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Kihei, Hawaii – As heard through the coconut wireless, Maui Brewing Company will launch its final limited release beer of 2020, Coconut Wireless Nitro Cream Ale this Thursday. The smooth Coconut Cream Ale is bursting with toasted coconut, lactose milk sugar, and infused with nitrogen to add a velvety and creamy finish.

The recipe was developed by MBC’s Oahu & Kauai Market Manager, Dustin Gomes, who states, “I wanted to create something refreshing and different than what’s currently in market. I thought a light, refreshing Cream Ale with a hint of toasted coconut would be perfect for a relaxing day at the beach.”

Coconut Wireless is bright golden in appearance with a choke of coconut in its aroma. The creamy, smooth mouthfeel and sweetness is reminiscent of a coconut macaroon. The beer has an ABV of 5.5%.

Coconut Wireless will be available on draft and in 6-pack cans for to-go purchases at Maui Brewing Company restaurants in Kihei, Lahaina, and Kailua (Oahu) as well as area retailers and restaurants. A limited amount of cans and draft will be available in all markets where independently-owned Maui Brewing Company craft beer can be found.

MBC is a fiercely local company and has remained steadfast regarding local production. 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.

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

About Maui Brewing Company
Founded in 2005, Maui Brewing Company is Hawaii’s largest craft brewery, operating 100% in Hawaii. MBC is based on Maui, with its 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 20 states, 1 district, and 3 international countries with more areas to follow.

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Traverse City, Mich. — MiddleCoast Brewing Company has extended the summer of hard seltzer into the winter. MiddleCoast is pleased to offer a Peppermint Bark and Ginger Snap hard seltzer variety 6 pack.

Hard seltzer flavors have been evolving through the numerous companies trying to outshine each other, but MiddleCoast is the first to take it a step further by making flavors that are perfect for the winter holiday season.

Peppermint Bark has Swiss chocolate and peppermint mixed to remind you of the holidays. Ginger Snap uses ginger, macadamia, and cinnamon to create a wonderful ginger snap cookie. Both of them are bursting with flavor to get you through those family gatherings!

MiddleCoast will be distributing these throughout their home state of Michigan as well as, Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut.

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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.

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Richmond, VA – The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild announced the 2020 Virginia Craft Beer Cup winners on Monday, August 31, 2020, at Bon Secours Training Center in Richmond, Virginia. The event looked different this year, with face masks, social distancing, and hand sanitizer placed all over the venue, but the excitement in the air was unchanged.

This year’s Virginia Craft Beer Cup was managed by Head Judge Charlie Harr. 267 beers in almost 20 categories competed for awards. The judging took place Saturday, July 25,  at Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn, Virginia.

“This was a challenging year due to the pandemic. However, we made several adjustments to operate in a safe environment and follow established guidelines. In the end we had a lot of fun, made new friends and tasted some great Virginia beers,” said Charlie Harr, Head Judge.

The Virginia Craft Beer Cup continues to be the largest state competition of its kind in the United States. The Virginia Craft Beer Cup is committed to giving its members the opportunity to compete, obtain critical feedback from certified judges, and get statewide recognition that will help build their brands. That is why the Guild’s priority this year was to notfalter in its efforts to celebrate craft beer in Virginia, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Virginia Craft Beer Cup is all about sharing what we have learned as craft brewers and small businesses, making memories, and best of all, celebrating the best of what Virginia Brewers have to offer! Besides, you never know who might win,” said Sten Sellier, Beltway Brewing Company. “Having brought a few medals back to our brewery in the past, I can say that bragging rights are always a big plus!”

“The annual VA Craft Beer Cup is such a fun event that brings our breweries together  for some healthy competition and camaraderie,” said Janell Zurschmeide, Dirt Farm Brewing. “It allows us to celebrate each other, especially the winners, and further promote our independent breweries.”

