Dow Scoggins

Dogfish Head Collaborates with Country Music Star Jimmie Allen to Celebrate Record Store Day

June 14, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

Milton, Delaware – Dogfish Head, the “Official Brewery of Record Store Day,” collaborates with multi-platinum, chart-topping recording artist and American Country Music Awards 2021 “New Male Artist” Award-winner, Jimmie Allen, on a limited-edition vinyl and music video. Dropping on Record Store Day (Saturday, June 12), an annual celebration of independently owned record stores, the album features three of Jimmie’s hits and a brand-new song co-authored by Dogfish Head Founder & Brewer, Sam Calagione. Named for the brewery’s oat milk-centric hazy IPA, both the record and its leading track are titled Hazy-O!, and they are best enjoyed with a beer in-hand. Grab a copy, drop the needle and let the “Good Times Roll.”

“Each year for Record Store Day, we collaborate with a different musical artist, but this is the first time we’ve partnered with someone in the country music realm,” said Sam. “Jimmie’s connection to Delaware – he grew up just a mile from our brewery in Milton – made this collaboration feel like kismet and effortless. Not to mention, he (like all of us atDogfish Head) is a beer geek with a music problem! Having the opportunity to personally create a song with Jimmie was a thrill for me and we are super proud of the results.”

Hazy-O! is a four-track vinyl with the following tunes: “Hazy-O!,” “Happy Hour,” “Slower Lower” and “Good Times Roll”. “Happy Hour” and “Slower Lower” were originally as part of Jimmie’s Slower Lower Sessions in 2018, while “Good Times Roll” is featured on his critically-acclaimed EP Bettie James, released July 2020. These easy-going, day-drinking anthems pair perfectly with any off-centered ale, but the record’s title track, “Hazy-O!,” is best enjoyed alongside a can of its namesake beer. Hazy golden in color, Hazy-O!is an “ooooh-so” juicy hazy IPA brewed with four types of oats – malted, rolled, naked and oat milk. Smooth, refreshing and chock full of tropical fruit notes, this summer-sipper’s attributes and taste profile acted as the liquid muse for Sam and Jimmie’s cooperative tune.

“It’s always cool working with Dogfish Head, it’s another chapter in a relationship we’ve built,” said Jimmie. “Looking forward to people hearing the record and seeing the music video.”

Drawing musical inspiration from the likes of Kenny Chesney, Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, – or as Sam calls them, “the great musical triad” – “Hazy-O!” offers a beachy, sunset-kind-of vibe with a chorus that will have everyone singing along. “Hazy-O!’s” lyrics come to life in a seaside music video starring Jimmie and Sam. The video features folks enjoying the Delaware coastline’s many natural wonders: beaching, boating, fishing and more, and concludes with a shot of the “hazy-o” sun setting over the water. The full video drops on Record Store Day.

But that’s not all! Dogfish Head will continue the Record Store Day celebration with a plethora of music-centric events at its coastal Delaware properties and new Miami taproom. From pop-up record shops and melodical meals to limited-edition beers and live music acts, the calendar is packed with events for all beer and music moguls.

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery:
Dogfish Head has proudly focused on brewing beers with culinary ingredients outside the Reinheitsgebot since the day it opened as the smallest American craft brewery nearly 25 years ago. Dogfish Head has grown into a top-20 craft brewery and won numerous awards throughout the years, including Wine Enthusiast’s 2015 Brewery of the Year and the James Beard Foundation Award for 2017 Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional. A Delaware-based brand with Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, an off-centered brewpub and distillery, Chesapeake & Maine, a seafood and cocktail spot, Dogfish Inn, a beer-themed inn on the harbor, and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, a production brewery and distillery featuring the Tasting Room & Kitchen and Dogfish Head Distilling Co., Dogfish Head is a supporter of the Independent Craft Brewing Seal, the definitive icon for American craft breweries to identify themselves to be independently-owned and carry the torch of transparency, brewing innovation and the freedom of choice originally forged by brewing community pioneers. Dogfish Head currently sells beer in all 50 states and Washington D.C.

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Love Conquers Ale: Samuel Adams and New Belgium Partner with GLAAD

June 10, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

BOSTON – Two of the leading American craft brewers, Samuel Adams and New Belgium Brewing, announced they are partnering for Pride to help spread a message of hope, love and inclusion through beer – something that has brought people together for centuries.

Both brewers share a commitment to fostering an inclusive setting for coworkers, partners and drinkers that supports and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. This laid the groundwork for Samuel Adams and New Belgium to “share the love” and co-produce Love Conquers Ale, Samuel Adams’ hallmark Pride beer recipe.

