Dustin Scoggins

Von Ebert Brewing Releases New IPA Varietals Starting with Volatile Substance

March 5, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Portland, Ore. — Von Ebert Brewing is kicking off an exciting new series with the release of Tropical Substance IPA, the inaugural spin-off of its signature, award-winning Volatile Substance NW IPA. This release embodies the brewery’s motto, “Where Tradition Meets Evolution,” by reimagining the flagship’s bold hop profile with a vibrant tropical twist.

“Tropical Substance IPA shakes things up while staying true to the intense hop flavors and aromas that make Volatile Substance a standout,” said Sam Pecoraro, Brewmaster at Von Ebert Brewing. “Last year’s version sold out in days, so we’re thrilled to bring it back and build on that momentum with the full series.”

At 6.9% ABV, Tropical Substance IPA delivers prominent pineapple notes through a blend of Citra, Krush, and Strata hops, enhanced by Abstrax’s Pineapple Skyfarm for an extra burst of tropical character. It’s now available at all Von Ebert Brewing locations, as well as in bars, bottle shops, grocery stores, and convenience outlets across the Northwest. The series continues with Triple Dry Hopped (TDH) Volatile Substance NW IPA arriving in July and Saturated Substance NW IPA in November.

Von Ebert’s recently opened flagship at 825 N. Cook St. on N. Mississippi in Portland features daily food truck service from Tehuana Mexican Cuisine, plus weekend appearances by acclaimed HarBQ. Beer enthusiasts can enjoy specials across locations: 20-ounce steins of gold medal-winning Clubhaus Lager for $3 all day, every day, and at the N. Mississippi spot, Volatile Substance NW IPA for just $5 from noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The brewery has expanded its non-beer options with non-alcoholic hop sparkling waters and hard seltzers, with hard teas and hard punches planned for later this year to appeal to a wider audience.

Thanks to a new production facility, Von Ebert has scaled capacity from 4,000 to up to 20,000 barrels annually and is already more than halfway there, while shifting more volume to convenient 12-ounce and 16-ounce cans. Distribution now reaches throughout Oregon, Washington, Colorado, California, and Japan.

About Von Ebert Brewing

Founded in 2018 by father-son duo Tom M. Cook and Tom S. Cook in Portland, Oregon, Von Ebert Brewing is named after the family matriarch, lovingly called “Grandma Ebert.” This quintessential immigrant story honors her journey from Germany through Ellis Island, where her grit and determination built a successful life for her family in America. The name “Von Ebert” translates loosely to “House of Ebert” or “House of the Boar,” celebrating that tenacity and German heritage. The brewery channels this legacy into award-winning beers—including 2025 World Beer Cup Gold for Clubhaus American Light Lager, 2023 Gold for German-Style Pilsner with Pils, and 2024 Bronze for Vienna Lager—while blending tradition with innovative evolution in its brewpubs and offerings.

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Karl Strauss Announces Hard Cherry Cola Release

March 5, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

San Diego, Calif. — While many brewers face ongoing headwinds in the beer industry, Karl Strauss Brewing Company—San Diego’s original craft brewery since 1989—continues to grow and innovate as an independently owned operation.

“People keep asking how we’re growing in this tough environment,” said Co-Founder and President Matt Rattner. “The answer is simple: We’re keeping our heads down, doing a lot of little things right, and staying true to what made us successful. We’ve been brewing in San Diego longer than anyone else, and remaining independent makes us a reliable choice for drinkers seeking authentic, high-quality experiences.”

To attract a broader audience amid shifting preferences—where fewer people are drinking traditional beer—Karl Strauss has launched Hard Cherry Cola, a 5% ABV, gluten-free flavored malt beverage (FMB) that’s generating significant early buzz.

“Many consumers are turning to flavored malt beverages like Twisted Tea or Mike’s Hard Lemonade, one of the few growing segments in alcohol,” Rattner explained. “We gave our brewers creative freedom, and the result is a spot-on recreation of nostalgic, old-school hard cherry colas—refreshing, not too sweet or sticky, and perfect for easy sipping. The response has been unprecedented.”

Major retailers including Disney, Vons, Albertsons, and Total Wine & More placed immediate orders, leading to a strong initial rollout.
“Hats off to our production team for handling the surge without major out-of-stocks,” said Chief Operating Officer Chad Heath. “They’ve juggled a lot to meet demand for Hard Cherry Cola.”

