Beer

Cliff Thompson – The World’s Tallest Beer Salesman at 8′ 7″

September 17, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

In the annals of extraordinary individuals, few stand as tall—literally—as Cliff Thompson. Towering at an incredible 8 feet 7 inches, this North Dakota native wasn’t just one of the tallest men in history; he was a multifaceted personality who blended law, entertainment, and salesmanship into a larger-than-life career. Best known as the “World’s Tallest Beer Salesman,” Cliff turned his remarkable stature into a marketing marvel, charming crowds and boosting brews in the heart of beer country. Let’s raise a glass to his story—a tale of height, hustle, and heart.

A Giant from the Prairie: Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born Clifford Marshall Thompson on October 18, 1904, in Rugby, North Dakota, Cliff’s extraordinary growth began early. Afflicted with gigantism, a condition caused by excessive growth hormone, he shot up to heights that made everyday life an adventure. By adulthood, he measured 8’7″, making him the tallest man in the world from 1940 to 1955, after the passing of Robert Wadlow. Recent analyses suggest his height might have been slightly less, around 8’3″ to 8’6″, but his billed stature of 8’7″ cemented his place in record books and public imagination.

Cliff’s early years were marked by challenges, from custom clothing to navigating a world built for average heights. Yet, he embraced his uniqueness, pursuing education and turning heads wherever he went. He attended the University of Wisconsin and later law school, becoming a practicing attorney—earning the title “World’s Tallest Lawyer.” But law wasn’t his only path; Cliff’s charisma led him to Hollywood, where he appeared in films and circus sideshows, captivating audiences with his gentle giant persona.

From Courtroom to Kegs: The Beer Salesman Era
What truly set Cliff apart in popular culture was his venture into sales, particularly in the beer industry. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin—America’s beer capital—Cliff became a promotional sensation for local breweries including Blatz Brewing. Billed as the “World’s Tallest Salesman,” he leveraged his height to draw crowds at events, trade shows, and advertisements. Imagine a man who could peer over booths, hand out samples from on high, and pose for photos that made everyone else look pint-sized.

His role wasn’t just gimmicky; Cliff’s genuine enthusiasm for people and products made him effective. He worked for companies like the Wisconsin Brewing Company, where his presence boosted sales and brand visibility. At a time when marketing relied on spectacle, Cliff was a walking billboard, shaking hands with newspapermen and celebrities alike. His marriage to Mary Mars in 1939 added a personal touch to his public life, as the couple navigated the spotlight together.

Legacy and Fun Facts: A Towering Impact
Cliff Thompson’s influence extended beyond beer and law. He practiced in Iola, Wisconsin, where a historical marker now commemorates his time there. The Prairie Village Museum in Rugby honors him with exhibits, showcasing his life alongside other quirky artifacts like Queen Victoria’s dress. Even in Ames, Iowa, his visits left lasting impressions, as seen in historical photos.
Here are some fun facts about this remarkable man:

Record Holder: Cliff was once considered the tallest living man, surpassing the average male height of his era by over three feet.
Multitalented Giant: Beyond sales and law, he acted in movies and performed in circuses, proving height was no barrier to versatility.
Everyday Epics: Cliff’s home in Milwaukee was customized for his size, and he drove specially modified vehicles to accommodate his frame.
Enduring Memory: Though he passed away on February 15, 1955, at age 50, his story lives on through museums, markers, and online tributes.

Cheers to a Legendary Life
Cliff Thompson wasn’t just tall; he was a symbol of resilience and reinvention. From North Dakota prairies to Milwaukee’s brewing scene, he turned potential obstacles into opportunities, leaving a legacy that’s as inspiring as it is impressive. Whether as a lawyer, actor, or the world’s tallest beer salesman, Cliff proved that true stature comes from within. Next time you enjoy a cold one, think of the giant who helped make beer a little more fun—for everyone looking up.

For Fun Stuff:

George Washington’s Beer Recipe – Oldest known writing from George Washington
George Washington’s Distillery – Largest Distillery in the U.S. in 1799.
The History of Beer in the United States

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Louis Pasteur Patents How to Brew Beer – January 28, 1873

September 16, 2025 by Andrew Innes

Louis Pasteur Patents How to Brew Beer – January 28, 1873
Beer was first made by the Sumerians, and the technology was absorbed into the Babylonian and ancient Egyptian cultures. The practice of the Sumarians was to bake grains into bread, and the bread was moistened to begin the process of making beer. The baked bread was a way to preserve the grain for later use in the beer making process. A Sumerian beer was recreated recently by the folks at Anchor Steam Beer, as an experiment.

