breweries

LaGrange, GA –  Wild Leap Brewing Co. has been crowned the 2021 Brewery of the Year by Beer Connoisseur magazine, a prestigious honor recognizing their unmatched excellence in craft brewing. Featured in the Winter 2022, Issue 58, Wild Leap earned this title by submitting an extraordinary 12 beers that scored World Class or Exceptional ratings in the 2021 Official Review, including a historic three beers—Lone Buffalo, Alpha Abstraction Vol. 15, and Too Pure To Be Pink—that achieved World Class scores of 96 or higher. This marks the first time in the magazine’s 12-year history that a brewery has secured three World Class ratings in a single year, solidifying Wild Leap’s place among America’s elite breweries.

Wild Leap’s  portfolio dazzled with nine additional Exceptional-rated beers and 16 entries in the Top 150 Beers of the Year, showcasing their innovative and boundary-pushing approach. “Chief Brewing Officer Chris Elliott’s bold, mad-scientist style has elevated Wild Leap to new heights, blending terrific flavors with Southern flair,” notes Beer Connoisseur’s editorial team. Elliott credits the brewery’s success to its dedicated team: “This award reflects the creativity and hard work of everyone at Wild Leap—from our brewers and cellar crew to our taproom and admin staff. We’re thrilled and grateful for this recognition.” Co-Founder and CFO Anthony Rodriguez adds, “Since opening in 2017, we’ve dreamed of this moment. Sharing this honor with our team and fans is truly special.”

Founded in LaGrange, Georgia, in 2017, Wild Leap has grown from a local favorite to a regional powerhouse, expanding into spirits and planning its first Atlanta taproom in 2022. With a focus on quality, creativity, and community, Wild Leap continues to redefine craft brewing in the South. Visit wildleap.com for more details.

Wild Leap’s 2021 World Class and Exceptional Ratings:
Rated 97 – World Class: Lone Buffalo Barrel Aged Stout
Rated 96 – World Class: Alpha Abstraction, Vol. XV
Rated 96 – World Class: Too Pure To Be Pink
Rated 95 – Exceptional: Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter
Rated 95 – Exceptional: Alpha Abstraction, Vol. 16
Rated 95 – Exceptional: GR8FRUT Double IPA
Rated 94 – Exceptional: LMN ADE
Rated 94 – Exceptional: Alpha Abstraction, Vol. 18
Rated 94 – Exceptional: ASW Barrel Aged Vanilla Ice Cream Stout
Rated 92 – Exceptional: Birthday Month Mango Cryo Hop IIPA
Rated 91 – Exceptional: Buffalo Trace Barrel Aged Stout
Rated 91 – Exceptional: Birthday Month Flowers & Fruit Double IPA

About Wild Leap Brewing’s Brewery
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown LaGrange, Georgia, Wild Leap Brewing Company transformed a once-vacant 1940s Westbrook Service & Tire Co. building—an old car dealership and service station—into a vibrant craft beer destination that opened its doors in 2017. The brewery’s founders, Anthony Rodriguez and Rob Goldstein, saw potential in the weathered brick and steel trusses, meticulously restoring the space to blend vintage charm with modern flair, earning an Excellence in Rehabilitation award from The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Now, the 7-foot-tall exposed trusses, glass-walled brewhouse, and retro signage create an inviting backdrop for sipping award-winning brews like Alpha Abstraction and Lone Buffalo in a pet-friendly taproom and outdoor courtyard. This reimagined dealership isn’t just a brewery—it’s a community hub where live music, food trucks, and a laid-back vibe honor LaGrange’s past while pouring bold flavors into its future.

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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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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.

 

If you love Western North Carolina beer (or just want to understand why Asheville is basically the Napa Valley of craft brewing), Anne Fitten Glenn’s Western North Carolina Beer: A Mountain Brew History is an absolute must-read. This isn’t some dry textbook—it’s a love letter to the mountains told through hops, barley, and the stubborn dreamers who turned moonshine country into one of America’s greatest beer regions.

Glenn, a longtime Asheville beer writer, weaves together decades of stories with the perfect mix of nerdy detail and barstool charm. You’ll meet the pioneers who opened Highland, Pisgah, and French Broad in the ’90s when “craft beer” still sounded crazy to most locals, follow the explosive growth that put Asheville on the map with 50+ breweries, and discover hidden gems like the original homebrew shops and backwoods brewpubs that laid the foundation.

The book is packed with vintage photos, old tap handles, and quotes from the brewers themselves, making it feel like you’re sitting at the bar with Oscar Wong or John Garcia swapping tales over a cold Gaelic Ale. Whether you’re hunting for the origin story of Wicked Weed’s rise (and sale), the real reason Asheville has more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the U.S., or just a killer weekend beer-cation roadmap, this book has it all. It’s informative without ever being stuffy, and by the last page you’ll be ready to load up the car and hit the Blue Ridge Beerway. Bottom line: if you drink beer in WNC, you need this book on your shelf right next to your favorite pint glass. Five stars, zero hesitation. Cheers to Anne for capturing the soul of mountain brewing!

About the Author: Anne Fitten Glenn
Anne Fitten Glenn—affectionately known as AF to her friends and “Brewgasm” to her cheeky social media alter ego—is the undisputed beer historian of Western North Carolina, turning sudsy tales into bestselling page-turners that make you crave a flight of hazy IPAs mid-read. A longtime Asheville resident since 1997, Glenn’s hoppy journey kicked off in the early ’90s when she worked for George Stranahan, the eccentric founder of Flying Dog Brewery in Colorado, where her most memorable pint involved sharing a brew with the legendary Hunter S. Thompson. After raising a couple of kids, teaching college, and dipping into nonprofit work, she dove headfirst into beer writing around 2005, freelancing for local papers like the Asheville Citizen-Times and Mountain Xpress, where her “Brews News” column became a must-read for tracking the Blue Ridge’s brewing boom.

