Spencer Mapes

2023 Great American Beer Festival Awards Announced!

September 24, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

DENVER, Colorado – The Brewers Association (BA) unveiled the best beers of 2023 during an awards ceremony at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF®). GABF is the nation’s largest professional beer competition, with its medals globally acknowledged as an emblem of brewing excellence and among the most sought-after accolades within the brewing community. This year, there were 303 medals awarded to 263 breweries.

Top-tier brews spanning 99 beer categories across 175 beer styles (including all subcategories) received prestigious gold, silver, and bronze medals. In addition, three GABF Collaboration medals for beers created by a team of two or more professional breweries, and three GABF Pro-Am medals for beers developed by teams of professional brewers and amateur homebrewers were announced.

The competition took place in three phases over nine days and was judged by 250 beer experts from 10 countries, including the U.S. In addition to evaluating 9,298 commercial brewery entries from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, the judging panel assessed 95 Collaboration and 50 Pro-Am entries. The competition was made possible with the help of more than 300 volunteers.

“The Great American Beer Festival competition serves as a platform for the finest beers from across the nation to undergo rigorous scrutiny and vie for the title of ‘Best in Class,’” remarked Chris Williams, competition director for the Great American Beer Festival. “The beer community’s unwavering commitment to pushing the frontiers of innovation and quality is truly commendable. The Brewers Association takes great pride in recognizing the achievements of this year’s winners.”

The awards ceremony was held at the Bellco Theatre in Denver on Saturday, September 23, 2023, as part of the Great American Beer Festival and was livestreamed on The Brewing Network.

View the 2023 winners or download a PDF list of the winners.

GABF COMPETITION STATISTICS
37th edition of the GABF competition
9,298 beers judged
2,033 breweries in the competition from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
250 judges
300+ volunteers
Average number of competition beers entered in each category: 92
Category with the highest number of entries: 65: Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale (365)
303 total medals awarded
263 medal-winning breweries
325 first-time GABF entrants
16 first-time GABF winners

TOP 5 MOST-ENTERED STYLE CATEGORY WINNERS
Category 65: Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale (365 entries) – Sponsored by Antigo Zeon

Category 66: West Coast-Style India Pale Ale (301 entries)

Category 36: Light Lager (284 entries)

Category 45: German-Style Pilsener (228 entries) – Sponsored by Tripleseat

Category 64: American-Style India Pale Ale (206 entries) – Sponsored by Micro Matic

MOST-MEDALED BREWERY
Third Eye Brewing Co. | Sharonville, OH
GOLD: Herb and Spice Beer (Cat.7)
GOLD: Chocolate Beer (Cat. 8)
SILVER: Pumpkin Beer (Cat. 5)
SILVER: Collaboration Competition

COLLABORATION COMPETITION (95 entries)
See criteria here.

GOLD: Luna Mexican Export Lager | Cheluna Brewing Co. & Prost Brewing Co.
SILVER: Mounds of Importance | Third Eye Brewing Co. & Narrow Path Brewing Co.
BRONZE: Two’s Daze | Attic Brewing Co. & Two Locals Brewing Co.

PRO-AM COMPETITION (50 entries)
See criteria here.

Sponsored by Briess Malt & Ingredients, Country Malt Group, and White Labs

GOLD: She Fancies Herself A Little Bit French | CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing and Mark Pennick
SILVER: Rob’s Baltic Porter | New Belgium Brewing Co. and Rob Hardisty
BRONZE: What Is That? | Decipher Brewing Co. and Joel Miller

Editor’s note: Photos for media use are available on the GABF website. Members of the media are encouraged to contact brewerspr@backbone.media with any questions.

The 2023 Great American Beer Festival was made possible in part by the generous support of its sponsors.

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Great Lakes Brewing Announces Return of Christmas Ale, Launch of Cookie Exchange Milk Stout

September 20, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

CLEVELAND, Ohio— Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) announces the return of beloved seasonal Christmas Ale, along with a barrel aged version, and new holiday seasonal Cookie Exchange Milk Stout.