In more recent times, Louis Pasteur studied beer and wine making and patented a process for making beer which resulted in a better beer. Previously the wort was boiled and exposed to the air for cooling. In Pasteur’s process, the wort is kept in closed vessels and cooled by spraying the outside of the vessel with water. A special yeast was introduced into the mash after it cooled, thus preventing contamination of the wort with stray wild yeasts floating through the air.

More about Louis Pasteur
Louis Pasteur, the renowned French microbiologist and chemist, revolutionized the brewing industry with his pioneering research on fermentation and beer spoilage in the 19th century. Through meticulous studies, Pasteur proved that alcoholic fermentation is caused by living yeast cells converting sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide, debunking the outdated theory of spontaneous generation. His groundbreaking 1876 book, Études sur la Bière, detailed the “diseases” of beer caused by contaminating bacteria and wild yeasts, providing brewers with scientific insights to produce cleaner, more consistent beers.

Pasteur’s discoveries led to the development of pasteurization—a gentle heating process that kills harmful microorganisms without altering flavor—first applied to beer to extend shelf life and prevent souring. This innovation not only elevated French brewing to compete globally but also laid the foundation for modern hygiene practices in the craft beer world, ensuring safer and higher-quality brews enjoyed by enthusiasts today. Pasteur’s enduring contributions continue to inspire brewers committed to excellence in fermentation science and product stability.

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The First Photo of People Drinking Beer Features Scottish Ale in 1844

September 16, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Picture this: it’s 1844 in Scotland, and the first photo of folks drinking beer is snapped, just 18 years after the world’s first photograph. Scottish shutterbugs Robert Adamson and David Octavius Hill are behind the lens, capturing a chill moment.

Hill wasn’t just a tech whiz with his calotype camera—he had a knack for charm, cracking jokes, and reading the room, which made his photos pop. In this shot, he’s on the right, likely sharing a laugh and a brew with his pals James Ballantine and Dr. George Bell. Bell, the guy in the middle, helped shake up Scotland’s poor relief system with the 1845 Poor Law and wrote Day and Night in the Wynds of Edinburgh. Ballantine? He was a writer and stained-glass artist, plus his dad was an Edinburgh brewer—talk about beer in the blood!

On the table, you’ve got a classic beer bottle and three fancy 19th-century “ale flutes” for sipping. Word on the street was that Edinburgh’s favorite brew, Younger’s ale, was so strong it practically stuck your lips together. No wonder most folks could barely finish a single bottle!

Photography before 1850
Before 1850, photography was still a fragile, experimental miracle that only a handful of wealthy amateurs and scientists could actually practice. The earliest permanent images—Nicéphore Niépce’s 1826 heliograph of a rooftop in France—required an eight-hour exposure on a pewter plate coated with bitumen, while Louis Daguerre’s polished silver-plated daguerreotypes (publicly announced in 1839) cut exposure times to minutes but produced one-of-a-kind positives that couldn’t be duplicated and were insanely delicate. Across the Channel, William Henry Fox Talbot’s calotype process (also introduced in 1839) used paper negatives to allow multiple prints, yet the images were softer and the process was maddeningly slow and chemically unstable. Every photograph before 1850 was essentially handmade: exposures ranged from several minutes to half an hour, sitters had to stay motionless with head clamps, cameras were the size of small suitcases, and toxic chemicals like mercury vapor or silver iodide fumes made darkroom work genuinely dangerous. Fewer than a few thousand photographs existed worldwide, most were unique objects rather than reproducible images, and the idea of photography as something ordinary people could own—or that it could document daily life—was still pure science fiction. In short, pre-1850 photography was less an art form or industry and more an expensive, hazardous alchemy practiced by a tiny elite on the very edge of possibility.

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The 2020 Canadian Brewing Awards

September 15, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

The Canadian Brewing Awards is Canada’s national competition for judging the quality of Canadian manufactured beer. The Canadian Brewing Awards invites Canadian majority-owned breweries of all sizes to compete in a Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) sanctioned blind tasting determining the best beers in 55 style categories. A Canadian Brewing Award medal is a widely recognized symbol of Canadian brewing excellence.