The 2020 Virginia Craft Beer Cup Winners
BEST IN SHOW
First Place Black Hoof Brewing Company, Muzzle Loader Munich Dunkel
Second Place Cedar Run Brewery, Goats in the House Pilsner
Third Place Port City Brewing Company, Optimal Wit

AMBER ALE
First Place The Board Room VA, Ticket to Ride Red Ale
Second Place Random Row Brewing Co., Scouser Red Ale
Third Place 7 Dogs Brew Pub, Scottish 80

AMBER LAGER
First Place Fairwinds Brewing Company, High Barbary
Second Place Tasting Room at Mount Ida Reserve, First Edition
Third Place Mustang Sally Brewing Company, Half Moon Rising

BROWN ALE
First Place Old Ox Brewery, Black Ox Rye Porter
Second Place Ballad Brewing, Fast Mail Mild Ale
Third Place Rocket Frog Brewing Company, Wallops Island

BOCK
First Place Black Hoof Brewing Company, Broadside Maibock
Second Place Barking Rose Brewing Company + Farm, Dopplebock
Third Place Big Ugly Brewing, Accelerator

DARK LAGER
First Place Black Hoof Brewing Company, Muzzleloader Munich Dunkel
Second Place Gloucester Brewing Company, Mobjack Black
Third Place Maker’s Craft Brewery, Thurinigan

FRUIT/VEGETABLE
First Place Benchtop Brewing Company, Mermaid’s Lure
Second Place Elation Brewing Company, Rosé Gosé
Third Place Mustang Sally Brewing Company, Getaway Plan
Honorable Mention Stable Craft Brewing, Blueberry Blonde

IPA
First Place Stone Brewing Co., Stone IPA
Second Place Fairwinds Brewing Company, Howling Gale
Third Place Heliotrope Brewing, Oxfordcommadisiac
Honorable Mention Random Row Brewing Co., Windswell DIPA

SAISON
First Place Old Ox Brewery, Sightseer Saison
Second Place Bingo Beer Co, Patio Vibes
Third Place Ardent Craft Ales, Ardent Saison

PALE ALE
First Place Beltway Brewing Company, Approachable Guise
Second Place Twin Creeks Brewing Company, Keep Ya Distance Cream Ale
Third Place Barking Rose Brewing Company + Farm, Conviction
Honorable Mention Random Row Brewing Co., Mosaic Pale Ale

KOLSCH
First Place The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery, House Beer
Second Place Sweetwater Taven, Barking Frog Kolsch

PALE LAGER
First Place Cave Hill Farms Brewery, Loafing Shed Lager
Second Place Port City Brewing Company, Helles Lager
Third Place Dynasty Brewing, Dynasty Lager

PILSNER
First Place Cedar Run Brewery, Goats in the House Pilsner
Second Place Tradition Brewing Company, Tradice
Third Place Bingo Beer Co, Bingo Lager

SPECIALTY – OTHER
First Place Blue Mountain Barrel House, Raspberries on Acid
Second Place Benchtop Brewing Company, Friar Storm
Third Place Extra Billy’s Smokehouse & Brewery, Capital Kolsch

SOUR
First Place Reason Beer, Gryffon’s Red
Second Place Audacious Aleworks, Anniversary Flanders Red Ale

SPECIALTY MIXED
First Place 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company, Franc-n-Stein
Second Place Fine Creek Brewing Company, Wine Barrel Aged Golden Sour
Third Place Fine Creek Brewing Company, Herbarium Wild Saison

SPECIALTY – ALTERNATIVE
First Place That Damn Mary Brewing Company, Holden in the Rye
Second Place St. George Brewing Company, Honey Mead Lager
Third Place Dirt Farm Brewing, Honey Helles

SPECIALTY WOOD
First Place Caboose Brewing Company, Fireside Ale
Second Place 2 Silos Brewing Company, Barrel Reserve: Imperial Stout
Third Place Blue Mountain Barrel House, Dark Hollow

STOUT
First Place Dynasty Brewing, 838 Stout
Second Place Great Valley Farm Brewery, Stout

STRONG ALE
First Place Garden Grove Brewing Co., Fergus Wee Heavy
Second Place Lake Anne Brew House, 2020
Third Place Lake Anne Brew House, Quadiversary
Honorable Mention Tasting Room at Mount Ida Reserve, Murcielago Madison Stout

WHEAT BEER
First Place Port City Brewing Company, Optimal Wit
Second Place Trapezium Brewing Co., Chasing Ponies
Third Place Spencer Devon Brewing, Pontoon Bridges

Award winners will be featuring their beers in their tasting rooms and through their wholesale and retail partners. The VCBG encourages craft beer enthusiasts to visit these breweries and try these great brews. To learn more about these breweries and plan your taproom trip, visit our Virginia Brewery Map or go to the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s craft beer site to plan your next weekend or vacation.

