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Beer News, Beer Releases and New Breweries

Spencer Mapes

Stone Brewing Launches Brewery Exclusives with the Release of Stone Lifeblurred Imperial Brown Ale

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ESCONDIDO, CA – Stone Brewing announces the launch of Brewery Exclusives – long-retired classics, cult favorites and amazing innovations available only at Stone locations. The lineup of monthly-release beers kicks off with the award-winning Stone Lifeblurred Imperial Brown Ale.

Stone’s brewers have curated a list of 12 beers spanning decades of innovation and fandom. Not available at retail stores, these beers are for only the most die-hard fans to purchase fresh from Stone locations.

Stone Lifeblurred Imperial Brown Ale earned a coveted gold medal at the 2024 US Beer Open and bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival. It is the stronger version of Stone Brewing Liberty Station favorite Lifeblood. Lifeblood won a bronze medal at the 2023 World Beer Cup and back-to-back gold medals at the 2022 and 2023 San Diego International Beer Competition. The anticipated release of Lifeblurred lands just as Kris Ketcham, head brewer at Stone Brewing Liberty Station, celebrates his 20th anniversary with Stone.

“Our fans continue to crave those beers that put us – and San Diego beer – on the map and our Brewery Exclusives offer another way to deliver on that,” said Kris Ketcham, Sr. Manager of Brewing & Innovation – Liberty Station. “I’m excited to kick it off with Lifeblurred. Brown ales have always been among my favorite styles and my passion for enjoying big, rich, and flavorful beers is precisely why I joined Stone Brewing 20 years ago.”

Limited quantities will be produced and when they’re gone, they’re gone. Be the first to know about each new release by following on Instagram @StoneBrewing or sign up for emails at StoneBrewing.com.

QUICK FACTS
Name: Stone Lifeblurred Imperial Brown Ale
Web: StoneBrewing.com/Lifeblurred
Stats: 11% ABV; 35 IBUs
Availability: Stone locations only, limited time
Packaging: 16oz four-pack cans

TASTING NOTES
Appearance: Dark brown, then coffee head, light lacing.
Aroma: Chocolate, coffee, toast, brown sugar, and caramel.
Taste: Chocolate, coffee, caramel, toast, brown sugar, molasses, and toffee.
Palate: Medium body, medium sweetness, rich and some bitterness.

ABOUT STONE BREWING
Founded in 1996, Stone Brewing pioneered the West Coast Style IPA, helping to fuel the modern craft beer revolution and inspire generations of hop fanatics. Today Stone operates breweries in Escondido, CA and Richmond, VA plus six tap room and bistro locations. Stone offers a wide range of craft beers including its most popular Stone IPA, Stone Delicious IPA and Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager. The company’s long list of environmental efforts includes a LEED Silver Certification, world-class water reclamation and creative uses of spent grain. Stone has been called the “All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine twice. To find Stone beers, visit find.stonebrewing.com.

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Birds Barbershop Gets Crafty, Taps St. Elmo Brewing Co. as New Beer Partner

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AUSTIN, TX – Today, Birds Barbershop proudly begins serving St. Elmo Brewing Co.’s signature brew Carl at the barbershop’s nine Austin locations. The partnership kicks off with a fun “Free Cuts for Carl” promotion, offering anyone named Carl – with proper I.D. and 21+ years of age – a complimentary haircut, along with St. Elmo’s flagship beer of the same name, the entire month of January.

“We’ve always dreamed of a partner like St. Elmo that taps into that same homegrown, Austin vibe,” said Birds Barbershop co-founder Michael Portman. “Our companies were founded down the street from each other in South Austin, and we both value our local communities above all else.”

Founded in 2016 at 440 E. St. Elmo Rd., St. Elmo Brewing was established by a group of passionate beer lovers with a vision to create high-quality craft beers in Austin. The company recently added a second brewery and taproom location at 8110 Springdale Road. The brewery hosts events, live music, and food trucks, making it a hotspot for locals, just like Birds Barbershop.

“When I moved to Austin, I got my first haircut at Birds Barbershop and received a free beer with my haircut,” said Bryan Winslow, co-founder of St. Elmo Brewing Company. “It is beyond cool to now be the brew of choice at all Birds’ locations, and we already have plans for more fun collaborations to come.”