BEER OF THE YEAR
Glutenberg Red | Glutenberg | Québec

BREWERY OF THE YEAR
Common Crown Brewing Co | Alberta

More about the Canadian Brewing Awards
The Canadian Brewing Awards, Canada’s premier national beer competition since 2000, celebrated outstanding craft brewing excellence in 2025 with a record-breaking field of over 1,600 entries from nearly 270 breweries across all provinces and territories. Judged blindly by certified experts in dozens of style categories, the awards highlighted innovation and quality, culminating in Smithers Brewing Company (Smithers, BC) being named Brewery of the Year and Godspeed Brewery (Toronto, ON) earning the prestigious Best of Show for their richly peated Scotch lager, Irori. These accolades underscore the vibrant diversity and world-class talent in Canada’s craft beer scene, inviting enthusiasts to discover award-winning brews from coast to coast.

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National Pumpkin Day and the History of Pumpkin Beer

September 2, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

NATIONAL PUMPKIN DAY and the History of Pumpkin Beer

We recognize a favored autumn decoration and food on October 26th that is used in a variety of recipes, competitions, and festivals. It’s National Pumpkin Day!

By October 26th, we in a frenzy of pumpkin obsession. We cannot wait for the big November holiday for pumpkin pie. No siree, we need pumpkin everything! Bars, cookies, coffee, cheesecake, pasta and oatmeal. Pumpkin Chunkin’, pumpkin patches, festivals, bake-offs and television specials. Let’s not forget jack-o-lantern carving, too! This fruit grabs American’s attention.

As it should be. This squash is native to North America. The oldest evidence of pumpkin-related seeds dates back to somewhere between 7000 and 5500 BC to seeds found in Mexico.

The word pumpkin originates from the word pepon, which means “large melon” in Greek.

Within recent years, white pumpkins have become more popular in the United States. The United States produces 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins, with Illinois producing more than any other state.

A 2,145-pound pumping from Streator, Illinois holds the current North American record. Grown by Gene McMullen in 2015, the great pumpkin weighed in a few hundred pounds lighter than the current world record pumpkin from 2014. At 2,323-pounds, the giant pumpkin from Switzerland retains the world record prize.

Canned pumpkin may be recommended by veterinarians as a dietary supplement for dogs and cats that are experiencing certain digestive ailments.

Raw pumpkin can be fed to poultry as a supplement to their regular feed during the winter months to help maintain egg production.

The History of Pumpkin Beer: From Colonial Necessity to Modern Craft Staple
Pumpkin beer, now a quintessential fall seasonal in the American craft beer landscape, has roots deeply embedded in early colonial history. What began as a practical solution to ingredient shortages evolved into a beloved (and sometimes divisive) style that reflects broader trends in brewing innovation.

Colonial Beginnings: The Pilgrims and Early Settlers (17th Century)
The story of pumpkin beer starts with the Pilgrims and other early European settlers in North America. Upon arriving in the New World in the early 1600s, colonists faced challenges in brewing traditional beers due to the scarcity and high cost of barley malt, which was often imported from Europe. Pumpkins, native to the Americas and abundant in the region, became a readily available substitute for fermentable sugars. By the 17th century, settlers had adapted brewing techniques to incorporate pumpkin flesh, which was mashed and fermented in place of malt, resulting in a rustic, earthy ale. This wasn’t the spiced, pie-like beer we know today; historical versions were more about survival and necessity than flavor enhancement.

Beer played a crucial role in Pilgrim life, serving as a safer alternative to contaminated water, and pumpkin-based brews were part of this tradition. Pumpkins had been introduced to Europe by the 16th century, but it was in the colonies where they became a brewing staple, often referred to as “pompion” in old texts. These early beers were simple ferments, sometimes combined with other local ingredients like persimmons or molasses.

The 18th Century: Peak Popularity and Notable Recipes
Pumpkin beer remained a common household brew throughout the 18th century. One of the most frequently cited recipes dates to 1771, from the American Philosophical Society, which instructed brewers to boil pumpkin, mix it with hops, and ferment it—yielding a beverage more akin to a basic ale than a flavored specialty. Founding Fathers like George Washington were known to experiment with pumpkin or squash in their homebrewing, further embedding the style in American lore. However, as barley cultivation improved and imports became more reliable, pumpkin’s role diminished, leading to a gradual decline in its use by the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Decline and Dormancy (19th to Mid-20th Century)
By the 19th century, with industrialization and better access to grains, pumpkin beer faded into obscurity. It was no longer a necessity, and brewing shifted toward European-style lagers and ales that didn’t rely on local substitutes. The style survived mostly in folklore and occasional homebrew experiments, but it wasn’t commercially prominent. Prohibition in the 1920s further stifled any remnants of creative brewing traditions in the U.S.

