Beer

Route 7 Brewing Earns the Loudoun Beer Cup “Best in Show”

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey craft beer fans and Virginia locals—cheers to Loudoun County’s thriving scene! 🍻 Route 7 Brewing just snagged the ultimate bragging rights, taking home the Loudoun Beer Cup for Best in Show at the 2nd Annual Loudoun Beer Awards on February 4, 2026. Their star performer? Cross Czech, a crisp, malty Czech-Style Dark Lager clocking in at 5.2% ABV—smooth, roasty, and perfectly balanced, it edged out the competition in a blind final tasting of all gold medal winners. Organized by the Loudoun County Brewers Association (LCBA), this sold-out bash celebrated under the theme “Brewing A Revolution” in honor of Virginia’s VA250 commemoration, drawing nearly 100 entries from 16 local breweries. With 22 BJCP-certified judges handling the blind judging back on January 11 at Harvest Gap Brewing, it was a true showcase of Loudoun’s growing craft prowess—now boasting 44 licensed breweries strong!

Route 7 Brewing dominated the night with three gold medals plus the big trophy, while Lost Rhino Brewing matched them with three golds (and a silver), Bear Chase Brewing grabbed two golds plus extras, and 13 out of 16 breweries walked away with hardware. Standouts included Route 7’s hazy crush Lucky 7 (gold in Hazy IPA) and Boho Breeze (gold in Old World/International), Lost Rhino’s Cold Front IPA and Final Glide wheat winner, Bear Chase’s wild berry sour gold, and more across 10 categories from IPAs to hard alternatives. Beyond the blind pours, the LCBA handed out heartfelt Brewers Choice Awards for community MVPs—like Lark Brewing as Community Service Champion, Roger Knoell (Barnhouse Brewery) as Brewer of the Year for his longtime mentoring, Sophia Salcido (Eleven Eleven) as GM of the Year, and Bear Chase’s hyper-local “Meet Virginia” (brewed with 100% Virginia ingredients) nabbing Best of Loudoun Beer. Special shoutout to Old Ox Brewery’s emotional “Last Call” event as Event of the Year. The Loudoun County Brewers Association keeps building this vibrant community through education, collaboration, advocacy, and responsible fun—proving Northern Virginia’s craft beer game is on fire.

About Route 7 Brewing

Route 7 Brewing burst onto the Loudoun County craft beer scene as a fresh, ambitious addition when co-founders Basabi Virmani and Ambar Sharma opened its doors on September 13, 2024, in Ashburn, Virginia. Named after the iconic Route 7 highway stretching from Winchester to Alexandria, the brewery became the passion project of the duo, who first connected in Winchester through community fundraisers before channeling their shared love for great beer and food into this venture. Basabi, armed with a Professional Brewing Certificate from the University of Richmond, teamed up with Ambar to transform a renovated 4,800–5,000-square-foot space into a welcoming spot blending traditional craft brews with innovative cocktails and a unique tapas-style menu featuring fusion small plates. After years of planning, delays, and challenges, the grand opening marked a bright spot amid some local brewery closures, quickly establishing Route 7 as a community hub for hangouts, business meetings, and flavorful experiences in the heart of Ashburn.

In its short but meteoric rise, Route 7 Brewing has already made waves in Loudoun’s vibrant beer community—hitting its first anniversary in September 2025 with celebrations and earning massive acclaim by February 2026. The brewery dominated the 2nd Annual Loudoun Beer Awards, clinching three gold medals and the prestigious Loudoun Beer Cup Best in Show for Cross Czech, their smooth 5.2% ABV Czech-Style Dark Lager—proving their commitment to quality lagers and ales shines through. With head brewer Eric Peterson helping steer the tanks, Route 7 continues to pour crowd-pleasers like the hazy Lucky 7, Boho Breeze, and more, while building a loyal following through events, trivia nights, and that perfect mix of solid beers and creative eats. As one of Loudoun County’s newer players (now part of a county with 44 licensed breweries), Route 7 embodies the fresh energy and resilience of Northern Virginia’s craft scene—turning a highway name into a destination worth the drive.

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For Washington Breweries, February is a Rough Month for Sales

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey craft beer crew and Seattle-area sippers—listen up, because while everyone’s talking Dry January, Washington’s breweries are quietly battling Frigid February (and honestly, the whole chilly winter stretch) with sales taking a serious hit. According to the Brewers Association, nearly half of breweries see their slowest month smack in January or February, and if you toss in the holiday slowdowns of November and December, a whopping two-thirds are slogging through their toughest times before St. Patrick’s Day finally brings some green (and greenbacks) back. Daniel Olson, executive director of the Washington Brewers Guild, nails it: “January is Dry, February is Frigid”—taprooms and brewpubs are hurting big time, with customers not bouncing back like they used to pre-pandemic. Add inflation, supply chain headaches, staffing struggles, tariffs, and folks just drinking less overall, and Washington’s 400+ breweries are facing the roughest road in generations—record closures (nearly 30 taprooms, brewpubs, and breweries in recent years), national craft sales down 5% in 2025 (after 4% in 2024 and 1% in 2023), and WA beer faring even worse at -6.5% in 2024 and -3.7% in 2023.

