Breweries

Braselton Brewing closes in Georgia

Braselton Brewing Company, a brewpub housed in a historic 1920 cotton gin in downtown Braselton, Georgia, has closed its doors, marking the end of a nearly 7 year run.

Opened in December 2018 by Todd Braselton, the brewery gained local popularity, Continue Reading →

Hinterland turns 30: Party in Packers Town

Green Bay, Wisconsin’s Hinterland just crossed the 30 year mark in Packer Town

In the shadow of Lambeau Field lies Hinterland Brewery, nestled in the heart of Green Bay’s Titletown District. The brewery just celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades Continue Reading →

Three Taverns Pilsen Liberation is back for a 4th year

Three Taverns Pilsnen Liberation, a collaboration with Pilsner Urquell has been re-released.

Three Taverns Pilsen Liberation has been re-released, a hoppy pilsner crafted in collaboration with Pilsner Urquell’s experimental brewery, Elektrarna. This beer is an annual tribute to the 1945 liberation Continue Reading →

Posted in Braselton Brewing, Brewery Closures, Headlines

Braselton Brewing closes in Georgia

Braselton Brewing Company, a brewpub housed in a historic 1920 cotton gin in downtown Braselton, Georgia, has closed its doors, marking the end of a nearly 7 year run.

Opened in December 2018 by Todd Braselton, the brewery gained local popularity, offering a pet-friendly patio, comfort food, and beers like the Hefe That Killed Elvis and Government Shutdown. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest’s brewpub culture, the venue blended industrial-chic looks with a relaxed social setting.

According to an Instagram post, Brazelton cites rising food costs since the pandemic, and a 200% increase in insurance costs.

To all our Customers, Employees, Vendors, Friends and all the other people that supports us, we are closing Braselton Brewing Company for good on Monday July 28. We will be staying open as just a taproom serving beer and wine for some limited time.

The combination of rising operating costs coupled with the slowing demand for craft beer has left us no other choice but to close our doors. Food costs have increased for us about 30-40% since Covid. Our insurance costs have doubled since we opened in late 2018. These are just 2 examples of the financial strains on our business.

We join a number of other Georgia breweries that have closed since Covid. Many of these closing are due to the failure of Georgia politicians to adopt alcohol distribution laws similar to those of many states.

Thank you again to all our supporters and friends for supporting us for the last six and half years.

Brazelton Brewing, July 28th, 2025

Recently, Georgia has lost a few other breweries, including Jekyll Brewing, Elsewhere Brewing, Best End Brewing, Torched Hop Brewing, Red Hare Brewing and Eventide Brewing.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Don't Miss This, Founders Brewing, New Releases

Founders KBS Iced Latte goes golden instead of stout

Founders KBS Iced Latte expands the Michigan-based brewery’s ongoing KBS series this July.

Founders KBS Iced Latte is a cold coffee departure from the the traditional Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS), has joined the Barrel-Aged Series in summer 2025.

Crafted with coffee, cocoa nibs, milk sugar, and vanilla extract, this variant delivers a creamy, café-inspired experience with prominent coffee and vanilla flavors, complemented by oak and a silky latte-like sweetness from bourbon barrel aging. Expect a rich coffee aroma with hints of vanilla and toasted malt, paired with a smooth, medium-bodied mouthfeel. A refreshing yet indulgent twist for KBS fans, especially dropping a beer so big during the current “Heat Dome” that most of America is dealing with currently.

MORE: FOUNDERS KBS SERIES

Get ready to chill with KBS Iced Latte, a barrel-aged imperial golden ale that’s as smooth as your favorite café creation. Crafted with a blend of coffee and vanilla for a creamy, utterly indulgent experience. Aged to perfection in bourbon barrels, every sip consists of oak notes and a silky latte-like sweetness that’s impossible to resist.

Founders KBS Iced Latte is available in 12-ounce bottles and draft for a limited time.

Style: Imperial Golden Ale (w/ Coffee. Cocoa Nibs. Lactose. Vanilla. Barrel-Aged. Bourbon)
Availability: 12oz Bottles, Draft. Limited Release.
Debut: Summer 2025

11% ABV

Complete List of KBS Variants

Going back from the beginning, a list of all the variants to up until summer 2025.