This launch aligns with broader market trends: The flavored malt beverage category saw U.S. sales reach approximately $4.6 billion in 2023 (up about 16% year-over-year), with continued momentum into 2024 (additional gains of around 5-6% in dollar sales in off-premise channels). Consumers increasingly favor fruit-forward, cocktail-inspired drinks, and Karl Strauss saw an opportunity to elevate a classic flavor profile with a crisp, balanced twist—evoking high-energy vibes like a Dirty Shirley or Espresso Martini, but without heavy syrups.

In addition to the new FMB, Karl Strauss is bringing back a fan-favorite: Amber Lager, the brewery’s very first beer, now available as a seasonal spring release in packaged format for the first time in 11 years.

“We get constant requests to revive this one,” Heath noted. “If people are still asking after all these years, it’s time to deliver.”

Both Hard Cherry Cola and Amber Lager are now available at select retailers throughout California. Fans can also find them on tap or in cans at Karl Strauss’ nine Southern California brewpubs, including locations in Anaheim, Corona Dos Lagos, Costa Mesa, Downtown Los Angeles, San Diego (4S Ranch, Carlsbad, Downtown, Sorrento Mesa), and Temecula.

About Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Karl Strauss Brewing Company, San Diego’s pioneering craft brewery, was founded in 1989 by cousins Chris Cramer and Matt Rattner, who drew inspiration from exceptional beers encountered during travels abroad and sought to bring high-quality, flavorful options to their hometown. They enlisted the expertise of Cramer’s cousin, legendary German-born Master Brewer Karl Strauss (1912–2006), a Jewish immigrant who fled Nazi Germany in 1939, trained formally in brewing at Weihenstephan, and spent over four decades rising through the ranks at Pabst Brewing Company in Milwaukee. With Strauss serving as Master Brewer—designing the facility, training staff, and crafting initial recipes like the flagship Amber Lager—the brewery opened its first brewpub, the Karl Strauss Old Columbia Brewery and Grille, on February 2, 1989, in downtown San Diego. As the first new brewery in the city since Prohibition ended more than 50 years earlier, it ignited San Diego’s modern craft beer revolution, helping transform the region into a nationally renowned beer destination. Remaining proudly independent, Karl Strauss has expanded to multiple brewpubs across Southern California, earned numerous awards, and continues to innovate while honoring Strauss’s legacy as the “Godfather of Beer” until his passing in 2006.

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Living The Dream Brewing Unveils Fresh, Modern Look for Its Canned Beer Portfolio

March 5, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Littleton, Colorado — Living The Dream Brewing, a beloved Colorado craft brewery now celebrating 12 years in business and 8 years of canning its beers, has rolled out a complete branding refresh for its canned lineup.

The brewery’s flagship recipes remain unchanged, but the new can designs deliver a cleaner, bolder aesthetic. Featuring a mix of matte and metallic finishes paired with harmonious color schemes, the updated packaging emphasizes readability with clear, concise flavor descriptions—so beer enthusiasts immediately know what they’re getting.

“The new can design creates a more unified brand identity,” said Founder Jason Bell. “This stronger cohesion drives instant recognition for Living The Dream beers on shelves, while giving us greater flexibility to innovate and bring fresh options to market faster—ultimately offering consumers a broader, more exciting selection.”
Previously, cans showcased individual outdoor photography from across Colorado’s landscapes. “Rather than each label sharing its own standalone story,” Bell explained, “the refreshed designs now let every beer express the overall spirit and story of our brewery.”

The updated cans are now appearing across Colorado for core and seasonal favorites, including:

Powder Run (and its seasonal variants)
Trailhead Fog Hazy IPA
7 Speed IPA
Fly Reel Amber
Coconut Stout

Living The Dream Brewing is proudly distributed statewide by Colorado Craft Distributors and available at more than 500 retailers, bars, and restaurants. Use the brewery’s online beer finder tool at livingthedreambrewing.com to locate the nearest spot to grab a can.

About Living The Dream Brewing

Founded in 2014 in Littleton, Colorado, Living The Dream Brewing is a craft brewery dedicated to using only the finest ingredients to create exceptional beer. The brewery honors the people, places, and adventures that define the Centennial State, with taprooms serving as home bases for exploration in Highlands Ranch and Littleton’s Sterling Ranch.