Revival in the Craft Beer Era (Late 20th Century Onward)
The modern resurgence of pumpkin beer can be traced to the 1980s craft beer revolution. In 1985, Bill Owens, founder of Buffalo Bill’s Brewery in Hayward, California, brewed what is widely regarded as the first commercial pumpkin beer of the modern era. Inspired by historical accounts of George Washington’s brewing, Owens mashed pumpkins into the wort and added spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—evoking pumpkin pie flavors that would define the contemporary style. This innovation helped kickstart seasonal brewing trends and contributed to the broader craft beer movement by encouraging experimentation with unconventional ingredients.

By the 1990s and 2000s, other breweries followed suit. Elysian Brewing in Seattle became famous for its pumpkin ales, hosting annual festivals, while brands like Dogfish Head and Southern Tier popularized imperial versions like Punkin Ale and Pumking. The style exploded in popularity, with sales peaking in the fall and often featuring bold spicing, though some purists argue it strays from historical authenticity.

Pumpkin Beer Today: A Seasonal Phenomenon
As of 2025, pumpkin beer remains a polarizing yet enduring fixture in the craft beer world, with hundreds of variations released annually. Craft breweries have expanded the category to include barrel-aged, sour, and even non-alcoholic options, reflecting consumer demand for novelty. However, backlash against “pumpkin spice everything” has led some brewers to focus on subtler, vegetable-forward interpretations. Despite debates over its taste—loved for its cozy, autumnal vibe or loathed as overly commercial—pumpkin beer’s journey from Pilgrim necessity to craft icon underscores America’s innovative brewing heritage.

Great American Beer Festival 2025: America’s Premier Beverage Event

September 1, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

The 2025 Great American Beer Festival (GABF), hosted by the Brewers Association, takes place October 9–11 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. As the largest beer festival in the U.S., GABF showcases thousands of craft beers, ciders, seltzers, and other beverages, alongside a prestigious competition for independent craft breweries. Tickets are available now!

What’s New for 2025

This year introduces the Distilling Experience, featuring 20 distilleries offering 0.25-ounce samples of whiskey, vodka, gin, and more. Alongside beer, attendees can explore ready-to-drink cocktails, hard kombucha, cider, and zero-proof beverages.

The festival includes themed experience areas, such as:

Prost! – German biergarten vibes
Score! – Sports-themed zone
Fright – Halloween-inspired setup
Blast Off – Focus on beyond-beer drinks
Chill – Relaxed backyard hangout with live music
Meet the Brewer – Connect directly with craft brewers
Mile High Stage – New for 2025, featuring live music and contests

Why Brewers Attend

GABF is a key platform for breweries to showcase innovation and connect with beer enthusiasts. The GABF competition awards medals across over 100 categories, often boosting winners’ sales and visibility. It’s also a networking hub for small breweries to engage with peers nationwide.

PAIRED Program

The PAIRED beer-and-food experience pairs small plates from top chefs with limited-release beers and cocktails. A separate ticket is required for this event.

Ticket Information

General Session: $85 (Thursday, October 9), $95 (Friday, October 10 or Saturday, October 11)
Three-Day Pass: $220
PAIRED: $129 (standalone) or $199 (combined with GABF session)

Why Fans Love GABF

Beer enthusiasts flock to GABF to sample diverse styles from across the U.S., often including new and limited-release brews. The festival also offers themed entertainment, live music, silent discos, and costume contests.

Why It Matters

GABF remains the ultimate celebration of American craft brewing, offering brewers and fans alike a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate the industry. Secure your tickets now for this unparalleled event!

Great American Beer Festival History
The Great American Beer Festival (GABF), launched in 1982 in Boulder, Colorado, by nuclear engineer and homebrewing enthusiast Charlie Papazian, emerged as a pioneering celebration of American craft beer. Initially a modest event with 24 breweries, 47 beers, and 800 attendees, it was born from Papazian’s vision to showcase the burgeoning craft beer movement. Held under the auspices of the Brewers Association (then the American Homebrewers Association), the festival aimed to elevate small-scale brewing, spotlighting innovative flavors and techniques. By bringing together brewers and beer lovers, GABF laid the groundwork for a cultural shift, transforming beer from a mass-produced commodity into an artisanal craft, fostering a community that valued quality and diversity.

Over the decades, GABF has grown into the largest beer festival in the United States, now hosted annually in Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. By 2024, it featured over 2,000 beers from more than 500 breweries, drawing tens of thousands of attendees. The festival’s prestigious competition, judged by industry experts, awards gold, silver, and bronze medals across numerous beer style categories, setting benchmarks for excellence in craft brewing. GABF has not only championed the growth of independent breweries but also influenced global beer trends, making it a cornerstone of American beer culture. Its inclusive, festive atmosphere continues to attract enthusiasts and professionals alike, cementing its legacy as a catalyst for the craft beer revolution.

