Podcasts about craft brew news

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Best podcasts about craft brew news

Latest podcast episodes about craft brew news

Brewbound Podcast
Five Beer Writers Enter a Zoom Meeting Pt. 2

Brewbound Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2021 56:47


Beer Marketer's Insights' Craft Brew News senior editors Chris Shepard and David Steinman join the Brewbound Podcast to discuss the biggest beer industry stories of 2021.

Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl
Ep. 116 - Reflections on Beer in 2021

Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2021 72:39


For the second year in a row, as we end a year amid a pandemic, there continues to be innovation and uncertainty in the beer space. To reflect on it all host John Holl gathered some of his friends and fellow writers to talk about the year that was and what might be coming over the horizon of 2022.  Guests this week are: - Christopher Shepard the senior editor of Craft Brew News, published by Beer Marketers Insights;- Freelance writer Carla Jean Lauter; - Matt Kirkegaard, the founder and editor of Australia Brews News; - Andy Crouch, the publisher of Beer Edge, and the host of the beer edge podcast.  We hoped to have Melissa Cole back with us this year, but she was unable to make it. Still she has a new book out – The Ultimate Book of Craft Beer. We encourage you to find it and buy a copy where books are sold.  The groups talks a little business, has a little fun, and takes a walk through the green door. Get a beer, get comfortable, and let's have some fun. This Episode is sponsored by:NZ HopsNZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future.Athletic Brewing Co.Athletic Brewing Company's innovative process allows them to brew great-tastingcraft beer without the alcohol. From IPAs to stouts to golden ales and more, they offer a full selection of beers starting at only 50 calories. Now you can keep your head clear and enjoy the refreshing taste of beer anytime, anywhere. Place an order today atathleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customerscan also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge. Host: John Holl Guest: Andy Crouch, Matt Kirkegaard, Carla Jean Lauter, Christopher Shepard Sponsors:   NZ Hops, Athletic Brewing, and The Beer Edge Tags: Beer, Lager, Rauchbier, IPA, Non-Alcoholic, Brave Noise, Mergers, Sales, Cans, Bottles, Christmas 

Beer Edge
Chris Shepard - Beer Marketer's Insights

Beer Edge

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2021 50:07


Chris Shepard is one of the keenest voices in the craft beer industry. A Senior Editor for Craft Brew News at Beer Marketer's Insights, he covers the trade side of the craft beer industry with wit, wisdom, and a healthy dose of skepticism. You might wonder how a trained actor and theater director found his way to writing about the business of beer. Well, as you'll hear Chris tell it, Beer Marketers is a 50 year old company, a true family run operation, founded by Jerry Steinman. His son Benj, a fixture in his own right in the beer business, followed in his dad's footsteps and now runs the show. And for more than 40 years, Eric Shepard, Chris's dad, has been working with the Steinman's. Eric, who I've had the pleasure of sharing beers with, is the VP/Executive Editor and joined BMI in 1977.BMI is one of the oldest and longest running beer publications out there, certainly on the trade audience side of things. The company produces a handful of newsletters targeted at the broader beer industry as well as sponsoring conferences. BMI is a critical voice in the beer trade but it long focused almost exclusively on the big players for its largely wholesaler audience. But in recent years, the company has moved to expand its reach. One of the most prominent craft focused efforts has been Craft Brew News, which Chris writes and edits along with Benj's son David. See, a true family operation spanning three generations.Chris is one of my favorite people in the beer world. With more than 11 years covering the beer industry, he's smart, compassionate, and thoughtful. We sadly only get to see each other once or twice a year, at beer events like the GABF or the Craft Brewers Conference. As you'll soon hear, he's an exciting voice in the world of craft beer and I'm looking forward to our next beer together.For more information on the Beer Edge Podcast, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge. And visit Beer Edge for more articles and engaging content.This Episode is sponsored by:Source Brewing CompanyWe talk with Greg Taylor about Source Brewing Company's Inclusion & Diversity Scholarship, which offers underrepresented groups the opportunity to receive a world class education from the Siebel Institute in Chicago. Source is also proud to announce the opening of its second location, in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia. If you are interested in the Inclusion & Diversity Scholarship, or are interested in working at Source in Philly, reach out to scholarshipcareers@sourcebrewing.com.Host: Andy CrouchGuests: Chris ShepardSponsor: Source Brewing Company - Facebook: @sourcebrewing - Instagram: @sourcebrewing

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 79 – Allagash COVID Impact and A-B Drama

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2020 11:12


Craft Brew News 07/10/20(Courtesy of Brewbound.com)Allagash Founder Rob Tod Recovers From COVID-19In an interview with a Maine NBC affiliate, Allagash founder Rob Tod revealed that he tested positive for COVID-19 in mid-March after returning from a ski vacation.Tod told the affiliate that he self-quarantined and “rode it out” at home, not wanting to infect any other Allagashians.Even with the diagnosis, Tod said he was “so consumed and immersed in running this company at a time when we had lost 70% of our business the day that I came down with the COVID.”With March and the coronavirus, practically overnight people stopped going to bars and restaurants, where most of Allagash’s sales occurred. In less than a month sales tanked by seventy percent. Since losing 70% of its business, Allagash has since refocused on building its off-premise business. The company in June shared plans to launch several years’ worth of innovations in the fall, including a line of sparkling session ales made with fruit called Little Grove by Allagash, a new stout called North Sky and 6-pack bottles of flagship Allagash White.California Governor Orders Shutdown of Breweries and Restaurants in 19 CountiesWith a growing number of new COVID-19 cases in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has expanded the state’s temporary shutdown of bars and breweries to include a ban on indoor and outdoor dining and drinking in 19 counties, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. However, restaurants will be allowed to continue operating outdoor patio spaces, as well as breweries that operate licensed food service or partner with neighboring restaurants or food trucks.Counties included in the order include Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. Majority of counties account for nearly 75% of the state’s population. All 19 are on the state Department of Public Health’s “monitoring list” for areas with an increasing number of novel coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.Dichello Distributors Files Lawsuit Against Anheuser-Busch Alleging Conspiracy to Force SaleAn Anheuser-Busch wholesaler in Connecticut is suing the world’s largest beer manufacturer alleging that the maker of Bud Light conspired with a now former employee to damage the business and force a sale of the distributorship.New Haven, Connecticut-based Dichello Distributors is suing Anheuser-Busch, claiming A-B “engaged in an ongoing conspiracy” with Sal DiBetta, a former employee who later worked as CEO of the wholesaler between 2013 and 2016, as well as “other unnamed parties,” to “undermine” Dichello and force president John Hall’s family to sell the business to A-B, according to a complaint filed on June 17 in the Connecticut Superior Court.Dichello also alleges A-B has tried to enforce an equity agreement on the wholesaler and threatened them “with consequences for non-compliance, including forced sale of the distributorship.”A-B has not responded to a request for comment.DiBetta worked for A-B for more than 30 years before joining Dichello in October 2013 and departing in 2016, according to his Linkedin profile.Anheuser-Busch to Pay Record $5 Million Offer In Compromise for Trade Practice Violations Tied to Sports and Entertainment SponsorshipsAnheuser-Busch InBev has agreed to pay a record $5 million offer in compromise (OIC) for alleged trade practice violations related to sports and entertainment sponsorships, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) announced today.Additionally, A-B’s importer and wholesaler permits were suspended for two days in Littleton, Colorado, and four days in Denver.The $5 million fine is the largest offer in compromise collected to date by the TTB, Thomas Hogue, a spokesperson for the federal agency, confirmed with Brewbound. A-B’s offer tops a $2.5 million fine collected last year from Heineken USA for alleged trade practice violations.According to the TTB, the alleged violations included:“Entering into sponsorship agreements with various entities in the sports and entertainment industries requiring concessionaires and other retailers to purchase A-B’s malt beverages and prohibiting them from purchasing specific competitor brands;Inducing sports industry concessionaires to purchase A-B’s malt beverages by furnishing fixtures, equipment, and services;Reimbursing, through credit card swipes, retailers for the cost of installing malt beverage draft dispensing systems, thereby inducing them to purchase A-B’s malt beverages;Requiring retailers to purchase A-B’s malt beverages in return for such retailers’ use of equipment A-B furnished them free of charge or below market value;Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Beara is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebIf your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Michael BearaFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.comLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 78 - Brewfests Going Virtual

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2020 16:04


Craft Brew News 05/15/20(Courtesy of Brewbound.com)Craft Beer Festivals Across the Country Go Virtual During COVID-19 PandemicThe COVID-19 pandemic has altered nearly every facet of life and commerce, but one particular area stands to be gutted more than almost any other: large scale events.In the beer industry alone, event casualties are numerous. The Brewers Association has now canceled three of its marquee events, including the annual Craft Brewers Conference in San Antonio, Texas, SAVOR beer and food pairing event in Washington, D.C., and HomebrewCon in Nashville, Tennessee. The Great American Beer Festival, the BA’s largest consumer-facing event and the largest beer festival and competition in the U.S., is still slated to take place September 24-27 in Denver, Colorado. Popular regional beer festivals have also pulled the plug on their 2020 events, including the Oregon Brewers Festival in Portland, Oregon, Bend Brewfest in Bend, Oregon, and Great Taste of the Midwest in Madison, Wisconsin.Without its annual mid-May Oklahoma Craft Beer Summit — a reliable fundraiser — the Craft Brewers Association of Oklahoma (CBOA) was facing a potential loss of thousands of dollars. A creative solution was needed.CBOA treasurer and COOP Ale Works director of sales and marketing Sean Mossman told Brewbound. “Just one day, kind of organically, it was like, ‘Hey, what if we move this online? What if we made this virtual?’” “Well, that would be cool, but then it’s just a conversation — how do we do beer? How do we make this a beer festival?”The Oklahoma Craft Beer Summit ’20 Quarantine Edition was born and planned in about a week, with the blessing of the Alcoholic Beverage Law Enforcement (ABLE) Commission of Oklahoma, Mossman said.Tickets for the sold-out virtual festival on May 15 came with a plethora of beers to sample and an evening of guided tastings and panel discussions about styles, brewing and the beer industry. Guests purchased tickets that included a kit of 24 beers from breweries across Oklahoma. Kits could be retrieved at designated pickup locations strategically placed across the state, where IDs would be checked against tickets, a provision of the ABLE Commission.With the help of sponsors and “monstrously low overhead,” Mossman said the virtual festival has helped the CBOA raise multiple times more money than a traditional in-person festival.“We’re spending about $3,000 to raise about $50,000, so we’re pretty fortunate,” he said. “This would take us probably three festivals to generate this much revenue. And really, our only real expense as a guild is probably our lobbyists at the Capitol. We’re pretty self-governed and self-run, but that is our biggest expense, and it’s the most necessary expense.”Untappd will also host a virtual beer festival online on June 13 and 14.Participants have the option of two experiences — one with beer shipped to them and one in which they purchase their own. The Drinking Socially Package costs $89.99 and includes 11 beers to samples during two virtual panels, $10 gift cards to the Untappd merchandise store and Half Time Beverage, the event’s retail partner and beer shipper. Beer packages can be shipped to ZIP codes in 28 states and Washington, D.C., according to local laws.The Stay at Home Stream package costs $15 and includes access to the virtual panels and is available everywhere.A portion of sales from both tickets will be donated to the Restaurant Strong Fund, which supports out-of-work service industry employees.Harpoon Brewery’s annual five-mile road race has taken runners through the streets of the brewery’s Boston neighborhood for 18 years, but this weekend, the 19th edition of the fundraising race will be virtual.The company’s website said “Run, walk, pushrim, handcycle, or skip 5 miles on Sunday, May 17th from your house, on a treadmill or on a trail using proper safety precautions,”.Entrants received a printable bib to wear during their run and a race bag filled with gifts from sponsors in the mail. Some race packages included T-shirts and beer and a ticket to a festival at the brewery in the future. The race raises funds for the Angel Fund for ALS Research.More than 3,000 runners have signed up, according to director of digital strategy Megan Baker.California ABC Investigation Finds Delivery Apps Allowing Minors to Order AlcoholAn investigation by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) found that third-party delivery services are “routinely delivering alcoholic beverages to minors,” according to an industry advisory posted by the regulatory agency and reported on by the the Washington Post and The Verge.The ABC wrote “Most concerning is that minors are routinely able to purchase alcohol through delivery from restaurants,”. “There have been instances in which the licensee’s own employees have done so, but a far greater rate has been evident among third-party delivery services. Licensees are responsible for these unlawful deliveries, and the Department encourages licensees to review the practices of these services and their reliance on them.”The ABC added that it has found that employees of third-party delivery services are “largely” ignoring guidelines setup to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors.In the advisory, the ABC reminded licensees that they are ultimately responsible for the delivery of alcoholic beverages away from their premises, even if those deliveries are made on their behalf by third-party services, and are “subject to arrest and criminal prosecution.” “This is so no matter what assurances the delivery service may have provided to the licensee,” the ABC stated.Idaho-Based Hardware Brewing Company Defies Executive Order, Risks LicenseKendrick, Idaho-based brewpub Hardware Brewing Company is at risk of losing its alcoholic beverage license after reopening in defiance of Gov. Brad Little’s executive order shutting down bars and restaurants, the Lewiston Tribune reported, citing a letter sent to the brewpub by the Idaho State Police.Although Little’s reopening plan would allow Hardware Brewing to open potentially on May 16 as part of a second wave of business reopenings if the state doesn’t record a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, the brewpub reopened to the public on May 1, including Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin.Hardware co-owners Morgan, Doug and Christine Lohman discussed reopening on Laura Ingraham’s Fox News program Monday night. Christine Lohman explained that Hardware attempted “to survive on takeout” but there wasn’t enough business.“It is a destination place,” she said. “They do not drive 35 miles or more for me to come out in a hazmat suit and hand them a burger, so we’re starving slowly.”The conversation spilled over to the brewpub’s Facebook page, where the Hardware account stated: “This virus is totally overblown and is not killing the productive and healthy in our society.”Morgan Lohman told Ingraham that the family has hired San Francisco-based lawyer Harmeet Dhillon to represent the company. Dhillon specializes in “commercial litigation, employment law, First Amendment rights and election law matters,” according to her firm’s website.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Beara is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebIf your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Michael BearaFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.comLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 77 – Sunday River Brewpub Loses License!

