Beer

Maui Brewing Wins America’s Favorite Solar Craft Brewery Title

January 10, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Kihei, HI – Maui Brewing Company is very proud to announce its recent award as “America’s Favorite Solar Craft Brewery” following six weeks of public voting which took place from May 6th through June 15th. In celebration of the title, MBC will be co-hosting a “Mahalo” party with Solar United Neighbors, the organization which promotes the “Brews From the Sun” competition, on Monday, August 12th in the MBC Kihei Tasting Room from 3:30pm – 5:30pm.

Sponsored by BrewSavor™ by NewAge® Industries, a solar-powered manufacturer of fluid transfer systems used in the brewing process, Brews from the Sun brought together solar and craft beer enthusiasts from around the country. This year, 12,334 votes were cast during the six-week competition by craft beer enthusiasts and solar energy supporters from around the country.

Forty-four breweries participated in three categories. MBC was listed among 15 Regional Breweries (as defined by the Brewers Association).
“We’re honored to be selected as America’s Favorite Solar Craft Brewery for 2019,” said Garrett Marrero, Maui Brewing Company’s Founder and CEO. “Since our beginning in 2005, Maui Brewing has always been committed to sustainability. Brewing our beer and now distilling spirits with grid-independence makes sense for our business and the environment. We’re leading the charge to demonstrate it is possible to manufacture high-quality beverages and be mindful of the community and the environment.”

Solar accounts for more than 80% of Maui Brewing’s electricity needs. By the end of the year they plan to be 100% powered by solar. Maui Brewing employs solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems to provide electricity and hot water to brew the company’s beer. Maui Brewing’s 1.2 MW system was installed in 2017. MBC recently added battery storage to help achieve their goal of becoming grid-independent by the end of 2019.

Solar United Neighbors is a national non-profit organization that empowers people to go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights. It helps thousands of people go solar every year through bulk purchases known as “solar co-ops” as well as through a paid membership program. Members receive on-going support for their solar system, discounts to businesses that have solar, and join a community of solar supporters to ensure their investment in solar is protected.

“We are inspired by the many breweries around the country who are looking to the sun to power their beer,” said Anya Schoolman, Solar United Neighbors Executive Director. “They’re setting a great example not just for other breweries, but for everyone who can save money and take control of where their energy comes from by going solar.”

For a complete list of the 2019 America’s Favorite Solar-Powered Craft Breweries, visit https://www.brewsfromthesun.org/#vote

For more information on Maui Brewing Company, visit MauiBrewing.com or follow @MauiBrewingCo on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About Maui Brewing Company and Garrett Marrero
Founded in 2005 by Garrett Marrero, Maui Brewing Company is Hawaii’s largest craft brewery, operating entirely on Maui with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. Based in Kihei, the brewery’s state-of-the-art production facility and tasting room serve as its hub, complemented by restaurants in Lahaina, Kailua, and Waikiki. Known for beers like Bikini Blonde Lager and Big Swell IPA, Maui Brewing distributes to 23 states and 10 countries, emphasizing local ingredients and island-inspired flavors. A leader in eco-friendly brewing, the company powers over 80% of its operations with a 1.2 MW solar system, aiming for full grid independence, and has been recognized as America’s Favorite Solar Craft Brewery in 2019 by Brews From the Sun.

Garrett Marrero, the visionary behind Maui Brewing, launched the brewery with a mission to craft authentic Hawaiian beers while prioritizing environmental stewardship. A California native with a background in business, Marrero moved to Maui and saw an opportunity to fill the island’s craft beer gap. Under his leadership, Maui Brewing grew from a small brewpub to a regional powerhouse, earning accolades like multiple Great American Beer Festival medals and World Beer Cup awards and being named the Grand National Champions at the U.S. Open Beer Championship. Marrero’s focus on sustainability—evident in solar-powered brewing and community initiatives—has made Maui Brewing a model for responsible craft brewing, while his entrepreneurial spirit continues to drive innovation and expansion.

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In honor of Elvis Presley’s Birthday – BeerInfo’s Beer of the Day – Brewdog Elvis Juice

January 8, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

In honor of Elvis’s Birthday, BeerInfo’s Beer of the Day is Brewdog Elvis Juice brewed by brewdog. Elvis Juice is an IPA like no other. This IPA puts grapefruit center stage. Primed with tart pithy grapefruit peel for a citrus assault on the senses. This zest zenith delivers intense US hop aromas. Gigantic grapefruit notes are tail-gated by orange and pine. All piled high on a caramel malt base. ABV: 6.5% IBU: 60

Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. Presley is the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music. He was commercially successful in many genres, including pop, country, blues, and gospel. He won three competitive Grammys, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, and has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame.