The History of Beer in the United States

September 1, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

The History of Beer and Brewing in the United States
1607 – First shipment of beer arrives in the Virginia colony from England.

1609 – America’s first “Help Wanted” ad appears. The job, a brewer.

1612 – Adrian Block and Hans Christiansen establish the first known brewery in the New World on the southern tip of New Amsterdam (Manhattan).

1640 – The Massachuetts colony passes a regulation the “on one should be allowed to brew beer unless he is a good brewer”

1683 – William Frampton erects the first brewery in Philadelphia on Front Street between Walnut and Spruce at the Dock Street Creek.

1754 – George Washington enters a beer recipe in his notebook.

1762 – “The Theory and Practice of Brewing” by Michael Combrune is published. This is the first attempt to establish rules and principles for the art of brewing.

1799 – George Washington run the largest distillery in the United States.

1810 – There are 120 active breweries in the United States.

1819 – A steam engine built by Thomas Holloway is installed in the brewery of Frances Perot in Philadelphia. This is the first engine to be used in beer production in America.

1826 – American Society for the Promotion of Temperance, also known as the American Temperance Society, is formed in Boston. Three years later it has 100,000 members.

1829 – David G. Yuengling opens a brewery in the Pennsylvania coal town of Pottsville. It continues as the oldest operating brewery in the United States, still owned by the Yuengling family.

1844 – Jacob Best starts a brewery in Milwaukee which later becomes the Pabst Brewing Co.

1849 – August Krug forms a brewery in Milwaukee which evolves into the Schlitz Brewery.

1852 – George Schneider starts a brewery in St. Louis, Missouri. This brewery is the seed of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.

1856 – The Benedictine Society of Saint Vincent’s Abbey opens a commercial brewery in their Monastery near Latrobe, Pa.

1860 – More than 1,269 breweries produce over one million barrels of beer for a population of 31 million. New York and Pennsylvania account for 85 percent of production.

1861 – Internal Revenue System introduced and in 1862 taxes beer at the rate of one dollar per barrel to help finance the government during the Civil War.

1862 – An Indian uprising caused August Schell to abandon his brewery(Founded 1860) and flee the area. Many white settlers were killed and over 400 homes and buildings burned, but Schell’s brewery remained standing, due to Mrs.Schell’s kindness to the Indians in the years prior to the uprising.

1873, Adolph Coors and the Denver confectioner Jacob Schueler purchased the abandoned Golden City Tannery and converted it to the Golden Brewery. Today, it’s the largest brewery in the world.

1880-1910 – The number of breweries declines from a high of 4,131 in 1873. Improved methods of production and distribution mean fewer breweries can manufacture more beer. By 1910, the number of breweries drops less than 1600.

1900 – Woman’s Christian Temperance Union member Carrie Nation does a hatchet job on the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas.

1910 – There are 1,568 active breweries in the United States. History of Beer

1919 – House of Representatives Bill No. 6810 presented in May by Rep. Andrew Volstead establishing the apparatus for the enforcement of prohibition. The bill was passed Oct. 10, then vetoed by President Woodrow Wilson on Oct. 27. The veto was subsequently overridden by Congressional vote.

1930 – The Crusaders formed to protest the lawlessness, crime, and corruption brought on by Prohibition.

1933 – On Apr. 7 the legalization of beer takes effect via the 21st Amendment repealing the 18th; 31 brewers back in operation by June. A great day in the history of beer.

1940 – There are 498 active breweries in the United States.

1950 – There are 407 active breweries in the United States.

1951 – Anheuser-Busch of St. Louis builds a new brewery in Newark, starting a trend for expansion of breweries. Two years later the company buys the St. Louis Cardinals.

1954 – Actor Ronald Regan promotes Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer

1959 – Aluminum can introduced by Coors Brewing Company.

1960 – There are 229 active breweries in the United States.

1962 – Pittsburg Brewing introduces the first poptop can. The beer was Iron City.

1965 – Fritz Maytag, of the Maytag appliance family invests in Anchor Brewing Co. in San Francisco. In 1969, he takes over the brewery.

1967 – Meister Brau out of Chicago introduce the first “Lite” beer.

1970 – There are 142 active breweries in the United States.

1977 – The New Albion Brewery will become known as America’s first “Micro Brewery”.