But here’s the heart of it: these spots aren’t just businesses—they’re your local legends, the cozy corners where you toasted your 21st, had that epic first date that turned into forever, watched games with buddies, or just escaped the rain with a killer pint. Washington’s craft scene still pumps out massive good: supporting over 57,000 jobs, $3.7 billion in wages, $12.4 billion in economic activity, and more than $1.5 billion in taxes every year. The Washington Brewers Guild is all about keeping that thriving—advocating for smart policies, uniting brewers statewide, and reminding everyone that showing up this winter matters. Bundle up, rally your crew, hit your favorite taproom for trivia night, a flight of hazy IPAs, or a hearty stout by the fire—because if we don’t support these spots now, your go-to might not be pouring come summer. Let’s thaw this Frigid February together, one local pour at a time.

About Washington Brewers Guild

The Washington Brewers Guild was born in 1999 as a non-profit trade association dedicated to uniting, protecting, and championing Washington’s burgeoning craft beer scene during a time when the industry was still finding its footing post-Prohibition revival. As craft brewing exploded across the state—fueled by pioneers turning hops-rich Yakima Valley bounty into world-class IPAs and more—the Guild stepped up to give independent brewers a collective voice in Olympia and even Washington, D.C. From the start, it focused on legislative advocacy to shape smart beer laws, educate members on compliance and best practices, and foster community among brewers so no one had to navigate the regulatory maze alone. Over the years, the Guild has proudly built a track record of “getting things done,” helping grow the scene from a handful of trailblazers to over 400 breweries statewide while ensuring quality, choice, and fair play for beer lovers everywhere.

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Highland Brewing is Doing Has a Good Future and Good Vibes

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey beer fans and mountain lovers—grab a cold one and settle in, because Highland Brewing, Asheville’s OG craft beer trailblazer since 1994, just dropped a seriously inspiring update on crushing 2025 and charging into 2026 with their signature Thirst For Good vibe! After getting hammered by Hurricane Helene in late 2024 (which wrecked the area big time), Highland didn’t just bounce back—they came roaring in like champs. On-premise draft pours jumped a massive +25.4%, off-premise cans and bottles climbed +4.4%, all powered by legends like the iconic Gaelic Amber Ale (still the king of balanced ambers and #2 in its category across their four-state turf), the hazy crush of Highland Haze, the easy-sipping Daycation family (shoutout to that World Beer Cup gold for Daycation Gold), and top-sellers like AVL IPA ruling Western NC shelves. They even turned heartbreak into hope: releasing Highland Haze on draft to raise over $13K for hospitality workers hit hard, and dropping AVL Strong (an imperial take on AVL IPA) one year post-Helene to fund small business grants. Oh, and yeah—President Biden personally called to say thanks for turning their spot into a relief hub, hosting supply drops, nonprofits, and even a herd of lawn-mowing goats. Talk about going the extra mile!

Now, with founder Oscar Wong—the godfather of Asheville craft beer who sadly passed in May 2025—his legacy lives on stronger than ever through daughter Leah Wong Ashburn leading the charge as CEO. “Thirst For Good” is the new rallying cry: Good Flavor (pouring killer cores like Gaelic Ale, juicy IPAs in the Hop Journey variety pack that ranked #4 in the region, and expanding Highland Haze with grocery giveaways and big 19.2oz cans), Good Future (rocking one of the biggest solar arrays in craft beer, repurposed shipping containers, and sustainable everything from brew to can), and Good Feels (their epic 40-acre hilltop campus is leveling up in 2026 with Cultivate Climbing’s 45-foot walls for epic sends, Black Dome Mountain Sports for all your gear and climbing museum vibes, plus a fresh New Haven-style pizza spot slinging thin-crust pies, hearty sammies, and more to pair with your pint). Live music, disc golf, volleyball, weddings, events—it’s already a must-visit hang, and soon it’ll be the ultimate adventure-beer-food playground. Highland’s proving that great beer isn’t just about the brew—it’s about community, resilience, and keeping the good times flowing no matter what. Who’s road-tripping to Asheville for a climb, a slice, and a Gaelic? Let’s go!

About Highland Brewing:

What makes Highland a must-visit destination is their epic 40-acre hilltop campus in East Asheville, which has evolved from a production brewery into a full-on adventure hub with live music, disc golf, sand volleyball, hiking vibes, and space for weddings, events, and thousands of happy hangers-out. In 2026, it’s leveling up even more with big additions: Cultivate Climbing bringing 20,000 sq ft of rope walls up to 45 feet tall (plus bouldering, kids’ areas, and training zones), Black Dome Mountain Sports for gear, apparel, and that cool climbing museum feel, and a fresh in-house pizza spot slinging New Haven-ish thin-crust pies, hearty sandwiches, salads, and more to pair perfectly with a cold pour. Whether you’re crushing a Daycation IPA on the meadow, catching a show, or sending a route then refueling with Gaelic and pizza, Highland delivers that unbeatable mix of killer beer, good feels, and mountain magic—proving they’re not just brewing beer, they’re building community one epic day at a time.