Originally brewed in 1992 with a classic recipe featuring fresh ginger, cinnamon, and honey, Christmas Ale has grown into a top performing beer for GLBC, despite being available in its 14 states for only ten weeks. Christmas Ale returns in package and draft beginning October 16 in Ohio, and October 23 in all other markets, following the brewery’s annual First Pour party and ceremonial tapping on Thursday, October 12.

BARREL AGED CHRISTMAS ALE RETURNS

In addition to the original Christmas Ale, Barrel Aged Christmas Ale returns in 2023 in 16 oz. Can 4-Packs for a limited time throughout GLBC’s footprint. In 2022, Barrel Aged Christmas Ale sold out in most markets within four weeks. Aged in bourbon barrels, Barrel Aged Christmas Ale follows Christmas Ale’s release in mid-October for a limited time.

COOKIE EXCHANGE MILK STOUT & HOLIDAY PACK DEBUT

GLBC debuts new seasonal Cookie Exchange Milk Stout in all markets in mid-October. Brewed with a rotating cookie flavor, the inaugural edition of Cookie Exchange Milk Stout takes inspiration from Caramel Vanilla Shortbread, or, Speculoos. The holiday-themed seasonal launches in 6-Pack 12 oz. Cans and Draft. It also appears in a brand new Holiday Pack, which includes six cans of Cookie Exchange Milk Stout and six cans of Christmas Ale.

BREWPUB HOSTS ANNUAL FIRST POUR EVENT

The GLBC brewpub hosts its celebrated First Pour party on Thursday, October 12. The ceremonial tapping event includes the first taste of Christmas Ale, limited edition holiday merch, holiday music and food specials, a toy drive, and more. The brewery also hosts its annual First Pour VIP contest, where one lucky fan will win a private brewery tour, swag, and exclusive access at the event, followed by a season-long Merry Christmas Ale sweepstakes awarding swag to lucky winners.

Christmas Ale First Pour Celebration

Time: Doors at 11AM; Tapping at 11:30AM
Location: GLBC Brewpub, 2516 Market Avenue Cleveland, OH 44113
Highlights: Ceremonial tapping, holiday music, holiday-themed menu items, merch, and more.

About Great Lakes Brewing Co.

Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) is Ohio’s original craft brewery, founded in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway in Cleveland, Ohio. Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, GLBC is independent and employee-owned, and serves 14 states and Washington, D.C. with its award-winning portfolio of fresh, flavorful, and innovative crafted beverages including Vibacious Double IPA, Hazecraft Hazy IPA, Dortmunder Gold Lager, and a robust selection of seasonal and limited release offerings.

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Veteran-Owned Honor Brewing Announces Grand Opening of Second Virginia Location

September 19, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

STERLING, Virginia— Honor Brewing is thrilled to announce the grand opening of their Sterling, Virginia (Loudoun County) location, slated for October of this year.

Honor Brewing currently has two other locations – the Chantilly tasting room and the Honor Brewing Kitchen in Fairfax.

When founder Allen Cage began Honor Brewing in 2014, he knew he wanted it to be more than just a brewery as he is more than just a brewery owner himself. Cage, a small town boy from West Virginia, says that, from a young age, he knew he wanted to be two things when he grew up: a pilot and an entrepreneur. He went on to serve in the military with 24 years of active duty – 12 of which were as a Cobra pilot and the other 12 are still classified. After beginning life as a civilian upon retirement, Cage started several successful businesses – a few of which he would sell a few years later to fund his dreams of a philanthropic brewery.

Cage created Honor Brewing to be a place that gave back to the community and paid homage to those that have given some or all to their country. “I wanted to make sure that those who have served… [that] they’re not forgotten for what they do and what they’ve given up.” From the magnetic “Wall of Honor” to the “Honor Pour” (the first pour of the day set aside in memoriam) to even the wall taps that are made to look like dog tags honoring those that have given their lives in service, Honor Brewing certainly lives up to its name. The Honor team is constantly finding new ways to give back to the veteran & first responder communities, as well as to the community as a whole. According to their website, they have donated well over $51,500 since 2014. And when asked to boast on his own accomplishments?