As part of this partnership, during the month of June, Samuel Adams and New Belgium will donate 100% of the purchase price of the co-brewed Love Conquers Ale directly to GLAAD, a leading nonprofit organization working to accelerate acceptance and advance equality for the LGBTQ+ community. From brewing better beer, to building a better community and bettering each other, Samuel Adams and New Belgium know that by working together they can make a greater impact.

“We knew we had to do something powerful this year to bring the meaning behind Love Conquers Ale to life,” says Carissa Sweigart, Leader of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at The Boston Beer Company. “We couldn’t think of a better brewer to share such a personal and special recipe with than New Belgium Brewing – a team with a long standing history supporting the LGBTQ community. By co-brewing Love Conquers Ale together, we hope to spread unity, love and togetherness to even more people. And we’re proud to continue to support the important work of our partners at GLAAD, who are at the forefront of change, as we celebrate our peers as members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community.”

“Beer is universal, represented across countries, cultures, and people. Our ongoing work is to make sure that beer represents and celebrates everyone, both inside and outside our industry,” says Patrice M. Palmer, New Belgium’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist. “New Belgium was the first craft brewery recognized by the Human Rights Campaign as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality, and our “Brewed for All” mentality informs our efforts to support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. We’re happy to join Samuel Adams in co-brewing Love Conquers Ale this year to support GLAAD’s important work to increase awareness, visibility, and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community all year round.”

BEHIND THE BEER: LOVE CONQUERS ALE
First brewed in 2017, Love Conquers Ale has always intended to do what beer does best: bring people together. Samuel Adams Boston Brewery coworkers first concepted the Blackberry Basil Lime Gose for a Pride celebration at the brewery. Love Conquers Ale, brewed by and for the LGBTQ+ community, is meant to represent the spirit of Pride and brings unique ingredients together harmoniously to create a beautiful beer. The bright fruit notes, refreshingly light body and pink hues make it the perfect brew to celebrate love. To grow the reach and impact of this special beer, in 2021 Samuel Adams connected with New Belgium Brewing Company to share the love, based on New Belgium’s leadership on LGBTQ+ equity and advocacy.

During the month of June, Love Conquers Ale will be available for drinkers to purchase at the following locations:

Samuel Adams Boston Brewery and Tap Room
Samuel Adams Cincinnati Tap Room
New Belgium’s San Francisco Tap Room
New Belgium’s Denver Pilot Brewery and Fort Collins Tasting Room
Love Conquers Ale will be available in 4-pack 16oz cans and Samuel Adams and New Belgium will donate 100% of the purchase price of every 4-pack to GLAAD during the month of June.

BRINGING MORE INCLUSIVITY TO THE BEER INDUSTRY AT QUEER BEER FEST
Samuel Adams and New Belgium will also celebrate their shared commitment to the LGBTQ+ community through beer at Hop Culture’s Queer Beer Fest, which will be held virtually on Saturday, June 5th. The event aims to capture the unique, vibrant and diverse voices of the queer community and build a stronger culture of inclusivity in the beer industry.

About Samuel Adams
Samuel Adams is a leading independent, American craft brewer that helped to launch the craft beer revolution. The brewery began in 1984 when Founder and Brewer Jim Koch used a generations-old family recipe to brew beer in his kitchen. Inspired and unafraid to challenge conventional thinking about beer, Jim brought the recipe to life with hopes drinkers would appreciate the complex, full-flavor and started sampling the beer in Boston. He named the flagship brew Samuel Adams Boston Lager in recognition of one of our nation’s founding fathers, a revolutionary man of independent and pioneering spirit. Today, Samuel Adams is one of the world’s most awarded breweries and remains focused on crafting the highest quality beers through innovation and experimentation in the relentless pursuit of better. Samuel Adams remains dedicated to elevating and growing the American craft beer industry overall, including providing education and support for entrepreneurs and fellow brewers through its philanthropic program, Brewing the American Dream, which helps others pursue their American Dream.

About New Belgium Brewing
New Belgium Brewing is recognized as a leader in sustainability and social responsibility. Founded in 1991 in Fort Collins, Colorado, the company expanded to Asheville, North Carolina in 2016, Denver, Colorado in 2018, and San Francisco, California in 2021, and is now the 4th largest craft brewery in the U.S. Dedicated to proving that business can be a force for good, New Belgium is a Certified B Corp and was the first brewery to join 1% for the Planet. The brewery has donated over $29 million to charitable causes since 1991. New Belgium is famous for its flagship beer, Fat Tire Amber Ale, along with year-round favorites like Voodoo Ranger IPA, Sour IPA, and La Folie Sour Brown Ale; as well as an award-winning wood-aged sour program and innovative limited release beers.