The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild (Guild) is an association of independent, small and traditional breweries dedicated to growing the craft
beer industry in the Commonwealth. The Guild is the state affiliate of the Brewers Association. For information of the Beer Judge
Certification Program, go to http://www.bjcp.org/. For more information on the Guild, go to www.vacraftbeer.com and
www.vacraftbrewersguild.com.

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Oxford, Ohio (August, 2020) – – This year, the U.S. Open Beer Championship will award medals in 132 categories. More categories than any beer judging in the world. But, we decided to add one more. After drinking a few of the Black Is Beautiful Imperial Stouts, the board of directors of the U.S. Open decided to add a new category, the Black Is Beautiful Imperial Stout category.

The U.S. Open will donate 100% of this category entry fees to a local foundation that supports police brutality reform and legal defenses for those who have been wronged or to a local organizations that support equality and inclusion. The foundation will be determined by the Gold Medal Winner.

Black Is Beautiful Imperial Stout Recipe
The base recipe  for Black is Beautiful Imperial Stout  was created by Weathered Souls Brewing Company. It was designed to be a moderately high abv. stout to showcase the different shades of black. If you added your own twist or ideas to the beer, please enter them in the comment section when you register your beer. Recipe Link

Call for Entries
More than 7,000 beers, representing more than 130 different styles, were judged during the 2019 U.S. Open event, which is the only brewery competition to include licensed breweries and winners of the American Homebrewers Association competition. Last year, breweries spanning the globe from Russia to Rhode Island sent their beers. Winning entries can be seen on the U.S. Open Beer Championships website, at www.USOpenBeer.com.

Registration, Deadlines and Fees
The last day to register is October 21, 2020
Beers will need to arrive between October 21 through October 30.
Each brewery may enter a maximum of eight beers.
The entry fee will be $75 (with two entries at no charge).
A brewery must submit a minimum of five beers to be considered one of the Top Ten Breweries and Grand National Champion.

Brewers can submit questions at dow_scoggins@hotmail.com and follow the competition on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

U.S. Open Links
2020 U.S. Open Beer Championship Webpage
2020 U.S. Open Categories
2020 U.S. Open Registration
2020 U.S. Open Shipping
2019 U.S. Open Medal Winners

LOS ANGELES– It is not news that the hard seltzer category is on fire, nor that many major beverage brands are adding their logo to a version of the same liquid that made the category explode two years ago. Conversely, Tolago is “building from within our communities’ culture,” explains Tolago Hard Seltzer CEO, Nicholas Greeninger. “We took a page out of the hard kombucha playbook when creating the product by using the highest quality, real ingredients,” he says. “To us, every 50-year-old corporate beverage logo on a hard seltzer can is lazy and a bit opportunistic. Until now, not one hard seltzer brand had listened to consumers or pushed the category in the right direction.”

Tolago is based on all-natural ingredients, including ethically sourced fresh fruit juices, purées, and natural botanicals from Southern California, as well as fair-trade certified 100% organic agave nectar from Mexico. Clean of chemical taste, gluten-free, and 5% ABV, the flavors include Ginger Pear, Guava Mango, Cherry Rose, and Agave Lime. Available only in fully-recyclable printed standard cans from Ball, the seltzers are premium priced and come in 6-, 12-, and 24-can cartons, with SRPs of $12.99, $24.99, and $49.99 respectively, or $1.99 per single.

The talent collective behind the brand includes fine artist and Creative Director Matt McCormick, who created the logo and package design. Brand Director Stevie Dreher is known for discovering and nurturing some of America’s top electronic musicians. Others within the 28-member owners’ collective include photographer Sandy Kim; skateboarder Louie Lopez; singer Omar Apollo; surfer Mitch Coleborn; and 2x Winter Olympian snowboarder ElenaHight. Each member of the group is using his or her talent, outlook, and network to facilitate unique collaborations and opportunities that will be executed across the three tiers.

Greeninger, the former branding and marketing power behind Saint Archer Brewing Company, which was acquired by MillerCoors, is the bridge from lifestyle to beverage. Other beverage sales and distribution experts include Doug Gudmundson (36 years in beer, most recently with Karl Strauss Brewing Company); Jason Schwenck (13 years with Red Bull America, and 12 years building numerous successful startup beverage companies); and Matthew Mitchell (25 years in wine & spirits, most recently with Jackson Family Wine Company). Tolago’s board of directors includes Circe Wallace (EVP, Wasserman), Henny Yegezu (Founder/CEO, EQT Recordings), and Robert Reynolds (Managing Partner, Seven Seas VC), all bringing their networks and specialized knowledge to the Tolago business.

