Craft beer industry news.
Spring is a time for new beginnings… and a new chapter at Cape May Brewing Company. Starting the first week of March, Jimmy Valm – formerly of Brooklyn Brewery — will take over as CMBC’s Director of Brewing Operations, responsible for overseeing fermentation, maturation and packaging.
Hydro Flask, the award-winning leader in high-performance, insulated stainless steel flasks, is excited to introduce 11 new refreshingly bold colors across its hydration, coffee, beer and food collections. The new hues include Cobalt, Lava, Graphite, Forest, Plum, Pacific, Mango, Kiwi, Tangelo, Citron and Mint. The new colors complement old favorites like Black, White and Classic Stainless.
Hoping to capitalize on a slew of successful fruit-forward IPA introductions, Boston Beer Company this week began nationwide distribution of Samuel Adams Rebel Grapefruit IPA. Brewed with real grapefruit and grapefruit peel, the latest Rebel line extension has a “tart, sharp character,” according to the company. In an effort to “round out bitterness from the peel” and add “sweet juiciness,” Boston Beer also adds grapefruit juice before filtering the beer.
Like so many other small U.S. producers, Seattle’s Fremont Brewing is at a crossroads. On the verge of opening a second brewing facility that will eventually enable the company to produce upwards of 250,000 barrels, and flush with interest from distributors around the U.S., brewery founder Matt Lincecum has two options: step on the gas pedal and expand distribution nationwide, or grow in a more controlled fashion, methodically building out distribution into contiguous markets.
Two Roads Brewing Company of Stratford, CT announced today that the brand will be rolling into the state of New Hampshire and they are pleased to be teaming up with Bayside Distributors and Amoskeag Beverages. The launch will begin the week of February 15th with a series of kick-off events throughout the state. New Hampshire is now the ninth state to distribute the Two Roads brand.
Known for its lineup of well-balanced craft beers, Ninkasi Brewing Company announces its Rare & Delicious Series available for the first time in 22-ounce bottles with various releases throughout the year. Previously released on draft only, these small-batch beers offer craft beer drinkers a unique variety of styles while giving Ninkasi brewers a forum to explore and experiment. The first release, Velocihoptor Double IPA, will debut mid-February, followed by Tart & Soul, a Blackberry Sour, available in March.
In the wake of the recent departure of Barrel Program Head Adrienne Ballou from Jester King, we’re pleased to announce that we’ve made some in-house promotions. We’re excited to announce that Averie Swanson has been promoted to Brewery Production Manager! In that role, she will orchestrate beer making at Jester King so as to make our creative vision a reality.
Just in time for NYC Beer Week 2016 and Saratoga Beer Week 2016, Shmaltz Brewing Company releases a new limited edition seasonal exclusively in New York State, Brewers Wanted Pale Ale — Work For Beer® (5.5% ABV). With the number of U.S. breweries growing to more than 4,000 in 2015 — for the first time since the 1870s — and New York State producing 238 breweries of its own, the demand for skilled brewers is at a record high. Shmaltz helps raise awareness of New York’s need for passionate men and women to learn the craft of brewing with a portion of proceeds from Brewers Wanted Pale Ale® directly supporting their new brewer training program.
Ecliptic Brewing welcomes Spring with the release of Zenith Grapefruit Gose and Deimos Imperial Red Ale. These beers are part of Ecliptic’s Seasonal and Special Release Series respectively. Zenith Grapefruit Gose and Deimos Imperial Red Ale will be available in March. “With loads of dry hops, Deimos is a deliciously hoppy imperial red ale and Zenith is crisp, tart, and refreshing,” said owner and head brewmaster John Harris. “We are excited for these new beers to be released.”
On February 2, 2016, Night Shift Brewing celebrated the four-year anniversary of their first commercially brewed batch of beer. Their anniversary present to themselves? Two 45 bbl oak foeders that will be used to significantly enhance Night Shift’s sour and wild beer program.
The Delaware Brewers Guild announced today that they hired Erik Raser-Schramm as executive director. “Erik brings a depth of experience in and out of Dover,” said John Klein, President of the Guild. “We feel this is a tremendous step for the Guild, having more influence for our needs in Dover and to promote our industry within the State.”
After a year long hiatus, La Bestia has made it back into Ranger Creek’s beer lineup and onto retail shelves. The former year-round beer has been resurrected as a seasonal that will be available through April. The beer was a fan favorite that was put into hibernation due to lackluster sales and has been brought back due to popular demand.
Amidst speculation that his company was about to be scooped up by Anheuser-Busch InBev, Cigar City founder Joey Redner responded to questions regarding the future of a company he launched just seven years ago. That speculation, fueled by a blog posting that cited three unnamed sources as providing what it called ‘a credible rumor,’ was only so much noise and speculation, noted Redner, who said “there’s nothing to announce.”
One of the largest craft breweries in Texas is expanding to the Sooner state. Starting March 1, Rahr & Sons Brewing Co.’s craft beers will be available on store shelves and on tap at many restaurants and bars in Oklahoma.
