News

Raise a Glass! 21st Amendment Beers Makes a Triumphant Return — Powered by Evil Genius Beer Company

April 18, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

SAN FRANCISCO & PHILADELPHIA – Raise a glass! Iconic 21st Amendment Brewery beers are making a triumphant return to coolers and taps coast-to-coast this summer, thanks to a perfect pairing with Evil Genius Beer Company.

The Philadelphia-based craft brewery—famous for its playful, nostalgic vibe and seriously great beer—is stepping in to keep the 21st Amendment legacy alive. Fans can once again enjoy the beloved year-round favorites: the legendary Hell or High Watermelon (the fruity wheat beer that basically invented the category), the bold West Coast flagship Brew Free! or Die IPA, its zesty sibling Brew Free! or Die Blood Orange, and the crisp, retro Amendment Lager.
Founded in 2011 by Luke Bowen and Trevor Hayward, Evil Genius has spent nearly 15 years proving that craft beer can be high-quality and a whole lot of fun. Under Evil Genius’s care, 21st Amendment stays true to its independent roots—the same brand beer lovers have cheered for over 25 years.

“We’re keeping it simple and genuine: no rebrands, no recipe tweaks, no corporate nonsense,” said Luke Bowen. “These beers have been pouring alongside ours since day one. We connected through a mutual friend over our shared love of great beer. This isn’t some big-beer takeover—it’s two groups of friends making sure a brand people truly miss stays in fridges everywhere.”

Named after the amendment that ended Prohibition in 1933, 21st Amendment was founded in 2000 by Nico Freccia and Shaun O’Sullivan in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood. The brewery helped spark the craft beer boom, pioneered putting great beer in cans, and reminded everyone not to take pints too seriously. Over 25 unforgettable years, it grew into a Top 50 U.S. craft brewery while building a devoted national following.
“We share the exact same philosophy: brew awesome beer and have fun doing it,” Bowen added. “What Nico and Shaun built is special, and we’re honored to help carry the torch.”

Evil Genius currently distributes its lineup—including the fan-favorite IPA Stacy’s Mom—across eight states in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest, with strong growth (more than 10% rate of sale in the past year). The partnership allows Evil Genius to bring 21st Amendment back strong while expanding into new markets and meeting fresh demand.

“As we ramp up to satisfy coast-to-coast fans and keep the beer super fresh, we’re excited about scaling production the right way,” said Bowen. “With so much industry consolidation, amazing legacy brands risk disappearing. We want to make sure that doesn’t happen. We’re open for good beer and good times.”
21st Amendment beers are already flowing again in California (NorCal and the Bay Area) plus Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. Full coast-to-coast distribution is on track for June.

“It’s been one hell of a 25-year run in San Francisco,” said Shaun O’Sullivan, original co-founder and former brewmaster. “I’m thrilled to see 21st Amendment head into this next chapter with Evil Genius—and stoked to get Hell or High Watermelon and Brew Free! or Die Blood Orange back into the hands of the people who’ve been asking for them.”

As America gears up for its 250th anniversary, 21st Amendment is back to celebrate the freedom to brew, the joy of sharing a cold one, and the spirit of doing things your own way. Pennsylvania (Evil Genius’s home state) was already 21st Amendment’s second-biggest market after California—talk about a match made in beer heaven!

So grab a pint, toast to the right to be original, and welcome back a true craft classic. If you’re a distributor, retailer, or just want to say cheers, drop a line at contact@21st-amendment.com.

About 21st Amendment Brewery
Founded in 2000 in San Francisco by Nico Freccia and Shaun O’Sullivan, 21st Amendment became one of America’s most beloved independent craft brands. Known for pioneering craft beer in cans and creating unforgettable beers like Hell or High Watermelon Wheat and the Brew Free! or Die IPA series, the brewery built a coast-to-coast following with quality, irreverence, and fun. Celebrate the right to be original at 21st-amendment.com, @21stamendment on Instagram, and Facebook.

About Evil Genius Beer Company
Evil Genius Beer Company was founded in 2011 in Philadelphia by Luke Bowen and Trevor Hayward with a simple mission: make seriously good craft beer without ever taking itself too seriously. What started as a small operation in a converted warehouse on North 2nd Street has grown into one of the Northeast’s most beloved independent breweries. Over the past 15 years, Evil Genius has built strong distributor relationships across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest while earning a reputation for blending nostalgia, irreverence, and uncompromising quality. Known for its playful branding and community-focused approach, the brewery has become a staple in the craft beer scene, proving that humor and great beer are the perfect pairing.