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2020 12:18


Craft Brew News 05/08/20(Courtesy of brewbound.com)Maine Brewpub Owner Defies Executive Order, Loses LicensesEven as a mini-revolution, the Sunday River Brewing uprising didn’t last long.As states grapple with reopening for business in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, one Maine brewpub owner opted to defy the reopening plan Gov. Janet Mills laid out last week that orders restaurants to remain shut for on-premise dining until June.Rick Savage, owner of Sunday River Brewing in Bethel, Maine, opened his brewpub at around noon on Friday, May 1, drawing a large crowd and defying Mills’ March 18 executive order banning gatherings of more than 10 people. About four hours later, he told reporters that state government representatives had come to the brewpub to revoke his health and liquor licenses.Savage said to a group of reporters outside the brewpub on Friday. “I think it’s ridiculous,” “I think it’s totally ridiculous. If they want to deal with people, deal with us in a manner that’s civil.”“If you don’t like it, take me to court,” Savage said.But, before 8 p.m. on May 1, Sunday River Brewing had posted to Facebook that the brewpub “will be closed until further notice.” The next day, Savage appeared at a rally protesting Mills’ reopening plan. Sunday River Brewing linked to a GoFundMe fundraiser on Facebook called the “Maine Back to Work Fund,” which has raised nearly $95,000 as of presstime.Federal Judge Sides with Anheuser-Busch InBev in Corn Syrup Ad LawsuitMore than a year after it began, a federal circuit judge ruled that Anheuser-Busch InBev is free to continue its advertising campaign calling out the use of corn syrup in Molson Coors Beverage Company’s flagship light lagers.Molson Coors, then named MillerCoors, filed a deceptive advertising lawsuit against the world’s largest beer manufacturer after it ran a commercial during the 2019 Super Bowl pointing out the use of corn syrup during the brewing process of Miller Lite and Coors Light, which Bud Light does not use.At the heart of its decision is that Miller Lite and Coors Light both list “corn syrup (dextrose)” among their ingredients.Earlier in 2019, a different judge granted Molson Coors an injunction that blocked A-B from displaying some billboards and television ads.A-B said it is “pleased” with the decision.Pyramid Brewing Closes Seattle Taproom After Over 30 YearsAfter more than 30 years in business, Pyramid Brewing Co. parent company FIFCO USA announced last week that it will permanently close Pyramid Alehouse in Seattle, Washington. The company notified staff Thursday, April 30, offering severance pay to help with their transition.The state’s bar and restaurant closures due to COVID-19 have led to business decline, “creating insurmountable business challenges for the Alehouse to continue to operate,” according to a press release. Located in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood, Pyramid Alehouse relied on sporting and entertainment events to bring customers to the neighborhood and support its business during “non-peak” times, according to Rich Andrews, CEO of FIFCO USA. The taproom is located across the street from the Seattle Mariners’ Safeco Field and a block from the Seattle Seahawks’ CenturyLink Field.Pyramid beer will still be available for purchase at its retail accounts throughout the Pacific Northwest, and its beers will be brewed in Oregon’s Portland Brewery.On-Premise Shutdowns Could Cost Beer Industry $8 BillionThe near-nationwide shutdown of the on-premise channel will result in a loss of $8 billion for the beer industry if it continues into June, National Beer Wholesalers Association chief economist Lester Jones said during a State of the Industry webinar hosted by the NBWA and the Beer Institute (BI) last week.Jones said “We really need to step up our conversations and talk about how the loss here to the industry is significant,”. “It’s not going to be made up through grocery stores and 30-packs and cases people are stashing in their garages. It will not be compensated by those additional off-premise purchases. And, of course, the longer the shutdown, the greater the loss.”On-premise sales account for 9% of the industry’s $328 billion annual economic impact, which translates to $3.1 billion per month. If a quarter of the on-premise channel reopens in May and half reopens in June, the beer industry stands to lose $8 billion.As states begin laying out plans for the reopening of their economies, the beer industry will need to consider the health of geographic markets when deciding how to return to the shuttered on-premise channel, Jones said.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Beara is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebIf your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Michael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.comLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 76 – Craft Breweries Need Your Help!

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2020 10:51


Craft Brew News05/01/20(Courtesy of Brewbound.com)Nearly Half of New York Breweries Say Their Businesses Could Close in 3 Months, According to Guild SurveyThe majority of New York craft brewers have seen their sales drop by 75% or more and nearly half have stopped production entirely, according to a survey conducted by the New York State Brewers Association (NYSBA).The survey’s conclusion read. “Without increased and consistent local, federal and state help, it is possible that nearly half of the breweries operating in New York state could shut down after three months,” Nearly half — 46% of breweries — said they could last between one and three months under current conditions. About a quarter said they could continue operating for three to six months. Ten percent said they could last for the next one to four weeks.New York has been the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., with nearly 300,000 cases and 17,000 deaths. Gov. Andrew Cuomo was among the first governors to mandate a statewide shutdown of on-premise sales at bars and restaurants shutdowns on March 16.On Sunday, Cuomo announced that the order will likely extend beyond its planned expiration date of May 15, but he said some regions of the state could see a relaxation of restrictions based on infection rates, Reuters reported.As breweries nationwide have lost taproom draft sales, they’ve pivoted to offer to-go sales, curbside pickups and home delivery. In New York, 37% of breweries are offering to-go sales, a quarter are offering curbside pickup and 8% are offering home delivery. Twenty percent are selling beer through their distribution network.Brewers Association Lays Off 23% of Staff, Reduces Salaries of Management TeamThe Brewers Association (BA) laid off 23% of its staff last week “in order to maintain the long-term viability” of the national trade group, which represents the interests of small and independent U.S. craft brewers.The BA announced the job cuts on its website Monday.In addition to the job cuts, the BA has enacted tiered salary reduction for its management team, in addition to operational budget cuts that were made earlier in April.The BA was forced to cancel two of its signature events — the annual Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America and SAVOR — as well as the World Beer Cup competition earlier this spring due to concerns caused by the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. CBC was expected to draw more than 13,000 industry professionals to San Antonio, Texas, from April19-22.Tickets are still on sale for the BA’s next event, the American Homebrewers Association’s Homebrew Con, which is slated to take place June 18-20 in Nashville, Tennessee.Brewers Association, Bottleshare Introduce Fund for Breweries, GuildsThe Brewers Association (BA) today announced it has formed a partnership with nonprofit fundraising organization Bottleshare to establish the “Believe in Beer Fund” to support breweries and state brewers guilds across the country that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.Starting today, the BA and Bottleshare are accepting applications from guilds and breweries in need of financial support, as well as donations from consumers for the fund via GoFundMe, with a stated goal of raising $1 million, through Sunday, May 17. The goal of the fund is to provide financial support to pay payroll, rent and utilities. Boston Beer Execs Discuss Keeping Up with Truly Hard Seltzer Demand, On-Premise ‘Devastation’The story of Boston Beer Company’s Truly Hard Seltzer brand remains the same; the company can’t keep up with demand for the hard seltzer category’s second largest brand. The mid-March pantry stock up caused by the novel coronavirus shutting down virtually all on-premise sales led to a spike in Truly sales earlier than expected.Executives from Boston Beer explained Wednesday that the inventory that they had built up for an expected summer rush of sales was instead depleted earlier than planned (Boston Beer reported Q1 depletions growth of 32% and shipments growth of 36%).So Boston Beer’s summer inventory is smaller than anticipated, but the company believes it has enough capacity between its internal capacity and external production at contract facility City Brewery in Memphis.Supplementing that capacity is two new full-time canning lines, Boston Beer founder Jim Koch said. The first came online within the last two weeks at Boston Beer’s Pennsylvania brewery, and the second at City Brewery in Memphis will be operational in May. Both of those lines will more than double Boston Beer’s production of Truly in order to meet demand in the summer months and the back-half of 2020.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Beara is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebIf your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Michael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.comLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News #75 – Oktoberfest 2020 CANCELLED But Breweries Starting to Bring Employees Back

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020 10:37


Craft Brew News 4/24/20Germany Cancels 2020 OktoberfestGerman officials today cancelled the country’s famed Oktoberfest celebration due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder said during a press conference. “It hurts. It’s such a pity,” “We have agreed that the risk is simply too high.”The festival, originally slated for September 19 through October 4, usually draws 6 million people to Munich. Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that all large events be cancelled through August 31; however, officials said Oktoberfest, or the Wiesn in local parlance, is too large of an undertaking to adjust or postpone.Event manager Clemens Baumgärtner said. “The Wiesn is a total work of art that you either do completely or not at all, and this work of art cannot be moved backwards or made in a smaller form,” Oktoberfest, which dates back to 1810, generates more than 1 billion euros for the city of Munich and draws 2 million travelers to the city from other countries, according to Reuters.Molson Coors Extends HEXO CBD Beverage Partnership to USMolson Coors Beverage Company is deepening its relationship with Quebec-based cannabis company HEXO, today announcing the launch of a new joint venture to produce non-alcoholic CBD-infused beverages in Colorado.The new venture, Truss CBD USA, will be majority owned by Molson Coors and operate as an independent company with its own board of directors, management and resources. All products will be produced in Colorado and distributed exclusively for sale within the state.Molson Coors isn’t the only major beer company exploring the potential for cannabis beverages in Canada, which approved legal sales in December 2019. Anheuser-Busch InBev and Toronto-based cannabis brand Tilray launched a joint venture to research both THC- and CBD-infused beverages in December 2018, with each side committing $50 million to the project. Constellation Brands, the world’s largest spirits company, also has a minority ownership in Canopy Growth Corp.According to cannabis market research firm Brightfield Group, the U.S. CBD beverage market was worth $143.1 million in 2019. Colorado ranks 10th in the country in terms of CBD beverage consumers by state, with that group representing 2.9% of U.S. users.Minnesota Allows Restaurants to Sell Beer and Wine To GoMinnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed legislation last week that permits the sale of beer and wine to-go from restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Associated Press.Walz said. “This is a small but important step to provide relief for the local restaurants that are struggling to keep their lights on during this pandemic.Restaurants and bars are now allowed to sell a bottle of wine or six-pack of beer with food orders.Atlanta-Based Monday Night Brewing Begins Rehiring Furloughed StaffAtlanta’s Monday Night Brewing shared last week that it had begun rehiring some of its furloughed employees.The company wrote on Instagram. “Because of your willingness to purchase directly from our small brewery and generous contributions, we will actually be able to bring some of our furloughed staff back onto payrollFour furloughed employees were brought back and other employees whose hours were cut have received additional work. Monday Night will continue donating 25% of to-go sales and 100% of donations to its staff fund.The company wrote. “Your willingness to step up to the plate for the survival of our brewery and our team has been an incredibly life-giving and humbling experience for us,” Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Beara is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebIf your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Michael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.comLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 74 - COVID-19 - A "Shock to the System" for Craft Breweries

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2020 16:07


Craft Brew News4/17/20(Courtesy of www.Brewbound.com)BA’s Bart Watson: COVID-19 ‘A Shock to the System’ for Craft BreweriesBy most metrics, small and independent craft brewing companies posted solid volume growth in 2019. However, the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced many craft brewers into “survival mode,” is overshadowing 2019’s growth.In 2019, BA-defined craft brewing companies held 13.6% of the beer industry’s market share by volume, and accounted for more than a quarter of the industry’s dollar sales.Nevertheless, craft breweries have lost a considerable amount of sales in 2020 as on-premise and own-premise sales were cut off in mid-March 2020.That’s left many craft breweries struggling to survive. According to the BA’s second impact survey, 46% of respondents said they may be forced to close their doors within the next three months if the shutdown continues.Asked which breweries might be most at-risk of closing, Watson said the smallest breweries are the most at-risk due to relying on onsite sales and draft production.Responding to a question of how the current downturn compares to the recession that began in late 2007, Watson said beer and other alcoholic beverages are “recession-resistant, but not recession-proof.” Consumers are likely to continue buying beer, wine and spirits, even after they cut spending elsewhere. Since 2009, beer prices have increased, while wine and spirit prices have decreased.Watson also addressed the number of breweries in planning. The BA counted 8,275 in operation in the U.S. in 2019. Citing Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) numbers, he said there are now 11,800 active brewing permits in the U.S., of which he estimated there are around 2,000 breweries in the planning stages.Watson added the industry was already moving in a direction similar to the restaurant and bar industries, in which locations close and new ones open in their place.“We were already seeing 25% to 30% of breweries that close get a new brewery going in,” he said. “And that rate may rise over the next few years as people look to get in at a lower price point than they couldn’t before.”The way those breweries operate once they open may also change. A flaw in the taproom brewery model, which has been hailed as possibly the best way to build a brand and cash flow a brewery by selling beer directly to consumers with little to no distribution, was exposed by COVID-19. Watson said in a post-COVID-19 world, businesses will be forced to consider other revenue streams, such as beer to-go sales and direct-to-consumer sales with limited distribution, either self-distribution or through a wholesaler, where legal, “as a hedge against future shutdowns.”A common thread in off-premise data reporting since the pandemic began is a resurgence of the nation’s largest craft brewers’ long-declining flagship offerings, which haven’t grown in months or even years. Though it may be easy to assume that troubling times inspire consumers to turn to trusted brands, Watson pointed out that these brands have much wider distribution than their smaller craft counterparts.Since March 9, off-premise dollar sales in retailers such as grocery stores, where shelves are typically stocked with products from major domestic and regional craft brewers, topped $3.4 billion, according to market research firm Nielsen.Social Standards Examines Possible Loss of Summer Drinking Occasions, Increase in Virtual Happy HoursWith summer drinking occasions at risk of being lost due to the coronavirus disease COVID-19 shutting down gatherings at beaches and pools, consumer insights firm Social Standards looked at the potential effects of that loss on beverage alcohol products.The firm analyzed 30 beverage alcohol products whose conversation volume increased more than 10% between the first and third quarter of 2019 in an effort to determine those that “may be most vulnerable if social distancing continues.”Products on Social Standards’ potential most vulnerable list include canned wine, Mexican beer, hard seltzer, rosé and non-alcoholic offerings.Those least affected by the potential loss of summer gatherings include malbecs, wheat beer and craft cider.Whether those projections become reality are still to be seen. For example, hard seltzers have maintained their triple-digit dollar sales growth and continued to be the beer category’s growth driver in off-premise retailers during the COVID-19 crisis. According to market research firm Nielsen, hard seltzers increased dollar sales 327% and gained 2.5 share points during the week ending March 28, outpacing pre-COVID-19 growth rates.As consumers connect to family, friends and co-workers on platforms such as Google and Zoom, conversations around virtual happy hours have increased 1,505% during March, according to Social Standards.The winners so far have been wines and whiskeys — but not beer, despite several beer companies turning to virtual happy hours in an effort to engage with consumers. Over-indexing in virtual happy hour conversations are classic cocktails, such as martinis and old fashions, as well as spritzes and margaritas.So who is posting to social media the most about virtual happy hours? Social Standards said they are women, ages 30- to 44-year-old, in higher income brackets relative to the average beverage-alcohol consumer. Those posters also skew more toward urban tech hubs, including San Francisco, Seattle and Austin.Social Standards also examined why people are hosting virtual happy hours. The top reasons are to replace canceled events and stay connected with family, friends and co-workers. Those events also over-index in relation to supporting local businesses, which indicates that virtual happy hour participants want to support local businesses.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.com**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 73 - Distilleries Producing Sanitizer and a Virtual Craft Brewers Conference

