Dow Scoggins

WISEACRE Brewing Company Shines with Two Awards at 2025 Great American Beer Festival

October 26, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

WISEACRE Brewing, a Memphis-based craft brewery, celebrated a triumphant showing at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival (GABF), securing two prestigious awards. Their newest creation, Sky Dog Amber, clinched the Gold Medal in the International Amber Lager category, while the beloved Tiny Bomb earned a Silver Medal in the highly competitive German-style Pilsener category, following its Bronze win in 2014.
These accolades elevate WISEACRE’s national award count to four, including the 2024 title of America’s Best Light Beer for Sky Dog and a Bronze Medal for their Oktoberfest at the 2025 World Beer Cup in the German-style Märzen category. The brewery’s commitment to crafting exceptional lagers continues to cement its reputation as a leader in the craft beer industry.

“We’re over the moon about our GABF wins,” said Davin Bartosch, WISEACRE’s master brewer. “Tiny Bomb’s Silver in one of the toughest categories is a huge honor, especially since it’s our flagship beer. And Sky Dog Amber taking Gold on its debut? That’s a testament to our team’s talent and dedication. We’re beyond proud.”
The 2025 GABF saw over 270 breweries compete across 108 beer and six cider categories, judged by a panel of industry experts. A GABF medal is a globally recognized mark of brewing excellence, celebrating precision, innovation, and quality. “Winning at GABF is a career-defining moment,” said Chris Williams, competition director for the Brewers Association. “These medals reflect the pinnacle of craftsmanship and skill.”
The awards underscore WISEACRE’s growing “Lager Legacy” in Memphis, where the brewery has been pushing boundaries since its founding in 2013. “Our goal was always to craft world-class lagers,” said Kellan Bartosch, co-founder alongside his brother Davin. “With five medals from top national and international competitions, we’re turning that vision into reality. We’re thrilled to share these award-winning beers with our Memphis community.”

The GABF awards were announced during a live-streamed ceremony on October 11, 2025, at the Colorado Convention Center. WISEACRE celebrated locally on October 17 at their original taproom (2783 Broad Ave.), pouring Sky Dog Amber (exclusive to taprooms), Tiny Bomb, Sky Dog, and Oktoberfest. Guests also enjoyed the new Panuzzo King pizza sandwiches, wines, batch cocktails, and non-alcoholic options, with DJ Leroy spinning vinyl to mark the occasion.

WISEACRE Brewing Company
WISEACRE Brewing Company was founded in 2013 by brothers Davin and Kellan Bartosch, Memphis natives who brought their passion for craft beer back to their hometown after honing their skills across the U.S. and abroad. Davin, trained at Germany’s prestigious Doemens Academy, and Kellan, with experience in brewery operations, set out to create a brewery that blended tradition with innovation. Starting with a single taproom at 2783 Broad Ave., WISEACRE quickly gained traction for its focus on quality and creativity, growing to two Memphis locations and distribution across 22 states. With over 60 employees, the brewery has become a cornerstone of the local craft beer scene, earning recognition in outlets like Men’s Health and Forbes for its bold vision and community roots.

Since its inception, WISEACRE has crafted over 170 beers, spanning crisp German-style lagers, hop-forward American IPAs, complex Belgian ales, and experimental barrel-aged brews. Their flagship, Tiny Bomb, a German-style Pilsener, has become a fan favorite, earning a Silver Medal at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival and a Bronze in 2014. The Sky Dog series, including the 2024 titleholder for America’s Best Light Beer and the Gold Medal-winning Sky Dog Amber in 2025, showcases their lager expertise. Their Oktoberfest, a German-style Märzen, also claimed Bronze at the 2025 World Beer Cup, solidifying WISEACRE’s reputation for crafting award-winning beers that balance tradition with a distinctly Memphis flair.

For Fun Beer Facts, Trivia and more: Click Here

The Lemp Brewery and Mansion – Most Haunted Brewery in America

October 25, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

The Lemp Mansion in St. Louis stands as one of America’s most chilling haunted landmarks, tied to a tragic family dynasty that suffered seven deaths—five by suicide—within its walls between 1901 and 1949. Built in the 1860s alongside the massive Lemp Brewery, once the city’s largest beer producer, the mansion was home to brewing tycoon William Lemp Sr. and his heirs. Tragedy struck early with Frederick Lemp’s mysterious heart failure at age 28, followed by William Sr.’s suicide in 1904. After Prohibition crushed the brewery in 1919, despair deepened: Elsa Lemp died by gunshot in 1920 with no note and delayed police involvement, William Jr. took his life in the mansion office in 1922, William III died of heart failure at 42 in 1943, an illegitimate child perished in the 1940s, and Charles Lemp shot his dog before killing himself in 1949, leaving a note reading, “Blame no one but me.” The last survivor, Edwin, sold the mansion and lived to 90—many believe escaping the property saved his life.

Beneath the mansion and brewery lies a labyrinth of natural Caves of St. Louis, once used for aging beer and secret family passageways. Today, these 100-year-old underground tunnels host the Lemp Brewery Haunted House by Halloween Productions Inc., widely hailed as America’s only REAL haunted attraction. Visitors descend a century-old spiral staircase 50 feet below street level into 20,000 square feet of authentic gothic horror—damp stone arches, rusted machinery, and eerie silence broken only by state-of-the-art animatronics, zombie brewers, giant alligators, and swarms of bats. With real history soaked into every wall, this isn’t fake fog and plywood—it’s genuine terror. Escape means climbing “The Hole,” a final staircase back to daylight… if the spirits let you go. Open select nights in October—book now at lemphauntedhouse.com.

For More Information about visiting and touring the Lemp Brewery Haunted House – Click Here

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

The Great London Beer Flood of 1814: Eight Lives Lost in a 15-Foot Ale Tsunami

October 24, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

On October 17, 1814, a devastating incident known as the London Beer Flood struck the St. Giles district in central London, near Tottenham Court Road. This unusual disaster claimed at least eight lives when a massive wave of beer—reaching up to 15 feet high—burst from a brewery and flooded the surrounding slum area.

The Brewery and the Massive Vat
The Horse Shoe Brewery, operated by Meux and Company, stood at the intersection of Great Russell Street and Tottenham Court Road. In 1810, the facility added a gigantic wooden fermentation vat measuring 22 feet tall. Secured with large iron hoops, it could store more than 3,500 barrels of brown porter ale, a dark beer akin to today’s stout.

