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In a groundbreaking collaboration, Seattle’s Ghostfish Brewing and Melbourne’s TWØBAYS Brewing Co. have joined forces to create Pacific Ale, the first global partnership between two dedicated gluten-free breweries. This Australian-style pale ale delivers a burst of tropical fruit and citrus aromas with low bitterness, making it a refreshing, easy-drinking choice for beer enthusiasts.

The partnership traces back to 2017 when TWØBAYS founder Richard Jeffares visited Ghostfish’s Seattle taproom, sparking a shared vision. “Watching TWØBAYS win back-to-back World Beer Cup Gold Medals inspired us,” said Ghostfish Co-Founder Brian Thiel. “When Richard proposed a collaboration, it was an instant yes.” Jeffares added, “Pacific Ale is a beloved Aussie style, and with Ghostfish, we’ve crafted a beer that brings our sunny vibes to the U.S., especially at Old Mates Pub in New York.”

Pacific Ale reimagines the American Summer Ale with Australian Galaxy hops, blended with New Zealand Nelson Sauvin and Citra Cryo hops from the Pacific Northwest. At 4.0% ABV, this gluten-free brew bursts with pineapple, citrus, and passionfruit flavors, balanced by a crisp malt backbone. Brewed with premium gluten-free malts, it’s a perfect companion for laid-back moments.

Available on draft and in 4-pack 12oz cans at Ghostfish’s Seattle taproom and Old Mates Pub in New York, Pacific Ale sports a vibrant can design nodding to both breweries’ coastal roots. Plans for wider distribution are in the works, promising to bring this unique gluten-free beer to more fans.

Ghostfish Brewing, a pioneer in gluten-free craft beer since 2015, and TWØBAYS, Australia’s leading gluten-free brewery, have crafted a beer that celebrates innovation and flavor without boundaries. Sip the spirit of the Pacific, from Seattle to Melbourne, in every can.

About Ghostfish Brewing
Ghostfish Brewing, a trailblazer in the gluten-free craft beer scene, was co-founded in 2015 by Brian Thiel, Randy Schroeder, and Jason Stromberg in Seattle, Washington. The trio, driven by a passion for innovative brewing and a personal connection to gluten-free diets, saw an untapped opportunity to create exceptional beers for those with gluten sensitivities. Brian Thiel, a key figure in the brewery’s vision, leveraged his brewing expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to establish Ghostfish as a dedicated gluten-free facility, ensuring no cross-contamination while crafting beers that rival traditional brews. Their commitment to quality and inclusivity quickly earned them a loyal following and accolades, including multiple medals at the Great American Beer Festival.

The journey began when Thiel and his partners recognized the lack of flavorful gluten-free beer options in the craft beer boom. Inspired by their own dietary needs and a desire to push brewing boundaries, they experimented with alternative grains like millet, buckwheat, and quinoa, which became the backbone of Ghostfish’s distinctive beers. Starting with a small taproom in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood, they transformed a former industrial space into a vibrant hub for beer lovers. Their dedication to community and innovation shone through in early successes like the Vanishing Point Pale Ale, setting the stage for global collaborations, such as the Pacific Ale with Australia’s TWØBAYS Brewing. Today, Ghostfish remains a family-oriented brewery, with Thiel’s leadership driving its mission to redefine gluten-free craft beer worldwide.

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CINCINNATI, Ohio – Nestled in Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, the Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom stands as a testament to the city’s rich brewing heritage and the vision of Jim Koch, the founder of Samuel Adams. Opened in November 2018, this 9,000-square-foot taproom, located across from the Samuel Adams Cincinnati Brewery, offers beer enthusiasts a vibrant space to enjoy innovative brews, classic favorites, and exclusive taproom creations. With a nod to Cincinnati’s past and a focus on craft beer’s future, the taproom is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Here’s a deep dive into its story, its connection to Jim Koch, and the expertise of brewer Chris Spellman.

Jim Koch: The Cincinnati Native Who Sparked a Revolution
Jim Koch, the founder of Samuel Adams and the Boston Beer Company, is a Cincinnati native whose family roots in brewing run deep. Born into a lineage of brewmasters, Koch is the sixth consecutive first son in his family to pursue brewing, a tradition that stretches back to his great-great-grandfather, Louis Koch. His father, Charles Koch, apprenticed at the Hudepohl-Schoenling Brewery in Cincinnati in the 1940s, the very site that would later become the Samuel Adams Cincinnati Brewery.

In the early 1980s, Koch stumbled upon a family heirloom that would change the course of American beer: his great-great-grandfather’s recipe for Louis Koch Lager, found in a trunk in his parents’ Mount Lookout attic. Defying his father’s advice to avoid the struggling beer industry, Koch brewed this recipe in his Boston kitchen in 1984, creating Samuel Adams Boston Lager. This beer, named after the revolutionary Founding Father and brewer, ignited the American craft beer movement. By 1985, it was crowned “The Best Beer in America” at the Great American Beer Festival, a title it held for three consecutive years.