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Urban South Brewery Releases Paradise Strawberry Beer – Again!

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey beer lovers and crawfish conquerors—grab your sunnies and your appetite because Paradise Strawberry is back at Urban South Brewery, and it’s ready to make spring in the South even sweeter!

This fan-favorite is basically Paradise Park—that crisp, crushable American lager we all know and love—getting a juicy strawberry glow-up. Brewed with real strawberries, it hits you with those bright, berry-good vibes up front, then finishes clean and refreshing like a classic lager should. At 4.4% ABV, it’s light, easy, and dangerously sessionable—perfect for sunny days, backyard hangs, or whenever you need something that screams “springtime in the Gulf South.”

Paradise Strawberry is rolling out now across Urban South’s turf: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Houston, Texas, and the Florida Panhandle. Limited time only, so don’t sleep on it!

And let’s talk pairings—nothing beats this strawberry lager with a steaming pile of crawfish. Whether you’re going classic Cajun spicy or Viet-style with that garlic-butter magic, this beer’s bright fruitiness cuts through the heat and seasoning like a champ. Swing by the Urban South taproom in New Orleans to grab a pour (or a growler… or four) alongside their legendary crawfish boils, running strong through the end of crawfish season in May 2026. Pro tip: Bring friends. And maybe a bib.

“Paradise Strawberry has become our springtime ritual—folks start asking about it the second the weather turns nice,” says Kyle Huling, Co-Founder of Urban South Brewery. “It’s our way of taking a solid, no-nonsense lager and sneaking in a little fruity fun without losing that easy-drinking soul we’re known for.”

About Urban South Brewery:

Urban South Brewery, founded in 2016 in the heart of New Orleans, has quickly become a standout force in the Southern craft beer scene. Started by founder Jacob Landry—who got hooked on great beer during a year exploring Europe’s classic brews—the brewery blends old-world European brewing traditions with the bold, innovative spirit of modern American styles. With deep Louisiana roots and a true Cajun soul, they’ve built a reputation for cranking out high-quality, easy-drinking beers that are perfect for the steamy Southern climate and any laid-back occasion. Their flagship Paradise Park American Lager remains a crowd-pleaser, alongside heavy hitters like the juicy Holy Roller Hazy IPA, the refreshing Lime Cucumber Gose, and seasonal gems that capture the region’s vibe, like the returning Paradise Strawberry and Mardi Gras Pils.

What sets Urban South apart is their commitment to community, affordability, and fun—they’re all about beers that bring people together, whether at their family-friendly New Orleans taproom (complete with smash burgers and happy hours) or across their growing footprint in states like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and beyond. The brewery has racked up plenty of hardware over the years, from medals at the U.S. Open Beer Championship and Can Can Awards to Great American Beer Festival nods, proving their brews aren’t just tasty—they’re award-worthy. With expansions like their Houston spot and a focus on creative, approachable beverages, Urban South keeps delivering that perfect mix of urban edge and Southern heart, making every sip feel like a celebration of good times and great beer.

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Voodoo Ranger Launches G-Force Supercharged Juicy IPA

February 24, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Buckle up, beer fans — Voodoo Ranger just dropped the hammer! America’s #1 IPA is cranking the dial to 11 with G-Force Supercharged Juicy IPA, an 11% ABV triple IPA that’s basically a mango-fueled rocket in a 19.2 oz tallboy can. This bad boy is engineered for maximum juice, zero compromises, and pure grab-and-go adrenaline.

Since kicking off the high-octane era with Juice Force in 2022, followed by Fruit Force in 2023 and Tropic Force in 2024, Voodoo Ranger has owned the bold, flavorful craft singles game. We’re talking roughly one in three craft beers sold in convenience stores rocking the Ranger logo — with Juice Force and Tropic Force crushing it as top-selling IPAs nationwide.

2025 was all about leveling up the experience: new packs, fresh formats, and bringing the magic to more fridges than ever. Now in 2026? They’re going full throttle with their first-ever singles-only launch. No pack required — just snag a single can and launch into orbit.
“How do you top a ten? You crank it to eleven,” says Kiron Chakraborty, Marketing Director of Voodoo Ranger. “Even at 11% ABV, G-Force delivers that signature Voodoo vibe: ultra-juicy, exploding with mango and tropical goodness, and built for serious lift-off.”

This one’s all about that bold mango punch that stands out on the shelf while staying 100% unmistakably Ranger. Perfect for when you need big flavor, fast — whether it’s tailgating, post-hike, or just because you deserve it.

