News

Craft beer industry news.

Firestone Walker Releases 2015 Velvet Merkin

Firestone Walker Brewing Company’s Velvet Merkin barrel-aged oatmeal stout is set to return with its third bottled vintage—and this one promises to be the best yet. Velvet Merkin has always been the barrel-aged version of Firestone Walker’s seasonal Velvet Merlin oatmeal stout. What’s different this time is that the 2015 Velvet Merkin includes a barrel-aged lot of an experimental milk stout version of Velvet Merlin.

Smuttynose Releases Big A Double IPA

After a year-long hiatus from production, the team at Smuttynose is bringing Big A double IPA back to our line-up as a full-time beer on October 1, joining two other Big Beer Series graduates, Baltic Porter and Really Old Brown Dog, in four packs and kegs.

Greg Koch Out as Stone CEO

Greg Koch Out as Stone CEO

Stone Brewing today announced that co-founder Greg Koch is stepping down as CEO of the company and transitioning into a new role as executive chairman, a role that will remove him from day-to-day operations.

Victory Releases Moonglow Weizenbock

Victory Brewing Company, the Philadelphia area based craft brewer, is bringing back their popular seasonal Moonglow Weizenbock through November.

California a Key Factor in Saint Archer Acquisition

California a Key Factor in Saint Archer Acquisition

What feels like the worst kept secret in craft beer industry circles was finally revealed yesterday, as MillerCoors announced it would acquire a majority stake in fast growing San Diego craft brewery, Saint Archer Brewing. Financial terms were not disclosed, but a recent Wall Street Journal valuation estimate, which pegged craft brewery multiples at $1,000 per barrel, could mean Saint Archer fetched as much as $35 million

Alcohol Law and Policy Conference Examines Current Alcohol Regulatory Environment

The Center for Alcohol Policy (CAP) Eighth Annual Alcohol Law and Policy Conference began today at the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois, with a welcome by CAP Advisory Council member and former National Traffic Safety Board Chairman James Hall. He noted that the conference is a key opportunity for a diverse group of state and federal alcohol regulators, law enforcement, legislators, public health advocates, members of the alcohol beverage industry and others interested in alcohol policy issues to come together to learn and share ideas.

SweetWater Expands Throughout Northeast

SweetWater Expands Throughout Northeast

Continuing its expansion along the East Coast, SweetWater Brewing yesterday announced new distribution agreements in New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

MillerCoors Acquires Majority Interest in Saint Archer Brewing Company

MillerCoors Acquires Majority Interest in Saint Archer Brewing Company

Another California-based craft brewer has sold. Tenth and Blake, the craft and import division of MillerCoors, today announced it would acquire a majority interest in San Diego’s Saint Archer Brewing Company. The transaction is expected to close in October 2015. Financial terms were not disclosed. Saint Archer launched in 2013 and has grown rapidly in its short few years in business. It expects to sell 35,000 barrels of beer in 2015.

Widmer Brothers Unveils Four Collaboration Beers for Feast Portland

Widmer Brothers brewed four collaboration beers with four food and beverage industry heavyweights for Bon Appétit Presents Feast Portland: A Celebration of Oregon Bounty, an annual culinary festival that will be held from Thursday, September 17, to Sunday, September 20, 2015.

Southern Tier Bottles One Buffalo Our Beer

Today, Southern Tier Brewing Company (STBC) announced One Buffalo Our Beer is available in six-pack bottles. The beer is available throughout Western New York in advance of the Buffalo Bills regular season opener on Sunday, September 13.

River North Releases Big City Quad

On Saturday, River North Brewery will release Big City Quad, a Belgian-style Quadrupel aged in two types of classic whiskey cocktail barrels: Manhattan and Boulevardier.

Upslope Brewing to Release Oktoberfest Lager at ‘Backcountry Tap Room’

Upslope Brewing Company, brewers of the recently announced limited edition Tap Room Series, will celebrate the release of the series’ second brew – an Oktoberfest Lager, by opening the world’s first backcountry tap room for a one-day event at the High Lonesome Hut outside of Winter Park, Colorado Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015.

SanTan Brewing Reveals Updated Look

Arizona’s local brewery, SanTan Brewing Company has officially unveiled a fresh new look! After eight years of rapid growth and expansion, SanTan Brewing Company is excited to present a refreshed brand that is fun yet mature, cohesive and visually stunning, a perfect complement to its Southwestern Style Ales.