“It’s my time to give back,” says Cage, humbly.

The new location will continue its thematic giving and offer a 35,000 sq ft production facility and restaurant. Cage hopes this will help Honor Brewing expand distribution – and chances to create community, employ veterans, and give back – throughout the United States. The restaurant will boast an expertly-crafted menu by Michelin chef, John Dylan Snyder. Snyder hails from the D.C. area but says that Honor’s mission enticed him to join the team:

“Honor Brewing has provided a platform, and the tools necessary, to serve a larger demographic and impact people’s lives on a grander scale than what I thought was possible,” Snyder commented, “The reality of working with a like-minded team, using food and drink to bring people together in order [to] invest back into our communities, there is nothing more rewarding.”

Honor Brewing will celebrate their grand opening with a full list of events and offerings.

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California Wild Ales Opens New Location in Point Loma

September 19, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

POINT LOMA, San Diego— California Wild Ales announced the opening of its new brewery and tasting room at 3826 Sherman Street in Point Loma, California. The brewery moved to Point Loma from its original location in Sorrento Valley, operating since 2015 due to the demolition of its original location. The grand opening will occur on Sept. 15 from 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. PST.

The brewery will offer a wide variety of classic fruited sours, clean IPAs, and lagers, as well as seltzers and a non-alcoholic beer on its 20-tap system in its two-story tasting room overlooking the oak barrels. The Point Loma tasting room will also have food options from The Last Typewriter. Patrons can order gourmet burgers and fries, fusion-style fried chicken, toasted sandwiches, and more from a wall-mounted tablet, then have their food delivered to the tasting room.

Initially, the tasting room will be open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 8:00 p.m. Adjustments will be made when concerts and sporting events occur at nearby Pechanga Arena.

“We are thrilled to have found a new home in Point Loma,” said Bill DeWitt, co-founder of California Wild Ales. “The Sherman Street location provides the perfect space to serve our unique creations and offer an unforgettable experience with the exceptional flavors and craftsmanship that define California Wild Ales while immersing ourselves in the dynamic beer culture of Point Loma.”

Formerly occupied by Green Fix Green Juice and shared with Five Star Fish Processing, the 1,200-square-foot facility will be the new home for the California Wild Ales brewery facility and tasting room.. The brewery will make significant investments in new oak-foeders and all-new wine and spirit barrels for aging a wide variety of aged sour, wild and mixed-culture beers and guaranteeing exceptional quality and integrity.

The new space will follow the brewery’s tradition of featuring fun and funky creative design that exudes warmth and character and include reclaimed wood from Sorrento Valley repurposed to provide callbacks to the original tasting room. Similar to its Ocean Beach tasting room, located at 4896 Newport Ave, San Diego, which opened in 2021, the new venue will feature Legos, including a three-dimensional Lego sculpture of the brewery’s mascots Lacto, Brett and P.D.O., created by Mortarless Bricks representing the bacteria strains that are used to craft their sour beers.

One of the standout features of the new space is an impressive 18’x10.5′ movie screen, one of the largest of its kind outside of Petco Park. This colossal screen will be a centerpiece of the brewery, showcasing live sporting events such as the San Diego Gulls games, San Diego Padres games, NFL matchups, and more.

Additionally, like its OB location, the brewery will live-stream concerts, host live music, and have bar-top games, including ring-toss, landslide, roller bowler, rolo, washers and more, making it a hub for entertainment. In addition, the new location will house a 4-player retro arcade cabinet with 17,000 games and the brewery plans to add three more machines in the coming months.

Bill DeWitt noted, “This screen is massive, and I think once people see it, it will become a major draw for this location. It will be a fantastic place to catch live games, enjoy a craft beer, and soak up the atmosphere.”

