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Beer

Today’s Top Beer News, Stories, & Fun Facts

November 24, 2025 by beerinfo

20 Thanksgiving beer picks, from sweet potato stout to cranberry sour (November, 24) – Pair Thanksgiving meal with lagers, lambics and seasonal treats like cranberry sours, stuffing saisons and unique IPAs. Complete Story.

Moonfish Brewery swims into the North Fork’s beer scene (November, 24) – Husband and wife Rob Kurtz and Skye Hamburg’s booze plans brewed for years. Complete Story.

Wooly Pig Farm, Ohio’s German-inspired Beer Getaway (November, 24) – The ambiance of the farm greets you when you first pull in, passing by the barn, parking, and walking past rows of growing hops. Complete Story.

What The Hell Is A Vienna Lager? (November, 24) – Say hello to the often-overlooked Vienna Lager—a centuries-old Austrian style that’s malty, toasty, and far more interesting than its modest reputation suggests. Complete Story.

Pike Brewing, pioneer in craft beer industry, will close Pike Place shop(November 20) – Pike Brewing, a pioneer in the Seattle craft brewery scene, will close its Pike Pub and Pike Fish Bar locations near the iconic downtown market on Nov. 30, owner Seattle Hospitality Group said in a news release Wednesday afternoon. Complete Story

The legacy of the 1990s beer boom — and what’s still worth drinking today (November, 17) – While the 90s were a huge decade for timeless music like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and more, it was also a major turning point in the craft beer landscape. Complete Story.

Samuel Adams Just Released Its First New Holiday Product in 30 Years (November, 17) – This season, Samuel Adams is debuting the Winter White Ale, its first new winter seasonal beer released in 30 years. Complete Story.

The Best Beers and Breweries in America, According to the Great American Beer Festival (November, 17) – American breweries have endured some hardships as of late, but that doesn’t mean that success stories can’t be found amid a rough patch for the industry. Complete Story.

Wacky Headlines and Silly Claims Are Saving Craft Beer? (October, 17) – “As someone with the great pleasure of working day-in and day-out in a sea of craft beer data, I would like to take the opportunity to provide context around some of the claims in Robichaux’s piece.” Complete Story.

Katy brewery achieves ‘Beer EGOT’ with four major competition medals (October, 16) – No Label Brewing Co.’s barrel-aged beer Perpetual Peace has earned medals at all four major beer competitions, bringing recognition to the Old Town Katy brewery. Complete Story.

‘Truly beyond words.’ Cincinnati brewery named Brewery of the Year at GABF for second time (October, 16) – The local craft brewery, which also won Brewery of the Year at the U.S. Open Beer Championship this year, took home five medals at GABF, including three top awards. Complete Story.

Small Upstate NY brewery wins a top prize at America’s biggest beer fest (October, 16) – Zeus Brewing Co. overlooking the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie, won 2025 Brewery of the Year at the recent Great American Beer Fest in Denver. Complete Story.

The Highest-Rated Beer in Every State (2025) (October, 9) – In the U.S., there are over 9,900 breweries making beer for thirsty drinkers, and we were curious to see which brews are most popular in each of the 50 states and D.C. Complete Story.

5 must-taste breweries at GABF (October, 9) – Despite the addition of spirits this year, beer is still the star of the show at the Great American Beer Festival. Complete Story.

We The People: The origins of Iowa’s beer industry ( October, 8) – Iowa’s beer industry is thriving — and experts says it all started with Iowa City’s beer caves over 100 years ago. Complete Story.

Oregon Beer Awards 2025 Fresh Hop Medal Winners (October, 6) – Judging for the Oregon Beer Awards fresh hop beers competition took place on Saturday, October 4th with 25 judges evaluating 123 beers from 46 breweries in Oregon. Complete Story.

The Beer Flowed During The 2025 Oktoberfest, And So Did The Chicken ( October, 6) – The world’s largest beer party always posts impressive numbers and the 2025 edition, which ended on October 5, 2025, was no exception. Complete Story.

Von Ebert & Shred Beer Release West Coast IPA Collaboration (October, 3) – Von Ebert Brewing releases its collaboration “Super Shredder,” a West Coast IPA brewed with Shred Beer Co. from Rocklin, California. Complete Story.

Cantillon’s Tale: How America Adored, Chased, and Abandoned Sour Beers (September, 22) – “How did Cantillon, once the most coveted brewery in the world, become just another bottle in the U.S.?” Complete Story.

The Calm Before the Beers (September, 20) – Until the taps open at Oktoberfest, it’s a nonalcoholic mix of card games, soft drinks and waiting. Complete Story.

Listermann Brewing Company to abruptly close after 33 years of craft beer(August 16) – A cherished local brewery operating since 1991 is closing abruptly after decades of service. Nationally recognized and known for their iconic craft beer selection, the Evanston-based Listermann Brewing Company announced via Facebook on Aug. 15 that Saturday, Aug. 16, will be their final day of operations. Complete Story

Colorado’s Bull and Bush Brewery celebrates its big win at the U.S. Open Beer Championships
(August 16) – Colorado’s Bull & Bush Brewery in Glendale was named this year’s Grand National Champion at the 2025 U.S. Open Beer Championship. Bull & Bush won three gold medals, a silver and a bronze, as well as being named Brewery of the Year in their division. The British-style pub has been at their location on East Cherry Creek Drive in Glendale since 1971. Complete Story

San Diego County breweries amass nine medals at 2025 U.S. Open Beer Championship, led by strong performance from Stone Brewing (August 6) – Last year, San Diego County’s craft brewers had a record-best showing at the U.S. Open Beer Championship professional brewing competition. Beers from eight local producers amassed 20 medals, 11 of which were gold, and Carlsbad-based Burgeon Beer Co. ranked tenth overall after racking up three gold medals. Complete Story.

New Beer Alert: 4 Classic India Pale Ales For National IPA Day (August 5) – Since today is National IPA Day, we’ve an ALL-IPA selection of releases that you’ll want to celebrate the day with. Including Lawson’s Finest Liquids and BrewDog’s latest summer ales. Complete Story.

Anchor Brewing may not reopen classic brewery (July 8) – Despite a promise to restore Anchor Steam Brewing Company’s production facility and return brewing operations to the city where it began in 1896, Ulukaya’s team recently told The San Francisco Standard that they have no intention of reopening the original brewery or reestablishing a physical taproom in the city — at least for now. Complete Story

Endeavor Brewing opening new coffee and craft beer-focused location (July 8) – Endeavor Brewing & Spirits is about to tack on a third item to the list in its name: coffee. According to a social media post, Barrel & Bloom, a new concept from Endeavor, is opening soon at 2365 W. Dublin Granville Rd. A grand opening date hasn’t been announced yet. Complete Story

The science behind brewing tastier non-alcoholic beer (June 20) – On warm summer days, there’s nothing quite like a drink with friends – but what’s in the glass is changing. With low and alcohol-free options growing in popularity, brewers are rethinking their craft. The Tech Now team visits Wiper and True, a UK brewery using a pioneering technique called ‘reverse osmosis’ to craft flavourful low-alcohol beer. Complete Story

Tree House Brewing Company—The Massive Brewery You May Not Know (June 16) – Seasoned beer geeks know Tree House Brewing Company but for many, the brewery is unknown. The Massachusetts based craft brewer claims they are “the largest direct-to-consumer brewery on Earth.” Complete Story

Best of Butler County: Municipal Brew Works continues boosting Hamilton nine years later (June 8) – When Municipal Brew Works opened nine years ago, the owners set three goals: create great tasting beer, establish strong roots in the community and educate customers about their products. Jim Goodman, one of the five owners, said those goals have been met, and the brewery is being rewarded. Municipal Brew Works opened on June 8, 2016 in the former Hamilton municipal building at 20 High St., in the back part of the building that had served as a fire station.  Complete Story

Non-alcoholic beer projected to overtake ale as the second-largest beer category worldwide this year (May 30) – Despite recent growth, no-alcohol beer is far from becoming the top-selling beer category globally and only holds about 2% of worldwide beer market share. With 92% market share, lager is far and away the largest beer category and still growing, albeit at a slower pace than non-alcoholic beer. Complete Story

Burning Bush Brewery debuts ‘Da Pope’ beer (May 24) – Since a Chicago native was elected pope, all kinds of local companies have been celebrating the moment with special products honoring Pope Leo XIV. Burning Bush Brewery is debuting their newest beer, “Da Pope,” and they are well suited for the celebration. The owner is a former pastor. Complete Story

Vector Brewing hosts an event in support of LH child diagnosed with rare disorder (May 20) – Vector Brewing hosted a stem cell donation drive this weekend in support of a Lake Highlands child diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder. 1-year-old William Hall was recently diagnosed with X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare genetic disorder that disrupts the body’s ability to regulate the nervous system and adrenal cortex. If the disorder advances to cerebral ALD, as occurs in about 35 percent of affected children, the prognosis is bleak, with most affected children experiencing fatal symptoms within a few years of diagnosis. Complete Story

The Best IPAs Of 2025—According To The World Beer Cup (May, 19) – IPAs remain the most popular selling craft beer style in America, as well as the top seller at the vast majority of individual breweries. Complete Story.

Swede news! Young St. Peter brewers win gold medal for old Scandinavian beer (May, 19) – Paddlefish Brewing is throwing a party after its World Beer Cup award for an ale made with a local Swedish gift shop. Complete Story.

Massachusetts brewer creates a first of its kind beer in United States (May, 14) – The beer market is overflowing with companies that claim that their product is lighter or less filling and tastes better. Complete Story.

Beer Run: Can THC Brands Find Safety in Three-Tier System? (May, 12) – What’s the best route from online to on-shelf sales? For many intoxicating hemp brands, the solution appears to be finding space with beer and liquor distributors. Complete Story.

Podcast Episode 412: Colt Carpenter of Pax Verum Sources Intentional Ingredients for Nuanced Beers (May, 9) – The small brewery about an hour outside of Indianapolis strikes a cool and edgy pose in its tiny town surrounded by agricultural fields, but the nuance and polish of their beer has found fans across the state. Complete Story.

Among the best: These Ohio breweries brought home World Beer Cup medals. See who won (May, 9th) – Ohioans who enjoy craft beer know there are plenty of excellent options around the Buckeye State to quench their thirst. Complete Story.

Hi-Wire Brewing re-opens RAD Beer Garden with celebration following Tropical Storm Helene (May, 8) – Eight months after Hi-Wire Brewing’s Beer Garden and Distribution Center took on 15 feet of water during the monumental Tropical Storm Helene last September, the brewery announces the reopening of its flagship location at 284 Lyman St. Complete Story.

Wisconsin breweries bring home 5 medals from World Beer Cup (May, 8) – Three Wisconsin breweries came home with awards from the World Beer Cup on May 1, beating more than 8,000 beers from nearly 50 countries. Complete Story.

Washington state brews win 24 medals at World Beer Cup (May, 8) – Washington breweries won 24 medals in this year’s World Beer Cup, bringing home the third-most awards of any U.S. state. Complete Story.

Illinois Craft Beer Week 2025 features more than 80 local breweries(May 7th) – The cornerstone festival and fundraiser of Illinois Craft Beer Week, Beer Under Glass convenes more than 80 Illinois breweries for an evening outdoors at the acclaimed Millennium Park Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace in downtown Chicago. Join us Friday, May 9 for the largest gathering of Illinois craft breweries. Complete Story

California Brewery Becomes King Of Hazy IPAs At World Beer Cup (May, 7) – Breweries from 39 countries competed at the annual World Beer Cup in Indianapolis, and West Coast U.S. breweries captured the most medals for the world’s best IPAs. Complete Story.

Michigan’s Beer & Brat Festival returns to Crystal Mountain to kick off summer fun (May, 5) – Michigan’s big Beer & Brat Festival is being held Saturday, May 24 at Crystal Mountain Resort – smack in the middle of Memorial Day Weekend and as a kick-off to summer fun. Complete Story.

When was beer invented? (May, 5) – Humans discovered fermentation thousands of years ago, but ancient brews would have tasted much differently from the beers of today. Complete Story.

Ranked: Per Capita Beer Consumption by Country (May, 5) – Today, Czechia officially recognizes beer culture as part of its national heritage, with 96% brewed domestically. Complete Story.

“everywhere” a California Brewery Becomes King Of Hazy IPAs At World Beer Cup(May 2) – everywhere brewery of Orange, California copped the gold medal in the Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale category with its Shifted Visions beer. The brewery describes the 7.1% ABV beer as a “hazy India pale ale made with oats and premium pilsner malt and hopped with nectaron, motueka, simcoe and citra.” Complete Story

Craft brewers from around the world to tip beers in Indy
(April, 28) – At a time when the American craft brewery market seems to have leveled out, even losing ground, the Craft Brewers Conference will be held at the Indiana Convention Center this week. Complete Story.

Stevens Point Brewery unveils new summer seasonal ale (April, 24) – The Stevens Point Brewery has launched a new seasonal beer just in time for the warmer months, introducing the Point Great Outdoors Adventure Ale, a wheat ale brewed with subtle tropical notes. Complete Story.

FX Matt Brewing Co. recognized as one of the nation’s best craft beer brewers (April, 23) – Complete Story.

These are Oregon’s 5 best beers, according to our readers (April, 23) – What’s the best beer brewed in Oregon? The Oregonian/OregonLive readers narrowed it down to these five choices in our Readers Choice Awards. Complete Story.

Human Robot Brewery to take over Crime & Punishment storefront in Brewerytown (April, 23) – The growing craft beer brand is moving out of its Schuylkill Banks spot and is also planning to build a tasting room in Bucks County. Complete Story.

Widmer Brothers Brewing celebrates 40 years by bringing back classic beers (April, 22) – One of Oregon’s oldest breweries Widmer Brothers Brewing, is celebrating more than four decades by bringing back old iconic beers that haven’t been seen in awhile. Complete Story.

I’ve Tried Hundreds of Beers. This Cheap Lager Is an Ideal Sipper for Hot Days (April, 22) – There are many great options from Miller High Life to Pabst Blue Ribbon—but this particular beer is my go-to. Complete Story.

AZ Wilderness serving up sustainable beer for Earth Month and year-round (April, 21) – One of their IPAs in particular, aptly named ‘This Beer Saves Water,’ is completely made with drought-tolerant Sinagua Barley. Complete Story.

Beer Nut: Greenfield native Sam Calagione talks beer, baseball and the Grateful Dead (April, 21) – Boston Beer Company’s Jim Koch and Dogfish Head’s Sam Calagione with their flagship beers. Complete Story.

Sacramento Craft Beer 101 with Urban Roots Brewery’s Peter Hoey (April, 21) – Urban Roots craft brewer Peter Hoey talks in April 2025 at his Sacramento restuarant and brewery about what non-beer drinkers should consider when trying a craft beer. Complete Story.

Found Treasure: ‘Teacher Beers’ at Fruition Brewing (April, 21) – Fruition ranks high among them for the inventiveness and execution of their “yuzu hazes,” “Watsonville wildflower honey blondes” and “organic hibiscus snack session sours,” all of them chef-kiss quality. Complete Story.

Belgians mark Easter with massive beer hunt (April, 21) – Belgian beer lovers replaced the traditional Easter egg hunt with a quest for beer on Sunday (April 20) in the garden of an ancient abbey in the town of Lasne, some 12 miles (20 kilometers) south of Brussels. Complete Story.

Cape Cod brewery to buy Mayflower Brewing (April, 18) – Mayflower Brewing, which has a production and taproom in Plymouth, has a deal to be acquired by Cape Cod-based Hog Island Beer Co. Complete Story.

Cheers! 4 Ohio craft breweries are among the top 50 in the nation. See the full list (April, 17) – Rhinegeist in Cincinnati overtakes Great Lakes as the top craft brewery in Ohio, per Brewers Association ranking. BrewDog near Columbus advances; Fat Head’s near Cleveland joins list. Complete Story.

THC Infused Non-Alcoholic Beers To Celebrate 4/20 (April, 16) – With lifestyle choices aplenty, the latest in a growing trend is the fusing of the popular and growing NA beer market with THC. Could this beer be the perfect way to celebrate 4/20? Complete Story.

Fort Point, HenHouse breweries merge amid challenges for craft beer (April, 16) – Here’s how San Francisco’s Fort Point Beer Company and Henhouse Brewing plan to navigate the craft beer industry’s challenges together. Complete Story.

Owners of Brewsters Beer Garden take over former Bear Republic taproom in Rohnert Park (April, 16) – The 11,000-square-foot space by Roberts Lake has been vacant for over two years. It is set to reopen later this year. Complete Story.