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 12:37


Craft Brew News04/10/20(Courtesy of www.Brewbound.com)Breweries, Distilleries Partner to Create Hand Sanitizer During COVID-19 OutbreakCody Morris is reincarnating out of code draft beer as hand sanitizer.A professional brewer and the son of distillery owners, he knew that all the beer sitting idle in kegs could be distilled into hand sanitizer, which is needed for essential workers nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.His parents own Hardware Distilling in Hoodsport, Washington, and they wanted to make sanitizer, which needs to be at least 60% ethanol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.To start the process, Morris runs beer he’s collected through Hardware Distilling’s column still twice.Morris is donating sanitizer to first responders, filling up consumers’ own containers at the distillery and selling small bottles to the local grocery store at a low cost.Without using beer as a base, it would take two weeks longer to start making sanitizer from scratch. Last month, the Brewers Association (BA) canceled the in-person version of its Craft Brewers Conference, which led to the stranding of entries to its biennial World Beer Cup at its warehouse in Colorado.With the help of Denver-area distilleries Denver Distillery and Ballmer Peak Distillery, the BA converted the beer, which poured into Colorado from 2,700 craft breweries nationwide, into hand sanitizer.In Milton, Delaware, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, which also distills spirits, used its gin as a base for sanitizer, co-founder Sam Calagione said in a video op-ed today for the New York Times. The sanitizer created will be donated to hospitals, first responders and police departments.Brewers Association Announces Virtual Craft Brewers Conference, Releases ScheduleThe Brewers Association’s Craft Brewers Conference will go on in 2020 — at a social distance.The trade group that represents small and independent craft brewers today announced plans to hold the event virtually over the next five weeks, from April 13 through May 15, with many days featuring two live streamed seminars.The BA said more than 70 industry experts will give 40 free presentations over the next five weeks.The BA canceled CBC, which was supposed to take place from April 19-22 in San Antonio, Texas, on March 12, citing concerns over the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19. CBC, as well as Brew Expo and the World Beer Cup competition were expected to draw more than 13,000 attendees to San Antonio.One of the most anticipated presentations of the year, the annual “State of the Craft Brewing Industry” address from BA chief economist Bart Watson will take place at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 15.Nevada Declares Breweries Non-Essential, Despite Trade Associations Securing National Essential Business DesignationIn many states, bars and restaurants were among the first businesses forced to alter their operations to keep people from gathering in large groups. Since then, shutdowns have expanded to other non-essential businesses, such as hair and nail salons, clothing stores and gyms.The beer industry has been deemed essential under guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), something the heads of beer trade associations worked to secure.Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak set guidelines on March 12 outlining which businesses were essential and which were not, but breweries, wineries, pubs and bars fell on the non-essential side of the line.Nevada breweries, however, are permitted to keep brewing and selling beer for distribution. The state’s liquor stores are non-essential and closed, but grocery stores sell beer. Craft breweries can offer safe locations for beer purchasing to cull crowds at grocery stores.The essential business designation has enabled breweries nationwide to remain open and sell beer to-go from taprooms and into the three-tier system. However, the loss of on-premise service, at least for the country’s nearly 6,000 brewpub and taproom brewers, has been “in a word, devastating,” Brewers Association (BA) president and CEO Bob Pease added.“If this goes two months, four months, six months, then there’s going to be a significant toll,” he said.Constellation Brands Does Not Expect Disruption of Corona and Modelo Brands; Posts $8.34 Billion in Sales for FY 2020Constellation Brands will continue production of import brands Corona, Modelo and Pacifico at its facilities in Mexico, despite the suspension of nonessential businesses in that country.The Mexican government issued a decree Tuesday suspending all nonessential operations, including beer manufacturing, through the end of April. During the company’s fourth quarter and full-year 2020 earnings call, Constellation Brands CEO Bill Newlands told investors and analysts that the company’s production facilities are open and operating in Mexico, the U.S., Italy and New Zealand.Constellation is taking employees’ temperature as they arrive at its facilities and has staggered shifts to encourage social distancing.Meanwhile, Anheuser-Busch InBev-owned Grupo Modelo, which produces and sells Corona, Modelo and Pacifico outside the U.S., announced Friday it will halt production, according to CNN. Heineken N.V. also announced that it will suspend production and distribution of its products from its seven manufacturing facilities in Mexico, effective Sunday, according to Reuters.Constellation Brands’ net sales, encompassing its beer, spirits and wine business, increased 3%, to $8.344 billion for the full 2020 fiscal year.As of press time, Constellation Brands (STZ) stock was up around 1%, to around $132, which is down considerably from its 52-week high of $214.48.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.com**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 72 - Lawsuits Against Moslon Coors and Get Your Beer-To-Go in MA

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2020 11:08


Craft Brew News 04/03/20(Courtesy of www.Brewbound.com)Massachusetts Lawmakers Approve Bill to Allow Restaurants to Sell Alcohol To-GoThe state of Massachusetts, which temporarily banned on-premise dining and drinking on March 17, has taken a step toward approving to-go sales of beer and wine, something most other northeastern states have had in places since their on-premise bans began.The state Senate passed a bill Monday, that would allow licensed on-premise businesses to sell beer or wine for off-premise consumption. The measure would limit sales to wine and malt beverages sold in sealed containers. Wine must be in its original container, but the measure does not make the same stipulation for beer, which opens the opportunity for growler and crowler sales. All sales of alcoholic beverages must be part of a transaction that also includes food. Governors of other states, such as New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, have enabled on-premise to-go sales through executive orders.Stone Brewing v. MillerCoors Lawsuit Heads to Trial in OctoberSan Diego-headquartered Stone Brewing’s long-running trademark infringement lawsuit against Molson Coors’ Keystone brand will move to trial in October.Stone first brought the lawsuit against MillerCoors, the U.S. business unit of Molson Coors, which is now known as Molson Coors Beverage Company, alleging that the April 2017 packaging and marketing refresh for the company’s Keystone Light brand that more prominently featured the word “Stone” infringed on the craft brewery’s intellectual property.The years-long lawsuit has centered on the strength of Stone Brewing’s trademark. In an earlier finding, the court ruled that the Stone mark “was conceptually and commercially strong and recognizable” based on evidence Stone presented that included the 1997 filing of its mark. Because the mark was not contested for five years, it earned “incontestable status.”MillerCoors has argued that the Stone trademark is “conceptually weak because at least 10 other craft breweries actively use the word ‘Stone’ in their name.” Data submitted showing that 53% of beer drinkers surveyed “had never heard of Stone Brewing” suggested that the Stone mark is “commercially” weak. This disconnect will be determined by a jury.Stone Brewing is seeking to recover the $1 billion in “infringing sales” that Keystone has made since the lawsuit began. In a statement, Stone Brewing CEO Dominic Engels called the move forward to a trial “a good day for independent craft beer and our employees.”Constellation Brands’ Mexicali Brewery Hits RoadblockConstellation Brands’ $1.4 billion brewery in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, was rejected during a local referendum last weekend, with 76.1% of voters opposing the project, according to Mexico News Daily. The project was first announced in January 2016 and was expected to be completed by FY2023.Residents are concerned the brewery will use too much water, and the National Water Commission will not provide necessary permits to open the brewery, deputy interior minister for democratic development and social participation Diana Alvarez said.In a statement, Constellation CEO Bill Newlands said the company would “continue working with local authorities, government officials and members of the community on next steps related to our brewery construction project in Mexicali and options elsewhere in Mexico.”Cowen analyst Vivien Azer noted that the rejection of the Mexicali brewery raises several questions, including capacity constraints beyond fiscal year 2021 and cash outlays (as Constellation has already invested $900 million in the plant).Judge Rejects Preliminary Injunction Against Molson Coor’ Vizzy SeltzerA federal judge has denied a request for a preliminary injunction by Future Proof, the parent company of Brizzy Seltzer Cocktails, which had sought to block Molson Coors Beverage Company from launching the Vizzy Hard Seltzer line.Molson Coors chief communications and corporate affairs officer Adam Collins said in a statement , “The federal judge’s ruling confirms what we’ve always maintained, we have the right to launch and fully support Vizzy, a new, differentiated hard seltzer with antioxidant vitamin C from acerola superfruit that has retailers and distributors excited,”.Future Proof, the Austin, Texas-based maker of Brizzy, filed the lawsuit against Molson Coors last month, claiming that Vizzy infringed on the trademark it has for Brizzy, which it filed for in November 2018.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.com**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 71 - Brewers Get Creative to Survive the Coronavirus Impact

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2020 8:49


Craft Brew News 03/27/20(Courtesy of www.Brewbound.com)Crowler Cans Out of Stock until April as Beer Industry Pivots to To-Go SalesAs draft beer has almost entirely stopped flowing in the U.S. due to on-premise shutdowns caused by efforts to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19, craft brewers are turning to crowlers — 32 oz. cans filled and sealed on demand — to sell the beer left in their kegs before it oxidizes.The problem is that the only supplier of crowlers, Ball Corporation, is entirely out of stock of crowlers until April, American Canning co-founder and CEO David Racino said.Ball manufactures crowlers quarterly and the unprecedented shutdown of all on-premise consumption in the U.S. could not have been forecasted.Ball Corporation Increases Crowler Production to Meet Demand; Growler Sales SurgeBall Corporation has added production of 32 oz. crowler cans and expects to have a supply ready to hit the market in two days.The company, which is the nation’s sole producer of 32 oz. crowler cans, increased the size of its planned second-quarter run and is working to expedite shipments when possible.As states have forced bars, restaurants and breweries to close for on-premise service during the COVID-19 pandemic, craft breweries whose taprooms are their main source of revenue have turned to to-go sales of cans, growlers and crowlers to stay afloat. However, the shortage of crowler cans, which Ball is the only maker of in the nation, has hampered those efforts.Meanwhile, sales of glass growlers from wholesaler Glass and Growlers “are cranking,” chief operating officer William Kerr said.The Las Vegas, Nevada-based company has received orders from as far away as Europe and Australia and domestic orders are coming in from clients ranging in size from small craft breweries to national craft-centric chain Yard House, Kerr said.“Growler sales are going through the roof,” he said. “We’re on our second truckload this week.”Allagash Donates Personal Protective Equipment to HospitalPortland, Maine-based Allagash Brewing tweeted that its staff discovered extra safety masks, which the brewery donated to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center.The brewery has been delivering beer directly to consumers in the Portland area.In an Instagram post the Brewery said “Allagash on the Fly will continue to operate both curbside pickup & delivery as Portland begins a mandatory stay-at-home period. We've continued to add to our safety measures across the brewery—both for our staff's wellbeing and yours.”Beer Companies Donate to Bartenders and Restaurant StaffMolson Coors Beverage Company has announced it will donate $1 million to the United States Bartenders’ Guild, a nonprofit organization that supports bartenders and servers.Other brewers making similar donations include Boston Beer Company, which donated $100,000 to the Restaurant Strong Fund, a fund it created for Massachusetts service industry employees with local philanthropy the Greg Hill Foundation. Boston Beer will also match donations up to another $100,000 through March 31.Constellation Brands, parent company of Mexican import brands Corona, Modelo and Pacifico, which has pledged $1 million to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, $500,000 to the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild and $250,000 to first responders.New Belgium Brewing established the New Belgium Brewing Bar & Restaurant Relief Fund and donated an initial $50,000 with a commitment to match donations up to another $50,000. The fund will support furloughed and laid off service industry employees in Fort Collins, Colorado, and Asheville, North Carolina, where the company has breweries.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.com**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 70 – Coronavirus’ Negative Impact on Beer

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2020 12:45


Craft Brew News 03/20/20(Stories courtesy of www.Brewbound.com)99% of Craft Brewery Businesses Being Impacted by COVID-19, Brewers Association Survey FindsVirtually every craft brewery is feeling the economic crunch from the coronavirus disease COVID-19, according to the results of a survey conducted by the Brewers Association (BA).According to the survey, 90% of breweries said COVID-19 had already impacted on-site sales at their businesses, 58.8% said it had affected distribution orders and 89% said it had manifested in canceled events. Just 1% of beer companies said they had seen no impact.More than half of the companies surveyed by the BA (57.7%) said they anticipate laying off workers due to COVID-19, while 31.3% were unsure. Only 9.5% of the companies that responded said they do not anticipate cutting jobs.Craft Brewers Turn to Online Ordering, Delivery Programs and More as On-Premise Consumption CeasesWith mandated shutdowns of bars, restaurants and taprooms in more than 20 states and voluntary closures in many others, the novel coronavirus has forced craft brewers to get creative in getting their beer to consumers.The governors of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut have loosened restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages to go from on-premise accounts, which allows craft breweries in those state to offer delivery.Although breweries are permitted to offer delivery, all deliveries must be completed by the license holder, so breweries cannot use third-party services such as DoorDash or UberEats. The brewery has added an ordering portal to its website, so consumers can purchase cans, merchandise and gift cards.NYC Mayor Says On-Premise Shutdown Could Last ‘Months’; Bars and Restaurants Mandated Shutdown in at Least 20 StatesThe on-premise shutdown of bars and restaurants in New York City could last for “months” in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease COVID-19, New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio said during an interview with CNN this morning.De Blasio said the shutdown of on-premise dining and drinking at bars and restaurants is likely to last for several months, and could even drag on into September.In the interim, most states are allowing takeout and delivery options. In New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, licensed establishments are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages to-go during the shutdown.Pennsylvania has also shutdown liquor stores.Guinness has pledged $500,000 through its Guinness Gives Back Fund to “help the communities where we live, work and celebrate.” And Jameson has also pledged $500,000 to support the United States Bartenders’ Guild, which has implemented a “Bartender Emergency Assistance Program.” Additionally, Jameson said it would match donations of up to $100,000 through March 31 made to the guild.Brewers Association’s Bob Pease Discusses Canceling CBCThe Brewers Association (BA) made the difficult decision Thursday to cancel the 2020 edition of the Craft Brewers Conference & Brew Expo America, as well as the World Beer Cup competition, due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus disease known as COVID-19.Brewbound caught up with Bob Pease, the trade group’s president and CEO, to discuss the decision and the fallout.Bob Pease said: We were trying very hard to balance the public health and public safety priority versus not giving into what felt like at some levels, some level of media-driven hysteria. But we were watching the information from the CDC, and the World Health Organization, and then the health authorities in the city of San Antonio. Dr. [Anthony] Fauci of the National Institute of Health and the head of infectious diseases in this country, when he came out and said large gatherings are basically just a bad idea, that was a key indicator for us. And then, really, the 24 hours starting at some point Wednesday, the President’s speech, the decision by the National Basketball Association to postpone their season, and then quickly followed on by NHL, Major League Baseball, so that 24-hour period was really the tipping point for us.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.com**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 69 – Coronavirus Takes Down CBC and Ballast Point Sold (Again)