1979 – The Sierra Nevada Brewing Company was established in 1979 and began selling beers in February of by homebrewer Ken Grossman and Paul Camusi.. Boulder Beer was started in Boulder, Colorado.

1980 – There are 82 active breweries in the United States.

1982 – Charlie Papazian, homebrewer starts the Great American Beer Festival in Boulder, Colorado.

1982 – Bert Grant opens the first brewpub in the United States in the modern era in Yakima, Washington.

1983 – In January, 51 brewing concerns are operating 80 breweries. This is the low water mark for breweries in the 20th century. The top six breweries – Anheuser-Busch, Miller, Heileman, Stroh, Coors, and Pabst – control 92 percent of U. S. beer production.

1985 – Jim Koch introduces a beer called Samuel Adams. Samuel Adams Boston Lager debuted at the re-creation of the first battle of the American Revolution, Patriot’s Day 1985. Three months later, it was voted best beer in the United States at the Great American Beer Festival.

1992 – The first batch of Goose Island Bourbon County Stout was brewed.

2000 – Russian River brewmaster Vinnie Cilurzo first brewed Pliny the Elder in 2000, for the first double IPA festival in Hayward, CA.

2001 – More than 1,400 breweries produce more then 6 million barrels of beer.

2009 – More than 1,500 breweries in the USA. More breweries than any country in the world.

2010 – After Anheuser-Busch and Miller got bought by foreign companies, Boston Beer Company becomes the largest American owned Brewery

2013 – D. G. Yuengling and Son Inc. Pottsville PA is the number one American Owned Brewery

2017 – More than 6000 breweries in the USA. More breweries than any country in the world.

2020 – More than 8000 breweries in the USA. More breweries than any country in the world and then COVID19 hits the United States. A sad day in the history of beer.

2025 – More than 9000 breweries in the USA. More breweries than any country in the world

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Health Benefits of Beer: A Balanced Look

August 22, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Beer, a globally cherished beverage, is celebrated for its flavor and role in social gatherings. When enjoyed responsibly, it may also offer health benefits. Below, we dive into some potential advantages of moderate beer consumption, supported by research, while emphasizing responsible drinking.

Nutrient Content
Beer contains antioxidants from barley and hops, similar to wine, along with B vitamins, protein, iron, calcium, and trace amounts of fiber. These nutrients vary by beer type, making it a surprisingly nutrient-rich option when consumed in moderation. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

Heart Health Support
Moderate beer consumption may reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes by 30–35% compared to non-drinkers. Responsible alcohol intake can support cardiovascular health, but excess consumption negates these benefits. New England Journal of Medicine

Kidney Health
Certain beers, particularly hop-heavy varieties like pale ales, contain phytochemicals that may lower the risk of kidney stones by up to 41%. Moderation is essential to avoid adverse effects. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology

Cholesterol Management
The soluble fiber in beer can help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, promoting healthier blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Excessive drinking, however, may impair nutrient absorption, so balance is key. American Heart Association: Circulation

Bone Strength
Beer’s silicon content, in the form of orthosilicic acid, may support bone and connective tissue health, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis. National Institutes of Health

Stress Reduction
Enjoying one or two beers can help ease stress and promote relaxation. However, using alcohol as a primary stress-relief method is not recommended, as it may lead to negative health outcomes over time. American Journal of Psychiatry

Cognitive Benefits
Preliminary studies suggest xanthohumol, a compound in hops, may protect brain cells from oxidative stress, potentially supporting memory. Effective doses, however, often exceed typical beer consumption, and more research is needed. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

Brain Function
Moderate alcohol consumption, including beer, is associated with improved cognitive performance in middle-aged adults. Overconsumption does not enhance these effects and may be harmful. American Journal of Epidemiology

Nutrient-Dense Ingredients
Beer is crafted from whole grains, fruits, and spices, providing small amounts of fiber, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Nutrient profiles vary by beer style, contributing to its potential benefits.

Stroke Prevention
Moderate beer consumption may improve blood flow and reduce the risk of ischemic strokes (the most common type) by 25–40% due to its blood-thinning properties. American Heart Association

Important Note: Moderate drinking is defined as up to one drink per day for women and two for men. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health risks, including addiction and liver damage.

For more information on beer, brewing, and responsible enjoyment, explore reputable resources or consult local breweries.

