft beer, has acquired key brewing assets from Green Lake Brewing Company, LLC (doing business as Fremont Brewing Company). This move secures a state-of-the-art production facility originally developed by Seattle’s iconic Pike Brewing in 2023.

The new 26,000-square-foot production brewery is located in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood, just 2.5 miles south of Ghostfish’s popular taproom and restaurant. This expansion is expected to increase the company’s annual production capacity by six to seven times, enabling it to meet the surging demand for its award-winning gluten-free beers.

Brian Thiel, co-founder and co-owner of Ghostfish Brewing, shared his excitement: “We’ve been planning this kind of growth for years. Starting in early 2024, we explored building a new brewery from scratch, but when our friends at Fremont Brewing tipped us off about the former Pike facility late last year, it was the perfect fit. The timing couldn’t be better as fans across North America continue to seek out our beers.”

For the past several years, Ghostfish has operated at full capacity, often turning away potential sales opportunities. The new site, with its modern brewing and packaging equipment and convenient access to major transportation routes, will enable greater output, wider distribution, and more consistent availability.

“Our core mission has always been to craft top-quality, 100% gluten-free beers that rival any traditional craft brew while delivering outstanding customer experiences,” Thiel added. “This facility lets us catch up on lost sales and, more importantly, reach even more gluten-free beer lovers who’ve been asking for Ghostfish for years.”

Founded in 2015, Ghostfish Brewing Company has redefined gluten-free beer by innovating with malted grains like millet and buckwheat, collaborating with specialized maltsters, and earning numerous awards. As North America’s largest producer of dedicated gluten-free beer, Ghostfish currently distributes to 21 states.

To learn more about GBC’s brewery expansion, distribution channels, taproom and restaurant options, or upcoming events, check out at the link below or follow them on Instagram (@ghostfishbrewco) .

About Ghostfish Brewing Company
Founded in 2015 in Seattle, Washington, Ghostfish Brewing Company emerged from a personal mission to revolutionize gluten-free craft beer. Co-founders Brian Thiel and Randy Thiel, inspired by a family member’s celiac disease diagnosis, partnered with talented brewers to create a dedicated 100% gluten-free brewery using innovative grains like millet, buckwheat, and brown rice. From humble beginnings—delivering beers from the trunk of a car—the company quickly gained acclaim, earning multiple Great American Beer Festival medals and establishing itself as North America’s largest dedicated gluten-free brewery. Today, Ghostfish distributes award-winning beers across 21 U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and beyond, while recently expanding production capacity through the acquisition of a former Pike Brewery facility to meet growing demand.

In addition to its acclaimed alcoholic lineup, Ghostfish Brewing Company offers inclusive non-alcoholic options that align with its commitment to gluten-free innovation and accessibility. The brewery’s Ghostfizz Hop Infused Sparkling Water stands out as a refreshing zero-alcohol alternative, featuring bold hop flavors without calories, carbs, sugar, sweeteners, caffeine, or gluten. Available alongside gluten-free ciders and seltzers in the Seattle taproom, these NA beverages cater to health-conscious consumers, designated drivers, and those seeking flavorful, sessionable drinks. This expansion into non-alcoholic offerings underscores Ghostfish’s dedication to pushing boundaries and ensuring everyone can enjoy craft-inspired experiences without compromise.

Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: Click Here!

Filed Under: Beer, breweries, gluten-free

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