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2020 14:15


Craft Brew News 03/13/20(Stories Courtesy of Brewbound.com)Craft Brewers Conference CanceledThe largest gathering of craft brewing industry professionals has been canceled due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, the coronavirus disease .After days of speculation and major events across the country canceling and postponing, the Brewers Association today announced the decision to forgo holding the 2020 edition of the Craft Brewers Conference & Brew Expo America, as well as the World Beer Cup competition, which was expected to draw more than 13,000 people to San Antonio from April 19-22.The BA said in a statement on its website. “Developments over the past 24 hours have made hosting this year’s conference infeasible, and, after much thought and consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America and World Beer Cup,”In major cities and counties across the country, local officials are banning large gatherings of people in an effort to institute social distancing of individuals and slow the spread of the disease. Disneyland also announced it was shutting down.Celebrities such as Tom Hanks, as well as Utah Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, have all been confirmed as testing positive for COVID-19.Ballast Point Deal ClosesConstellation Brands’ sale of Ballast Point to an investor group fronted by little-known Chicago upstart beer company Kings and Convicts officially closed on Monday.The iconic San Diego craft brewery’s return to independence and ownership by a craft brewing group that didn’t produce 1,000 barrels of beer last year blindsided and confounded industry professionals and media when it was announced in early December.In 2015, Constellation Brands paid $1 billion for the brand in 2015. Industry sources have pegged the sale to Kings and Convicts at around $68 million, plus several years of hop contracts.Moving forward, Ballast Point’s turnaround starts with adding a sales team, something the brand didn’t have after Constellation reorganized its sales structure in 2018. The company is about a third of its way to hiring 45 salespeople, including national chain accounts and on- and off-premise reps in San Diego.Athletic Brewing Company Adds San Diego Production Brewery, Closes $17.5 Million Funding RoundConnecticut-based craft non-alcoholic beer maker Athletic Brewing Company announced today the acquisition of the assets of the former Ballast Point “Trade Street” facility, as well as the close of a $17.5 million Series B funding round.Athletic Brewing co-founder Bill Shufelt declined to disclose how much the company paid for the assets but said it will lease the 80,000 sq. ft. production facility, which does not have a taproom.Athletic’s Stratford, Connecticut-based facility produced 10,000 barrels in 2019, but the company was hampered by production constraints since last May, Shufelt said. The California production facility will increase the company’s capacity “tenfold” to meet growing demand.Allagash Founder Rob Tod Advises New England Craft Brewers: ‘It’s Going to Get Tough’Allagash Brewing founder Rob Tod counseled fellow Maine brewers on what he predicted will be choppy waters ahead during last week’s New England Brew Summit in Portland, Maine.Tod said “We’re going to have to work hard to protect what we’ve built,”. “We just saw how much value we’re delivering to communities all over this country. We’re going to have to work hard to protect it, because I can tell you there’s nothing that the big mega-brewers would like more than to take beer back into those big factories.”He also said “One of my big concerns is last time I went to my local grocery store, I wasn’t noticing them adding more coolers, and these seltzers are going in a cooler space that was previously occupied by beer,”. “We’ve worked for 25, 30 years building this beer shelf out, and the seltzers are going in this space. So, is it good for beer? You know, I don’t know.”In Allagash’s quarter-century of existence, its distribution footprint has changed drastically, which Tod attributed to advice from Jerry Sheehan of multi-state wholesaler Craft Brewers Guild: Don’t be a mile wide and an inch deep.In 2005, Allagash sold 5,000 barrels while distributing to 26 states and Washington, D.C.Today, Allagash distributes to 15 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Chicago, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and has seen its volume skyrocket since the mid-2000s.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.com**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 67 – Coronavirus Closes Taproom and Uinta on the Way Back

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2020 12:52


Craft Brew News 03/06/2020(Courtesy of Brewbound.com)Molson Coors’ Milwaukee Brewery to Reopen Monday; Nearly $1 Million Raised for Shooting Victims’ FamiliesMolson Coors’ Milwaukee brewery will reopen Monday evening after closing for several days in the wake of a shooting that claimed the lives of five employees on February 26.Molson Coors, the second-largest beer producer in the U.S., will increase security measures, with bag checks at all locations, as well as additional armed and unarmed security guards at the facility, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Brewery tours have been canceled through Saturday, March 7.About 1,000 people work at the Milwaukee campus, where there are more than 20 buildings, including brewing facilities, offices and a visitor center.Meanwhile, a GoFundMe fundraiser posted last Friday to support the families of the victims has raised more than $820,000 on its way to its $1 million goal. Molson Coors organized the fund on behalf of the National Compassion Fund, a program of the National Center for Victims of Crime. The National Compassion Fund will distribute 100% of the money raised to victims’ families.Stone Brewing Closes Shanghai TaproomStone Brewing has shuttered its taproom in Shanghai, China, citing pressures from tariffs and the coronavirus disease.Co-founder and executive chairman Greg Koch said in a statement. “We faced challenges over the past year with dramatically increased tariffs, and now the Coronavirus,” “Both factors had a significant impact on our ability to further invest in the market as planned.”The San Diego craft beer maker announced a temporary closure of the taproom last week due to concerns over coronavirus, according to SmartShanghai. The temporary closure turned permanent earlier this week.The Shanghai taproom’s closure comes just under a year after the announcement of the sale of Stone’s Berlin, Germany brewery to Scotland-headquartered BrewDog.Rogue Shutters Washington OutpostRogue Ales & Spirits plans to close its nearly two-decade old brewpub in Issaquah, Washington, on Friday.Rogue president Dharma Tamm wrote on Facebook. “This was a very difficult decision, but unfortunately rising costs have made it apparent that it is our best option to close the Issaquah Brewhouse in order to better focus on our other public houses and production,” The Issaquah location opened in 2001 and is about 310 miles northeast of Rogue’s headquarters in Newport, Oregon. All Issaquah employees have been offered jobs at Rogue’s eight other retail locations, Tamm wrote.Uinta Brewing Looks to Bounce Back in 2020Uinta president Jeremy Ragonese believes the Salt Lake City craft brewery has “stabilized” after a rough 2019.The year started with a voluntary recall of 20,000 cases of beer affected by yeast contamination. Additionally, Ragonese, then CMO, was promoted to president in March. That same day, he began the process of retrenching the company’s footprint, cutting back from 48 states to 28, essentially using Mississippi River as a dividing line, with a few exceptions.If that wasn’t enough change for a year, the state of Utah lifted its restrictions on higher ABV beer sales in grocery and convenience stores, allowing sales of products with an ABV of up to 5%. The unforeseen fallout of that move was that retailers stopped stocking shelves with new beer in early October in anticipation of the changeover on November 1. This translated to lost sales for the state’s beer producers.All of that added up to a slower year volume wise for Uinta. After peaking in 2017 at 93,338 barrels, the company’s volume declined nearly 50% in 2019, to around 49,000 barrels.Uinta’s big bet for 2020 is Hazy Nosh IPA, a line extension of its Hop Nosh flagship. At 5% ABV, Hazy Nosh will allow the company to take advantage of the full-strength beer sales change in Utah grocery stores, as well as most of its other markets.The second release in the series will be Free Form Lo-Cal Rosé Ale, which will launch in June. According to Ragonese, the Rosé Ale has tested well with hard seltzer and light beer drinkers.Uinta is also exploring opening up its playbook to beyond beer offerings, which could include the addition of hard seltzer and a non-alcoholic beer. The company is also looking to launch a barrel-aging program, Ragonese said.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.com**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 66 – Untappd Buys Beer Advocate and Adam Lambert On the Move

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2020 11:17


Craft Brew News – 02/28/20(Courtesy of Brewbound.com)Adam Lambert to Join Roak Brewing and Dark Horse as PresidentLong-time beer industry sales exec Adam Lambert is on the move.After more than a year as chief revenue officer for BrewDog USA, Lambert is joining Michigan’s Roak Brewing Company and Dark Horse Brewing Company as president. The two microbreweries announced a deal in September that finally closed last week, leading to the formation of the Michigan Brewers Union platform.Lambert’s last day at BrewDog is February 28, although he plans to offer guidance on an as-needed basis.Lambert started at Scottish craft beer maker BrewDog’s U.S. division in December 2018. In that time, BrewDog’s U.S. volumes increased 46%, to 53,000 barrels.In his note to industry friends, Lambert called the last two and a half years working for BrewDog as a consultant and a full-time employee “one of the most challenging yet rewarding times” in his career.According to Lambert, it’s unclear how high the ceiling is for Roak and Dark Horse, which was founded in 1997. Both breweries possess about 20,000 barrels of capacity but neither was close to hitting its maximum.Untappd’s Parent Company Acquires Beer AdvocateTwo of the largest remaining beer rating platforms are joining forces.Next Glass, the parent company of popular beer rating app Untappd, has reached an agreement to acquire Beer Advocate. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.Beer Advocate co-founder Todd Alström announced the deal on the Beer Advocate forum, adding that Next Glass has acquired “the brand, trademarks, website, data, etc.”Although Next Glass has acquired Beer Advocate’s assets, users’ Beer Advocate and Untappd accounts will remain separate, according to a press release posted to Untappd’s website.Beer Advocate had derived “a large portion” of its business from advertising income from the print magazine. But the company scaled back publication frequency from monthly to quarterly in January 2018, and then ceased publication entirely in April 2019. The switch in frequency was “not enough to overcome some of the larger trends in the market.”Untappd offers a more broad rating experience for users, who “check in” beers they drink and rate them on a five-point scale, with the option to add flavor descriptors, and receive news from breweries and retailers.Untappd has monetized its platform and data by offering breweries as many as 1.5 million impressions with users per month. Among advertising opportunities on Untappd are sponsored badges ($2,000 per month for a nation-wide badge), in-app promotions ($10,000 per month for a national promotion supported with an email to subscribers) and paid placements on its home screen ($30,000 per month for a national tile).Diageo Settles With SECDiageo, the London-based parent company of Guinness, will pay a $5 million fine to settle charges filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for pressuring wholesalers to accept more products to boost its shipment numbers, according to Reuters.The company wrote in a press release “Diageo is pleased to have resolved this legacy matter, which relates back to fiscal years 2014 and 2015,”. “Diageo regularly reviews and refines its policies and procedures and is committed to maintaining a robust and transparent disclosure process.”In addition to Guiness, Diageo’s portfolio also includes Captain Morgan, Ketel One and Smirnoff, among other brands.Famous Dave’s Parent Company to Acquire Granite City Food & BreweryBBQ Holdings, parent company of chain restaurant Famous Dave’s BBQ announced an agreement to purchase Bloomington, Minnesota-based Granite City Food and Brewery, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2019.Minnetonka, Minnesota-based BBQ Holdings’ brands include Famous Dave’s BBQ, Clark Crew BBQ and Real Famous BBQ with 126 locations in 33 states. Granite City, founded in 1999, operates 25 locations, mostly in the Midwest.In 2018, Granite City ranked fifth in volume among national brewpub chains, despite sales declining 12%, to 13,493 barrels, across 32 locations, according to trade group the Brewers Association.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 65 – Iron Heart Expanding and Pura Still Needs CO2

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2020 11:23


Craft Brew News2/21/2020(Courtesy of Brewbound.com)Credit Suisse, Evercore ISI Project Further Hard Seltzer GrowthThe hard seltzer category could reach about 10% of the beer market in the next few years, according to research reports from two leading financial services firms.Earlier this week, Credit Suisse managing director of equity research wrote in an analysis of Truly Hard Seltzer maker Boston Beer Company that the firm expects “seltzer to double this year,” and grow to between 8 and 10% of total beer industry volume by 2023. He added that hard seltzer currently makes up 2.6% of the beer industry’s volume share.Category leaders Mark Anthony Brands’ White Claw Hard Seltzer and Truly both encountered out-of-stock issues in 2019, which hindered their growth and yet the seltzer category more than doubled last year, the report continued. To remedy this, both companies have invested in increasing capacity, including Mark Anthony constructing a pair of new facilities.According to Credit Suisse, Truly could account for 5 million barrels, or 60% of Boston Beer’s portfolio by 2023. The brand could also make up more than half of Boston Beer’s earnings.Bud Light Seltzer launched in January and sold nearly 200,000 cases in U.S. off-premise multi-outlet and convenience stores through January 26, according to market research firm IRI. Anheuser-Busch InBev supported the launch with a Super Bowl ad starring rapper Post Malone as well as $23 million in advertising.Corona’s seltzer is expected to launch later this quarter.FIFCO USA Abandons Pura StillFIFCO USA has stopped production of Pura Still, the 95-calorie, 4.5% ABV spiked still water brand after less than two years, according to a memo sent to wholesalers this week.“Pura Still has had an uphill battle competing against high demand seltzers and flavored malt beverages that are in established and growing categories,” chief sales officer Josh Halpern and beyond beer director Jennifer McCauley wrote in the email.FIFCO USA will redirect its focus and financial support to its established Seagram’s Escapes brand, citing that franchise’s decade-plus of growth.The news of Pura Still’s demise came as a bit of a surprise, following FIFCO USA’s national sales meeting in November where McCauley urged wholesalers to stick with the brand despite “fatigue.”In the message to wholesalers, FIFCO USA also touted the upcoming launch of a Seagram’s Escapes 100-calorie Tropical Rosé flavor, which will be promoted by Chris Harrison, the host of The Bachelor.PicoBrew in Receivership, Up for SalePicoBrew, maker of in-home beer-brewing appliances, has entered into receivership after failing to secure additional funding, according to food and tech news site the Spoon.Co-founder and CEO Bill Mitchell told the outlet that the company had taken out a bridge loan from new and existing investors but needed to secure additional funding in December. When PicoBrew could not close that funding round, the bridge investor group called the loan and forced the company to find a buyer.Mitchell said he expects the investor group to buy the company, barring any higher bids.PicoBrew’s products include the Pico C and Pico Pro for homebrewers and the Z Series for commercial use.Iron Heart Canning Acquires Michigan Mobile CanningIron Heart Canning, the country’s largest mobile canning service provider, announced today an agreement to acquire Michigan Mobile Canning.Iron Heart, headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire, operates 50 canning lines from 24 locations from Maine to Florida. The addition of Michigan Mobile Canning’s two locations in Kalamazoo, Michigan and Indianapolis, Indiana will extend Iron Heart’s reach into Illinois.Founder and CEO Tyler Wille said in a press release. “We are extremely excited about the opportunity to bring our industry-leading canning services and expertise into the Midwest Indiana, Michigan and the greater Chicago area are incredible markets in the craft industry, and we are eager to begin building new partnerships within the region.”Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 64 - Coronavirus and Brizzy or Vizzy Hard Seltzer