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Alaskan Husky IPA: The Perfect Beer to Celebrate the 2026 Iditarod Start

February 27, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

The 2026 Iditarod is kicking off—Alaska’s legendary “Last Great Race on Earth” is here! With the ceremonial start hitting downtown Anchorage on March 7, 2026, and the official restart in Willow the next day, it’s time to channel that wild northern energy. What better way to toast the mushers, the sled dogs, and the thousand-mile trail ahead than with a crisp, hop-forward Alaskan Husky IPA from Alaskan Brewing Co.?

This beer is basically built for the occasion. Named after those tough, speedy Alaskan Huskies powering the teams across frozen tundra, Husky IPA is a juicy American IPA that brings serious tropical vibes to the party. Brewed primarily with Mosaic hops and premium Pilsen malt (using glacier-fed water, because Alaska does it right), it pours a brilliant medium golden color with crystal clarity.

On the nose? Big aromas of tangerine, papaya, and other stone fruits that hit like a burst of sunshine in the middle of winter. First sip delivers tropical and stone fruit flavors—think juicy mango, pineapple, and grapefruit zest—balanced by a solid 50 IBU bitterness that keeps things refreshing without going overboard. At 7.0% ABV, it’s got enough kick to warm you up while watching teams charge out of the chute, but it’s still sessionable enough for a few rounds as you cheer on your favorite musher.

Picture this: You’re bundled up (or maybe just dreaming of snow from your couch), the dogs are barking, the crowd is roaring, and you’ve got an ice-cold Husky IPA in hand. That bright citrus-pine pop cuts through the chill perfectly, while the juicy fruit notes feel like a high-five from the trail itself. It’s the ideal beer for celebrating endurance, adventure, and the unbreakable spirit of those incredible sled dogs.

Pro tip for your Iditarod viewing ritual:

Chill it extra cold—nothing beats frost on the can when the temps are sub-zero in spirit.
Pair it with hearty snacks like smoked salmon dip, reindeer sausage, or classic pretzels to keep the Alaskan theme going.
Raise a glass every time a team hits the trail: “To the huskies—both the furry ones and the hoppy ones!”

Whether you’re trackside in Anchorage, streaming from home, or just love a great IPA with a story, grab a six-pack (or a 12-pack) of Alaskan Husky IPA and make this year’s Iditarod start legendary. Mush on, friends—cheers to the race, the dogs, and damn good beer!

Stay thirsty, stay adventurous, and here’s to the trail ahead.

More about the Iditrod
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race®, known worldwide as the “Last Great Race on Earth®,” continues to captivate audiences in its modern era as a premier test of endurance, strategy, and unbreakable bonds between mushers and their canine athletes. The 2026 edition, marking the 54th running of this iconic roughly 1,000-mile journey across Alaska’s rugged wilderness, kicks off with the traditional ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage on March 7 at 10:00 a.m., where teams of 12 dogs thrill crowds along a festive urban route. The official timed restart follows on March 8 at 2:00 p.m. in Willow, with mushers departing in two-minute intervals under a common-start format that levels the field for elapsed time calculations. Alternating between the Northern and Southern Routes in even and odd years respectively, the race showcases adaptable trail management, advanced veterinary oversight, and strict rules emphasizing dog welfare—including mandatory rest stops, pre-race exams, and minimum team requirements—to ensure the health and safety of every athlete.

In recent years, the Iditarod has embraced contemporary challenges and innovations while preserving its legendary spirit. Mushers now leverage cutting-edge GPS tracking, real-time standings updates, and enhanced media coverage that brings the trail’s drama directly to global fans through digital platforms and live reporting. The event has also introduced forward-thinking elements, such as the Expedition Program allowing select participants additional support options, alongside ongoing commitments to sustainability, community partnerships, and evolving rules that address changing weather patterns and trail conditions. As a celebration of Alaskan heritage, athletic excellence, and the timeless partnership between humans and sled dogs, the modern Iditarod remains a beacon of resilience and adventure, drawing elite competitors from across Alaska and around the world to Nome in pursuit of glory under the burled arch.