Evil Genius Beer Company’s lineup delivers bold flavors with plenty of personality. Flagship Stacy’s Mom IPA remains a fan favorite for its bright citrus and piney hop character, while a rotating selection of nostalgic and experimental beers keeps things exciting. From fruited sours and rich pastry stouts to classic lagers and hazy IPAs, every Evil Genius beer is crafted with the same care and sense of fun that has defined the brewery since day one. Whether you’re cracking open a can at a backyard barbecue or enjoying a pint at your local taproom, Evil Genius beers bring people together with approachable, high-quality craft beer that never fails to put a smile on your face.
Address: 1000 N 2nd Street – Philadelphia, PA 19123
Website: https://evilgeniusbeer.com

For Brewing fun fact, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

Von Ebert Brewing Celebrates 8th Anniversary with Two Collaboration Beers with Other Half Brewing

April 15, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Portland, Ore. — Von Ebert Brewing is celebrating its 8th anniversary this month with two new collaboration beers brewed with renowned Brooklyn brewery Other Half Brewing Company.

The special releases include an 8th Anniversary Pilsner and an 8th Anniversary Hazy IPA, honoring the brewery’s signature focus on Pilsners and IPAs.
“While we make award-winning beer in many styles, it made sense for us to stick with what we’re most known for—Pilsners and IPAs,” said Sam Pecoraro, brewmaster of Von Ebert Brewing. “Von Ebert Brewing is always looking to produce beers ‘where tradition meets evolution,’ and these collaborations are a perfect way to celebrate eight years of doing exactly that.”

The Anniversary Collaboration Beers

8th Anniversary Pilsner – 5.0% ABV with bright notes of strawberry, passionfruit, and noble hops
8th Anniversary Hazy IPA – 7.0% ABV bursting with mango, peach, and grapefruit flavors

Both beers are now available in 16 oz cans and on draft at all Von Ebert Brewing locations in Portland, as well as at select retailers, restaurants, and bars across the Northwest.

“Known for our Hazy IPAs, we were very excited to partner with Von Ebert Brewing to exchange ideas,” said Sam Richardson, co-owner of Other Half Brewing Company. “And it’s fitting two Sams who swapped coasts would come up with some delicious beers that we hope everyone enjoys.”

Current Deals and Offerings at Von Ebert

Visitors to Von Ebert Brewing can enjoy several ongoing specials:

$3 20-ounce steins of gold medal-winning Clubhaus Lager all day, every day at all locations
$5 Volatile Substance NW IPA from noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the N. Mississippi location
Food from Tehuana Mexican Cuisine available daily at the N. Mississippi taproom (825 N. Cook St.), plus HarBQ on weekends

The brewery has also expanded its non-alcohol options with hop sparkling waters and hard seltzers, with hard teas and hard punches planned for later this year.

Growth and Expansion

The new brewing facility on N. Mississippi has dramatically increased production capacity — from 4,000 barrels to up to 20,000 barrels per year. Von Ebert Brewing has significantly grown its canned beer offerings and now distributes across Oregon, Washington, Colorado, California, and Japan.

About Von Ebert Brewing

Founded in 2018 by Tom M. Cook and Tom S. Cook in Portland, Oregon, Von Ebert Brewing is named after the family matriarch, “Grandma Ebert.” An immigrant from Germany who arrived via Ellis Island, Grandma Ebert embodied grit and determination that the brewery continues to honor today.
“Von Ebert” loosely translates to “House of the Boar.” The brewery has earned multiple World Beer Cup medals, including:

2025 Gold – American Light Lager (Clubhaus)
2023 Gold – German-Style Pilsner (Pils)
2024 Bronze – Vienna Lager

For more information and to find Von Ebert beers near you, visit vonebertbrewing.com.

For Brewing fun fact, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

Mother Road Brewing Company Rolls Out AZ250 Arizona Lager – Official Beer of Arizona’s 250th Anniversary Celebration

April 15, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Flagstaff, AZ — Mother Road Brewing Company is continuing the statewide rollout of AZ250 Arizona Lager, the official beer of Arizona’s celebration of the United States Semiquincentennial (America 250).