Crooked Can to host groundbreaking ceremony for new Minneola brewery, headquarters(April 16) – Crooked Can Brewing Company founders, partners, government officials and community leaders will celebrate the company’s 40,000-square-foot destination brewery and headquarters in Minneola with a groundbreaking ceremony at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 15. Complete Story

Pour List & Can’t-Miss Beers to Try at the 2025 Collaboration Fest (April, 14) – Throughout its eleven year existence, the Colorado Brewers Guild’s Collaboration Fest has not only captured the incredible spirit of camaraderie and togetherness that helped fuel the explosion of the craft beer industry for nearly three decades, but it has also served as a platform for experimentation and innovation for Colorado’s diverse brewing landscape. Complete Story.

2025 Oregon Beer Awards Winners & Recap (April, 14) – The milestone 10th annual Oregon Beer Awards were announced on April 10th at a sold-out ceremony at Revolution Hall in Portland, Oregon. Complete Story.

Top rated West Virginia beers to try on National Beer Day (April, 8) – Despite West Virginia’s relatively small craft beverage industry compared to surrounding states like Ohio or Virginia, Mountain State brewers still put out a ton of top-notch beer that deserves recognition. Complete Story.

From Coors to craft: A look at the history of beer in Colorado (April, 8th) – 9NEWS Photojournalist Bryan Wendland sat down with two historians who literally just finished writing the book on the history of beer in Colorado. Complete Story.

Market Garden Brewery to debut Irishtown Bend Taproom this week (April, 7) – Market Garden Brewery is opening a new taproom in a familiar space in what amounts to a continually growing portfolio of businesses around its home base in Ohio City. Complete Story.

Oak Highlands Brewery moving to Richardson (April, 7) – After ten years in Lake Highlands, Oak Highlands Brewery will move their production facility and taproom to Richardson’s Lockwood District later this year. Complete Story.

How one area brewery is bucking sobering trends (April, 7) – Not so long and forever ago, a group of Colorado Springs entrepreneurs herded its creative energies and funds into a startup brewery named after an epic display of chin whiskers. Complete Story.

Atwater Brewery Releases Atwater Light: Detroit’s Premium Light Craft Beer (April, 7) – Atwater Light Brings a Crafted Touch to Low-Calorie beer, Inspired by the Spirit of Detroit. Complete Story.

Oakshire Commons, third location of Oakshire Brewing is open (April, 4) – Eugene, Oregon’s Oakshire Brewing has opened the Oakshire Commons, the third location for the brewery following the Portland beer hall which opened in 2019. Oakshire Commons is located in the heart of historic downtown Springfield, Oregon just north of Eugene. Complete Story.

Two popular central Pa. breweries are joining forces (April, 4) – Liquid Hero Brewery and Gift Horse Brewing Company announced this week they are joining forces to brew beer under one roof. Complete Story.

Trail Stop Brewery turns once-empty lot into a new city hotspot (April, 4) – A once-vacant floodplain has been transformed into one of Columbia’s newest gathering spots. Complete Story.

Sip in style: These are the 10 best beer labels (April, 3) – These 10 beer labels, nominated by an expert panel and voted as the best by our readers, have mastered the art of grabbing attention, then delivering a delicious brew. Complete Story.

First look inside pFriem Family Brewers Milwaukie taproom in Portland-metro (April, 2) – A little more than a year after the project was first announced, pFriem Milwaukie is ready to open to the public on Monday, April 7th. Complete Story.

Great Divide sells to newly merged Denver Beer Co. and Stem Ciders (April, 2) – In a frenzied few weeks of consolidation, two local brewers merged and then this week announced the purchase of a craft brewing mainstay of 30 years. Complete Story.

The Who’s Who of Beer Cool in 2025 (April, 1) – The country’s top brewers, beer writers and buyers weigh in on the 10 breweries to know right now. Complete Story.

Threshold Brewing becomes first exclusively Polish Language brewery in the U.S. (April, 1) Portland’s own Polish-owned Threshold Brewing is taking the logical next step in embracing their heritage by changing all written and spoken dialect in their taproom to Polish. Complete Story.

Hawaii craft brewery Aloha Beer Co. shares what’s brewing (March, 31) – Aloha Beer is an independent craft brewery in Kakaako, joining Sunrise are Pablo Scurto and KZ Vicente. Complete Story.

Fiction Beer Company Is Making a Comeback on Colfax (March, 31) – A group of the brewery’s former trivia hosts are its new owners. Complete Story.

Why nonalcoholic brews are driving beer innovation (March, 27) – Big companies are going all in on zero-proof drinks in order to expand the struggling category, according to the World Brewing Alliance’s CEO. Complete Story.

Beer’s long and tasty history in the upper Hudson Valley (March, 26) – Albany is the near-forgotten brewing capital of the 19th century. Complete Story.

Memphis brew named best light beer in America (March, 25) – Memphis brewery Wiseacre brought home a top award at the Great American Beer Festival, naming Sky Dog Lager the best light beer in the USA. Complete Story.

Craft Beer and Cannabis Seeds: A New Frontier in Brewing (March, 25) – The latest trend in Washington combines the two most successful forms of indulgence by fusing craft beer and cannabis consumption. Complete Story.

These Are the Best Nonalcoholic Beers in America, According to the Best of Craft Beer Awards (March, 24) – Once an afterthought, booze-free beer is now a major player in craft brewing. Complete Story.

The Beer-Loving City With The Most Breweries In The US (March, 21) – With an ever growing number of breweries, there’s so much for beer lovers to enjoy all across the United States. Complete Story.

Athletic Brewing founders talk nonalcoholic beer, CT origin story (March, 21) – Over a decade ago, Connecticut native Bill Shufelt was at a beer garden with a group of colleagues when he wanted a nonalcoholic drink — but wasn’t able to find one. Complete Story.

Zupan’s Markets Partners with Breakside Brewing for the Latest “Farm-to-Market” Beer Release (March, 21) – Zupan’s Markets is proud to unveil the release of the next installment in its popular Farm-to-Market beer series, crafted in collaboration with Portland’s Breakside Brewing. Complete Story.

Genesee Beer unveils new can line, expects job growth (March, 21) – Genesee Beer has announced the launch of its new can line, a development that is expected to enhance production capabilities and create dozens of new jobs over the coming years. Complete Story.

A Black-owned brewery Roar Brewing to open where Nain Rouge Brewery was in Cass Corridor (March, 21) – A new destination is opening at 666 Selden between Second and Third streets that is said to be Detroit’s first Black-owned brewery. Complete Story.

The Best Beers In America And The World In 2024, According To Untappd (March, 19) – In its second annual Community Awards, the popular beer rating app Untappd has allowed drinkers to have a voice in identifying the best beers on the planet. Complete Story.

186,000 gallons of beer on the wall: Yellow Springs Brewery has momentum, adds new beer to year-round lineup (March, 19) – As Yellow Springs Brewery is focusing on creating approachable beers, it’s adding a new brew to its year-round lineup. Complete Story.

Samuel Adams American Light Debuts Nationwide, Helping Fans Upgrade Their Beer and Lock In Their Seat for Tip-Off (March, 18) – America’s Most Premium Light Beer Ensures Basketball Fans Secure the Best Seats in the House. Complete Story.

Inside Athletic Brewing’s effervescent rise to becoming a core American beer(March 18) – Athletic Brewing is No. 32 on the list of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2025. Explore the full list of companies that are reshaping industries and culture. Just days before Athletic Brewing’s newest busy season begins—Dry January—its primary brewery, in Milford, Connecticut, is shifting into overdrive, working to meet the coming month’s nationwide surge in demand. Nearly 15 million cans will vanish from retail shelves within the first four weeks of 2025. Complete Story

Big Grove Brewery pours support into communities with new micro-grant program, beer release(March 17) – Big Grove Brewery recently launched a new micro-grant initiative to support local projects that enhance and revitalize local neighborhoods. The funding will come directly from the Big Grove for Good Foundation, a first of its kind in the beer industry. Complete Story

Doin’ Beers: 5 Minnesota Beers to Drink in March(March 17) – March is such a weird time for me when it comes to writing a beer column. Sure, there’s St. Patrick’s Day, and local breweries release the occasional dry Irish stout or Irish red to correspond with that, but there just aren’t enough of them doing a St. Paddy’s release for it to be a thing in the way that would make it easy to write about. Complete Story  

Bay Area brewer says tariffs already impacting beer business in multiple ways(March 17) – On Monday evening, many will be hoisting a beer in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. But there’s not a lot of celebrating in the craft beer industry these days, as President Trump’s tariffs threaten brewers with higher prices that may be hard to pass on to consumers. Complete Story

St. Pete’s newest brewery awarded best beer in town (March, 13) – When you’re hot, you’re hot – and St. Pete’s newest brewery is absolutely on fire lately. Complete Story.    

Upstate New York’s renowned craft beer and ice cream brands team up again (March, 13) – Is there be a more formidable dynamic duo of regional craft treats than Southern Tier Brewing and Perry’s Ice Cream? Complete Story.

Adding Sugary Adjuncts to Stouts in the Barrel | Video Tip (March, 12) – While different recipes call for different approaches, Third Eye co-owner and head brewer Kelly Montgomery explains why some stouts need more than one bourbon barrel, and why they add certain sugary adjuncts directly to the barrels. Complete Story.

Creature Comforts Beer Brewed With African Grain Benefits Black Brewmasters (March, 12) – There are 10,000 craft breweries in the United States, yet just 1% are Black-owned, and 2% are owned by women. Complete Story.

The 2025 Texas Craft Brewers Cup Winners (March, 11) – Texas is home to a vibrant craft beer scene. In February the Lone Star State celebrated its best, and we’ve got all the big winners for you… Complete Story.

4 Ways To Add Irish Beer To Baked Goods On St. Patrick’s Day (March, 11) – When it comes to celebratory foods and drinks to indulge in on St. Patrick’s Day, the mind probably goes to green beer on tap at the local bar or a plate of corned beef and cabbage. Complete Story.

Here’s Which Beer Is Most Popular in Your State, According to a New Report (March, 10) – Do your beer preferences line up with your neighbors? This recent study aims to find out. Complete Story.

Delaware beer garden ranked as the best in the nation (March, 7) – Though it may not be wise to go outside in the cold weather lately, Columbus is home to the best beer garden in the nation. Complete Story.

Michigan beer gardens grab No. 2 and No. 3 spots on USA Today’s national list (March, 7) – The Mitten state dominated in this year’s USA Today 10Best battle for top beer garden in the nation. Complete Story.

Charleston brewers among the 1st in the nation to produce a beer using a rare West African grain (March, 5) – April Dove listened intently as Brooklyn Brewery legend Garrett Oliver discussed his work with fonio, an ancient grain grown in Senegal. Complete Story.

Bale Breaker Brewing Announces the 2025 Frenz Collab Lineup (March, 5) – The Bale Breaker Brewing Frenz series of collaboration beers sees the Yakima-based brewery partner with some of the best breweries from near and far. Complete Story.

Fermenting Classic and Imperial-Strength Milk Stouts | Video Tip (March, 5) – From lower-strength versions to higher-gravity ones that need a bigger yeast pitch and more time, Third Eye co-owner and head brewer Kelly Montgomery details their approach to fermenting award-winning milk stouts. Complete Story.

The Brewmaster Blurring the Line Between Beer and Fine Dining (March, 5) – Jared Rouben and Moody Tongue are elevating beer to a Michelin-starred experience. Complete Story.

Marketing idea of the week: Big Grove Brewery pairs Neighborhood Beer with awesome micro-grant program (March, 5) – The Iowa City-based brewery is debuting a new micro-grant initiative to support local projects, that will be partially funded by sales of its new Neighborhood Beer. Complete Story.

New Jersey breweries are getting high ratings on Untappd. What it means for local brewers (March, 4) – Ratings on Untappd, Beer Advocate and Google reviews can make or break small breweries. Brewers have thoughts on how much heed to pay these platforms. Complete Story.

World’s First Beer FromAir®: This Pilsner has Zero Groundwater (March, 3) – By using water sourced from air, this beer blends innovation, sustainability, and brewing excellence, marking the dawn of a new era in beer craftsmanship. Complete Story.

Beer-loving rescue horse inspires “20 Hands Lager” (March, 3) – On Saturday afternoon, a horse whose height rivaled the Water Street skyline drew crowds for a celebration in his honor. Complete Story.

Maryland is Home To The Best Lite Beer in the Country, According to Wine Enthusiast (February, 28) – Wine Enthusiast has ranked MoCo Lite– the collaboration between The MoCoShow and Lone Oak Brewing Company– brewed right here in Olney, Maryland, as the best light beer in the country. Complete Story.

Brewery’s new beer benefits domestic violence shelters (February, 28) – Earth Rider’s One in Four Beer will mark Safe Haven’s 47th birthday and raise funds for three local domestic violence shelters. Complete Story.

Becoming a Beer Sommelier Is Almost Impossible. Explaining It Is Harder. (February, 28) – The exclusive club of Master Cicerones finds the title comes with a few perks and a lot of questions. Complete Story.

Green Bay area breweries tackle a specialty beer for NFL Draft (February, 25) – Nine Green Bay-area breweries are coming together to create a special beer for the NFL Draft. Complete Story.

NYC Beer Week is in full swing, here’s how to celebrate in Queens and across the city (February, 25) – New York City Beer Week is in full swing, running through March 2, bringing a citywide celebration of craft beer to over 40 breweries—including plenty of exciting events in Queens. Complete Story.

The World’s Best Lagers And Pilsners—According To The Brussels Beer Challenge (February, 24) – The best lagers and pilsners were produced in Germany, Vietnam, the U.S., Spain, Italy, France and the Netherlands, according to the competition judges. Complete Story.

More PB&J Mixtape? What Xul Beer Company’s deal with Fanatic means for local fans (February, 24) – Xul Beer Co., known for its super popular PB&J Mixtape, has been growing exponentially in Knoxville since its debut in 2020, and it’s not slowing down. Complete Story.

Maine’s Orange Bike Brewing Company earns national praise for gluten-free beer (February, 24) – A Maine brewery is celebrating after receiving several national honors and creating a lot of buzz around gluten-free beer. Complete Story.

WTOP’s Beer of the Week: Great Raft Commotion Pale Ale (February, 21) – WTOP’s Brennan Haselton is joined by Neighborhood Restaurant Group Beer Director and James Beard Award nominee Greg Engert to talk about Great Raft Commotion Pale Ale for the latest edition of WTOP’s Beer of the Week. Complete Story.

Michigan 2025 Winter Beer Festival to feature 499 beers on tap (February, 21) – The highly anticipated Winter Beer Festival will once again take place at the home of the West Michigan Whitecaps this weekend. Complete Story.

Arizona Beer Week is here: Flagstaff’s breweries attract visitors from around the world (February, 20) – It’s the middle of Arizona’s Beer Week, and the state is home to over 130 breweries. Complete Story.

Victory Hops: Why the Winning Saison by Forbidden Root and Derive Brewing is Special (February, 20) – Made by Columbus breweries Forbidden Root and Derive Brewing Co., Well Positioned saison received national acclaim at the 2024 Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer. Complete Story.

Snouts and Stouts Brewing: Where craft beer meets canine love! (February, 20) – At Snouts and Stouts Brewing, the love of craft beer and canine companionship blend seamlessly. Complete Story.

Black Owned Beer Brands To Try At Your Next Happy Hour (February, 19) – The rise of Black-owned beer brands highlights the growing appreciation for diversity and innovation in the brewing industry. Complete Story.

2024 Denver International Beer Competition Medal Winners (February, 19) – The Denver International Beer Competition celebrates brewing excellence around the world, and it is all done in Denver, the “Napa Valley of Beer”. Complete Story.

Hop Butcher Explores the Weird Side of Beer (February, 19) – By tapping new hops and out-there ingredients, Hop Butcher for the World has become one of Chicago’s buzziest breweries. Complete Story.

Good Line Beer Co. celebrates historic win, named one of two best breweries in Texas (February, 19) – Complete Story.

Perk Up With These 5 Coffee-Infused Columbus Beers (February, 19) – Brewers across Columbus now work with local roasters to blend coffee into their beers. Complete Story.

Dogfish Head partners with Grateful Dead to debut new beer (February, 19) – Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and Grateful Dead are continuing their “long, strange trip together” with the launch of a new collaborative beer, Grateful Dead Juicy Pale Ale. Complete Story.

This Northern Florida City Is Home To A Thriving Craft Beer Scene (February, 18) – From Oakland Park’s Funky Buddha Brewing to Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing, the Sunshine State is packed full of top-tier destinations for craft beer aficionados—yet one city tends to fly under the radar when it comes to brewing prowess. Complete Story.

