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West Sixth Brewing Releases Two New Beers Ahead of Labor Day

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LEXINGTON, Kentucky— West Sixth Brewing, one of Kentucky’s largest craft breweries, has announced two new strategically important beers that will both be available ahead of the Labor Day Weekend.

Sixer Light Lager is a new year-round easy drinking light lager that the West Sixth team hopes will become everyone’s favorite beer for everything from social occasions like tailgating and backyard BBQs to the reward you give yourself after a few hours of yard work. Of course, Sixer Light Lager will be available in six packs – but West Sixth is banking on the early success of pre-sales of 12 packs into larger chain stores to serve as an indicator for how the beer will be widely received and marketed.

“From a strategic standpoint, it helps us considerably to offer a year-round light lager,” said Kelly Hieronymus, Marketing & Creative Director at West Sixth Brewing. “I won’t say lagers are going to unseat IPAs as the best-selling style of craft beer, but having something that almost takes less of a craft approach may be a way to re-introduce ourselves to a newer audience. We’re betting a lot of our current customers are going to be happy to see this one, as well – we’re even going to be kicking off a daily six o’clock happy hour at all of our taprooms in honor of Sixer.”

Burning Daylight is a big double IPA that officially joined the West Sixth lineup of flagship beers at the brewery’s annual IPA Fest, which this year was on August 12th. Although the beer has been available since 2022 in small, draft-only batches in West Sixth taprooms, Burning Daylight will now be offered year-round in six-packs and the 19.2 ounce stovepipe cans that West Sixth has seen such success with at music venues and stadiums. At 9.5% ABV, this Citra and Mosaic-dominated hop bomb brings big flavors but drinks smooth.

“If you know one thing about West Sixth Brewing, it’s that we love our IPAs,” said Andy Smith, head brewer at West Sixth. “Our original IPA is our best-seller and can be found on draft, in six packs, twelve packs, and 19.2 ounce cans in every corner of the state. But we’ve never had a year-round Double IPA and saw an opportunity to make something that would compete well in a market. Now they won’t have to wait for the next IPA Fest to get their hands on some Daylight.”

With both releases, West Sixth Brewing is sending a message to customers that even after a decade of enjoying success as one of Kentucky’s most successful craft breweries, they continue to listen to their fans and craft new beers that everyone can enjoy.

About West Sixth Brewing

Founded in 2012, West Sixth Brewing is an award-winning brewery based in Lexington, Kentucky, operating a taproom in our home city, a farm in Frankfort, a Louisville taproom in the NuLu neighborhood, and a taproom in the Box Park development in Newport, KY. We produce a wide variety of beers that we distribute throughout Kentucky and across the Ohio River in Cincinnati. We’re driven by brewing high-quality creative beers, making a positive social impact on the communities we’re a part of, and creating an awesome place to work for our team.

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New Trail Launches State Light in Time for College Football Season

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WILLIMASPORT, Pennsylvania – New Trail Brewing Company of Williamsport, PA has a new light beer releasing to fans of football and beer alike. State Light is a new 4.2% alcohol by volume, 105 calorie, 4.6g carb Light American Lager built to go on every-down.

“State Light was super fun to create and brew.” says Mike LaRosa, Director of Brewing Operations and Co-owner of New Trail. “This one is for the fans. Fans of college sports and of beer. We have a lot of fans for our Hazy IPAs, but a lot of them are still drinking something low-abv between their elevated craft choices, or after a few rounds of IPA. Our Light Lager fits the bill there, or satisfies a full day of tailgating before a game.”

LaRosa and the brewing team have been working to perfect Light Lager for about a year, and have dialed in the perfect tailgate beer for sports fans to enjoy all day long. “I think we have found the perfect balance of ingredients to make you say ‘I just want another one’. We are using a hop variety that is unique to just New Trail, and just enough of it to balance sweetness and impart the right characteristics.” says LaRosa.

“Since even before New Trail’s creation, our Founders have had some roots in State College. Modern craft drinkers are seeking out more and more well-made low abv craft lagers, and we can bring it to them, across PA.” says Don Rieck, Marketing Director, New Trail Brewing Company. “We’re big fans of the teams in State College, and our favorite place to drink this style is at a tailgate. It wasn’t a hard choice to position our new light beer for our fellow fans. State Light is going to be your First Round Draft Pick.”