More about Alaska Brewing
Alaskan Brewing Company, born in the wild heart of Juneau in 1986, has been pouring pure Alaskan adventure into every pint since day one—reigniting the state’s brewing spirit after Prohibition with nothing but grit, glacier-fed water, and a dream shared by founders Marcy and Geoff Larson. What started as 10 volunteers hand-packing the first 253 cases of Alaskan Amber in a marathon 12-hour session has grown into Alaska’s oldest continuously operating brewery, cranking out award-winning beers that capture the untamed essence of the Last Frontier. From the richly malty, Gold Rush-inspired Alaskan Amber—brewed from a revived 1900s recipe—to the crushable, adventure-ready WILDNESS Cold Beer and the hop-forward punch of Icy Bay IPA and Hopothermia, every sip feels like a toast to epic trails, midnight sun, and the kind of bold flavors that only come from brewing where bears outnumber people.

With a lineup that’s as rugged and refreshing as the landscape itself, Alaskan Brewing keeps the good times flowing—whether you’re kicking back after a day on the slopes, sharing stories around a campfire, or just craving that perfect balance of malt, hops, and pure Alaskan attitude. These beers aren’t just crafted; they’re bottled wilderness, sustainably brewed with local pride and a wink to history, proving that in Alaska, the best stories (and the best brews) are the ones that never quite settle down. Raise a glass to Alaskan Brewing—where the frontier meets the foam, and every pour is an invitation to untamed fun.

Karbach Brewing Co. is in Partnership with Don’t Mess With Texas

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey Texas beer fans and road warriors—grab a cold one and let’s talk Karbach Lager, the crisp new brew that’s not just raising a glass to the Lone Star State but helping keep it clean! Launched in early 2026 by Karbach Brewing Co. in Houston, this marks their first-ever namesake beer and a powerhouse partnership with the iconic Don’t Mess with Texas campaign (yep, that legendary anti-litter movement from TxDOT). Beverage cans are among the top littered items on Texas highways, so Karbach is stepping up with community vibes: spreading the “Don’t mess with Texas” pride, boosting awareness, and rallying folks to join the Adopt-a-Highway program for cleaner roads and bigger Texas spirit. As Norma Rios, campaign manager, puts it: it’s all about personal responsibility—toss that can right, and you’re making a real difference.

This 4.5% ABV German-style lager is perfectly sessionable: two-row aromatic malt meets classic Saaz and Hallertau hops for a balanced, clean sip with a refreshing finish—think easy-drinking Texas pride in every pour. It’s rolling out now in bottles, cans, and kegs at retailers statewide and straight from the Houston Biergarten, timed perfectly with Karbach’s 15th anniversary bash. “This isn’t just about a great lager,” says GM Chris Meyer—it’s quality beer meets community commitment, turning every sip into action to protect the places we love. Head to your local spot or the Karbach campus for pours, events, and more on upcoming clean-ups. Karbach’s been crushing it since 2011 as one of Texas’ biggest craft powerhouses—home to top-sellers like Hopadillo IPA (the state’s No. 1 traditional IPA) and Love Street Blonde—with a massive biergarten, killer food spots, and that fearless, fun energy that brings people together.

About Karbach Brewing Company
Karbach Brewing Co. was founded in 2011 in Houston, Texas, by beverage industry veterans Chuck Robertson and Ken Goodman (former owners of C.R. Goodman Distribution), who teamed up with renowned brewmaster Eric Warner (ex-CEO of Flying Dog Brewery and founder of Tabernash). After selling their distribution business in 2007 to fund the venture (and sidestep Texas laws barring producers from self-distribution), they transformed a warehouse on Karbach Street in the Spring Branch neighborhood into the brewery—naming it after the street itself, not any Bavarian village. Doors opened in September/October 2011, starting with draft-only pours before cans hit shelves in 2013. The brewery exploded onto the scene with bold, approachable beers like Hopadillo IPA (quickly becoming Texas’ top traditional IPA) and Love Street Blonde, earning rapid growth—named the second-fastest-growing craft brewery in the U.S. by The New Yorker in 2013—and a massive $15 million expansion by 2015 that added a brewhouse upgrade and on-site restaurant.