In addition to St. Elmo Carl, Birds Barbershop will feature St. Elmo Hazy IPA and, for those embracing Dry January, St. Elmo Hop Water. Each following month, the lineup will spotlight St. Elmo Carl alongside rotating seasonal favorites, including award-winning brews like St. Elmo Amber Lager and St. Elmo West IPA. These beverages will be available year-round at all Birds Barbershop locations for clients aged 21 and up. For more information or to book a haircut, color or style service, visit birdsbarbershop.com.

About Birds Barbershop

In 2006, childhood friends Michael Portman and Jayson Rapaport found themselves living in Austin, TX, with nowhere to get an affordable, high-quality haircut. Together, they created a salon for men and women, took out all the fuss, and added free beer to the experience. An addiction to old school arcade games developed. Birds Barbershop has been named six consecutive times to ELLE Magazine’s list of the 100 best salons in America and by the Austin Chronicle as Best Haircut every year since opening. Today, Birds Barbershop serves upwards of 20,000 people monthly and employs more than 150 people in nine locations across Austin.

About St. Elmo Brewing

Since opening in 2016, St. Elmo Brewing has become a staple in Austin’s vibrant craft beer scene. Known for crafting approachable beers that cater to all types of drinkers, St. Elmo offers a wide range of styles from hazy IPAs to traditional German lagers. These beers can be enjoyed onsite at the brewery’s two Austin locations or found on menus and retail shelves throughout the city. Recognized as one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Breweries in Austin, and with multiple gold medals from the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) and U.S. Beer Open, they recently expanded to a larger second location in East Austin. True to its roots, St. Elmo continues to be a hub for the community by regularly hosting programming and events like the popular Grassy Thursdays and weekly trivia nights. The brewery also fosters creative collaboration through partnerships with local artists and designers with their influence seen not only in the design of the brewery’s space but also in the artwork featured on the cans, including those for the flagship Carl Kölsch, St. Elmo Amber, St. Elmo Hazy, St. Elmo West, and Hop Water. For more info on hours & locations, events, and more, follow @stelmobrewing.

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2023 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer Winners Announced

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2023 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer / 2023 Fobab Medal Winners Announced CHICAGO, Illinois: The 2023 Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer (FOBAB) turned Chicago’s Credit Union 1 Arena into a hoppy haven on November 10-11, where over 150 breweries unleashed more than 200 barrel-aged masterpieces on thirsty enthusiasts. Picture this: the air thick with notes of bourbon, vanilla, and toasted oak as attendees swirled, sniffed, and sipped their way through rarities like Goose Island’s Bourbon County Brand Stout variants and Revolution Brewing’s Deep Wood Series bombs. It wasn’t just a tasting—it was a boozy treasure hunt, with lines snaking around for limited pours of coffee-infused porters and wine-barrel sours that could make even a teetotaler reconsider their life choices.

FOBAB 2023 crowned champions in a blaze of glory, with Side Project Brewing snagging Best of Show for their silky-smooth Jammy, a fruit-forward barrel-aged beauty that had judges weak in the knees. Local heroes like Half Acre and Maplewood brought the Chicago pride, while out-of-towners from California to Belgium added global flair. Between sessions, folks geeked out over aging techniques, swapped trading cards for rare bottles, and left with bellies full of liquid art—and maybe a slight wobble. If you’re plotting your 2024 beer bucket list, Google “FOBAB Chicago tickets” now; this fest proves the Windy City knows how to age gracefully, one barrel at a time!

2023 FOBAB Medal Winners

Cider/Perry/Mead
Gold: Final Act – Garagiste Meadery
Silver: Rye Barrel Aged Marion – Superstition Meadery
Bronze: Wealthy Financier – Listermann Fermatorium

Wild Beer Mixed Culture/Acidic W/Fruit
Gold: Peach Horizon – 10 Barrel West Side
Silver: Routes Du Cidre – Idyll Forest Artisan Ales
Bronze: Soiree – Idyll Forest Artisan Ales

Wild Beer Mixed Culture/Acidic
Gold: Oblivion – Wicked Weed Brewing
Silver: Cuvee De Josh – Pretentious Barrel House
Bronze: Polyflora – Brewery Bhavana