What Caused the Flood?
That fateful afternoon, one of the iron hoops on the vat snapped. About an hour later, the entire vessel ruptured with tremendous force. The explosion of hot, fermenting beer destroyed the brewery’s back wall and caused nearby vats to burst as well. In total, over 320,000 gallons of ale poured into the streets of St. Giles Rookery—a densely packed, impoverished neighborhood filled with tenements and residents facing hardship.

The Devastating Impact on the Neighborhood
The beer flood quickly overwhelmed George Street and New Street, creating a powerful 15-foot surge mixed with debris. It inundated the basements of two houses, leading to their collapse:

In one home, Mary Banfield and her young daughter Hannah were having tea when the wave hit, resulting in both deaths.
In another, four people attending a wake for a two-year-old child who had passed away the previous day were drowned.
The torrent also knocked down a wall at the Tavistock Arms pub, trapping 14-year-old barmaid Eleanor Cooper under rubble and causing her death.
Eight people lost their lives in all. Rescue efforts saved three brewery workers from waist-deep water and pulled one more from the wreckage.

Aftermath and Public Reaction
With beer flowing freely, locals rushed to collect it in buckets, pots, pans, and even hats. Some consumed it directly on the scene. Reports later emerged of a ninth death due to alcohol poisoning in the following days.
As The Times reported on October 19, 1814:
“The bursting of the brew-house walls, and the fall of heavy timber, materially contributed to aggravate the mischief, by forcing the roofs and walls of the adjoining houses.”
In a somber development, some families charged admission to view the victims’ bodies. During one such gathering, the floor gave way under the weight of visitors, plunging them into a beer-filled cellar.
The strong odor of beer persisted in the area for months.

Legal Outcome and Industry Changes
Meux and Company faced lawsuits, but a judicial inquiry classified the event as an “Act of God,” clearing the brewery of liability. The company incurred losses around £23,000 (equivalent to about £1.25 million today) but recovered excise taxes on the destroyed beer. They also received £7,250 (roughly £400,000 in modern terms) in compensation for the lost inventory, which helped prevent financial collapse.
The tragedy prompted significant reforms in brewing. Large wooden vats were gradually replaced with safer lined concrete versions across the industry.

Legacy of the Site
The Horse Shoe Brewery operated until its demolition in 1922. Today, the Dominion Theatre stands on part of the former location, a reminder of this extraordinary historical event.

2025 Ohio Craft Brewers Cup Medal Winners and Breweries of the Year

October 20, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

The Ohio Craft Brewers Cup stands as Ohio’s premier professional brewing competition, celebrating the ingenuity and excellence of the Buckeye State’s vibrant craft beer scene by providing an equitable platform for breweries statewide to showcase their finest creations. Launched in 2018 and organized annually by The Dayton Beer Company, the event has grown exponentially since its inception, evolving from a modest gathering into a highly anticipated showcase that now features 27 diverse beer categories spanning traditional styles to innovative brews. Judged exclusively by panels of fellow Ohio professional brewers.
Website: https://www.ohiocraftbrewerscup.com/

2025 Ohio Craft Brewers Cup Medal Winners

AMBER/RED ALE
Gold: Three Tigers – Firehouse Amber
Silver: Hofbrauhaus Cleveland – CLE Red
Bronze: Inside the Five – Megaphone

AMERICAN IPA
Gold: Immigrant Son – IPA
Silver: Three Tigers – Danko
Bronze: Ghost Tree – Cash After Ten

AMERICAN LIGHT ALE
Gold: Ghost Tree – Canoe Brew
Silver: Sonder – Eagle Light
Bronze: Oncore – Swantucky Slammer

AMERICAN LAGER
Gold: Pilot Brewhouse – Mt Crushmore
Silver: Combustion – Sir Veza
Bronze: Municipal – Pre-Pro Lager

AMERICAN PALE ALE
Gold: Three Tigers – Small Axe
Silver: Medina Brewing – Sunset Pale Ale
Bronze: Southern Ohio – Range Ball

BELGIAN/FRENCH ALE
Gold: Aeonian Brewing – OPA!
Silver: Broadview Brewing – Quadrophenia
Bronze: Narrow Path – Tri-Kettle Trippel

BELGIAN/FRENCH SAISON
Gold: Blue Heron – Abbey Normal
Silver: Edison Brewing – Winnow
Bronze: Narrow Path – Saison Du Grail

BROWN/DARK ALE
Gold: Hofbrauhaus Cleveland – Dunkel
Silver: Sonder – Brobie Porter
Bronze: Third Eye – Inner Sight

COFFEE BEER
Gold: Brink – Lil Zoomie
Silver: Third Eye – Unleashed Potential
Bronze: Broadview – Covered in Chrome

EUROPEAN LAGER
Gold: Forbidden Root – Festhalle
Silver: Sonder – Nocturnal
Bronze: Combustion – Pelotonia Pils

OKTOBERFEST
Gold: Twin Oast – Proast
Silver: Counterbalance – Beneath the Leaves
Bronze: Hofbrauhaus Cleveland – Festbier

FRUIT BEER
Gold: Double Edge – Bright Side
Silver: Ghost Tree – Ghostberry
Bronze: Aenonian Brewing – Around the Sun

GERMAN STYLE ALE
Gold: Brink Brewing – Lucid Visions
Silver: Forbidden Root – Note to Self
Bronze: Immigrant Son – Hungarian Pearl Kolsch

HERB/SPICE/PEPPER
Gold: Ghost Tree – Yukon Cornelius
Silver: Municipal – Route 4 Revive Ale
Bronze: Inside the Five – The Mashing Pumpkins

IMPERIAL BEER
Gold: Market Garden – Olde Groudhog Barleywine
Silver: Dayton Beer Co – Oregon Alley Imperial IPA
Bronze: Medina Brewing – Citra Supernova

NEIPA/HAZY IPA
Gold: Yellow Spring Brewing – Creative Space
Silver: Three Tigers – Juicy Bazooka
Bronze: Counterbalance – Rip, Tear, Destroy