Inaugural class announced for American Craft Beer Hall of Fame (February, 18) – The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame announced its inaugural class of inductees last week. Complete Story.

Women-owned brewery in Tempe leads craft beer revolution in Arizona (February, 18) – At last count, Arizona is home to more than 130 craft breweries, brewing over 217,000 barrels of craft beer a year. Complete Story.

Popular Knoxville brewery purchasing Fanatic site to increase production, host private events (February, 18) – Xul Beer Company has received critical acclaim for its work, picking up a gold medal at the World Beer Cup in 2022. Complete Story.

Pantown Brewing blends St. Cloud history with craft beer (February, 17) – The brewery, at 408 37th Ave. N, sits on the former testing grounds of the Pan Motor Co. Inside the brewery, nods to the Pan Motor Co. are everywhere. Complete Story.

Six of the Top Beer Spas Across the World (February, 17) – Would you bathe in beer? Discover if the hype is worth the plunge. Complete Story.

This brewery’s hidden outpost is an attractive oasis along Route 2 (February, 17) – Sterling Street Brewery in Devens is part taproom, part restaurant and part community center, all hidden away in a sprawling manufacturing campus within a former army base. Complete Story.

Luxury Beer Gifts That Will Wow For Valentine’s Day (February, 12) – When you think of beer in terms of Valentine’s Day gifts, the words “luxury” or “high-end” don’t usually come to mind. Complete Story.

Arizona Wilderness Brewery leads a sustainable beer movement (February, 11) – Arizona Wilderness Brewery is charting a different path in the heart of Arizona’s craft beer scene — one that prioritizes sustainability, local partnerships, and environmental stewardship over rapid expansion. Complete Story.

Wyoming Has An Incredible Love Story With Beer (February, 11) – With over 40 breweries operating, the Cowboy State is a state where there is no doubt that beer is loved. The history of beer in Wyoming is impressive, going back to the 1800s. Complete Story.

The World’s Best Guinness-Like Stouts According To Untappd (February, 10) – These are the most popular Irish-style stouts from thousands of reviews on the beer rating website. Complete Story.

Craft Beer Spots from San Diego to Anaheim (February, 10) – Taste your way from the pine-scented mountains outside San Diego, along the Hops Highway, all the way to the ocean breezes of Orange County. Complete Story.

Low-Alcohol Beers Are Trending Like Never Before — Here Are 10 to Try (February, 10) – Not too big, not too small — the Goldilocks of beer falls somewhere between 0–6% ABV. Complete Story.

Side Project Brewing hosts Stout Week from February 11–16 (February, 10) – This hallmark event has become a popular annual tradition and pilgrimage for some craft beer enthusiasts. Complete Story.

Beer News: Beer Overtakes Wine in France / Anheuser-Busch Begins Contract Brewing Pabst (February, 10) – Call it a ‘generational change” if you want, but the fact that beer is currently outselling wine in France, a country renowned for its wine and its wine consumption, is big news. Complete Story.

SweetWater launches “Dive Beer” 4% Lager (February, 7) – SweetWater Dive Beer, a 4% alcohol-by-volume lager, has hit shelves to kick off 2025. Complete Story.

Montauk Brewing Co.: ‘The Surf Beer’ being served on all JetBlue flights (February, 7) – The brewery says its beer can be enjoyed on all flights, both domestic and international. Complete Story.

Black craft beer group creates limited-edition Black History Month brew (February, 6) – Atlanta-based craft beer lifestyle brand Draught Season, in collaboration with Atlanta Influences Everything and Monday Night Brewing, will debut a new beer called “Beer Starts With Us” Saturday. Complete Story.

Pairing Beer And Wings For Super Bowl LIX Football Perfection (February, 6) – But which beer styles work best with wings, especially with the myriad sauces or rubs that can accompany them? Complete Story.

Scientists found a faster way to brew sour beer—with peas (February, 5) – The yeast cannot metabolize sugars derived from peas, thus promoting the growth of essential bacteria. Complete Story.

Here’s What You’re Actually Drinking In A Mango Cart Beer (February, 5) – Among the most popular beers in the United States, it’s hard to think of one that’s more reliably refreshing and flavor-forward than Mango Cart from Golden Road Brewing. Complete Story.

On Tap Sunday: Football + Beer at Atlas Alexandria Brewery (February, 4) – Atlas Alexandria Brewery & Tap Room and Atlas Navy Yard Brewery & Tap Room will both have the big game on all televisions with audio Sunday evening. Complete Story.

Sweetwater Brewing Launches Dive Beer: A Perfect No Frills, Satisfying, Crisp Lager (February, 4) – SweetWater Brewing Company proudly introduces Dive Beer—a crisp, no-frills lager that channels the laid-back spirit of dive bars everywhere. Complete Story.

More Than Half Of Beer Drinkers Are Open To Trying Marijuana-Infused Beverage Alternatives, Study Shows (February, 4) – As interest in alcohol alternatives continues to grow while more states move to legalize marijuana, a new study signals that there’s a significant market opportunity for beer makers to enter into the cannabis space with THC- and CBD-infused beverages. Complete Story.

Dallas brewery makes ‘Sell the Team’ beer in the wake of the Luka Doncic trade (February, 4) – It allegedly “pairs well with our despair & confusion,” which Mavs fans need at this point. Complete Story.

11 Unique Beers From Around The World To Add To Your Bucket List (February, 3) – If someone tells you they hate beer, it just means they haven’t tasted the right one yet. Complete Story.

SteepleJack Brewing’s The Union on Hawthorne opens (February, 3) – Portland and Hillsboro, Oregon founded SteepleJack Brewing opens their fourth location The Union on Hawthorne on Monday, February 3rd, 2025. Complete Story.

The States That Drink the Most Beer in America (2024) [MAP] (February, 3) – Americans love beer. According to new data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 6.3 billion gallons of beer were consumed in the United States in 2022. Complete Story.

A Utah brewery says it’s the first in the U.S. to make a new kind of beer (January, 31) – Kiitos Brewing in Salt Lake City has produced a new beer that its maker says is the first of its kind in the United States, and possibly just the second made in the world. Complete Story.

San Francisco brewery offering $1 beers for life as prices rise elsewhere (January, 31) – How would you like to drink beer for $1 for the rest of your life? That’s what a local San Francisco brewery is offering right now. But the price has to be right. Complete Story.

The Best Beer For The NFL Playoffs—According To A Beer Cicerone And Sports Bar GM (January, 24) – Katherine Benecke, a beer cicerone and sport bar and beer hall general manager, shared her top “draft” picks for the best beers to pair with the NFL playoffs. Complete Story.

Terrapin Beer Co. Celebrates 20 Years of Iconic Wake-n-Bake Beer with Exciting Wake-n-Bake Off Event in Athens, GA (January, 24) – Terrapin Beer Co., is excited to announce the 20th anniversary of its Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout seasonal beer and the annual Wake-n-Bake Off event on Sunday, January 26th, 2025, at the Terrapin taproom in Athens, GA. Complete Story.

Try Wisconsin’s new, climate-friendly beer (January, 24) – Karben4 and Clean Wisconsin are launching the sustainable Wisconsin Kernza® Pub Ale on Jan. 30. Complete Story.

The Oldest Beer Receipt (Circa 2050 BC) (January, 24) – Written in cuneiform on an old clay tablet, the 4,000-year-old receipt documents a transaction. Complete Story.

Expand Your Sense Of Smell With This Beer Expert’s New Aroma Class (January, 23) – Master Cicerone® Jen Blair has started a new sensory program designed to educate people on aromas in beer. Aroma is a very important indicator in beer as well as in life. Complete Story.

Knoxville breweries get creative with mocktails, food and specials to defeat Dry January (January, 22) – January is “the worst month” for Knoxville brewers, Knox Brew Hub owner Zack Roskop told Knox News, but creative brewers and bar owners find ways to make it through. Complete Story.

This East Bay Brewery Is Tripling Down With Its Third Beer Garden (January, 21) – Headlands Brewing lands in a new Walnut Creek space, building on the popularity of its beer gardens in Lafayette and Berkeley. Complete Story.

The Best Hazy IPAs Of The Year—According To Top Beer Competitions (January, 20) – IPAs remained the most popular craft beer style last year, accounting for 60% of the craft beer market, according to the Brewers Association. Complete Story.

2025 ‘Barrel Jam’ Barrel-Aged Beer Festival (January, 17) – In order to enjoy Buffalo winters, we must celebrate Buffalo winters. That means that we must take advantage of the snow-related activities that are presented to us. Complete Story.

Big Ditch Brewing hosts first non-alcoholic beer pong tourney in Buffalo (January, 15) – Big Ditch Brewing Company recently launched a non-alcoholic hazy IPA. Complete Story.

Buckstin’s new beer to help end ALS (January, 15) – Buckstin Brewing has a new beer, and part of the proceeds from this one will benefit a fatal condition with no known cause of cure. Complete Story.

Griffin Claw Brewing bringing back paczki-flavored beer ahead of Fat Tuesday (January, 15) – Fat Tuesday is 48 days away (March 4), and ahead of that, one local brewery is bringing back a Paczki-flavored seasonal beverage. Complete Story.

These seven Erie County beer, wine and mocktail makers nabbed awards this winter (January, 15) – Altered State Distillery ranked in national survey of places to get mocktails. Lavery Brewing wows at PA Farm Show, where North East wineries also clean up. Complete Story.

2025: Candy-flavored brews, craft lagers, “healthy” beer and more trends on tap (January, 15) – Amid a “new normal” of shifted drinking patterns, here’s what I’m expecting in 2025. Complete Story.

Valley’s Pedal Haus Brewery starts selling craft beer in cans (January, 14) – Pedal Haus Brewery, an award-winning local beer maker, is making it easier for Arizonans to enjoy their favorite styles at home. Complete Story.

Marketing idea of the week: Bitchin’ Kitten’s Girl Scout beer fundraiser (January, 14) – Bitchin’ Kitten Brewery, the No. 1 cat-themed brewery based in Morrisville, Pa., is bringing back a great fundraiser / beer release that benefits the Girl Scouts. Complete Story.

How Athletic Sparked the Nonalcoholic Beer Boom With Brews That Don’t Suck (January, 14) – The company that dominates the market wants to change how we experience beer. Complete Story.

The World’s Best Stout—According To European Beer Star Competition (January, 13) – Stouts were divided into three subcategories, but stout beers also won in other categories. Complete Story.

A Naperville Taproom Is Changing the Way Customers Think About Nonalcoholic Beer (January, 10) – Go Brewing is fully stocked for Dry January, after selling out in 2024. Complete Story.

Chuckanut Brewery Expands Distribution of its Canned Beers (January, 9) – Good news for Oregon, but also good news for everyone who lives within the Chuckanut Brewery distribution footprint. Complete Story.

Here’s Dogfish Head’s 2025 craft beer and beverage release calendar (January, 9) – Chock full of off-centered goodness, the brewery’s annual release calendar unveils a host of new products and re- introduces fans to some beloved throwbacks, all of which are slated to hit shelves next year. Complete Story.

Watch Tom Holland and Brother Harry Celebrate the Launch of Tom’s Non-Alcoholic Beer BERO at Target (January, 9) – In a new Instagram video to promote the release of BERO at Target, Tom and Harry guess which flavor they associate with their brothers. Complete Story.

Firestone Walker Brewing Wins Big At Global Beer Competitions (January, 8) – In Nuremberg, Germany, Firestone Walker Brewing racked up three gold medals at the prestigious 2024 European Beer Star competition. Complete Story.

The Most Anticipated Oregon & SW Washington Breweries, Cideries, Taprooms opening in 2025 (January, 8) – After a crushing year for Oregon brewery and taproom closures, there is still a lot to be excited for in 2025. Complete Story.

A year of free beer on the line as city-wide treasure hunt begins in St. Paul (January, 8) – The Hunt for the Golden Beer Can will take place across public land around the city. Complete Story.

‘Fred Thirst’ Beer Pays Tribute To Limp Bizkit Frontman (January, 7) – Two Texas breweries are rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ out an American IPA that pays homage—but not royalties—to Limp Bizkit and its charismatic frontman Fred Durst. Complete Story.

Moody Tongue Sushi: A 15-course omakase experience with beer pairings opens in January (January, 7) – Complete Story.

The Important Rule To Remember When Pairing Beer With Chocolate (January, 7) – Beers are crafted all over the world, and connoisseurs pair different beers with everything from cheese boards to the complex flavor profiles of whiskey. Complete Story.

Beer drinkers are thirsting for nonalcoholic brews in North Carolina (January, 7) – The sale and consumption of nonalcoholic beer in North Carolina is on the rise, mirroring a nationwide trend. Complete Story.

Texas Brewery Launches Limp Bizkit Themed Beer Called Fred Thirst (January, 3) – Texas brewery Celestial Beerworks is rollin’ out a new Fred Durst-themed beer so you can finally have something to drink at your next Limp Bizkit-themed parties besides hot dog flavored water. Complete Story.

6 new NA beers to try this Dry January (January, 3) – Dry January has arrived, and so have new nonalcoholic beers. Complete Story.

New England has 3 brewery hotels that ‘every beer lover needs to visit,’ according to USA Today (January, 3) – Beer lovers can extend their sudsy stay at brewery hotels across the nation, and New England has three of the best, according to USA Today. Complete Story.

New Beer Alert – The 2025 “Dry January” Edition (January, 2) – Never have non-alcoholic beers been better and more available. And with Dry January ON we’re showcasing some of the best breweries and beers in this uber-hot sector. Complete Story.

What’s The Most Popular Beer In America? (January, 2) – America loves beer. There’s no doubt that an icy cold one is the drink of choice at sporting events, backyard barbecues, a party, or as an easy-to-sip-on beverage when going out. Complete Story.

Breweries in Bourbon Country: Here are 9 craft breweries to try near downtown Louisville (December, 31) – Visitors often flock to downtown Louisville for its ever-growing bourbon scene, but the urban core has a vibrant beer culture, too. Complete Story.

Athletic Brewing Co., CT’s nonalcoholic beer, has changed American drinking for the better (December, 31) – In 2017 when Bill Shufelt and John Walker founded Athletic Brewing Co. in Connecticut it was one of the first breweries in the country to exclusively specialize in nonalcoholic (NA) beers. It’s hard to believe now, but at the time many were more likely to roast than toast them. Complete Story.

New Beer Alert: Best Champagne Beers For New Year’s Eve (December, 31) – For those of you who don’t want to stray from the Champagne concept on New Year’s Eve, there’s a school of beer imports loosely referred to as Bière de Champagne, that deftly straddle both worlds. Complete Story.

Best in Beer Editors’ Picks: Our 2025 Bucket List (December, 31) – When it comes to memorable beer experiences, we get to do more than most—and we love that part of the job—but we can’t do it all. Complete Story.

Classing It Up: 12 West brings new look, beer to Ahwatukee (December, 30) – After a refresh and remodel, 12 West Brewing Co. opened Nov. 29. Complete Story.

Costco Is Quietly Selling an Award-Winning Beer Under the Kirkland Signature Label (December, 30) – Ah, Costco. Home of $1.50 hot dogs, epically large flat-screen TVs and — thanks to one of the country’s most revered breweries — a very delicious cheap beer. Complete Story.

This Oregon brewery is one of the 20 ‘must-visit’ beer spots in the U.S. (December, 30) – Pelican Brewing on the Oregon coast is one of the country’s 20 ‘must-visit’ breweries for beer fans, according to a new list. Complete Story.

How Jimmy Carter Sparked America’s Craft Beer Industry (December, 30) – Former President Jimmy Carter played an important role in the creation of today’s booming craft beer industry. Craft beer’s roots trace back to underground home brewing, which was legalized with a stroke of the pen by Carter in 1978. Complete Story.

2024 best golf beers: Our toast to the game’s finest brews (December, 28) – Cheers to golf, the activity that we love and loathe, that rewards and punishes, that is the namesake of this very website. Complete Story.

Ferment Brewing Excels at Winter w/ new Barrel-Aged Strong Ales, Frog beer, and Yurts (December, 20) – One of the many things that Hood River, Oregon’s Ferment Brewing does really well is winter. Complete Story.

Beer Alert: New Czech Pilsners And Winter Lagers (December, 20) – The winter holidays are ON and American brewers are addressing things with a refreshing roster of new beers that you’ll want to have under the Christmas tree. Complete Story.

This Week in Beer: N/A Producer Grüvi Rebrands and More (December, 20) – Grüvi, the Denver-based maker of non-alcoholic beer and wine, has a new logo, packaging and a brand-new variety pack. Complete Story.