State Light will be available at all beer stands in Beaver Stadium this upcoming football season in 16oz cans. For those not going into the stadium, State Light cans will be at beer retailers across Pennsylvania. State Light draft will also be across the State, inviting you to stay and cheer on the team.

About New Trail Brewing

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Williamsport, PA, New Trail Brewing Company produces, cans, and distributes top-quality craft beers across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the western half of Maryland. New Trail employs 48 talented team members and produced over 29,000 barrels of craft beer in 2022. New Trail is the fastest growing regional craft brewery of 2021 and the sixth fastest growing regional brewery of 2022. The brewery’s Tasting Room features indoor and outdoor gathering areas, 12 beer taps, PA wine and PA spirits-based craft cocktails, and an onsite food truck. New Trail is committed to raising awareness for and supporting the expansive beauties of the Greater North Central Pennsylvania region by committing resources to the area.

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Samuel Adams Celebrates 15 Years of Brewing the American Dream and $100 Million in Small Business Funding

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BOSTON, Massachusetts – As Brewing the American Dream celebrates 15 years supporting small food and beverage businesses across the U.S., Samuel Adams today announces that its priority philanthropy program has surpassed $100 million of funding. This milestone commemorates the program’s dedication to uplifting devoted craftspeople everywhere in partnership with nonprofit lenders like Accion Opportunity Fund.

Established in 2008, Brewing the American Dream was born out of the same passion that led Sam Adams founder and brewer, Jim Koch, to start the craft beer revolution. Koch recognized that despite being the heartbeat of our country, food and beverage entrepreneurs are often underrepresented and underfunded. He set out to support them with valuable resources and much-needed access to capital. 15 years later, Brewing the American Dream celebrates $100 million in loan funding to more than 4,200 small business owners, with coaching and mentorship provided to 14,000 entrepreneurs who have created or retained more than 11,000 local jobs nationwide. Moreover, identifying the unique barriers they face, Brewing the American Dream has proudly championed a network of businesses that are 76% BIPOC-owned and 63% female-owned.

“There could not be a better way to celebrate our 15th year than with this incredible milestone. How time flies when you are doing what you love and get to help others do the same,” said Jennifer Glanville Love, Director of Partnerships & Collaborations at Boston Beer Company. “We are immensely grateful to have supported so many deeply impassioned entrepreneurs who fearlessly chase their dreams each day–and that’s really what $100 million represents for us, more dreams realized.”

Amidst the current economic landscape, access to affordable capital is critical for aspiring food & beverage entrepreneurs. Yet, the program’s impact stretches well beyond funding. It boasts a dynamic breadth of initiatives that offer business advice and discipline-specific education to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to run a healthy, growing enterprise.

Brewing the American Dream’s unique program roster retains year-round efforts like Speed Coaching and Pitch Room Competitions, the latter of which has awarded a total of $500,000 to finalists in various markets across the country. Another program staple, the Brewing & Business Experienceship, is now in its 12th year of selecting one lucky craft brewer to work side-by-side with experts at the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery.

Showing no signs of slowing down, the program saw a 25% increase in coaching and event attendance in the last year alone. Through years of successfully executing signature programs and working hand-in-hand with entrepreneurs, Brewing the American has maintained a keen pulse on the evolving needs of today’s small business owner. This experienced insight and demand has led to recent program additions such as food styling and photography coaching in 2022 and an inaugural Bootcamp intensive that launched in May of this year.

“Samuel Adams has been a steadfast supporter of small food and beverage businesses over the past 15 years,” said Luz Urrutia, CEO of Accion Opportunity Fund. “Working creatively alongside a variety of local non-profit partners over that time, they have expanded access not only to critical capital that these businesses need to grow, but also to valuable learning, networking, and promotional opportunities to support their success. We at Accion Opportunity Fund are grateful for their partnership and look forward to continued collaboration.”

As the food & beverage community remains a powerful thread in the country’s DNA, Brewing the American Dream is committed to being an ever-evolving resource for the dreamers that make it stronger each day.

About Brewing the American Dream

In 2008, Samuel Adams launched its core philanthropic initiative, Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream. In partnership with Accion Opportunity Fund, one of the nation’s largest non-profit small business lenders, the program supports small business owners in the food, beverage, and brewing industries through access to business capital, coaching, and new market opportunities. The goal is to help strengthen small businesses, create local jobs, and build vibrant communities. Since the inception of the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream program, Brewing the American Dream has worked together with Accion Opportunity Fund and other non-profits in loaning more than $100 million to more than 4,100 small business owners in the food and beverage industry. Samuel Adams employees, together with local business partners and community organizations, have provided coaching and mentoring to more than 14,000 business owners across the country, helping to create or maintain more than 9,000 local jobs.