NEPA/HAZY PALE
Gold: Forbidden Root – Mostly Idaho
Silver: Forbidden Root – Good on Ya
Bronze: Third Eye – Prismatic Muse

SCOTCH/SMOKED BEER
Gold: Edison – Zigarre
Silver: Combustion Brewing – Brasky
Bronze: Third Eye – High Consciousness

SOUR/WILD WITH FRUIT
Gold: Forbidden Root – Up for Discussion
Silver: Sonder – Bella
Bronze: Counterbalance – Neon Tides

SPECIALTY/HYBRID BEER
Gold: Market Garden – Yuzu
Silver: Third Eye – Getting Twisted
Bronze: Inside the Five – Squares or Triangles Strawberry

SPECIALTY/ADJUNCT STOUT
Gold: Third Eye – Double Astral
Silver: Roundhouse – Mexican Hot Chocolate
Bronze: Missing Falls – Brutus

STOUT
Gold: Brink – Moozie
Silver: Olentangy River – I Cant Feel My Pants
Bronze: Lockport – Big Debbie

WHEAT BEER
Gold: Market Garden – Prosperity Wheat
Silver: Twin Oast – Oastweizen
Bronze: Blue Heron – Yes Hefe

WOOD BARREL UNDER 8% ABV
Gold: Hofbrauhaus Cleveland – Bourbon barrel aged Doppelbock
Silver: Forbidden Root – All the Positions
Bronze: Forbidden Root – Heaviest Snuggz

WOOD BARREL OVER 8% ABV
Gold: HofbrauHaus Cleveland – BBA Kaiser
Silver: Twin Oast – Meet your maker
Bronze: Combustion – Inch of Dust

BEST OF SHOW
BRINK – LIL ZOOMIE
(Finalist For Best of Show – Brink Lil Zoomie, Forbidden Root – Festhaus, Brink – Moozie)

Regional Awards
Central
Forbidden Root

Northwest
Twin Oast

Northeast
Ghost Tree Brewing

Greater Cleveland
Hofbrauhaus Cleveland

West Central
Yellow Springs Brewery

Southeast
Double Edge

Southwest
Third Eye

BREWERY SIZE Awards
Best Large Brewery (Greater than 15,000 bbls)
NA

Best Medium Brewery (Less than 15,000 but greater than 5,000 bbls)
Market Garden

Best Small Brewery (Less than 5,000 but greater than 1,000 bbls)
Third Eye Brewing

Best Nano Brewery (Less than 1,000 bbls)
Forbidden Root Brewing

For Fun Beer Facts, Trivia and more: Click Here

British Columbia Beer Awards Announce Medal Winners and Brewery of the Year

October 20, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

The B.C. Beer Awards awarded Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s brewing program the “Brewery of the Year” on Saturday in Vancouver, BC.

Other big winners at the Croatian Cultural Centre in Vancouver included Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks of Richmond, which took best in show for its Pixel Pils, and Dageraad Brewing of Burnaby, which scored seven awards, including a sweep of the strong Belgian ale category.

It’s the second major award this year for the KPU brewing program, which also won the Grand National Championship at the U.S. Open College Beer Championship in May.

International Lager
1. Vidal, Townsite Brewing
2. Elementary – Lager, Four Winds Brewing Co.
3. Hashtag Basic, Electric Bicycle Brewing

Pale German Beer
1. Köl Story Bro Kölsch, Brewhall Beer Co.
2. Skyline Lager, Bomber Brewing Co.
3. The Adams Family Festbier, Kwantlen Polytechnic University

German Pils
1. Pixel Pils, Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks
2. Simple Things, Steel & Oak Brewing Co.
3. Beldame, Strange Fellows Brewing

Amber European Beer
1. Marzen, R&B Brewing Co
2. Red Pilsner, Steel & Oak Brewing Co.
3. Helles Lager, Trading Post Brewing

Dark & Strong European Beer
1. Hermannator Ice Bock, Vancouver Island Brewing
2. May the Schwarz Be With You, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
3. Dominion Dark Lager, Vancouver Island Brewing

German Wheat Beer
1. Heftechnik, Brassneck Brewery
2. Chefs Hef, R&B Brewing Co
3. 50/50 Hefeweizen, Kwantlen Polytechnic University

UK Pale Ale
1. Papa G’s ESB, The Noble Pig Brewhouse
2. Bomber Pale Ale, Bomber Brewing Co.
3. Backroads Brewing Pale Ale, Backroads Brewing Company

UK Brown Ale
1. Wee Angry Scotch Ale, Russell Brewing Company
2. Rail Ale Nut Brown, Howe Sound Brewing
3. Outboard Motor Oatmeal Porter, The 101 Brewhouse + Distillery

UK Stout
1. Sasquatch Stout, Old Yale Brewing
2. Tactical Turtleneck, Another Beer Company Inc.
3. Cold Steeped Irish Stout, The Bakery Brewing

Strong Ale
1. Woolly Bugger, Howe Sound Brewing
2. Melle Meo, Howe Sound Brewing
3. Wayfarer, Strange Fellows Brewing

Fruit Beer
1. Tropical Tart, Steamworks Brewing Co.
2. Corvus Lingonberry Lime Gose, Ravens Brewing Company
3. Moon Dance Mango Wheat, Old Yale Brewing

Specialty Fruit Beer
1. Late Bloomer Strawberry Hibiscus Sour, Twin City Brewing Company
2. Asking For A Friend, Backcountry Brewing
3. De Witte, Dageraad Brewing

Spice Beer
1. Yoga Pants Cucumber Basil Sour, Electric Bicycle Brewing
2. Flex Mex, Twin Sails Brewing
3. Nightwatch, Lighthouse Brewing Co.

Smoke- & Wood-Aged Beer
1. The Great Gratzer, Moody Ales
2. Ignis Lichtenhainer, House of Funk Brewing Company
3. Loral Brett Saison, Île Sauvage Brewing Company

Specialty Wood Aged Beer
1. Punch’s Farmhouse Ale, Mayne Island Brewing Company
2. Debauchery Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, House of Funk Brewing Company
3. Scarlet, Steamworks Brewing Co.

European Sour
1. Shiro Shiro, Île Sauvage Brewing Company
2. Troika, Parallel 49 Brewing Co.
3. Little Red One, Strange Fellows Brewing

Specialty Beer
1. Whiskey Sour Ale, Field House Brewing Co.
2. Pilsbo Baggins New Zealand Pilsner, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
3. Gulagubben, Whistle Buoy Brewing Co.