About Voodoo Ranger

Born from New Belgium Brewing in 2017 with just three brews, Voodoo Ranger is now the fastest-growing craft beer brand in the country. The lineup’s exploded to over 20 killer options — from the classic Voodoo Ranger IPA and Imperial IPA to Juicy Haze, the record-smashing Juice Force and Tropic Force, and even Hardcharged Tea. It’s all about bold flavors, big vibes, and keeping the adventure going. Cheers to going supersonic!

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Hi-Wire Brewing and NoDa Brewing Will Release New IPA to Support Hurricane Helene Recovery

February 24, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

ASHEVILLE, NC — Talk about full-circle friendship in the best way: Hi-Wire Brewing and NoDa Brewing are dropping Odyssey IPA, a juicy hazy collab that’s as much about epic hops as it is about epic heart. A portion of every pint and can sold goes straight to ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery in Western North Carolina — because when the floods hit hard in 2024, NoDa literally rolled up their sleeves (and trucks) to help keep Asheville’s beer scene alive.

Back when Helene turned Hi-Wire’s River Arts District spot into an unintended swimming pool — wiping out 1.3 million unfilled cans, 200,000 filled ones, and shutting down production while the city’s water was out for weeks — NoDa stepped up big time. They brewed over 1,000 barrels of Hi-Wire’s Hi-Pitch, Lo-Pitch, and Hazy Pitch IPAs to keep the taps flowing and even hauled in supplies for folks in need. Now? Hi-Wire’s paying it forward with this beer that’s all about gratitude and getting homes back in shape.

Odyssey IPA hits at a smooth 6.5% ABV — a hazy beauty loaded with Dolcita, Citra, and Mosaic hops, plus fancy Lupocore and Prysma goodies from John I. Haas for that soft bitterness and bright, tropical punch. Shoutout to Haas, Country Malt Group, and Hart Print for donating ingredients and materials to make it happen without missing a beat.

“NoDa had our backs when things were pretty dark,” says Peter Batinski, Head Brewer at Hi-Wire. “They kept beer on shelves and helped our neighbors get supplies. Brewing this with them and raising funds for folks still rebuilding? That’s the beer community magic right there.”
Grab it starting Friday, March 27 in four-packs of 16-oz cans and on draft at Hi-Wire and NoDa taprooms, plus retailers across Hi-Wire’s eight-state footprint (NC, SC, GA, TN, VA, AL, KY, OH). It’ll stick around while supplies last — drink up and know your round is helping ARCHR (Asheville Regional Coalition for Home Repair) provide free home fixes for low-income families hit hardest by the storm.

Media heads up: Swing by a special Brew Day on Friday, February 27 at 10:30 AM at Hi-Wire Brewing Biltmore Village (2A Huntsman Place, Asheville, NC 28803). Chat with folks from Hi-Wire, NoDa, and ARCHR, snag photos, and soak in the good vibes.

Come for the hazy hops, stay for the hometown hero story. Cheers to recovery, community, and one killer IPA.

About ARCHR

The Asheville Regional Coalition for Home Repair hooks up qualified low-income families with no-cost home repairs after Helene damage. Fast-tracked post-storm, it’s a powerhouse collab of groups like Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (fiduciary lead), Poder Emma, Mountain Housing Opportunities, and more — streamlining help for the uninsured, underinsured, and those without FEMA aid.

About Hi-Wire Brewing

Since 2013 in Asheville, NC, Hi-Wire’s been cranking out approachable, award-winning beers that hit just right — from the Pitch Family IPAs (Hi-Pitch Mosaic, Hazy Pitch) to Leisure Time Lager, Mango Lazerade, and the decadent 10W-40 stout series. Fresh off a silver medal for Hi-Wire Lager in the 2025 World Beer Cup (International-Style Pilsener), they’re distributed in eight states and pour at seven taprooms (six in NC, one in Knoxville, TN), plus Tiki Easy Bar speakeasy and event space. Over 100 team members strong, all about quality brews and killer community.

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Craft Beer Professionals Announced Today a New Nationwide Collaboration to Support Schools

February 24, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Craft Beer Professionals (CBP) just dropped the mic on a genius idea that’s got the whole craft beer world buzzing: turning the infamous “6–7” — you know, that awkward adulting moment when someone asks “six or seven?” and everyone freezes — into a straight-up force for good.

Teaming up with the legends at No Label Brewing out of Katy, Texas, CBP is launching the 6-7 Collaboration: a crisp, hop-forward 6.7% American IPA (West Coast style, baby!) that breweries nationwide can brew, tweak, or collab on. The best part? Every pint poured, every can cracked — a chunk of the proceeds goes straight to a local school, PTA, or education nonprofit of the brewery’s choice.