Brewed in Flagstaff, this crisp, light, and refreshing American lager is designed for broad appeal across the state. It is now available in 12 oz. 6-packs and on draft at bars, restaurants, retail locations, Fry’s Food Stores, and other major grocery chains throughout Arizona.

Partnership with Arizona America250 Commission

AZ250 Arizona Lager was developed in partnership with Arizona’s America250 Commission and serves as the exclusive beer tied to the state’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The collaboration highlights Arizona’s role in American history while supporting statewide educational and community programming.
For every case equivalent sold, Mother Road Brewing Company donates $2.50 to fund educational initiatives and community events through the Arizona America250 effort.

“Beer brings people together, and nothing is more American than a cold beer with friends and family,” said Michael Marquess, CEO and Founder of Mother Road Brewing Company. “We are proud to brew the official beer for Arizona’s 250th anniversary and to contribute to programs that celebrate our shared history.”

Packaging and Design

The packaging draws inspiration from vintage Arizona travel memorabilia and prominently features the official Arizona America250 logo, which was selected through a statewide design contest. The artwork celebrates Arizona’s landscapes, industries, and cultural heritage while tying into Mother Road’s deep roots along historic Route 66.

Upcoming Events

Arizona’s America250 celebrations continue throughout 2026. One highlight is the Road to 250: Arizona Traveling Museum, an interactive history exhibit touring all 15 counties. The Flagstaff stop is scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Flagstaff Visitor Center (1 East Route 66).

Brief History of Mother Road Brewing Company

Mother Road Brewing Company was founded in 2011 in Flagstaff, Arizona, by Michael Marquess. The name “Mother Road” comes from John Steinbeck’s description of historic Route 66 in The Grapes of Wrath.

The brewery started small on the original 1926 alignment of Route 66 (Mike’s Pike) with an experimental taproom focused on innovative beers. In 2018, it expanded with a larger production facility and taproom on Butler Avenue. Today, Mother Road is a respected regional brewery known for quality lagers, IPAs (including the popular Tower Station IPA), and a commitment to sustainability. Its beers are distributed across Arizona (via Hensley Beverage Company), Southern Nevada, and New Mexico.

Both locations welcome guests for pints, conversation, games, and merchandise while the Butler Avenue site handles large-scale production for statewide distribution.

For Brewing fun fact, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

Urban South Brewery Rebrands Flagship THC Beverage as Stratus Spritz in New Orleans

April 15, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

New Orleans, LA — Urban South Brewery has unveiled a refreshed brand identity for one of its flagship THC beverages. Formerly known as Stratus, the product is now reintroduced as Stratus Spritz, complete with a vibrant new look and elevated positioning.

The updated design features a brighter, more refined aesthetic with a crisp color palette and clean, modern elements that highlight a light, uplifting, and refreshing drinking experience.

Why the Rebrand?

Urban South originally launched Stratus as a THC seltzer. However, evolving market trends and Louisiana regulations (limiting THC beverages to 5 mg per serving) created an opportunity to reposition the product. With increasing competition in the seltzer category, the brewery shifted Stratus to a spritz — an elevated, flavor-forward, lifestyle-driven alternative that emphasizes drinkability and sophistication.

“This rebrand represents an important evolution for Stratus,” said Jacob Landry, Co-Founder of Urban South Brewery. “We saw an opportunity to refine both the product and its positioning to better meet the market, while still delivering a refreshing, enjoyable experience for our customers.”

Current Flavors and Availability

Stratus Spritz is currently available in two refreshing flavors:

Peach Spritz
Watermelon Spritz

A new tropical flavor is expected to launch soon.

Stratus Spritz comes in a variety of THC strengths tailored to meet different state-specific regulations. It is available throughout Urban South’s distribution network, with nationwide shipping offered where permitted. Fans can use the Urban South Beer Finder on the brewery’s website to locate the nearest retailer.

History of Urban South Brewery

Urban South Brewery was founded in 2016 in New Orleans by Jacob Landry (a Cajun from Southwest Louisiana) and Kyle Huling. What started as a small taproom in a historic warehouse on Tchoupitoulas Street has grown into one of the leading craft breweries in the South and the second-largest brewery by volume in Louisiana.