Wild Brett Beer
Gold: Oaked Val D’Or – Hidden Hand Brewery
Silver: Palace of Gold – Full Mile Beer Co. & Kitchen
Bronze: Oak Rado – Penrose Brewing Company

Specialty & Experimental Beer
Gold: Mezcal Barrel Aged Beer For Tacos – Off Color Brewing – Production
Silver: Astral Predator – Cerebral Brewing – Congress Park
Bronze: All That Was Promised – Magnanimous Brewing

Fruit Beer
Gold: Icky Bob Thornton – Haymarket Pub and Brewery
Silver: Tako Michu – 10 Barrel West Side
Bronze: Polynesian Passion – Sun King Brewery-Fishers

Other Dark Beer
Gold: Bravissimo – Firestone Walker Propagator
Silver: Orin – Half Acre
Bronze Skateboard Jesus – 10 Barrel East Side

Lagers
Gold: Dark Crator – Boulevard Brewing Company
Silver: Brewers’ Reserve Bourbon Barrel-Aged Honey Bock – Lakefront Brewery
Bronze: Barrel-Aged Generator Doppelbock – Metropolitan Brewing

Other Pale Beer
Gold: Tripel G – Belgian Style Tripel – Sketchbook Brewing Co. Skokie
Silver: Boost – HighGrain Brewing Company
Bronze: Muon – Loose Ends Brewing

Barley Wine/Wheat Wine
Gold: Moments of Silent Banter – Taproom Beer Co.
Silver: Owl of Athena – Solemn Oath Brewery
Bronze: Two Faced Terror – False Idol Brewing

Specialty Strong Porter & Stout
Gold: BBA Ego Death W Vanilla – Resident Culture Brewing
Silver: Veneration of the Dead – Ever Grain Brewing
Bronze: BA Cuppa Stuffff – Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

Strong Porter & Stout
Gold: Mehndi 2023 – More Brewing Company
Silver: Slappa Da Base – Mikerphone Brewing
Bronze: Double BA Temple of Minerva – Jackie O’s Brewery

Best of Show
Runner Up: Mehndi 2023 – More Brewing Company
Winner: Oaked Val D’Or – Hidden Hand Brewery

For more information on the 2023 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer, Click Here.

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Athletic Brewing Reimagines the New Year Reset with ‘Athletic January’ Campaign

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MILFORD, CT and SAN DIEGO, CA — Athletic Brewing Company, America’s largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer, is reimagining the January reset with the launch of its latest campaign, “Athletic January.”

Drawing inspiration from Athletic’s trailblazing co-founder and COO, John Walker, who revolutionized non-alcoholic brewing by developing a new method for making NA brews, Athletic’s January campaign invites consumers to rethink their routines while experiencing the bold taste of Athletic’s award-winning brews. By harnessing the power of reimagination, consumers can shift their focus to what they reap rather than what they relinquish, inspiring a more enjoyable and fulfilling start to the new year.

“At Athletic, we believe a reset doesn’t have to mean giving up flavor or fun,” said Andrew Katz, Chief Marketing Officer of Athletic. “January has historically been marked by what you’re giving up instead of what you’re gaining. In the spirit of always innovating, we’re kicking off 2025 by inspiring drinkers to reimagine what’s possible, cherish moments of mindfulness and embrace moderation all year long.”

Athletic January: There’s Nothing Dry About It

To jumpstart Athletic January, the company will conduct a widespread sampling initiative, sharing its brews at hundreds of activations, retail samplings, and community events across North America and the UK. From January 10–17, Ask For Athletic Week takes center stage, making it easier than ever to enjoy a great-tasting brew. Customers who are 21+ can get a $5 rebate on one 12 oz. can or draft pour of Athletic at retailers across the U.S.*

Athletic is also enhancing its custom moderation tool, “Track Record,” which allows users to set personalized goals and chart their progress over time. Users can now choose how many dry days they want each month and monitor their momentum in real time.

Market Insights & Media Investment

According to global market research, 64% of consumers claim to be moderating their alcohol consumption1. Meanwhile, recent polling in the U.S. indicated that 26% of Americans plan to drink less in 2025, and 36% of U.S. drinkers plan to reduce or eliminate alcohol in January2.