Koch’s connection to Cincinnati remained strong. In 1997, he purchased the Hudepohl-Schoenling Brewery on Central Parkway, partly to honor his hometown and partly to preserve one of America’s last small-batch breweries. Today, this facility is one of Samuel Adams’ main production breweries, producing over 70,000 brews across 250 unique styles and 25 brand families. The 2018 opening of the Cincinnati Taproom was a homecoming for Koch, who described it as the brewery’s “front porch,” a place to share his passion for beer with the community.

Koch’s influence extends beyond brewing. Through the Brewing the American Dream program, launched in 2008, he has supported local food and beverage entrepreneurs with loans, mentorship, and resources, including nearly $150,000 to 14 Ohio businesses. His commitment to Cincinnati’s brewing heritage is evident in the taproom’s support for local organizations like the Brewery Heritage Trail and ArtWorks, preserving the city’s beer-soaked history.

Chris Spellman: Crafting Exclusive Brews with Barrel-Aged Expertise
At the heart of the Cincinnati Taproom’s innovative beer offerings is brewer Chris Spellman, whose expertise in barrel aging has elevated the taproom’s exclusive brews. Spellman, who previously worked at Mt. Carmel and 50 West, brings a wealth of experience to Samuel Adams. His passion for barrel-aged beers is showcased in the Taproom Brewhouse and Barrel Room Tour and Tasting, a guided experience that highlights the brewery’s pioneering work in barrel aging, which began in the 1990s.

Spellman’s creations are a highlight of the taproom’s rotating draft list, which features experimental and limited-release beers alongside staples like Boston Lager and Octoberfest. One notable taproom-exclusive brew is Queen City Crown, a 5.5% ABV cream ale brewed with local honey and aged on fresh peach puree, released in 2022 to celebrate the brewery’s 25th anniversary in Cincinnati. This collaboration with Everything Cincy reflects Spellman’s ability to blend local ingredients and flavors into approachable yet distinctive beers.

Spellman’s tours offer a glimpse into the artistry of barrel aging, a process Samuel Adams pioneered with beers like Utopias, a high-ABV (28%) beer marketed as one of the strongest commercial beers in the world. His storytelling during the tours weaves together the history of barrel aging, the inspiration behind taproom brews, and technical insights from his career, making each sip a lesson in craft.

The Taproom Experience: Beer, Food, and Cincinnati Charm
The Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom is designed for immersion. Its U-shaped bar, adorned with glass bottle pieces and bottle caps, anchors a cozy interior with couches, swings, and a mix of low- and high-top tables. Outside, a spacious patio offers one of the best indoor/outdoor taproom experiences in Cincinnati, perfect for warm evenings. With a capacity of 350, the taproom buzzes with locals and visitors enjoying pints ($6), flights ($9), and growlers ($15, prices may vary by style).

The beer menu is a blend of tradition and innovation. Alongside flagships like Boston Lager—often called “Cincinnati Lager” due to its local roots—guests can try taproom exclusives like 513, a Cincinnati-specific brew, or seasonal offerings like Winter Lager and Old Fezziwig Ale. Spellman’s experimental brews, such as New England IPAs or barrel-aged stouts, keep the draft list dynamic, with 12 of the 20 tap lines dedicated to beers brewed on-site.

Food complements the beer with a menu of bar staples: pizzas, wings, brats, and snacks designed to pair with the taproom’s bold flavors. For a deeper dive, the taproom offers four distinct brewery tours, including the immersive Production Brewery Tour and the Utopias Tasting, which showcase the brewery’s inner workings and rare offerings.

A Toast to Cincinnati’s Brewing Future
The Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom is more than a place to grab a pint—it’s a celebration of Cincinnati’s brewing legacy and its vibrant craft beer renaissance. Jim Koch’s vision, rooted in his family’s history and his hometown pride, has transformed the Hudepohl-Schoenling Brewery into a cornerstone of American craft beer. Chris Spellman’s innovative brews add a modern twist, ensuring the taproom remains a hub of creativity.

Whether you’re sipping a Queen City Crown on the patio, exploring the barrel room with Spellman, or toasting to Koch’s revolutionary spirit, the Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom offers a taste of the past and a glimpse of the future. Visit at 1727 Logan St, Cincinnati, OH, and check @SamAdamsCincy on Instagram for events and updates. Cheers to the Queen City’s craft beer legacy!

