Craft beer industry news.
In an effort to improve the labeling requirements of certain gluten-free products, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has proposed new rules on the designation for producers of fermented, distilled or hydrolyzed foods, including beer. The proposed compliance stipulations build on a 2013 ruling that defined the term “gluten-free” for voluntary use in labeling.
Perennial favorite, Sprecher Brewery’s Winter Lager has new look and a new name but it remains the same esteemed Munich style Dunkel fans seek out every year. Long neck twelve ounce bottles and a six pack carrier featuring old man winter have replaced the Winter Brew pint bottle and four pack carrier. This limited edition seasonal is available now until it sells out.
Bold Rock Hard Cider announces production has started at its new cidery in Mills River, N.C. In mid November a hard-working team of skilled cider makers started crushing and crafting fresh local apples to make Bold Rock’s awardwinning hard cider. This marks a significant move in the expansion of the regional craft cidery that has steadily increased East Coast distribution and is now offered from Pennsylvania through South Carolina.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is launching Otra Vez, an incredibly refreshing gose-style ale that will join the brewery’s year-round lineup. Craft drinkers can find Otra Vez on retail shelves starting January 2016.
We’re happy to announce the continuation of our experimental beer program with our latest addition: Big Burn Imperial IPA. Originally we we’re set to brew this beer during the month of September- when the boys from Point Blank Distributing in Portland we’re scheduled to hang at the brewery for a couple days. Turned out that Mother Nature wasn’t quite up for that- as much of Wallowa County (and Eastern Oregon) was battling blazes from multiple wild fires.
Beer fans near and far will soon be able to enjoy Reuben’s Brews. This month, the Ballard brewery signed an agreement with Bellingham’s Dickerson Distributors to bring Reuben’s bottles and draft beer to Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan Counties.
Saucony Creek Brewing Co. officially announces the official news that their beers areofficially available in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The Pennsylvania based brewery, founded by former action sports athlete and X Games star Matt Lindenmuth, has had a busy fall. In late September they started off with a bang, by winning the prestigious GABF Gold Medal, in the Belgian-Style Fruit Beer Category. Around the same time, they began planning their release into the lower New England states with their distribution partner, Atlantic Importing & Distributing Co. of Framingham, MA, over some beers of course.
New Belgium Brewing is getting in on the gluten-free beer game and plans to introduce a pair of “gluten-reduced” offerings in January. Using an enzyme to break down gluten proteins, New Belgium’s new products boast the familiar “crafted to remove gluten” language on their labels. In a press statement, the company said both of its new “Glütiny” beers meet the FDA standard for “gluten-free” of 20 parts per million.
Anheuser-Busch InBev today announced that Mark Hegedus, the president of New York-based craft beer outfit Blue Point Brewing, will depart the organization at the end of the month. Hegedus has accepted a position with North American Breweries (NAB) and will take over as the president and general manager of Magic Hat Brewing in December.
Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Inc. (OTC:HOPS), announced third quarter revenue increased significantly, up 89 percent to $504,214, compared to third quarter 2014 at $266,283, as wholesale distribution with Craft Brew Alliance expanded throughout Western North Carolina. AMB’s gross margin remained extremely strong during the third quarter at 57 percent.
Some things are just too good for the world to be deprived of them. This is true for Stone Brewing Co.’s rerelease of the delicious and wildly popular beer that was introduced last year in 22-ounce bottles as Stone Xocoveza Mocha Stout. It was an instant hit. Because craft beer enthusiasts voiced fervent adoration via social media and online forums, Stone was inspired to embrace the joyous spirit of giving and rebrew this milk stout infused with cocoa, coffee, peppers, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Starting this week, the beer is making a comeback in 12-ounce six-packs and on draft at select retailers, restaurants and bars nationwide.
Uinta Brewing Company releases Port O’ Call, a Belgian Style Dark Ale aged in Port barrels imported from Portugal’s Douro Valley.
Dark, bold and delicious, Sudwerk Brewing Co.’s winter seasonal beer, the Doppel Bock Ultimator, is back for 2015. Sudwerk brewers continue to make this dark, German lager as authentic as possible. A 10-week, cold storage process gives the Doppel Bock Ultimator a velvety smooth finish, earning it countless medals since its original release 25 years ago. Roasted malts create the reddish-black color and coffee-like flavors. With 8% ABV and a moderate 45 IBU, it warms us up just in time for the holiday season.
CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries Group, Inc., the largest craft brewery restaurant operator in the country, announced today the appointment of Sarah Stephensonto the position of Chief Human Resources Officer. Stephenson, who most recently served as vice president of human resources at The Laclede Group, Inc., will report directly to Srinivas Kumar, CraftWorks Restaurant & Breweries’ chief executive officer. She joined the company as of August 10, 2015 and will be based in the company’s headquarters in Broomfield, Colo.