For example, all October, the brewery plan to run horror movies and even host a live podcast from one of our fellow industry members, Kelly Cashman. Her podcast B Movie And A Beer will be a live episode projected onto our giant screen. Mortarless Bricks will also host “Bricks and Brews” twice a month, where patrons have the chance to design, build, and race their own Lego creations.

The vision for the new location is to create a welcoming atmosphere and provide unique experiences that enrich the community and beyond,” said Zack Brager, co-founder of California Wild Ales. “Being situated near Modern Times Beer and Bay City Brewing, we aspire to create a destination for beer lovers to explore and enjoy.”

Strategically located near Interstates 8 and 5, the tasting room is poised to become a hub for locals and visitors attending nearby sports events and concerts. Additionally, with the anticipated completion of the Midway Rising project—a 16,500-seat arena, hotel, retail spaces, and thousands of homes—California Wild Ales will capture the attention of a vibrant and expanding community.

When the brewery opens, the new tasting room will offer a wide assortment of beers, including:

· Warzone West Coast IPA

· The Point West Coast IPA

· Up the Hill Hazy IPA

· Rainbow Weather Double Hazy IPA

· Pesky Parrot Pale Ale

· Bike Lane Lager

· Dragon Fruit, Blueberry, Blackberry and Raspberry Sour Ale

· German Chocolate Cake Dark Sour

· Oak Barrel-aged Saison (collaboration with OB Brewery)

· Mead Barrel-aged Flanders-style Red Ale (collaboration with 13 Point Brewing and Lost Cause Meadery)

· Super Cuvée Brewer’s Blend

· Buzzed Bee (collaboration with Hoppy Beer Hoppy Life and Lost Cause Meadery)

· Sour Quadrupel with Kakawa Cold-brew Coffee

· Peach & Raspberry Hard Seltzer

About California Wild Ales

In 2015, California Wild Ales originally found its niche in San Diego County’s craft beer scene by focusing exclusively on brewing barrel-aged sour beers, setting itself apart as a unique and innovative establishment. Since then, California Wild Ales has introduced several clean beers, including IPAs, lagers, seltzers, red ale, and barrel-aged Saison. The brewery’s signature sour beer is aged in American, French, and Hungarian oak barrels for at least nine months and uses fresh, seasonal produce from local San Diego farmers, resulting in a refreshing, tart flavor profile. In 2023, the brewery relocated its brewery and tasting room to Point Loma, and in 2021, had a successful expansion with a satellite tasting room in Ocean Beach.

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Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Anderson Valley Winegrowers Team Up

September 18, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

BOONVILLE, California— Anderson Valley Brewing Company (AVBC) revealed its top-secret code phrase for harvest workers. Until recently this closely kept secret was known only to a select few individuals and antlered bears. The code phrase is used as part of a new initiative at the brewery to welcome those working harvest from the surrounding vineyards and cellars for a discount on draft beer at the AVBC Beer Park Taproom. The phrasing was of intense interest to at least one code breaker we spoke to (on the condition of anonymity) who described the discount code as almost preternaturally mundane.

“We see this sometimes in the coded language of more remote cultures. In this case it’s almost like the brewery wants the harvest workers to take advantage of the discount.” “I’m working harvest, that’s the harvest worker discount code. That’s it; that’s all,” said AVBC President Kevin McGee. “It’s not actually even a secret, I’m not sure why we’re calling it a code. Doesn’t matter if you’re in the vineyards or the cellar either.

Look, we know it takes a lot of beer to get through harvest season and with the hours and effort involved it certainly should be really good beer. For 35 years we’ve been a part of this community and we’d like to support those who are working these long hours. This is a small way of showing our respect and appreciation.” The harvest discount will run throughout September and October.