The 8 Stories That Defined the Beer Industry in 2024 (December, 20) – As is holiday tradition around these parts, below I’ve put together a shortlist of what I believe to be the most important storylines and turning points for the industry in 2024. Complete Story.

Colorado’s best breweries and beers of 2024 (December, 19) – Colorado breweries survived a difficult year, but they kept making great beer. Complete Story.

We Asked An Expert: This Is The Biggest Beer Trend You’ll See Even More Of In 2025 (December, 19) – If you asked craft brewing industry workers a decade ago whether beer lacking one of its defining characteristics — the resulting buzz — could successfully vie for shelf space and tap handles alongside those with alcohol, the very question likely would’ve resulted in a collective spit take. Complete Story.

We sampled five Ohio pilsners to pick our favorite. See which craft brewery won. (December, 18) – We sampled five Ohio pilsners to pick our favorite. See which craft brewery won. Complete Story.

Northern Michigan brewery’s Igloo Village drops you into a whimsical snow-covered forest (December, 18) – Michigan’s most acclaimed beer garden has transformed into a whimsical “Igloo Village” for winter. Complete Story.

Former UF Lineman Turns Beer Passion, Family’s Legacy Into State’s ‘Best Small Brewery’ (December, 18) – Jim Barrie gazes at the frames hung on the wall of his brewery, BarrieHaus Beer Co. in Ybor City, pointing to artifacts of his great-great-great grandfather’s brewery and speaking of continuing the family legacy. Complete Story.

The Perfect Beer Glass Shape, according to Math (December, 18) – A mathematician has calculated the ideal shape for a beer glass to keep the liquid inside as cool as possible. Complete Story.

World’s Oldest Beer Discovered, And I Wonder What It Tastes Like (December, 17) – We’ve all heard the saying, “Monks invented alcohol or beer,” but it seems like our ancestors may have enjoyed a tipple as long as 10,000 years ago. Complete Story.

Breweries diversified with non-alcoholic beer, collaborations in 2024 (December, 17) – As 2024 rolls into 2025, it’s a good time for a bit of retrospective on the year, to look back on the state of the local beer scene and the changes and trends that emerged in the past 12 months. Complete Story.

Pop culture-themed brewery settles into Arvada shopping center (December, 17) – Three former employees of SomePlace Else Brewing in Arvada opened their own business a little farther north in the same northwest suburb. Complete Story.

Berks woman turns 110, credits longevity to Yuengling beer (December, 16) – A Berks County native is celebrating a huge milestone this week. Complete Story.

Three Rules of Authentic Trappist: the beer bottle that’s a work of art (December, 16) – How Tête de la Course embraced the concept for a special edition Trappist beer and used it to craft an object of desire. Complete Story.

Von Ebert Brewing reveals 2025 Beer Release Calendar (December, 16) – Von Ebert Brewing is kicking off what is sure to be a milestone year by revealing their 2025 beer release calendar. Complete Story.

Kevin Ely of Wooly Pig Finds Small Tweaks That Make Big Impacts in Robust, Farm-Brewed Lagers (December, 13) – What happens when an experienced brewmaster trades his 100-barrel production plant for a five-barrel kit built into an old farm? Complete Story.

Dogfish Head founder says he’s still against beer conglomerates, despite getting acquired (December, 13) – First and foremost, Dogfish Head cofounder Sam Calagione is a storyteller. Complete Story.

10,000-Year-Old Rice Beer Was The First Known Booze In East Asia (December, 12) – The rice beer was produced using a technique that is still used in Taiwan. Complete Story.

The 2024 Year in Beer (December, 12) – As 2024 comes to a close, the Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers—recaps a year of decelerated growth and continued honing of offerings. Complete Story.

New Berlin Brewing Co. passes 2-year mark, embracing craft beer and unique history (December, 9) – For Mike Leckie-Ewing, the brewery business has been a bear. Complete Story.

Breakside’s Guide to Institutional Beer Quality | Brewing Course (December, 6) – Ben Edmunds, cofounder and brewmaster of Breakside Brewing in Portland, Oregon, shares his insights on how to build and maintain a methodical quality program that can take your brewery’s beers from consistently good to consistently excellent. Complete Story.

The Simple Way To Discover Great New Beers When Traveling (December, 6) – If you’re a beer fan, then local beers are an underrated sort of “tourist attraction” when you’re traveling to a new town. Complete Story.

The Best 2024 Winter Beers and Holiday Ales Ranked & Reviewed (December, 5) – One of the best parts about the slower colder months of the year is discovering new winter and holiday seasonals, and going back to limited-time classics. Complete Story.

A Great Year For Beer: 8 Best Beers Of The Year (December, 4) – There’s great beer everywhere but sometimes a beer stops you in your tracks and makes you take a step back. These are the eight beers from 2024 that did just that for me. Complete Story.

Meet The Voice Of Beer In America (December, 4) – John Holl hosts or co-hosts three podcasts about beer and produces three more, has written six books about beer, is the editor and co-owner of All About Beer and writes about beer for innumerable publications. Complete Story.

Craft brewery cultivates beer community in Norcross (December, 4) – Open nearly four years, Cultivation Brewing Co. in Norcross is a bit off the beaten path, but once you navigate the winding road to the top of a hill, you’ll find a surprising beer oasis. Complete Story.

12 best breweries in Charlotte (December, 3) – Charlotte is a beer lover’s paradise with over 40 breweries in city limits, plus dozens more in nearby towns. Complete Story.

Foodie Finds: Buckstin Brewing Company offers great food and hospitality (December, 2) – Not only did Buckstin Brewing Company survive the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdowns. It continues to thrive today, winning awards for its beer and food. Complete Story.

14 Stout Beers That Will Get You In The Holiday Spirit (December, 2) – Dark and decadent, stout beer is the perfect treat around the holidays. Complete Story.

What is the state of Oklahoma’s craft beer scene? (December, 2) – After Oklahoma made it legal for breweries to operate taprooms in 2016, the state’s craft beer scene exploded. Complete Story.

Not only does beer taste great, there are health benefits associated with it, too! (December, 2) – Craft brews in particular possess heart-healthy compounds. Complete Story.

Tourism and state park leaders unveil official craft beer for Kentucky State Parks 100th Anniversary (November, 27) – Andy Beshear joined Against the Grain Brewery and tourism and state parks leaders at Natural Bridge State Resort Park to announce the official Kentucky State Parks 100th Anniversary craft beer. Complete Story.

Mellotone Beer Project announces official grand opening in former Taft’s Ale House space (November, 20) – Mellotone Beer Project is opening this weekend in the former Taft’s Ale House space in Over-the-Rhine. Complete Story.

Holiday Gift Guide 2024: The Best Gifts For Craft Beer Lovers (November, 20) – Here are eight great sure-fire gifts every craft beer lover will appreciate. Complete Story.

Fat Head’s to release special beer on Holiday Beer & Good Cheer Black Friday event (November, 20) – Fat Head’s Brewery is holding a Holiday Beer & Good Cheer Black Friday event, offering a special beer release while seeking donations for several non-profit organizations. Complete Story.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Goes Public With Its Most Limited Release Beer (November, 19) – Celly Drippins has been a secret offering for years, but will be officially released this year on November 22 at Sierra Nevada’s Mills River taproom. Complete Story.

The State That Drinks The Most Beer Isn’t California Or Texas (November, 19) – Today, our collective thirst for brewskies remains unquenched, but perhaps no state loves it more than….Complete Story.

We Asked 10 Beer Pros: What’s the Biggest Red Flag at a Brewery Taproom? (November, 19) – There are thousands of breweries in the U.S., and a visit to any of them can be a mixed bag. Complete Story.

15 Breweries Beer Lovers Need To Tour Around The US (November, 14) – Whether you are on vacation or just looking for something fun to do on the weekends, having a few beers accompanied by a brewery tour is a great time just waiting to happen. Complete Story.

Why You’ll Find A Plastic Ball Inside Every Guinness Beer Can (November, 14) – With 8,735 years left on its 9,000-year lease at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, it’s a safe bet that the Guinness brewery is here to stay. Complete Story.

How Do Hops Affect Beer? A Guide to Popular Varieties and Their Flavors (November, 14) – Hops are the key ingredient that turn beer into beer. If you want to be an expert, here’s what you need to know. Complete Story.

The World’s Best IPAs—According To Untappd Ratings (November, 12) – The world’s best IPAs, according to Untappd’s ratings, include three beers by Massachusetts-based Treehouse Brewing Co. Complete Story.

Women have a long and influential history in beer brewing (November, 12) – For thousands of years, women were at the forefront of producing the world’s beer. Complete Story

We Asked 9 Brewers: What’s the Most Overrated Beer Trend? (November, 12) – The most overrated beer trends, according to brewers. Complete Story.

Love Your Neighbor collaborative beer release party sends love to those in need (November, 12) – Love Your Neighbor is a new beer on the scene thanks to a collaboration between Broad Street Love and Love City Brewing in Philadelphia. Complete Story.

How Athletic Brewing Outsold Heineken’s and Bud’s Nonalcoholic Beer (November, 11) – Nonalcoholic beer is one of the fastest growing segments of the beer industry, and Athletic Brewing is on top. WSJ explains how Athletic’s strategy helped reinvent nonalcoholic beer. Complete Story.

Beer science: This popular glass keeps your brew coldest, says physics (November, 11) – How do you keep a glass of beer cold the longest? By using science, of course. Complete Story.

Northern Michigan brewery grows into an epic year-round beer garden (November, 11) – Situated in a grove of trees along scenic M-22 is a local brewery that has carved out quite a name for itself over the last decade. Complete Story.

The Difference Between Non-Alcoholic Beer and Alcohol-Free Beer, Explained (November, 6) – The first lesson to learn about NA beer is that the products in the category aren’t technically beer. Complete Story.

2024 Washington Beer Awards, the List of Winners (November, 5) – Last night in SeaTac, Washington we learned about the winners of the 2024 Washington Beer Awards. Complete Story.

A Vote For American Craft Beer on Election Day (November, 5) – Election Day is finally here and no matter how you feel about the candidates, it remains a critical moment for all of us in charting the nation’s future. Complete Story.

What makes lager yeast special? Inside the genetics of beer (November, 5) – University of Wisconsin scientists explore a microbe’s cold-tolerance for better brewing. Complete Story.

Oregon City Brewing Company Opens a Book-Themed Beer Destination in Canby (November, 4) – Bookworms and beer-lovers can now congregate at Oregon City Brewing’s second location, the Canby Beer Library, which opened in the former Canby Municipal Library building in late October. Complete Story.

Voodoo Brewing is latest addition to St. Petersburg’s craft beer scene (November, 4) – After years of anticipation and setbacks, the brewery at 220 Fourth St. N. is now open. Complete Story.

The Japanese Beer Brand We Can’t Get Enough Of (November, 4) – Motivated American beer lovers can track down Japanese beers to help quench their thirst, and we have our favorites. Complete Story.

This Iconic American Brewer Just Brought Back a Cult Beer (October, 31) – Gone but not forgotten, Pinner — Oskar Blues’s former session IPA — is on its way back from the grave. Only, it won’t be called “Pinner,” nor will the name on the can read “Oskar Blues.” Complete Story.

The 2024 Canada Beer Cup Award Winners (October, 28) – The Canada Beer Cup is a national competition celebrating independently owned and operated breweries across Canada. Complete Story.

Mapped: America’s Beer Consumption By State (October, 28) – From backyard barbecues to Sunday night football, beer is deeply woven in the fabric of American culture. Complete Story.

Saints’ Alvin Kamara gets free beer for life from New Orleans brewery after signing contract extension (October, 24) – Kamara got a nice cherry on top of his big contract extension. Complete Story.

Does Beer Expire? (October, 24) – Yes, but not in the way you expect. Complete Story.

Ever heard of Country Club beer? It was brewed at this Kansas City spot after Prohibition (October, 23) – The Goetz Brewing Company survived Prohibition, and launched a large Kansas City facility at 17th & Indiana in 1936. It made Country Club lager there until the company merged with Pearl Brewing in 1961. Complete Story.

Running Hot & Cold: How Temperature Affects Beer More than We Realize (October, 23) – From the weather at the farms that grow the ingredients to every aspect of brewing and on to the climate in which we enjoy it, temperature affects beer profoundly. Complete Story.

Top 250 Rated Beers (October, 22) – The legendary Top 250 Rated Beers on BeerAdvocate, and arguably the best beers in the world. Complete Story.

Make Your Best Grodziskie (October, 22) – A great one to enjoy by the autumn bonfire, this is a style that any smoked-beer enthusiast should know how to make—and it can be nearly as easy to brew as it is to drink. Complete Story.

Canada Beer Cup Announces The Best Beers In Canada For 2024 (October, 21) – The Canada Beer Cup is Canada’s only national not-for-profit beer competition. Complete Story.

Maine brewery ferments beer inside Charlie Lopresti’s record-breaking pumpkin (October, 21) – Pumpkin beers are a dime a dozen, especially this time of year. But what about a pumpkin beer inside a giant, award-winning pumpkin? Complete Story.

This six-pack of California beer costs $120. It’s worth every penny. (October, 21) – Hanabi Lager Co. has one of the most innovative brewing styles in California beer. Complete Story.

Bend’s newest craft beer adventure, Terranaut Beer, opens taproom (October, 16) – Trio of partners open doors in former Monkless site. Complete Story.

Abita Beer to open a new brewery ‘in the heart of New Orleans’ next year (October, 16) – The New Orleans brewery, to be located on Tchoupitoulas Street, will be the Abita Springs-based company’s second. Complete Story.

Spider-Man Actor Tom Holland Announces A Non-Alcoholic Beer (October, 16) – Movie star Tom Holland, famous for playing Spider-Man, has announced his next career move: beer. Complete Story.

Beer Might Be Healthier Than You Think (October, 16) – Beer doesn’t have an image typical of a health drink, as the beverage is more often associated with boozy frat parties than with supplements and herbal teas. Complete Story.

The Best Beers In America, According To The Great American Beer Festival (October, 15) – Winners of the 2024 edition of the competition were announced at a celebration on October 12 at the Denver Convention Center, which is home to the festival every year. Complete Story.

Baby born in microbrewery parking lot honored with special beer (October, 15) – A baby born in the parking lot of his parents’ favorite microbrewery in Michigan was named after the business, which in turn created a special brew to honor the newborn. Complete Story.

This local brewery makes Alabama’s highest-rated beer according to VinePair (October,15) – According to VinePair’s findings, Alabama’s highest-rated beer is the Hitchhiker IPA—a seasonal release from Birmingham’s Good People Brewing Company. Complete Story.

The Great American Beer Festival In Denver Is On! (October, 11) – The Great American Beer Festival, or simply the GABF as it’s known as in the biz, has returned to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado for a weekend of serious drinking. Complete Story.

Women-owned breweries are helping to redefine New England craft beer industry (October, 11) – Amid the hops and malts, a growing number of women are making their mark on what has traditionally been a male-dominated space. Complete Story.

No-Li Brewhouse Welcomes the Legend, Charlie Papazian (October, 11) – No-Li Brewhouse welcomes Charlie Papazian to Spokane for a meet-and-greet and book-signing event on October 25th. Complete Story.

Forget acid washed! Wrangler partners with Coors Banquet for beer wash jeans (October, 11) – Americans might be drinking less beer these days, but that’s only opening up more inventive ways to deal with the surplus. Complete Story.

Brewing an Annual Comfort: Celebration Fresh Hop IPA (October, 10) – Not every beer needs to chase the latest trends and tech—consider Sierra Nevada’s Celebration IPA, the fresh-hopped seasonal that remains reassuringly old-school. Complete Story.

Utah’s New NHL Team Makes Beer Sales History in Inaugural Game (October, 10) – The beer was flowing in Salt Lake City on Tuesday night. Complete Story.

7 pumpkin beers to try during the short but sweet season (October, 9) – From Roadsmary’s Baby to Yamma Jamma, the spicy, malty pumpkin potables are treats, not tricks. Complete Story.

Sun King beer honoring former Purdue basketball coach Gene Keady to be released Oct. 18 (October, 9) – Fans of Purdue Men’s Basketball, Gene Keady and beer won’t have to wait much longer to get their hands on a can of Sun King Brewery’s newest brew in the legendary coach’s honor. Complete Story.

Award-Winning Beers! Here are the Winners From the 2024 Arizona Craft Beer Awards (October, 8) – Tucson’s Barrio Brewing was the big winner of the night at the 3rd annual Arizona Craft Beer Awards, presented by PHOENIX magazine and the Arizona Craft Brewer’s Guild. Complete Story.