In November 2016, Karbach was acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev as part of their High End craft portfolio push, but the brewery kept its independent spirit alive, continuing to innovate with flagships, seasonals, and that fearless Texas energy. Even post-acquisition, Karbach has stayed a Houston powerhouse—hosting epic events like ZiegFest (celebrating their ZiegenBock lager with live country music), expanding distribution statewide, and maintaining a lively campus with a biergarten, food concepts, and community hangs that draw crowds year-round. Now 15 years strong in 2026, Karbach remains one of Texas’ largest and most decorated craft operations, blending German-inspired techniques with bold flavors while championing local pride through partnerships like the recent Don’t Mess with Texas collab.

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Ghostfish Brewing Celebrates Their 11th Anniversary with New Release!

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey craft beer lovers and gluten-free trailblazers—raise your glasses because Ghostfish Brewing in Seattle is hitting a major milestone: 11 years of pouring world-class, dedicated gluten-free beer! Co-Founder and CEO Brian Thiel looks back on day one in 2015 as a quiet but game-changing moment—finally flipping the script from burning cash on startup costs to actually making some revenue and welcoming folks into their SoDo taproom. To celebrate this steel-strong anniversary (yep, the traditional 11th gift is steel—symbolizing toughness and endurance), they’re dropping SODO Steel IPA, a limited-release banger that’s all about that industrial grit and their big expansion news.

This 6.4% American-Style IPA draws straight from Seattle’s SoDo (south of downtown) roots—the neighborhood’s manufacturing history, their century-old building that started as a steel foundry, and the fresh wave of steel (hello, shiny new tanks!) in their recently acquired 26,000 sq ft production brewery in Georgetown. Brewed with premium gluten-free malts and fermented with Berkeley Tropics yeast for max thiol magic, it bursts with fruity hops from Mosaic, Mosaic Cryo, New Zealand Nectaron, and Citra Cryo—think juicy pineapple and peach upfront, with tropical passionfruit and zesty grapefruit vibes rounding it out. It’s now pouring on draft and hitting shelves in 4-pack 16oz cans at the Ghostfish taproom, with wholesale partners rolling it out nationwide in the coming weeks. Ghostfish has been pioneering gluten-free craft since 2015—collaborating with top artisan maltsters, using innovative grains like millet and rice, and becoming North America’s largest dedicated GF brewer, distributing across 21 states and parts of Western Canada.

About Ghostfish Brewing

Ghostfish Brewing Company was founded in 2015 in Seattle, Washington, as the state’s first dedicated gluten-free brewery—and one of the pioneering spots worldwide to make high-quality craft beer without gluten. The idea sparked from co-founder Brian Thiel, who, around a decade earlier, was eyeing a traditional brewery until a close family member was diagnosed with celiac disease, highlighting the lack of truly great gluten-free beer options. Teaming up with brewmaster Igliashon Jones (the creative force behind recipes using innovative gluten-free grains like millet and sorghum) and another partner, they set out to push boundaries.

After early blog posts in 2013-2014 sharing their origin story and frustrations with existing GF beers, Ghostfish opened its SoDo taproom doors on February 5, 2015, at 2942 1st Avenue South—right in Seattle’s industrial heart. From day one, they committed to 100% dedicated gluten-free production (also free of top allergens in many cases), collaborating with cutting-edge maltsters and using Pacific Northwest hops to craft approachable, flavorful beers that didn’t taste like compromises.

In the years since, Ghostfish has grown into North America’s largest dedicated gluten-free brewer, distributing across 21 states and parts of Western Canada while racking up accolades—like snagging medals at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival right out of the gate. They expanded their SoDo spot with a full gluten-free restaurant in 2016 (featuring veg/vegan options too), built a loyal following with flagships like Watchstander Stout (one of the first nitro GF stouts anywhere), and kept innovating with hops-forward IPAs and seasonal releases. By late 2025, they sealed a major milestone: acquiring a 26,000 sq ft former Pike Brewery facility for boosted production capacity, complete with plenty of that shiny stainless steel. Through it all, Ghostfish stays true to its mission—proving gluten-free craft beer can be bold, delicious, and inclusive—turning a personal need into a thriving scene that welcomes everyone to the tap.