About AVBC

About Anderson Valley Brewing Company Founded in 1987, Anderson Valley Brewing Company brews hand-crafted, authentic beers with balance, complexity, and an unwavering commitment to sustainably producing world-class beer. As the World’s First Solar Powered Brewery, AVBC leads the craft beer industry as pioneers in responsible brewing and innovators in environmental sustainability practices. Anderson Valley Brewing Company beer is available in 40 states and at its taproom in Boonville, California.

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Belching Beaver Brewery Returns to 2023 California 300 with Official Beer

September 18, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

SAN DIEGO, California – For the second consecutive year, Belching Beaver Brewery will produce the Official Beer of the California 300, event officials announced. Once again, Belching Beaver will produce a limited edition run of Buenos Tiempos Mexican-style lager that will be available to finishers of the event, which returns to Barstow on October 4-8, and for purchase at Belching Beaver venues.

“We’re thrilled to create more good times with Belching Beaver and Buenos Tiempos, the Official Beer of the California 300!” said California 300 CEO Matt Martelli. “A can of Buenos Tiempos is the perfect reward for finishers of the race, and it got rave reviews when it made its debut last year. This year, we created a limited-edition run with the California 300 artwork with last year’s Unlimited Truck winner Cayden MacCachren. From its name and packaging to its delicious and refreshing taste, there’s no more fitting beer out there to represent The Great Golden State Off-Road Race!”

The best beer in your life is the one you have after crossing the finish line at an off-road race! It’s part of off-road culture, and for the past 50+ years, it has been a tradition at most off-road races. Whether you have just finished a long race or a long workday, you’ve earned this one! Enjoy this Mexican-style lager appropriately named “Buenos Tiempos,” which means “good times”—an acknowledgment that off-road culture exists on both sides of the border.

“We love being a part of off-road racing culture. After a long hot, tough, dirty race an ice-cold beer is the perfect reward, and Buenos Tiempos is the perfect beer. Not heavy, nice and crisp, but still has the Mexican lager flavor we all love. A better version of traditional Mexican-style lagers. It tastes like a vacation!” stated Belching Beaver CEO Tom Vogel.

Launched in 2012, Belching Beaver Brewery evolved from a desire to make great beer and have a ‘Dam Good Time’ doing it. The award-winning craft beer company is focused on two things: First, have a brand that offers quality craft beer, while also being whimsical and fun to inspire good times. Each Belching Beaver beer release carries its own individual style and personality. Second, make beer for everyone and all palates. From easy-drinking Blondes, Triple IPAs, Milk Stouts, Imperial Stouts as well as sours and barrel-aged beers, Belching Beaver Brewery has it!

Belching Beaver Brewery products are distributed to 14 states, ranging from the entire West Coast and Alaska and Hawai’i all the way to Minnesota and Wisconsin. They are available at Oceanside Brewhouse in Oceanside, CA; Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill in Vista, CA; Pub980 in Vista, CA; and North Park Tasting Room in San Diego. California residents can also order beer directly to their door via Belching Beaver’s online store.

Details regarding racer registration, sponsorship packages, exhibitor vending, spectator tickets, camping and parking passes for the California 300 are live on OffRoadRacer.com.

About The California 300

The California 300 is a world-class, off-road desert race built to showcase the best off-road racers in the world. The multi-day event will be held October 4-8, 2023 in Barstow, CA and will feature a desert cleanup, multiple days of prerunning, a public poker run, an off-road festival, and two days of spectacular off-road racing on a fast, technical, and punishing 75-mile race course. An estimated 25,000 off-road and recreational enthusiasts are expected to watch over 400 race teams in 40+ classes go door to door, while Mad Media’s live stream coverage will be beamed to over 500,000 viewers worldwide. The California 300 is brought to you by the team that has rebuilt The Mint 400 into one of the most successful desert off-road races in history.

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Urban Artifact Redefines Brewing: Introducing Kilobyte, the Fruit Tart Born of Dedication and Collaboration

September 18, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

Cincinnati, Ohio – Urban Artifact, the trailblazing craft brewery renowned for redefining the boundaries of real fruit and fresh ingredients, proudly presents Kilobyte, an exceptional Fruit Tart that embodies dedication, collaboration, and a heartfelt investment in each and every sip.

