Brewbound Podcast: A Discussion with DISCUS

Brewbound Podcast: A Discussion with DISCUS

On the heels of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States’ annual convention in Austin, Chris Swonger, the trade group’s president and CEO, joins the Brewbound Podcast to discuss the growth of ready-to-drink spirits-based canned cocktails, and the organization’s efforts to even the tax rates for RTD products with beer, as well as efforts to add direct-to-consumer sales privileges and much more.

BeerBoard: Draft Sales Volume Declines -6.6%; Craft Beer Loses -1.6% Share of Tap Handles

BeerBoard: Draft Sales Volume Declines -6.6%; Craft Beer Loses -1.6% Share of Tap Handles

Draft beer sales volume declined -6.6% nationwide during the weekend of October 21-24, compared to the weekend of October 7-10, according to BeerBoard, which tracks draft sales at on-premise retailers across the country. Of the 10 key markets BeerBoard highlights in its reports, South Carolina (-11.1%) saw the steepest decline in volume, followed by Texas (-10.5%), Florida (-8.3%), Illinois (-7.7%), Minnesota (-7.3%), Nevada (-6.7%), and Georgia (-4.2%).

Undisclosed Ownership Group to Acquire Ale Asylum

Undisclosed Ownership Group to Acquire Ale Asylum

Madison, Wisconsin’s Ale Asylum will continue under new ownership, with no interruption in production or brewpub operations, the Wisconsin State Journal reported.

Athletic Brewing Hires Andrew Katz as CMO

Athletic Brewing Hires Andrew Katz as CMO

Fast-growing non-alcoholic craft beer maker Athletic Brewing Company has hired Andrew Katz to serve as the company’s first chief marketing officer.

Last Call: Switchyard Advocates for Paid Family Leave; BA Board Elections Begin; Port of LA Open 24 Hours

Last Call: Switchyard Advocates for Paid Family Leave; BA Board Elections Begin; Port of LA Open 24 Hours

In an op-ed she wrote in support of paid family leave for small businesses, Switchyard Brewing Company co-founder Kristin Cummings wrote that the company has strived to “offer better benefits and a better work-life balance” to its workforce. Voting has started for the Brewers Association’s (BA) board of directors election and ends November 17.

Boston Beer Depletions and Shipments Increase 11% in Q3; Hard Seltzer Slow Down Fallout Quantified

Boston Beer Depletions and Shipments Increase 11% in Q3; Hard Seltzer Slow Down Fallout Quantified

Boston Beer Company’s second quarter earnings call in July set the stage for a tumultuous third quarter that saw the company pull its financial guidance and anticipate write-off costs related to excess hard seltzer inventory, which was followed by a rush of investor lawsuits. Although the Q2 earnings report left analysts flummoxed and disappointed, the company’s third quarter earnings report came with less of a jolt but more of the residual sting of the slowdown in hard seltzer growth and lowered expectations.

Gopuff Expands to New York City

Gopuff Expands to New York City

E-commerce convenience delivery platform Gopuff launched in New York City this week, with the promise of delivery to New Yorkers in 30 minutes.

Deschutes Executives Discuss Decision to Shutter Roanoke Tasting Room

Deschutes Executives Discuss Decision to Shutter Roanoke Tasting Room

Pandemic-driven declines and an inability to convert the space to include brewing capacity, food service and outdoor seating factored into Deschutes Brewery’s decision to shutter its Roanoke, Virginia-based tasting room later this year, executives explained yesterday.