News

Brewery Bobbleheads and National Bobblehead Day – January 7th.

January 7, 2025 by Dow Scoggins

Every January 7, beer lovers and collectors alike get to double down on fun because it’s National Bobblehead Day! This quirky holiday, established in 2015 by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee (aka Brew City), celebrates those wobbly-headed figurines that bring endless nods of approval to desks, dashboards, and man caves everywhere. From sports stars to celebrities, bobbleheads have been bobbing along since the 1960s boom, but they’ve got roots going back centuries. And what’s better than a bobblehead? One that’s beer-themed, of course—perfect for toasting the day with your favorite brew!

Imagine your shelf lined with nodding icons like the Lone Star Beer armadillo chugging a cold one, Mr. Boh from Natty Boh hoisting a can, or classic beer barons like Pabst and Schlitz giving eternal approval to your pint. These limited-edition gems from the Bobblehead Hall often drop around beer holidays, making National Bobblehead Day the ideal excuse to hunt for that perfect brew-inspired nodder.

Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just love a good lager, grab your favorite beer, dust off your collection (or start one!), and share your bobblehead pics with #NationalBobbleheadDay. Here’s to heads that bob in agreement—especially when the answer is “another round?” Prost!

2023 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer Winners Announced

January 6, 2025 by Spencer Mapes

CHICAGO, Illinois: The 2023 Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer (FOBAB) turned Chicago’s Credit Union 1 Arena into a hoppy haven on November 10-11, where over 150 breweries unleashed more than 200 barrel-aged masterpieces on thirsty enthusiasts. Picture this: the air thick with notes of bourbon, vanilla, and toasted oak as attendees swirled, sniffed, and sipped their way through rarities like Goose Island’s Bourbon County Brand Stout variants and Revolution Brewing’s Deep Wood Series bombs. It wasn’t just a tasting—it was a boozy treasure hunt, with lines snaking around for limited pours of coffee-infused porters and wine-barrel sours that could make even a teetotaler reconsider their life choices.

FOBAB 2023 crowned champions in a blaze of glory, with Side Project Brewing snagging Best of Show for their silky-smooth Jammy, a fruit-forward barrel-aged beauty that had judges weak in the knees. Local heroes like Half Acre and Maplewood brought the Chicago pride, while out-of-towners from California to Belgium added global flair. Between sessions, folks geeked out over aging techniques, swapped trading cards for rare bottles, and left with bellies full of liquid art—and maybe a slight wobble. If you’re plotting your 2024 beer bucket list, Google “FOBAB Chicago tickets” now; this fest proves the Windy City knows how to age gracefully, one barrel at a time!

2023 FOBAB Medal Winners

Cider/Perry/Mead
Gold: Final Act – Garagiste Meadery
Silver: Rye Barrel Aged Marion – Superstition Meadery
Bronze: Wealthy Financier – Listermann Fermatorium

Wild Beer Mixed Culture/Acidic W/Fruit
Gold: Peach Horizon – 10 Barrel West Side
Silver: Routes Du Cidre – Idyll Forest Artisan Ales
Bronze: Soiree – Idyll Forest Artisan Ales

Wild Beer Mixed Culture/Acidic
Gold: Oblivion – Wicked Weed Brewing
Silver: Cuvee De Josh – Pretentious Barrel House
Bronze: Polyflora – Brewery Bhavana

Wild Brett Beer
Gold: Oaked Val D’Or – Hidden Hand Brewery
Silver: Palace of Gold – Full Mile Beer Co. & Kitchen
Bronze: Oak Rado – Penrose Brewing Company

Specialty & Experimental Beer
Gold: Mezcal Barrel Aged Beer For Tacos – Off Color Brewing – Production
Silver: Astral Predator – Cerebral Brewing – Congress Park
Bronze: All That Was Promised – Magnanimous Brewing

Fruit Beer
Gold: Icky Bob Thornton – Haymarket Pub and Brewery
Silver: Tako Michu – 10 Barrel West Side
Bronze: Polynesian Passion – Sun King Brewery-Fishers