Lawsuit:
The Ellon-based brewer initially lost the right to call its grapefruit and blood orange IPA ‘Elvis Juice’ after the UK Intellectual Property Office found in favour of the Elvis Presley estate last June.

Before the first ruling, BrewDog founders James Watt and Martin Dickie both changed their names to ‘Elvis’ by deed poll after the estate took legal action against them.

The Presley estate objected after BrewDog applied to register ‘Elvis Juice’ and ‘BrewDog Elvis Juice’ as trademarks. It felt that the application was in conflict with its registered trademark and believed that people buying BrewDog’s beer could mistakenly believe that the estate had endorsed the product.

In the appeal hearing, BrewDog has been given permission to trademark ‘Brewdog Elvis Juice’ (but not ‘Elvis Juice’) and a ruling has been overturned which ordered the brewer to pay the estate £1,500 in costs.(The Drinks Buisness)

More about Brewdog USA
BrewDog USA, the American arm of the iconic Scottish craft beer pioneer, continues to lead the charge in innovative brewing from its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. Home to a massive 100,000-square-foot brewery and the world’s first craft beer hotel, The DogHouse, BrewDog USA offers an immersive experience complete with beer taps in guest rooms, brewery tours, and epic taprooms pouring flagship favorites like Punk IPA alongside bold new releases. In 2025, the brand achieved a remarkable 26% volume growth by focusing on core headliners and strategic markets, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the U.S. craft scene.

Fresh off launching the piney and tropical BrewDog IPA—a 6.3% ABV tribute to Chinook and Citra hops—and earning “Best Brewery Experience” in Columbus’s 2025 awards, BrewDog USA invites beer enthusiasts to discover its vibrant bars in Ohio, Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Denver. With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and punk spirit, BrewDog USA is crafting unforgettable moments for hop lovers nationwide, proving that great beer truly is great for the planet.

Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: Click Here!

Brewery Bobbleheads and National Bobblehead Day – January 7th.

January 7, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Every January 7, beer lovers and collectors alike get to double down on fun because it’s National Bobblehead Day! This quirky holiday, established in 2015 by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee (aka Brew City), celebrates those wobbly-headed figurines that bring endless nods of approval to desks, dashboards, and man caves everywhere. From sports stars to celebrities, bobbleheads have been bobbing along since the 1960s boom, but they’ve got roots going back centuries. And what’s better than a bobblehead? One that’s beer-themed, of course—perfect for toasting the day with your favorite brew!

Imagine your shelf lined with nodding icons like the Lone Star Beer armadillo chugging a cold one, Mr. Boh from Natty Boh hoisting a can, or classic beer barons like Pabst and Schlitz giving eternal approval to your pint. These limited-edition gems from the Bobblehead Hall often drop around beer holidays, making National Bobblehead Day the ideal excuse to hunt for that perfect brew-inspired nodder.

Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just love a good lager, grab your favorite beer, dust off your collection (or start one!), and share your bobblehead pics with #NationalBobbleheadDay. Here’s to heads that bob in agreement—especially when the answer is “another round?” Prost!

2023 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer Winners Announced

January 6, 2025 by Spencer Mapes

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

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

2023 FOBAB Medal Winners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Brewers Association Announces 2025 Board of Directors Appointments

December 20, 2024 by Spencer Mapes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sierra Nevada Brewing Launches Nationwide “Resilience IPA” Initiative to Support Camp Fire Recover

December 17, 2024 by Dow Scoggins

Chico, California — Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. announced today the release of Resilience Butte County Proud IPA, a beer brewed for one reason: to help rebuild the communities devastated by the Camp Fire. Every single dollar from sales of Resilience IPA will go directly to Camp Fire relief and long-term recovery efforts.

But Sierra Nevada isn’t stopping there. The brewery is calling on every craft brewery in America to join the movement by brewing their own version of Resilience IPA and donating 100% of the proceeds to the same cause. To make it as easy as possible for breweries to participate, Sierra Nevada has partnered with malt and hop suppliers to donate ingredients to any brewery that signs up.

Production kicks off on Giving Tuesday, November 27, with hundreds of breweries already committed to brewing Resilience IPA on the same day in a nationwide show of solidarity.

“Chico and our brewery were spared, but the Camp Fire destroyed the hometowns of many of our employees, their families, and our closest friends,” said Sierra Nevada founder Ken Grossman. “This community has supported us for almost 40 years. Now it’s our turn to show up for them in the biggest way we know how – together.”