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2020 8:39


Craft Brew News 02/14/20(Courtesy of Brewbound – www.brewbound.com)Future Proof Sues Molson Coors for Trademark InfringementThe parent company of Brizzy Seltzer Cocktails has filed a lawsuit against Molson Coors Beverage Company, alleging that the second largest U.S. beer manufacturer’s Vizzy Hard Seltzer name “is nearly identical to Brizzy in sight, sound and appearance” and infringes upon its trademark.Austin, Texas-based Future Proof, which makes Brizzy, is seeking a jury trial, and asking the court to stop Molson Coors from using the Vizzy trademark to sell, market and distribute alcoholic beverages. The company is also seeking three times the damages outlined in the complaint plus court costs and legal fees.Future Proof filed a trademark application for Brizzy on November, 30 2018. Brizzy launched in September 2019 in three flavors. Within 90 days of its release, Brizzy gained placements in more than 1,000 retail locations in four states: Texas, South Carolina, Georgia and Michigan. Future Proof has sold more than 10,000 cases since Brizzy’s launch.Molson Coors plans to release Vizzy in late March. The company touts it as “the first hard seltzer made with acerola cherry, the super fruit high in the antioxidant vitamin C,” according to its Behind the Beer blog. Vizzy was first announced during the company’s Q3 2019 earnings call.The lawsuit alleges that Molson Coors executives were aware of Brizzy’s name and branding and proceeded with Vizzy despite the similarities.Coronavirus Affects Beer Sales and Production in ChinaBars, restaurants and nightclubs across China are shutting down amid panic over the coronavirus outbreak, which has infected more than 30,000 people worldwide and resulted in more than 600 deaths, according to the Associated Press.The closures are resulting in decreased beer sales and other disruptions to the global beer industry, according to Fortune. Anheuser-Busch InBev suspended operations at its brewery in Wuhan, the province where the outbreak began.Danish brewer Carlsberg has reported that its on-premise sales in China have been “significantly impacted,” according to Fortune. Dutch brewer Heineken announced it was restricting employee travel to China as a precaution, according to Just Drinks.Brooklyn Brewery Opens Tokyo TaproomBrooklyn Brewery is continuing its international expansion, with the opening of B at K5, a tasting room in the Nihonbashi neighborhood of Tokyo, Japan.The New York beer company called Tokyo its “first international market,” dating back to 1989 when Brooklyn Lager was imported into the city. The opening is just in time for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.International expansion is nothing new for Brooklyn, which operates several joint ventures around the globe. Brooklyn’s ties to Japan go even deeper; Japanese beer maker Kirin owns 24.5% of the company following a 2016 transaction.Boston Beer Strikes Truly Sponsorship with Florida PanthersTruly Hard Seltzer maker the Boston Beer Company has struck a multi-year sponsorship deal with the NHL’s Florida Panthers to make the brand the “official hard seltzer” of the team.In a press release, the club announced that Truly “can now be found in select clubs, concession areas and bars throughout the BB&T Center.”Boston Beer inked a five-year deal in September making Truly the “official hard seltzer” of the National Hockey League.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 63 – Repurposing CO2 for Cannabis and Super Bowl Beer

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2020 12:27


Craft Brew News - 2/6/2020(Courtesy of Brewbound – www.brewbound.com)Pennsylvania’s Stoudt’s Brewing Company to CloseStoudts Brewing Company will cease operations at the end of the winter, as founder Carol Stoudt retires after 33 years, according to a press release.Founder Carol Stoudt said in the release “This was a difficult decision to make,”. “But we’re not moving enough volume to justify the expense of keeping the brewery open. However, we’re not closing the doors to any business opportunities that could help the Stoudts brand live on.”Stoudt founded the brewery in 1987 and was the first female brewmaster after Prohibition was repealed in 1933, according to the release.The Stoudts complex in Adamstown, Pennsylvania, also houses a restaurant, event space, bakery, market and antiques store, which will remain open after brewing operations cease. The company said it will begin scaling down production immediately and wrap up at the start of spring, as it prepares to sell the brewery.Stoudts produced 2,400 barrels of beer in 2018, the most recent year in which production data is available from the Brewers Association.California ABC Suspends San Francisco-Based Seven Stills’ LicenseThe California Bureau of Alcoholic Beverage Control has suspended San Francisco-based Seven Stills Brewery and Distillery’s operating license for 90 days for violating the state’s tied house laws, according to a report from SFGate.com.The purpose of tied-house laws is to maintain separation between the three tiers of alcoholic distribution — producers (like breweries), wholesalers and retailers like bars and stores — and to level the playing field for smaller craft breweries competing in the market. The laws prohibit companies, particularly large ones, from offering gifts of value, or straight-up monetary payments to retailers, in exchange for selling their beer.The suspension will begin in March, which the company opted for in lieu of a fine, which could have topped $600,000, based on $10,000 for each of its 60 infractions.In anticipation of the financial hit that will come from suspending operations, Seven Stills has closed its taproom in the Mission District and its Egbert production facility.The company’s new taproom in the city’s Mission Bay district will remain open during the suspension, but its brewing facility is not functional and the company does not have the financing to finish it, according to SFGate.Colorado Pilot Program Repurposes CO2 From Fermentation for Use in Cannabis GrowthWith the help of technology from Austin, Texas-based Earthly Labs, the Denver Beer Company is launching a program to share the excess carbon dioxide produced during fermentation with the Clinic, a cannabis company, to stimulate marijuana plant growth.The exchange is part of the Carbon Dioxide Reuse Pilot Project, a pilot program announced by Gov. Jared Polis last week and spearheaded by the Colorado’s Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).Denver Beer Company estimates it can capture 100,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually, which would normally be released into the atmosphere from tanks through vents. Instead, the Clinic can use the gas to grow plants in a shorter time and with better yields. The Clinic had been purchasing carbon dioxide from power plants and trucking it across the state, according to the release.Brewers’ uses for carbon dioxide run the gamut from carbonation for packaging to cleaning out pipes to serving beer in their taprooms. The gas costs anywhere from 26 cents to $2 per pound, George said. If a brewery captures 100,000 pounds for reuse, it can save $24,000 to $200,000 annually on gas costs.Super Bowl LIV (54) Ushers in First Major Beer Occasion of 2020Sunday’s Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers in Miami marks the first major beer-drinking occasion of 2020.In 2019, U.S. consumers spent $1.2 billion on beer at off-premise retailers in the two weeks leading up to the game between the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots, according to market research firm Nielsen. The Super Bowl is unquestionably a beer dominated occasion. Beer sales last year nearly doubled those of wine ($652 million) and spirits ($568 million) in the same period.During the two weeks leading up to last year’s game, hard seltzer dollar sales hit $21.9 million, an increase of nearly 250% over the same period in 2018, according to Nielsen.As consumers stock up for their celebrations, the largest beer manufacturers are spending millions of dollars on ads to capture viewers’ attention during breaks in the on-field action.Those spots come at a premium, with Fox charging at least $5 million for 30 seconds of airtime, with some spots going for $5.6 million, according to The Wall Street Journal.A-B’s four nationally aired spots are star-studded, with appearances from celebrities and athletes such as Post Malone, Jimmy Fallon, John Cena, Usain Bolt, Brooks Koepka and Kerri Walsh Jennings.A-B engaged consumers in the selection process for this year’s Bud Light commercial, allowing drinkers to vote on social media for a Bud Light Seltzer commercial featuring rapper Post Malone. Both take place inside the musician’s mind as he encounters Bud Light Seltzer for the first time. In one spot, Post Malone internal monologue argues on whether to buy a case of Bud Light beer or a case of the new seltzer.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 62 - $ Millions on Hard Seltzer and Michigan Brewers Get a Break

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2020 9:11


Craft Brew News 01/31/20(Coutesy of Brewbound – www.brewbound.com)Anheuser-Busch Spends $24 Million on Bud Light Seltzer AdsSince launching Bud Light Hard Seltzer earlier this month, Anheuser-Busch InBev has spent $24.2 million on advertising for the new product line, according to TVRev.com.The majority of the investment — $23 million — was spent on spots during the NFL Playoffs, with $13.2 million going to spots during the NFC and AFC championship games last weekend.A-B’s investment in TV advertising shows the company’s intention to compete in the increasingly crowded hard seltzer category, which topped $1.5 billion in off-premise sales in 2019.City Brewery Plans $49 Million InvestmentCity Brewery is investing $49 million to expand its contract production facility in Memphis, Tennessee, according to the Daily Memphian.The company cited the growth of hard seltzers and other beer alternatives for seeking a 12-year tax abatement to purchase new equipment. The company said it plans to add 155 jobs over the next two years. At the end of 2019, City employed 516 workers, paying an average of $56,609 per worker, including overtime.City’s Memphis subsidiary is capable of producing 60 million cases annually.Both Boston Beer’s Truly and Mark Anthony Brands’ White Claw have contract produced their respective hard seltzer brands.Jim Koch on Finally Opening a Samuel Adams Taproom in Downtown BostonJim Koch is holding court on the lower level of Samuel Adams’ new taproom in downtown Boston.Koch, the founder of the Boston Beer Company, is his usual gregarious self and dressed in his typical every-day uniform: denim Samuel Adams button-down shirt and khakis. He’s loaded with quips, microphone in one hand, Boston Lager in the other.The 14,000 sq. ft. Samuel Adams Taproom, which opened this week, has been a couple of years in the offing, located about 20 yards from the statue of the beer brand’s namesake, a Founding Father and revolutionary. The location will offer pub food, including cheese boards, warm pretzels and flatbreads, as well as daily lunch offerings, such as a BLT, pastrami on rye and crispy chicken sandwich.Koch said the U.S. is closing in on 10,000 craft breweries. Those brewers, many of which run their own taprooms, have taken a chunk out of the Samuel Adams beer brand in recent years, as Koch has outlined on several of the publicly traded company’s earnings calls.In fact, Boston Beer — which also makes the Truly Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea and Angry Orchard Cider products — produced more of its non-traditional beer offerings than beer in 2019.Of the 20 draft lines, 12 will be dedicated to beers brewed onsite, which currently include a “House” New England IPA and a “Moscow Mule” beer.The taproom, however, will serve Truly on tap in order to give drinkers a gluten-free option, Koch said.Michigan Bill Would Grant Self-Distribution Rights to More Small BreweriesA bill introduced in the Michigan Legislature earlier this month would allow breweries producing up to 2,000 barrels annually to self-distribute their products in the state.Currently, Michigan breweries producing up to 1,000 barrels can self-distribute. However, the cap would double if bipartisan House Bill passes. According to national trade group the Brewers Association, the majority of Michgian’s craft breweries produced fewer than 1,400 barrels in 2018, the last year in which data was available.Michigan Brewers Guild executive director Scott Graham told Brewbound the legislation would create “a little bit more breathing room” for many of the state’s 357 craft breweries and help newer breweries gain exposure at a time when the wholesaler tier is shrinking.Under the new bill, the 2,000 barrel threshold would apply to any sister brands a brewery offers in addition to its main product lineup. However, beer sold directly to consumers at a brewery’s taproom would not count against the 2,000-barrel cap.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 61 – Billions $ of Beer Sold in 2019 and Molson Coors Goes Shopping

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2020 9:31


Craft Brew News 01/24/2020(Courtesy of Brewbound – www.brewbound.com)Off-Premise Beer Sales Top $37 Billion in 2019Total beer dollar sales in 2019 increased to $37.2 billion in U.S. off-premise retailers, according to market research firm IRI.Market research firm Nielsen reported that total beer, FMB and cider dollar sales in the U.S. grew 3.4%, to $39.6 billion, while volume sales increased 0.7% for the 52-week period ending December 28.Dollar sales of FMBs, which include hard seltzers, increased 43.1%, to nearly $4 billion, while volume sales increased about 42% last year.Flavored Malt Beverage (FMB), an alcoholic beverage made from original base containing malt, but then stripped of malt character and then flavored.Nielsen, which breaks out hard seltzer segment data from FMBs, reported that off-premise dollar sales of hard seltzer increased 212.5%, to $1.5 billion, in 2019.Much of the growth in FMBs is being driven by the triple-digit growth of Mark Anthony Brands’ White Claw offerings (+330% dollar sales) and Boston Beer Company’s Truly Hard Seltzer (+180.2%), according to IRI. Portfolio-wide White Claw dollar sales reached $833.6 million last year, while Truly brand family dollar sales topped $368.8 million.Lagunitas Cuts Less Than 5% of Workforce in Restructuring EffortLagunitas Brewing Company is cutting less than 5% of its workforce as part of a restructuring plan, the Heineken-owned, Petaluma, California-based craft brewery confirmed today to Brewbound.Lagunitas, which was wholly acquired by Heineken International in May 2017, declined further comment about the restructuring and job losses.The latest round of job cuts comes about 16 months after the company slashed 12% of its workforce, in a move that impacted at least 100 employees.Lagunitas showed signs of tightening its purse strings in October, when the company closed its Portland, Oregon-based “Community Room,” a venue for local organizations and non-profit organizations to host events at no charge with donated beer.Molson Coors to Acquire Detroit’s Atwater BreweryMolson Coors Beverage Company’s craft arm, Tenth and Blake, has reached an agreement to acquire Detroit, Michigan-based Atwater Brewing. Terms of the deal were not disclosed but the deal is expected to close in the next couple of months.Atwater’s production volumes reflect a steady climb out of a turbulent dive in 2016. The brewery produced 40,225 barrels in 2014, 48,500 barrels in 2015 (+21%), 24,000 barrels in 2016 (-51%), 32,300 barrels in 2017 (+35%), and 35,500 barrels in 2018 (+10), according to trade group the Brewers Association.In recent years, the company diversified its portfolio, adding hard seltzers and craft spirits. In 2019, Atwater partnered with the NBA’s Detroit Pistons to collaborate on Triple Double, a low-calorie, low-alcohol light ale.Tenth and Blake includes the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, AC Golden Brewing Company, Saint Archer Brewing Company, Terrapin Beer Company, Hop Valley Brewing Company and Revolver Brewing.BrewDog Tops 50,000 Barrels in 2019; Expands Alcohol-Free Line and Adds Nitro Series in 2020Scottish craft beer maker BrewDog’s U.S. operations posted strong growth in 2019. Production at the Scotland-headquartered craft brewery’s facility in Columbus, Ohio, increased nearly 46%, to 53,000 barrels, chief revenue officer Adam Lambert told Brewbound.In 2020, Lambert said BrewDog is asking its wholesalers to maintain focus on the company’s core beer portfolio, with an occasional shift to new product lines, including non-alcoholic offerings in the “AF” line and a nitro series, as well as limited releases.BrewDog’s new nitro series will roll out in Q1 with a nitrogenated version of Jet Black Heart with espresso both on draft and in 16 oz. cans. Nitro beers will change seasonally. BrewDog believes there’s room in the market for more nitrogenated craft beers.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

iSellBeer with Tracy Neal for Sales Reps, Managers, and Beer Distributors owners who I Sell Beer
Ep. 026 NBWA NextGen: David Steinman, Beer Marketers Insights & Craft Brew News

iSellBeer with Tracy Neal for Sales Reps, Managers, and Beer Distributors owners who I Sell Beer

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2020 35:02


Click to Download the NBWA decks www.isellbeer.com/nbwa     SHOW DETAILS   NBWA NextGen Conference celebrated its 7th year in New Orleans, and Tracy Neal was honored to meet the next generation of beer distributor leaders. Episodes 023-026 will feature stories from the young and up-and-coming. As much as the industry has changed, the heart has stayed the same: we all work together to sell more beer. To see more about the new NBWA initiative, download these sales decks.   Click to Download the NBWA decks www.isellbeer.com/nbwa   David Steinman is the senior editor for Craft Brew News and his father and grandfather run Beer Marketers Insights. He is young in the industry but is a part of a legacy that he will carry on.  Special thanks to Craig Purser, Lester Jones, and NBWA!  

