Beer News

Which State Drinks The Most Beer?

In case you were wondering where your state ranks in beer shipments and drinking per capita. Things to note while reading this. The Beer Institute represents the large breweries and wholesalers. This is different from the Brewer’s Association that represents Continue Reading →

Coney Island Brand Sold

The Coney Island brand, created and made popular by Shmaltz Brewing, has been acquired. Alchemy & Science, a subsidiary of Boston Beer Company is the new owner.

After reaching out to various team members at Shmaltz, we are told that this Continue Reading →

Poo Coffee? True. Poo Wine? Not Anymore

Drink forums are alive this Monday discussing the existence of a Korean wine made from human feces. That’s not mistyped. Human poop.

This all starts with a question, where the hell did this come from? Well, about a month ago, Vice Continue Reading →

Art Overhaul for New Belgium?

You might be looking at the first artwork overhaul by New Belgium Brewing. The new creative for Trippel. You see below, the brew has gone through a few changes over the years. The Belgian-style beer is brewed with coriander and Continue Reading →

Posted in Beer News, Headlines, New Belgium

Sneak Peek: New Belgium 2014 Packaging

New Belgium Brewing has announced a new look and feel to the portfolio coming in 2014.  You’ll see the new artwork starting in January, 2o14.  The watercolor labels you have seen in the past 22 years were hand painted by brewery founder Kim Jordan’s neighbor Ann Fitch.

“This colorful, handcrafted look has been with us since our inception and the new design brings the portfolio together in a fresh and contemporary way,” said New Belgium’s Strategic Marketing and Branding Director, Josh Holmstrom. “We feel these designs will delight our long time fans while also inviting new folks into the fold.”

The new label art comes from Hatch Design of San Francisco, with illustrations by artist Leah Giberson.  Ohio will be the first state to see the newly designed artwork on packages in December.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Beer News, Don't Miss This

Which State Drinks The Most Beer?

In case you were wondering where your state ranks in beer shipments and drinking per capita. Things to note while reading this. The Beer Institute represents the large breweries and wholesalers. This is different from the Brewer’s Association that represents the craft brewing industry.

2012_Beer_Consumption_By_State

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Beer News, Headlines, Shmaltz Brewing

Coney Island Brand Sold

The Coney Island brand, created and made popular by Shmaltz Brewing, has been acquired. Alchemy & Science, a subsidiary of Boston Beer Company is the new owner.

After reaching out to various team members at Shmaltz, we are told that this sale allows the brewery to focus more on the Shmaltz lineup at Clifton Park, New York. Alchemy plans on overhauling the brand, to focus on all aspects of Coney Island, not just the freak show aspect of the lineup. A brewing facility is in planning for the Coney Island area. Current Coney lineup fans in it’s nearly 30 markets, bad news. Distribution will be pulled back to just New York and New Jersey.

Shmaltz Founder Jeremy Cowan will be advising Alchemy & Science in regards to the recipes, brewing and transition over the next two years.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Beer News

Poo Coffee? True. Poo Wine? Not Anymore

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Drink forums are alive this Monday discussing the existence of a Korean wine made from human feces. That’s not mistyped. Human poop.

This all starts with a question, where the hell did this come from? Well, about a month ago, Vice Japan published this near 20 minute video about a Korean doctor that is apparently the last man able to make this “ancient” recipe called ttongsul. The medicinal drink uses human poop (preferably child poop to be exact) in the process. If your stomach is churning, so is mine.

Well, as it turns out, the video has kind of outraged basically all of South Korea, as it seems to be a misrepresentation of the culture. While there are sparse historical references to ttongsul being a real thing, it’s rarely made, if at all. There are references on sites like Wikipedia, but this isn’t a staple in restaurants in bars. ttongsul is a 12th Century drink. It IS the 21st century.

Interestingly, Rocket24 news tricked an Asian all girl rock group into trying it. They apparently found some underground maker and bought it in a parking lot. Turns out, they liked it. If you can stomach it, the Vice Japan video is below. And you thought Monday would be boring.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Beer News, Headlines, Stone Brewing Co.

Stone Brewer Dies in Forklift Accident [UPDATE]

Tragedy at Stone Brewing Co. A brewer has died from injuries sustained from a forklift accident on Saturday afternoon. A 27 year old employee was driving the forklift when it apparently overturned, pinning him. He died at the hospital a short time later.

The name hasn’t been released, and Stone has not made a statement yet.

Update 8/26: The individual is Brewer Matthew Courtright. (Below)

Matthew Courtright

Statement from Stone on August 25th:

It is with a very heavy heart that we communicate a tragedy involving one of our valued friends and Team Stone colleagues. We are deeply saddened that one of our own passed away from complications resulting from a forklift accident at our Escondido brewery on Saturday, August 24. Our deepest condolences go out to the team member’s family. Out of respect for the team member’s loved ones, we are not releasing the individual’s name at this time.

We have launched an investigation and are working with authorities to determine the cause of the accident. In the interim, we have closed down brewing operations as well as tours of the brewery today (Sunday, August 25) and anticipate resuming all operations Monday, August 26.

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens — Escondido will remain open as will Stone Company Store — Escondido. People expecting to take a tour of the brewery today will be offered a guided beer tasting at the bar located inside Stone Company Store. 

We will refrain from commenting further until additional details and information is acquired and the investigation into this incident is complete. Thank you for the outpouring of support we have already received. Our sympathy is with the family and everyone affected by this tragedy.

For customers who are scheduled to visit the Escondido facility Sunday, August 25, either to take a brewery tour or dine at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens — Escondido, please call us 760.294.7899 for information regarding your reservation.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Beer News, New Belgium

Art Overhaul for New Belgium?

You might be looking at the first artwork overhaul by New Belgium Brewing. The new creative for Trippel. You see below, the brew has gone through a few changes over the years. The Belgian-style beer is brewed with coriander and offered year round. Brewery flagship Fat Tire also looks to be getting a bit of a sprucing up too. Below is a new 12oz can design.

The brewery is on top of press releases explaining changes like this. Expect them to go on record soon.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Beer News

An Extended Look: Brewdog’s TV Show [VIDEO]


Scottish craft brewer Brewdog has partnered with Esquire Magazine to create a craft beer centric tv show on Esquire TV.

by Reid Ramsay