Craft beer industry news.
It’s a new year, which means it’s time for spring seasonals in the craft beer world. Widmer Brothers Brewing today announced the release of its spring offering, a hoppy lager called Hopside Down India Pale Lager (IPL). This is the third release of Hopside Down, the second year as the brewery’s spring seasonal, and before that, the best-selling release in the Rotator IPA Series.
Craft Brew Alliance has extended its employment agreement with Chief Executive Officer Andy Thomas for three more years, according to an SEC filing. Under Thomas’ new employment agreement, dated Dec. 30, 2015, the CEO will receive an annual base salary of $439,00 in 2016.
A California startup is betting on the increasing interest in home delivery services and the growth of craft beer by selling and delivering growlers of brew to drinkers in the Bay Area. Hopsy, based near Berkeley, views itself a disruptive force in beer distribution.
Prepare to rise and grind. Coronado Brewing Company is set to release its first Crown Series offering of 2016 with a bold new imperial. Imperial Blue Bridge Coffee Stout is about to be your go-to winter seasonal. Tow-row malt, roasted barley, and Guatemalan coffee come together to celebrate the beer’s sweet chocolate and earthy flavors.
Pikes Peak Brewing is ecstatic to announce a major expansion of brewery operations. Pikes Peak Brewing is on track to produce over 2,700 barrels (83,700 gallons) of beer this year and is quickly approaching capacity on its current system. In order to meet current and future demand in Colorado and other select markets, Pikes Peak is announcing Project BASECAMP.
SweetWater Brewing Co. and The Giving Kitchen announce the return of Second Helping, their collaborative ale that generates funds for the non-profit. Consumers simply buy a Second Helping on draft at restaurants and bars or a 22 oz bottle from a retailer, and SweetWater and United give 100% of profits to The Giving Kitchen
Santa Fe Brewing Company (SFBC) excitedly announces the opening of our new concert venue, The Bridge at Santa Fe Brewing Company. Most recently known as Sol, SFBC plans to breathe new life into the venue, resurrecting a once vibrant space for locals to gather for great live music. “We are really excited to take over the space. Santa Fe needs more solid music venues, where locals can go and catch great live bands. We want to bring back the energy of the big acts like the days of old,” owner, Brian Lock, said.
Tradition Brewing Company, a soon to open craft brewery, announced on December 16, 2015 the signing of a lease agreement for a new brewing space located in the City Center area of Oyster Point at 700 Thimble Shoals Boulevard, Newport News. Va. The company plans to begin construction January 2016 and open to the public late Spring 2016.
Helm’s Brewing Company is bringing their award winning San Diego craft beer to the East Coast when they launch in Maryland and Washington, D.C for 2016. This continues the expansion outside of California in recent months for Helm’s Brewing after announcing debuts in Denver, Ohio and North Carolina. Washburn Wine Company, based out of Baltimore, Maryland, will be the exclusive distributor of Helm’s Brewing products in the state of Maryland effective immediately.
New Holland Brewing Co. has taken its top-selling, year-round, bourbon barrel stout – Dragon’s Milk – and infused it with flavors of Vanilla Chai. The Michigan-based brewery is releasing its first 2016 “reserve” batch of Dragon’s Milk to markets around the country with Dragon’s Milk Reserve Vanilla Chai shipping from New Holland’s production facility by the end of January and hitting stores and local watering holes soon after. This reserve blend is aged in bourbon barrels for three months, with the nuanced flavor of Vanilla Chai for a portion of that time.
Columbia Distributing, one of the nation’s finest beer, cider and non-alcoholic beverage distributors, today announced the appointment of Mike Shea as director of on-premise sales for Portland. Mike and his team will focus on driving sales and awareness of Columbia Distributing’s brands in one of the most complex and competitive markets in the U.S. beer business.
C2 Imports, with headquarters in Denver, CO, announces its new U.S.A. distribution agreement with Carlsberg Vietnam Breweries Limited, a World Beer Championship medalist whose award-winning Huda Beer is brewed in Hue, Vietnam. The brewery is 100 percent owned by multi-national Carlsberg Group, with roots dating to 1847 in Denmark.
Charlie Papazian, the president of the Brewers Association and founder of the Great American Beer Festival, will step back from day-to-day responsibilities this month after 37 years. Papazian, who “discovered craft homebrewing 45 years ago,” will remain an integral part of the Brewers Association, according to a statement published on the organization’s website. His title will shift to “founder, past president” and current CEO Bob Pease will add president to his title, the BA said.
After three years of selling 805 Blonde Ale in California only, Firestone Walker will begin shipping the beer to Arizona, Nevada and Texas for the first time this month. A low-alcohol session offering that Firestone originally brewed as a reaction to increasing local competition, 805 emerged as one of the best-selling national craft brands in 2015. According to market research firm IRI Worldwide, sales of 805, the 24th largest craft brand in supermarkets, were up more than 166 percent through Nov. 29, 2015.
