Beer

Outlaw Light Beer is Expanding its Distribution in West Virginia

March 10, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Denver, CO (March 3, 2026) – Outlaw Light Beer, America’s No. 1 fastest-growing light domestic beer, is charging into 2026 with expanded availability across West Virginia. Through new partnerships with Thundering Beverage & The Beverage Market and Martin Distributing, the smooth, refreshing light lager is now reaching retailers, bars, and restaurants from the Kanawha Valley’s rolling hills to the high peaks of Monongahela National Forest and beyond.

Brewed in Denver by Tivoli Brewing Company — one of Colorado’s oldest and most resilient breweries with roots dating back to 1859 — Outlaw Light captures the independent, hardworking spirit that resonates deeply with West Virginians. At just 4.2% ABV and 105 calories per serving, it delivers crisp, clean taste and exceptional drinkability without compromise, making it the ideal choice for fishing the New River Gorge, hiking Blackwater Falls State Park, or kicking back after a long day.

“From the start, we set out to grow fast, and West Virginia — with its spirit of freedom, resilience and pride — has always been a strong fit for Outlaw Light,” said Ari Opsahl, CEO of Tivoli Brewing Co. “We closed 2025 with meaningful retail momentum and have entered 2026 focused on disciplined expansion. Partnerships like these strengthen our foundation and move us closer to becoming a nationally recognized household name. Thanks to Thundering Beverage & The Beverage Market and Martin Distributing, more West Virginians will now have access to Outlaw across the Mountain State.”

Outlaw Light is in the midst of explosive growth, surging from 6,750 retail placements in 2025 to a projected 32,500+ in 2026. The brand’s no-nonsense approach — high-quality light beer at an affordable price, without preaching or gimmicks — has earned it fans nationwide, including country music stars Koe Wetzel and HARDY, who are equity investors and longtime supporters. Additional promotions, tour tie-ins, and exclusive collaborations with the artists are slated throughout 2026.

“We’re proud to bring Outlaw Light Beer to West Virginia,” said Emily Ransbottom, Brand Manager at Thundering Beverage & The Beverage Market. “This brand speaks our language — hardworking, independent and built on doing things the right way. Outlaw delivers a great-tasting light beer with real character, and that’s something folks here appreciate. We believe in the brand, we believe in the people behind it, and we’re excited to grow it across our market.”

“It was a good move to partner with Outlaw Light,” added Brad Roberts, Sales Manager at Martin Distributing. “They are gaining traction in the beer category, and I think that Outlaw positions itself as a beer for people tired of being ‘preached to’ by big brands. I personally like the way that Outlaw Light makes it their mission to be simple and provide a high-quality light beer at an affordable price.”

About Outlaw Light Beer

Brewed by Tivoli Brewing Company in Denver, Colorado, Outlaw Light Beer channels a legacy of resilience, innovation, and craftsmanship that has survived Prohibition, natural disasters, and more. Recognized as a Rising Star in the 2025 Brewbound Awards, Outlaw is a crisp, easy-drinking light lager (4.2% ABV, 105 calories) crafted for dreamers and doers who value real flavor, quality, and an unpretentious good time. More resilient and fun than the average beer, Outlaw is pushing boundaries in the light beer category — delivering a better beer done right for everyone to enjoy.

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

Full Sail Brewing Has a New Look and New Beers!

March 10, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hood River, OR – March 3, 2026 – Full Sail Brewing Company, the award-winning Hood River brewery founded in 1987, is marking the 21st anniversary of its beloved Session Lager by rolling out a bold retro-inspired packaging update for the classic and introducing two brand-new lager styles to the lineup this spring.

The flagship Session Classic Lager—a 30-time gold medal-winning American craft lager known for its perfect balance and consistency—returns with its original 2005-era bold, retro design. This nostalgic refresh honors the beer’s legacy as the ultimate “anywhere” session beer while giving it fresh appeal for today’s drinkers.
Joining it are two exciting new additions to the Session family:

Session Japanese Rice Lager (5.0% ABV): Brewed with rice for a lighter body and ultra-clean, dry finish. Hopped primarily with Sorachi Ace for bright lemon zest and delicate herbal spice notes, plus Tettnang for soft noble character. Crisp, refined, and effortlessly refreshing—perfect for precision brewing fans.

Session West Coast Lager: An all-malt, hop-forward take on classic PNW style. Featuring Anchovy and Mosaic hops for vibrant citrus, tropical aromatics (think sharp white grape, guava, lemongrass, and ruby red grapefruit peel), firm clean bitterness, and a snappy finish. It captures West Coast IPA brightness in a light, highly drinkable lager format.