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 60 – Captain Pabst IPA and Selling is Not so Hard Seltzer

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2020 11:15


Craft Brew News 01/17/20(News brought to you courtesy of Brewbound – www.brewbound.com)Pabst Launches Craft Beer Brand, Captain Pabst, with Flagship IPAPabst Brewing Company is launching a line of craft beers, as the craft segment has matured and sales of craft offerings have slowed to low single-digit growth.The Los Angeles-headquartered maker of Pabst Blue Ribbon announced today the launch of Captain Pabst, a standalone craft beer brand outside of the PBR family, and the launch of its flagship offering, Seabird IPA, in Wisconsin and Illinois.The Captain Pabst line of beers pays homage to company namesake Frederick Pabst, who was a ship captain on Lake Michigan before marrying into the family that owned Milwaukee-based Best’s Brewing Company, which was renamed for Pabst by 1889.Seabird IPA, which is brewed with Magnum, Citra, Cascade and Mosaic hops, is named for the last ship Pabst captained. The beer checks in at 4.5% alcohol by volume and has 45 IBUs. Pabst beached The Seabird on the shore of Lake Michigan’s Whitefish Bay in an 1863 storm, and then abandoned his nautical career for his father-in-law’s brewery. Pabst died in 1904.Boulder Beer Company to Sell Brewpub Building, Transition to Contract Brewed BrandThree months after announcing plans to pivot to a brewpub business model, Boulder Beer Company today announced plans to sell its brewpub building and pivot once more to a contract brewing model.In an email Monday to Boulder Beer consumers, owner Gina Day announced that the brewpub will close on January 18.She wrote “Some outside influences have recently transpired that have led us to make business decisions we feel are best for the company, “An opportunity to sell the building at 2880 Wilderness Place recently presented itself to us, which has led us to the decision to close The Pub at Boulder Beer.”In recent months, Boulder has announced several changes to its business model, citing increased competition within the craft brewing industry.In October, the company announced it would cease distribution to its 27-state footprint and retrench to a brewpub-only model.However, by December, Boulder Beer’s model changed once more, as the company announced a partnership with Denver-based contract brewery Sleeping Giant to brew, sell and distribute six Boulder offerings.Hard Seltzer Volume Projected to Triple By 2023Hard seltzer is not a fad; it’s a category, Brandy Rand, the COO of market research firm IWSR, declared today during Beer Business Daily’s Beer Industry Summit in Palm Beach, Florida.Rand argued that hard seltzers are meeting consumers’ desire for refreshing, flavorful beverages that are low in calories with little to no sugar. And seltzers are cutting across all demographics and age groups, she said.According to IWSR, hard seltzer volume in the U.S. hit around 82.5 million cases in 2019, and volumes are expected to more than triple, to 281 million cases, by 2023. Rand shared that more than half of U.S. alcohol consumers drink hard seltzer at least once a week, with an average of 2.83 cans per occasion.Rand sees plenty of growth prospects for hard seltzer due to 90% of hard seltzer sales occurring at off-premise retailers, and less than 1% of those transactions are being made through ecommerce.Donn Bichsel Jr. Starts 3 Tier Beverages Consulting FirmFormer Revolution Brewing chief commercial officer Donn Bichsel Jr. has launched 3 Tier Beverages, a Chicago-based sales and marketing consulting firm.According to Bichsel, the need he’s found in the market among craft breweries is for someone with fresh eyes to examine the business and slow everything down. Many companies are growing at such a fast rate that they may have “forgotten why they’re in the industry in the first place, and what their brand means to them and what message they’re trying to put out to the world about their company,” he added.Bichsel’s services are tailored to his individual clients’ specific needs, including developing sales and marketing personnel, building wholesaler relationships, devising marketing and go-to-market strategies, examining pricing, evaluating brand portfolios, creating seasonal programs, and identifying mission statements and a company’s overall ethos.Bichsel joined Revolution in 2012 as its sales and marketing director and helped to shepherd the then-brewpub to an 85,000-barrel regional craft brewery with distribution in seven states. His resume includes sales leadership stints at MillerCoors, Goose Island, Heineken USA and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.Since departing Revolution, Bichsel said he’s learned more about the craft beer industry over two months than he did over the last couple of years due to being so dialed into the Chicago craft brewery’s rapid growth.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 59 – Free Heineken and Stupid State Beer Laws

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2020 10:09


Craft Brew News 1/10/20(Courtesy of Brewbound www.brewbound.com)Heineken USA Giving Away 31-Packs of Non-Alc Beer for ‘Dry January’Heineken USA (HUSA) is giving away 1,000 31-packs of its non-alcoholic beer, Heineken 0.0, as part of a campaign to win beer-drinking occasions during “Dry January.”Dry January is a month of no consumption of alcohol, which one in five Americans told YouGov they would be observing to start 2020.In an effort to capture those presumably lost drinking occasions, HUSA launched a promotion December 27 to give away its “January Dry Pack” — which includes 31 cans of Heineken 0.0. The packs won’t be available at retailers.In an effort to boost the non-alcoholic beer brand again in 2020, HUSA has committed another $50 million to the brand and plans to give away 10 million samples throughout the year.Through December 1, HUSA was the fifth largest beer company in the U.S., with off-premise dollar sales of $1.3 billion (down 2.4% year-over-year), according to market research firm IRI.New York Lawmaker Proposes Doubling State Beer TaxManhattan assemblyman Harvey Epstein introduced a bill Monday that would more than double New York’s excise tax on beer from $0.14 per gallon to $0.30 per gallon in an effort to help fund State University of New York and the City University of New York, according to the Times-Herald Record.According to Epstein’s estimates, the increased tax could generate about $96 million annually and puts the excise tax rate in line with the state’s wine excise tax. In the bill’s legislative memo, Epstein noted that the state’s beer excise tax is the 12th lowest in the nation.Nevertheless, the bill is likely to struggle for support given Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s vocal support for the state’s craft beverage makers. As proof of Cuomo’s backing of the state’s alcohol industry, the governor is expected to push for the Legislature to pass legislation to allow alcohol sales in movie theaters during his State of the State address.Backlash Beer Company Exits Boston Area TaproomBoston’s Backlash Beer Company has exited its taproom in the Roxbury neighborhood over the holidays, according to an Instagram post.In the Instagram post announcing the taproom closure, the company said it would continue contract brewing the brand.The company said “You’ll still be able to find our beer on the shelves of your local beer shop and on draft in Massachusetts, Maine, and beyond.”Backlash’s landlord had been advertising the space for rent since midsummer as a ”fully built out brewer/tap room space in Boston.” Backlash, which started producing beer under contract in 2011, opened its $1.5 million brewery in September 2018, behind schedule and $250,000 over its original budget, according to reports.Bill Would Allow Cold Beer Sales at Indiana Grocery, Convenience StoresA bill to allow grocery and convenience stores to sell refrigerated beer has already been filed in Indiana’s state Senate, according to WIBC 93.1 FM. Currently, the state only allows liquor stores and restaurants with to-go sales privileges to sell cold beer.Indiana’s legislative session starts on January 6.Although the bill has already been introduced, hope for its passage is dim. Indiana Grocery and Convenience Store Association president Joe Lackey told WIBC that some lawmakers will have to retire before it garners enough support to pass.Lackey told the outlet “At a time when grocery stores are going out of business all over the state, people are complaining about food deserts, but yet, cold beer would be one of the things that would allow some of those stores to stay open”.Although legislation legalizing Sunday sales of alcohol in the state’s grocery, liquor, drug and convenience stores was passed in 2018, an effort to change the cold beer prohibition failed.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 58 - Allagash White in Cans and CBD Tea

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2019 11:28


Craft Brew News 12/20/19(Courtesy of Brewbound – www.brewbound.com)Producers Scale Back 3.2 BeerWith only one state left to require it, brewers of 3.2% alcohol by weight beer are scaling back production, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.Both Heineken and Constellation Brands announced they will no longer brew the weaker beer, which Minnesota grocery and convenience stores are limited to selling.Utah loosened laws to permit sales of 4% alcohol by weight beer last month, leaving Minnesota the only 3.2 state left.A-B Partners Tilray and Fluent Beverages Announce CBD-Infused TeaAnheuser-Busch InBev joint venture Fluent Beverages and its Toronto-based cannabis partner Tilray, announced Everie, a new ready-to-brew, CBD-infused tea, according to FoodBev Media.Everie will be available in biodegradable tea bags, each with 10 milligrams of CBD and fewer than 0.05 milligrams of THC. The tea comes in three flavors: lavender chamomile, vanilla rooibos, and peach ginger green.The tea is available in select provinces in Canada; a line of sparkling beverages is planned for early next year.Truly Hard Seltzer Takes Flight; Sponsors NHL Winter Classic PreGame CelebrationTruly Hard Seltzer will be available on American Airlines flights beginning January 1, according to a spokesperson for the Boston Beer Company.Truly Wild Berry will be available for purchase in 12 oz. cans on all flights that offer alcoholic beverages.This is Truly’s second placement in the skies, following last month’s announcement that it would be available on JetBlue flights. The brand is currently the only hard seltzer available on U.S. flights.In other Truly news, Truly is the lead sponsor of the NHL Winter Classic’s PreGame party, which will take place on January 1 in Dallas, Texas.Cans Propel Allagash Brewing to More Than 100,000 Barrels in 2019Had Jason Perkins, Allagash Brewmaster on Podcast Episode # 35 – Link below:https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-storm/e/59610788?autoplay=trueAllagash Brewing Company estimates its sales volume surpassed the 100,000-barrel mark in 2019, due to packaging its flagship Allagash White and River Trip session ale in cans for the first time.After a successful regional introduction in 2019, the Portland, Maine-based craft brewery announced today plans to expand distribution of its canned offerings to additional markets and the addition of 12-packs.After rolling out Allagash White and River Trip 4-packs of 16 oz. cans in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey and New York in the spring, and then adding Virginia, Illinois and Washington, D.C., in the fall, those offerings will now be sold throughout Allagash’s 17-state footprint by February 2020.Citing data from market research firm IRI, Allagash White cans are the No. 1 selling new item in the craft beer category in the Northeast.Allagash is the 30th-largest craft brewery in the country, according to not-for-profit trade group the Brewers Association (BA).Allagash will also add a Maine-exclusive beer, Sixteen Counties, an ale brewed with malts grown in the state, in 16 oz. 4-packs to its yearound can lineup.Allagash is among the last large, regional craft breweries to add can packaging. The company released its first offering, Hoppy Table Beer, in April 2018 after installing a small canning line.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 57 – Constellation Drama and Rethinking Expansion

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2019 11:41


Craft Brew News - 12/13/19(Courtesy of Brewbound – www.brewbound.com)The Wine Group Chairman Backs Kings & Convicts in Ballast Point PurchaseRichard Mahoney, the chairman of the board of The Wine Group, is the lead investor in Chicagoland craft brewery Kings & Convicts’ acquisition of Ballast Point Brewing Company from Constellation Brands, according to the Chicago Tribune.The Wine Group’s 25 wine brands include Cupcake, Franzia, Flip Flop and Benziger.Since Constellation Brands announced the deal to unload Ballast Point, industry observers have pondered the sale price for the San Diego craft brewery that sold for $1 billion in cash just four years ago. Subscription-based newsletter Beer Business Daily reported that Credit Suisse analyst Kaumil Gajrawala pegged the transaction at under $100 million.According to financial services firm Cowen, Ballast Point sales are down 32% year-to-date.Brooklyn Brewery Restructures U.S. Sales StaffBrooklyn Brewery has restructured its U.S. sales team in an effort “to better reflect the realities of the current U.S. beer market,” the company announced this week.“Simply put, craft brewers have been putting too many resources into hand selling, and have been under-investing in the marketing and brand building sides of the business for too long,” the company said. “In some markets supplier reps outnumber distributor reps, with craft brewers continually adding staff and creating a headcount race that isn’t sustainable. We have not been immune to this problem, and today took the step to reduce our sales force to a more rational level.”In July 2017, Brooklyn announced plans to create a national sales and distribution platform with more than 150 sales personnel and brand ambassadors covering 38 states. As part of those plans, Brooklyn combined sales forces with California’s 21st Amendment (21A) and Colorado’s Funkwerks. Brooklyn, which sold a 24.5 percent stake to Japan’s Kirin Brewery in October 2016, acquired undisclosed minority stakes in both craft breweries.Constellation Brands CFO Named New CEO of Canopy GrowthCanadian Cannabis company Canopy Growth Corporation announced today the appointment of David Klein as CEO, effective January 14, 2020.Klein has served as the chief financial officer of Constellation Brands since mid-2015. Klein’s appointment as chief executive comes just two months after he was named chairman of the Canadian cannabis company’s board of directors. He will step down from his CFO role at Constellation upon assuming the Canopy CEO role.Canopy Growth and Constellation Brands have been intertwined since the New York-headquartered beer, wine and spirits company made its first investment of $191 million in the cannabis company in October 2017. All in, Constellation Brands has invested $4 billion in Canopy Growth for a 38% ownership stake in the company.The move comes a week before THC-infused beverages and edibles will become legal in Canada on December 17.Klein’s ascension to CEO follows a turbulent run for Canopy as the company’s financial results continued to underperform. Canopy announced in June that co-founder and co-CEO Bruce Linton had stepped down as CEO. Linton, however, told CNBC at the time that he was “terminated.”Constellation has recorded more than $590 million in losses on its $4 billion investment in Canopy, though CEO Bill Newlands expressed confidence in Canopy’s plans during Constellation’s third-quarter earnings call.Canada legalized recreational cannabis in October 2018.Foolproof Brewing Founder Lists Rhode Island Craft Brewery for SaleAfter seven years, Foolproof Brewing founder Nick Garrison is seeking a buyer for his Pawtucket, Rhode Island-based craft brewery.Garrison said, “It’s largely a personal decision,” After working for nearly a decade in the industry, it’s just time for the next chapter.”Garrison declined to share a selling price.Foolproof’s assets include its 30-barrel brewhouse and 1,000 sq. ft. taproom, as well as the building and land the brewery sits on.In 2018, Foolproof produced an estimated 3,120 barrels of its 10,000-barrel capacity brewery, although the company did not provide final volume data. That figure, however, is down from Foolproof’s peak production of 3,900 barrels in 2016.Foolproof’s beer is sold in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New Jersey, Delaware, the city of Philadelphia, and the United Kingdom.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 56 – New Belgium SOLD and “Surge This!”