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Dust Bowl Brewing Moves Into Regional Brewer Status

May 13, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

TURLOCK, California – Dust Bowl Brewing Co. broke into Regional Brewer status in 2020 despite a plethora of challenges from the unforeseen pandemic that plagued the nation and beyond for the past year. The Northern California craft brewery produced just over 16,500 barrels in 2020, a record for the company.

According to the national Brewers Association (BA), craft brewers are divided into three distinct categories based on annual production: Large Brewers producing over six million barrels, Regional Brewers producing between six million and 15,000 barrels and Microbrewers producing up to 15,000. Based on reporting from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the industry is primarily made up of Microbrewers accounting for 6,122 of craft brewers, while there are only 270 Regional Brewers in the nation. Dust Bowl ranks 148th or in the top 2.5% among Regional Brewers, according to the BA. When it comes to Dust Bowl’s home state of California, the company is ranked 23rd or in the top 2.4% among 958 breweries, the most in any state.

While the BA reported that craft beer sales were down 9% nationally, Dust Bowl Brewing Co. experienced tremendous growth at 14% for the year. This is especially impressive considering the company lost nearly all on-premise sales due to mandated bar and restaurant closures caused by COVID guidelines imposed in California, where Dust Bowl sells most of its beer. The temporary closures and limited to-go beer sales at Dust Bowl’s own taprooms located in Turlock and Monterey also added to the plummet in on-premise sales. In response, the company made great strides in developing its off-premise business, which includes retail chain stores, grocery stores and liquor stores.

According to Marc Jalbert, Director of Sales and Marketing, “Our sales team did an impressive job pivoting their focus to off-premise accounts, the only possible area of growth at the time. This segment of business normally accounts for 60% of our sales, but last year off-premise grew to 85%, while on-premise fell to 15%. What’s extremely encouraging at this time is that our off-premise numbers continue to be on par with our results from last year, and on-premise is slowly but surely coming back to indicate another record year. We’re grateful to our sales and marketing team for their efforts along with Dust Bowl beer fans, whose loyalty and business helped us achieve this goal.”

“2020 was obviously a challenging year for many small brewers, but also one that proved their resilient and entrepreneurial nature,” said Bart Watson, Chief Economist, Brewers Association. “In a year where U.S. draught sales were down more than 40%, small brewers found new ways to connect with their customers and keep their businesses running.”

Dust Bowl is no exception. “We’ve been deliberately aiming to meet that Regional Brewer threshold through continual investment in our manufacturing infrastructure, portfolio expansion, sales and marketing efforts, and satellite taprooms,” shares Brett Tate, Founder/Owner of Dust Bowl Brewing Co. “Being recognized as a Regional Brewer has significance in the industry and to our future. We’ll garner more respect as we widen our distribution footprint. Wholesalers become more confident in your ability to meet demand and grow together. We’re appreciative of the team effort between our staff and wholesalers, and of course, to our beer fans, we say thank you!”

As Dust Bowl’s first and clearly one of its best hires, Brewmaster Don Oliver reflects on the milestone, “When BT (Owner/Founder Brett Tate) and I were monkeying around at the freshly built 10 barrel brewery in 2009, we weren’t really thinking of a target of barrels sold. It was more like, “I hope someone buys our beer.” The region didn’t really have much of a craft beer presence then. The last 11 plus years have been like a time warp and now we cross the 15,000 barrel mark. I’m very grateful for the huge support that Turlock and the surrounding area has provided, and for the work and dedication of the owners.”

Dust Bowl Brewing Co. is in the midst of a multi-million dollar investment in a new canning line and packaging automation expected to be up and running this month. The company has also renewed its focus on satellite taproom development, a strategy that had been put on hold during the height of the pandemic. Dust Bowl projects 18,500 barrels in 2021.

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Goodwood Brewing Releases Rye Whiskey

May 12, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – In a move toward diversifying its portfolio and reaching spirits consumers, Goodwood Brewing Company announced a foray into the crafts spirits space with the launch of a Premium Bourbon aged in stout barrels in 2019. A year later, they are adding a Rye Whiskey to their lineup.