“Session is 21 years strong, and we’re not standing still,” said Pat Tiernan, CEO of Full Sail Brewing Company. “The new lagers show exactly where we’re headed—bold flavor, easy drinking, lower ABV, and built for real-life occasions from the backyard BBQ to the weekend outdoors—all within a new look that honors our history and reminds people why they fell in love with it in the first place. Whether you’re in a lawn chair or on a mountain peak, it’s the perfect beer for the experience.”

“Lager brewing is a technical discipline—fermentation control, raw material selection, and balance are everything,” added Garrett Meier, VP of Operations at Full Sail Brewing Company. “For the Japanese Rice Lager, we used the Japanese hop Sorachi Ace to bring defined lemon zest and fresh herbal character over a lean, rice-driven body and dry finish. The West Coast Lager takes a different approach: all-malt structure layered with loads of Anchovy and Mosaic hops to deliver bright citrus and tropical aromatics, all supported by a balanced bitterness. The right way to mark Session’s 21st anniversary was to lean into what we do best: clean, flavorful, highly drinkable beer.”

The revamped Session Classic Lager, along with the new Japanese Rice Lager and West Coast Lager, will be available starting this spring in draft and 12 oz. cans (6-packs and 15-packs) across the Pacific Northwest and Colorado.

Find them at retailers, bars, and Full Sail’s Hood River Brew Pub—open daily with stunning Gorge views, dine-in, takeout, and outdoor seating.

About Full Sail Brewing

Full Sail Brewing Company, one of the pioneering forces in Oregon’s craft beer scene, was founded in 1987 in Hood River, Oregon, initially operating as Hood River Brewing Company. Co-founders Irene Firmat (who served as CEO for many years) and brewmaster Jamie Emmerson transformed an abandoned fruit cannery into a small brewery with a vision of creating high-quality, Northwest-style ales and lagers that emphasized creativity, consistency, and sustainability. In its early years, production was modest—starting with just around 2,000 barrels of Golden Ale—but the brewery quickly made history by becoming the first commercially successful craft operation in the Pacific Northwest to bottle beer for retail sale. A major milestone came in 1989 with the release of Full Sail Amber, the region’s first amber ale and a gold-medal winner that helped establish the brand’s reputation.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Full Sail grew steadily, expanding its portfolio with popular beers like IPA, Pale Ale, and the iconic Session Premium Lager (launched in 2005). In the late 1990s, when some partners sought to sell the company, Firmat and others orchestrated an employee buyout, leading to the creation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) that made Full Sail employee-owned—a structure that fostered a strong company culture and earned it repeated recognition as one of Oregon’s best places to work. The brewery became known for its commitment to environmental responsibility, including sustainable practices, local ingredient sourcing, and community involvement, while racking up hundreds of awards, including Beverage World’s “Craft Brewer of the Year.”

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

Highland Brewing Brings Back Asheville’s Original Craft Beer

March 10, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Asheville, NC – Highland Brewing, the pioneer of Asheville’s renowned craft beer scene, is giving its flagship Gaelic Amber Ale a fresh, fan-favorite update with new packaging that reintroduces Scotty, the beloved character who first appeared in the brewery’s logo back in 1994.

The refreshed look features Scotty – the cheeky, bearded figure in traditional Scottish attire, proudly holding a mug of beer – now front and center on updated 6-pack bottles and cans, 12-pack cans, and Highland variety packs. This redesign honors the beer’s deep roots while giving it a modern, nostalgic appeal.

Scotty pays tribute to the Scotch-Irish immigrants who shaped Western North Carolina in the mid-1800s, and he embodies the pioneering spirit of Highland Brewing founder Oscar Wong. In 1994, Wong crafted Gaelic Ale using refurbished dairy equipment, launching Asheville’s very first craft beer and sparking what would become a world-class brewing destination.

After being retired during the 2018 rebrand, Scotty’s return answers years of fan requests. He’s back to represent adventure, tradition, and the quest for an unforgettable beer experience – all tied to Highland’s ongoing “Thirst for Good” commitment.

“Gaelic Ale’s new look brings Scotty back with all his original charm and our flagship’s classic flavor,” said CEO and President Leah Wong Ashburn, Oscar’s daughter, who has led the woman- and minority-founded brewery since 2016. “It’s a nostalgic moment for us that honors our history and looks forward with a fresh take on Scotty’s role that is perfectly placed with Gaelic Ale.”

This revival arrives as the Asheville and Western North Carolina community continues to rebuild after Hurricane Helene’s devastation in 2024. The storm left Asheville without drinking water for two months, and Highland Brewing stepped up in a big way: raising over $13,000 for affected hospitality workers, converting its spaces into relief hubs for supplies, food storage, and volunteer coordination, and redeploying staff to support logistics efforts.