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2019 9:42


Craft Brew News - 12/06/2019(Stories Courtesy of BrewBound – www.brewbound.com)New Belgium to be Acquired by Kirin-Owned Lion Little World BeveragesAnother member of the old guard of craft brewing sold today when Kirin-owned Lion Little World Beverages announced a “definitive agreement” to acquire 100% of New Belgium Brewing Company in an all cash transaction.Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, although it is expected to close at the end of 2019, pending approval from government regulators, as well as co-owners in New Belgium’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).Once closed, the transaction will mark the end of New Belgium’s 100% employee-owned status, which was fully implemented in 2012, and the end of the company’s status as a small and independent craft brewer as defined by national trade group the Brewers Association (BA).Co-founder Kim Jordan will also remain involved in an advisory role and will collaborate with other founders within Lion’s portfolio.Lion’s acquisition of New Belgium, the fourth largest BA-defined domestic craft brewery, will give the Australasian company a foothold in the U.S. market. In 2018, New Belgium produced just under 850,000 barrels of beer, a decline of 11% from 2017 levels.Coca-Cola Files Complaint Against Mark Anthony’s ‘White Claw Hard Seltzer Surge’ Trademark ApplicationCoca-Cola filed a complaint with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last week claiming that Mark Anthony Brand’s application to register “White Claw Hard Seltzer Surge” infringes on its Surge brand of citrus sodas.Mark Anthony Brands filed an application with the USPTO on May 24 to register the brand name White Claw Hard Seltzer Surge, a product that has not yet been announced.According to Coca-Cola’s complaint filed November 20, White Claw’s proposed use of the Surge name is similar in “sound, appearance, connotation and commercial impression.”Surge soda launched in the 1990s as a competitor to Pepsi’s Mountain Dew brand and was discontinued in 2003. Coca-Cola resurrected the brand in 2014 and filed a trademark application for it on December 31, 2013.TTB Accepts Offer in Compromise From Seven Brides BrewingThe Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has accepted an offer in compromise from now-shuttered Seven Brides Brewing in Silverton, Oregon.According to the TTB, Seven Brides offered to pay $18,230 of the $132,802.81 it owes in fines for violations that took place from April 2010 to September 2018. Seven Brides has offered to pay $3,630 up front and $1,000 each month for 14 months and the $600 balance in the fifteenth month.Before closing in October 2018, Seven Brides produced 650 barrels of beer, according to the Brewers Association.The TTB has accepted 18 compromise offers from wholesalers and producers this year.FDA Issues Warnings to 15 Companies for CBD Products, Cannot Declare CBD ‘Generally Regarded as Safe’The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it cannot yet determine that CBD is safe for consumption and issued warnings to 15 companies for promoting products with it in ways that violate the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, according to THCNet.The Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act prohibits companies from adding CBD to food, marketing products for children or infants, and claiming that CBD products can treat diseases, provide any kind of therapeutic relief or serve as a dietary supplement. So far, only one drug with CBD has been approved for use in humans; it treats two forms of pediatric epilepsy, Abernathy noted in the release. In order to declare CBD “generally recognized as safe,” the FDA must conduct more research on the substance’s affect on humans.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 55 - "F * PG&E" Drama and Minnesota's 3.2% Holdout

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2019 9:15


Craft Brew News – 11/29/19(Stories Courtesy of Brewbound – www.brewbound.com)Hopworks Urban Brewery Opens Mug Club to Members of Closed Portland Breweries’ ClubsAfter a spate of craft breweries and cideries closing in the Portland, Oregon, Hopworks Urban Brewery announced it will extend its mug club membership to members of similar clubs at any now-closed businesses. The craft brewery also invited former workers to apply at its taprooms.Hopworks founder Christian Ettinger said in a press release “When we heard about the recent closures of Portland institutions, we felt a void in the community,” “A lot of livelihoods and social occasions are affected by these closings, and we want to help, whether it’s honoring closed establishments’ mug clubs or helping people who have lost their jobs get back on their feet.”Former employees of closed businesses are invited to apply for jobs at Hopworks’ locations in Portland and Vancouver, Washington.The offer is valid through December 31 and provides consumers with 21 oz. pours for the cost of 16 oz. pours and 10% off merchandise and growler fills.In the past year, Portland has seen the following businesses close: Cider Riot, Coalition Brewing, Rock Bottom Brewery & Restaurant, Lompoc, Bridgeport and Burnside. Widmer Brothers, Portland Brewing and Alameda closed taproom locations, though their brands continue.Asahi Bets Big on BeerAsahi Group Holdings has doubled down on acquisitions of breweries outside its home market of Japan.CEO Akiyoshi Koji told reporters that his goal is for Asahi to lead the premium beer segment in every market it’s in, according to a report on Yahoo Finance. Koji helped propel his company to growth through a blockbuster $11 billion deal in July to acquire Melbourne, Australia’s Carlton & United Breweries from Anheuser-Busch. Under Koji, Asahi has spent more than $20 billion making other acquisitions across the globe.These moves are antithetical compared to how other global brewers are facing beer’s slowdown; many, such as Constellation Brands, are expanding into industries like cannabis or launching different beverage products like hard seltzers.Minnesota Remains Last State for 3.2 BeerMinnesota remains the last state in the nation to limit beer sales at grocery and convenience stores to beer with an alcohol by weight (ABW) of 3.2% or lower, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.Earlier this month, Utah loosened its laws to permit sales of beer that’s 4% ABW (about 5% alcohol by volume), leaving Minnesota as the last 3.2 beer state.Shady Oak Barrel House Under Fire for Derogatory PG&E Beer NameSanta Rosa, California-based brewpub Shady Oak Barrel House was overwhelmed with negative online reviews and phone calls from consumers after it named a beer “Fuck PG&E” to disparage executives of Pacific Gas & Electric, the utility company whose lines have allegedly sparked wildfires in California over the past several years.Negative reviews poured in from public utility employees and their supporters from across the country who took umbrage with the name. Shady Oak Barrel House posted an apology letter to its Facebook page last week, explaining the intent behind the name.“The name was not intended to go after honest hard-working people that have been and still currently are helping our community,” the post said. “It is not to undercut or attack those that have been away from their families in order to serve others in times of recent disasters. The name doesn’t suggest anything remotely like this; however, some people chose to read it this way.”To combat the deluge of one-star ratings, Shady Oak Barrel House has offered to discount beer purchases by $1 for any customers who leave “an honest Yelp, Google or Facebook review.”PG&E was found to be at fault by Cal Fire for 2018’s Camp Fire, which killed 85 people and destroyed nearly 20,000 structures, and is facing trial for its role in the 2017 Stubbs Fire, and is being questioned about last month’s Kincaid Fire, according to SFGate.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Support ACS In NYC MarathonI ran the NYC Marathon through the American Cancer Society and I am aiming to raise $32,000 ($3,200 Minimum X 10X) - please follow link below to donate what you can - $25, $50, $30K! - Onward... - Here is link –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=94035&pg=personal&px=49477898&fbclid=IwAR2mBEvhF1wMA_BbHPhkavichNSFrE9Y9gi2RVZzfQ_4Da5Sht7gvH9rY_k*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/Craft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 54 – BrewDog House Expands and Plastic Packaging Contracts

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2019 9:49


Craft Brew News - 11/22/19(Courtesy of Brewbound – www.brewbound.com)BrewDog Seeks Crowdfunding to Build West Coast Brewery, Launch Distillery, Expand HotelBrewDog is seeking U.S. investors in the third round of its Equity for Punks crowdsourcing campaign to fund three major domestic projects.With funds from this round of investment, the U.S. arm of the Scotland-based craft brewery will open a production facility in California, launch its distilling company stateside and expand its hotel, the DogHouse, by adding lodges constructed from repurposed shipping containers and “popup kennels” to its three pubs in Columbus, Ohio and one in Indianapolis.Shares cost $60 and can be purchased individually or in investor platforms through May 2020. BrewDog launched Equity for Punks in the U.S. in 2017 and collected a second round in 2018. So far, 13,000 investors have participated in the U.S. The goal of the third round is to reach 100,000 investors.In exchange for purchasing shares, investors receive access to limited-edition beers, BrewDog merchandise and experiences, such as stays at the DogHouse in Columbus and tickets to BrewDog’s Annual General Mayhem, the company’s annual shareholder meeting in Aberdeen, Scotland.BrewDog opened its Columbus, Ohio, brewery in 2017. That year, it produced 6,539 barrels; production skyrocketed to 36,353 barrels in 2018, according to data from the Brewers Association, the non-profit trade group representing the country’s craft brewers. Chief revenue officer Adam Lambert told wholesalers earlier this fall that the company was on pace to double business in 2019.Aldi Adds Alcohol Delivery via InstacartDiscount supermarket chain Aldi has partnered with grocery delivery app Instacart to deliver alcohol, according to Supermarket News.Shoppers must share their birthdate when they order and provide ID when the delivery arrives. The service is only available where legal.Aldi rolled out the Instagram partnership to its footprint last fall after a test run in certain markets in 2017. The chain operates 1,900 locations in 36 states.Heineken Discontinuing Plastic PackagingHeineken will roll out cardboard toppers — instead of plastic rings — to 6-packs of Heineken, Foster’s and Kroenbourg 1664 in the United Kingdom next spring, according to a report in the Drinks Business.The company has invested 22 million pounds to transition to the new packaging, which is expected to occur in April 2020. By the end of 2021, the cardboard toppers will roll out to other brands in the Amsterdam-headquartered company’s portfolio, including Strongbow and Bulmer’s ciders. Heineken’s goal is to remove 517 million tons of plastic from its production lines.A-B’s Babe Canned Wine Becomes Official Wine of the NFLA mere four months after acquiring the remaining stake in Swish Beverages, Anheuser-Busch has struck a deal to make Babe canned wine brand the official wine sponsor of the NFL.Three Babe varieties — Rosé, Pinot Grigio, and Red — are now available at 12 NFL stadiums, with more to be added this season. Among the franchises Babe has relationships with are the Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos.As part of the deal, Babe will be allowed to use the NFL trademarks, including its iconic shield logo, as well as the terms “Super Bowl,” “Draft,” Pro Bowl” and more. A-B is also planning Babe activations at major events, including the Super Bowl and Pro Bowl.In late June, A-B’s innovation and growth unit, ZX Ventures, acquired the remaining stake in Swish Beverages, a relationship that began with a minority investment in 2018.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Support ACS In NYC MarathonI signed up for the NYC Marathon through the American Cancer Society and I am aiming to raise $32,000 ($3,200 Minimum X 10X) - please follow link below to donate what you can - $25, $50, $30K! - Onward... - Here is link –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=94035&pg=personal&px=49477898&fbclid=IwAR2mBEvhF1wMA_BbHPhkavichNSFrE9Y9gi2RVZzfQ_4Da5Sht7gvH9rY_k*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 53 – Drake’s Cannabis and “Coffee, Tea or Truly?”

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2019 11:08


Craft Brew News - 11/15/19(Courtesy of Brewbound – www.brewbound.com)Anheuser-Busch Acquires Remaining Stake in Kona Maker Craft Brew AllianceAnheuser-Busch InBev and Craft Brew Alliance (CBA) announced Monday that the world’s largest beer company will acquire the remaining 68.8% of CBA that it did not own for $16.50 per share in cash.At the close of trading Monday, CBA stock (BREW) was valued at $7.33 per share. However, in after hours trading, the stock jumped to more than $16 per share.CBA brand’s include Kona Brewing, Widmer Brothers, Redhook, Omission, Square Mile Cider, Wynwood Brewing, Cisco Brewers and Appalachian Mountain Brewery, as well as the pH Experiment. The portfolio of brands will join A-B’s craft division, the Brewers Collective, which includes acquired brands such as Goose Island, Elysian, 10 Barrel, Golden Road, and Wicked Weed, among others.The new deal between A-B and CBA comes three months after A-B declined to make a qualifying offer to purchase the remaining stake in CBA for a minimum of $24.50 per share. Instead, A-B paid CBA a one-time fee of $20 million.In 2018, CBA’s production hit almost 757,000 barrels, down about 1% from 2017 levels, according to the Brewers Association. However, the Kona brand alone in 2019 is pacing at 500,000 barrels.Drake, Canopy Growth Partner UpCanopy Growth, the Canadian cannabis company in which Constellation Brands invested $4 billion, announced yesterday that it will partner with Drake to launch the More Life Growth Company, a cannabis producer in Toronto.Drake said in a press release “The idea of being able to build something special in an industry that is ever growing has been inspiring,”Drake, a Toronto-based rapper and entertainer whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham, will own 60% of More Life, while Canopy will own the remaining stake in the business. Canopy will hold distribution rights and manage operations and maintenance at More Life’s facility in Scarborough, Ontario.Drake posted a photo to his Instagram account Thursday with More Life’s logo and tagged the new company’s still-private account.Walmart Curbside Pickup Extends to Include Alcohol PurchasesWalmart last week extended its curbside grocery pickup service to include alcohol purchases at 2,000 stores in 29 states.Through its grocery pickup program, Walmart shoppers will be able to place orders online in advance using the store’s website and choose a pickup time. Store employees will then deliver the orders to customers at designated parking spots. Customers must provide photo ID to verify that they are 21 in order to purchase alcoholic beverages.Walmart also delivers alcohol from 200 locations in California and Florida and the company is looking to add more locations in accordance with local laws.Truly Hard Seltzer Now Available on JetBlue FlightsJetBlue passengers will be able to purchase Boston Beer Company’s Truly Hard Seltzer Wild Berry on flights, making it the first hard seltzer available on flights year-round, according to the beer company.Boston Beer chief marketing officer Lesya Lysyj said in a press release “Just like JetBlue, Truly is always looking for ways to innovate, push the status quo and deliver more of what drinkers and customers want, and we can’t think of a better partner for Truly’s first flight,” Truly will be available year-round in 12 oz. cans on JetBlue flights. Other Boston Beer products that have been available on JetBlue’s menus include Angry Orchard Crisp Apple and Samuel Adams Boston Lager and OctoberFest.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Support ACS In NYC MarathonI signed up for the NYC Marathon through the American Cancer Society and I am aiming to raise $32,000 ($3,200 Minimum X 10X) - please follow link below to donate what you can - $25, $50, $30K! - Onward... - Here is link –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=94035&pg=personal&px=49477898&fbclid=IwAR2mBEvhF1wMA_BbHPhkavichNSFrE9Y9gi2RVZzfQ_4Da5Sht7gvH9rY_k*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 52 – Stone vs. MillerCoors and Keep That Beer Tax Low