To support the Athletic January campaign and continue driving brand awareness, Athletic is embarking on a multi-million dollar strategic media plan that includes the debut of new commercials across high-impact television, as well as out-of-home placements in key markets, streaming audio and podcast advertisements, digital media, and influencer endorsements.

Brewing Excellence & Category Leadership

Launched commercially in 2018, Athletic re-engineered nearly every step of the brewing process and developed a proprietary brewing method to make NA brews that rival full-strength alcohol counterparts.

“Unlike traditional methods that adjust a single part of the process, our approach includes 10–12 changes across all brewing stages,” Walker said. “The result is a finished product with a distinct flavor profile from other NA brews made using a handful of traditional techniques. Our innovative processes, some of which are patent-pending, showcase craftsmanship that is extremely rare and incredibly unique in the NA beer industry.”

An industry pioneer, Athletic has grown from one of the smallest breweries in America, producing just 875 barrels in 2018, to a top 20 U.S. brewery that sold over 258,000 barrels in 20233. With off-premise dollar sales growing by more than 50% year-to-date, Athletic currently holds over 19% market share within the non-alcoholic beer category4. The company now boasts three of the top 10 best-selling NA beers in the country in flagships Run Wild IPA, Upside Dawn Golden, and Free Wave Hazy IPA5.

“By transforming the quality and marketing of NA brews, we’ve made moderation more accessible and unlocked new occasions for the brewing industry,” said Athletic Co-Founder & CEO Bill Shufelt. “From the very beginning, our mission has been to redefine what’s possible and be the best part of our customers’ days. January is the perfect time to show new consumers why Athletic is the most decorated NA brewer and demonstrate how moderation can complement their lives all year long.”

About Athletic Brewing Company

Athletic Brewing Company is America’s largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer. Athletic is revolutionizing how modern adults drink by crafting game-changing NA brews that can be consumed anytime and anywhere. Launched in 2018, Athletic is now the number one non-alcoholic beer brand in America6 and a top 20 U.S. brewing company7. Its award-winning brews are available nationwide at over 50,000 retailers and 25,000 on-premise venues. Athletic operates custom breweries in Connecticut and California and donates up to $2 million annually to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces across the globe via its Two For The Trails program. Athletic is proudly a Certified B Corporation™.

Follow Athletic Brewing on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all things Athletic.

1 IWSR Analysis of top 10 low/no-alcohol markets

2 Coefficient Capital, The New Consumer: Consumer Trends 2025

3 Athletic Brewing Company Internal Records

4, 5, 6 NielsenIQ, Total US xAOC + Liquor Open State + Conv, CYTD Wks ending 11/30/24.

7 Brewers Association Top 50 U.S. Brewing Companies

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Brewers Association Announces 2025 Board of Directors Appointments

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BOULDER, Colorado — The Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers—is pleased to announce the two at-large board members appointed to the 2025 Brewers Association Board of Directors.

  • Shawna Cormier, Seattle Beer School (WA) – appointed to a one-year term
  • Colby Cox, Pure Madness Brewery Group (WY) – appointed to a two-year term

The board gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 12 for the last of its quarterly meetings of the year. The appointed board members will join the three recently elected board members when the board begins its new term in February.

  • Tomme Arthur (taproom class), The Lost Abbey (CA)
  • Bill Butcher (packaging class), Port City Brewing, Co. (VA)
  • Leah Cheston (brewpub class), Right Proper Brewing Company (DC)

Board of Directors officers and committee chairs will be announced at the board meeting on February 12-13, 2025.

About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization based in Boulder, Colorado, representing more than 5,600 small and independent American craft breweries, along with brewers-in-planning, suppliers, distributors, and retailers. Founded in 2005 through the merger of the Association of Brewers and the Brewers’ Association of America (which dates back to 1942), the BA’s core mission is to promote and protect small and independent craft brewers through advocacy, education, research, and events. It defines an “American craft brewer” using three criteria: small (annual production ≤6 million barrels), independent (less than 25% owned by a non-craft beverage alcohol company), and traditional (brewing primarily all-malt beers or using innovative ingredients for flavor). In 2025, the BA continues to track industry data, lobby for favorable tax and regulatory policies, and support diversity and sustainability initiatives across the craft beer sector.