Because why just drink great beer when you can drink great beer that helps teachers buy supplies, kids get books, and classrooms stay awesome? It’s the ultimate win-win: hit your favorite taproom, grab a cold one, and know you’re making a real difference right in your backyard.

“Our schools are feeling the squeeze more than ever,” says Andrew Coplon, founder of Craft Beer Professionals. “Craft beer folks are pros at coming together for a good cause. This gives every brewery — big or small — an easy, delicious way to rally the community, pack the patio, and turn happy hour into hero hour.”

Brittany Raffin from the Ghent School PTA in Norfolk, Virginia, adds: “PTAs are the unsung heroes keeping things running for students and teachers. Projects like this let communities show up in a fun, creative way when schools need support most.”

No Label Brewing — multiple award-winners with 15+ years of community swagger — is anchoring the whole thing, sharing a killer recipe from their World Beer Cup champs. “When CBP pitched this, it clicked instantly,” says Tom Paynter, Co-Owner and Marketing Director. “Great beer + real local impact? That’s craft beer’s sweet spot. We’re pumped to help breweries everywhere pour something that matters.”

The can art? Handled by Chris Hernandez, a craft beer industry illustrator who’s also co-authored children’s books. Expect something fresh, fun, and perfectly on-theme — education meets epic hops.

Breweries of every size are jumping in: neighborhood spots to regional heavy-hitters. Just sign up, pick your local cause, brew the beer, release it, and report back on donations so CBP can tally the nationwide good vibes.

About Craft Beer Professionals

Craft Beer Professionals is the national crew dedicated to leveling up the craft beer game. Through killer educational content, peer hangouts, and epic events, CBP brings the industry together to grow, connect, and keep the good times (and great beer) flowing.
Grab a 6-7 IPA near you, support your local schools, and cheers to beer doing more than just tasting amazing.

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A Year in Review with Lone Tree Brewing

February 24, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

LONE TREE, CO — Fresh off toasting 14 epic years of pouring liquid gold, Lone Tree Brewing is kicking off 2026 like a boss: still all-in on brewing the absolute best beer possible. The secret sauce? A killer team that shows up every day ready to crush it, plus rock-solid partners who’ve been riding shotgun since day one.

Here’s the fun, frothy scoop on what went down in 2025 at Lone Tree Brewing Company — think of it as your year-end highlight reel with extra hops.

Beer Bonanza: The 2025 Lineup That Had Everyone Buzzing
Spring brought the sweet, crushable Honey Lager that flew off shelves like it was happy hour o’clock. We also dropped a juicy Hazy IPA, a classic Oktoberfest for those pretzel-and-beer vibes, and a decadent Chocolate & Pistachio Stout that basically tasted like dessert in a can.

Draft exclusives popped up for Stout Month in February, and we teamed up with our buddies at Public Offering Brewing for some collaborative magic.

Big news on the flagship front: We gave our classic Lone Tree IPA a serious glow-up — more hops, more flavor, more “wow.” (Catch the deep dive in Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine’s Brewing Industry Guide if you’re into the nerdy details.)
And then there’s Hop Zombie, our legendary Imperial Red IPA that’s basically a cult classic. It made a sneaky Summer Solstice cameo at the Parker spot, then went full zombie apocalypse mode in October for the 13th annual Hop Zombie Day. Lines out the door? Check. Gone in a flash? Double check. That beer doesn’t mess around.

Brewing Like Mad Scientists (But With Better Results)

The crew cranked out 3,727 barrels of pure Colorado craft goodness — that’s a whole lot of barley, wheat, oats, rice, corn (270,572 pounds total), plus 4,741 pounds of hops and fancy hop oils. They canned up 427,008 12-oz beauties too.
We cranked the hops in the Lone Tree IPA by nearly 25% and the Double IPA by 17% — hello, hop bomb status. The Blueberry Blonde got a massive 60% boost in fruit puree for that real-deal berry blast. And the Peach Pale Ale? It’s evolving into the smoother, tastier Peach Wheat Ale, hitting taps late February 2026. Get ready.

Oh, and we’re eco-warriors too: Recaptured 215,000 gallons of water and kept 450 pounds of plastic wrap out of landfills with reused pallet wraps. Beer + planet points.

Team That Feels Like Family (Because It Kinda Is)

A few longtime legends leveled up in 2025: Candace Peterson stepped into Director of Tasting Rooms, Dennis O’Harrow (ex-Head Brewer for six years) slid to Lead Brewer, and Dale Hollars grabbed the Head Brewer torch after six solid years. These folks live for perfecting recipes and brewing killer beer — discipline, passion, repeat.
We’ve got 22 awesome people now. “We’re ridiculously proud of this crew,” says Jerry Siote, Director of Brewhouse Operations. “They make this not just a business, but a place we actually look forward to waking up for every morning.”