Other Dark Beer
Gold: Bravissimo – Firestone Walker Propagator
Silver: Orin – Half Acre
Bronze Skateboard Jesus – 10 Barrel East Side

Lagers
Gold: Dark Crator – Boulevard Brewing Company
Silver: Brewers’ Reserve Bourbon Barrel-Aged Honey Bock – Lakefront Brewery
Bronze: Barrel-Aged Generator Doppelbock – Metropolitan Brewing

Other Pale Beer
Gold: Tripel G – Belgian Style Tripel – Sketchbook Brewing Co. Skokie
Silver: Boost – HighGrain Brewing Company
Bronze: Muon – Loose Ends Brewing

Barley Wine/Wheat Wine
Gold: Moments of Silent Banter – Taproom Beer Co.
Silver: Owl of Athena – Solemn Oath Brewery
Bronze: Two Faced Terror – False Idol Brewing

Specialty Strong Porter & Stout
Gold: BBA Ego Death W Vanilla – Resident Culture Brewing
Silver: Veneration of the Dead – Ever Grain Brewing
Bronze: BA Cuppa Stuffff – Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

Strong Porter & Stout
Gold: Mehndi 2023 – More Brewing Company
Silver: Slappa Da Base – Mikerphone Brewing
Bronze: Double BA Temple of Minerva – Jackie O’s Brewery

Best of Show
Runner Up: Mehndi 2023 – More Brewing Company
Winner: Oaked Val D’Or – Hidden Hand Brewery

For more information on the 2023 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer, Click Here.

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Athletic Brewing Reimagines the New Year Reset with ‘Athletic January’ Campaign

December 30, 2024 by Spencer Mapes

MILFORD, CT and SAN DIEGO, CA — Athletic Brewing Company, America’s largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer, is reimagining the January reset with the launch of its latest campaign, “Athletic January.”

Drawing inspiration from Athletic’s trailblazing co-founder and COO, John Walker, who revolutionized non-alcoholic brewing by developing a new method for making NA brews, Athletic’s January campaign invites consumers to rethink their routines while experiencing the bold taste of Athletic’s award-winning brews. By harnessing the power of reimagination, consumers can shift their focus to what they reap rather than what they relinquish, inspiring a more enjoyable and fulfilling start to the new year.

“At Athletic, we believe a reset doesn’t have to mean giving up flavor or fun,” said Andrew Katz, Chief Marketing Officer of Athletic. “January has historically been marked by what you’re giving up instead of what you’re gaining. In the spirit of always innovating, we’re kicking off 2025 by inspiring drinkers to reimagine what’s possible, cherish moments of mindfulness and embrace moderation all year long.”

Athletic January: There’s Nothing Dry About It

To jumpstart Athletic January, the company will conduct a widespread sampling initiative, sharing its brews at hundreds of activations, retail samplings, and community events across North America and the UK. From January 10–17, Ask For Athletic Week takes center stage, making it easier than ever to enjoy a great-tasting brew. Customers who are 21+ can get a $5 rebate on one 12 oz. can or draft pour of Athletic at retailers across the U.S.*

Athletic is also enhancing its custom moderation tool, “Track Record,” which allows users to set personalized goals and chart their progress over time. Users can now choose how many dry days they want each month and monitor their momentum in real time.

Market Insights & Media Investment

According to global market research, 64% of consumers claim to be moderating their alcohol consumption1. Meanwhile, recent polling in the U.S. indicated that 26% of Americans plan to drink less in 2025, and 36% of U.S. drinkers plan to reduce or eliminate alcohol in January2.

To support the Athletic January campaign and continue driving brand awareness, Athletic is embarking on a multi-million dollar strategic media plan that includes the debut of new commercials across high-impact television, as well as out-of-home placements in key markets, streaming audio and podcast advertisements, digital media, and influencer endorsements.