With an annual use of over a million pounds of fruit, Urban Artifact’s fruit brewing expertise prompted them to proudly define their signature beer style as a Fruit Tart, since it wanders from many of the traditions of typical brewing styles. Why blend in when you’re born to stand out? A Fruit Tart highlights the real fruit ingredients used in each recipe, with a crafted beer backbone to balance and enhance the natural color and flavors. The brewery earnestly searches for and experiments with all types of fruits from around the globe, with a special expertise and love of berries.

After discovering Golden Raspberries, a rare gem native to the Himalayan Mountains, Urban Artifact found themselves at a pivotal juncture in 2019. Bret Kollmann Baker, Chief of Operations at Urban Artifact, successfully worked with a US farmer to cultivate a crop of Golden Raspberries exclusively for Urban Artifact Brewery. This marks the first time acres of berries have been cultivated, grown, and – after three years – harvested specifically for a Fruit Tart.

Kilobyte takes center stage with its unique use of Golden Raspberries as the only fruit in this Midwest Fruit Tart. This brew is more than just the sum of its ingredients; it also bundles in the captivating story of the Urban Artifact team’s extraordinary determination to find and brew with this unique fruit.

Kilobyte beckons beer and fruit tart enthusiasts alike to savor the essence of those golden Himalayan raspberries in every single sip. The golden color is illusive, not far from a normal cloudy pale ale, but the flavor and aroma is 100% raspberry. Perhaps a tiny bit more sharp on the palate than a ripe red raspberry. This juicy and sneaky 10% abv hides its power behind that forceful real fruit flavor.

Kilobyte is now available in select locations throughout their 20-state distribution footprint, on Urban Artifact’s website, and on tap at the Urban Artifact brewery. Beer and Fruit Tart aficionados, as well as connoisseurs of craftsmanship, are cordially invited to experience Kilobyte firsthand and partake in the celebration of this remarkable creation.

For more information about Kilobyte and Urban Artifact, please visit Urban Artifact’s Website.

About Urban Artifact

Urban Artifact is a Cincinnati, Ohio brewery dedicated to producing world class Fruit Tarts and Epicureans that celebrate creativity, imagination and the spirit of adventure. With a commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the beer landscape, Urban Artifact offers a diverse portfolio of exceptional beers crafted with a fusion of traditional brewing techniques and inventive ingredients. Based in Cincinnati, OH, Urban Artifact has expanded its reach across 20 states, captivating beer enthusiasts with its unique flavor profiles and unparalleled craftsmanship.

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Prost! Athletic Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest Returns

September 11, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

MILFORD, Connecticut and SAN DIEGO, California— Athletic Brewing Company, America’s leading producer of non-alcoholic craft beer, announced the fifth annual release of its classic non-alcoholic Oktoberfest. This seasonal Fest Brew was created to pair perfectly with fall weather and autumn activities, from cool hikes to homecoming tailgate parties.

Inspired by traditional Bavarian Festbiers, this flavorful, slightly-sweet golden brew boasts a clean malt backbone from Vienna and Munich malts, and light bitterness from a dosing of Hallertau Mittelfruh hops. It pairs well with everything from hot pretzels to hearty, cool-weather dishes, and contains only 70 calories.

“Our Oktoberfest brew is reminiscent of what you’d experience during the Bavarian fall season,” explains Marco Garcia, Brewery Manager at Athletic Brewing Company. “It’s full-bodied with malty undertones, and delicately balanced with a slight hop finish. This brew pairs perfectly with the crisp autumn air and is best enjoyed with friends and family.”

Sporting a new look in 2023, Athletic Brewing’s Oktoberfest was a first-of-its-kind non-alcoholic brew in America when it was first released in 2019. It is now available nationwide at select U.S. retailers in 6-pack 12 oz. cans for between $9.99 – $11.99. It is also available in 6-pack 12 oz. cans for $14.99 on athleticbrewing.com.