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Route 7 Brewing Earns the Loudoun Beer Cup “Best in Show”

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey craft beer fans and Virginia locals—cheers to Loudoun County’s thriving scene! 🍻 Route 7 Brewing just snagged the ultimate bragging rights, taking home the Loudoun Beer Cup for Best in Show at the 2nd Annual Loudoun Beer Awards on February 4, 2026. Their star performer? Cross Czech, a crisp, malty Czech-Style Dark Lager clocking in at 5.2% ABV—smooth, roasty, and perfectly balanced, it edged out the competition in a blind final tasting of all gold medal winners. Organized by the Loudoun County Brewers Association (LCBA), this sold-out bash celebrated under the theme “Brewing A Revolution” in honor of Virginia’s VA250 commemoration, drawing nearly 100 entries from 16 local breweries. With 22 BJCP-certified judges handling the blind judging back on January 11 at Harvest Gap Brewing, it was a true showcase of Loudoun’s growing craft prowess—now boasting 44 licensed breweries strong!

Route 7 Brewing dominated the night with three gold medals plus the big trophy, while Lost Rhino Brewing matched them with three golds (and a silver), Bear Chase Brewing grabbed two golds plus extras, and 13 out of 16 breweries walked away with hardware. Standouts included Route 7’s hazy crush Lucky 7 (gold in Hazy IPA) and Boho Breeze (gold in Old World/International), Lost Rhino’s Cold Front IPA and Final Glide wheat winner, Bear Chase’s wild berry sour gold, and more across 10 categories from IPAs to hard alternatives. Beyond the blind pours, the LCBA handed out heartfelt Brewers Choice Awards for community MVPs—like Lark Brewing as Community Service Champion, Roger Knoell (Barnhouse Brewery) as Brewer of the Year for his longtime mentoring, Sophia Salcido (Eleven Eleven) as GM of the Year, and Bear Chase’s hyper-local “Meet Virginia” (brewed with 100% Virginia ingredients) nabbing Best of Loudoun Beer. Special shoutout to Old Ox Brewery’s emotional “Last Call” event as Event of the Year. The Loudoun County Brewers Association keeps building this vibrant community through education, collaboration, advocacy, and responsible fun—proving Northern Virginia’s craft beer game is on fire.

About Route 7 Brewing

Route 7 Brewing burst onto the Loudoun County craft beer scene as a fresh, ambitious addition when co-founders Basabi Virmani and Ambar Sharma opened its doors on September 13, 2024, in Ashburn, Virginia. Named after the iconic Route 7 highway stretching from Winchester to Alexandria, the brewery became the passion project of the duo, who first connected in Winchester through community fundraisers before channeling their shared love for great beer and food into this venture. Basabi, armed with a Professional Brewing Certificate from the University of Richmond, teamed up with Ambar to transform a renovated 4,800–5,000-square-foot space into a welcoming spot blending traditional craft brews with innovative cocktails and a unique tapas-style menu featuring fusion small plates. After years of planning, delays, and challenges, the grand opening marked a bright spot amid some local brewery closures, quickly establishing Route 7 as a community hub for hangouts, business meetings, and flavorful experiences in the heart of Ashburn.

In its short but meteoric rise, Route 7 Brewing has already made waves in Loudoun’s vibrant beer community—hitting its first anniversary in September 2025 with celebrations and earning massive acclaim by February 2026. The brewery dominated the 2nd Annual Loudoun Beer Awards, clinching three gold medals and the prestigious Loudoun Beer Cup Best in Show for Cross Czech, their smooth 5.2% ABV Czech-Style Dark Lager—proving their commitment to quality lagers and ales shines through. With head brewer Eric Peterson helping steer the tanks, Route 7 continues to pour crowd-pleasers like the hazy Lucky 7, Boho Breeze, and more, while building a loyal following through events, trivia nights, and that perfect mix of solid beers and creative eats. As one of Loudoun County’s newer players (now part of a county with 44 licensed breweries), Route 7 embodies the fresh energy and resilience of Northern Virginia’s craft scene—turning a highway name into a destination worth the drive.

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For Washington Breweries, February is a Rough Month for Sales

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey craft beer crew and Seattle-area sippers—listen up, because while everyone’s talking Dry January, Washington’s breweries are quietly battling Frigid February (and honestly, the whole chilly winter stretch) with sales taking a serious hit. According to the Brewers Association, nearly half of breweries see their slowest month smack in January or February, and if you toss in the holiday slowdowns of November and December, a whopping two-thirds are slogging through their toughest times before St. Patrick’s Day finally brings some green (and greenbacks) back. Daniel Olson, executive director of the Washington Brewers Guild, nails it: “January is Dry, February is Frigid”—taprooms and brewpubs are hurting big time, with customers not bouncing back like they used to pre-pandemic. Add inflation, supply chain headaches, staffing struggles, tariffs, and folks just drinking less overall, and Washington’s 400+ breweries are facing the roughest road in generations—record closures (nearly 30 taprooms, brewpubs, and breweries in recent years), national craft sales down 5% in 2025 (after 4% in 2024 and 1% in 2023), and WA beer faring even worse at -6.5% in 2024 and -3.7% in 2023.