  1. KBS (Original) – Release: 2011
  2. KBS Espresso – Release: 2019
  3. KBS Maple Mackinac Fudge – Release: 2020
  4. KBS Nitro – Release: 2020 (Draft-only)
  5. KBS Cinnamon Vanilla Cocoa – Release: 2021
  6. KBS Hazelnut – Release: 2021
  7. KBS Chocolate Cherry – Release: 2022
  8. KBS Blueberry – Release: 2023
  9. KBS Spicy Chocolate – Release: 2023
  10. KBS Chocolate Espresso – Release: 2024
  11. KBS Double Oaked – Release: 2024
  12. KBS Hazelnut Fudge – Release: 2024
  13. KBS Iced Latte – Release: 2025
by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Beer News, Don't Miss This, Hinterland Brewery

Hinterland turns 30: Party in Packers Town

Green Bay, Wisconsin’s Hinterland just crossed the 30 year mark in Packer Town

In the shadow of Lambeau Field lies Hinterland Brewery, nestled in the heart of Green Bay’s Titletown District. The brewery just celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of craft brewing in a beer-loving state like Wisconsin. Founded in 1995 by Bill and Michelle Tressler in a former cheese factory just outside Green Bay, the brewery has grown from small beginnings to a cornerstone of the Green Bay beer scene.

Hinterland relocated in 2017 to its current 24,000-square-foot facility that blends modern brewing with what feels like “hunting lodge chic,” featuring dark colors and exotic taxidermy wall hangings. It’s a modern brewpub right smack in the middle of everything Green Bay Packers football.

The anniversary celebration kicked off on Friday, with events spanning May 23 and 24, 2025, including a seven-course beer dinner where the chefs showcased their culinary prowess, pairing each dish with a Hinterland beer. The big party followed on Saturday, filling up with locals, and beer lovers alike. a I had never met Hinterland’s founder, Bill Tressler, but on this—the brewery’s 30th birthday—I had just one question. How did you make it 30 years? After all, lately, it has felt like we’ve seen more brewery closures than openings, and the headlines paint a grim picture for the beer industry. Bill didn’t hesitate. “Focus on the people,” he says. “The beer is important, too, but it’s really about the people. Come on, let me show you around,” he says with a smile.

The brewhouse was transformed into a VIP section for the event, featuring rare, one-off barrel-aged beers and wild ales, a testament to the vibrant beer culture still thriving in the Midwest. The four-vessel, 30-barrel brewhouse towers over the restaurant and patrons sipping below it—a far cry from the humble 7-barrel setup Hinterland started with 30 years ago. Bill guided me through the space (the brewery runs 24,000 square feet, pointing out the tanks and canning line like it was one of his own children.

Just listening to folks drinking around me, there is a big love of Bill and his wife and co-founder Michelle. It wasn’t just a triple decade milestone, but a shared love of Hinterland (and the Green Bay Packers, judging by the amount of gear running around.)

Bill’s focus on people extends beyond customers. He spoke proudly of their team, many of whom have been with Hinterland for years. It’s apparent that good beer can only take you so far without good people there to pour it.

Hinterland hit 30 years with great beer, great people, all in one of the most well-known football cities in America. Nothing feels slow or downturn in Hinterland. Or Green Bay. Or Wisconsin. It would seem Hinterland is just now hitting its stride.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Badger State Brewing, New Releases

Badger State Phoenix Rising collab with UW Green Bay returns

Badger State Phoenix Rising Citrus Wheat Ale is available at the brewery starting in mid-June.

Badger State Brewing – in the heart of Green Bay, Wisconsin, has a new collaboration beer available starting this week – Phoenix Rising. The beer is a collaboration with University of Wisconsin Green Bay, whose mascot should be obvious by now – a phoenix. There was a previous version of this beer released as a red lager starting back in 2023.

The 5.2% alcohol by volume wheat ale is lightly hopped with El Dorado, and finished with orange and tangerine peel. Citrus is big in the nose with this beer, as well as the flavor, and very smooth thanks to the wheat.

Badger State Phoenix Rising is available in 16-ounce cans and draft throughout northeast Wisconsin starting in June 2025.

Style: American Wheat Ale
Hops: El Dorado

Availability: 16oz cans, Draft.
Debut: June 2025

5% ABV

PIC: Beer Street Journal

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

Oskar Wong, founder of Highland Brewing dies

The craft brewing industry has lost a pioneer, one of the kindest and talented people to in craft beer, Oskar Wong, founder of Asheville, North Carolina’s Highland Brewing.

Oscar P. Wong, lovingly known as the “Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer” passed peacefully at home on Sunday, May 25, 2025 with Anna, his wife of over 57 years, and Leah, one of his two daughters, at his side.

Upon his cancer diagnosis, Oscar’s doctor gave him 6-12 months, yet he lived well for the better part of three years. He valued quality of life and spent his remaining time fully immersed in the love of his family and those he cherished deeply. He liked to say, “Personal relationships are the currency of life,” and recently, he repeatedly expressed deep gratitude for an enriched life that exceeded his wildest imagination.