Known for blending European beer-making traditions with bold American craft styles, Urban South produces easy-drinking, high-quality beers perfect for the Southern climate. Flagship offerings include Holy Roller Hazy Juicy IPA and Paradise Park American Lager. The brewery has expanded into multiple states, recently acquired Perfect Plain Brewing Co. in Pensacola, Florida, and continues to celebrate its 10-year milestone in 2026 while staying rooted in community and authentic Southern hospitality.

For Brewing fun fact, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.

New Riff Distilling and Rhinegeist Brewing Release DUET American Whiskey: A Barley-Focused Collaboration

April 15, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Newport, KY — Two beloved Greater Cincinnati-area beverage makers have teamed up to create DUET American Whiskey, a unique collaboration between New Riff Distilling (Newport, KY) and Rhinegeist Brewing (Cincinnati, OH).

Highlighting barley — a key grain in both whiskey and beer — this special-release whiskey blends Kentucky’s distilling heritage with Cincinnati’s rich brewing tradition.

A Natural Collaboration Between Brewers and Distillers

New Riff Master Distiller Brian Sprance, a former brewer himself, partnered with the Rhinegeist team on the project.
“This collaboration wasn’t intended to recreate something that already exists,” said Sprance. “Brewers work with an incredible range of grains, malts, and yeast strains, and with our shared background in brewing, that creative overlap felt very natural. The result is a whiskey that’s a little unexpected for Kentucky, and a great reflection of what can happen when distillers and brewers who’ve known each other for years come together to create something new.”

Unique Mashbill and Aging Process

DUET American Whiskey features an uncommon mashbill of 57% malted barley, 37% raw barley, and 6% rye.
It undergoes a distinctive aging regimen: the majority rested in new American oak barrels, with select portions in Spanish oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The final blend was married in a massive foeder previously used for beer maturation at Rhinegeist, then re-barreled into used American oak barrels to harmonize flavors.

Aged at least 6 years and bottled at 111.2 proof (55.6% ABV), DUET offers:

Nose: Fresh barley and bright grain, with notes of green melon, tangerine, orchard fruit, dark fruit, and leathery sherry.
Palate: Traditional grain flavors with delicate savory notes, cracker malt, citrus, and rich sherry influence.
Finish: Lingering sherry and tangerine notes.

Bottle Design and Community Ties

The collaboration extends to the bottle artwork, created by graphic designers Jared Wagner (New Riff) and Chloe Rethman (Rhinegeist), who met while working at FC Cincinnati and were married last May.

“We’re thrilled to add another layer of meaning to Spirit of the Rhine when limited quantities of DUET are released across Ohio and Kentucky in concert with our friends across the river at New Riff Distilling,” said Rhinegeist CEO Adam Bankovich. “The project was inspired by the mutual appreciation our teams have for each other, and it is no surprise the past year of collaboration has been so harmonious.”

Availability

DUET American Whiskey goes on sale Friday, April 10, 2026, for $79.99 per 750ml bottle at New Riff’s gift shop and select retailers in Ohio and Kentucky.
It is also available by the pour in The Aquifer Tasting Room at New Riff Distilling and at Rhinegeist’s Tap Room.
This marks the latest in New Riff’s series of local collaborations, following previous partnerships with Cincinnati brands and Graeter’s ice cream in 2025.

About New Riff Distilling

Fiercely independent and innovative, New Riff Distilling was founded in 2014 in Newport, Kentucky. The distillery uses time-honored sour mash methods and bottled-in-bond standards while creating fresh riffs on tradition. It produces award-winning bourbon, rye, single malt whiskey, and gin. Its flagship Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was named the World’s Best Bourbon at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards. New Riff sources pristine water from a private aquifer well and offers a popular private barrel selection program. Public spaces include the Riff Shop and The Aquifer Tasting Room, featuring cocktails, flights, and rare releases.

About Rhinegeist Brewery

Founded in 2013 in Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Rhinegeist Brewery (“Spirit of the Rhine”) operates in a pre-Prohibition bottling plant. Ranked as Ohio’s largest craft brewery by volume and 16th largest in the U.S. (2024 Brewers Association report), Rhinegeist crafts beers with spirit and community focus.

For Brewing fun fact, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.