But here’s the heart of it: these spots aren’t just businesses—they’re your local legends, the cozy corners where you toasted your 21st, had that epic first date that turned into forever, watched games with buddies, or just escaped the rain with a killer pint. Washington’s craft scene still pumps out massive good: supporting over 57,000 jobs, $3.7 billion in wages, $12.4 billion in economic activity, and more than $1.5 billion in taxes every year. The Washington Brewers Guild is all about keeping that thriving—advocating for smart policies, uniting brewers statewide, and reminding everyone that showing up this winter matters. Bundle up, rally your crew, hit your favorite taproom for trivia night, a flight of hazy IPAs, or a hearty stout by the fire—because if we don’t support these spots now, your go-to might not be pouring come summer. Let’s thaw this Frigid February together, one local pour at a time.

About Washington Brewers Guild

The Washington Brewers Guild was born in 1999 as a non-profit trade association dedicated to uniting, protecting, and championing Washington’s burgeoning craft beer scene during a time when the industry was still finding its footing post-Prohibition revival. As craft brewing exploded across the state—fueled by pioneers turning hops-rich Yakima Valley bounty into world-class IPAs and more—the Guild stepped up to give independent brewers a collective voice in Olympia and even Washington, D.C. From the start, it focused on legislative advocacy to shape smart beer laws, educate members on compliance and best practices, and foster community among brewers so no one had to navigate the regulatory maze alone. Over the years, the Guild has proudly built a track record of “getting things done,” helping grow the scene from a handful of trailblazers to over 400 breweries statewide while ensuring quality, choice, and fair play for beer lovers everywhere.

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Highland Brewing is Doing Has a Good Future and Good Vibes

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey beer fans and mountain lovers—grab a cold one and settle in, because Highland Brewing, Asheville’s OG craft beer trailblazer since 1994, just dropped a seriously inspiring update on crushing 2025 and charging into 2026 with their signature Thirst For Good vibe! After getting hammered by Hurricane Helene in late 2024 (which wrecked the area big time), Highland didn’t just bounce back—they came roaring in like champs. On-premise draft pours jumped a massive +25.4%, off-premise cans and bottles climbed +4.4%, all powered by legends like the iconic Gaelic Amber Ale (still the king of balanced ambers and #2 in its category across their four-state turf), the hazy crush of Highland Haze, the easy-sipping Daycation family (shoutout to that World Beer Cup gold for Daycation Gold), and top-sellers like AVL IPA ruling Western NC shelves. They even turned heartbreak into hope: releasing Highland Haze on draft to raise over $13K for hospitality workers hit hard, and dropping AVL Strong (an imperial take on AVL IPA) one year post-Helene to fund small business grants. Oh, and yeah—President Biden personally called to say thanks for turning their spot into a relief hub, hosting supply drops, nonprofits, and even a herd of lawn-mowing goats. Talk about going the extra mile!

Now, with founder Oscar Wong—the godfather of Asheville craft beer who sadly passed in May 2025—his legacy lives on stronger than ever through daughter Leah Wong Ashburn leading the charge as CEO. “Thirst For Good” is the new rallying cry: Good Flavor (pouring killer cores like Gaelic Ale, juicy IPAs in the Hop Journey variety pack that ranked #4 in the region, and expanding Highland Haze with grocery giveaways and big 19.2oz cans), Good Future (rocking one of the biggest solar arrays in craft beer, repurposed shipping containers, and sustainable everything from brew to can), and Good Feels (their epic 40-acre hilltop campus is leveling up in 2026 with Cultivate Climbing’s 45-foot walls for epic sends, Black Dome Mountain Sports for all your gear and climbing museum vibes, plus a fresh New Haven-style pizza spot slinging thin-crust pies, hearty sammies, and more to pair with your pint). Live music, disc golf, volleyball, weddings, events—it’s already a must-visit hang, and soon it’ll be the ultimate adventure-beer-food playground. Highland’s proving that great beer isn’t just about the brew—it’s about community, resilience, and keeping the good times flowing no matter what. Who’s road-tripping to Asheville for a climb, a slice, and a Gaelic? Let’s go!