About Accion Opportunity Fund

Accion Opportunity Fund works to create an inclusive, healthy financial system that supports the nation’s small business owners by connecting entrepreneurs to affordable capital, educational resources, coaching, and networks. Through innovative partnerships and outreach strategies, we reach entrepreneurs of color, low-income entrepreneurs, and women, who often lack access to the financial services they need to build and grow their businesses. Loans made by Accion Opportunity Fund Community Development. California Finance Lenders license number 6050609.

About Boston Beer Company

The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE: SAM) began in 1984 brewing Samuel Adams beer and the Samuel Adams brand is currently recognized as one of the largest and most respected craft beer brands. Our portfolio of brands also includes Truly Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea, Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Dogfish Head Brewery and Hard Mountain Dew as well as other craft beer brands such as Angel City Brewery and Coney Island Brewing.

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Firestone Walker’s Oaktoberfest Is Back

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Firestone Walker Oaktoberfest
Photo Credit: Firestone Walker Brewing

PASO ROBLES, California— Firestone Walker’s fall classic is back with the 2023 edition of Oaktoberfest, an oak-inspired homage to the iconic “festbiers” that are synonymous with Munich’s legendary Oktoberfest celebration.

The 2023 Oaktoberfest Oak Aged Lager (5.2% ABV) begins rolling out to all Firestone Walker markets this week in 6-pack (12-oz cans) and draft formats. The name “Oaktoberfest” is a riff on Firestone Walker’s longtime commitment to brewing beer in oak barrels.

“Oaktoberfest is a beer that has stood the test of time,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “In fact, I believe that more and more craft drinkers are yearning for beers like Oaktoberfest. There’s a certain nostalgia to the style—smooth, sessionable, flavorful and malt-forward. It’s the kind of beer that you naturally crave as summer turns to fall.”

Oaktoberfest has been a seasonal staple at Firestone Walker dating back to the inaugural release in 2006. The recipe has evolved over the years, but recent tweaks have taken the beer to new heights.

A portion of the beer is lagered in French oak barrels inherited from one of Napa Valley’s top cult wineries. The barrels are stored at a temperature of 3°C for optimal lagering conditions. Meanwhile, the ingredients are decidedly German: Weyermann Vienna malt, Weyermann pilsner malt, noble German hops (Tradition and Spalter Select) and classic 34/70 Weihenstephan lager yeast.

Oaktoberfest’s light amber color foreshadows its toasty, biscuity flavor. The oak-barrel lagering allows for an even smoother texture, all while remaining true to the beer’s crisp malt profile and hints of noble hops.

“Oaktoberfest is rich in flavor but also light-bodied and easy to drink,” Brynildson said. “Which makes it enjoyable on warm and cool days alike.”

About Firestone Walker

Founded by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker in 1996, Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a California beer company with three innovative brewing facilities. Firestone Walker’s main brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio ranging from iconic pale ales to vintage barrel-aged beers. The Barrelworks facility in Buellton makes eccentric wild ales, while the Propagator pilot brewhouse in Venice specializes in R&D beers and limited local offerings. Firestone Walker is also the brewery behind 805, one of the nation’s fastest-growing beers. Firestone Walker was recently named “Best American Brewery of the Decade” by Paste Magazine.

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Old Style Beer Is Coming Back to La Crosse, Wisconsin

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LA CROSSE, Wisconsin— This November, Pabst Brewing Company is delighted to announce the triumphant return of Old Style beer production to its birthplace of La Crosse, Wisconsin after a 20 year hiatus. Old Style is currently brewed in Milwaukee, WI. To commemorate this occasion, a series of celebrations will be hosted throughout September and November. Notably, La Crosse area bars will exclusively feature custom Old Style tap handles, bar signs, pint glasses, and flags, enriching the local ambiance with a unique Old Style touch.

“We are thrilled to finally bring Old Style home” said Adam Powers, Brand Manager for Old Style beer. “We’re eager to reconnect with the community that nurtured the origins of Old Style, and hope these events will honor the deep history this beer has with the people and culture of La Crosse. It’s time to turn those Old Style signs right side up and cheers its return.