Sales & Spreading the Love Across Colorado

Thanks to our longtime pals at Western Distributing, our cans were everywhere in the state. The big sellers? Mexican Lager, Red Ale, and Blueberry Blonde — they accounted for 70% of packaged volume. Denver Metro grabbed 13%, but the real party was south from Lone Tree down to Colorado Springs (over 36% of sales). Locals know what’s up!

Giving Back & Good Times

We donated more than $22,000 to awesome nonprofits, including $10,000 to the Bridge Transition Program via our annual car show. Shoutouts to Special Olympics, Adams Camp, 2Blondes All Breed Rescue, 7 Sisters, and the Colorado State Firefighters Foundation.
Late 2025, we brewed the Polar Plunge Cold IPA with the City of Lone Tree Police Department — a portion of sales heads to the Special Olympics fundraiser in April 2026. Because beer that does good? That’s the best kind.

And yeah, we wrapped the year celebrating 14 years strong. Owners John Winter and Jerry Siote are stoked — even with all the NA and cannabis buzz out there, we’re sticking to what we love: top-shelf beer and top-shelf people.

Mark your calendars:

February 28, 2026 — Second anniversary bash at Lone Tree Brewing Parker!
June — Summer Solstice Hop Zombie returns.
October — The classic Hop Zombie creeps back.
December — Our big silver anniversary (15 years!).

About Lone Tree Brewing Co.

Since 2011, we’ve been the OG brewery in Lone Tree, Colorado — Denver’s South Metro gem. We’re all about community, killer beer, and welcoming vibes at our two spots: the original near Park Meadows Mall and the newer Parker outpost right in the heart of Parker. Family-friendly, dog-approved, and always ready for another round.

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2026 Texas Craft Brewers Cup – Medal Winners and Breweries of the Year

February 23, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

The 90 medals—gold, silver, and bronze—were awarded across 30 categories, recognizing 56 outstanding breweries. Medals were presented as custom, Texas-sized bolo ties during a celebratory closing ceremony at the Guild’s Annual Meeting on February 21, 2026, in Austin.

Texas Breweries of the Year
Brewery of the Year honors, determined by cumulative medal points (3 for gold, 2 for silver, 1 for bronze) and divided by production size, went to:

Under 620 bbl Group: Bird Creek Brewing Company (Temple, TX), which earned multiple medals including golds in Session and Standard Hoppy Pale Ales and Lagers.
620+ bbl Group: Altstadt Brewery (Fredericksburg, TX), a standout in traditional German styles with strong showings in lagers and wheat beers.

Texas Craft Brewers Cup Medal Winners
German Pilsner
Gold: Neu! Pils – Hold Out Brewing (Austin)
Silver: Altstadt Pils – Altstadt Brewery (Fredericksburg)
Bronze: Meanwhile Pilsner – Meanwhile Brewing Company (Austin)

American and International Pilsner
Gold: Darlin’ – Meanwhile Brewing Company (Austin)
Silver: 12 Degree – Pecan Street Brewing Co. (Johnson City)
Bronze: Magical Pils – Pinthouse Brewing (Austin)

American & International Light Lager
Gold: Hill Country Light – Roughhouse Brewing (San Marcos)
Silver: Icy Boys – Zilker Brewing Company (Austin)
Bronze: Cerveza TX – Save the World Brewing Co. (Marble Falls)

American & International Lager
Gold: Lucha Libre – Flix Brewhouse (San Antonio)
Silver: Kokuyoseki – Obsidian Brewery (Leander)
Bronze: American Lager – Central Machine Works Brewery (Austin)

Golden, Blond, & Light Ales
Gold: Hijack – Untraditional Cream Ale – Infamous Brewing Company (Austin)
Silver: Mardi Gras Blonde – Galveston Island Brewing (Galveston)
Bronze: Honey Blonde – Frontyard Brewing (Spicewood)

Kölsch
Gold: Fahlgelb – Bronson & Ryder Brewing (Llano)
Silver: Haygrazer – Hound Song Brewing Co. (Columbus)
Bronze: The Big German – Rollertown Beerworks (Frisco)

Session and Standard Lagers
Gold: Altstadt Lager – Altstadt Brewery (Fredericksburg)
Silver: DeadBeach Lager – Deadbeach Brewery (El Paso)
Bronze: Karnstein – Acopon Brewing Company (Dripping Springs)

Session and Standard Dark Lagers
Gold: Lettie – Dorćol Distilling and Brewing (San Antonio)
Silver: Shadow Cat – White Rock Brewing Company (Dallas)
Bronze: Hesky Czesky – Hold Out Brewing (Austin)

Strong Lagers
Gold: Buckstin Helles Export – Buckstin Brewing Company (Beaumont)
Silver: Decorator – Talyard Brewing Co (Sugar Land)
Bronze: Doppelbock – Denton County Brewing Company (Denton)

Classic UK Styles
Gold: Black Jack Brown – Four Bullets Brewery (Richardson)
Silver: Royal Scandal – Peticolas Brewing Company (Dallas)
Bronze: Cuffnells – Acopon Brewing Company (Dripping Springs)