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Roadhouse Brewing and Breakside Brewery Drop Hypersonic Kush IPA: A Citrus-Charged Hazy Hops Bomb

August 22, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Jackson Hole, WY — Get ready for a flavor explosion! Roadhouse Brewing Co. teams up with Breakside Brewery to unleash Hypersonic Kush, the latest hop-fueled masterpiece in Roadhouse’s bold Kush Series. This citrus-packed Hazy IPA, brewed with a killer combo of Zumo, Mosaic, Chinook, and Strata hops, is here to blast your taste buds into orbit.

“This collab with Breakside was a no-brainer,” says Max Shafer, Roadhouse’s Brewmaster. “They’re rockstars in the craft beer world, and we both love pushing the boundaries of what a beer can be.” Breakside’s Brewmaster, Ben Edmunds, adds, “Hypersonic Kush is a love letter to hops. Zumo brings zesty lime and lemon vibes, while Mosaic and Chinook deliver that dank West Coast edge. Strata rounds it out with tropical flair. Plus, it’s awesome to support American hop farmers by blending public and private hop varieties in a way that keeps the craft beer community thriving.”

This 6.2% ABV Hazy IPA is a citrus lover’s dream, bursting with candied lime, lemon zest, and tropical notes, all wrapped in a smooth, hazy finish. Brewed with innovative Zumo hops from Segal Ranch in Washington, alongside classic heavyweights, Hypersonic Kush is a bold, refreshing sip that’s perfect for craft beer fans looking for something new.

Now Available: Grab Hypersonic Kush in 16 oz. 4-packs or on draft at bars, grocery stores, and convenience stores across Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

About Roadhouse Brewing Co.
Founded in 2012 in the heart of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Roadhouse Brewing Co. was born from a passion for craft beer, mountain culture, and culinary creativity. The brewery was established by chef-turned-entrepreneur Colby Cox and his business partner, Gavin Fine, both driven by a vision to create bold, flavorful beers that reflect the rugged, adventurous spirit of the Tetons. As a Certified B Corp, Roadhouse emphasizes sustainability and community, crafting beers that pair perfectly with the music, food, and outdoor lifestyle of the Mountain West. From its original brewpub to its expanded production facility, Roadhouse has grown into a regional favorite, distributing across 10 states while staying true to its Jackson Hole roots.

Under the leadership of Brewmaster Max Shafer, Roadhouse Brewing Co. produces a diverse lineup of beers that cater to both hop heads and flavor explorers. Their portfolio includes year-round offerings like The Walrus Hazy IPA, a juicy crowd-pleaser, and Wilson West Coast IPA, a crisp nod to classic hoppy brews, alongside seasonal and limited releases like the Kush Series, which showcases innovative hop-forward collaborations. Shafer’s team experiments with unique ingredients and cutting-edge hop varieties, such as Zumo in their recent Hypersonic Kush IPA, blending culinary artistry with brewing precision. With a commitment to quality and creativity, Roadhouse continues to push boundaries, delivering beers that embody the wild, untamed spirit of their Teton surroundings. Learn more at roadhousebrewery.com.

About Breakside Brewery
Breakside Brewery was founded in 2010 by Scott Lawrence in Northeast Portland, Oregon, initially operating as a small brewpub in the Dekum neighborhood. Lawrence, who previously worked in software sales in South Carolina, was inspired to turn his passion for craft beer and communal dining into a career after a transformative trip to Alaska. The brewery expanded significantly in 2013 with a production facility and taproom in Milwaukie, Oregon, boosting its capacity to 40,000 barrels per year. By 2019, Breakside had become employee-owned, a rare model in the industry, and now operates eight locations in the Portland area plus a taproom in Astoria, producing around 30,000 barrels annually while distributing to multiple states and international markets.

Ben Edmunds serves as the founding brewmaster, having joined early on with a background that includes a Spanish degree from Yale University and brewing education from the Siebel Institute. Over the years, the brewing team has included talents like Sam Barber and Jacob Leonard, contributing to the brewery’s innovative approach. Breakside is celebrated for its diverse and award-winning beers, ranging from classic styles to experimental creations, with popular offerings including Breakside Pilsner, JoyRx pale ale, and Post Time kölsch. The brewery has earned accolades such as Brewery of the Year at the Oregon Beer Awards multiple times (2017, 2019–2022) and focuses on a broad portfolio that emphasizes quality and creativity, available on draft and in packages across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Learn more at breakside.com.

About the Kush Series
Roadhouse’s Kush Series is all about hop-forward collabs with cutting-edge breweries. Each release highlights unique hop varieties and bold flavors, celebrating the art and science of craft brewing.