The 90 proof, small-batch rye is the fourth product to be launched under the Goodwood Spirits line. As with all Goodwood Brewing products, an emphasis was placed on quality and craftsmanship, with months of preparation and experimentation going into the spirit.

Goodwood Rye Whiskey is aged for two years, before being finished in Goodwood English Mild beer barrels, for a special flavor that can only develop from this process. Tasting notes of caramel and vanilla fade to a complex spice and smoky body.

Goodwood Rye will be released in early May in select retail stores and exclusive accounts throughout the Louisville area, and will enter the rest of Kentucky in the near future. Goodwood Spirits can also be purchased at the Goodwood Brewing Taproom in Louisville, KY.

Other spirits in development from Goodwood Brewing and Spirits include a Walnut Brown and an Imperial Stout.

ABOUT GOODWOOD BREWING
Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Goodwood Brewing and Spirits is dedicated to making the highest quality beers, barrel finished spirits and made from scratch food. We believe what’s good for bourbon is good for beer. Goodwood’s Louisville brewery is one of Kentucky’s longest continuously operated breweries, having started operations in 1990.

Goodwood beers are available in Kentucky, Indiana, Alabama, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, West Virginia, Missouri, Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Ohio and Kansas.

MadTree Brewing Partnering With 3CDC And Stephen Williams To Open Alcove

May 11, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

CINCINNATI, Ohio – MadTree Brewing announced plans for a new bar & restaurant, Alcove. Located at 1400-1410 Vine Street in Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine district, Alcove will feature MadTree beers, house-made cocktails and upscale farm-to-table offerings from chef Stephen Williams, proprietor of Covington’s Bouquet Restaurant and their new concept Spoon: Kitchen & Market. Alcove, which is being developed in a partnership with building-owner 3CDC, is slated to open in fall 2021; Drawing Department is leading the architectural design.

Alcove is a nook of nature in the heart of the city, with a series of unique spaces for guests to explore. The main space will feature a large bar, light-filled lounges, dining areas and an intimate private dining room for small groups. Connected by expansive windows and doors that run the length of the building, the main space opens to one of the city center’s rare outdoor spaces. Alcove will feature a lush outdoor patio space for lounging and dining, which connects to a lively greenhouse bar filled with vibrant plants; herbs growing in the greenhouse will be used in the house-made cocktails.

To create an immersive, warm space, MadTree will invest in extensive greenery, created by non-profit Urban Blooms, who designed the living wall in MadTree’s Oakley taproom. Filled with living walls and living chandeliers, the company will create living greenspaces throughout Alcove, designed for people to relax and revive with good friends and good food in a great atmosphere.

“Our goal is to create experiences that encourage people to connect with each other, get comfortable and relax in an easy going, vibrant and natural space. Whether you’re popping in for a drink and bite, or making a night of it, we’re creating a space that feels like an urban oasis and a break from the norm” said Brady Duncan, co-founder of MadTree Brewing.

Open for lunch & dinner daily, Chef Stephen Williams’ menu will feature bar snacks, shareable small bites, and entrees that will be locally and sustainably sourced and constantly evolving with the seasons.

The Building
Alcove, located at 1410 Vine Street, was built in 1873 and has been mostly vacant for decades. 3CDC acquired the property in 2008. While there has been significant interest from several potential operators over the years, 3CDC wanted to make sure it found the right collaborator to restore the space to its former glory.

“3CDC has waited more than a decade to find the right partner to bring the old Weilert’s Beer Garden back to life, and we feel we’ve finally found the perfect collaborator in MadTree” Lindzie Gunnels, 3CDC’s Senior Commercial Leasing Officer, said. “We are incredibly excited about Alcove. It’s going to be an amazing addition to the neighborhood.”

In the early days of the building, the space was a traditional family friendly German beer hall run by Henry Weilert and featured the “summer garden” – a canvas covered patio in what is now the parking lot behind the building. The balcony overlooking the garden is where the World Series was conceived.

The private event space, at 1400 Vine Street, used to house the Yokum Athletic Club, where Ezzard Charles trained as a boxer.

MadTree will maintain the historical aspects of the building, while introducing environmentally efficient features to qualify the building for LEED Certification; Emerald Built Environments, based in Cincinnati, is consulting on this process. Oswald Construction is the contractor for the remodel.