About Highland Brewing:

What makes Highland a must-visit destination is their epic 40-acre hilltop campus in East Asheville, which has evolved from a production brewery into a full-on adventure hub with live music, disc golf, sand volleyball, hiking vibes, and space for weddings, events, and thousands of happy hangers-out. In 2026, it’s leveling up even more with big additions: Cultivate Climbing bringing 20,000 sq ft of rope walls up to 45 feet tall (plus bouldering, kids’ areas, and training zones), Black Dome Mountain Sports for gear, apparel, and that cool climbing museum feel, and a fresh in-house pizza spot slinging New Haven-ish thin-crust pies, hearty sandwiches, salads, and more to pair perfectly with a cold pour. Whether you’re crushing a Daycation IPA on the meadow, catching a show, or sending a route then refueling with Gaelic and pizza, Highland delivers that unbeatable mix of killer beer, good feels, and mountain magic—proving they’re not just brewing beer, they’re building community one epic day at a time.

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Urban South Brewery Releases Paradise Strawberry Beer – Again!

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey beer lovers and crawfish conquerors—grab your sunnies and your appetite because Paradise Strawberry is back at Urban South Brewery, and it’s ready to make spring in the South even sweeter!

This fan-favorite is basically Paradise Park—that crisp, crushable American lager we all know and love—getting a juicy strawberry glow-up. Brewed with real strawberries, it hits you with those bright, berry-good vibes up front, then finishes clean and refreshing like a classic lager should. At 4.4% ABV, it’s light, easy, and dangerously sessionable—perfect for sunny days, backyard hangs, or whenever you need something that screams “springtime in the Gulf South.”

Paradise Strawberry is rolling out now across Urban South’s turf: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Houston, Texas, and the Florida Panhandle. Limited time only, so don’t sleep on it!

And let’s talk pairings—nothing beats this strawberry lager with a steaming pile of crawfish. Whether you’re going classic Cajun spicy or Viet-style with that garlic-butter magic, this beer’s bright fruitiness cuts through the heat and seasoning like a champ. Swing by the Urban South taproom in New Orleans to grab a pour (or a growler… or four) alongside their legendary crawfish boils, running strong through the end of crawfish season in May 2026. Pro tip: Bring friends. And maybe a bib.

“Paradise Strawberry has become our springtime ritual—folks start asking about it the second the weather turns nice,” says Kyle Huling, Co-Founder of Urban South Brewery. “It’s our way of taking a solid, no-nonsense lager and sneaking in a little fruity fun without losing that easy-drinking soul we’re known for.”

About Urban South Brewery:

Urban South Brewery, founded in 2016 in the heart of New Orleans, has quickly become a standout force in the Southern craft beer scene. Started by founder Jacob Landry—who got hooked on great beer during a year exploring Europe’s classic brews—the brewery blends old-world European brewing traditions with the bold, innovative spirit of modern American styles. With deep Louisiana roots and a true Cajun soul, they’ve built a reputation for cranking out high-quality, easy-drinking beers that are perfect for the steamy Southern climate and any laid-back occasion. Their flagship Paradise Park American Lager remains a crowd-pleaser, alongside heavy hitters like the juicy Holy Roller Hazy IPA, the refreshing Lime Cucumber Gose, and seasonal gems that capture the region’s vibe, like the returning Paradise Strawberry and Mardi Gras Pils.

What sets Urban South apart is their commitment to community, affordability, and fun—they’re all about beers that bring people together, whether at their family-friendly New Orleans taproom (complete with smash burgers and happy hours) or across their growing footprint in states like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and beyond. The brewery has racked up plenty of hardware over the years, from medals at the U.S. Open Beer Championship and Can Can Awards to Great American Beer Festival nods, proving their brews aren’t just tasty—they’re award-worthy. With expansions like their Houston spot and a focus on creative, approachable beverages, Urban South keeps delivering that perfect mix of urban edge and Southern heart, making every sip feel like a celebration of good times and great beer.

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