Stout & Porter
Gold: Dark Side of the Moo – The Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen (Austin)
Silver: Flat Penny – Bird Creek Brewing Company (Temple)
Bronze: Cape Fear – Bronson & Ryder Brewing (Llano)

Session and Standard Hoppy Pale Ales and Lagers
Gold: Bare Bones Disco – Bird Creek Brewing Company (Temple)
Silver: Galactic Grackle – Bird Creek Brewing Company (Temple)
Bronze: FIOR – Batch (Austin)

IPA
Gold: Nose Jelly – Pinthouse Brewing (Austin)
Silver: Waka Waka – Bird Creek Brewing Company (Temple)
Bronze: Scorpion Disco – Pinthouse Brewing (Austin)

Hazy IPA
Gold: Heavenly Daze – Zilker Brewing Company (Austin)
Silver: Electric Jellyfish – Pinthouse Brewing (Austin)
Bronze: Space Terrarium – Pinthouse Brewing (Austin)

Strong IPA
Gold: Sparkle & Ruin – Meanwhile Brewing Company (Austin)
Silver: Heavy Machinery Double IPA – Austin Beerworks (Austin)
Bronze: Magnets, How Do They Work? – Good Line Beer Co (Lubbock)

Specialty IPA
Gold: Misty Lady – Bear King Brewing Co. (Marble Falls)
Silver: Bloodwork Orange – Austin Beerworks (Austin)
Bronze: Billy Goat in Belgium – Back Unturned Brewing Co (San Antonio)

Amber and Dark Beers
Gold: Shovelhead Amber Ale – Belly Up Brew Pub (Fredericksburg)
Silver: Mean Girlz – Project Halo Brewing (Fulshear)
Bronze: Brown Chicken Brown Cow – Galveston Island Brewing (Galveston)

Barleywine & Strong Ale
Gold: Romanov’s Revenge – Maple Branch Craft Brewery (Fort Worth)
Silver: Id – St Elmo (Austin)
Bronze: Danger Noodle Island – Save the World Brewing Co. (Marble Falls)

Belgian & Farmhouse Ales
Gold: Passive Dissent – False Idol Brewing (North Richland Hills)
Silver: Le Saison – Vista Brewing (Driftwood)
Bronze: Jedburgh – Longtab Brewing Company (San Antonio)

Belgian Abbey Ales
Gold: 10 for 3 – Nolan Creek Brewery (Belton)
Silver: Chugboat Island – Buckstin Brewing Company (Beaumont)
Bronze: Triple Volunteer – Longtab Brewing Company (San Antonio)

Fruit & Field Beer
Gold: Sweeten The Pot – Four Bullets Brewery (Richardson)
Silver: Sticky Rice and Mango Lager – Obsidian Brewery (Leander)
Bronze: Altstadt Radler – Altstadt Brewery (Fredericksburg)

Chocolate & Coffee
Gold: Subtle Hustle – Grain Theory (Abilene)
Silver: Sludge Factory – Misfit Brewing (Cypress)
Bronze: Devour – Mexican Chocolate – 3 Nations Brewing (Carrollton)

American & European Sour
Gold: Heartbreaker – Deadbeach Brewery (El Paso)
Silver: Bogberry Boombox – The Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen (Austin)
Bronze: Fruited Little Boss — Pomegranate – Blue Owl Brewing (Austin)

Brett & Mixed Culture
Gold: Montmorency vs. Balaton – Jester King Brewery (Austin)
Silver: Kashmir – Celestial Beerworks (Dallas)
Bronze: Atrial Rubicite – Jester King Brewery (Austin)

Smoke & Chili Beer
Gold: Harissa – Wild Barley Kitchen & Brewery (San Antonio)
Silver: Jalapeño Saison – On Rotation Brewery & Kitchen (Dallas)
Bronze: Schwarzer Rauch – Live Oak Brewing Company (Austin)

Barrel & Wood Aged Beer
Gold: Early Morning Shakes – Paradigm Brewing Company (Tomball)
Silver: Left Handed Hummingbird – Meanwhile Brewing Company (Austin)
Bronze: 40 Watt Reserve – Grain Theory (Abilene)

Experimental, Hybrid & Specialty Beer
Gold: Heritage Common – Old Sheepdog Brewery (El Paso)
Silver: Silver Lining – Talyard Brewing Co (Sugar Land)
Bronze: Blackberry Streussel – Künstler Brewing (San Antonio)

Wheat or Rye
Gold: Altstadt Hefe – Altstadt Brewery (Fredericksburg)
Silver: Hefeweizen – Live Oak Brewing Company (Austin)
Bronze: HighWheel Dunkelweizen – Dorćol Distilling and Brewing (San Antonio)