The BA is best known for hosting the Great American Beer Festival® (GABF)—the country’s largest ticketed beer festival and premier professional judging competition—and Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America®, the industry’s biggest annual trade show and educational event. It also organizes SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience and publishes detailed annual reports on production, economic impact, and growth trends. Resources include the free Brewery Operations Benchmarking Tool, sustainability guides, diversity grants through the Take Action program, and the popular Seal of Independent Craft that helps consumers identify truly independent breweries. Membership benefits range from technical brewing support and marketing toolkits to federal and state-level advocacy that saved the industry billions in excise taxes since the 2017 Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act. Whether you’re a homebrewer, professional brewer, or craft beer fan, the Brewers Association remains the central voice and resource hub for America’s independent craft beer community.

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Partake Brewing Takes the Lead as the Exclusive Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer Sponsor of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)

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TORONTO, Canada – Partake Brewing, a leader in the craft non-alcoholic beer space, is thrilled to announce its role as the exclusive NA beer sponsor of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). This partnership marks a significant milestone for both organizations, uniting two trailblazers who are changing their respective fields.

Ted Fleming, Founder and CEO of Partake Brewing, shared his excitement: “At Partake, we brew for those who are out there pushing limits and defying odds. The incredible athletes of the PWHL embody this spirit perfectly. We’re proud to support these remarkable women as they continue to break barriers and inspire fans across North America.”

This sponsorship aligns seamlessly with Partake’s mission of inclusivity and empowerment. Just as Partake has redefined the non-alcoholic beer category, the PWHL is reshaping the landscape of professional women’s sports.

“We are proud to welcome Partake Brewing as the exclusive non-alcoholic craft beer sponsor of the PWHL,” said Chelsea Purcell, PWHL Sr. Director of Corporate Partnerships. “Partake’s dedication to inclusivity and innovation reflects the values of the PWHL, and their support helps us enhance the fan experience while celebrating the growth of women’s hockey. Together, we’re breaking new ground and creating memorable moments both on and off the ice.”

To kick off the partnership, Partake is launching a limited-edition PWHL-themed Everyday Variety Pack. Each pack includes a QR code entry for a chance to win a trip for two to the PWHL Finals, complete with roundtrip flights, accommodation, game tickets, and spending money. The Variety Pack and contest will be available at select North American retailers starting in early 2025.

Partake and the PWHL are also debuting an exclusive content series featuring standout players who are truly ‘Making it Happen.’ This campaign will shine a light on the league’s top athletes—both their skills on the ice and their impact off it—celebrating their resilience, passion, and community contributions. The series will be shared across official PWHL team social media channels and YouTube, bringing fans closer to the stories of players who are living out their dreams of professional hockey.

As a certified B Corporation, Partake Brewing continues to demonstrate its commitment to using business as a force for good. This sponsorship is a natural extension of the company’s dedication to creating a better future and fostering communities where everyone can partake in empowering women to make their mark in the world of sports.

So, here’s to breaking new ground, to the love of the game, and to watching those who are ‘Making it Happen.’ Grab a Partake, and let’s rally for the future of women’s hockey!

About Partake Brewing

Serving up the lowest-calorie non-alcoholic craft beer on the market, Partake offers a delicious array of award-winning styles, all under 30 calories, so you can enjoy a beer throughout all your pursuits. Founded in 2017, Partake Brewing has become a leader in non-alcoholic beer in North America, with distribution in major retail across Canada and the United States. Brewed using a proprietary process resulting in deliciously low-calorie beer, Partake Brewing is praised by drinkers for its unique combination of exceptional flavour, classic styles, and game-changing nutritionals. For more information about Partake Brewing and its non-alcoholic beers, please visit drinkpartake.com or follow along on Instagram at @PartakeBrewing or on Facebook at facebook.com/DrinkPartake.

About the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America comprised of six teams in Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, and Toronto, each with rosters featuring the best women’s hockey players in the world. Launched on Jan. 1, 2024, the PWHL has broken multiple attendance records and holds the worldwide all-time record for a women’s hockey game. Visit thepwhl.com to purchase tickets and merchandise, and subscribe to the PWHL e-newsletter to receive the latest league updates. Follow the league on all social media platforms @thepwhlofficial.