North American Light Beer
1. No Brainer, Brassneck Brewery
2. Red Racer Summer Crush Hopped Lager, Central City Brewers + Distillers
3. Cream Ale, Gladstone Brewing Company

North American Blonde Ale
1. Bastion Blonde Ale, White Sails Brewing
2. Ballpark Blonde, Red Arrow Brewing Company
3. Royal City Ale, Steel & Oak Brewing Co.

North American Pale Ale
1. Hazy Citra Pale Ale, 4 Mile Brewing Co.
2. Palida, Andina Brewing
3. Hazy Pale Ale, Steamworks Brewing Co.

North American Amber & Brown Ale
1. Birra Rossa, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
2. Easy Amber, Nelson Brewing Co
3. Midnight Umber, Red Arrow Brewing Company

North American Porter & Stout
1. Porter, Gladstone Brewing Company
2. Rye Stout, Doan’s Craft Beer Company
3. Bomber Russian Imperial Stout, Bomber Brewing Co.

North American IPA
1. Bomber IPA, Bomber Brewing Co.
2. Shipwreck, Lighthouse Brewing Co.
3. Play Dead IPA, Yellow Dog Brewing

Specialty IPA
1. Ferocious Wild IPA, Yellow Dog Brewing
2. Sipasaurus Rex, Backroads Brewing Company
3. Slingshot Session IPA, Fernie Brewing Co.

Hazy IPA
1. Exp.003.Mkvi – Fluffy Cloud IPA, 33 Brewing Experiment
2. Neon Lights Pale Ale, Brewhall Beer Co.
3. Dreamboat Hazy IPA, The Parkside Brewery

Imperial IPA
1. Psychosis 7 DIPA, Whitetooth Brewing Company Ltd.
2. Numbskull, Lighthouse Brewing Co.
3. One Trick Pony, Brassneck Brewery

Belgian Ale
1. Burnabarian, Dageraad Brewing
2. La Tenace Belgian Single, Whitetooth Brewing Company Ltd.
3. Icefields Pale Ale, Whitetooth Brewing Company Ltd.
Honorable Mention: Jongleur Strange, Fellows Brewing

Saison
1. Five, Dageraad Brewing
2. Small Wonder, Brassneck Brewery
3. The Pass (Collab W/ Blindman), Dageraad Brewing

Strong Belgian Ale
1. 10°, Dageraad Brewing
2. Rosetta, Dageraad Brewing
3. Blonde, Dageraad Brewing
Honorable Mention: 33 Acres of Euphoria, 33 Acres Brewing Co.

Wild Ale
1. Strange Resemblance, Strange Fellows Brewing
2. Mixtape Series: Dry Hopped Sour, Boombox Brewing
3. Pinkies Out Tropical Sour, Foamers’ Folly Brewing Co.

Specialty Wild Ale
1. Mountain View Black Currant Sour, Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks
2. Noble Blend Mixed Culture Saison, Yellow Dog Brewing
3. Rose Changeling, Brassneck Brewery

Dan Small Homebrew Award
Andrew Swanton – The Answers to Life, The Universe and Everything – Dark Mild

Brewery of the Year
Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Creative Industry Awards
Best Flight Paddle
Andina Brewing

Best Growler Design
Andina Brewing

Best Merch/Apparel
Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company

Best Tasting Room Design
Electric Bicycle Brewing

Best Tap Handle Design
Boombox Brewing

Best Label Design – Can
Dageraad Brewing – Murder City

Best Label Design – Bottle
Dageraad Brewing – Antwerpen Tripel

Best Packaging Design
Vancouver Island Brewing – Pod Pack

Best Website Design
Brewhall Beer Co.

Best Social Media Presence
Backcountry Brewing

Rookie of the Year
Île Sauvage Brewing Company

People’s Choice
Brewhall — Azedo tropical sour

Brewers Challenge
Four Winds — Cherry Operis

Innovator of the Year
Twin Sails Brewing

Legend Awards
John Rowling & Gerry Hieter
Nancy More
Gerry Erith
Best in Show
Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks – Pixel Pils

The British Columbia Beer Awards
The British Columbia Beer Awards (BCBA) is Western Canada’s biggest and most prestigious craft beer celebration, held every October in Vancouver since 2010 and drawing over 1,500 entries from more than 130 breweries across the province in 2025. This isn’t just another competition—it’s where BC’s legendary hazy IPAs, barrel-aged sours, West Coast lagers, pastry stouts, and experimental wild ales go head-to-head across 30+ categories, judged blind by BJCP-certified pros and industry legends. Winning a BCBA medal (especially the coveted Best of Show or Brewery of the Year) is a golden ticket that sends beers flying off shelves and puts small-town breweries like Dageraad, Superflux, Twin Sails, Four Winds, and Steamworks in the national spotlight. The festival day wraps with a massive public tasting event at the Croatian Cultural Centre—think 100+ breweries pouring unlimited samples, live music, food trucks, and thousands of hopheads toasting BC’s world-class beer scene. If you’re planning a Vancouver beer trip, mark your calendar for mid-October; tickets sell out fast and it’s the single best day to drink your way through British Columbia’s finest in one spot. Sláinte from the Left Coast!

Fun Beer Facts, Breweries and More: Click Here

National Barrel Aged Beer Day – October 3, 2025

October 17, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

The return of Barrel Aged Beer Day is October 3, 2025! For this global holiday, we honor the people, passion and time invested in creating beautiful, barrel-aged beers.

The first Friday of October is Barrel Aged Beer Day. Brewers and beer drinkers should celebrate with colleagues and customers alike. A tap takeover featuring beers that have been in contact with wood, an educational panel about the processes involved and special bottle releases are all great ways to give a nod to the art form.