Impact
MadTree Brewing is a member of 1% For the Planet, contributing 1% of all sales to environmental non-profits through financial donations and volunteerism. With the opening of Alcove, MadTree will continue its impact efforts in the downtown Cincinnati area. In October 2020, MadTree planted over 100 trees in the West End’s Laurel Park, in partnership with Cincinnati Parks Foundation. The tree planting is part of the revitalization of Laurel Park, which will feature a 13-foot bronze statue of Ezzard Charles, to be dedicated at this October’s Ezz Fest — a celebration put on by Cincinnati Parks Foundation and Seven Hills Neighborhood Council — honoring West End native, philanthropist, world heavyweight champion, Ezzard Charles. Earlier this year MadTree launched a new lager brand, MadTree Legendary Lager, featuring Ezzard Charles as the inaugural legend in the series.

Through 1% For the Planet, the MadTree team recently volunteered at Rothenberg Rooftop Garden, on the roof of Rothenberg Preparatory Academy in Over-the-Rhine, preparing the educational garden ahead of Cincinnati Public Schools’ return to in-person instruction.

The garden provides unique learning opportunities for the students of Rothenberg Preparatory Academy through hands-on garden-based lessons that are integrated with math, science, and language arts. The garden’s innovative program creates opportunities to enhance students’ learning in an outdoor garden classroom as well as engages neighborhood families in garden activities and skill-building.

Get In Touch
Alcove will feature two private event spaces, something unique for the heart of Over-the-Rhine. One of the spaces will accommodate parties of 60, the other, 150. MadTree is now accepting reservations for dates starting November 1, 2021.

To manage the opening and operations of the new space, MadTree is kicking off the search for a new role — General Manager of Alcove. The person will oversee the day-to-day operations of the bar & restaurant.

About MadTree Brewing Company
When MadTree was started 8 years ago, we were driven to craft great beer – but more importantly – to build something bigger than ourselves and the high-quality beer we produce. Since the beginning, we have cared deeply about creating meaningful connections with our communities. We embrace our name MadTree and work to celebrate and protect nature, while reducing our impact on the environment. We are proud members of 1% For The Planet, with a commitment to donate 1% of our sales to non-profits focused on environmental sustainability. The craftspeople at MadTree wake up every day to connect people to nature and each other.

We are MadTree. Inspiring Madness, Rooted in Purpose.

About 3CDC
The Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) is a private, non-profit full-service real estate developer with a mission and strategic focus to strengthen the core assets of Downtown Cincinnati in partnership with the City of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati corporate community. Its work is specifically focused on revitalizing and connecting the Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine.

About Stephen Williams
Chef Stephen Williams opened Bouquet in 2007 as one of the first restaurants in the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky area to embrace local and sustainable farming as a cornerstone of its mission, and that practice remains at the core of Bouquet and Spoon: Kitchen and Market operations today. Through their involvement in initiatives such as Zero FoodPrint, Seafood Watch, Chefs Collaborative and Slow Food USA, Williams’ restaurants are able to reduce their carbon footprint, promote biodiversity, and connect with the local community.

Williams’ deep relationships with over fifty local farmers and purveyors allows for a constantly-evolving menu, inspired by the seasons’ freshest ingredients. In addition to an innovative and ever-changing array of charcuterie, small plates, entrees, and desserts, Bouquet has become known for their extensive bourbon collection and elevated, farm-to-table dining experience within a relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere

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Deep Ellum Brewing Releases Blind Pickle Hard Seltzer for Limited Time

May 7, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

Dallas, Texas – Deep Ellum Brewing Company announces the release of Blind Pickle Hard Seltzer, a guaranteed-not-to-suck seltzer crafted for pickle lovers. Blind Pickle is part of a rotating seltzer series that presents limited release hard seltzer flavors. The series is a spin-off of Deep Ellum’s year-round Blind Lemon Hard Seltzer. Blind Pickle is now available throughout Texas.

Blind Pickle is a light, zesty hard seltzer infused with natural dill pickle flavor. The result is a dillicious, light beverage that pairs well with Texas summer. Crafted in a process similar to Deep Ellum’s other brands, Blind Pickle uses cane sugar instead of the malted barley that appears in a typical beer, making it gluten free, 100 calories, and high in pickle flavor.

Ever wonder why a pickle is always included with a sandwich? The tradition started in Jewish delis, where the pickle was introduced as a palate cleanser. Pickles enhance the flavors of whatever they accompany, so pair Blind Pickle with grilled cheese or cookout favorites like hamburgers or brats. Also pairs nicely with your favorite liquor, making the “pickle-back” obsolete.