An award-winning journalist and North American Guild of Beer Writers member, Glenn’s bylines span heavy hitters like SevenFifty Daily, Vanity Fair, All About Beer, Edible Asheville, and CraftBeer.com, blending sharp business insights with folksy folklore. She’s authored two definitive tomes on mountain malt: Asheville Beer: An Intoxicating History of Mountain Brewing (2012), which chronicles the city’s suds-soaked saloons to its Beer City USA glory, and Western North Carolina Beer: A Mountain Brew History (2017), profiling 74 breweries across 18 counties and unpacking how moonshine roots evolved into a tourism-fueled empire. Beyond books, she’s hosted the beverage biz podcast Imbibe Asheville, taught “Beer 101” classes for thirsty servers and civilians, and served as Oskar Blues Brewery’s “Beer Communicatrix” (yes, that’s a real title). A founding force behind Asheville Beer Week and a board vet for the Asheville Brewers Alliance, Glenn’s also lent her expertise to the North Carolina Brewers Cup and Pink Boots Society, championing women in brewing. When she’s not judging flights at festivals or pedaling bikes through hop fields, she’s dishing on beer history with the wit of a barstool philosopher. If Asheville’s the Napa of craft beer, Glenn’s the sommelier pouring its soul—one pint at a time. Sláinte to a true mountain brew maven!

Buy it now on Amazon, Arcadia Publishing

 

 

This National Honey Bee Day (third Saturday in August), craft beer lovers and backyard gardeners alike are raising a glass to the hardest-working MVPs in the food chain: honey bees, the pollinators responsible for one out of every three bites we eat. Started in 2009 by a small group of passionate American beekeepers and officially recognized by the USDA, the day is all about celebrating bees, spreading real talk on colony collapse, and getting everyone from kids to brewers involved in saving them.

Fun (and slightly mind-blowing) fact: it takes roughly 2 million flower visits for a hive to make just one pound of honey. That means every pour of Track 7 Brewing’s fan-favorite Bee Line Honey Blonde Ale represents about 260 million tiny bee flights—talk about liquid gold earned the hard way!

“National Honey Bee Day brings together beekeepers, brewers, schools, and neighborhoods to turn awareness into real action,” say the folks at Pennsylvania Apiculture Inc., the nonprofit that’s steered the celebration since 2010. The best part? Anyone can join for free: plant native wildflowers, ditch the harsh pesticides, buy local honey (or a honey beer), or just share a bee-friendly post. Small moves, massive impact—one flower, one pint, one hive at a time. Save the bees, then toast them

National Honey Bee Day
National Honey Bee Day, celebrated every third Saturday in August, is the one day America collectively says “thank you” to the tiny superheroes that pollinate one-third of everything we eat and make every honey-infused craft beer possible. Started in 2009 by a handful of passionate U.S. beekeepers and officially recognized by the USDA, the day is all about raising awareness for honey bee conservation, supporting local beekeepers, and turning backyards into pollinator paradises. Fun fact that will blow your mind next time you sip a honey blonde ale: a single colony has to visit more than two million flowers to produce just one pound of honey! Whether you plant native wildflowers, skip the pesticides, buy raw local honey, or crack open a bee-friendly brew like Track 7 Bee Line, Five Threads Honey Kolsch, or Rogue Honey Kolsch, every little actions on National Honey Bee Day help keep hives healthy and our plates (and pints) full. Save the bees, then raise a glass to them, cheers!

 

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Brewery of the Day: Base Camp Brewing by Austin Foster, BeerInfo writer and works at Base Camp Brewing in Portland, Oregon

From the moment I met two of the six co-founders of Base Camp Brewing Company, I knew it was different than most breweries. Krister, Key Accounts Manager and Ross, Marketing Manager, live and breathe the Base Camp lifestyle; carefree, outdoor focused, nature fanatics.

When you walk into Base Camp,  you are greeted by one of our taproom employees who are genuinely nice. It’s not just an act. They actually care how you’re doing. You can find regulars at the bar chatting it up and sharing camping photos with one of the beertenders.

Walking by the cooler in the entrance area, you are greeted with images of every employee who works for Base Camp and a short blurb about their life.

The people of Base Camp (BCBC) are authentic, genuine and some of the best people I’ve ever met. I feel so lucky to work where I do. I am happy and excited to come to work. I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to be part of a brand culture that is a lifestyle the employees and founders live every day.
Weekly excursions have all of us either, at the beach, on a mountain, at a bouldering gym, riding bicycles, hiking, camping, visiting waterfalls or having a picnic in a park.

Not only do the employees of BCBC live the brand and are the brand, but we give back to fellow outdoor enthusiasts too. Base Camp is proud to have partnered with groups such as The Bicycle Transportation Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, She Jumps, Outdoor Project, Timberline Lodge, US Outdoor Store, Circuit Bouldering Gym, Portland Rock Gym, Oregon Humane Society, and many more great businesses and nonprofits that represent what we believe in. Enriching our community through great beer and the outdoors.

If you’re having a hard time wrapping your brain around the idea that a brewery could be as true to their brand culture as Base Camp, then come on in, kick off your hiking boots and grab a pint with anyone of us sometime. After all, we’re always happiest drinking beer.