Cheers Inside the Wild Ride of the Great American Beer Festival (October, 8) – The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is more than just a celebration of craft beer—it’s a testament to the creativity, passion, and craftsmanship of brewers across the nation. Complete Story.

Oregon Beer Awards 2024 Fresh Hop Competition Medal Winners (October, 8) – Judging for the 9th annual Oregon Beer Awards Fresh Hop competition was held on Saturday, October 5th, with 15 judges selecting nine medal winning beers from three categories. Complete Story.

Alexandria brewery releases new beer named for local Olympic champion (October, 8) – Atlas Brew Works is debuting two new beers and one is named after a hometown hero who won a gold medal at the Olympics. Complete Story.

Beer can artwork accidentally trashed by museum worker (October, 8) – A museum in the Netherlands has recovered an artwork that resembles two empty beer cans from the trash after an elevator technician accidentally disposed of them during his shift, officials said. Complete Story.

The Tennessee Brewery Where You Can Drink Hand-Crafted Beer From Hand-Blown Glassware (October, 7) – Matthew Cummings is a creative individual. With a bachelor’s degree and a master’s of fine arts, both in glass sculpture, he founded Pretentious Glass Co. in 2012 in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. Complete Story.

Germany: Oktoberfest wraps in Munich, 7 million liters later (October, 7) – Roughly 6.7 million people flocked to Oktoberfest in Munich in recent weeks, consuming 7 million 1-liter mugs of beer. Both police and ambulance services were less busy than usual. Complete Story.

GABF goes beyond beer in its 42nd year (Ocotber,7) – If you want to visit a German biergarten, watch live sports, get Halloween spooky or play yard games, this year’s Great American Beer Festival has it all. Complete Story.

Jolly Pumpkin founder remembered as ‘wicked smart’ pioneer in beer brewing (October, 7) – The craft beer brewing industry lost a pioneer with the recent death of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales founder Ron Jeffries. Complete Story.

Tim Aten Knows: Naples welcomes colorful new brewpub (October, 7) – Kaleidoscope Beer Co. plans to add some color to the local brewpub scene. Complete Story.

Surly’s Darkness Day brings beer and metal together this weekend (October, 4) – The annual (and free) celebration of Surly’s barrel-aged stouts takes place on Oct. 5 with Rocket From the Crypt headlining. Complete Story.

No glove, no problem. Ann Arbor brewery owner snags Tigers game ball with his beer cup (October, 4) – David Becker achieved a lifelong dream during the Tigers-Rays game on Sept. 26. Complete Story.

6 Grand Strand brewing companies team up to help ‘Beer City, USA’ after Helene (October, 4) – Six brewing companies along the Grand Strand are working to collect supplies for people in North Carolina impacted by Helene. Complete Story.

Want to have a séance with Sam Adams? Samuel Adams Brewery is selling kit for just $18.03 (October, 4) – If you’ve ever had the very niche thought that you want to tell colonial patriot Samuel Adams that you love the beer he inspired, you now might have a chance to do so. Complete Story.

Virginia craft beer industry unites for Hurricane Helene relief efforts (October, 4) – Out of all the things that scream “patriotic” in America, beer and serving your fellow neighbor are near the top of the list. Complete Story.

5 Tequila Barrel-Aged Beers to Try Right Now (October, 2) – Bypass the tequila shot with these agave influenced brews. Complete Story.

Filed Under: Beer, craftbeer

Pike Brewing to Close Iconic Pike Pub and Pike Fish Bar Near Pike Place Market

November 20, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Pike Brewing to Close Iconic Pike Pub and Pike Fish Bar Near Pike Place MarketSeattle’s pioneering craft brewery, Pike Brewing, announced on November 19, 2025, that it will permanently close its historic Pike Pub and adjacent Pike Fish Bar locations near Pike Place Market on November 30, 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the city’s most beloved beer institutions after more than 35 years.

While the flagship pub — a two-level brewpub renowned for its extensive beer memorabilia museum and role in defining Seattle’s craft beer scene — shutters its doors, Pike Brewing emphasized that beer production and distribution will continue uninterrupted. The brand’s popular lineup, including flagship beers like Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale, Space Needle IPA, and Post Alley Pils, will remain available across the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, the Pike Taproom Summit inside the Seattle Convention Center will stay open.

“The traditional pub model became increasingly difficult to sustain, and we reached a point where we had to make a tough, but necessary, decision,” said CEO Matt Lincecum. “The Pike Pub helped define what a Seattle craft brewery could be. As Pike Brewing looks ahead, we’re focusing on what we do best: brewing exceptional beer and delivering it to friends and fans across the Pacific Northwest.”

Owned by the Seattle Hospitality Group (which acquired Pike in 2021 and Fremont Brewing in 2024, and also holds interests in Kenmore Air and Ethan Stowell Restaurants), Pike shifted production to a new facility in SoDo in late 2023 — a move founder Charles Finkel described at the time as “not made lightly.” The company closed its Ballard taproom the following year. In 2024, Copperworks Distilling purchased Pike’s former brewhouse on Post Alley, with plans for a new cocktail bar nearby.

The future of the original 1415 First Avenue space, owned by Unico Properties since 2013, remains uncertain.

A Brief History of Pike Brewing Company

Founded on October 17, 1989, by craft beer pioneers Charles and Rose Ann Finkel, Pike Brewing Company (originally Pike Place Brewery) emerged as one of Seattle’s earliest microbreweries and a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest’s craft beer revolution. The Finkels, already renowned for establishing Merchant du Vin in 1978—the nation’s first specialty beer importer, introducing Americans to iconic European brands like Ayinger, Samuel Smith, and Lindemans—drew inspiration from their global travels and passion for full-flavored ales and lagers. They opened in the historic LaSalle Hotel building beneath Pike Place Market, equipping a state-of-the-art four-barrel brewhouse with a custom copper kettle from Seattle’s Alaska Copper Works.

Rose Ann and image of Charles Finkel courtesy of Pike Brewing

From day one, Pike Brewing championed bold, character-driven beers that stood apart in an era dominated by mass-produced lagers. Flagship offerings like Pike Pale Ale (the brewery’s first brew), Naughty Nellie Golden Artisan Ale, Pike XXXXX Extra Stout, and later icons such as Kilt Lifter Ruby Ale and Space Needle IPA quickly earned acclaim, supplying Seattle’s restaurants, bars, and hotels while educating consumers on the joys of craft beer. The brewery’s iconic labels, designed by Charles Finkel—a celebrated graphic artist known as the “Art Director of Beer”—became instantly recognizable.

In 1996, Pike relocated to its longtime home at 1415 First Avenue, expanding to a 30-barrel gravity-flow steam brewhouse and opening The Pike Pub, a two-level destination featuring local, sustainable pub fare and the world-famous Microbrewery Museum. Curated by Charles Finkel, this one-of-a-kind collection showcases over 9,000 years of brewing history through rare artifacts, signage, and memorabilia.

After selling the company in 1997 (along with The Pike Pub and Liberty Malt Supply), the Finkels repurchased Pike Brewing in 2006, reaffirming their commitment to independent craft brewing. Over the decades, Pike earned countless awards, fostered emerging brewers, and supported community causes through collaboration beers and events like Chocofest, benefiting organizations such as the Pike Place Market Foundation, Planned Parenthood, and environmental groups.

Acquired by the Seattle Hospitality Group in 2021, Pike Brewing adapted to a changing industry by relocating production to a modern SoDo facility in late 2023—a move founder Charles Finkel described as “not made lightly.” The company expanded its footprint with the Pike Taproom Summit at the Seattle Convention Center and continued innovating with seasonal releases and partnerships.

For more than 35 years, Pike Brewing has embodied Seattle’s innovative spirit, helping define what a craft brewery could be: a gathering place for community, creativity, and exceptional beer. As the company looks to the future, it remains dedicated to brewing bold, memorable beers distributed across the Pacific Northwest, honoring the legacy of Charles and Rose Ann Finkel while embracing new chapters ahead.

For Brewing fun facts, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

Filed Under: Beer, breweries

Goose Island Bourbon County Stout Debuts in Convenient 10oz 4-Packs for Black Friday 2025

November 20, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Goose Island Bourbon County Stout Debuts in Convenient 10oz 4-Packs for Black Friday 2025 Officially known as Goose Island Bourbon County Original Brand StoutCraft beer enthusiasts, mark your calendars! For the first time in its legendary 30+ year history, Goose Island’s Bourbon County Brand Original Stout – the beer that pioneered the entire bourbon barrel-aged stout category – will hit shelves in sleek 10-ounce bottle 4-packs starting Black Friday, November 28, 2025.

This game-changing packaging update makes the iconic imperial stout more accessible than ever, perfect for side-by-side tastings with the full 2025 lineup, sharing with friends, or savoring a single pour without committing to a full bomber. The recipe remains untouched: a massive imperial stout aged an average of 12 months in a premium blend of freshly emptied barrels from Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Four Roses, and Wild Turkey. Expect those signature rich notes of fudge, vanilla, cherry, toasted almond, and caramelized sugar in a velvety, decadent body.

Goose Island President Todd Ahsmann explains the shift: “This smaller format is all about accessibility. Moving from one bottle to four gives consumers more opportunities and moments to enjoy it – whether sharing with friends, on date night, camping, or at your favorite bar.”

While the rest of the 2025 Bourbon County lineup (including exciting variants like Cherries Jubilee Stout with cognac cask finishing, Chocolate Praline Stout, and Heaven Hill collaborations) sticks to traditional 16.9oz bottles, the Original’s new 4-pack is exclusive and designed to elevate everyday occasions.

Why This Matters for Beer Lovers in 2025
Easier Sharing & Tastings: At around 14-15% ABV, a full bottle can be intimidating solo – these 10oz pours are ideal for verticals or lineup flights.
More Versatile: Grab one for a cozy night in or pack for holiday gatherings.
Same Epic Quality: No changes to the barrel blend or brewing process – just smarter packaging for modern drinkers.

Availability is limited (as always with Bourbon County Stout), so check your local bottle shops, Goose Island’s locator tool, or apps like Untappd for drops near you. Pro tip: Lines start early on Black Friday, and some stores offer pre-orders!

Whether you’re a longtime BCBS collector or new to barrel-aged stouts, the 2025 Original in 4-packs is poised to be the most drinker-friendly release yet. Raise a (smaller) glass to innovation – cheers to Black Friday 2025!

For the latest on allocations and events, visit gooseisland.com or follow @gooseisland on social media. Drink responsibly!
Legally the name is Bourbon County Brand Original Stout, but for simplicity this writer will use a shorter version, Bourbon County Stout.

More about Goose Island Beer Company
Goose Island Beer Company was born in 1988 when John Hall, a traveling executive tired of mediocre American beer, opened a small brewpub in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Inspired by European beer culture he’d experienced on business trips, Hall named the place after a nearby island in the Chicago River and quickly earned a reputation for brewing bold, flavorful ales at a time when light lager dominated the U.S. market. The Clybourn Avenue brewpub became a craft-beer beacon, and in 1995 Goose Island expanded with a production brewery in Fulton Market. Four years later they built a second, larger facility on the same street that included a dedicated barrel-aging warehouse—a decision that would change beer history forever. Despite being acquired by Anheuser-Busch in 2011 (a move that sparked debate in the craft community), Goose Island retained creative control over its recipes and has continued to grow as one of America’s most influential breweries.

The true legend, however, begins in the mid-1990s when brewmaster Greg Hall (John’s son) scored four used Jim Beam barrels from Booker Noe himself. In 1995 (though long misremembered as 1992), Greg filled them with an enormous Russian imperial stout and let Chicago’s extreme temperature swings work their magic on the beer for about 100 days. The result—Bourbon County Brand Stout—was unveiled as the brewery’s 1,000th batch and instantly stunned drinkers with layers of vanilla, coconut, caramel, and bourbon drawn from the oak. First served only on draft at the pub, it later appeared in wax-dipped 12-ounce bottles and, starting around 2006, became an annual Black Friday release that turned the day after Thanksgiving into craft beer’s biggest holiday. Over three decades, Bourbon County Stout has spawned countless variants, inspired thousands of barrel-aged beers worldwide, and cemented its place as the undisputed godfather of American barrel-aged stouts.

Filed Under: Beer, breweries

NC Brewers Cup Medal Winners

November 20, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

NC Brewer's Cup Medal Winners or North Carolina Brewer's Cup Medal WinnersNorth Carolina’s craft beer scene shines every fall at the NC Brewers Cup, the state’s largest and most prestigious professional beer competition. Organized by the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild since 2001, the Cup brings together hundreds of entries from breweries big and small to be blind-judged by BJCP-certified and professional judges using the latest Brewers Association style guidelines. Medals are awarded in dozens of categories (everything from classic lagers and IPAs to wild ales and barrel-aged stouts), plus a special “NC Home-Grown” category that celebrates beers made with at least 50 % North Carolina ingredients. Winners are announced each November at the NC Craft Brewers Conference in Winston-Salem, with the Brewery of the Year trophy going to the shop that racks up the most points across all categories. Over the years the competition has grown into a beloved celebration of Tar Heel brewing excellence, spotlighting both legendary names (Highland, NoDa, Fullsteam) and rising stars while giving beer lovers across the state a trusted guide to the very best local pints.

North Carolina’s craft beer scene shines every fall at the NC Brewers Cup, the state’s largest and most prestigious professional beer competition. Organized by the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild since 2001, the Cup brings together hundreds of entries from breweries big and small to be blind-judged by BJCP-certified and professional judges using the latest Brewers Association style guidelines. Medals are awarded in dozens of categories (everything from classic lagers and IPAs to wild ales and barrel-aged stouts), plus a special “NC Home-Grown” category that celebrates beers made with at least 50 % North Carolina ingredients. Winners are announced each November at the NC Craft Brewers Conference in Winston-Salem, with the Brewery of the Year trophy going to the shop that racks up the most points across all categories. Over the years the competition has grown into a beloved celebration of Tar Heel brewing excellence, spotlighting both legendary names (Highland, NoDa, Fullsteam) and rising stars while giving beer lovers across the state a trusted guide to the very best local pints.

2025 NC Craft Beer Cup Medal Winners

British Pale & Bitter Ale
Gold: Cricket Hill — Fullsteam Brewery
Silver: Iron Horse — Trolley Barn Fermentory
Bronze: “Made For Walkin’” — Salt Face Mule Brewing Company

Scottish & Irish Beer
Gold: Scott’s View — Compass Rose Brewery
Silver: Scott’s View — Compass Rose Brewery
Bronze: “Dawn of the Red” — Neoteric Brewing Company

British Porter & Brown Ales
Gold: Black Cat Porter — Lost Province Brewing Co
Silver: Grizzly Brown Ale — Cavendish Brewing Company
Bronze: “Boar Brown” — Pig Pounder Brewery
Honorable Mention: Gems & Rhinestones — Edit Beer Co.

American Porter, Amber, & Brown Ales
Gold: Green Man Porter — Green Man Brewery
Silver: Unibrown — Happy Valley Filling Station
Bronze: “Trains of Fayetteville” — North South Brewing
Honorable Mention: Might Be Better — Eno River Brewing

Stouts
Gold: The Throne — Cabarrus Brewing Company
Silver: Blue Tape Special 2024: Point of Origin — Eno River Brewing
Bronze: “Imperial Stout” — Town Brewing Company

Strong Ale
Gold: Forest Hills — Olde Hickory Brewery
Silver: Warrior Knight — Toasty Kettlyst Beer Company
Bronze: “King in the Castle” — Little Brother Brewing

Session IPA
Gold: Beach Beer — HopFly Brewing Company
Silver: Gentle Giant Session IPA — Primal Brewery
Bronze: “Season 34” — Edit Beer Co.
Honorable Mention: Trail Candy Tropical IPA — Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.

American Pale Ale
Gold: Dead West — Oklawaha Brewing Company
Silver: Turtle Speed — Wilmington Brewing Company
Bronze: “Beach Time” — Wilmington Brewing Company
Honorable Mention: Born for Dying — Incendiary Brewing Company

American-Style IPA
Gold: Tidal Break — Compass Rose Brewery
Silver: Lil’ Fish — Outer Dunes Brewing Company
Bronze: “Mindweaver” — Petty Thieves Brewing Co.
Honorable Mention:

Juicy/Hazy Pale Ale
Gold: Illusion Of Truth — Edit Beer Co.
Silver: Juice Whirled — Gypsy Road Brewing Company
Bronze: “Juice Train” — Seaboard Brewing

Juicy or Hazy IPA
Gold: 73 & Hazy — Royal Bliss Brewing Co
Silver: Foggy Nights VII — Leland Brewing Co
Bronze: “Trail Hazer” — Trailside Brewing Co.
Honorable Mention: Astrotrain v.6 — Seaboard Brewing

American-Style Sour Ale
Gold: Merican — Hatchet Brewing Company
Silver: Vera Sour — Diatribe Brewing Company
Bronze: “Rules of Acquisition” — Vaulted Oak Brewing
Honorable Mention: The Way Life Gose — Pitt Street Brewing Co.

