In last week’s Q1 earnings call, Craft Brew Alliance (CBA) briefly mentioned a nationwide rollout of its new gluten-free offering, Omission Beer. Today’s press release from the company indicates that it will be available across CBA’s entire distribution footprint by mid-June.

Finally a beer company has creatively used a QR code. Guinness recently began distributing pint glasses that, when filled with Guinness (or any dark beer), reveals a special QR pattern. After scanning, the code reportedly can tweet your pint, update your facebook status, check you in on foursquare and download special coupons and promotions.

KAILUA-KONA, HI - This past March, craft beer drinkers were treated to something extra special at the 17th annual Kona Brewers Festival. The cast of Travel Channel hit Sand Masters, a reality show about a select group of sand sculptors who travel the globe to create masterpieces for clients on film, were so inspired by sights on Hawaii’s Big Island that they built a 50-ton sand sculpture to reveal at the festival.

RICHMOND - Governor McDonnell today signed two pieces of legislation to support Virginia craft brewers at the Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. House Bill 359 (McClellan) allows manufacturers to lease space in their brewhouses to smaller-scale brewers and Senate Bill 604 (McWaters) allows retail sales of beer and sampling on the premises of Virginia breweries.

Harris Interactive, a market and research firm headquartered in New York recently released the results of its annual poll, which examines the health of over 1,500 brands and analyzes responses from over 38,000 consumers across multiple consumer goods categories. 

With only 25 seats remaining, Brewbound Craft Beer Session is almost sold out!  If you are interested in attending Brewbound Session, our conference on the business of craft beer, on June 5 in NYC, register now.  Our program, which features executives from leading craft brewers, distributors, and more (full program).  Come join us for a day of learning and networking that are sure to help you grow your business.  Click the link below to find out more.

Brad Hittle, a former Pabst CMO and founder of Two Roads Brewing, believes a “looming shakeout” of the craft beer category could lead to more business for his start up contract brewing facility. “As the industry evolves and as the looming shakeout occurs, capacity will be released,” he said. “Smaller brewers will suffer. I don’t think any of that released capacity is going to be efficient enough for a contract brewing model.”

These days, nearly every regional brewer is announcing major expansion plans. We’ve seen announcements from Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, Victory Brewing, Lagunitas and most recently Oskar Blues. So what does the founder of a 23-year old brand think about it all?

It’s not just craft brewers who are expanding. Vermont Hard Cider Company, maker of Woodhcuck Hard Cider, is getting ready to break ground on a reported $22 million build-out which will double its current capacity to 600,000 barrels.

HOOD RIVER, OR – To celebrate American Craft Beer Week (May 14-20th),  Full Sail Brewing will release a new beer in their Brewer’s Share Experimental line up: “Allman’s All Mild” crafted by Lead Lab Technician Joshua Allman. Inspired by traditional English mild style beers he found in London pubs in his early 20s, Joshua wanted to honor his English heritage and those fond memories by brewing his own mild style ale.

LAWRENCE, KS – American Craft Beer Week celebrates the independent spirit, craftsmanship, and community fostered by the American craft brewer. In that spirit the brewers of Free State Beer, Blind Tiger, and 23rd Street offer up the Full Kimono, an Imperial Red Ale released this Friday, May 11th.

From the now ubiquitous Samuel Adams commercials urging viewers to “Take Pride in Your Beer,” to appearances by Dogfish Head Beer founder Sam Calagione on both “The Today Show” and “The Martha Stewart Show,” craft beer has slowly made its way into American households, and is undeniably one of the fastest growing categories within the beverage industry.