“We are so proud of the WNC region and our community’s resilience,” Ashburn added. “Scotty’s legacy reflects a connection to people and place. He also reflects the optimism we’ve encountered time and time again throughout the recovery process. We can all raise a beer to that.”

Gaelic Amber Ale (5.5% ABV) remains true to its original recipe – an exceptionally balanced amber ale blending malty sweetness with delicate hop bitterness from Chinook, Willamette, and Cascade hops. Notes of toffee, caramel, and nuts make it smooth, approachable, and a perfect introduction to craft beer for new drinkers or a comforting taste of home for longtime fans.

Find the newly packaged Gaelic Amber Ale – along with other Highland favorites like Highland Haze IPA and Daycation IPA – on draft and in stores throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. Use the beer finder at highlandbrewing.com/beer-finder to locate Scotty near you.

About Highland Brewing

Founded in 1994 by retired engineer and entrepreneur Oscar Wong, Highland Brewing is Asheville’s original craft brewery and the largest family-owned brewery native to the Southeast. Woman-led by Leah Wong Ashburn since 2016, the brewery distributes across NC, SC, TN, and GA. Committed to quality, sustainability (including one of the largest solar arrays in U.S. craft brewing), and community, Highland welcomes visitors to its hilltop destination for limited-release beers, tours, disc golf, live music, private events – with an outdoor retail shop, rock-climbing gym, and pizza restaurant coming in 2026.

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

Cincinnati’s Bockfest – Largest Bockfest in America

March 6, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

Cincinnati’s Bockfest is one of the city’s most unique and irreverent annual celebrations, blending its rich German brewing heritage, the arrival of spring, and a love for bock beer. It’s held in the historic Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood, once home to dozens of breweries in the 1800s when Cincinnati was a major U.S. brewing hub.

History
Bock beer itself has deep roots: German monks brewed hearty, malty bock lagers during Lent to sustain them through fasting (higher in nutrition and alcohol to help endure the period). “Bock” means “goat” in German, and folklore ties the name to a monk blaming a goat for his drunken stumble rather than the beer’s potency. Pre-Prohibition, Cincinnati breweries released bock beers in spring as seasonal staples.

The modern festival started in 1993 (now in its 34th year as of 2026). Hudepohl-Schoenling Brewing Company launched a Christian Moerlein Bock beer (reviving a historic brand) and turned the release into a community event to celebrate Cincinnati’s brewing past. They partnered with Over-the-Rhine residents, bar owners, and groups like Merchants of Main Street to create Bockfest. It began small—under 600 attendees in year one—but grew into a major tradition.

The festival nearly faded after Hudepohl’s production moved out of state in the late 1990s, but it was revived in the mid-2000s by local enthusiasts and tied loosely to Mardi Gras vibes for extra flair. Greg Hardman later brought Christian Moerlein back to Cincinnati, helping solidify Bockfest Hall (now at spots like the Moerlein Lager House). Today, it’s community-led, free to attend, and features multiple venues in OTR.

The Parade
The Cincinnait’s Bockfest Parade kicks off the weekend on Friday evening (typically around 6 p.m.), starting at Arnold’s Bar and Grill—Cincinnati’s oldest saloon (opened in 1861) and a fitting launch point since it was the first to serve the revived Moerlein Bock in the 20th century.

The parade marches north into Over-the-Rhine, ending near historic spots like Old St. Mary’s Church. It’s famously quirky and “the funkiest parade in Cincinnati”—no standard floats or fire trucks here. Instead, expect creative, beer-themed entries like faux monks, “Trojan goats,” GoatBusters, keg-men, goats on Segways, German bands, and chants like “drink more beer.” A highlight: It’s led by a real goat pulling a miniature keg of Christian Moerlein Emancipator Doppelbock (or similar), which gets ceremoniously tapped at the end to mark the official start of the festivities. The reigning Sausage Queen often joins as a marshal.

Fun Facts
Goat obsession: Goats are everywhere—symbolizing “bock” (goat). The parade goat is a star, and past entries have included elaborate goat-related themes. Legend says monks blamed goats for beer-induced wobbles.
Sausage Queen: There’s a playful pageant for the “Sausage Queen,” adding campy royalty to the beer focus.
Attendance growth: From a tiny launch to drawing 20,000–30,000+ people in recent years.
Oldest bock fest: It’s the oldest German-style bock beer festival in the United States.
Irreverent vibe: It’s a mix of German Renaissance flair, monks in robes (borrowed early on from local friars), and pure fun—perfect for blaming any post-fest mishaps on “the goat.”