Brewing Excellence & Category Leadership

Launched commercially in 2018, Athletic re-engineered nearly every step of the brewing process and developed a proprietary brewing method to make NA brews that rival full-strength alcohol counterparts.

“Unlike traditional methods that adjust a single part of the process, our approach includes 10–12 changes across all brewing stages,” Walker said. “The result is a finished product with a distinct flavor profile from other NA brews made using a handful of traditional techniques. Our innovative processes, some of which are patent-pending, showcase craftsmanship that is extremely rare and incredibly unique in the NA beer industry.”

An industry pioneer, Athletic has grown from one of the smallest breweries in America, producing just 875 barrels in 2018, to a top 20 U.S. brewery that sold over 258,000 barrels in 20233. With off-premise dollar sales growing by more than 50% year-to-date, Athletic currently holds over 19% market share within the non-alcoholic beer category4. The company now boasts three of the top 10 best-selling NA beers in the country in flagships Run Wild IPA, Upside Dawn Golden, and Free Wave Hazy IPA5.

“By transforming the quality and marketing of NA brews, we’ve made moderation more accessible and unlocked new occasions for the brewing industry,” said Athletic Co-Founder & CEO Bill Shufelt. “From the very beginning, our mission has been to redefine what’s possible and be the best part of our customers’ days. January is the perfect time to show new consumers why Athletic is the most decorated NA brewer and demonstrate how moderation can complement their lives all year long.”

About Athletic Brewing Company

Athletic Brewing Company is America’s largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer. Athletic is revolutionizing how modern adults drink by crafting game-changing NA brews that can be consumed anytime and anywhere. Launched in 2018, Athletic is now the number one non-alcoholic beer brand in America6 and a top 20 U.S. brewing company7. Its award-winning brews are available nationwide at over 50,000 retailers and 25,000 on-premise venues. Athletic operates custom breweries in Connecticut and California and donates up to $2 million annually to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces across the globe via its Two For The Trails program. Athletic is proudly a Certified B Corporation™.

Follow Athletic Brewing on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all things Athletic.

1 IWSR Analysis of top 10 low/no-alcohol markets

2 Coefficient Capital, The New Consumer: Consumer Trends 2025

3 Athletic Brewing Company Internal Records

4, 5, 6 NielsenIQ, Total US xAOC + Liquor Open State + Conv, CYTD Wks ending 11/30/24.

7 Brewers Association Top 50 U.S. Brewing Companies

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Top 10 Imperial Red Ales Brewed in the United States

December 26, 2024 by Dow Scoggins

Top 10 Imperial Red Ales

This Top Ten Imperial Red list is from the results of the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup. Imperial Red Ales are deep amber to dark copper/reddish brown. May exhibit a small amount of chill haze at cold temperatures. Fruity-ester aroma is medium. Hop aroma is intense, arising from any variety of hops. Medium to high caramel malt character is present. Hop flavor is intense, but balanced with other beer characters. May use any variety of hops. Hop bitterness is intense. Alcohol content is very high and of notable character. Complex alcohol flavors may be evident. Body is full. ABV: 8.0%-10.6%. IBU: 55-85

1. Paradocs Red IIPA – Raised Grain Brewing Co. – Wisconsin
2. Knuckle Sandwich – Bootlegger’s Brewery – California
3. Screaming Hand Imperial Amber – Strike Brewing – California
4. Wreak Havoc – Bootstrap Brewing – Colorado
5. reDANKulous – Backstage Series – Founders Brewing – Michigan
6. Nugget Nectar – Tröegs Brewing Company – Pennsylvania
7. Hop Head Red Ale – Green Flash Brewing – California
8. Lucky 13 Mondo Large Red Ale – Lagunitas Brewing – California
9. Hog Heaven: Imperial Red IPA – Avery Brewing – Colorado
10. G’Knight Imperial Red Ale – Oskar Blues Brewery – Colorado

