Beer News

Senator Brown Fights For Small Breweries

Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts has sent a letter to the states alcohol commission.  The letter states “the new ABCC law interpretation is a brewery job killer.”

He’s right.  The story has evolved this week when Idle Hands Brewing was denied their farmer-brewery Continue Reading →

Pacifico Now On Tap

It’s been a gradual process over the summer, but now Pacifico is making it way to draft handles around the United States. To celebrate the tap launch, Pacifico recently took 5 hand painted kegs to 5 cities – Los Continue Reading →

Cigar City Tapping Jalapeño Red Ale

Cigar City Brewing’s newest Pilot Series beer is about to drop – Jalapeño Red Ale

We’re soon tapping Jalapeño Red Ale, a new beer from our Pilot Series. It’s a red ale aged on–you guessed it–jalapeño peppers. It’s nice and spicy. Continue Reading →

Posted in Beer News, Coming Soon

Perennial Ales, Straight Off The Spice Rack

t’s fun to see a new brewery come online and grow. Perennial Artisan Ales is based in St. Louis, Missouri.  The their craft beer week, they opened their doors to give the public a sneak peak of whats to come.   Perennial opens for business in September.  They just got done their first batch on their new 8.5 barrel brewing system.

Here is a look the labels for launch beers:

Strawberry Rhubarb Tart – Ale brewed with strawberries, rhubarb stalks, & coriander.

We start with a Belgian-style wittier, and add 300lbs of strawberries, 100 lbs of rhubarb stalks, and a few handfuls of Indian coriander.  The result is a subtly sweet, refreshingly tart, surprisingly citrusy tribute to summer.  

750ml bottles, Draft.  5% ABV

Saison de Lis – Belgian Style Ale brewed with chamomile flowers

750ml bottles, Draft. 5% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Beer News

Senator Brown Fights For Small Breweries

Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts has sent a letter to the states alcohol commission.  The letter states “the new ABCC law interpretation is a brewery job killer.”

He’s right.  The story has evolved this week when Idle Hands Brewing was denied their farmer-brewery license, making it possible to operate in the state.  The denial was on the ground that they do not grow 50% of the hops & grains to be used in brewing.  This is devastating for the states 25 breweries.  This new interpretation of the farmer-brewery law will force breweries to pay close to $5,000 more for a license, lose the ability to sell beer in the tap room, and can no longer self distribute.

Sen. Scott told the commission:

“The costs of compliance would be burdensome, and in some cases, crushing . . . I urgently request that the ABCC reconsider this proposed change.’’

The ABCC states the decision is not final, and they are using this opportunity to hear the concerns from the public, and brewing industry.

This is another instance where the current law structure in some states does not support or stimulate the growth of small breweries.  The restrictions are stifling, and could cause breweries to go out of business. [Boston.com]

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Beer News

Pacifico Now On Tap

It’s been a gradual process over the summer, but now Pacifico is making it way to draft handles around the United States. To celebrate the tap launch, Pacifico recently took 5 hand painted kegs to 5 cities – Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, & Seattle.

Pacifico is located in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.  This mexican-style pilsner was first brew in 1900.  According Pacifico, bottles of this beer starting making their way into the U.S. shortly after Grupo Modelo purchased Pacifico in 1954.

Bottle art depicts a lighthouse located in Mazatlán, called Cerro del Crestón.  Below are the hand painted kegs made to celebrate in each city.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Beer News, Cigar City Brewing

Cigar City Tapping Jalapeño Red Ale

Cigar City Brewing’s newest Pilot Series beer is about to drop – Jalapeño Red Ale

We’re soon tapping Jalapeño Red Ale, a new beer from our Pilot Series. It’s a red ale aged on–you guessed it–jalapeño peppers. It’s nice and spicy. We made plenty, too, so we’re also selling 32oz growlers as well!

Availability: Draft only

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Beer News

IPA Day Today, International Beer Day Tomorrow

So today is International IPA Day. Tomorrow is apparently International Beer Day. (Funny, I thought that was every day for me.) Even if you were left in the dark about this day, here’s the rundown via their website:

That’s right, folks. Come this August 5th, Makers, Lovers and Sellers of beer all around the globe now have another reason to raise their frosty mugs. Along with hundreds of bars, restaurants, pubs and breweries worldwide, we have declared the aforementioned International Beer Day!

The purpose of IBD is threefold:
1) To gather with friends and enjoy the deliciousness that is beer.
2) To celebrate the dedicated men and women who brew and serve our beer.
3) To bring the world together under the united banner of beer, by celebrating the beers of all nations and cultures together on this one remarkable day.

International Beer Day is our chance to let the breweries and bars of the world know how much we appreciate them, all while participating in one of the best activities ever — drinking beer! Perhaps even more than the beverage itself, International Beer Day is about celebrating the establishments who produce it, sell it and give folks a place to enjoy it.

So tomorrow, do what you do best. Drink beer. [InternationalBeerDay]

The sexy lineup

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IPA aged in Woodford Reserve

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by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Beer News

Miller Lite Sales Decline Due to Heavy Rain?

Miller Lite is having issues on the sales front.  In the second quarter, the light beer fell by mid single digits across retailers.

MillerCoors is citing a few reasons for the decline.  Depressed economy, higher gas prices, even heavy rainfall. Yes, heavy rainfall.  Apparently bad weather prevents people from going to stores and bars to buy Miller Lite.

This could put more marketing pressure on DraftFCB, Millers Marketing Firm.   DraftFCB is responsible for the “Man Up” and “Lite Guard” campaigns.  Apparently there is no talk in MillerCoors about a bigger marketing push.

This might be a sign of something bigger for Miller.  The new CEO has already said “craft is the future.”  Drinkers have more options today then they had 15 years ago, or even 2 years ago.  Brands like Miller Lite will always have a market, but perhaps not as strong as it was just one year ago.

One last solution was discussed to help revitalize the brand – lower the cost.  However that might not be an option.  “We consider the price on the brand every day by market.” But he said a general price decrease would not work because “taking a brand down, it almost never comes back.” [AdvertisingAge]

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Beer News

Carnival Cruise Lines Find Success In Private Beer

Carnival Cruise lines is rolling out a private beer label to all 15 of their ships in the fleet.  “Thirsty Frog Red” hit taps in the RedFrog Pub on the ship “Magic” in May.

Since the debut, a few cruise ship travel sites have said the has had a hard time keep enough kegs on board.

From Carnival Cruise Lines:

Currently, 15 “Fun Ships” offer the tasty amber-colored brew in select bars and lounges with three others expected to receive kegs of ThirstyFrog Red over the next few weeks.

Since being introduced two months ago, guests have been lining up to savor ThirstyFrog Red’s rich taste and delicate aroma, with toasted notes resulting from the fine caramel and black malts used during the brewing process.

The brew is served ice-cold on tap in the line’s signature ThirstyFrog Red pint glasses, which are also available for sale on board.

Pic: Photo  by Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Lines

by Reid Ramsay