News

Karbach Brewing Co. is in Partnership with Don’t Mess With Texas

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey Texas beer fans and road warriors—grab a cold one and let’s talk Karbach Lager, the crisp new brew that’s not just raising a glass to the Lone Star State but helping keep it clean! Launched in early 2026 by Karbach Brewing Co. in Houston, this marks their first-ever namesake beer and a powerhouse partnership with the iconic Don’t Mess with Texas campaign (yep, that legendary anti-litter movement from TxDOT). Beverage cans are among the top littered items on Texas highways, so Karbach is stepping up with community vibes: spreading the “Don’t mess with Texas” pride, boosting awareness, and rallying folks to join the Adopt-a-Highway program for cleaner roads and bigger Texas spirit. As Norma Rios, campaign manager, puts it: it’s all about personal responsibility—toss that can right, and you’re making a real difference.

This 4.5% ABV German-style lager is perfectly sessionable: two-row aromatic malt meets classic Saaz and Hallertau hops for a balanced, clean sip with a refreshing finish—think easy-drinking Texas pride in every pour. It’s rolling out now in bottles, cans, and kegs at retailers statewide and straight from the Houston Biergarten, timed perfectly with Karbach’s 15th anniversary bash. “This isn’t just about a great lager,” says GM Chris Meyer—it’s quality beer meets community commitment, turning every sip into action to protect the places we love. Head to your local spot or the Karbach campus for pours, events, and more on upcoming clean-ups. Karbach’s been crushing it since 2011 as one of Texas’ biggest craft powerhouses—home to top-sellers like Hopadillo IPA (the state’s No. 1 traditional IPA) and Love Street Blonde—with a massive biergarten, killer food spots, and that fearless, fun energy that brings people together.

About Karbach Brewing Company
Karbach Brewing Co. was founded in 2011 in Houston, Texas, by beverage industry veterans Chuck Robertson and Ken Goodman (former owners of C.R. Goodman Distribution), who teamed up with renowned brewmaster Eric Warner (ex-CEO of Flying Dog Brewery and founder of Tabernash). After selling their distribution business in 2007 to fund the venture (and sidestep Texas laws barring producers from self-distribution), they transformed a warehouse on Karbach Street in the Spring Branch neighborhood into the brewery—naming it after the street itself, not any Bavarian village. Doors opened in September/October 2011, starting with draft-only pours before cans hit shelves in 2013. The brewery exploded onto the scene with bold, approachable beers like Hopadillo IPA (quickly becoming Texas’ top traditional IPA) and Love Street Blonde, earning rapid growth—named the second-fastest-growing craft brewery in the U.S. by The New Yorker in 2013—and a massive $15 million expansion by 2015 that added a brewhouse upgrade and on-site restaurant.

In November 2016, Karbach was acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev as part of their High End craft portfolio push, but the brewery kept its independent spirit alive, continuing to innovate with flagships, seasonals, and that fearless Texas energy. Even post-acquisition, Karbach has stayed a Houston powerhouse—hosting epic events like ZiegFest (celebrating their ZiegenBock lager with live country music), expanding distribution statewide, and maintaining a lively campus with a biergarten, food concepts, and community hangs that draw crowds year-round. Now 15 years strong in 2026, Karbach remains one of Texas’ largest and most decorated craft operations, blending German-inspired techniques with bold flavors while championing local pride through partnerships like the recent Don’t Mess with Texas collab.

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Ghostfish Brewing Celebrates Their 11th Anniversary with New Release!

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey craft beer lovers and gluten-free trailblazers—raise your glasses because Ghostfish Brewing in Seattle is hitting a major milestone: 11 years of pouring world-class, dedicated gluten-free beer! Co-Founder and CEO Brian Thiel looks back on day one in 2015 as a quiet but game-changing moment—finally flipping the script from burning cash on startup costs to actually making some revenue and welcoming folks into their SoDo taproom. To celebrate this steel-strong anniversary (yep, the traditional 11th gift is steel—symbolizing toughness and endurance), they’re dropping SODO Steel IPA, a limited-release banger that’s all about that industrial grit and their big expansion news.