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The 2024 Year in Beer

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BOULDER, CO — As 2024 winds down, the Brewers Association (BA) has summed up the year for America’s small and independent craft brewers: slower growth, tighter belts, and a lot of strategic pivoting.

Craft beer production is now tracking toward a roughly 2% full-year decline—noticeably steeper than the 1% dip seen in 2023. Where people are buying beer (grocery, liquor stores, bars, taprooms) hasn’t shifted dramatically year-over-year, and no single sales channel has stolen share from another. In other words, the pie isn’t moving; it’s just getting a little smaller.

The second half of the year felt heavier than the first. Early scanner data from Q3 showed sales softening further, though the bleeding has slowed in the most recent months. Bottom line: the final 2024 numbers will likely land a bit south of the midyear -2% estimate.

“Craft is in the middle of a tough but necessary correction,” said Bart Watson, the BA’s chief economist. “With overall demand growth stalled, retailers and distributors are pruning SKUs and reaching for flavored malt beverages, hard seltzers, imports, or domestic premiums to fill the variety void. Breweries are responding the only way they can: tightening distribution footprints, doubling down on the taproom experience, forming alliances, and broadening their lineups to include lagers, light beers, NA options, seltzers, and whatever else keeps the lights on.”

That’s the 2024 craft beer story in a nutshell: less volume, more hustle, and a whole lot of adaptation.

Craft Beer by the Numbers

Count: The number of small and independent breweries in operation in the U.S. in 2024 totaled 9,736.

Openings and Closings: Throughout the year, the BA has tracked 335 new brewery openings and 399 closings. Despite the slight decline in the number of breweries in operation, closings remain a low percentage of total operating breweries.

Employment: The craft beer industry supported nearly 460,000 jobs nationwide, fostering local economies and creating opportunities.

Economic Impact: Craft beer’s contribution to the U.S. economy reached an impressive $77.1 billion, demonstrating its vital role in the broader beverage market.

2024’s Hottest Market Trends

Non-Alcohol Beer Boom: With the growing demand for mindful drinking, non-alcohol beer sales soared (scan dollars up 30%+ year-over-year from January through October) as brewers refined their techniques to deliver flavor-packed options.
Focus: After years of unfettered innovation ruling the industry, brewers are focusing more on building off of products and models where they’ve found success.

Hospitality: Breweries embraced new ways to emphasize the customer experience, from offering diverse dining options, cocktails, and mindful drinking options to family-friendly activities such as menus for kids to color.
Major Events of 2024

Great American Beer Festival (GABF®): October’s GABF welcomed more than 40,000 attendees and featured 2,500+ beers from 500+ breweries, highlighting the best American craft beer, ciders, ready-to-drink cocktails, hard teas, and kombuchas.

World Beer Cup (WBC): Known as “The Olympics of Beer,” the 2024 WBC evaluated 9,300 entries with breweries from 37 countries vying for global recognition.

Beer Weeks: Communities across the U.S. celebrated American Craft Beer Week in May, strengthening the bond between breweries and their fans.

Looking Ahead
Heading into 2025, craft beer is staring down another tough year: flat or shrinking demand, rising costs, possible new tariffs, jittery retailers still trimming shelf sets, and the looming specter of stricter federal dietary guidelines on alcohol. Expect more brewery closures, mergers, creative alliances, and co-packing deals as everyone scrambles to share overhead and soak up excess tank space.

“Brewers are caught between skyrocketing costs and a market that’s stopped growing,” says Bart Watson, chief economist at the Brewers Association. “The ones who make it will be the ones who adapt fastest—brewing what actually sells, leaning harder into their taprooms, and finding fresh ways to remind drinkers why a local craft beer is worth a couple extra bucks when the macro lagers and flavored vodka seltzers are screaming for attention.”

In short: survive by out-hustling, out-storytelling, and out-brewing the competition. Same as it ever was—only the margin for error just got razor-thin.