Deep Ellum Brewing Company
In 2011, Deep Ellum Brewing Company set up shop in the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas, Texas – the first craft brewery to open in Dallas in over a decade. Since then, Deep Ellum has become as well known for its innovative brewing and exceptional quality as it has for its healthy disdain for the status quo. Like the notorious neighborhood it calls home, the brewery is bold, fearless, and unapologetic. The idea of “blending in” was never part of the plan – at the bar or on the shelf. With a commitment to staying true to their reckless streak, their rough edges and their roots, Deep Ellum has quickly grown to become the 3rd largest independent craft brewery in Texas. Led by its flagships, Deep Ellum IPA and Dallas Blonde, the brewery has amassed an extremely devoted fan base across Texas and beyond.

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Great Lakes Brewing Named Best Brewery in Cleveland in the 2021 Silver Spoon Awards

April 30, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

Great Lakes Brewing Named Best Brewery in Cleveland in the 2021 Silver Spoon Awards. Thank you to the readers of Cleveland Magazine for naming us the best brewery in Cleveland! It’s been an honor to brew for the city we love since 1988.

2021 Reader-Selected Silver Spoon Award Winners
These are Cleveland Magazine readers’ favorite restaurants of the year.
New Restaurant
1. Home Bistro
2. Edwins Too
3. 17 River Grille

Downtown Restaurant
1. Marble Room
2. Blue Point Grille
3. Adega

East Side Restaurant
1. Zhug
2. Hook & Hoof
3. The Pompadour

South Side Restaurant
1. DBA
2. LockKeepers
3. Don’s Pomeroy House

West Side Restaurant
1. Salt
2. Thyme Table
3. Fahrenheit

Local Chef
1. Michael Symon
2. Douglas Katz
3. Jill Vedaa

Fine Dining
1. Marble Room
2. Luca Italian Cuisine
3. L’Albatros Brasserie & Bar

Food Truck
1. Barrio
2. Cocky’s Bagels
3. Manna Truck

Cheap Eats
1. Happy Dog
2. Swenson’s Drive-In
3. La Plaza Supermarket

Seafood
1. Pier W
2. Blu, the Restaurant
3. Alley Cat Oyster Bar

French
1. L’Albatros Brasserie & Bar
2. Chez Francois
3. Edwins Restaurant

Italian
1. Mama Roberto’s
2. Luca Italian Cuisine
3. Lago

Indian
1. Cafe Tandoor
2. India Garden
3. Saffron Patch

Chinese
1. King Wah
2. Li Wah
3. LJ Shanghai

Japanese
1. Ginko
2. Shuhei
3. Shinto Japanese Steakhouse

Vietnamese/Cambodian
1. Minh Anh
2. Phnom Penh
3. #1 Pho

Thai
1. Peppermint Thai Cuisine
2. Brown Sugar Thai Cuisine
3. Thai Thai

Mexican
1. Momocho
2. Hola Tacos
3. Nuevo Acapulco

Greek
1. Astoria Cafe & Market
2. Taki’s Greek Kitchen
3. Niko’s Bar & Gyros

Middle Eastern
1. Aladdin’s Eatery
2. Anatolia Cafe
3. Zaytoon Lebanese Kitchen

Central European
1. Der Braumeister
2. Balaton Restaurant
3. Das Schnitzel Haus

Spanish/Portuguese
1. Mallorca
2. Sangria y Tapas
3. Sol

Caribbean/Puerto Rican/Latin American
1. Barroco Arepa Bar
2. Irie Jamaican Kitchen
3. Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar

Ribs/Barbecue
1. Mabel’s BBQ
2. Oak & Embers Tavern
3. Landmark Smokehouse

Steakhouse
1. Red, the Steakhouse
2. Cabin Club
3. Strip Steakhouse

Pizza
1. Saucy Brew Works
2. Angelo’s Pizza
3. Il Rione Pizzeria

Burgers
1. Heck’s Cafe
2. Buckeye Beer Engine
3. Flip Side

Appetizers/Small Plates
1. Salt
2. The Pompadour
3. Felice Urban Cafe

Desserts
1. Thyme Table
2. Rood Food & Pie
3. Flour

Sandwiches
1. Slyman’s Restaurant
2. Herb’n Twine
3. Larder Delicatessen & Bakery