This 6.4% American-Style IPA draws straight from Seattle’s SoDo (south of downtown) roots—the neighborhood’s manufacturing history, their century-old building that started as a steel foundry, and the fresh wave of steel (hello, shiny new tanks!) in their recently acquired 26,000 sq ft production brewery in Georgetown. Brewed with premium gluten-free malts and fermented with Berkeley Tropics yeast for max thiol magic, it bursts with fruity hops from Mosaic, Mosaic Cryo, New Zealand Nectaron, and Citra Cryo—think juicy pineapple and peach upfront, with tropical passionfruit and zesty grapefruit vibes rounding it out. It’s now pouring on draft and hitting shelves in 4-pack 16oz cans at the Ghostfish taproom, with wholesale partners rolling it out nationwide in the coming weeks. Ghostfish has been pioneering gluten-free craft since 2015—collaborating with top artisan maltsters, using innovative grains like millet and rice, and becoming North America’s largest dedicated GF brewer, distributing across 21 states and parts of Western Canada.

About Ghostfish Brewing

Ghostfish Brewing Company was founded in 2015 in Seattle, Washington, as the state’s first dedicated gluten-free brewery—and one of the pioneering spots worldwide to make high-quality craft beer without gluten. The idea sparked from co-founder Brian Thiel, who, around a decade earlier, was eyeing a traditional brewery until a close family member was diagnosed with celiac disease, highlighting the lack of truly great gluten-free beer options. Teaming up with brewmaster Igliashon Jones (the creative force behind recipes using innovative gluten-free grains like millet and sorghum) and another partner, they set out to push boundaries.

After early blog posts in 2013-2014 sharing their origin story and frustrations with existing GF beers, Ghostfish opened its SoDo taproom doors on February 5, 2015, at 2942 1st Avenue South—right in Seattle’s industrial heart. From day one, they committed to 100% dedicated gluten-free production (also free of top allergens in many cases), collaborating with cutting-edge maltsters and using Pacific Northwest hops to craft approachable, flavorful beers that didn’t taste like compromises.

In the years since, Ghostfish has grown into North America’s largest dedicated gluten-free brewer, distributing across 21 states and parts of Western Canada while racking up accolades—like snagging medals at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival right out of the gate. They expanded their SoDo spot with a full gluten-free restaurant in 2016 (featuring veg/vegan options too), built a loyal following with flagships like Watchstander Stout (one of the first nitro GF stouts anywhere), and kept innovating with hops-forward IPAs and seasonal releases. By late 2025, they sealed a major milestone: acquiring a 26,000 sq ft former Pike Brewery facility for boosted production capacity, complete with plenty of that shiny stainless steel. Through it all, Ghostfish stays true to its mission—proving gluten-free craft beer can be bold, delicious, and inclusive—turning a personal need into a thriving scene that welcomes everyone to the tap.

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Route 7 Brewing Earns the Loudoun Beer Cup “Best in Show”

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey craft beer fans and Virginia locals—cheers to Loudoun County’s thriving scene! 🍻 Route 7 Brewing just snagged the ultimate bragging rights, taking home the Loudoun Beer Cup for Best in Show at the 2nd Annual Loudoun Beer Awards on February 4, 2026. Their star performer? Cross Czech, a crisp, malty Czech-Style Dark Lager clocking in at 5.2% ABV—smooth, roasty, and perfectly balanced, it edged out the competition in a blind final tasting of all gold medal winners. Organized by the Loudoun County Brewers Association (LCBA), this sold-out bash celebrated under the theme “Brewing A Revolution” in honor of Virginia’s VA250 commemoration, drawing nearly 100 entries from 16 local breweries. With 22 BJCP-certified judges handling the blind judging back on January 11 at Harvest Gap Brewing, it was a true showcase of Loudoun’s growing craft prowess—now boasting 44 licensed breweries strong!

Route 7 Brewing dominated the night with three gold medals plus the big trophy, while Lost Rhino Brewing matched them with three golds (and a silver), Bear Chase Brewing grabbed two golds plus extras, and 13 out of 16 breweries walked away with hardware. Standouts included Route 7’s hazy crush Lucky 7 (gold in Hazy IPA) and Boho Breeze (gold in Old World/International), Lost Rhino’s Cold Front IPA and Final Glide wheat winner, Bear Chase’s wild berry sour gold, and more across 10 categories from IPAs to hard alternatives. Beyond the blind pours, the LCBA handed out heartfelt Brewers Choice Awards for community MVPs—like Lark Brewing as Community Service Champion, Roger Knoell (Barnhouse Brewery) as Brewer of the Year for his longtime mentoring, Sophia Salcido (Eleven Eleven) as GM of the Year, and Bear Chase’s hyper-local “Meet Virginia” (brewed with 100% Virginia ingredients) nabbing Best of Loudoun Beer. Special shoutout to Old Ox Brewery’s emotional “Last Call” event as Event of the Year. The Loudoun County Brewers Association keeps building this vibrant community through education, collaboration, advocacy, and responsible fun—proving Northern Virginia’s craft beer game is on fire.

