Craft beer industry news.
Anheuser-Busch InBev today announced it would acquire Virginia-based Devils Backbone Brewing Company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed and the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter. The move is part of an ongoing march into the craft brewing world by the world’s largest brewery, which has acquired eight craft beer companies since 2011.
Bear Republic Brewing Company is excited to announce yet another addition to the Racer family. Previously only available on draft, Pace Car Racer will be offered year-round in six-packs as part of Bear Republic’s core lineup. Brewmaster/COO Richard “Ricardo” Norgrove states, “We are thrilled to introduce Racer 5’s little brother, Pace Car Racer.”
Brewed as the official beer of the 2016 Seattle Beer Week, the Daily Pale will make its debut in 12oz cans on April 11 at the Reuben’s Brews taproom and in stores throughout the Seattle area. It won’t be on tap however until after the official ceremony to kick off Seattle Beer Week onMay 12 in Reuben’s taproom.
Saint Arnold brewers came home from their annual hop selection trips to the Czech Republic with more than just Saaz hops. They also had acquired a love for fresh Bohemian pilsners. Because of this love, Saint Arnold Brewing Co., the oldest craft brewery in Texas, is releasing its latest year-round offering, Saint Arnold 5 O’Clock Pils.
It’s been 10 months since the U.S. Senate formally reviewed the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA), but the proposed federal excise tax reductions could still hitch a ride through congress thanks to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2016. The Senate will continue its review of S.2658 — a “must-pass” bill that would reauthorize the FAA and specified FAA programs – this week. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), the ranking Democratic member of the Finance Committee, first introduced the bipartisan CBMTRA last June. He has hinted that he is considering a beverage-friendly amendment as last-minute addition to the FAA bill.
Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers today announced it had signed distribution agreements with four New Hampshire wholesalers and would launch throughout the state for the first time later this month. The New Hampshire Craft Alliance — a wholesale cooperative including Bellevance Beverage, Clarke Distributors, New Hampshire Distributors, and White Mountain Distributors — has partnered with the Massachusetts-based brewer.
Asheville’s Green Man Brewery is introducing a new brand that will become a summer staple. Sunseeker Pils incorperates the brewery’s signature full-flavored approach with a traditional German-style Pilsner. The result is a refreshing, light-bodied beer with floral, spicy hop notes and a dry finish.
On April 14th, Fort Collins Brewery (FCB) will be releasing Scarlett on Brett, a wild ale that is 8% ABV. The product launch will include a social takeover featuring the mysterious Scarlett vixen, as well as a photo sharing contest for fans of adventurous beer.
Revision Brewing Company (RBC) partners with Barone Imports & Wholesale out of Reno, Nevada. With quality being one of Revision Brewing Company’s number one focuses, RBC feels that Barone Imports & Wholesale will make sure that Revision Beer is available at optimal freshness and that the products will be treated with respect.
Short’s Brewing Company announces a collaboration brew with American funk group, Vulfpeck. The beer called “Compression” is an American Sour Ale inspired by the Vulf Compressor, a mixing tool used by the band to give their music its signature sound. Compression will be released at The Short’s Anni Party XII in 550mL bottles.
Pabst CEO Eugene Kashper calls it “gruit.” Forbidden Root founder Robert Finkel calls it “botanic beer.” Executives at Anheuser-Busch InBev, MillerCoors and a host of others simply call it “hard soda.” And then there’s at least three New England-based companies, including Boston Beer Company, going after an emerging “hard seltzer” segment. You probably know them all as flavored malt beverages.
Boulder Beer Company, Colorado’s First Craft Brewery, will release a new summer seasonal brew this May called Pulp Fusion Blood Orange IPA. Pulp Fusion will be available May through September in 12-oz 6-pk bottles and draft throughout their 34 state footprint.
Pike Brewing Company announces our spring seasonal beer release: Pike Hive Five. Superb honey from the Salish Lodge & Spa’s bees adds dimension to the biscuity flavor of wholesome malt and aromatic Yakima Valley hops in Pike Hive Five. This beer is light and crisp, with just a slight sweetness and flower like essence of honey. Pike Hive Five pours a light golden color and pairs well with salads, seafood, nuts and cheeses.
Yesterday was National Beer Day and that’s as good an excuse as any to dive into a steinful of the latest U.S. beer statistics. After all, throughout the week, our inboxes overflowed with pitches from every corner of the industry. In the interest of identifying the most important takeaways, we’ve distilled everything into our own Friday 4-pack of stats.