2025 U.S, Open Beer Championship Barrel Aged Medal Winners

Barrel-Aged Dark Beer
Gold: Plaid Habit – Boulevard Brewing Company – Missouri
Silver: Buffal-Oak Stout – Full Fledged Brewing Co. – Iowa

Barrel-Aged Strong Beer
Gold: Royal Oil – Bull & Bush Brewery – Colorado
Silver: The Brawler – Northern Row – Ohio
Bronze: Perpetual Peace – No Label Brewing Co – Texas

Barrel-Aged Strong Stout/Porter
Gold: GSO Barrel Select Stout 2024 – Forgotten Road Ales – North Carolina
Silver: 3 year Barrel Aged Family Reserve Sleepy Bear – Werk Force Brewing – Illinois
Bronze: Eclipse – Frey Ranch – FiftyFifty Brewing Co. – California

Barrel-Aged Strong/Porter Extreme (12.5%+)
Gold: Assassin – Toppling Goliath Brewing Company – Iowa
Silver: Sir Blends A-Lot #5 – Mikerphone Brewing- Illinois
Bronze: Barrel God Cuvée – 2025 Blend Lupulin Brewing Company – Minnesota
Bronze: Rye Barrel Aged Night Whale 2023 – Rhinegeist Brewery – Ohio

Barrel-Aged Strong Stout/Porter Specialty
Gold: Maple Grenade – Silver Harbor Brewing – Michigan
Silver: BA Pumpkinhead – Pontoon Brewing – Georgia
Bronze: Ammo Can: Lima One – Forgotten Road Ales – North Carolina

Barrel-Aged Breakfast Stout
Gold: Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout – Toppling Goliath Brewing Company – Iowa
Silver: Blackout Brunch – Turning Point Beer – Texas
Bronze: Brunch with Santa – Low Tide Brewing – South Carolina

Barrel-Aged Fruited Sour Beer
Gold: Daydreamer – Vista Brewing – Texas
Silver: The Virtue of Patience – Bold Monk Brewing Co – Georgia
Bronze: Angels in the Architecture – Bold Monk Brewing Co – Georgia
Bronze: Black Angel – Wicked Weed Brewing – North Carolina

Wood/Barrel-Aged Fruit Beer
Gold: How Sweet It Is – Cherry Street Brewing at Halcyon – Georgia
Silver: Huckleberry Hounds – Bull & Bush Brewery – Colorado
Bronze: Barrel Aged Skooma – Fabled Brew Works – Kentucky

Wood/Barrel-Aged Strong Scotch Ale
Gold: Old Chungus – Confluence Brewing Company – Iowa
Silver: Diddy Muckle – Sun King Brewery – Indiana
Bronze: Get in My Belly – Cherry Street Brewing at Halcyon – Georgia

Barrel-Aged Barley Wine
Gold: Barrel Aged Matters of Importance – Narrow Path Brewing Company – Ohio
Silver: 12.12.12 2024 – Cherry Street Brewing at Vickery Village – Georgia
Bronze: Kelly’s Private Stash – Third Eye Brewing Company (Hamilton) – Ohio

Barrel-Aged Quad/Belgian Dark Ale
Gold: To Be Loved By You – Cherry Street Brewing at Halcyon – Georgia
Silver: Muese Valley – More Brewing Company- Illinois
Bronze: Barrel Reserve 2025 – River North Brewery – Colorado

Blended Barrel-Aged Beer
Gold: In the Black – Taxman Brewing Company – Indiana
Silver: Nullification – Woodland Farm Brewery – New York
Bronze: 5th Anniversary Blend – Third Eye Brewing Company (Hamilton) – Ohio

Rum Barrel-Aged Beer
Gold: Soul Shakedown Party – Sun King Brewery – Indiana
Silver: Big Hands I Know Your The One – Unrefined Brewing – Florida
Bronze: Ghoul Fuel: The Rum Diaries – Bull & Bush Brewery – Colorado

Spirits Barrel-Aged Beer (Non-Whiskey)
Gold: Shadow King Maple Cognac – Monday Night Brewing – Georgia
Silver: The Path – Bold Monk Brewing Co – Georgia
Bronze: Double Oaked Cognac Grow Old With You – Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project – Colorado

Wine Barrel-Aged Beer
Gold: Port Barrel Qualified – Taxman Brewing Company – Indiana
Silver: Heaviest Snuggz – Forbidden Root Columbus – Ohio
Bronze: Shadow King Syrah – Monday Night Brewing – Georgia

Barrel-Aged German Lager
Gold: BA New Old Stock – Bissell Brothers – Maine
Silver: BA Doppelbock 2024 – Lupulin Brewing Company – Minnesota
Bronze: Bourbon Barrel Aged Toasted Pecan Dopplebock – Saddle Mountain Brewing Company – Arizona
Bronze: Wild Dreams: Chapter 2 – Wild Barley Kitchen and Brewery – Texas

For Fun Beer Facts, Trivia and more: Click Here

Celebrating National Body Language Day: Unlock the Power of Nonverbal Communication

October 3, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Every year on the first Friday of October, we celebrate National Body Language Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the silent yet powerful ways we communicate without words. In 2025, this special day falls on October 3, and it’s the perfect opportunity to dive into the fascinating world of nonverbal cues, from a confident handshake to a subtle eyebrow raise. Whether you’re a people-watcher, a professional looking to boost your communication skills, or just curious about what your crossed arms might be saying, this day is for you!

What Is National Body Language Day?
National Body Language Day was created to raise awareness about the importance of nonverbal communication in our daily lives. Founded by body language expert Blanca Cobb, this annual celebration highlights how gestures, facial expressions, posture, and eye contact shape our interactions. It’s a day to learn, observe, and maybe even laugh at the quirky ways we “talk” without saying a word.

Did you know that studies suggest up to 93% of communication is nonverbal? That’s right—your words might only be a small piece of the puzzle. Tone of voice, body posture, and facial expressions often speak louder than what you say. National Body Language Day encourages us to become more mindful of these cues and use them to connect more effectively.

Why Body Language Matters
Body language is like a secret superpower. It can help you:

Build stronger relationships: A warm smile or open posture can make others feel comfortable and valued.
Boost your confidence: Standing tall with shoulders back can make you feel more powerful and assertive.
Ace professional settings: From job interviews to presentations, mastering nonverbal cues can set you apart.
Understand others better: Reading body language can help you pick up on unspoken emotions or intentions.

On National Body Language Day, take a moment to reflect on how your nonverbal signals impact those around you. Are you sending the right message?