Soups
1. Souper Market
2. Susy’s Soup & Deli
3. Yours Truly

Vegan/Vegetarian
1. Tommy’s
2. Cleveland Vegan
3. Boaz Fresh Lebanese

Wine List
1. Humble Wine Bar
2. Flight Cleveland
3. 750mL Wines

Cocktails
1. The Spotted Owl
2. Porco Lounge & Tiki Room
3. Cloak & Dagger

Brewery
1. Great Lakes Brewing Co.
2. Saucy Brew Works
3. Fat Head’s Brewery

Beer Selection
1. Winking Lizard Tavern
2. Tremont Taphouse
3. Banter

Happy Hour
1. Luxe Kitchen & Lounge
2. Burntwood Tavern
3. The Fairmount

Brunch
1. Pier W
2. Lucky’s Cafe
3. Sol

Sports Bar
1. Winking Lizard Tavern
2. Panini’s Bar & Grill
3. Old Angle Tavern

Gastropub
1. Pub Frato
2. Tremont Taphouse
3. Sauced Taproom & Kitchen

Outdoor Dining
1. Felice Urban Cafe
2. Lindey’s Lake House
3. Chez Francois

View
1. Alley Cat Oyster Bar
2. Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar
3. 17 River Grille

Deli
1. Larder Delicatessen & Bakery
2. Slyman’s Restaurant
3. Corky & Lenny’s

Pastry Shop
1. Luna Bakery & Cafe
2. Blackbird Baking Co.
3. Corbo’s Bakery

Bread
1. On the Rise Artisan Breads
2. Breadsmith
3. Brimfield Bread Oven

Cheese Selections
1. Old Brooklyn Cheese Co.
2. Heinen’s
3. Astoria Cafe & Market

Wine Store
1. Rozi’s Wine House
2. World Wines and Liquor
3. The Wine Spot

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National Beer Day – April 7th. Celebrate with your favorite beer!

April 7, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

National Beer Day is celebrated in the United States every year on April 7, marking the day that the Cullen–Harrison Act was enacted after having been signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on March 22, 1933. This led to the Eighteenth Amendment being repealed on December 5, 1933, with the ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. April 6, the day prior to National Beer Day, is known as New Beer’s Eve.

Background
Upon signing the legislation, Roosevelt made his famous remark, “I think this would be a good time for a beer.” The law went into effect on April 7 of that year in states that had enacted their own law allowing such sales. The beer could contain up to 3.2% alcohol by weight (or 4.05% by volume) compared to the 0.5% limit of the Volstead Act because 3.2% was considered too low to produce intoxication.

People across the country responded by gathering outside breweries, some beginning the night before. On that first day, 1.5 million barrels of beer were consumed, inspiring the future holiday. Today, April 7 is recognized as National Beer Day, and April 6 is known as New Beer’s Eve.

The Cullen-Harrison Act was not the official end of prohibition in the US (that happened on December 5, 1933, when the 21st Amendment was ratified). What the Cullen-Harrison Act did do was redefine an “intoxicating beverage” under the Volstead Act. As such, April 7 is a beer specific holiday and should not be confused with Repeal Day celebrated on December 5.

Recognition
National Beer Day was first celebrated in 2009 by Justin Smith of Richmond, Virginia. After much prodding from his friend, Mike Connolly, Smith started a Facebook page that was noticed by Colorado Beer Examiner, Eli Shayotovich. Smith’s promotion of the new observance day via various social media outlets was rewarded when the beer drinking app Untappd created a badge for National Beer Day that rewarded participants that checked a beer into the app on April 7. National Beer Day has since been trending on social media every year on April 7 using the hashtag #NationalBeerDay.

Source: Wikipedia

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Brewers Association: Craft Beer Production Declines 9% in 2020 Amid Pandemic; Number of Breweries Tops 8,700

April 6, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

Boulder, Colorado — The Brewers Association(BA)—the trade association representing small and independent American craft brewers—today released annual production figures for the U.S. craft brewing industry. In 2020, small and independent brewers collectively produced 23.1 million barrels of beer and craft beer production declined 9%, decreasing craft beer production’s overall beer market share by volume to 12.3%, down from 13.6% the previous year.

The overall beer market* dropped 3% by volume in 2020. Retail dollar value was estimated at $22.2 billion, representing 23.6% market share and a 22% decline over 2019. Craft brewers provided more than 138,000 direct jobs, a 14% decrease from 2019.

“2020 was obviously a challenging year for many small brewers, but also one that proved their resilient and entrepreneurial nature,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “In a year where U.S. draught sales were down more than 40%, small brewers found new ways to connect with their customers and keep their businesses running.”