About Athletic Brewing Company

Athletic Brewing, founded in 2017 by Bill Shufelt and John Walker, is the 13th largest craft brewer in America and the leading producer of non-alcoholic craft beer. The company’s brews are distributed in all 50 states and available at over 50,000 retail stores nationwide. In 2023, Athletic was ranked as the 4th fastest-growing company in the Americas by Financial Times. Athletic was also ranked as the fastest-growing U.S. beverage manufacturer by Inc. Magazine in 2022, and named one of TIME’s “100 Most Influential Companies.” The company has won over 75 prestigious brewing awards, including Gold & Silver for its Run Wild and Free Wave IPAs in the 2022 US Open of Beer Championship. It was also named the North American Brewer of the Year at the 2022 International Beer Challenge. Athletic has custom breweries in Milford, Connecticut, and San Diego, and donates up to $2 million annually to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces across the globe via its Two For The Trails program. Athletic Brewing is proudly a Certified B Corporation. Its full-flavored near beers and hop-infused sparkling waters are available on athleticbrewing.com

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Lawson’s Finest Liquids Launches New Collaboration Beer in Support of Change in the Air Foundation

September 8, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

WAITSFIELD, Vermont – Lawson’s Finest Liquids, the award-winning Vermont craft brewery, announces a new limited release brewed in collaboration with New England Brewing Co. Change in the Air, a Tropical Blonde Ale With Mango, will be released on draft and in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans in September, for distribution across Connecticut. All proceeds from Tropical Blonde Ale with Mango will support the Change in the Air Foundation and its mission to create a more inclusive beer industry.

A Tropical Blonde Ale With Mango, Change in the Air mixes bready malt and honey flavors with a juicy tropical twist. If a Hawaiian shirt was turned into a beer, it would be this one. Citra and Mandarina hops brighten the brew with lively tropical fruit and orange citrus notes that complement the use of mango. The colorful can artwork on the label is designed by New Haven, Conn.-based Black artist Allen Jackson, aka Dooley-O.

The beer’s beneficiary, Change in the Air Foundation, works to make education in the brewing sciences more accessible to Black and Brown brewers. To provide a pathway to resources, New England Brewing Co. and The Connecticut Brewers guild, along with Sacred Heart University, created the CT Brewers Guild African American Brewers Scholarship. Proceeds from the beer’s sale will benefit the Change in the Air Foundation and the scholarship fund.

“What does beer have to do with a better world?” asked Jamal Robinson, Change in the Air co-founder and director of sales and marketing at New England Brewing Co. “The beer industry is a huge economic force in the United States, yet less than 5% of craft beer professionals are people of color. Our goal is to create opportunities and increase accessibility for everyone who wants to participate in the art of brewing.”

Change in the Air Foundation also hosts a yearly beer festival filled with music, art and delicious local craft beers. A celebration of beer and black culture, the Change in the Air Festival will be held on Oct. 14 at Bear’s BBQ in New Haven.

Similarly to how the Change in the Air Foundation and the CT Brewers Guild African American Brewers Scholarship works to create inclusion in the craft brewing industry by providing opportunities to Black and brown brewers, the Change in the Air Festival’s mission is to diversify the spaces where we enjoy craft beer. “If we are going to diversify who is brewing, we are also going to have to diversify who is drinking craft beer, so the festival is meant to create a space for Black and brown people to experience and enjoy craft beer in a comfortable, safe setting along with everyone else,” says Robinson.

“Our Good Brews for a Cause initiative is focused on creating special limited release beers and small-batch collaborations that raise funds for causes we care about,” said Sean Lawson, founding brewer of Lawson’s Finest Liquids. “We’re proud to partner with Jamal and New England Brewing Co. for the release of this delicious beer to raise awareness and resources for Change in the Air.”