Fun Ways to Celebrate National Body Language Day
Ready to get in on the fun? Here are some engaging ways to celebrate this unique day:

Play a Body Language Game
Gather friends or family and try to communicate a message using only gestures—no words allowed! It’s like charades but with a focus on everyday nonverbal cues. You’ll be amazed at how much you can “say” without speaking.
Observe and Learn
Spend the day people-watching (respectfully, of course!). Notice how strangers use body language in conversations. Are they leaning in, mirroring each other, or maybe avoiding eye contact? Jot down your observations and see what patterns emerge.
Practice Power Poses
Channel your inner superhero with a power pose! Research by social psychologist Amy Cuddy suggests that standing in a confident pose (think hands on hips, chest out) for just two minutes can boost your confidence. Try it before a big meeting or just for fun!
Read Up on Nonverbal Cues
Pick up a book or watch a video by body language experts like Blanca Cobb or Joe Navarro. Learn how to decode crossed arms, fidgeting, or a quick smile. Bonus: You’ll feel like a detective in no time!
Share on Social Media
Spread the word about National Body Language Day using hashtags like #NationalBodyLanguageDay or #NonverbalCommunication. Share a fun fact or a photo of yourself striking a confident pose. Bonus points for a caption like, “My body language says I’m ready to celebrate! 💪”

Top Body Language Tips to Try Today
Want to up your nonverbal game? Here are some quick tips to practice on National Body Language Day:

Make Eye Contact: It shows confidence and interest, but don’t overdo it—staring can feel intense!
Smile Genuinely: A real smile (one that crinkles your eyes) makes you approachable and trustworthy.
Mirror Mindfully: Subtly mimicking someone’s posture or gestures can build rapport, but keep it natural.
Watch Your Posture: Stand or sit up straight to project confidence and engagement.
Be Aware of Personal Space: Respect others’ boundaries to make them feel comfortable.

Fun Facts About Body Language

It’s Universal (Sort Of): While some gestures, like smiling, are universal signs of happiness, others can vary by culture. For example, a thumbs-up is positive in many places but offensive in others.
Animals Use It Too: From a dog’s wagging tail to a cat’s arched back, animals rely heavily on body language to communicate.
It’s Hard to Fake: Your true emotions often leak through subtle cues, like a fleeting microexpression, even if you’re trying to hide them.

Wrap-Up: Let’s Talk Without Talking!
National Body Language Day is more than just a quirky holiday—it’s a chance to tune into the unspoken conversations happening all around us. On October 3, 2025, take a moment to celebrate the power of a nod, a wink, or a confident stance. Whether you’re decoding a friend’s crossed arms or practicing your own power pose, you’ll discover how much you can say without saying a word.

So, strike a pose, share a smile, and let’s celebrate the art of nonverbal communication! How will you mark National Body Language Day? Let us know in the comments or on social media with #NationalBodyLanguageDay!

For Fun Beer Facts, Trivia and more: Click Here

Brink Brewing Recognized As Brewery Of The Year at 2018 GABF

September 26, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Cincinnati’s College Hill powerhouse, Brink Brewing Co, just pulled off the ultimate craft beer underdog story at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival® (GABF®)! In only 19 months of operation, this neighborhood gem crushed the competition — and they did it with head brewer Kelly Montgomery fresh out of the hospital!

A great deal of effort goes into winning one let alone two GABF® medals, but rarely does that effort include a hospital stay. Kelly Montgomery, named Very Small Brewer of The Year, was in the hospital with a lung infection the weeks leading up to the dates scheduled to brew the batches submitted to this year’s competition. “We were honestly worried about making the deadline,” says Brink Brewing Co-Owner Sarah McGarry. “When he was released from the hospital Kelly jokingly said Eh, I think I’ve got just enough energy to squeeze out very small brewery of the year… “So, you can only imagine how stunned we were that it actually happened!”

Moozie is a rich Milk Stout. Like a chocolate milkshake without the straw, it features chocolate and coffee notes and is almost chewy thanks to the addition of lactose and flaked oats. This beer also boasts a bronze medal from the 2018 World Beer Cup®, silver at the inaugural Ohio Craft Brewers Cup earlier this year, a bronze from the 2017 Denver International Beer Competition and a gold medal from the 2017 U.S. Open Beer Championship after only being open for four months (one of the youngest breweries to place that year).

Hold the Reins is an English Mild, a classic “Session Ale” while still full flavored. Moderate sweetness, a bit nutty with a touch of caramel. Chocolate and roast notes give way to a dry finish. Last year Brink Brewing was awarded a gold medal for Hold The Reins in the same English Mild Ale category.

“Three GABF medals and Very Small Brewery of the Year in just 19 months of operation is even more than we ever could have hoped for, but tells us we are on the right track,” McGarry adds.

Moozie and Hold The Reins are available year-round on draft at Brink Brewing’s tasting room and at select craft-centric draft accounts in Cincinnati.

About Brink Brewing:
Discover Brink Brewing Co: Cincinnati’s Award-Winning Neighborhood Gem in College Hill! Nestled in the heart of College Hill, Cincinnati, Brink Brewing Co is your go-to craft brewery serving up fresh, flavorful beers in a cozy, welcoming taproom perfect for locals and beer lovers alike. In just under two years, this rising star has racked up an impressive trophy case of national and international honors:
🏅 3 Medals – 2017 Great American Beer Festival®
🥉 Bronze Medal – 2018 World Beer Cup®
🏆 7 Medals – U.S. Open Beer Competition
🌟 3 Wins – Ohio Craft Brewer Cup
🍺 2 Awards – Denver International Beer Competition
From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, every pint is brewed with passion and precision. Whether you’re a craft beer newbie or a seasoned sipper, Brink’s friendly vibe and top-tier brews make it a must-visit Cincinnati hotspot. For more information visit brinkbrewing.com.

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

National Pancake Day – Drink a Renegade Pancakes Maple Porter

September 26, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Renegade Pancakes Maple Porter is dark and roasty and is uniquely balanced with the flavor and aroma of maple syrup without any of the sweetness. The unmistakable maple hits the nose right off the bat, with the smokiness of a traditional porter hitting your palate to create a balanced and dry experience. Perfect for an after snow day warm up or a mid-summer camping adventure.

Pairing:
Mole, vanilla, roasted squash, pulled pork, breakfast, bourbon and good friends.