 

 

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The 2023 Year in Beer

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Boulder, Colorado — The Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade group representing small and independent American craft brewers, reflects on a tough 2023 marked by a competitive, mature market. A midyear survey revealed a production decline, the first outside of 2020, driven by slow growth across the beer industry. Factors like pricing, demographics, and marketing challenges contributed to beer’s ongoing loss of share within the beverage alcohol sector. Despite these hurdles, craft beer remains a powerhouse, with independent brewers accounting for one in eight beers sold in the U.S. and capturing one in four beer dollars, while supporting jobs and communities nationwide, according to Bart Watson, chief economist at the Brewers Association.

The Association continued advocating for fair market access, equitable tax rates, and modernized regulations at federal and state levels. Collaborating with state guilds, efforts focused on enabling direct-to-consumer craft beer shipping, reforming beer franchise laws, and securing self-distribution rights for small brewers. Watson emphasized that while legislative advocacy will persist, growth in 2024 will hinge on innovative strategies to engage new and existing customers with fresh flavors and new drinking occasions.

Supply chain pressures eased slightly in 2023, but climate change and disruptions posed ongoing challenges. The North American barley harvest improved from 2022 but fell below the five-year average, with quality issues in Canada and Montana due to low precipitation and high temperatures. U.S. hop acreage decreased due to high inventory, though yields were strong. In Europe, hop production remained significantly below average due to adverse weather. CO2 supply stabilized, but regional shortages persisted, adding complexity for brewers navigating an evolving landscape.

View the complete 2023 Year in Beer report.

For a deeper dive into 2023 and predictions for 2024, Brewers Association members are invited to attend the “Ten Points and Predictions for 2024” webinar on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 10:00 a.m. MT with chief economist Bart Watson. Register here.

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New Realm Brewing Company Opens World-Class Brewery, Distillery and Restaurant in Suffolk, VA

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SUFFOLK, VA – Atlanta-based New Realm Brewing Company hosted a grand opening celebration for the award-winning brewery’s sixth location, and its second in Virginia. Located at 5941 Harbour View Blvd., the brewery, distillery and restaurant is now open seven days a week. New Realm’s leadership team was joined by Suffolk Mayor Michael Duman at a ribbon-cutting event to mark the official opening.

“We are thrilled to open our Suffolk location and offer customers a great place to gather for our award-winning craft beers and spirits and a locally sourced scratch kitchen,” said Carey Falcone, CEO of New Realm Brewing. “Our connection to the communities we serve is very important to us, and we’ve been proud to serve the community at our Virginia Beach location over the past 6 years. We’re excited to grow our commitment with this incredible venue and bring New Realm to the people of Suffolk.”

New Realm Brewing Company Suffolk features:

· A 110-seat restaurant with additional bar seating and indoor event space with a world-class scratch kitchen featuring fresh ingredients for locally sourced dishes.

· Outdoor experiences including a rooftop setting with 114 seats plus additional bar seating and an 8,000-square-foot beer garden featuring an outdoor music venue and dog park.

· A brewhouse with annual capacity to brew 500 barrels, including a variety of innovative beers to complement the existing award-winning core brands. The beer brewed onsite will be featured in our Suffolk and Virginia Beach taprooms.

· A distillery with capacity to create 400 gallons annually of New Realm’s small-batch hand-crafted distilled spirits. New Realm mixologists create specially made fresh cocktails using unique regional ingredients for a refreshingly curated experience. Guests can experience New Realm’s full line of small-batch aged bourbon, gin, vodka and agave along with seasonal small-batch special releases.

The New Realm Suffolk brewery is led by world-famous Brewmaster Mitch Steele and Chief Operating Officer Brian Faivre, with Kane Wille as the head brewer. World-renowned chef Grant MacPherson designed New Realm’s culinary program from its inception. With over 17 years of experience in New York City and Virginia, Chef John Urena heads up the Suffolk location following success opening New Realm Virginia Beach and other breweries and restaurants in the Hampton Roads area. Chef John is passionate about the culinary arts and sharing his love of cooking with the community.

New Realm’s beers include Hazy Like a Fox IPA, Kickflipper West Coast IPA, Psychedelic Rabbit and Tank Dog to name a few. The brewery also has successful partnerships with the American rock band Blackberry Smoke in addition to Auburn University, Kennesaw State University, Georgia Tech and Old Dominion University.

In addition to Suffolk, Virginia Beach and the flagship location in Atlanta, the company also operates locations in Auburn, Alabama; Charleston, South Carolina; and Greenville, South Carolina.