Oscar Wong is celebrated as a trailblazer, mentor, and friend to so many. From his humble beginnings as the son of Chinese immigrants in Jamaica, to Notre Dame, to a career as an engineer, to community service at the ARC, Rotary and UNC Asheville, to handball, to Highland, Oscar’s legacy is woven into the fabric of every community he touched.

Oscar was an engineer-turned-entrepreneur who embodied generosity, humility, and above all else, connection. Whether telling a story of the old Highland days, giving advice to an employee, or hand-writing a heartfelt note in exquisite penmanship, Oscar had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, or even meeting him once, likely felt touched by Oscar’s sincere and vivacious spirit.

To Oscar, success was not just about achievement but about giving back. His leadership and passion turned a post-retirement hobby into a pioneering brewery that shaped a city. Throughout his lifetime, he was honored with countless awards, among them: the US Small Business Administration’s Person of the Year for NC; the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian award; and the Brewers Association’s Recognition Award for “individuals whose inspiration, enthusiasm, and support have contributed to the craft brewing movement.”  

Oscar’s legacy lies in the lives he touched—as a loving father and friend, a role model for employees, a humorous and inspirational figure in the community, and a kind soul who believed in building businesses and bonds. From sipping scotch with friends every Friday to playing handball at 84, Oscar lived fully and always encouraged those around him to do the same.

Editor’s Note: The first time I met Oskar, it was at an event at Taco Mac in Atlanta for Highland Brewing and Paul Phillpon of Duck Rabbit Brewing. Around 5 pm, Oskar walking into the bar area and introduces himself to everyone, shaking hands in smiling. A few hours later, Oskar goes to leave, tells each person goodbye by name, as hours later he still remembered the name of every person he met, and left. I never forgot that evening, it left such a positive impression of Oskar Wong I have never forgotten. One of the best individuals I’ve ever met in the beer industry.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in 3 Sheeps Brewing, Seasonal Return

3 Sheeps Lemongrass Pils, a warm weather seasonal

3 Sheeps Lemongrass Pilsner is back in time for 60 degree temperatures to finally hit the Badger State (which still has frost warnings in May) meaning summer isn’t far away.

Lemongrass Pils is a Bohemian-style pilsner infused with lemongrass and brewed with Cascade hops, has become a well-loved seasonal since it debuted (around 2016?). We tried the beer last summer in the Sheboygan tap room and besides just being a perfect beer for summer weather, it is indeed, as the brewery says- “crushable.” The lemongrass really pops and pints go down way too easy.

EVENT: 3 SHEEPS CELEBRATES 13 YEARS ON MAY 31, 2025

3 Sheeps Lemongrass Pils is available in 12-ounce cans and on draft as a summer seasonal.

Style: Pilsner (w/ Lemongrass)
Hops: Cascade
Availability: 12oz Cans, Draft. Seasonal Release.

4.5% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Seasonal Return, Three Taverns Brewery

Three Taverns Pilsen Liberation is back for a 4th year

Three Taverns Pilsnen Liberation, a collaboration with Pilsner Urquell has been re-released.

Three Taverns Pilsen Liberation has been re-released, a hoppy pilsner crafted in collaboration with Pilsner Urquell’s experimental brewery, Elektrarna. This beer is an annual tribute to the 1945 liberation of Pilsen, Czech Republic, by U.S. forces. Pilsen Liberation hit taps at all Three Taverns locations over the weekend and is reaching retailers this week.

Pilsen Liberation, a 4.3% ABV lager, blends classic Czech malt and Saaz hops with the vibrant American hop character of the 2025 Veterans Blend from Yakima Chief Hops, delivering “spicy, herbal notes alongside citrusy and floral aromas,” according to Three Taverns. The pilsner is brewed using a triple-decoction process, a brewing technique where a portion of the mash is boiled and returned to the main mash three times to achieve specific temperature rests, resulting in a deeper malt flavor.

THREE TAVERNS TO OPEN PONCE BREW TERMINAL THIS FALL

At the taproom, you can experience the beer poured via traditional Czech Lukr side-pull taps, served in dimpled Euro-style mugs at Three Taverns’ Decatur and Imaginarium taprooms.

The 2025 release marks the fourth iteration of Pilsen Liberation, inspired by Pilsner Urquell’s admiration for Three Taverns’ Prince of Pilsen. Elektrarna’s brewmaster Lenka Straková and Three Taverns’ Neal Engleman adjusted this year’s recipe to highlight the unique Veterans Blend hops.

Three Taverns Pilsen Liberation is available in 16-ounce cans and on draft for a limited time.

Style: Pilsner
Hops: Saaz, 2025 Veterans Blend
Availability: 16oz Cans, Draft. Special Release.

4.3% ABV

by Reid Ramsay