Malt: 2-ROW, C55, BISCUIT, ROASTED BARLEY, CHOCOLATE

Hops: MT. HOOD, FRAGGLE

RENEGADE BREWING CO
720.401.4089
925 W 9TH AVE
Denver, Colorado, 80204
Website: renegadebrewing.com

NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY
The table is set, the batter is mixed, the griddle is hot, and the butter and syrup are ready. This means you are prepared for National Pancake Day. This food holiday is observed each year on September 26.

You may not have time to make a pancake breakfast, but that is okay, pancakes make a great dinner as well. Pancakes can be served at any time and with a variety of toppings or fillings from sweet jams and syrups to savory meats and sauces.

There is archaeological evidence suggesting pancakes are probably the earliest and most widespread breakfast food eaten in prehistoric societies.

HOW TO OBSERVE
To celebrate National Pancake Day, enjoy one of the following pancake recipes:

Lemon Blueberry Pancakes
Banana and Pecan Pancakes with Maple Butter
Applesauce Pancakes
Buttermilk Pancakes
Pumpkin Pancakes

HISTORY
National Pancake Day’s humble beginnings in 2005, originally started as Lumberjack Day. Marianne Ways and Collen AF Venable sought an excuse to eat pancakes and waffles with friends and as it was one week after “Talk Like a Pirate Day” and that theme had been worn out, eating lots of pancakes like a lumberjack seemed a better holiday than ever.

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

What beer are you drinking to celebrate Fat Bear Week

September 23, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Fat Bear Week, an annual celebration hosted by Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve, transforms the primal act of brown bears bulking up for hibernation into a global online spectacle. Each October, fans worldwide vote in a bracket-style tournament to crown the chubbiest bear, using live webcams and before-and-after photos to marvel at their salmon-fueled transformations. Launched in 2014 as “Fat Bear Tuesday” by ranger Mike Fitz, it has grown into a week-long event, drawing over a million votes in 2024 and spotlighting conservation issues like salmon run preservation. More than a quirky contest, Fat Bear Week celebrates survival, showcasing bears like two-time champ Grazer, who embody nature’s awe-inspiring resilience. Katmai Conservancy and Fat Bear Week Website

Sipping in Solidarity: Beers to Pair with Fat Bear Week
Fat Bear Week isn’t just about voting for the chunkiest grizzlies at Alaska’s Katmai National Park—it’s a call to celebrate survival through epic bulking. And what better way to toast those salmon-stuffed bears than with a beer that matches their vibe: rich, hearty, and unapologetically full-bodied? Skip the light lagers; we’re talking brews that evoke the wild Alaskan frontier, the thrill of the Brooks River, or just the joy of getting comfortably plump. Here’s an updated lineup of recommendations to crack open while you fill out your bracket (voting runs September 23–30, 2025, at fatbearweek.org). I’ve added a spot-on Alaskan gem requested by a fan: Midnight Sun Brewing’s Kodiak Brown Ale, with its iconic Kodiak brown bear on the can—perfect thematic symmetry for our rotund heroes.

1) Russian Imperial Stout (The Bear’s Winter Bulk-Up Brew)
Why it fits: These dark, roasty heavyweights are like the bears themselves—massive, malty, and built for hibernation. With notes of chocolate, coffee, and a boozy warmth (often 8–12% ABV), they’re perfect for curling up with the live cams on Explore.org as Chunk or Grazer defends their title.
Top Pick: North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout. At around $4–6 per 12-oz bottle, it’s a Katmai classic: bold enough to honor the bears’ 1,000-pound gains, but smooth for marathon viewing sessions.
Pro Tip: Pair with a cheese board to channel that “Fat Bear Training Regimen” from X users—beer, cheese, nap, repeat.

2) Midnight Sun Brewing Co. Kodiak Brown Ale (The Thematic Kodiak King)
Why it fits: Named after Alaska’s legendary Kodiak brown bears (the very species bulking up at Katmai), this rugged American brown ale channels the event’s wild essence. With balanced caramel and roasted malts, subtle Northwest hops (Perle and Willamette), and fruity undertones of grape and apple, it’s smooth yet adventurous—like a bear flipping salmon without the splash. At 5.3% ABV, it’s sessionable for all-day voting, and the can’s fierce Kodiak bear artwork makes it an instant conversation starter (or bracket mascot).
Top Pick: Midnight Sun Kodiak Brown Ale ($2–4 per 12-oz can). A top seller since 1995 from Anchorage’s Midnight Sun Brewing Co., it’s widely available in Alaska and beyond—proof that Alaskans aren’t afraid of the dark (or a good malt-forward pour).
Pro Tip: Crack one open during the cub bracket reveal; its nutty, roasty finish pairs perfectly with trail mix, evoking the bears’ pre-hibernation feast.

3) Alaska Brewing Co. Alaskan Amber (The Local Legend)
Why it fits: Brewed in Juneau, this malty red ale nods to Alaska’s rugged spirit and the salmon runs fueling the bears. It’s balanced with caramel sweetness and a hoppy edge, evoking the crisp fall air at Brooks Falls without overwhelming your palate.
Top Pick: Alaskan Amber Ale ($2–3 per bottle). Affordable, widely available, and a subtle tie-in to the state’s brewing scene—imagine toasting to the ecosystem that keeps those sockeye swimming.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling festive, hunt for seasonal releases; Alaska breweries often riff on wildlife themes during fall.

4) Belgian Tripel or Quad (The Bracket-Busting Indulgence)
Why it fits: Golden and complex, these abbey-style ales are effervescent celebrations of abundance, much like the bears flipping salmon mid-air. High ABV (7–11%) means one glass packs a punch, mirroring a dominant male bear’s tournament run.
Top Pick: Chimay Blue (Quadrupel) or Westmalle Tripel ($5–8 per bottle). The fruity esters and spicy yeast cut through any post-vote hype, and they’re great for sharing at a virtual watch party.
Pro Tip: Go for a “Fat Beer Week” twist—inspired by a podcast episode riffing on the event—by aging a quad for deeper flavors, just like bears layering on blubber.