ABOUT NEW REALM BREWING CO.

New Realm is an American craft brewery and distillery started in 2016 by co-founders Carey Falcone, Bob Powers, and Mitch Steele. The company operates production and innovation breweries/distilleries, each with on-site scratch kitchens serving globally inspired, locally sourced fare, in multiple Southeastern US cities. New Realm’s core values are quality, creativity, authenticity, and striving for perfection, all with a customer-centric community focused commitment and approach.

New Realm’s awards include Multiple Great American Beer Fest gold medals (2022), Brewbound’s “Rising Star” Brewery, Ratebeer’s “Best New Brewer in Georgia,” Ratebeer’s 11th “Best New Brewer in the World”, and Virginia Craft Beer Cup’s gold medal (2019 & 2021) and “Best in Show” for Euphonia Pilsner (2019). Brewmaster Mitch Steele was awarded the Russell Scherer Award for Innovation in Brewing and authored the book IPA: Brewing Techniques, Recipes, and the Evolution of India Pale Ale. Learn more at NewRealmBrewing.com.

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Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. Launches Investment Campaign on Start Engine

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Ivanhoe Park Brewing Launches Investment Campaign on Start Engine

ORLANDO, FL – Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co., Orlando’s beloved independent craft brewery, is excited to announce its launch on Start Engine, giving fans and investors alike the opportunity to become part owners of this thriving local brewery.

In a bold step toward future growth, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. invites craft beer enthusiasts to invest and join the brewery in shaping the next chapter of its story. Through this equity crowdfunding campaign, the brewery aims to expand production, enhance customer experiences, and bring its award-winning craft beer to even more fans nationwide.

“Our fans have always been at the heart of what we do,” said Glenn Closson, CEO and CFO of Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. “This campaign is an opportunity to give back to the community that has supported us from day one. We’re excited to grow together with our investors and continue brewing moments of joy and connection.”

Why Invest? Since its inception, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. has established itself as a leader in Orlando’s craft beer scene, offering innovative brews and memorable events. Highlights of the brewery’s growth include:

Acquiring a second location for more brewing capacity, storage, and taproom with kitchen.
Hosting vibrant community events and enhancing taproom experiences.
Overcoming challenges such as local infrastructure construction, with plans to capitalize on increasing foot traffic from nearby developments.
Funds raised through Start Engine will support:

Increasing production capabilities to meet growing demand.
Developing new beer styles and expanding distribution channels.
Enhancing the brewery’s facilities and event programming.

Join the Movement Early investment opportunities are limited, so those interested are encouraged to visit Start Engine and search for our campaign today to learn more and secure their stake in Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co.

Media: please contact Glenn@IvanhoeParkBrewing.com.

About Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company:
Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company is an award-winning, independent craft brewery and taproom located in the historic Ivanhoe District just north of downtown Orlando, Florida. Founded in 2018 by childhood friends Ryan Young and Marshall McTavish, the brewery pays homage to the neighborhood’s namesake—Sir Walter Scott’s 1819 novel Ivanhoe—with every beer name, label, and taproom detail inspired by the book’s characters and themes. Housed in a renovated 1950s warehouse at 1300 Alden Road, the 15-barrel brewhouse produces a diverse lineup of year-round favorites and seasonal releases distributed throughout Central Florida. Known for its welcoming, family- and dog-friendly vibe, Ivanhoe Park regularly hosts trivia nights, live music, food trucks, and community events, making it a go-to gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

Standout flagship beers include Joyland Kölsch (crisp, clean, and dangerously drinkable), Sir Roger hazy IPA series, Bengal Stout nitro oatmeal stout, and the tropical Guavacava fruited sour. Seasonal and limited releases like Oktoberfest Märzen, Pumpkin Spice Latte Ale, and barrel-aged stouts keep the taps rotating. The brewery has earned multiple medals at the Best Florida Beer Championships and Great American Beer Festival, including gold for its German-style beers. With indoor and outdoor seating, a full non-alcoholic and cocktail menu, and a commitment to quality ingredients, Ivanhoe Park Brewing remains one of Orlando’s top-rated craft beer destinations in 2025—perfect for anyone searching for great beer with a story in Central Florida.

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