About Route 7 Brewing

Route 7 Brewing burst onto the Loudoun County craft beer scene as a fresh, ambitious addition when co-founders Basabi Virmani and Ambar Sharma opened its doors on September 13, 2024, in Ashburn, Virginia. Named after the iconic Route 7 highway stretching from Winchester to Alexandria, the brewery became the passion project of the duo, who first connected in Winchester through community fundraisers before channeling their shared love for great beer and food into this venture. Basabi, armed with a Professional Brewing Certificate from the University of Richmond, teamed up with Ambar to transform a renovated 4,800–5,000-square-foot space into a welcoming spot blending traditional craft brews with innovative cocktails and a unique tapas-style menu featuring fusion small plates. After years of planning, delays, and challenges, the grand opening marked a bright spot amid some local brewery closures, quickly establishing Route 7 as a community hub for hangouts, business meetings, and flavorful experiences in the heart of Ashburn.

In its short but meteoric rise, Route 7 Brewing has already made waves in Loudoun’s vibrant beer community—hitting its first anniversary in September 2025 with celebrations and earning massive acclaim by February 2026. The brewery dominated the 2nd Annual Loudoun Beer Awards, clinching three gold medals and the prestigious Loudoun Beer Cup Best in Show for Cross Czech, their smooth 5.2% ABV Czech-Style Dark Lager—proving their commitment to quality lagers and ales shines through. With head brewer Eric Peterson helping steer the tanks, Route 7 continues to pour crowd-pleasers like the hazy Lucky 7, Boho Breeze, and more, while building a loyal following through events, trivia nights, and that perfect mix of solid beers and creative eats. As one of Loudoun County’s newer players (now part of a county with 44 licensed breweries), Route 7 embodies the fresh energy and resilience of Northern Virginia’s craft scene—turning a highway name into a destination worth the drive.

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For Washington Breweries, February is a Rough Month for Sales

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey craft beer crew and Seattle-area sippers—listen up, because while everyone’s talking Dry January, Washington’s breweries are quietly battling Frigid February (and honestly, the whole chilly winter stretch) with sales taking a serious hit. According to the Brewers Association, nearly half of breweries see their slowest month smack in January or February, and if you toss in the holiday slowdowns of November and December, a whopping two-thirds are slogging through their toughest times before St. Patrick’s Day finally brings some green (and greenbacks) back. Daniel Olson, executive director of the Washington Brewers Guild, nails it: “January is Dry, February is Frigid”—taprooms and brewpubs are hurting big time, with customers not bouncing back like they used to pre-pandemic. Add inflation, supply chain headaches, staffing struggles, tariffs, and folks just drinking less overall, and Washington’s 400+ breweries are facing the roughest road in generations—record closures (nearly 30 taprooms, brewpubs, and breweries in recent years), national craft sales down 5% in 2025 (after 4% in 2024 and 1% in 2023), and WA beer faring even worse at -6.5% in 2024 and -3.7% in 2023.

But here’s the heart of it: these spots aren’t just businesses—they’re your local legends, the cozy corners where you toasted your 21st, had that epic first date that turned into forever, watched games with buddies, or just escaped the rain with a killer pint. Washington’s craft scene still pumps out massive good: supporting over 57,000 jobs, $3.7 billion in wages, $12.4 billion in economic activity, and more than $1.5 billion in taxes every year. The Washington Brewers Guild is all about keeping that thriving—advocating for smart policies, uniting brewers statewide, and reminding everyone that showing up this winter matters. Bundle up, rally your crew, hit your favorite taproom for trivia night, a flight of hazy IPAs, or a hearty stout by the fire—because if we don’t support these spots now, your go-to might not be pouring come summer. Let’s thaw this Frigid February together, one local pour at a time.