You can support Change in the Air Foundation and find Tropical Blonde Ale With Mango at Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ brewery, taproom and retail store or find Lawson’s Finest in the cooler section of your favorite retail store throughout the Northeast. Lawson’s Finest is Cold Stored. Cold Shipped. Cold Shelved.™ to keep every beer brewery-fresh.

About Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Lawson’s Finest Liquids crafts and delivers the finest and freshest beer possible to delight fans and to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities through its Social Impact Program. The SIP has raised more than $2 Million for important causes since 2018. The brewery is a values-driven business with a commitment to excellence, authenticity, community, sustainability and fun. Founded by Sean and Karen Lawson, the company boasts a growing collection of award-winning beers brewed with passion and precision including the renowned Sunshine family of IPAs. Beginning as a home-based 1-barrel nanobrewery in 2008, Lawson’s Finest expanded production capacity in 2011 and 2014, growing to include distribution across nine states in the Northeast. In 2018, Lawson’s Finest opened its popular destination Brewery, Taproom and Retail Store in central Vermont’s Mad River Valley town of Waitsfield.

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Firestone Walker Launches Mind Haze Tropical Hazy Mixed Pack

September 8, 2023 by Spencer Mapes

PASO ROBLES, California— From the minds behind Mind Haze comes the psychedelic new 2023 edition of the “Mind Haze Tropical Hazy Mixed Pack,” which includes the all-new Mind Haze Tropic Rocket IPA.

With this new mixed pack, Firestone Walker’s Mind Haze IPA experience now includes three spinoffs—Tropic Rocket, Tiki Smash and Citrus Cyclone, all of which feature exotic reinterpretations of the original Mind Haze.

“The Mind Haze canvas lends itself perfectly to different hops, fresh flavors and new ideas,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “This mixed pack gave us the opportunity to get creative and have fun reimagining the flavor possibilities. Each beer is built upon the main Mind Haze recipe, but they also come with their own tropical-inspired twists.”

The Mind Haze Tropical Hazy Mixed Pack is rolling out to all Firestone Walker markets in 12-pack (12-ounce can) formats and is also available at each Firestone Walker location. The Mind Haze Tropical Hazy Mixed Pack features the following three beers:

Mind Haze “Tropic Rocket” IPA

Blast into a psychedelic world of tropical hop flavor with Tropic Rocket—the latest addition to Firestone Walker’s family of Mind Haze IPAs. Tropic Rocket is dry hopped with Galaxy, Strata, Hüll Melon, El Dorado and Sabro, which creates explosive flavors of passionfruit, melon and strawberry. “Galaxy really drives the Southern Hemisphere passionfruit flavors of this beer,” Brynildson said. “Strata is the other star of the show—it’s really distinct from other Pacific Northwest hops, providing a strawberry note that plays well with Galaxy. The name ‘Tropic Rocket’ fits this beer because it’s super loaded with tropical fruit character.”

Mind Haze “Tiki Smash” IPA

Tiki Smash IPA delivers a tiki-inspired flavor combination born of pure hops and freshly toasted coconut. Original Mind Haze hops including Azacca are now joined by Motueka and Sabro hops. The Azacca portion has been increased to amplify the sense of pineapple tropical character, while Sabro delivers its complementary coconut qualities. “We use an elaborate system to introduce freshly toasted coconut for a smooth, subtle extraction,” Brynildson said. “The resulting beer showcases the special synergy of natural coconut with the tropical hop flavors of Mind Haze.”

Mind Haze “Citrus Cyclone” IPA

Citrus Cyclone IPA delivers a head-spinning taste of all the citrus flavors under the sun, finished with a kiss of real tangerine. The base beer is co-fermented with fresh California tangerines. This base is blended back with a separate lot of dry-hopped Mind Haze, then finished off with a final dash of tangerine to elevate the citrusy top note. Along the way, the Mandarina hop adds a distinctive orange character. The result is a remarkably refreshing Mind Haze experience.

About Firestone Walker

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.

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