”A testament to the rich brewing legacy of La Crosse, the history of Old Style dates back to 1902. It was initially launched as Old Times Lager by G. Heileman’s Brewery, but was renamed Old Style Lager shortly afterwards. Overcoming the challenges of the Prohibition era, the brand emerged stronger, gaining popularity across states, and even earning a sponsorship with the Chicago Cubs (1950s – 2013).

The City of La Crosse warmly welcomes the return. “We are always excited to welcome businesses to our fair city and now we can proclaim an enthusiastic ‘cheers’ to a ‘comeback kid,’” said City of La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds. “The homecoming of Old Style is a celebration of our brewing heritage and a testament to the timeless appeal of this beloved beer.”

“Old Style will be brewed at the City Brewery facility and we will embrace modern techniques while preserving the traditional craftsmanship that has defined Old Style for generations” said John Kimes SVP of Brewing Operations for Pabst Brewing Co. “The brewing operations team has decades of experience and is dedicated to ensuring that each sip delivers the same authentic taste and quality that patrons have come to love.

”The celebrations will kick-off with the World’s Largest Six-Pack Pub Crawl in La Crosse at the end of September during the city’s World Famous Oktoberfest celebration. To follow in November a special event will be hosted at the site of the World’s Largest Six-Pack, a national treasure and impressive beer storage system still in operation at City Brewery.

Old Style, boasting an ABV of 4.6%, is revered for its classic Pilsner profile: light in color and body, with medium aroma and bitterness, and a full-flavored yet delicate aftertaste. The return of Old Style to La Crosse not only symbolizes the revival of a legacy but also the enduring connection between the beer and its place of origin.

About Pabst

Founded in 1844, Pabst is one of North America’s largest privately held brewing companies. Pabst’s portfolio includes iconic brands with deep ties to America’s heritage, such as its flagship Pabst Blue Ribbon and others such as Lone Star, Rainier, Old Style, Stag, Stroh’s, and Old Milwaukee. Pabst embraces change and is continuously innovating to find new and interesting ways to connect with consumers both within and outside the beer category. Our company, our people, and our brands are committed to making a positive impact on communities across the country.

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Maui Brewing Co. and Patagonia Collaborate on Limited Beer

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KIHEI, Hawaii— Maui Brewing Company is introducing a Kernza Pilsner in partnership with Patagonia Provisions, the food and beverage business of outdoor apparel company Patagonia. The Kernza Pils is brewed with Organic Vienna and Organic Pilsner malts with Organic Talus and Organic Wakatu hops and Regenerative Organic Certified Kernza. The light-bodied beer is moderately bitter with 40 IBUs and balanced with sweetness that finishes dry. It is clear with pale straw to gold appearance and offers an elegant, floral hop aroma. Its ABV is 4.6%.

This beer is part of Patagonia’s recently launched program with 11 independent craft breweries across the United States to introduce lager-style beers brewed with Regenerative Organic Certified Kernza and organic ingredients. Each brewery partner’s beer is unique, exclusive to its geography, Patagonia-branded, and began regional availability in July. The objective of the Patagonia beer partnership program is to scale regenerative farming practices and perennial ingredients that improve soil health, restore ecosystems and help fight the climate crisis.

Kernza, a deeply-rooted regenerative perennial grain, has the potential to transform the brewing industry. Kernza stabilizes soil, requires minimal tilling, increases soil organic matter, and improves soil structure and water-holding capacity. Patagonia is confident that ongoing research will also confirm that Kernza draws down and stores more carbon in the soil than annual grains. When used in beer, it adds a deliciously rich but subtle nutty flavor. The Regenerative Organic Certified Kernza used in the Kernza Pils is sourced from A-Frame Farm, a 1,200-acre Regenerative Organic Certified farm in Madison, Minnesota.

Participating breweries and Patagonia will each contribute 1% of Patagonia beer sales to a local non-profit that supports environmental initiatives and meets 1% for the Planet eligibility criteria.

