Craft beer industry news.
The Maine Brew Bus of Portland, Maine has announced plans to expand its award winning tours of craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries into the Greater Boston area beginning this spring. The new Boston Brew Bus tours will begin and end at an easily accessible downtown Boston location. The all-inclusive tours on bright green school buses will provide a behind-the-scenes look at Greater Boston’s craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, and more.
Though Boston Beer’s total shipments increased four percent, to 4.2 million barrels in 2015, the company struggled to grow in the fourth quarter as depletions dipped three percent compared to 2014. Net revenues also dipped one percent during the quarter, to $215.1 million, the company said in an earnings announcement. Citing declines across its Samuel Adams and Angry Orchard brands, Boston Beer shipments also decreased 3 percent during the fourth quarter, to 958,000 barrels. Those declines were partially offset by growth across its Coney Island, Twisted Tea, and Traveler brands, the company said.
Illinois’ Destihl Brewery is making a multi-million dollar bet on growing consumer interest in sour beer. Slated to open in early 2017, Destihl plans to build a 47,000 sq. ft. brewing facility in Normal, Illinois that will feature a “highly specialized ‘dual’ 60-barrel and 120-barrel brewhouse” designed to accommodate increased production of the company’s line of kettle-soured beers.
Jeez Louise is a Pepper Ale unlike any other. A Pale Ale at heart, this beer takes the highly revered Citra Hop and marries it with the Jalapeño Pepper in a brew that is light on heat and amazingly drinkable. The soft water of Kiln really lets the Jalapeño flavor shine through allowing for a wonderful balance that showcases the flavors of both the hops and the peppers.
New Holland Brewing is revealing a new look and feel in 2016 with a portfolio-wide packaging update, due to hit markets in March and continuing to roll out through spring and summer. The new design stays true to the corporate colors, brand characters, and label art that are synonymous with New Holland beer while making the shelf presence, readability, and overall impact much stronger.
Louis Glunz Beer, Inc., Chicagoland’s oldest family-run beer distributor and specialty importer, announces the arrival of Around the Bend Beer Co.’s Puffing Billy American brown ale, available now in six-packs. Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. begins distribution of the brand-new six-packs this month across Chicagoland retailers. Puffing Billy debuted in October 2015 on draft only, and plans for bottling the beer soon followed as a result of the beer’s overall response in the marketplace.
Starr Hill Brewery is excited to announce the release of ten new beers in 2016, including the launch of the Heavy Rotation Series, two new seasonal releases, and a revamped Debut Series lineup. In addition to releasing nearly one new beer each month, Starr Hill is retiring Dark Starr Stout and Starr Pils German Pilsner as year-round brands.
Two Chicago craft beer mainstays, Two Brothers Brewing Company and Metropolitan Brewing, are coming together to create a new craft beer collaboration. False Dichotomy is an India Pale Lager currently being brewed at the Two Brothers brewery in Warrenville, IL with lager yeast from Metropolitan Brewing and a variety of new and exciting hops.
Summit Brewing Company today announces the release of Us & Them: A Two Thread Brewing Experience. The 21st beer in the limited-release Unchained Series will be available on draught and in mixed 12-ounce bottle six-packs the third week of February.
Starting after nightfall and retiring at sunrise, shadow brewers are typically quiet and true professionals who labor though off hours bringing great beer to life. It can be a lonely task, with only a few compatriots, a well-chosen playlist, and tomorrow’s beer keeping company. In tribute to these oft-overlooked solitary souls, Ommegang is releasing Shadow Brewer, an imperial stout as dark and deep as a long Cooperstown winter’s night. The latest addition to the Brewmaster’s Obsession Series, Shadow Brewer, like its forebears, is a limited edition delving deep into the art and science of brewing.
Big Storm Brewing Co. announces the official ribbon cutting and the grand opening of their new 16,000 square foot brewing facility and taproom in Clearwater. With more than 12 varieties of handcrafted local beers and 6 exclusive wines on tap, Big Storm Brewing Co.’s 49th street location is offering the community something that everyone can enjoy.
Seagram’s announced today the exciting launch of a new line of Hard Sodas set to hit shelves nationally on March 1, 2016. Seagram’s Hard Soda will be available in a range of flavors including Cherry Cola, Grape Soda, Lemon n’ Lime and Orange Cream. Lemon n’ Lime and Orange Cream are now available early in select Publix stores in the Southeast.
On March 1st, two new Dogfish Head beers that will bring fans out of winter hibernation will begin hitting taps and retail shelves. Inspired by art and music, these two limited edition brews spotlight Dogfish’s ongoing commitment and connection to a variety of creative outlets.
After a year of conceiving, brewing, and blending, an idea shared between like minds at The Lost Abbey and Wicked Weed Brewing will finally see the light of day. Ad Idem, a French oak-aged golden sour ale with peaches and Brett will be available for purchase online February 24th starting at 12pm PST.