5) Hazy IPA (The Underdog Cub’s Wild Card)
Why it fits: Juicy and forgiving, hazy IPAs burst with tropical notes, capturing the playful energy of Fat Bear Jr. contenders. They’re sessionable yet satisfying, ideal for late-night bracket predictions without the crash.
Top Pick: Tree House Julius ($6–7 per can). Cloudy like a foggy Alaskan morning, with massive mango and passionfruit vibes to keep the party going through the finals.
Pro Tip: For a thematic hack, seek out “Bear”-named IPAs like Russian River’s Pliny the Elder (a double IPA) or New Belgium’s Fat Tire Amber—easy crowd-pleasers that nod to the event’s body-positivity roots.

No matter your pick, drink responsibly—bears don’t hibernate with regrets, and neither should you. These beers turn passive scrolling into an immersive ritual, raising a glass to resilience and rotundity. What’s your go-to? Vote for your fave bear, sip accordingly, and may the chubbiest contender win.

The Plump Legacy: A History of Fat Bear Week
In the wild expanse of Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve, where the Brooks River teems with sockeye salmon, an unlikely annual spectacle has captured hearts worldwide. Fat Bear Week isn’t just a quirky online tournament—it’s a celebration of survival, resilience, and the sheer audacity of nature’s engineering. Each fall, as brown bears bulk up for the brutal winter ahead, millions tune in to vote for the chubbiest contender. But how did this rotund rivalry begin? Let’s trace the fattening footsteps from its humble origins to its status as a global phenomenon. Website and

The Salmon-Fueled Spark: Origins in 2014
Fat Bear Week traces its roots to 2014, when it debuted as the more modest “Fat Bear Tuesday.” The mastermind behind this ursine extravaganza was Mike Fitz, a former interpretive ranger at Katmai National Park. Fitz noticed something remarkable: the park’s live webcams, streaming bears feasting on salmon at Brooks Falls, were drawing unprecedented online attention. These weren’t just casual viewers; people were hooked on the drama of grizzlies defending their fishing spots, flipping salmon mid-air, and—most importantly—packing on pounds.

Inspired by this digital devotion, Fitz proposed a simple contest. Park visitors would pore over before-and-after photos of select bears: scrawny spring arrivals versus autumnal behemoths swollen with success. Using a single-elimination bracket, participants voted for the bear that best embodied “fatness and success.” It was a nod to March Madness, but with claws, fur, and zero timeouts. The inaugural event, held in October 2014, was a hit, proving that even in the age of cat videos, a good bear belly could go viral.

From Tuesday to Tournament: Expansion and Evolution
By 2015, the event had outgrown its one-day format. Renamed Fat Bear Week, it stretched to a full seven days of bracket battles, hosted entirely online through partnerships with Explore.org and the National Park Service (NPS). This shift democratized participation—no park visit required. Suddenly, anyone with an internet connection could champion their favorite from afar, turning a remote Alaskan river into a virtual arena.

The tournament’s structure refined over time. Rangers select 12 adult bears (and later, cubs) based on criteria like clear before-and-after photos, frequent webcam appearances, and a mix of ages and genders. Head-to-head matchups pit fattest foes against each other, with public votes deciding who advances. The winner, crowned on the final day, becomes the Fat Bear Week champion—a title that signifies not just girth, but survival prowess. After all, these bears must amass enough blubber to endure five to seven months of hibernation, losing up to a third of their body weight without a single snack.
A milestone came in 2021 with the introduction of Fat Bear Junior, a cub-only bracket held a week earlier. This pint-sized parallel celebrates the next generation, highlighting family dynamics and the bears’ hierarchical society. It’s a reminder that in Katmai, fat isn’t frivolous—it’s essential.

Furry Fanfare: Memorable Moments and Viral Victors
Over the years, Fat Bear Week has spawned legends. In 2019, 435 Holly—a sassy sow known for her bold personality—claimed victory after a nail-biter against the massive 747, a bear whose belly reportedly measured three feet wide. 747 himself dominated in 2022, earning the nickname “Chunk” for his prodigious paunch.

But triumph has been bittersweet. The 2023 bracket reveal was postponed after a fatal clash between two bears, underscoring the raw wildness beneath the whimsy. And in 2024, Grazer, a resilient female and two-time champ (back-to-back with 2023), defended her title amid record-breaking viewership. These stories humanize the bears, transforming anonymous numbers (each bear is tagged with an ID like 480 or 151) into personalities: the underdog scrapper, the dominant dad, the clever fisher.
The event’s cultural ripple extends beyond brackets. It has inspired memes, merchandise, and even body-positivity campaigns. “Fat Bear Week is about celebrating success,” says NPS Superintendent Mark Sturm. “These bears remind us that in nature, bigger can be better—for survival.”

Why Bears Bulk Up: The Science of Salmon and Slumber
At its core, Fat Bear Week spotlights a biological imperative. Katmai’s Brooks River hosts one of the world’s largest sockeye salmon runs—millions of fish surging upstream to spawn. Bears exploit this bounty, consuming up to 30 salmon a day in peak season, prioritizing high-fat brains and eggs. A single bear might gain 30% of its body weight in summer, ballooning from 500 pounds to over 1,000.

This isn’t gluttony; it’s strategy. During hibernation, bears’ heart rates drop to eight beats per minute, and they recycle urea to build muscle and bone. A well-fed bear emerges in spring ready to breed and forage anew. By highlighting this, Fat Bear Week underscores threats like climate change and habitat loss, which could disrupt salmon runs and doom the bears’ buffet.

Global Impact: From Clicks to Conservation
What began as a ranger’s whim has ballooned into a movement. In 2024 alone, over a million votes poured in from 100 countries, with live cams on Explore.org racking up billions of views since 2014. Partnerships with the Katmai Conservancy and NPS channel enthusiasm into action: donations fund bear monitoring, trail maintenance, and advocacy for Bristol Bay’s intact ecosystem.
As 2025’s edition kicks off on September 23—mere hours from now—the stage is set for another showdown. Will Grazer make it a three-peat? Or will a newcomer steal the spotlight? One thing’s certain: Fat Bear Week endures because it taps into our primal awe of the wild. In a world of fleeting trends, these fattening felines remind us to root for the underbelly of nature’s grand design.
To join the fray, head to fatbearweek.org. Vote wisely—your click could crown the next legend of the Brooks. After all, in the kingdom of Katmai, the fattest bear isn’t just the winner; it’s the one most likely to roar into spring.