“At Maui Brewing Co, we are passionate about sustainability and environmental stewardship, and we believe in Patagonia’s commitment to those values. Collaborating with a brand that shares our vision allows us to amplify our impact and reach a broader audience,” stated Kim Brisson Lutz, VP of Operations for Maui Brewing Co. “The use of Kernza Malt in our beer collaboration is significant. By incorporating Kernza Malt into our beer, we are promoting sustainable farming practices and contributing to the development of a more resilient and ecologically sound food system. It also offers a distinct flavor profile and a story worth sharing with beer enthusiasts who are interested in supporting environmentally friendly options. It’s an opportunity to showcase how the choices we make as a brewery can have a positive impact on the environment.”

“Patagonia is thrilled to partner with Maui Brewing Company, the first off-grid brewery in the US that reuses almost everything while brewing their craft beers,” says Paul Lightfoot, Patagonia Provision’s General Manager. “Craft beer drinkers want delicious high-quality beer made with clean ingredients that are better for the planet, and we look forward to bringing that beer to Patagonia customers with Maui Brewing Company in Hawaii.”

Maui Brewing restaurant locations in Kihei, Kahana, and Ka’anapali (Maui) currently have this beer on draft, while its Kailua and Waikiki (Oahu) locations will be pouring the Kernza Pilsen the upcoming weeks.

The MBC team are stewards of their communities and the ‘aina, and curators of the craft beer way of life. Their beers have been recognized worldwide for quality and innovation.

About Patagonia Provisions

Patagonia Provisions is the food and beverage business of Patagonia, bringing delicious and nutritious Patagonia-branded products to customers across the United States that help fight the climate crisis. Patagonia Provisions is committed to supporting farming and fishing practices that restore and regenerate the environment, rather than extract or deplete it. A certified B-Corporation, Patagonia is in business to save our home planet.

About Maui Brewing Company

Founded in 2005, Maui Brewing Company is Hawai’i’s largest craft brewery. MBC is based on Maui, with its grid-independent production brewery, full-service restaurant and tasting room in Kihei, as well as restaurants in Lahaina (Maui), Kailua (Oahu), and Waikiki (Oahu). Maui Brewing Company is available in 26 states, 1 district, and 3 international countries with more areas to follow.

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“Ben Affleck Has A Big, Fat, Stupid Mouth” Released in Atlanta

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It’s the hero no one asked for, “Ben Affleck Has A Big, Fat, Stupid Mouth” New England IPA has returned to the Atlanta Market — draft only.

Printer’s Ale Manufacturing Company out of Carrollton, Georgia is offering this action-packed New England IPA in Atlanta and surrounding areas. Do they hate Ben Affleck? Nah. Do they think he was a really odd choice for Batman? Yes. Was his mouth distracting? Yes. Did they name a beer about it? Yes.

It’s time to have some fun and drink it too.

Printer’s Ale Mfg. Co. distributes with Atlanta Beverage in the state of Georgia.

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Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen Opens In Tampa

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POTTSVILLE, Pennsylvania – D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., the Oldest Brewery in America, is excited to announce the completion of a multi-year project with the June 15 opening of the new Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen.

Located in Uptown Tampa on the brewery site, the Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen is uniquely positioned within miles of popular destinations including Busch Gardens, the University of South Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and the Tampa waterfront, all of which attract millions of visitors annually. Guests can now enjoy a first-class dining experience with fresh, local cuisine paired accordingly with Yuengling beers, private dining and meeting room space, an outdoor recreation area and beer garden, as well as a gift shop and a soon-to-be opened coffee bar – all of which are inspired by the traditions of America’s Oldest Brewery.

“As a 6th generation brewing family, it is a highlight for us to evolve our business into this new, unique hospitality experience,” said Wendy Yuengling, Chief Administrative Officer and 6th generation family member. “For 194 years we have been committed to brewing great beer for every taste. Now, we are proud to have created an incredible gathering place, not just for our beers to be enjoyed, but also a destination for delicious food and family entertainment. We are excited to be invested alongside renowned local organizations that share in our commitment to the future of Uptown Tampa.”

Announced in 2019, Yuengling broke ground on the campus in 2020, and more recently, conducted a building completion ribbon-cutting ceremony with community leaders, including USF President Rhea Law and Commissioner Gwen Myers, who praised Yuengling for its commitment to Tampa over the past 20 plus years, and for the 200 jobs created with this new hospitality complex.

Key information about the Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen includes:

Location: 11109 N. 30th Street, a short 30-minute drive from Tampa International Airport. The new hospitality building is 42,000 square feet in size, located in front of the brewery, both of which sit on 3.5 acres of the overall Yuengling property.