History of Imperial Red Ales

The Imperial Red Ale, a bold and hoppy beer style, emerged in the late 20th century as part of the American craft beer revolution. Its roots trace back to the West Coast, where brewers began experimenting with traditional amber and red ales, amplifying their malt sweetness, hop bitterness, and alcohol content to create a more robust version. Inspired by the assertive flavors of Imperial IPAs, the Imperial Red Ale combined the caramel and toffee notes of red ales with intense hop profiles, often featuring citrus, pine, or resinous characteristics from American hop varieties like Cascade or Centennial. By the 1990s, breweries like Rogue Ales and Lagunitas were producing early examples, such as Rogue’s Red Fox and Lagunitas’ Imperial Red, which helped define the style’s signature balance of rich malt depth and aggressive hoppiness, appealing to a growing audience of craft beer enthusiasts seeking bigger, bolder flavors.

As the craft beer movement expanded in the 2000s, Imperial Red Ales gained wider popularity, with breweries across the United States putting their own spin on the style. The beer’s deep ruby hue, derived from specialty malts like crystal or Munich, became a hallmark, while its alcohol content, typically ranging from 7.5% to 10% ABV, positioned it as a sipping beer for bold palates. Regional variations emerged, with some brewers leaning into sweeter, malt-forward profiles and others emphasizing hop-driven bitterness or experimenting with barrel aging to add complexity. The style’s versatility made it a favorite at beer festivals and taprooms, though its intensity meant it remained a niche compared to lighter, more accessible beers. Today, Imperial Red Ales continue to thrive in the craft beer scene, celebrated for their vibrant color, layered flavors, and ability to bridge the gap between malt lovers and hop heads.

Top 10 Beers in America – Ales Lagers Specialty Barrel Aged

Brewers Association Announces 2025 Board of Directors Appointments

December 20, 2024 by Spencer Mapes

BOULDER, Colorado — The Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers—is pleased to announce the two at-large board members appointed to the 2025 Brewers Association Board of Directors.

Shawna Cormier, Seattle Beer School (WA) – appointed to a one-year term
Colby Cox, Pure Madness Brewery Group (WY) – appointed to a two-year term

The board gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 12 for the last of its quarterly meetings of the year. The appointed board members will join the three recently elected board members when the board begins its new term in February.

Tomme Arthur (taproom class), The Lost Abbey (CA)
Bill Butcher (packaging class), Port City Brewing, Co. (VA)
Leah Cheston (brewpub class), Right Proper Brewing Company (DC)

Board of Directors officers and committee chairs will be announced at the board meeting on February 12-13, 2025.

About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization based in Boulder, Colorado, representing more than 5,600 small and independent American craft breweries, along with brewers-in-planning, suppliers, distributors, and retailers. Founded in 2005 through the merger of the Association of Brewers and the Brewers’ Association of America (which dates back to 1942), the BA’s core mission is to promote and protect small and independent craft brewers through advocacy, education, research, and events. It defines an “American craft brewer” using three criteria: small (annual production ≤6 million barrels), independent (less than 25% owned by a non-craft beverage alcohol company), and traditional (brewing primarily all-malt beers or using innovative ingredients for flavor). In 2025, the BA continues to track industry data, lobby for favorable tax and regulatory policies, and support diversity and sustainability initiatives across the craft beer sector.

The BA is best known for hosting the Great American Beer Festival® (GABF)—the country’s largest ticketed beer festival and premier professional judging competition—and Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America®, the industry’s biggest annual trade show and educational event. It also organizes SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience and publishes detailed annual reports on production, economic impact, and growth trends. Resources include the free Brewery Operations Benchmarking Tool, sustainability guides, diversity grants through the Take Action program, and the popular Seal of Independent Craft that helps consumers identify truly independent breweries. Membership benefits range from technical brewing support and marketing toolkits to federal and state-level advocacy that saved the industry billions in excise taxes since the 2017 Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act. Whether you’re a homebrewer, professional brewer, or craft beer fan, the Brewers Association remains the central voice and resource hub for America’s independent craft beer community.

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