In California, Tolago Hard Seltzer will be distributed by Young’s Market and reach retail shelves in September, just in time for the start of California’s true summer. Initial retail response has been positive – with particular enthusiasm for the better-for-you brand proposition, industry veterans, and high-profile advocates – and pre-orders from chain and independent accounts are underway. Tolago will also be sold via Amazon.com, Drizly, Postmates, Uber Eats, and Cloud Kitchens.

The brand’s robust marketing campaign includes in-store retail programming, point of sale materials, digital and out-of-home advertising, as well as an annual commitment to 1% for the Planet. Bryan Boeck, Senior Vice President of Young’s Market, enthuses: “We can’t wait to launch Tolago. The hard seltzer category is on fire, and we want only the best for our book of business. We don’t see many wine and spirits distributors going into the category, which excites us.” The Tolago executive team is in talks with other select distributors nationwide.

“Tolago is the only drink I keep at my house AND the studio. It’s a secret weapon for a pool day or late night recording. I never get caught without a case!” says co-owner and music producer Kenny Beats. Greeninger concludes: “When others settled, we simply would not. Taking real ingredients to create a better-tasting, better-for-you hard seltzer captures the spirit of the collective behind this business.”

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Three Birds Hard Seltzer, the new drink of choice this summer, takes the low calorie / low carb aspect we love about hard seltzers and brings it to the next level. Three Birds Hard Seltzer, which launched 4th of July weekend, is bright and lean, gluten free, and contains absolutely no added sugar (the 2g carbs come from the natural juices added for flavor), making Three Birds a lighter addition to the seltzer market and more refreshing than comparable products.

Made by combining natural juices and just the right amount of fizz, Three Birds Hard Seltzer guarantees to have a flavor to please everyone in your “flock” (with options including raspberry, lime, mango, and cucumber) and is always smooth and clean.

Three Birds Hard Seltzer is priced at $12.99 per 12-pack and is sold exclusively at all 200+ Total Wine & More stores located across 24 states. If there isn’t a store close by, customers may order online directly and have cases delivered to their doorstep.

The Flavors

Raspberry – Farmer’s market fresh, this seltzer is straight from the garden. Juicy raspberry and bright citric undertones leave your palate clean and refreshed. One might say it’s berry-refreshing.

Mango – Relax and soak up the sun, this mango seltzer brings the vacation to you. With bursting bubbles and notes of ripe mango, this sparkling seltzer gives you the tropics without the sweet. Lean and clean, just the way we like it.

Lime – Fresh to zest, this lime seltzer hits all the right citrusy notes. Between aromatic lime peel and tangy lime juice, the effervescent lime refresher is bright and bubbly, just like you.

Cucumber – Crushable and cool, with hydrating notes of cucumber that leave you feeling fresh and relaxed. The perfect hint of basil rounds out the cucumber and brings in an elegant herbal balance. Cool is the new cucumber.

The 5% ABV in all flavors come from wine that has been removed of all impurities, color and flavor.

About Three Birds
Spread your wings and fly above the rest. Whether you’re with friends at your nest or out soaring with the best, Three Birds Hard Seltzer has a flavor for your flock. With natural juices and just the right amount of fizz, you and your peeps are bound to have a flight you’ll never forget.

About LeVecke Wine, Beer & Spirits
With nearly 70 years of experience, LeVecke Wine, Beer & Spirits is one of the largest spirits producers in the world. Now in its third and fourth generations of family leadership, the company continues to put people and values first. LeVecke actively seeks suppliers and customers that share the company’s values. It is the brand’s loyal employees and corporate family culture that make LeVecke unique. The people behind LeVecke are the reason that once a customer is earned, they stay a customer for life. LeVecke’s commitment to its team and diversity starts with corporate values and business practices. This commitment is extended to suppliers and is considered a requirement of doing business with LeVecke Wine, Beer & Spirits.

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RICHMOND, Va. — In July 2020 Iain Gordon and Vanessa Gleiser announced that they will be opening the first seltzery in Richmond, Virginia. The seltzer business will open its doors in August 2021 and will feature handcrafted hard seltzers in a variety of flavors.