Cuisine: Chef-inspired menu includes locally grown ingredients and combines both Pennsylvania and Florida culinary influences. Featuring a modern take on traditional cuisine, many food items showcase Yuengling’s beer portfolio as ingredients. Food offerings will appeal to a broad range of tastes and culinary preferences.

Beer: The beer lineup is led by Yuengling’s core brand portfolio: the flagship Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Golden Pilsner, Black & Tan, as well as the upscale light brand: FLIGHT by Yuengling. Other beers include Yuengling Premium Beer, the heritage brands: Dark Brewed Porter and Lord Chesterfield Ale®, the new Bongo Fizz and seasonal selections such as Oktoberfest and Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter.

Amenities: Upon opening, phased seating capacity will be as follows: Initially indoor seating for 300 and outdoor seating for 200. In the coming months, full capacity seating will be for up to 800 guests total (300 indoor and 500 outdoor) with a soon-to-be completed outdoor concession, the Yuengling Bistro Kitchen, which will include 300-person picnic seating. An area for outdoor games will also open later this summer. There will be a total of five bars (three inside and two outside) and 88 tap handles when finished. Private dining and conference rooms are available for up to 120 people for special events.

Design: The design elements of exposed brick, metal, and natural wood details are reminiscent of Yuengling’s rich industrial history as the Oldest Brewery in America, dating back to 1829. Artifacts and advertising memorabilia are on display from Yuengling’s 194-year history as an American-owned and family-operated brewery.

“We offer our special thanks to the Greater Tampa Bay community that has provided ongoing support for our company going back over the last two decades,” said Yuengling. “While our original brewery is based in Pottsville, PA, we are very proud to call Tampa our second home. We are excited to build upon our relationships in the area by welcoming guests to this new destination, which helps tell our unique story of America’s Oldest Brewery,” she said.

“There are many individuals who helped make this opening day possible but we want to especially thank Mark Sharpe, Executive Director, Tampa Innovation Alliance,” said Yuengling. “Mark’s shared vision, and collaboration were instrumental in helping us build great partnerships with the city and throughout the community – so many people came to embrace Yuengling, and we are tremendously thankful for all the support,” she said.

Many people in the region know the brewery from its local sponsorship of The Yuengling Center with its distributor partner, J. J. Taylor. The Yuengling Center is a multi-purpose, sports facility on the campus of the University of South Florida. Yuengling Brewing Company of Tampa has been a proud member of the Greater Tampa Bay community since its purchase of the Stroh’s Brewery in 1999. This is the brewery’s first venture in creating a dining and entertainment destination.

About D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. 

D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., America’s Oldest Brewery®, is family-owned and operated since 1829. Principal beer brands include Yuengling® Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Black & Tan, Golden Pilsner, Premium, Light, Dark Brewed Porter, Lord Chesterfield Ale®, Oktoberfest, Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter, FLIGHT by Yuengling, and Bongo Fizz.  Production is supplied by two breweries in Pottsville, PA and one in Tampa, FL. A separate joint venture called The Yuengling Company was recently established with Molson Coors Beverage Company to expand production and distribution further west.  Yuengling beer is currently available in 26 states with recent expansion into Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

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Saugatuck Brewing Company Taps Anheuser-Busch and Wholesaler Veteran to Lead Brewery

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SAUGATUCK, Michigan – Saugatuck Brewing Company (SBC) is pleased to announce John Miller as its new President and CEO and Brad Mixan as new CFO.

As President and CEO, Miller is taking the helm of a company that is focused on growth. SBC acquired Kalamazoo-based Gonzo’s Biggdogg Brewing in 2019 and followed up with the purchase of Grand Rapids-based Creston Brewery in 2021. After the difficult decision to close its Westnedge location in 2022, the brewery fulfilled its plan this year by reopening that brewpub in the former home of Olde Peninsula Brewpub and Restaurant in downtown Kalamazoo. SBC also recently launched two new product lines with the Lake Street Lager and Rainbow Rodeo IPA.

Miller said, “SBC’s focus has always been on the people that work here, the beer we make and the brew pubs we operate,” and he is excited about the opportunity to put his stamp on the vibrant beer market that is West Michigan.

“Being in the beer business as long as I have, you learn quickly that there are a handful of markets in the country that are uniquely passionate about beer, and West Michigan is at the top of that list,” Miller said. “So, this is an amazing opportunity for me to be a part of this. At SBC we believe it is time to invest. I know our best days are ahead, and we are doing what we need to make things happen.”