Bruz Beers Hosts 8th Annual Belgian Brew Fest in Denver on October 4, 2025

August 20, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Denver, Colorado – Bruz Beers, renowned for crafting exceptional Belgian-style beers and curating top-tier international beer selections, is thrilled to announce the 8th Annual Belgian Brew Fest. Set for Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, this outdoor festival will take place at Bruz Beers’ original Midtown location at 1675 West 67th Avenue #100, Denver, CO 80221.

Event Highlights
Unlimited Beer Pours: Enjoy dozens of world-class Belgian-style beers from 15 acclaimed breweries, including local Denver craft favorites and iconic European breweries.

Participating Breweries:
Bruz Beers
Brewery Ommegang
Duvel
Boulevard Brewing Co.
Brasserie Chouffe
Barquentine Brewing
Purpose Brewing Co.
River North Brewery
Our Mutual Friend Brewing Company
Merchant Du Vin
Primitive Beer
Milieu Fermentation
Wanderment Brewing
Mad Macks Brewing
Locavore Beer Works

Entertainment & Amenities: Live music by The Tracers, a variety of food trucks, and a dog treat truck for pet-friendly fun. Well-behaved dogs with responsible owners are welcome.

Rain or Shine: The festival will proceed regardless of weather.

Tickets and Details
Tickets are priced at $55 per person (plus fees) and include unlimited beer pours. Purchase tickets through Eventbrite. The event has sold out annually, so early booking is recommended.

“The Belgian Brew Fest is a celebration of exceptional Belgian-style beers, both local and international. We hand-select each brewery to ensure an unforgettable experience, and the consistent sell-outs show how much Denver loves this event,” says Ryan Evans, Bruz Beers Co-Founder.

About Bruz Beers
Bruz Beers, founded in 2016 by Ryan Evans and Charlie Gottenkieny, has become a cornerstone of Denver’s craft beer scene, celebrated for its dedication to authentic Belgian-style beers and innovative Belgian-inspired brews. Located in Denver’s Midtown at 1675 West 67th Avenue #100 and a second taproom in Arvada, Bruz has earned accolades, including being named one of the 13 Best Craft Breweries in America by Hop Culture. The brewery’s founders, driven by a passion for Belgium’s rich brewing tradition, have cultivated a reputation for quality, blending traditional techniques with creative flair. Their commitment to excellence is evident in their diverse lineup, which includes year-round staples, seasonal releases, and limited-edition beers available on tap, in crowlers, bottles, and cans.

Under the guidance of head brewer Dave Olson, Bruz Beers produces a wide range of styles, from classic dubbels and tripels to inventive sours and barrel-aged creations, often incorporating unique ingredients and fermentation methods. The brewery’s portfolio showcases its mastery of Belgian yeast profiles, delivering complex flavors that appeal to both purists and adventurous drinkers. Hosting the annual Belgian Brew Fest, now in its eighth year, Bruz brings together world-class breweries to celebrate the art of Belgian-style brewing. With a focus on community and craftsmanship, Bruz continues to push boundaries while honoring the heritage of Belgian beer, solidifying its place as a beloved fixture in Colorado’s craft beer landscape. Website: bruzbeers.com

What Makes Belgian Beers Special
Belgian beers stand out for their rich diversity, complex flavors, and centuries-old brewing traditions that blend artistry with innovation. For a beer geek, the magic lies in several key elements. First, Belgian yeast strains are the heart of these beers, imparting unique fruity, spicy, and phenolic notes—think banana, clove, or pepper— that define styles like Saison, Dubbel, Tripel, and Witbier. These yeasts often ferment at higher temperatures, creating bold, expressive profiles that evolve in the glass. Second, Belgian brewers embrace a wide range of ingredients beyond the standard malt, hops, and water. Spices (coriander, orange peel), candi sugar, and even wild yeasts or bacteria for lambics and sours add layers of complexity. This willingness to experiment results in beers that range from crisp and refreshing to funky, tart, or deeply malty.

Another factor is the historical and cultural depth of Belgian brewing, often tied to Trappist monasteries and farmhouse traditions. Beers like Orval or Westmalle are crafted with recipes refined over generations, offering a sense of heritage that resonates with enthusiasts. Bottle conditioning, where beers undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle, adds natural carbonation and allows flavors to develop over time, making many Belgian beers age-worthy. Styles like Lambic, spontaneously fermented with wild yeasts, or Gueuze, a blend of young and old lambics, are particularly revered for their funky, tart uniqueness. For geeks, the unpredictability, craftsmanship, and sheer variety— from light Witbiers to robust Quadrupels— make Belgian beers a playground of flavor and tradition, unlike any other beer culture in the world.

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