European Hybrid Styles
Gold: Guidon Kölsch — Guidon Brewing Co.
Silver: Daycation Gold — Highland Brewing Company
Bronze: “Car Show Cosmo’s Kolsch” — Lake Norman Brewery

European Sour Ale
Gold: Gose — Ponysaurus Brewing Co.
Silver: Largesse — Divine Barrel Brewing
Bronze: “Beauty in the Cracks” — Twin Leaf Brewery

European Wheat
Gold: Broyhans Bock — Gilde Brewery
Silver: Banana Breeze — Pig Pounder Brewery
Bronze: “Hazy Skies Hefeweizen” — Pilot Brewing Company
Honorable Mention: 40 East — The Glass Jug Beer Lab

Belgian Ales
Gold: Cosmic Bloom — Eno River Brewing
Silver: Blonded by the Light — Fishtowne Brew House
Bronze: “Brushy Mountain Blonde Ale” — TwoBoros Brewery
Honorable Mention: Cast Net — Fishtowne Brew House

Saison
Gold: Saison — Flytrap Brewing
Silver: All is not lost — Petty Thieves Brewing Co.
Bronze: “New Slang Raspberry Saison” — Americana Beer Company
Honorable Mention: Songs To Fill The Air — Divine Barrel Brewing

Belgian Strong Ale / Monastic Ale
Gold: Hell Yes Ma’am — Raleigh Brewing Company
Silver: Luminosity — Twin Leaf Brewery
Bronze: “Reserve Ale” — Ponysaurus Brewing Co.
Honorable Mention: Death Machine — Hatchet Brewing Company

Pale European & International Lager
Gold: Phuket Sunset Thai Lager — Local Time Brewing
Silver: Pactolus Light Lager — Pitt Street Brewing Co.
Bronze: “Sexy Canoe” — Tarboro Brewing Company
Honorable Mention: Fire in the Mole — Mad Mole Brewing

Amber & Other Pale European Lager
Gold: Festbier — Resident Culture Brewing
Silver: Fontana Export — Mountain Layers Brewing Company
Bronze: “Tower Buzz” — Gaston Brewing Company
Honorable Mention: Yodeling Down Lake Starnberg — 760 Craft Works

Dark European Lager
Gold: Schwarzbier — Triple C Brewing Company
Silver: Midnight Waddle — Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company
Bronze: “Rain Czech” — Clouds Brewing
Honorable Mention: Duckin’ Funkel — Ghostface Brewing

German-Style Bock
Gold: Zuganator — Seaboard Brewing
Silver: Doppel Trouble — Ghostface Brewing
Bronze: “Bock Bock Goose” — Surf City Brewing Company
Honorable Mention:

Smoke Beer
Gold: Rauchbier — Diatribe Brewing Company
Silver: Embers and Periscopes — 760 Craft Works
Bronze: “East Meets West Rice Lager” — bmc brewing
Honorable Mention:

International Style Pale Ale & IPA
Gold: Yonder — Leland Brewing Co
Silver: New Zealand Pils — Diatribe Brewing Company
Bronze: “Drum>Space Galaxy” — Riverside Rhapsody Beer Company
Honorable Mention: Pyrle IPA — Little Brother Brewing

North American-Style Lager
Gold: Uno Mas — Lenny Boy Brewing Co.
Silver: Small Fires — Little Brother Brewing
Bronze: “Carolina Heritage” — Brunswick Beer and Cider

Pilsner-Style & Hoppy Lager
Gold: Heavy Hands — Little Brother Brewing
Silver: Foam Party — Trophy Brewing Company – Maywood
Bronze: “Wandering Waves” — Oaklyn Springs Brewery

North American-Style Amber & Dark Lager
Gold: Seaboard Oktoberfest — Seaboard Brewing
Silver: She Sells Seashells by the Sea Schwarz — Brunswick Beer and Cider
Bronze: “Last Day at the Office” — Neoteric Brewing Company

Other American Pale Lagers & Ales
Gold: Cotton Blonde — Cabarrus Brewing Company
Silver: User Friendly — Little Brother Brewing
Bronze: “Little Wing” — King Canary Brewing Company

Fruit Beer
Gold: Limelight — Ghost Harbor Brewing Company
Silver: Orange Hefe-Wit — Cavendish Brewing Company
Bronze: “Big SLURP” — NoDa Brewing Co.
Honorable Mention:Ultimo Hombre — Lower Left Brewing Company

Sour Fruit or Field Beer
Gold: Second Pick — Eno River Brewing
Silver: Manguava — Hatchet Brewing Company
Bronze: “Subject to Change (Blueberry Cheesecake Sour)” — Tobacco Wood Brewing

Field & Spiced Beers
Gold: Heat Seeking Pickle — Lower Left Brewing Company
Silver: Southern Basil — Fullsteam Brewery
Bronze: “Vanilla Cream Java Dream” — Hoptown Brewing Company

Brett, Mixed Culture, & Wild Ales
Gold: Raspberry Kaleidoscope — Lenny Boy Brewing Co.
Silver: Sisu 2025 — Cellarest Beer Project
Bronze: “Henotic 2025” — Cellarest Beer Project

Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer
Gold: Time Is Only Part Of The Equation — Divine Barrel Brewing
Silver: BBA Twice as Lonely with Macadamia & Vanilla — Resident Culture Brewing
Bronze: “Society #8” — DSSOLVR

Specialty Beer
Gold: Baklava Blond — Clouds Brewing
Silver: Belgian Moonlight — North South Brewing
Bronze: “Hops Mirage NA IPA” — Primal Brewery
Honorable Mention:Flashbacks — Trolley Barn Fermentory

Historic Beer
Gold: Smoke Over Lublin — Mountain Layers Brewing Company
Silver: You make me wanna Schopes — Gaston Brewing Company
Bronze: “Pleasing Gene” — Little Brother Brewing

NC Home-Grown
Gold: Sakura — Black Mountain Brewing
Silver: Time’s Arrow — Atomic Clock Brewing Company
Bronze: “Grandfather Paradox” — Atomic Clock Brewing Company
Honorable Mention: Spratt’s Lager — Town Brewing Company

About the The North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild
The North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild is the official voice and backbone of the Tar Heel State’s independent craft brewing community. Founded in 2000 by a handful of pioneering breweries (including Asheville’s Highland Brewing and Charlotte’s Olde Mecklenburg), the Guild was created to advocate for small, independent brewers at the state legislature, promote responsible growth, and foster collaboration in a rapidly expanding industry. Today it represents more than 300 brewery and brewpub members—from mountain towns to the Outer Banks—making North Carolina one of the top beer states in the country with over 400 independent craft breweries. The Guild hosts the annual NC Craft Brewers Conference, runs the hugely popular NC Brewers Cup competition, powers the NC Craft Beer Passport program, and fights for fair laws so local brewers can keep pouring world-class pints without red tape. More than just a trade group, it’s the heartbeat of North Carolina’s vibrant, independent beer culture.

 

Filed Under: Beer, Beer Competition

2025 National Homebrew Competition Medal Winners

November 13, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

2025 National Homebrew Competition Medal Winners
Photo credit of PHOTO © BREWERS ASSOCIATION

Kansas City, Missouri – Dust off your fermenters and crack open a cold one, because the 2025 National Homebrew Competition by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) announced the winners in Kansas City, Missouri, leaving a trail of hoppy glory and barley-fueled dreams in its wake. Held from June 26-28 at the iconic Boulevard Brewing Company, this 47th annual bash drew over 10,000 entries from homebrew wizards across the globe, turning the Heartland into a bubbling cauldron of creativity. Picture this: amateur alchemists shipping their liquid gold to first-round showdowns in Tampa, only for the elite suds to hop a flight to KC for the final judging frenzy. From crisp lagers that could make a Bavarian weep to wild-fermented sours that dance on your tongue like a tipsy tango, the competition showcased why homebrewing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a hoppy revolution. And with live-streamed awards that had viewers glued to screens from sea to shining sea, the 2025 NHC proved once again that great beer starts in garages and ends in legends.

Now, let’s raise a pint to the champions who stole the show at the 2025 National Homebrew Competition results! Tyler Miller from Mesa, Arizona, snagged the top honors with his masterful brew, repping the Arizona Society of Homebrewers like a desert cactus guarding a hidden oasis of flavor. Shoutout to the Ann Arbor Brewers Guild for their medal-hauling prowess, proving that Michigan’s mitten knows how to mitt-en the competition. Standouts included Cheyne’s fruit mead that married berries and booze in holy, honeyed matrimony, and the Specialty IPA bronze for “Go Big!”—a name that says it all about going bold with those juicy hops. Whether you’re eyeing the full AHA winners list for recipe inspo or plotting your 2026 entry (because why stop the party?), this event reminds us: the best brews are born from passion, a dash of science, and enough patience to wait out a secondary fermentation. So grab your grains, fire up the kettle, and remember—every pro started as a homebrewer with a dream and a dirty carboy. Cheers to the AHA for keeping the craft alive and the taps flowing!

2025 National Homebrew Competition Medal Winners 

Category 1: Pale American Beer – 86 Entries
Place BJCP Cat. Winner Club
1st –  Wayne Doucette of Big Lake, MN –  River City Brewers
2nd – Cole Kopca of Seattle, WA
3rd – Rodney Kibzey of Portland, OR – Oregon Brew Crew
Category 2: Pale European Beer – 110 Entries
1st –  Donald Schneider of Windsor, CO –  Weizguys Homebrew Club
2nd – Colby Reineke of Minnesota, MN –  Minnesota Home Brewers Association
3rd – Jamye & Cody Naramore of Quenemo, KS –  Kansas City Bier Meisters
Category 3: Pale Lager – 106 Entries
1st – Jason Bryant of Herndon, VA –  Wort Hogs
2nd – Trevor Mcguire of Concord, CA –  Diablo Order of Zymiracle Enthusiasts (DOZE)
3rd – Bryan Mcbeth of Norwalk, CT
Category 4: German Pilsner – 62 Entries
1st – Wayne Doucette of Big Lake, MN –  River City Brewers
2nd – Scott Steenburg of Zionsville, IN –  Foam Blowers of Indiana, Inc (FBI)
3rd – Livio De Sanctis of Bra, Piedmont, Italy –  Associazione Birraria Cuneese
Category 5: Pale Malty European Beer – 80 Entries
1st – Peter Hand of Issaquah, WA
2nd – Taylor Shastid of Walnut Creek, CA – Diablo Order of Zymiracle Enthusiasts (DOZE)
3rd – Sean Bush of Oceanside, CA – Society of Barley Engineers
Category 6: Amber European Beer – 106 Entries
1st – Tyler Miller of Mesa, AZ – Arizona Society of Homebrewers
2nd – Scott Steenburg of Zionsville, IN – Foam Blowers of Indiana, Inc (FBI)
3rd – Lucas Duarte Lima of Santana De Parnaiba, Brazil – AcervA Paulista
Category 7: Dark European Lager – 101 Entries 
1st – David Kerr of Point Pleasant, NJ – Ocean County Home Brew Club
2nd – Brian Milleville of Sanborn, NY – Niagara Association of Homebrewers
3rd – Jason Dunn of Corona, CA with Mandy Porter – Inland Empire Brewers
Category 8: American Wheat & Blonde – 63 Entries 
1st – Duane Jenness of Worcester, MA – WIZARDS
2nd – John Sullivan / Steve Rodriggs of Thousand Oaks, CA
3rd – Terry Fast of Denver, CO – Lakewood Fermentation Club
Category 9: German Wheat & Rye Beer – 54 Entries 
1st – Thomas Atkinson of Poway, CA
2nd – Rodolfo Valladares of Kansas City, KS – Kansas City Bier Meisters
3rd – Wuilmer Venegas of Toronto, On, Canada – GTA Brews Homebrew Club
Category 10: Pale British Ale – 81 Entries 
1st – Chris Erdos of Escondido, CA
2nd – Tyler Miller of Mesa, AZ – Arizona Society of Homebrewers
3rd – Zachary Miller of Overland Park, KS
Category 11: Scottish & Irish Ale – 57 Entries 
1st – Thomas Wichert of Mill Creek, WA
2nd – Stephen Schmitt of Evanston, IL – Evanston Homebrew Club
3rd  – Timothy Ribant of Lake Sherwood, MO – River Runners
Category 12: American Pale Ale – 76 Entries 
1st – Jamye & Cody Naramore of Quenemo, KS – Kansas City Bier Meisters
2nd – Evan Brill of Louisville, KY – Louisville Area Grain and Extract Research Society (LAGERS)
3rd – Jake Mcqueen of Slc, UT – Lauter Day Brewers
Category 13: Amber & Brown American Ale – 97 Entries
1st – Colby Reineke of Minnesota, MN – Minnesota Home Brewers Association
2nd – Glenn Dittrich of Santa Barbara, CA
3rd – Jim Williamson of Rome, GA – M.A.S.H. Marietta Association of Schoolhouse Homebrewers
Category 14: Brown British Beer – 76 Entries 
1st – Mark Drilling of O’Fallon, MO – St Charles County Society of Brewers
2nd – Terry Fast of Denver, CO – Lakewood Fermentation Club
3rd  – Paul Domich of Pinole, CA – Diablo Order of Zymiracle Enthusiasts (DOZE)
Category 15: Irish & British Stout – 108 Entries 
1st – Jamie Moulton of Niwot, CO – The Big Lebrewskis
2nd – Tyler Miller of Mesa, AZ – Arizona Society of Homebrewers
3rd – Jarrett Long of Arlington, TX with Amanda Long – Horsemen of the Hopocalypse
Category 16: American Porter & Stout – 63 Entries 
1st – Mike Riddle of Napa, CA with Alex Riddle – HOME
2nd – Miles Garrett of Hammond, LA – Mystic Krewe of Brew
3rd – Adam Wyss of Alamo, CA – Diablo Order of Zymiracle Enthusiasts (DOZE)
Category 17: American IPA – 90 Entries 
1st – Connor Reed of Denver, CO with Levi Van Weddingen – Altitude Homebrew Club
2nd – Jeffrey Orr of Vancouver, WA – Oregon Brew Crew
3rd – Evan Brill of Louisville, KY – Louisville Area Grain and Extract Research Society (LAGERS)
Category 18: Specialty IPA – 63 Entries
1st – Wayne Doucette of Big Lake, MN River City Brewers
2nd – Zachary Kosslow of Pittsburgh, PA – Three Rivers Alliance of Serious Homebrewers (TRASH)
3rd – Nicholas Mccoy of Sachse, TX with Jeff Poirot – Draft Punk
Category 19: Hazy IPA – 93 Entries 
1st – Kit Lindsay of Saint Petersburg, FL – Special Hoperations
2nd – Brian Miller of Laguna Hills, CA – Orange County Mash Ups
3rd – David Bovitz of Lakewood, CO
Category 20: Strong American Ale – 64 Entries 
1st – Tyler Hulsebus of Austin, MN
2nd – Steven Severn of Santa Ana, CA – Orange County Mash Ups
3rd – Zachary Belles of Salt Lake City, UT – Lauter Day Brewers
Category 21: Strong European Lager – 62 Entries 
1st – Jay Highfill of Overland Park, KS with Ron Barnes
2nd – Jason Dunn of Corona, CA with Mandy Porter – Inland Empire Brewers
3rd – Duane Jenness of Worcester, MA – WIZARDS
Category 22: Strong British Ale – 59 Entries 
1st – Joe Skiles of Carol Stream, IL – Urban Knaves of Grain
2nd – Melissa Edmunds of Plymouth, MI – Ann Arbor Brewers Guild
3rd – Tyler Miller of Mesa, AZ Arizona – Society of Homebrewers
Category 23: Imperial Porter & Stout – 83 Entries 
1st – Eric Blaine of Maplewood, NJ – Morris Area Society of Homebrewers
2nd – Weston Wright of Thornton, CO – Indian Peaks Alers
3rd – Joel Mcgormley of Zionsville, IN
Category 24: Saison – 67 Entries 
1st – Carlo Sesia of Caraglio, Italy – Associazione Birraria Cuneese
2nd – Kevin Davis of Buckley, WA – None, but I’m looking for one!
3rd – Mark Pennick of Denver, CO – The Brew Crew
Category 25: Belgian Ale – 84 Entries
1st – Jeffery Lampman of Morro Bay, CA – San Luis Obispo Brewers (SLOB)
2nd – Brian Milleville of Sanborn, NY – Niagara Association of Homebrewers
3rd – Scott Rauvola of San Diego, CA – QUAFF
Category 26: Strong Belgian Ale – 118 Entries
1st – James Allen of Highlands Ranch, CO – Rock Hoppers Brew Club
2nd – Justin Holman of Weston Lakes, TX – Cider, Homebrew, And Mead Production Specialists (CHAMPS)
3rd – Jim Thompson of Vancouver, WA – Oregon Brew Crew
Category 27: European Sour Ale – 49 Entries
1st – Dan Acheson of Winfield, IL – Urban Knaves of Grain
2nd – Kyle Hufford of Santa Barbara, CA
3rd – Timothy Leber of Kent, WA with Norm Kwasinski – Beer Renegades of Everett Washington (BREW)
Category 28: Fruit Beer – 70 Entries
1st – Kyle Kiely of Saint Louis, MO – Cider, Homebrew, And Mead Production Specialists (CHAMPS)
2nd – Jordan Reed of Martinez, CA – Diablo Order of Zymiracle Enthusiasts (DOZE)
3rd – Dan Acheson of Winfield, IL – Urban Knaves of Grain
Category 29: Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer – 59 Entries
1st – Mario Natera of Ocala, FL
2nd – Mark Drilling of O’Fallon, MO – St Charles County Society of Brewers
3rd – Joseph Dussling of Westlake, OH – Brewly Homebrew Club
Category 30: Specialty & Seasonal Spiced Beer – 34 Entries
1st – Matt Moreno of Park Ridge, IL
2nd – Tyler Miller of Mesa, AZ – Arizona Society of Homebrewers
3rd – William Lindel of Winston Salem, NC
Category 31: Smoke-Flavored Beer – 68 Entries
1st – Cynthia Lindner of Patchogue, NY – Brewers East End Revival (BEER)
2nd – Chris Wilburn of Heathsville, Va
3rd – Larry Reuter of Akron, OH with Donna – Society of Akron Area Zymurgists (SAAZ)
Category 32: Wood-Aged Beer – 68 Entries
1st – Ward Walkup Iv of Lincoln, MA – Yeastside Brewers
2nd – Joel Mcgormley of Zionsville, IN
3rd – Joel Mcgormley of Zionsville, IN
Category 33: American Wild Ale – 45 Entries
1st – Philip Lafleur of Loveland, CO – Weizguys Homebrew Club
2nd – Theresa Wilks of San Diego, CA with Billy Lambert
3rd – Kevin Olson of Raymore, MO – ZZ Hops
Category 34: Specialty Beer – 84 Entries
1st – Harry Peck of Garfield, NJ
2nd – Scott Nieradka of Portland, OR – Portland Brewers Collective
3rd – Shamus O’Leary of Brier, WA
Category 35: Traditional Mead – 45 Entries
1st – John Bell of Poway, CA – Quaff
2nd – Daniel Kukuk of Grosse Pointe, MI – Motor City Mashers
3rd – Steve Fletty of Falcon Heights, MN – Saint Paul Homebrewers Club
Category 36: Fruit Mead – 74 Entries
1st – Cheyne Harvey of Mesa, AZ – Arizona Society of Homebrewers
2nd – Philip Lafleur of Loveland, CO – Weizguys Homebrew Club
3rd – Steve Fletty of Falcon Heights, MN – Saint Paul Homebrewers Club
Category 37: Spice Mead – 49 Entries
1st – Ryan Fowler of San Diego, CA
2nd – Susan Jimenez of Prescott Valley, AZ – Arizona Society of Homebrewers
3rd – Roger Taylor of Northridge, CA – Maltose Falcons
Category 38: Specialty Mead – 51 Entries
1st – Doug Brown of San Diego, CA with Alexandria Horn QUAFF
2nd – Ryan Vigne of Ellwood City, PA – Pittsburgh Mead Makers And Homebrewers
3rd – Nathan Steigman of Saint Paul, MN Minnesota Home Brewers Association
Category 39: Standard Cider & Perry – 60 Entries
1st – James Werner of New Berlin, WI – Beer Barons of Milwaukee
2nd – Heith Heitkamp of Bayport, MN
3rd – Nelson Crowle of Foxfield, CO – Indian Peaks Alers
Category 40: Specialty Cider & Perry – 82 Entries
1st – Kevin Olson of Raymore, MO – ZZ Hops
2nd – Hirendu Vaishnav of Alamo, CA – Diablo Order of Zymiracle Enthusiasts (DOZE)
3rd – Jeffrey Carlson of Grand Rapids, MI – PrimeTime Brewers
Major Awards
Samuel Adams Ninkasi Award
Tyler Miller
Mesa, AZ
Arizona Society of Homebrewers
Samuel Adams – Gambrinus Club Award
Ann Arbor Brewers Guild
Ann Arbor, MI
Homebrew Club of the Year Award
Arizona Society of Homebrewers
Tempe, AZ
Homebrewer of the Year Award
Wayne Doucette
Big Lake, MN
River City Brewers
Meadmaker of the Year Award
Doug Brown with Alexandria Horn
San Diego, CA
QUAFF
Cidermaker of the Year Award
James Werner
New Berlin, WI
Beer Barons of Milwaukee