Decadent Beer
Gold: Suburban Ninja Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Coconut Vanilla and Maple Stout – Red Horn Brewing Co. (Cedar Park)
Silver: Playground Battles – ODD Muse Brewing (Farmer’s Branch)
Bronze: Snacks Ahoy – False Idol Brewing (North Richland Hills)

Legislative ProAm
Gold: Unified – ODD Muse Brewing (Farmer’s Branch)
Silver: Bumgarner Bock – 3 Nations Brewing (Carrollton)
Bronze: Rotunda Rose – Lago Vista Brewing Company (Lago Vista)

More about The Texas Craft Brewers Guild
The Texas Craft Brewers Guild is the hoppy heart and soul of the Lone Star State’s craft beer scene—a nonprofit trade association proudly championing over 300 small and independent breweries across Texas. Think of them as the ultimate beer advocates: they fight tooth and nail (with a side of cold ones) for smarter laws, fairer rules, and a brighter future for local brews through their CraftPAC political action committee and tireless lobbying efforts. From modernizing outdated beer regulations to helping breweries thrive in the massive Texas market, the Guild keeps the good vibes flowing by protecting what makes craft beer special—independence, creativity, and that unmistakable Texas spirit. Whether it’s pushing for taproom freedoms or educating folks on why supporting local matters, they’re the behind-the-scenes heroes ensuring every pint poured tells a story of Lone Star pride.

Beyond the serious stuff, the Guild knows how to throw a legendary party! They organize the wildly popular Texas Craft Brewers Cup (the state’s premier pro beer competition), the massive Texas Craft Brewers Festival featuring hundreds of local brews, and fun community perks like the Texas Brewery Passport™ app that turns beer road trips into an epic statewide adventure. With events, education sessions, networking shindigs, and even a snazzy online store full of merch, the Guild brings brewers and beer lovers together to celebrate the incredible variety—from crisp lagers to wild sours—coming out of Texas taps. If you’re raising a glass to independent craft beer in the biggest state in the Lower 48, you’re basically toasting with the Texas Craft Brewers Guild—cheers to that!
Website: https://texascraftbrewersguild.org/

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Ska Brewing makes its bold return to West Coast IPA.

February 20, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey beer fans, grab your sunnies and crank up the volume—Ska Brewing is dropping the mic on West Coast IPAs with a fresh, modern twist that’s hitting shelves nationwide right now!

From their punk-rock headquarters in Durango, Colorado, Ska is bringing back the classic West Coast style, but they’ve leveled it up with a killer lineup of today’s hottest hops. Think crisp, crushable vibes that ditch the old-school grassy funk for massive bursts of citrus, pine, peach, and stone fruit dankness. At 6.6% ABV, it’s got approachable bitterness, a super-smooth finish, and that signature Ska attitude in every sip.

They first unleashed this bad boy over Super Bowl weekend at the brewery (talk about a halftime hero!), and now it’s rolling out year-round in cans and on draft across Colorado, Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico, Utah—and beyond.

“Ska West Coast IPA is all about modern hop wizardry,” says Production Manager Chris Kurr. “We’re talking Cryo Mosaic, Cryo Citra, Alora, Eureka, CGX Idaho 7, and Strata Hyperboost—varieties that weren’t even around 20 years ago. They deliver huge citrus-pine punch without any of that vegetal weirdness from the old days.”

If you’re a longtime Ska devotee, you know they pioneered Colorado’s OG canned IPA with Modus Hoperandi—that bold, amber, mega-bitter classic that started it all. This new West Coast IPA flips the script to today’s lighter, brighter take: less body, more aroma explosion, and perfect for crushing on a sunny afternoon.

That eye-popping can design? Pure Ska energy—checkered flags, bold graphics, and enough attitude to make your fridge look like a mosh pit.
Since 1995, Ska Brewing has been brewing beers that refuse to play by the rules, blending punk spirit, ska rhythms, and straight-up deliciousness. From the iconic Mexican Logger to the rebellious Modus Hoperandi, they’re all about crafting stuff as unique and fun as the folks who crack ’em open.

So whether you’re in the Southwest or spotting it farther afield, snag a six-pack of Ska West Coast IPA and raise one to the West Coast renaissance—modern hops, timeless vibes.

About Ska Brewing

Ska Brewing kicked off in 1995 in the mountain town of Durango, Colorado, when two friends, Dave Thibodeau and Bill Graham, turned their teenage passion for homebrewing—soundtracked by blasting ska music and fueled by comic book vibes—into a full-fledged brewery. Starting small with second-hand dairy equipment in a downtown spot, they brewed up character-driven beers that refused to conform, blending punk-rock rebellion with craft beer’s emerging scene. Matt Vincent joined as original head brewer shortly after (buying in around 1999), helping pioneer bold flavors like their iconic Modus Hoperandi IPA, one of Colorado’s first canned IPAs. The name and aesthetic drew straight from the ska and rude boy culture—think black-and-white checkerboards, two-tone energy, and a DIY spirit that screamed “it takes characters to brew beer with character.”

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