Miller has amassed 33 years of experience in the beverage industry since his college days. He most recently served as general manager/operating partner at Double Eagle Distributing, where he was recruited to oversee the purchase, integration and operations of an existing beer and non-alcoholic South Florida beverage distributor.

He also spent more than 22 years with Anheuser-Busch, holding various sales and marketing leadership positions mostly in the Midwest and south east regions of the country. All the while, he interacted directly with many of the best wholesalers in the industry. A “lifelong beer guy,” Miller has seen every facet of the beverage industry, from supplier to wholesaler to retail, and believes he can relate to people in the industry, because he has done their jobs before.

In his free time, he loves to fly fish, which coincides nicely with SBC’s recent release of Rainbow Rodeo IPA, snow ski, and is a “die-hard New York Yankees fan.” As a father of two sons, John, along with his wife Beth, enjoy traveling, spending time on the tennis courts and playing an occasional round of golf.

Miller succeeds Ric Gillette, who has been president and CEO of SBC since 2009.

SBC also welcomed aboard Brad Mixan as the brewery’s new CFO. A CPA with more than 20 years of experience, Mixan most recently served as corporate controller for Nexben Inc., where he oversaw more than $17 million in monthly client funding cash flows and assisted the firm’s financial planning and analysis team with $20 million annual budget management and reporting.

“We’re really looking to leverage technology to position the brewery for future growth and success,” said Mixan. “I think it’s going to help us make better decisions. It’s going to allow us to more effectively manage and operate our brewpubs and brewhouse.”

Mixan has lived in Saugatuck for almost seven years with his wife and their two daughters and has been a fan of SBC for many years.

“I’ve been homebrewing for more than 30 years now and in the financial world for almost 25 years, so being able to combine those two passions has been so rewarding,” he said.

Outside of work, he enjoys homebrewing, exploring nature with the family, cheering on the Spartans and enjoying his new favorite, Rainbow Rodeo IPA, at SBC’s Douglas brewpub.

About Saugatuck Brewing Company:

Saugatuck Brewing Company (SBC) first opened its doors on June 23, 2005 as a small, intimate, start-up brewery in Douglas, Michigan. In 2008, SBC moved the entire operation to the 25,000 square foot facility that serves as the headquarters, brewery, warehouse, and Pub and Brew House. In 2019, SBC opened the second taproom in Kalamazoo, Michigan and in 2021 SBC acquired Creston Brewery in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In June 2022, SBC made the decision to close the Kalamazoo Westnedge location in order to invest in a new location in downtown Kalamazoo that opened April 10, 2023. SBC is distributed in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Missouri, Tennessee, Kansas and Colorado and five foreign countries.

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Rupee Beer Heads South, Expands into North Carolina

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BOSTON, Massachusetts— Rupee Beer is on a mission to bring Indian craft beer to the world and announces its expansion into the south, starting with North Carolina, with more southern states lined up in coming weeks.

Rupee Beer is specially brewed to pair with Indian, spicy and world cuisine by world renowned master beer brewer and Indian chef. It is the first Indian-inspired beer to bridge the gap between world cuisine and craft brewing, with placement at select Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Costco & Total Wine locations.

Rupee is growing the presence of its multi award winning lager at 4.75% ABV fast, with availability across 12+ states.

Brothers Van & Sumit Sharma, sons of Indian restaurateurs in the business internationally for over 45 years, found themselves continually frustrated they could not find any Indian beer in Maine – the least diverse state in America where their family immigrated to from the United Kingdom & Germany in the early 90’s.

They decided to not only create their own beer, but set out to game change the food & beverage industry in a bold and diverse way. The Sharma brothers strategically partnered with global craft brewing legend Alan Pugsley, 40+ year master beer brewer, lover of Indian food as a British expat, and creator of over 80+ global beer brands, to create Rupee Beer and re-write everything society understands about craft lager as it relates to spicy world cuisine.

“We are a mission driven organization who want to promote Indian culture via beer and rethink the way we pair alcohol with world flavors. Our continued expansion into new markets not only showcases demand but also highlights Rupee is aiming to elevate the voice for more representation within the American craft beer arena”

Brewed with pristine quality in mind and premium rice, maize, malt, and three types of hops, Rupee Beer dismantles the traditional lager experience by lowering levels of carbonation to allow for a more comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.

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