About the American Homebrewers Association:
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA), the nation’s leading advocate for homebrewing enthusiasts, continues to champion the art and science of crafting beer at home with unmatched passion and resources. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the AHA boasts over 40,000 members who share a love for turning grains, hops, water, and yeast into liquid masterpieces. From beginner-friendly guides and online forums buzzing with recipe swaps to the world-renowned National Homebrew Competition—now in its 47th year—the AHA empowers brewers of all levels to experiment, innovate, and elevate their craft. With educational webinars, exclusive discounts on brewing gear, and a vibrant community that spans garages to grandmasters, the AHA isn’t just an organization; it’s the heartbeat of the homebrewing revolution, proving that great beer begins with curiosity and a carboy.

As the craft beer movement surges forward, the American Homebrewers Association remains the go-to authority for fostering creativity, safety, and camaraderie in homebrewing. Members gain access to Homebrew Con, the ultimate annual gathering of suds-savvy souls, plus a digital library packed with pro tips, style guidelines, and troubleshooting hacks to turn potential boil-overs into brag-worthy brews. The AHA also advocates for sensible homebrewing laws nationwide, ensuring that every backyard brewer can legally pursue their pint-sized dreams. Whether you’re perfecting a hazy IPA, diving into sour beers, or bottling your first batch of mead, the AHA provides the tools, knowledge, and community support to make every brew day a victory. Join today at homebrewersassociation.org and discover why millions of bubbles later, the AHA is still the yeast that keeps the homebrewing spirit rising.

Fun Beer Facts, Breweries and More: Click Here

Filed Under: Beer, Beer Competition

2025 Missouri Beer Cup Medal Winners: BKS Artisan Ales & Boulevard Take Top Honors in Inaugural Competition

November 12, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Missouri Beer Cup Winners 2025: BKS Artisan Ales & Boulevard Take Top Honors in Inaugural Competition
The inaugural Missouri Beer Cup crowned the Show-Me State’s top craft brews in a landmark competition exclusively for Missouri breweries. With 181 entries judged across 36 categories by certified experts, standouts like BKS Artisan Ales (Small Brewery of the Year) and Boulevard Brewing Company (Large Brewery of the Year) showcased the state’s thriving beer scene. From crisp Kansas City Bier Co. Pilsners to hazy BKS IPAs and tart Springfield sours, the medals highlight Missouri’s diverse, high-quality craft beer landscape—perfect for locals and travelers hunting their next favorite pint.

Missouri Beer Cup Medal Winners and Breweries of the Year
American Amber or Red / Vienna
Gold: Vienna Lager – Narrow Gauge Brewing Co., Florissant
Silver: Big Head Red – East Forty Brewing, Blue Springs
Bronze: Rooftop Red Lager – Border Brewing Co., Kansas City

American and German Dark Beers
Gold: Winterbock – Kansas City Bier Co., Kansas City
Silver: I’ll Bee Bock – Bee’s Knees Brewing Co, LLC, Versailles
Bronze: Munich Dunkel – The Saint Louis Brewery / Schlafly Beer, St. Louis

American and German Light Lagers
Gold: Cerveza Royale – Stockyards Brewing Co., Kansas City
Silver: Let’s Go Lager – Kansas City Bier Co., Kansas City
Bronze: City Wide Light – 4 Hands Brewing Co., St. Louis

American and German Pilsners
Gold: Pure Pils – Kansas City Bier Co., Kansas City
Silver: Pivo Project New Zealand Style Pilsner – BKS Artisan Ales, Kansas City
Bronze: Italian Pilsner – Springfield Brewing Co., Springfield

American Cream Ale
Gold: River Cream Ale – River Bluff Brewing, St. Joseph & Kansas City
Silver: Cream Ale – Public House Brewing Co., Rolla
Bronze: Boulevard Light – Boulevard Brewing Co., Kansas City

American-Style India Pale Ale
Gold: Never Say IPA – Kansas City Bier Co., Kansas City
Silver: Right Track IPA – East Forty Brewing, Blue Springs
Bronze: Incarnation – 4 Hands Brewing Co., St. Louis

American-Style Lager
Gold: Union Lager – River Bluff Brewing, St. Joseph & Kansas City
Silver: Little Birds – Blue Jay Brewing Co., St. Louis
Bronze: BSB – POG Brewing Co., Cleveland

American-Style Märzen / Oktoberfest
Gold: Mayhem Marzen – Springfield Brewing Co., Springfield
Silver: Oktoberfest – Good News Brewing Co., O’Fallon
Bronze: Oktoberfest – East Forty Brewing, Blue Springs

American-Style Pale Ale
Gold: Strata Fresh Hop – Logboat Brewing Co., Columbia
Silver: Lucent Galaxies Pale Ale – Transparent Brewing Co., Grandview
Bronze: The Colony APA – Bee’s Knees Brewing Co, LLC, Versailles

American-Style Sour Ale
Gold: Margarita-Style Squeeze – Springfield Brewing Co., Springfield
Silver: Nudie Suit – Stockyards Brewing Co., Kansas City
Bronze: Phases of the Moon – Volume One – 4 Hands Brewing Co., St. Louis

Belgian-Style Ale
Gold: Lingering Effect – Wire Road Brewing Co., Battlefield
Silver: Sandy Dunes – River Bluff Brewing, St. Joseph & Kansas City
Bronze: Untethered Rage – Third Wheel Brewing, St. Peters

Bohemian-Style Pilsener
Gold: Pivo Project Bohemian Style Pilsner – BKS Artisan Ales, Kansas City
Silver: FloMO Pils – Narrow Gauge Brewing Co., Florissant
Bronze: Czech Pils – Good News Brewing Co., O’Fallon

Chocolate or Pumpkin Beers
Gold: Chocolate Stout – Boulevard Brewing Co., Kansas City
Silver: Pumpkin Ale – The Saint Louis Brewery / Schlafly Beer, St. Louis
Bronze: Chocolate Milk Stout – 4 Hands Brewing Co., St. Louis

Coffee-Flavored Beer
Gold: The Devil’s Invention – 4 Hands Brewing Co., St. Louis
Silver: Hazelnut Coffee Milk Stout – Good News Brewing Co., O’Fallon
Bronze: Coffee Stout – The Saint Louis Brewery / Schlafly Beer, St. Louis

English-Style Dark Mild Ale
Gold: Rockhill & Locust – BKS Artisan Ales, Kansas City
Silver: Mamoot – Logboat Brewing Co., Columbia
Bronze: Ale for Uncles, Daddies and Baddies – Diametric Brewing Co, Lee’s Summit

English-Style Ales – Other
Gold: Atlantic – Narrow Gauge Brewing Co., Florissant
Silver: Pale Ale – Boulevard Brewing Co., Kansas City
Bronze: OG Bob American Brown Ale – Tie & Timber Beer Co, Springfield

French and Belgian-Style Saison
Gold: Tank 7 – Boulevard Brewing Co., Kansas City
Silver: Grand Champ – Wire Road Brewing Co., Battlefield
Bronze: Belle Bottoms Saison – Stockyards Brewing Co., Kansas City

Fruit Beer
Gold: Lima Fresca – Border Brewing Co., Kansas City
Silver: A Fistful of Island Vibes – East Forty Brewing, Blue Springs
Bronze: Strawberry Blonde Ale – Border Brewing Co., Kansas City

Fruit Wheat Ale or Lager
Gold: Honored Society – The Goat Brewing Co, Lee’s Summit
Bronze (Tie): Peachy Pipe Dream – 4 Hands Brewing Co., St. Louis
Bronze (Tie): Freshly Squeezed Blueberry Lemonade Wheat – Fringe Beerworks, Lee’s Summit

German Oktoberfest / Wiesen / Märzen
Gold: Fest Friends – Friendship Brewing Co., Wentzville
Silver: ArrowRed Lager – Kansas City Bier Co., Kansas City
Bronze: Festbier – Kansas City Bier Co., Kansas City

German-Style Kölsch
Gold: Kickstand Kölsch Style Ale – Transparent Brewing Co., Grandview
Silver: Inspiration – Lost Art Taproom, Knob Noster

German-Style Wheat
Gold: Weizenbock – Kansas City Bier Co., Kansas City
Silver: Hazy Hive Hefe – Bee’s Knees Brewing Co, LLC, Versailles
Bronze: Okay! – Blue Jay Brewing Co., St. Louis

Herbs / Spice / Chili Beer
Gold: Poblano Pils – Hold Fast Brewing, Springfield
Silver: Jack Blast Pumpkin Spice – Tie & Timber Beer Co, Springfield
Bronze: At Last – Third Wheel Brewing, St. Peters

Imperial or Double India Pale Ale
Gold: Double Current – West Coast Style Double IPA – BKS Artisan Ales, Kansas City
Silver: Space Camper – Boulevard Brewing Co., Kansas City
Bronze: High Thread Count Double IPA – Transparent Brewing Co., Grandview

Irish-Style Red Ale
Gold: Captain Red Beard – Lost Art Taproom, Knob Noster
Silver: Mullanphy’s – Narrow Gauge Brewing Co., Florissant
Bronze: Irish Red Ale – Turkey Creek Brewery, Hollister

Juicy or Hazy Imperial or Double India Pale Ale
Gold: Repetitions on Citra – BKS Artisan Ales, Kansas City
Silver: Clouds – BKS Artisan Ales, Kansas City
Bronze: OJ Run – Narrow Gauge Brewing Co., Florissant

Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale or Hazy Pale Ales
Gold: Citra & Mosaic – BKS Artisan Ales, Kansas City
Silver: Counterculture – BKS Artisan Ales, Kansas City
Bronze: Juicy Brewski – Tie & Timber Beer Co, Springfield

Light American Wheat or Blonde Ale
Gold: Robin’s Song – River Bluff Brewing, St. Joseph & Kansas City
Silver: Electric Nectar – Bee’s Knees Brewing Co, LLC, Versailles
Bronze: Unfiltered Wheat Beer – Boulevard Brewing Co., Kansas City

Munich-Style Helles or Dortmunder
Gold: Helles Gamed – Narrow Gauge Brewing Co., Florissant
Silver: Helles Lager – Kansas City Bier Co., Kansas City
Bronze: Helles – Logboat Brewing Co., Columbia

Other Hop Forward Beers
Gold: Space Camper Chillbreak IPA – Boulevard Brewing Co., Kansas City
Silver: Crisp IPA – The Saint Louis Brewery / Schlafly Beer, St. Louis
Bronze: Dope Flannel Rye IPA – Tie & Timber Beer Co, Springfield

Porters
Gold: Old Town Porter – Narrow Gauge Brewing Co., Florissant
Silver: Second Breakfast Porter – East Forty Brewing, Blue Springs
Bronze: Dark Matter – Logboat Brewing Co., Columbia

Stouts
Gold: Sidetrack Stout – Tie & Timber Beer Co, Springfield
Silver: Sweat Bee Stout – Bee’s Knees Brewing Co, LLC, Versailles
Bronze: Revelation Stout – Public House Brewing Co., Rolla

Stouts – Adjunct
Gold: Madam X Milk Stout with Coffee – Fringe Beerworks, Lee’s Summit
Silver: Cheer Up Charlie – Third Wheel Brewing, St. Peters
Bronze: Peanut Butter & Stout – Narrow Gauge Brewing Co., Florissant

West Coast-Style India Pale Ale
Gold: Colors in Your Mind – BKS Artisan Ales, Kansas City
Silver: West Bottoms IPA – Stockyards Brewing Co., Kansas City
Bronze: Snapper – Logboat Brewing Co., Columbia

Wood and Barrel-Aged Beers
Gold: Where Angels Fear to Tread – East Forty Brewing, Blue Springs
Silver: Bourbon Barrel Quad – Boulevard Brewing Co., Kansas City
Bronze: What Barrels? Barrel Aged Barleywine Ale – Transparent Brewing Co., Grandview

Other Than Beer
Gold: Space Camper Zero Gravity – Boulevard Brewing Co., Kansas City
Silver: Farmstand Cider – Springfield Brewing Co., Springfield
Bronze: Cantaloupe and Acai Hard Seltzer – Diametric Brewing Co, Lee’s Summit

Missouri Brewery of the Year – Under 1,000 Barrels:
BKS Artisan Ales, Kansas City

Missouri Brewery of the Year – Over 1,000 Barrels
Boulevard Brewing Company, Kansas City

The Missouri Craft Brewers Guild
The Missouri Craft Brewers Guild is the statewide nonprofit trade association dedicated to protecting, promoting, and advancing Missouri’s independent craft breweries. Through legislative advocacy, educational programs, and industry-wide networking, the Guild ensures that small and independent brewers have a unified voice at the Capitol and the resources to thrive in a competitive market. By fostering collaboration over competition, the organization strengthens the economic impact of craft beer—now supporting thousands of jobs and contributing millions to local communities across the Show-Me State.