The couple decided to open the seltzery because they wanted to add a new mix of products into Richmond’s craft beverage scene and also felt there was a lack of their favorite beverage in the city. They hope to get their storefront in the next few months and begin design and renovations to create the perfect new hot spot for Richmonders and tourists.

Iain and Vanessa are currently fine-tuning the seltzer recipe in their apartment kitchen and recently bottled their first batch of the malt beverage. The duo is most excited about their Blackberry Sour seltzer, which they were able to taste test this past week and are looking forward to the day they can share it with the rest of RVA.

Richmond Seltzer Co. plans to create several more flavors including watermelon, mango, and peach hibiscus. The owners will be crafting the seltzers with natural, locally sourced ingredients to produce the best quality beverages for Richmond’s community. The couple is currently collaborating on a never before done seltzer concept with AR’s Hot Southern Honey to make a sweet and spicy seltzer. Iain and Vanessa will also be using simple syrups from local Richmond businesses such as Crescent Simples to ensure top-notch flavor.

Additionally, the owners plan to do quarterly contests on their social media platforms to see who can come up with the craziest yet most delicious flavor combination. The winner will have their seltzer created by Richmond Seltzer Co.Anyone interested in learning more about the new seltzery can visit website or follow the business on Instagram and Facebook for more updates.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Whitman Brewing is excited to announce their first can release, New World Water. Four-packs of this Hard Seltzer go on sale at 4PM on Thursday, July 30th at the brewery, located at 20 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs.

The new canning line was scheduled for setup by the manufacturer, Cask Global Canning Solutions, based out of Alberta, Canada, just days before the border was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This delayed the first canning run, but after many calls and video meetings with Cask, Head Brewer Nick Meyer had the machine up and running.

The first release is New World Water, a 5.14% ABV Hard Seltzer conditioned with over 200lbs of puréed strawberries, giving it a subtle pink hue and a slightly tart fruit flavor. “We are thrilled to finally be able to offer our loyal customers a packaged product. Hard Seltzer seemed like the perfect choice for summer, since it pairs well with outdoor cookouts and boating.” said Brewery Director, Keegan Dombrosky. New World Water is naturally gluten-free and is best enjoyed over ice.

Must be 21+ to purchase, masks and proper social distancing are required.

About Whitman Brewing Co.
Whitman Brewing is a craft brewery located in downtown Saratoga Springs, NY. Serving approachable, yet sophisticated beers since 2019. @Whitman_Brewing | waltandwhitmanbrewing.com

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PENDELTON, Ore.– The maker of Suzie’s Organics is entering the nearly $2 billion hard seltzer market. The company has launched Suzie’s Brewery Company and will be releasing its line of Suzie’s Organic Hard Seltzers this month. The seltzers are being produced, canned and packaged in its new Pendleton-based brewery. Sales and operations are based in Tualatin. The hard seltzer market is projected to be 4.7 billion by 2022.

“The Official Hard Seltzer of Mother Nature” will be hitting shelves this month throughout Oregon. The lineup includes the following 5 organic flavors: Citrus Flip, Kiwi Mango, Very Berry, Peachy and Naked. The seltzers are packaged in 12-can multi packs featuring all flavors and in 6-packs of each individual flavor. At only 100 calories and 2 grams of sugar, Suzie’s Hard Seltzers are also gluten-free and brewed with organic alcohol fermented from organic cane sugar and organic-sourced natural flavors.

“We are thrilled to be entering the hard seltzer segment and we’re looking forward to introducing the market to the Suzie’s Organics brand,” said Chris Barhyte President of Suzie’s. As the Official Hard Seltzer of Mother Nature, Suzie’s is pledging to help Mother Nature replenish earth’s natural landscapes through its partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects. For every 12 cans of Suzie’s Hard Seltzer sold, one new tree will be replanted. Visit edenprojects.org to learn more.

Suzie’s Brewery Company is a brand of Barhyte Specialty Foods Company. Based in Pendleton, Oregon, Barhyte has roots dating back 200 years and 6,000 miles away in Germany, where Jacobus Barhyte first created a sweet-and-sour mustard that he brought to the US. Today, the company offers more than 65 award-winning mustards, marinades, sauces, and other condiments through Barhyte Specialty Foods, the Saucy Mama brand and the Suzie’s Organics brand, as well as through co-branded and private label products.

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