One Chicago retailer has opted not to sell SweetWater Brewing’s imperial stout known as “Happy Ending” over what its store manager called “sexist, borderline racist” label art, according to the Chicago Tribune. The label in question depicts a clear silhouette of a geisha and a box of tissues, an apparent allusion to the seedy practice of receiving sexual favors at massage parlors. According to the article, the Binny’s Beverage Depot in Lincoln Park sent back three cases of the beer, which is packaged in 22 oz. bottles. Lakeshore Beverage, SweetWater’s wholesaler in the area, told the Tribune that no other store declined to stock the beer.
Lagunitas Brewing will expand its distribution deeper into Pennsylvania this week after the nation’s sixth largest craft brewery signed with Ace Distributing. Beginning Thursday, Lagunitas beers will be available throughout York, Adams, Franklin, and Fulton counties, according to a press release from Ace. The brewery has existing relationships in the state with Frank Fuhrer Wholesale, BeerMart and Origlio Beverage, according to its website.
Building on its strategic partnership with North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountain Brewing (AMB), Craft Brew Alliance (CBA) today announced it has signed an agreement to become the company’s master distributor. The new agreement will give the smaller brewer access to CBA’s nationwide network of Anheuser-Busch wholesalers in exchange for an undisclosed per-case distribution fee.
The Brewers Association today released its annual ranking of the top 50 U.S. craft breweries, based on 2014 sales volumes. This year’s list, however, had two glaring differences from prior versions. Four previously-excluded companies, including the top brewer, Yuengling, made the list in 2014 after the BA altered its definition of what it means to be a “craft brewer” last March, dethroning longtime leader Boston Beer Company for the title of “largest U.S. craft brewery.”
First Key, a leading consultancy to the brewing industry, announces the launch of Beat The Brewmaster, a new website designed to build even stronger relationships between craft brewers and their drinkers. Beer enthusiasts can test their sensory skills on Beat The Brewmaster by comparing their ratings to those of the brewmaster who actually created the beer.
Lakefront Brewery, Inc. announced it will release a whiskey barrel-aged version of their Beer Line Organic Barley Wine in April. The Brewery claims it is the first USDA-certified Organic barrel-aged barley wine in the United States.
Anchor Brewing Company announces the release of Anchor IPA™ in cans; a new package for the adventurous brew in Anchor’s core lineup of distinctive, hand-crafted beers.
This April, the Center for Alcohol Policy (CAP) joins organizations across the country in recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign recognized by the U.S. Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to raise awareness of the problems that alcohol abuse can cause for individuals, their families and their communities.
Montanya Distillers and Elevation Beer Company, two Colorado companies just over the Sawatch Range from one another in central Colorado, have suffused their unique flavors to create a Horchata Imperial Porter called Montanya. This limited edition porter came to life after Elevation Beer Company aged its award-winning Señorita Porter in Montanya Distillers’ Oro Dark Rum barrels.
Two Roads Brewing is bringing their “road less traveled” philosophy to the greater Philadelphia area with an amazing week of beer tastings and special events! Beginning on Tuesday, April 7 and running through Saturday, April 11, Two Roads brewers and ambassadors, including Head Brewer Phil Markowski, will be making the trek from Connecticut for this celebration of great craft beer.
Heineken this morning announced a number of major organizational changes, restructuring its regional strategy and leadership teams in an apparent effort to cut costs. In a press statement, Heineken USA also revealed a key shift in the executive roster of its U.S. operations, highlighted by the departure of CEO Dolf van den Brink, who will transfer to the company’s Mexico division.
Throughout the month of April, the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) will be recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month, as highlighted by the U.S. Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to raise awareness about alcohol abuse.
Grand Teton Brewing Company, known throughout the West for their exceptional craft brews, is proud to announce the seasonal release of Lost Continent Double IPA.
Pike Brewing Company is proud to announce the release of its spring seasonal beer, Pike Saison Houblon. Refreshingly hop forward and floral, this farmhouse style ale is light and golden. It is brewed with a base of earthy, biscuit-like organic malt, seasoned with citrusy hops and finished with clove-like Belgian yeast.