The Camp Fire, which started November 8 just miles from Sierra Nevada’s Chico brewery, is now the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. It has burned more than 142,000 acres, taken dozens of lives, destroyed nearly 10,000 homes, and displaced thousands – including close to 14% of Sierra Nevada’s own local workforce.

All proceeds from every Resilience IPA – whether brewed by Sierra Nevada or any participating brewery – will go straight to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund for ongoing rebuilding efforts.

Look for Sierra Nevada’s Resilience Butte County Proud IPA on draft and in limited-edition cans starting early January 2019 nationwide. Want to help right now? Donate directly at the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund.

In the fire’s immediate aftermath, Sierra Nevada launched the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund to deliver sustained support for rebuilding efforts. All Resilience IPA proceeds will flow directly into this fund.

Sierra Nevada’s Resilience IPA hit shelves and taps in limited can and draft distribution starting early January 2019.

Sierra Nevada Brewing
Founded in 1980 by homebrewer Ken Grossman in Chico, California, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company emerged as a pioneer in the American craft beer movement, starting with recycled dairy equipment and a passion for bold, hop-forward flavors. What began as a modest garage-to-warehouse operation quickly gained acclaim with the release of its flagship Pale Ale, revolutionizing the industry by emphasizing quality ingredients and innovative brewing techniques. Over the decades, the company expanded from its California roots to include a state-of-the-art facility in Mills River, North Carolina, solidifying its status as one of the largest independent craft breweries in the United States while staying true to its family-owned ethos.

Today, Sierra Nevada continues to lead with a strong commitment to sustainability, diverting 99.8% of solid waste from landfills through advanced recycling, composting, and partnerships that repurpose spent grain for local farms. Recognized as the EPA’s “Green Business of the Year” in 2010, the brewery invests heavily in renewable energy, operational efficiency, and eco-friendly practices, ensuring that every pint contributes to a healthier planet. With a diverse portfolio of award-winning beers and a dedication to community and environmental responsibility, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company remains at the forefront of craft innovation, blending tradition with forward-thinking stewardship.

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

December 16, 2024 by Spencer Mapes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Partake Brewing

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

About the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)

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

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The 2024 Year in Beer

December 12, 2024 by Spencer Mapes

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

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

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

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

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

Craft Beer by the Numbers

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

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

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

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

2024’s Hottest Market Trends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The 2023 Year in Beer

December 11, 2024 by Spencer Mapes

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

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

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

View the complete 2023 Year in Beer report.

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

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History of Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery and Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome Ale

December 3, 2024 by Dow Scoggins

The History of Winter Welcome
For centuries, robust, higher-alcohol beers have warmed winter holiday gatherings, uniting old friends in seasonal cheer. Wassail, a pre-Christian festival honoring winter and its brews, reflects this tradition. Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery’s Winter Welcome Ale, vintage-dated with a unique label annually, debuted in the US in 1990 as the first imported winter seasonal beer. Enjoy it in a Sam Smith tulip or nonik glass during the holidays.

Taste
Honey-amber colored, creamy head of small bubbles, floral aroma and delicious caramel malt flavor with great finesse. Fine hop aroma finish and a fruity note from fermentation in open-topped stone “Yorkshire Squares.”

Serving Suggestion
Roast goose, smoked turkey with oyster dressing, rack of lamb, candied yams, Smithfield hams, fresh pears and apples, Christmas cake. Serve in crystal tumblers, or traditional Yorkshire tulip or nonik pint glasses.

A Frothy Tale of Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery: Yorkshire’s Timeless Brew
Picture this: a quaint Yorkshire town where horse-drawn carts clatter down cobblestone streets, delivering barrels of beer brewed with methods older than the American Revolution. Welcome to Tadcaster, home of Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery, a place where time seems to have sipped a pint and decided to linger. Founded in 1758, this family-owned gem is Yorkshire’s oldest brewery, and it’s got stories, quirks, and beers that could make even a teetotaler raise a glass. Let’s dive into the frothy world of Sam Smith’s, where tradition reigns, and every pint is a taste of history.

A Sip of History
Tadcaster’s brewing roots stretch back to the 14th century, thanks to its gypsum-rich wells that churn out water perfect for crafting crisp, clean ales. Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery kicked off as Backhouse & Hartley in 1758, but it wasn’t until 1886 that Samuel Smith, a tenacious nephew sidelined from the family’s other brewery (yes, there’s a juicy family feud in there), took the reins. He inherited an empty building—his uncle had cheekily moved all the equipment next door—but Samuel refitted it and turned it into a brewing powerhouse.