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The number of operating craft breweries continued to climb in 2020, reaching an all-time high of 8,764, including 1,854 microbreweries, 3,219 brewpubs, 3,471 taproom breweries, and 220 regional craft breweries. Throughout the year, there were 716 new brewery openings and 346 closings. While openings decreased approximately 30% compared to 2019, only half of this drop is attributed to COVID. Increasing market competitiveness and maturity were also factors, and the decline was apparent before the pandemic.

“While many small breweries will remain under pressure until they can fully reopen and welcome their communities into their breweries, the 2020 closing rate has remained on par with 2019, suggesting that the vast majority of breweries will survive going forward,” added Watson.

Note: Numbers are preliminary. For additional insights from Bart Watson, visit Insights & Analysis on the Brewers Association website. The full 2020 industry analysis will be published in the May/June 2021 issue of The New Brewer, highlighting regional trends and production by individual breweries.

About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 5,400-plus U.S. breweries. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events including the World Beer Cup®, Great American Beer Festival®, Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, SAVOR™: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience, Homebrew Con™, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The New Brewer® magazine, and Brewers Publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com® and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association® and the free Brew Guru® mobile app. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 13672 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

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Firestone Walker Introduces “Nectaron IPA” Single-Hop Hazy IPA

April 5, 2021 by Dow Scoggins

Paso Robles, California: Firestone Walker’s pacesetting pursuit of New Zealand hops reaches new heights with Nectaron hazy IPA—the latest single-hop release from the brewery’s Propagator Series, available exclusively in the latest “Crafted Thru Hops” IPA mixed pack.

The Crafted Thru Hops mixed pack featuring Nectaron IPA rolls out to all Firestone Walker markets starting this week.

This new mixed pack—12 x 12-ounce cans—also includes three other hoppy beers from one of the nation’s foremost IPA brewers: Mind Haze, a hazy IPA done the Firestone way; the West Coast IPA legend known as Union Jack; and the latest release in the Luponic Distortion IPA series.

Nectaron IPA: Limited Single-Hop Release
Nectaron IPA is beer four years in the making, dating back to when Brewmaster Matt Brynildson first toured several family hop farms in the famed Nelson region of New Zealand. As he rubbed and smelled different hops, one experimental cultivar stole Brynildson’s attention. Known then by its code name of Hort 4337, this hop was loaded with juicy tropical flavors of passionfruit, grapefruit and pineapple.

The following year, Brynildson returned to New Zealand, where hop farmer Brent McGlashen of MAC Farms remembered the brewmaster’s fondness for 4337—which McGlashen was growing on an experimental basis prior to it being given the commercial name of Nectaron. He gave Brynildson early dibs on some of the first yields, which ultimately resulted in this new single-hop release.

“My faith in the Nectaron hop was happily rewarded,” Brynildson said. “This is just a beautiful IPA loaded with tropical New Zealand style.”

Mind Haze: Let Your Mind Wander
From the coast of California comes Mind Haze, a free-spirited beer made to elevate your perceptions—juicy, fresh and loaded with an imaginative array of tropical hop flavors. This is a hazy IPA done the Firestone way. Mind Haze is ultimately a beer that breaks the mold with explosive hop aromas, a luscious texture and enduring freshness.

Union Jack: Loud & Proud
Huge flavor that packs a punch. This is Union Jack—an icon of the West Coast IPA style, for those who like their beer loud and proud. Union Jack is the IPA that helped blaze the trail for the revolutionary West Coast style. Named for the British Lion who cofounded the brewery, Union Jack is intensely hoppy yet eminently drinkable from start to finish. A fad-proof IPA for any hop head.

Luponic Distortion: Flavors through Hops
No fruits. No flavorings. No shortcuts. Just the magic of 100 percent natural hops—this is the Luponic Distortion IPA Series. Each Luponic Distortion release features a new hop blend with a focus on emerging and experimental cultivars—all to showcase the insane range of flavors that can be derived from 100 percent natural hops. The latest edition showcases a blend of four New Zealand-grown hops—Nectaron, Nelson, Motueka and Riwaka—for a uniquely fruity and complex flavor profile.

Firestone Walker Brewing
Founded by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker in 1996, Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a California beer company with three innovative brewing facilities. Firestone Walker’s main brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio ranging from iconic pale ales to vintage barrel-aged beers. The Barrelworks facility in Buellton makes eccentric wild ales, while the Propagator pilot brewhouse in Venice specializes in R&D beers and limited local offerings. Firestone Walker is also the brewery behind 805, one of the nation’s fastest-growing beers. Firestone Walker was recently named “Best American Brewery of the Decade” by Paste Magazine.More at FirestoneBeer.com

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