About Washington Brewers Guild

The Washington Brewers Guild was born in 1999 as a non-profit trade association dedicated to uniting, protecting, and championing Washington’s burgeoning craft beer scene during a time when the industry was still finding its footing post-Prohibition revival. As craft brewing exploded across the state—fueled by pioneers turning hops-rich Yakima Valley bounty into world-class IPAs and more—the Guild stepped up to give independent brewers a collective voice in Olympia and even Washington, D.C. From the start, it focused on legislative advocacy to shape smart beer laws, educate members on compliance and best practices, and foster community among brewers so no one had to navigate the regulatory maze alone. Over the years, the Guild has proudly built a track record of “getting things done,” helping grow the scene from a handful of trailblazers to over 400 breweries statewide while ensuring quality, choice, and fair play for beer lovers everywhere.

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Highland Brewing is Doing Has a Good Future and Good Vibes

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey beer fans and mountain lovers—grab a cold one and settle in, because Highland Brewing, Asheville’s OG craft beer trailblazer since 1994, just dropped a seriously inspiring update on crushing 2025 and charging into 2026 with their signature Thirst For Good vibe! After getting hammered by Hurricane Helene in late 2024 (which wrecked the area big time), Highland didn’t just bounce back—they came roaring in like champs. On-premise draft pours jumped a massive +25.4%, off-premise cans and bottles climbed +4.4%, all powered by legends like the iconic Gaelic Amber Ale (still the king of balanced ambers and #2 in its category across their four-state turf), the hazy crush of Highland Haze, the easy-sipping Daycation family (shoutout to that World Beer Cup gold for Daycation Gold), and top-sellers like AVL IPA ruling Western NC shelves. They even turned heartbreak into hope: releasing Highland Haze on draft to raise over $13K for hospitality workers hit hard, and dropping AVL Strong (an imperial take on AVL IPA) one year post-Helene to fund small business grants. Oh, and yeah—President Biden personally called to say thanks for turning their spot into a relief hub, hosting supply drops, nonprofits, and even a herd of lawn-mowing goats. Talk about going the extra mile!

Now, with founder Oscar Wong—the godfather of Asheville craft beer who sadly passed in May 2025—his legacy lives on stronger than ever through daughter Leah Wong Ashburn leading the charge as CEO. “Thirst For Good” is the new rallying cry: Good Flavor (pouring killer cores like Gaelic Ale, juicy IPAs in the Hop Journey variety pack that ranked #4 in the region, and expanding Highland Haze with grocery giveaways and big 19.2oz cans), Good Future (rocking one of the biggest solar arrays in craft beer, repurposed shipping containers, and sustainable everything from brew to can), and Good Feels (their epic 40-acre hilltop campus is leveling up in 2026 with Cultivate Climbing’s 45-foot walls for epic sends, Black Dome Mountain Sports for all your gear and climbing museum vibes, plus a fresh New Haven-style pizza spot slinging thin-crust pies, hearty sammies, and more to pair with your pint). Live music, disc golf, volleyball, weddings, events—it’s already a must-visit hang, and soon it’ll be the ultimate adventure-beer-food playground. Highland’s proving that great beer isn’t just about the brew—it’s about community, resilience, and keeping the good times flowing no matter what. Who’s road-tripping to Asheville for a climb, a slice, and a Gaelic? Let’s go!

About Highland Brewing:

What makes Highland a must-visit destination is their epic 40-acre hilltop campus in East Asheville, which has evolved from a production brewery into a full-on adventure hub with live music, disc golf, sand volleyball, hiking vibes, and space for weddings, events, and thousands of happy hangers-out. In 2026, it’s leveling up even more with big additions: Cultivate Climbing bringing 20,000 sq ft of rope walls up to 45 feet tall (plus bouldering, kids’ areas, and training zones), Black Dome Mountain Sports for gear, apparel, and that cool climbing museum feel, and a fresh in-house pizza spot slinging New Haven-ish thin-crust pies, hearty sandwiches, salads, and more to pair perfectly with a cold pour. Whether you’re crushing a Daycation IPA on the meadow, catching a show, or sending a route then refueling with Gaelic and pizza, Highland delivers that unbeatable mix of killer beer, good feels, and mountain magic—proving they’re not just brewing beer, they’re building community one epic day at a time.

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