Fast forward to today, and the brewery still uses water from that same 1758 well, pumped 85 feet from an underground limestone lake. They ferment in Yorkshire Squares—stone vessels made of Welsh slate that give their beers a fuller-bodied flavor. The yeast? It’s the same strain they’ve used since the 1800s, like a family heirloom passed down through generations. And if that’s not old-school enough, they’ve got a cooper on staff making barrels and a team of dapple-grey Shire horses delivering beer around Tadcaster. It’s not just brewing; it’s a living museum.

Beers That Sparked a Revolution
Samuel Smith’s isn’t just about nostalgia—they’re innovators in disguise. Their bottled beers, like the velvety Oatmeal Stout and the rich Taddy Porter, were game-changers. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, these brews inspired American craft beer pioneers like Goose Island and Brooklyn Brewery, who looked to Sam Smith’s for a masterclass in classic British styles. The Oatmeal Stout, reintroduced in 1980, single-handedly revived a nearly forgotten style.

Their lineup is a love letter to variety. From the crisp Organic Pale Ale to the decadent Organic Chocolate Stout, there{Feel free to add your own favorites!} they’ve got something for everyone. Love fruit? Try their cherry, apricot, or raspberry brews. Vegan? Good news—most of their beers (except Old Brewery Bitter and Yorkshire Stingo) are vegan-friendly, brewed with just malt, hops, yeast, and water. And for cider fans, their Organic Cider and Cider Reserve are crisp, refreshing treats.

One standout is the Winter Welcome Ale, a holiday favorite since 1990, when it became the first imported winter seasonal in the US. Each year, it sports a new vintage-dated label, perfect for sipping from a Sam Smith tulip glass while toasting old friends. It’s a rich, malty brew that warms the soul, like a cozy fireside chat in a pint.

Pubs Like No Other
Step into a Samuel Smith pub, and you’re stepping back in time. With over 200 pubs across the UK, including 20 in central London, these spots are time capsules. Think frosted windows, stained glass, and cozy rooms—some spartan, others plush with ornate wallpaper. The Crown Inn in Wetherby boasts furniture by craftsman Robert Thompson, while the Princess Louise in High Holborn has iconic bar booths.

But here’s where it gets quirky: no music, no TVs, no mobile devices. That’s right—Humphrey Smith, the brewery’s eccentric owner, runs these pubs like a Victorian headmaster. Want to check your phone? Step outside. It’s a bold move to keep the focus on conversation and beer, and locals either love it or grumble. Posts on X call it “counter-cultural” and “absurdly popular,” though some find the rules a bit much.

Quirks and Controversies
Speaking of Humphrey, he’s a character straight out of a Dickens novel. Known for his “Yorkshire bluntness,” he’s famously private, once hanging up on a US brewer requesting a tour. The brewery’s publicity-shy vibe is legendary—they’ve even dropped their branding from pubs and delivery trucks. In 1982, they made headlines by switching to an unlimited company, making owners personally liable for debts but freeing them from public financial disclosures.

Not everything’s rosy, though. Humphrey’s management style has sparked criticism. In 2015, he was fined for snubbing a pensions regulator, calling their request “tiresome.” During COVID, the brewery faced backlash for dodging test-and-trace systems in pubs. And in 2022, ex-managers won a dismissal case after being charged for alleged stock shortages, with a judge noting the company’s culture stifles objections. Some X posts and Reddit threads even call the beer “shite” and the pubs a “feudal” mess, though others defend the brewery’s commitment to tradition.

Why It Matters
Despite the controversies, Samuel Smith’s endures because it’s more than a brewery—it’s a stubborn stand against soulless corporate brews. As one X post put it, it’s not another “AB-Inbev-Coors-Marstons” conglomerate churning out “tasteless” beer. Their Shire horses, Yorkshire Squares, and cheap, high-quality pints keep fans coming back. Sure, 120 pubs reportedly sat empty in 2022 due to manager shortages—Humphrey’s strict rules don’t help—but the brewery’s export market, especially in the US via Merchant du Vin, keeps the taps flowing.

Raise a Glass
Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery is a paradox: fiercely traditional yet quietly revolutionary, eccentric but beloved. Whether you’re savoring a Nut Brown Ale in a historic pub or cracking open an Organic Cherry Ale at home, you’re tasting 267 years of craft, quirks, and Yorkshire grit. So, grab a pint, ditch your phone, and toast to a brewery that’s as stubborn as a Shire horse and twice as charming.