About Samuel Adams
Samuel Adams is a leading independent, American craft brewer that helped to launch the craft beer revolution. The brewery began in 1984 when Founder and Brewer Jim Koch used a generations-old family recipe to brew beer in his kitchen. Inspired and unafraid to challenge conventional thinking about beer, Jim brought the recipe to life with hopes drinkers would appreciate the complex, full-flavor and started sampling the beer in Boston. He named the flagship brew Samuel Adams Boston Lager in recognition of one of our nation’s founding fathers, a revolutionary man of independent and pioneering spirit. Today, Samuel Adams is one of world’s most awarded breweries and remains focused on crafting the highest quality beers through innovation and experimentation in the relentless pursuit of better. Samuel Adams remains dedicated to elevating and growing the American craft beer industry overall, including providing education and support for entrepreneurs and fellow brewers through its philanthropic program, Brewing the American Dream, which helps others pursue their American Dream.  For more information, please visit www.samueladams.com

Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: https://beerinfo.com/top-10-beer-festivals/

Chicago’s Burning Bush Brewery is tapping into something divine with their latest creation, Da Pope, an American mild ale that’s making waves in the Windy City. Released on May 23, 2025, this beer is a spirited nod to Pope Leo XIV, the first Chicago-born pontiff, and it’s got locals buzzing with excitement. Brewed to celebrate the Bronzeville native’s historic rise to the papacy, Da Pope is a low-ABV ale that’s as approachable as a Sunday sermon but with a whole lot more flavor. Here’s why this beer is the talk of the town—and why you’ll want to grab a pint before it’s gone!

A Brew with Chicago Soul
Located at 4014 N. Rockwell St. in the heart of North Center, Burning Bush Brewery is no stranger to crafting beers that tell a story. Founded by former Presbyterian pastor Brent Raska, the brewery’s name draws inspiration from the biblical tale of Moses and the burning bush—a fitting metaphor for a place that’s all about sparking community and conversation. With Da Pope, Raska and his team have poured their passion into a beer that honors Chicago’s pride in Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, who grew up in the south suburbs and still holds a soft spot for local pizza joints.

“When he got elected, our customers were like, ‘You gotta do something!’” Raska shared with a grin. “An American mild ale felt right—humble, approachable, but with enough character to stand out.” And stand out it does. Da Pope pours a dark, inviting amber, but don’t let the color fool you—this ale is light-bodied and easy-drinking, perfect for sipping through Memorial Day weekend or pairing with a classic Chicago handshake (more on that later!).

A Flavor That’s a Blessing
Da Pope is a masterclass in balance. Its malty backbone delivers rich notes of caramel and toasted nuts, with a whisper of fruitiness that keeps things lively. Despite its dark hue, the beer is surprisingly light on the palate, making it a crowd-pleaser for craft beer newbies and seasoned sippers alike. “It’s the kind of beer you can enjoy all day,” Raska says, “whether you’re toasting to the pope or just chilling by the Chicago River.”

And for those feeling extra bold, Burning Bush is offering the Chicago Pope Handshake—a $8 combo that pairs a pint of Da Pope with a shot of Malört, Chicago’s infamously bitter spirit. “It’s a tribute to the city’s grit and the pope’s roots,” Raska laughs. “Plus, we’re pretty sure Pope Leo would approve of the pairing!” Whether you’re sipping solo or clinking glasses with friends, this beer is designed to bring people together, just like the brewery’s mission.

More Than Just a Beer
The release of Da Pope isn’t just a clever marketing move—it’s a celebration of Chicago’s deep ties to its hometown hero. Since Pope Leo XIV’s election earlier this month, the city has been abuzz with pride. From Portillo’s rolling out “The Leo” Italian beef sandwich to T-shirt vendors hawking pope-themed gear, Chicagoans are embracing their papal connection with open arms. Burning Bush is right in the thick of it, and Da Pope is their way of joining the party.

Raska, who traded his pastor’s collar for a brewer’s apron in 2020, knows a thing or two about building community. His brewery has become a North Center staple, hosting trivia nights, live music, and fundraisers for local nonprofits. The Da Pope release is no exception, with the brewery’s riverside patio and newly opened River Room event space ready to welcome crowds for the launch. “We’re not sure if it’ll be a one-off or a regular,” Raska says. “If it’s a hit, who knows? Maybe we’ll bring it back when the pope visits Chicago!”

Get Your Pint Before It’s a Miracle
Da Pope is on tap now at Burning Bush Brewery, but like a good homily, it won’t last forever. Available through Memorial Day or until supplies run out, this ale is a must-try for anyone looking to toast Chicago’s history-making moment. Swing by the taproom, soak in the industrial-chic vibes, and raise a glass to Pope Leo XIV—and maybe say a quick prayer for courage before that Malört shot.

For more details, check out Burning Bush Brewery’s website at burningbushbrewery.com or follow them on Instagram @burningbushbrewery. And if you’re wondering what else is brewing in Chicago, keep an eye on Block Club Chicago for the latest local scoops. Cheers to faith, flavor, and the city we call home.

 

 

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