News

Craft beer industry news.

Phusion Projects Launches Four Loko Black

Today Four Loko officially announced its newest product, Four Loko Black, a cryptic name that encourages consumers to determine the latest flavor for themselves. Known for giving their fans the chance to discover and describe new flavors on their own terms, Four Loko Black follows Four Loko Gold as the second mystery flavor in the brand’s Camo can series.

Brewery Finance Launches ‘Better Beer Now’ Initiative

Brewery Finance — the nation’s first craft beer-focused equipment lender — is launching a quality improvement program to help America’s brewers quickly and affordably obtain vital testing and quality control equipment. For just $99/month for the first six months, craft brewers can fund up to $50,000 in laboratory and quality control equipment through Brewery Finance’s new Better Beer Now initiative.

JDub’s Brewing Company Collaborates with Less Than Jake

JDub’s Brewing Company has teamed up with iconic ska punk band, Less Than Jake, to make a beer featured as part of the brewery’s four-year anniversary party. “Dub Fest” is a craft beer and music festival taking place on February 10th, at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. The beer, an orange, wheat ale, was the brainchild of Less Than Jake drummer, Vinnie Fiorello, and JDub’s Founder, Jeremy Joerger, who reached out to the band with the idea.

Constellation Brands, Boston Beer Ink Kentucky Derby Sponsorships

Constellation Brands, Boston Beer Ink Kentucky Derby Sponsorships

At the of January, Constellation Brands announced that its Corona Extra brand would become the exclusive import beer of the Kentucky Derby for the next two years. The deal, according to John Alvarado, Constellation’s vice president of marketing, was driven in part by the date of this year’s race: May 5 (Cinco de Mayo).

Massachusetts Beer Bills Fail to Advance Out of Committee

Massachusetts Beer Bills Fail to Advance Out of Committee

Despite calls from legislative leaders to reform Massachusetts’ controversial beer franchise laws, a state legislative committee failed to advance a trio of competing reform bills offered by brewers and wholesalers by the February 7 deadline. Now, those measures will go back to the House and Senate, setting back more than year of reform efforts.

Mass Bay Brewing Company Releases Pineapple UFO

It’s island time! The daring minds behind UFO Beers have brewed a new juicy, refreshing, golden unfiltered offering inspired by the tropics: UFO Pineapple. Available year-round, this wheat beer has a luscious burst of tropical flavor that makes an escape to paradise that much easier! UFO Pineapple is on shelves – and on tap – now.

MillerCoors Releases Two Hats Line of Flavored Light Beer

Two Hats, a new line of light beers with a hint of all-natural fruit flavor, is changing up the light beer game with two lightly flavored options, lime and pineapple, that won’t break the bank. More than 20 years since there has been a mainstream beer launch at a low price point, Two Hats is introducing a good, cheap option that suits the taste and budget of a new generation of drinkers who aren’t currently big on beer.

Catawba Brewing Releases Small Batch Black Currant Chocolate Brown Ale

Catawba Brewing is now pouring their Small Batch Black Currant Chocolate Brown Ale (6.1 percent ABV). This English-style Brown Ale was brewed with chocolate and crystal malts and Magnum hops. It was then conditioned on black currants and locally-sourced cacao beans. Flavor notes include dark chocolate, caramel, and sweet malt, balanced by a touch of berry-like tartness.

Heineken USA CMO Departs for Diageo

Heineken USA CMO Departs for Diageo

After more than 14 years with Heineken, Nuno Teles is departing the company to become president of Diageo North America’s beer division. Teles, who has served as Heineken USA’s chief marketing officer since 2014, will take over the Diageo role from Todd Day on March 1 and report to Diageo North America president Deirdre Mahlan.