In addition to policy work, the Guild hosts signature events like the annual Missouri Craft Brewers Conference and the newly launched Missouri Beer Cup, the state’s only professional beer competition run by and for Missouri breweries. These initiatives celebrate innovation, elevate quality standards, and connect consumers with the stories behind every pint. Whether through marketing campaigns, technical workshops, or guild-exclusive benefits, the Missouri Craft Brewers Guild remains committed to growing a vibrant, sustainable craft beer culture that puts Missouri on the national map.

Filed Under: Beer, Beer Competition, breweries

Warped Wing Takes Flight with Zero Altitude IPA: Dayton’s First Non-Alcoholic Beer

November 12, 2025 by Dow Scoggins


Warped Wing Takes Flight with Zero Altitude IPA: Dayton’s First Non-Alcoholic BeerDayton, Ohio
– Buckle up, beer lovers (and non-drinkers)! Warped Wing Brewing Co. just dropped Zero Altitude IPA, the brewery’s first-ever non-alcoholic beer that’s ready to cruise through the holidays and Dry January without ever leaving the ground.

All the Hoppy Vibes, Zero Turbulence
Picture this: a full-flavor IPA bursting with bright, citrusy hop aroma and silky-smooth drinkability – but clocking in at less than 0.5% ABV. Pasteurized for top-notch quality, Zero Altitude delivers the same bold Warped Wing character fans crave, minus the morning-after fog.

Perfect for Sober-Curious Crews & Holiday Hangouts
Whether you’re going buzz-free for Dry January, keeping it chill at holiday parties, or just craving a hoppy hero with dinner, Zero Altitude IPA has your back. Pair it with Warped Wing’s epic eats, house-made sodas, ice cream floats, mocktails, or (Dayton-only) the new Dirty Soda lineup—flavor on full blast, zero regrets!

“We’re seeing more sober and sober-curious guests who still want the full taproom experience,” says Nick Bowman, VP of Sales & Marketing. “Zero Altitude IPA is our way of saying everyone belongs here – with a world-class drink in hand.”

Where to Grab It
Taproom exclusive for now – poured fresh at all Warped Wing locations
6-pack cans to-go so you can keep the party rolling at home
Future wider distribution? Stay tuned – the runway is clear!

More about Warped Wing Brewing
Warped Wing Brewing Co. in Dayton, Ohio, is the ultimate craft beer playground where aviation history meets hoppy innovation—think bold IPAs, barrel-aged stouts, and “warped” twists on classics brewed with Ohio pride. Famous for fan-favorites like Trotwood Lager and 10 Ton Oatmeal Stout, this award-winning brewery pumps out fresh, small-batch beers in vibrant taprooms packed with games, live music, and killer food. Whether you’re crushing a flight, grabbing cans to-go, or sipping the new Zero Altitude IPA (their first non-alcoholic hop bomb), Warped Wing delivers maximum flavor and zero turbulence for every beer lover! Website: https://warpedwing.com/
🍻✈️ #WarpedWing #DaytonCraftBeer

Fun Beer Facts, Breweries and More: Click Here

Filed Under: Beer, breweries

2025 FOBAB Medal Winners and Best in Show

November 10, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

2025 FOBAB Medal Winners and Best in ShowThe 2025 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer (FOBAB), was held November 7–8 at Chicago’s Credit Union 1 Arena, once again crowned the Midwest’s boldest barrel-aged creations in front of thousands of beer fans. More than 150 breweries poured over 300 rare beers, ciders, meads, and perrys across 2 sessions, while a blind panel of BJCP and Cicerone judges awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals in 13 categories. Standouts included gold-medal pours from Verboten Brewing, Third Eye Brewing, The Lost Abbey and Revolution Brewing with attendees voting for session-specific Fan Favorites. FOBAB medal continues a tradition of raising critical funds for the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild.

Born in 2003 as a modest 18-brewery gathering in a Chicago warehouse, FOBAB has grown into the world’s largest and most prestigious barrel-aged beer competition. Founded by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, the event pioneered blind judging for wood- and barrel-aged styles long before bourbon-barrel stouts became mainstream. Past Best in Show winners—such as Revolution Brewing’s Deep Wood Series, Side Project’s Bière du Pays, and More Brewing’s Mehndi—have shaped national trends and inspired countless limited releases. Two decades later, FOBAB remains a pilgrimage for craft enthusiasts seeking one-off rye-whiskey barleywines, wine-foeder sours, and spirit-barrel imperial stouts that simply never hit shelves.

FOBAB Medal Winners and Best in Show

Cider/Perry/Mead
Gold: Two Tickets to Pearadise – Misbeehavin’ Meads – Indiana
Silver: Right Bee Barrel Aged Semi-Dry – Right Bee Cider – Illinois
Bronze: Myrkvior Buzz – Treehive – Illinois

Wild Beer Mixed Culture/Acidic W/Fruit
Gold: Dr. Funk-In-Stein – Full Mile Beer Co. & Kitchen – Wisconsin
Silver: Fruited Spontanee – Pfriem Family Brewers – Oregon
Bronze: Fragmentary Delusion 2025 – Scribbled Lines Brewing – Minnesota

Beer Mixed Culture/Acidic
Gold: Duck Duck Gooze – The Lost Abbey – California
Silver: Funderin – Noon Whistle Brewing – Illinois
Bronze: Ruby – Imperial Oak Brewing – Illinois

Wild Brett Beer
Gold: Wild Patience – Confluence Brewing Company – Iowa
Silver: Balmy Nights – Cerebral Brewing – Congress Park – Colorado
Bronze: Cassavetes Brett Saison – Nine Giant Brewing – Ohio

Specialty & Experimental Beer
Gold: From Earth to You – Black Horizon Brewing – Illinois
Silver: La Dama Catrina – Cruz Blanca Brewpub – Illinois
Bronze: Brandy BA Imperial Pumpkin Ale – Lakefront Brewery

Fruit Beer
Gold: Fifteen Year Beer – Revolution Brewing – Illinois
Silver: BA Raspberry Ale – Shoreline Brewery – Indiana
Bronze: Caramel Apple Tripel – Sun King Brewery – Indiana

Other Dark Beer
Gold: Mountain Man – Verboten Brewpub – Colorado
Silver: Orin – Half Acre – Illinois
Bronze: Port Aged Belgian Big Fly – Midwest Coast Brewing – Illinois

Lagers
Gold: BA Doppelbock 2024 – Lupulin Brewing – Illinois
Silver: BA Mustachio – Will County Brewing Company – Illinois
Bronze: Maple Baltic Porter – Wooly Pig Farm Brewery – Ohio

Other Pale Beer
Gold: That Escalated Swiftly – Bubblehouse Brewing Company – Illinois
Silver: Vin Blanc Du Ciel(2025) – Brothership Brewing – Illinois
Bronze: Grand Cru – Goose Island Beer Company – Illinois

Blended Beer
Gold: Dows 65th Birthday Blend – Third Eye Brewing Company – Ohio
Silver: Grow In Darkness – Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project – Colorado
Bronze: 29th Anniversary XXIX – Firestone Walker – California

Barley Wine/Wheat Wine
Gold: Double Oaked Cognac Grow Old With You – Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project – Colorado
Silver: Kelly’s Private Stache – Third Eye Brewing Company – Ohio
Bronze: Damian Barleywine Ale – Firestone Walker Propagator – California

Specialty Strong Porter & Stout
Gold: Illusion of Vanilje – Taproom Beer Co. – California
Silver: Egregioius Philbin- Three Floyds Brewing – Indiana
Bronze: Coffee Champurrado Krampus Cookies – Old Irving Brewing Co – Illinois

Strong Porter & Stout
Gold: Eigengrau – Monochrome Brewing – Illinois
Silver: Controlled Chaos – Masthead Brewing – Ohio
Bronze: Tranquil 2025 – Riverlands Brewing – Illinois

Best of Show
Runner Up: Double Oaked Cognac Grow Old With You – Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project – Colorado
Winner: Duck Duck Gooze – The Lost Abbey – California

Fan Favorite
Winner: BBA Ego Death Salted Cashew Cluster – Resident Culture Brewing – North Carolina

For more information on the 2025 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer, Click Here.

For Fun Beer Facts, Trivia and more: Click Here

Filed Under: Beer, Beer Competition, Beer Festival

Pete’s Wicked Ale: The OG Halloween Craft Beer That Rocked the ’90s!

October 31, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Pete’s Wicked Ale

Raise your glass, beer geeks!  If you were trick-or-treating with a six-pack in the 1990s, odds are it was Pete’s Wicked Ale — the nutty, caramel-kissed brown ale that became the unofficial pumpkin-spice latte of craft beer. Second-best-selling craft brew of the decade? Check. Featured on every Halloween party playlist? I was lucky enough to have sipped it straight from the bright tank at August Schell Brewing in 1988.

How a Kitchen Garbage Can Gave Birth to a Cult Classic
Picture this: Belmont, California, 1979. A five-gallon bucket, a giant kettle, and a garbage can (yes, really) are the O.G. brewery for Pete Slosberg. The marketing exec by day was trying to clone Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale — and accidentally brewed pure Halloween magic instead. After seven years of tweaking recipes (talk about patience!), Pete nailed the perfect roasty-toasty brown ale that screamed “fall vibes” 365 days a year.

Fun fact: Pete originally wanted to make wine, but fermentation was too slow. Beer? Instant gratification. 🍻

From Homebrew to National Nightmare (for Big Beer)
1986: Pete quits the 9-to-5 grind, raises $50K, and partners with Palo Alto Brewing. First 200 cases drop in December — gone in 60 seconds.
1987: Disaster! Contract brewery files bankruptcy. Pete and crew raid the West Coast for bottles, working weekends to save the batch. “Fun for about two hours,” he laughs.
Solution: Teams up with 130-year-old August Schell Brewing in Minnesota. Raises $400K. Ships 1,400 cases.
Boom: Wins #1 Ale at the 1987 Great American Beer Festival. Repeats in ‘88. By early ‘90s, Pete’s + Samuel Adams = ⅓ of ALL U.S. craft beer.
Label spotlight: Millie the English bull terrier grinning on every bottle. Instant shelf candy.

Why Pete’s Wicked Ale IS Halloween in a Glass
Flavor: Toasty malt, hints of chocolate, caramel, and a whisper of hops — like a campfire s’more in liquid form.
Vibes: Perfect for carving pumpkins, haunted hayrides, or just scaring off light lager drinkers.
Nostalgia: If you hear “Monster Mash” and reach for a brown ale, congratulations — you’re a Pete’s kid.

R.I.P. (But Never Forgotten)
Pete’s Brewing eventually sold in 1998, and the Wicked Ale faded into craft beer Valhalla. But every October, homebrewers dust off the recipe, and vintage bottles still pop up at bottle shares. Want to resurrect the ghost? Clone kits and recipes are a Google away.

Search tip: “Pete’s Wicked Ale clone recipe” + “Halloween brown ale” = your next spooky brew day.

Prost to Pete — the guy who turned kitchen trash into craft beer treasure. Now go find a dark corner, crack a brown ale, and toast the original Halloween hero. 🥃👻

Originally brewed with garbage cans. Now legendary in our hearts.

For the Today’s Top 10 brown ales and more

 

Filed Under: Beer, craftbeer, Halloween Beer

The Ghosts of the Haunted Maumee Bay Brewing Company in Toledo, Ohio

October 31, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Haunted Maumee Bay Brewing Company in Toledo, Ohio

Tucked inside Toledo, Ohio’s oldest downtown building, Maumee Bay Brewing Co. isn’t just pouring award-winning craft beer—it’s serving up history, hauntings, and hearty meals in the legendary Oliver House. Since opening its doors in 1995, this brewpub has become a local icon, famous for reviving Buckeye Beer and brewing small-batch ales, lagers, porters, and stouts. But there’s more bubbling beneath the surface: ghosts who love a good pint as much as the living. Ready for a spooky sip? Let’s dive in.

A Building Built on Bones (and Bold Dreams)
The Oliver House was born in the 1850s as a high-class hotel, the passion project of a sea captain who spared no expense to impress Toledo’s elite. Fast-forward to 1965: a construction crew accidentally dug up the grave of a Native American warrior chief. They simply reburied the remains and kept building. Decades later, during the 1990s renovation, the bones surfaced again. This time, local Native leaders performed a sage and tobacco ceremony to honor and calm the spirit. The building? It’s also situated on a Native American burial ground—setting the stage for some seriously restless energy.
From Battlefield to Brewpub: A Dark Past
During the Spanish-American War (1898), wounded soldiers arrived by train. The second floor became a makeshift hospital, while the basement likely served as a morgue. Then came the Great Depression, when the once-grand hotel hit rock bottom, operating as a flop house filled with desperation, fights, and—rumor has it—murder. With trauma layered like sediment in a fermenter, it’s no wonder the Oliver House is one of Toledo’s most haunted spots.

Meet the Ghosts: They’re Friendly (Mostly)
The spirits here aren’t angry—they’re active, especially since the 1990s restoration brought new life (and noise) to their home.

The Captain: The building’s original owner, a jovial, beer-loving ghost in full uniform. He’s thrilled with the brewpub makeover and often hangs out in the Private Dining Room (the former lobby). Guests report creaking floorboards, doors opening/closing on their own, cold spots, and the feeling of being watched. Down in the basement Pool Room, he’s been seen cheering on games like a spectral sports fan.
The Lady in Green: A stylish specter in a long emerald gown from the late 1800s or early 1900s. She loves gliding down the second-floor staircase, giving delivery workers the scare of their lives.
The Soldier: Heavy bootsteps echo behind late-night workers climbing the stairs—pausing when you pause, resuming when you move. A 1990s bricklayer once sprinted to his room after being “followed.” Just a ghostly prank? Probably.
Basement Energy: Psychic Chris Woodward sensed intense, unhappy vibes from past traumas—Native spirits, fallen soldiers, and flop-house despair. Even the owner’s daughter heard a cheerful disembodied voice call her name from the unfinished pool room below.

Craft Beer with a Side of Courage
Maumee Bay Brewing Co. brews its magic across the street in the Warehouse District, blending rich history with modern innovation. Best known for Toledo’s own Buckeye Beer, the team constantly experiments with balanced, drinkable recipes. Inside the Oliver House, you’ll find:

Maumee Bay Brew Pub – casual pub fare and ghost stories
Rockwell’s Steakhouse – voted Toledo’s best steak
Rockwell’s Lounge, The Café, and Mutz Sports Bar – options for every mood

Pair a hoppy IPA with a steak, or sip a smooth porter while waiting for a door to slam shut. Pro tip: Ask your server about “the Captain’s table”—and don’t leave your pint unattended.

Visit the Haunted Heart of Toledo
Whether you’re a craft beer lover, paranormal enthusiast, or just hungry for the best steak in town, Maumee Bay Brewing Co. delivers. Bring your appetite, your courage, and maybe an EMF reader. The ghosts are friendly—and they love a full house.

Maumee Bay Brewing Company
27 Broadway St
Toledo, Ohio 43604
Phone: (419) 243-1302
Website: www.mbaybrew.com

America’s Most Haunted Breweries and Their Beers

Filed Under: Beer, breweries

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