Bockfest runs over a weekend (e.g., March 6-8 in 2026), with free entry to events, bock beers on tap at venues like Arnold’s, Moerlein Lager House, Rhinegeist, and others, plus music, food, and more. It’s a true Cincinnati original—cheers to spring and heritage! Prost!

Places to go for the Cincinnati Bockfest

Here are the 5 official Bockfest Halls for the 34th Annual Servatii Bockfest in Cincinnati (March 6-8, 2026), along with their official websites for more details on events, menus, specials, and schedules during the festival. These are confirmed from the official Bockfest site (bockfest.com) and venue pages.

Arnold’s Bar and Grill
210 East 8th Street (Downtown)
Website: https://www.arnoldsbarandgrill.com/
Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way (Downtown)
Website: https://www.moerleinlagerhouse.com/
Northern Row Brewery & Distillery
111 West McMicken Avenue (Over-the-Rhine)
Website: https://www.northernrow.com/
Rhinegeist Brewery
1910 Elm Street (Over-the-Rhine)
Website: https://rhinegeist.com/
Rosedale OTR
208 East 12th Street (Over-the-Rhine)
Website: https://www.rosedaleotr.com/

All halls are free to enter, with bock beer specials, live music, food, and unique events throughout the weekend. For the full Bockfest schedule and participating venues, check https://www.bockfest.com/official-venues.html. Enjoy the festivities—prost! 🍻

For more Bockfest Fun, Here are the Top 10 Bockfest in the USA

Von Ebert Brewing Releases New IPA Varietals Starting with Volatile Substance

March 5, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Von Ebert Brewing

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

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

Karl Strauss Announces Hard Cherry Cola Release

March 5, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Karl Strauss Brewing Company

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

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

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

March 5, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Living The Dream Brewing

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

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

Orval Beer Day: A Toast to Tradition

March 3, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

In the rolling hills of Belgium’s Gaume region, nestled within the ancient walls of the Abbaye Notre-Dame d’Orval, a special day unfolds each spring—Orval Beer Day. Celebrated annually, this event honors the legendary Orval Trappist Ale, a beer unlike any other, brewed with devotion by the Trappist monks since 1931. On March 26th, 2016, and in the years that followed, beer enthusiasts across the globe raised their chalices to celebrate this unique brew, its rich history, and the timeless story of the abbey.

The tale begins with Countess Matilda of Tuscany, who, in the 13th century, lost her wedding ring in a spring while visiting the “Golden Valley” (Orval). Heartbroken, she prayed for its return. Moments later, a trout emerged from the water, the ring in its mouth, inspiring the abbey’s iconic fish-and-ring symbol that graces every bottle of Orval today. This legend, woven into the abbey’s identity, sets the stage for a beer that’s as storied as it is flavorful.

Orval Beer Day is a nod to the beer’s singular place in the world of Trappist brewing. Unlike other Trappist monasteries that craft multiple styles, Orval produces just one commercial beer—a Belgian Pale Ale with a sunset-orange hue, a foamy head, and a complex flavor born from dry-hopping and wild Brettanomyces yeast. At 6.2% ABV (sometimes reaching 6.9% with aging), it’s a beer that evolves in the bottle, gaining nuance over years, much like a fine wine. Its tart, fruity notes, earthy spices, and hoppy, dry finish make it a favorite among brewers and drinkers alike, from Belgian monks to American craft beer pioneers like Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing.

On this day, bars across the United States and beyond pour Orval in its signature skittle-shaped bottles, designed by architect Henry Vaes to keep sediment at bay. The beer’s chalice, also crafted by Vaes, enhances its aromas—think leather, citrus, and forest herbs—while maintaining that perfect head. In 2019, over 600 U.S. accounts joined the celebration, with proceeds from sales supporting local charities, a nod to the Trappist tradition of giving back. At the abbey, a lighter version, Orval Vert, is served to monks and visitors, but it’s the flagship Orval that steals the show, sipped reverently in quiet taverns or lively gatherings.

Picture a cozy pub on Orval Beer Day: friends clink glasses, marveling at the beer’s cloudy glow and funky, farmhouse tang. A first-timer might say, “It’s like drinking a forest in autumn!” while a seasoned fan nods, savoring the bitter aftertaste. The day isn’t just about the beer—it’s about connection, history, and the monks’ quiet dedication to craft and charity. As the sun sets, someone raises a toast: “To Orval, to Matilda’s trout, and to good company!” And in that moment, the spirit of the Golden Valley lives on, one sip at a time.

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

February 27, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

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

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

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

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

Pro tip for your Iditarod viewing ritual:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

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

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

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

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

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