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2019 13:04


Craft Brew News 11/8/19Federal Judge: MillerCoors Withheld Marketing Materials in Stone Brewing LawsuitA federal magistrate judge last Thursday filed a report and recommendation order largely siding with Stone Brewing’s claims that MillerCoors did not provide all available marketing materials for its Keystone brand during the lawsuit’s discovery phase.Although U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda Lopez declined to impose sanctions requested by Stone against MillerCoors, she did grant a partial award of monetary sanctions to the San Diego-headquartered craft brewery.Stone Brewing filed the lawsuit against MillerCoors in February 2018 in response to new Keystone Light packaging and advertising that featured the words “Key” and “Stone” separated in prominent, capitalized letters. MillerCoors has maintained in its defense that it has used “Stone” and “Stones” in reference to Keystone products dating back to the brand’s debut in 1989.In light of this finding, Lopez recommended that Stone receive a partial payout of its $420,476.63 in legal fees, and Stone be allowed to update its expert reports to include the additional evidence.Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act Reaches Record 315 Co-SponsorsA bill to extend federal excise tax (FET) relief has garnered a record number of co-sponsors following a day of action coordinated by the Beer Institute (BI), Brewers Association (BA) and other alcoholic beverage trade groups.The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA) reached 315 co-sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives and 73 in the U.S. Senate; In addition to the BA and BI, the bill’s other supporters include the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, American Craft Spirits Association, Wine Institute, Wine America, the U.S. Association of Cider Makers and the American Mead Makers Association.BA president and CEO Bob Pease said in the release “The widespread bipartisan support the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act has received to date is amazing and America’s craft beer industry is grateful to our many champions in Congress,”. “This legislation has played an integral role in providing financial certainty to more than 7,700 small and independent brewers coast to coast since its enaction in 2017.” Brewers who produce fewer than two million barrels annually pay $3.50 per barrel for their first 60,000 barrels and $7 per barrel after that. Of the bill’s 315 co-sponsors, 159 are Democrats and 156 are Republicans, nearly a 50/50 split between the parties. These 315 co-sponsors make up 72% of the House’s 435 members.Russian River Brews Sonoma Pride to Support FirefightersRussian River is brewing a Sonoma Pride IPL after a wildfire forced the evacuation of the popular Windsor, California, craft brewery last week.Russian River co-founder Natalie Cilurzo told Brewbound that Sonoma Pride will be available next month at both the Windsor and Santa Rosa breweries and proceeds will support a yet-to-be-determined charity that supports firefighters. The beer will be on draft and in bottles with commemorative labels, which will also adorn T-shirts.The Kincade Fire started on October 23 near Geyserville, about 15 miles from Russian River’s Windsor location.Russian River was closed after the towns of Windsor and Healdsburg were evacuated on October 26. The brewery was closed for eight days while evacuation orders were in place, and gas to the property was shut off. The brewery finally reopened on October 31, although staff was unable to brew or operate its kitchen until gas was restored.The Kincade Fire was 80% contained as of Monday, after burning nearly 78,000 acres and claiming 374 buildings, according to NPR.In a video on Facebook, Russian River co-founder Vinnie Cilurzo announced that he and his team brewed a new version of Sonoma Pride.In 2017, the Cilurzos worked with 50 other breweries to raise more than $1.1 million for wildfire relief efforts in Sonoma and Napa counties.(Allo Gilinsky The Craft Beer Concierge – Russian River Tour Guide)Four Loko’s 12% ABV Hard Seltzer Hits Retailers; Anheuser-Busch to Launch Bud Light Seltzer in Q1Phusion Projects officially rolled out its first Four Loko branded hard seltzer to retailers today, after going viral on social media over the summer.Four Loko Hard Seltzer’s first flavor, black cherry, checks in at 12% alcohol by volume (ABV) and is sold in 23.5 oz. single-serve cans. More flavors will launch next spring, a spokeswoman said. Phusion Projects touted the product as “the hardest hard seltzer in the universe,” according to the company’s website and the caption of the Instagram post announcing its debut.On the other end of the spectrum, Craft Brew Alliance’s pH Experiment launched Pacer, a 2% ABV hard seltzer, over the summer.The hard seltzer category has generated $1.2 billion in sales year-to-date through October 5, according to market research firm Nielsen. The category crossed the $1 billion threshold in August. Hard seltzer sales could be triple that size over the next three years, according to a report from Rabobank beverage analyst Jim Watson.A-B announced today that Bud Light Seltzer will launch in the first quarter of 2020 in four flavors: Black Cherry, Lemon Lime, Strawberry and Mango. Each flavor checks in at 5% ABV and contains 100 calories, 2 grams of carbs and fewer than 1 gram of sugar. The product was teased during the world’s largest beer manufacturer’s third-quarter earnings call on October 25.Bud Light Seltzer will come in variety 12-packs, single flavor 12-packs and 25 oz. single-serve cans.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Support ACS In NYC MarathonI signed up for the NYC Marathon through the American Cancer Society and I am aiming to raise $32,000 ($3,200 Minimum X 10X) - please follow link below to donate what you can - $25, $50, $30K! - Onward... - Here is link –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=94035&pg=personal&px=49477898&fbclid=IwAR2mBEvhF1wMA_BbHPhkavichNSFrE9Y9gi2RVZzfQ_4Da5Sht7gvH9rY_k*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 51 - Molson Coors Hard Seltzer and Utah Enters the New Century

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2019 13:07


Craft Brew News 11/01/19(Courtesy of Brewbound - www.Brewbound.com)Molson Coors CEO Discusses Restructuring Plans, New Hard Seltzer Launch During Q3 Earnings CallMolson Coors’ future direction became more clear today following the announcement that the company will restructure its operations and slash its workforce.The $150 million annual savings will be reinvested in marketing to support core brands such as Coors Light and Miller Lite, drive innovation in non-beer products such as Cape Line Sparkling Cocktails and Arnold Palmer Spiked, and above-premium offerings such as Blue Moon and Peroni.The prioritizing of beyond beer products is reflected in the company’s new name, effective in 2020: Molson Coors Beverage Company. This move makes Molson Coors the first among the world’s largest beer companies to remove “beer” or “brewing” from its name.Among these beyond beer innovations is Vizzy, a 5% ABV, 100-calorie hard seltzer “infused with super fruits,” according to a slide during the earnings presentation. During Q3, Molson Coors’ company-wide revenue declined 3.2%, to $2.8 billion, while worldwide brand volumes declined 2.4%.For 2020, which Molson Coors is labeling a “transition year,” the company is estimating net sales revenue to be flat to down low-single digits.Truly Hard Seltzer Boosts Boston Beer Company to Double-Digit GrowthBoston Beer Company reported strong earnings during its third-quarter earnings call Tuesday evening.Boston Beer founder Jim Koch said, “I am tremendously proud of the efforts of all of our coworkers in achieving our sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth,” Hard seltzer continued to drive the lion’s share of Boston Beer’s growth. Truly Hard Seltzer generated triple-digit volume growth during a quarter in which the company launched Truly Draft, announced a new Watermelon Kiwi flavor, reformulated all Truly flavors, revealed plans to launch Truly Hard Seltzer Lemonade in early 2020, struck a sponsorship deal with the National Hockey League, and released a new Truly television campaign featuring actor Keegan-Michael Key.To accomodate Truly’s growth, Boston Beer will add a canning line to its production brewery in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, and the company has “significantly increased our available sleek can capacity at third-party breweries”.Courtesy of APLast call: Utah is set to tap out on low-alcohol beer salesSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The first change to beer alcohol limits since the end of Prohibition nearly a century ago is coming to Utah.The state will become the next-to-last in the country to say goodbye to lower-alcohol 3.2% beer on Friday, when drinkers welcome new, slightly stronger brews to grocery stores, gas stations and bars.Lawmakers have raised the limits to a still-low 4% by weight, yielding as large breweries decided to stop making lower-alcohol suds for a market that’s shrinking amid changing laws. The change leaves Minnesota as the last state to have 3.2% beer.Almost the entire country once had similar limits, said Maureen Ogle, author of “Ambitious Brew: A History of American Beer.” It was set by Congress to allow lighter brews to be made before the formal end of Prohibition in 1933.In the last remaining holdout, Minnesota Republican Sen. Karin Housley said she would “aggressively pursue legislation to modernize our state’s antiquated liquor laws” during the next legislative session.In Utah, the state’s predominant religious faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, teaches abstinence from alcohol and strict liquor laws continue to hold sway. Last year, lawmakers passed the lowest DUI threshold in the country at .05%.This year, though, big retailers like Wal-Mart and others pushed for changes so they could keep their stores stocked with national beer brands. The new 4% limit, also measured as 5% by volume, was a compromise with the influential church, which had opposed going higher.The makers of national beers like Budweiser are marking the occasion with new marketing efforts in the state. The iconic Budweiser Clydesdale were in Salt Lake City this week to mark the occasion with a mock funeral, compete with life-sized coffin and costumed grim-reaper pallbearers walking the streets to cheers.(Courtesy of US News and World Report)Spiked Seltzer vs. Beer: Which Is Healthier?SPIKED SELTZER IS having a moment. First, flavored fizzy waters became popular. Now brands are adding alcohol into the mix. According to Nielsen, hard seltzer sales have increased by more than 200% in the past year. Much of this growth is thought to be driven by people seeking alternatives beyond malt beverages and beer.Spiked seltzers sit in a unique space between beer and traditional mixed drinks. This isn't your standard seltzer or soda water poured over vodka or gin. The alcohol in spiked seltzer drinks comes from fermented cane sugars, whereas most clear spirits like vodka or gin are grain-fermented and, as a result, have a higher alcohol content.Most of us wouldn’t drink several cans of beer and think we were making a health-promoting choice. But many think that sipping spiked seltzer all day is a healthy option. This health halo around spiked seltzer means that you may end up drinking much more than you realize since you believe it to be better for you.At the end of the day, it comes down to which beverage you enjoy more and which you feel like drinking at that moment. It’s important to consider the taste and mental satisfaction, as pleasure and enjoyment are important components of a healthy diet.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Support ACS In NYC MarathonI signed up for the NYC Marathon through the American Cancer Society and I am aiming to raise $32,000 ($3,200 Minimum X 10X) - please follow link below to donate what you can - $25, $50, $30K! - Onward... - Here is link –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=94035&pg=personal&px=49477898&fbclid=IwAR2mBEvhF1wMA_BbHPhkavichNSFrE9Y9gi2RVZzfQ_4Da5Sht7gvH9rY_k*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 50 - Beer in the Smithsonian and Clean Maine Water

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2019 9:29


Craft Brew News 10/25/2019(Courtesy of Brewbound – www.Brewbound.com)Smithsonian to Open Beer Industry ExhibitA new exhibit that the Smithsonian National Museum of American History will highlight beer and its history in the U.S. “Brewing a Revolution” will join the museum’s permanent “FOOD: Transforming the American Table” exhibit on Friday, October 25.According to a press release, “Visitors will see artifacts, archival materials and photographs that originated in the homebrewing and microbrewing movements of California and Colorado in the 1960s through 1980s — the beginning of the craft beer ‘revolution,’ Key artifacts on display include the coveralls of former Anchor Brewing owner Fritz Maytag’, a homebrewing spoon that belonged to Brewers Association founder Charlie Papazian, and a travel notebook that belonged to New Belgium Brewing co-founders Kim Jordan and Jeff Lebesch.The opening of the display will be showcased in November during an event for Smithsonian Food History Weekend. “The Last Call: Brewing History After-Hours” takes place on Friday, November 8 and features Maytag, Papazian, Sierra Nevada founder Ken Grossman, and University of California, Davis professor emeritus Michael Lewis. Braxton Brewing’s Vive to be Official Hard Seltzer of the Indiana PacersBraxton Brewing Company’s Vive Hard Seltzer is now the official hard seltzer of the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, a move that brings the brand into Indiana and continues its string of sponsorships of professional sports teams.The product will be available in 16 oz. cans at the Pacers’ arena, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, in Indianapolis. Cans will be available at off-premise retailers in Indiana in early November.In addition to the Pacers, Braxton has struck partnership deals for Vive with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals, the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets and MLS’ FC Cincinnati.“With a fast upward trajectory, Vive continues to establish itself as a leader within the hard seltzer category,” a press release said.Ex-BrewDog CEO Launches CBD Beverage LineFormer BrewDog USA CEO Tanisha Robinson will launch a line of sparkling, CBD-infused drinks, according to a report from Columbus Alive.BrewDog founders James Watt and Martin Dickie will invest in Robinson’s new company, W*nder.Robinson was tapped to lead the Scotland-headquartered craft brewery’s U.S. operations in 2017.W*nder plans to donate 4% of profits to investments in entrepreneurs in communities that cannabis prohibition has harmed, according to the outlet. It will launch with four flavors with pop culture-inspired names: Breakfast Club, which has blood orange, mint and ginger; Born to Run, which has lemon and rosemary; Fast Times, which has cucumber, mint and lime; and Night Moves, which has blueberry and basil.Allagash Brewing Company Pledges to Help Keep Portland’s Drinking Water CleanAllagash Brewing Company has announced a pledge to donate ten cents for every barrel of beer brewed to Sebago Clean Waters (SCW), a collaborative effort of nine conservation organizations working to protect water quality, community well-being, a vibrant economy, and fish and wildlife in the Sebago region through voluntary forestland conservation. At an amount of approximately $10,000 per year, these funds will go directly toward helping SCW preserve the quality of the drinking water in Sebago Lake.Portland draws its water from Sebago Lake, located just northwest of the city. One out of six Mainers (more than 200,000 people) and Maine’s fastest growing businesses depend on Sebago Lake for their drinking water. The lake supplies 22 million gallons of clean drinking water per day.That clean water is largely due to the forests that surround the lake—84% of the 234,000-acre Sebago watershed is covered by forests. The goal of the SCW and Allagash partnership is to conserve more forests surrounding the lakes, streams, and rivers that feed Sebago Lake. Currently, only 10% of Sebago watershed forests is permanently conserved.Paul Hunt, the Portland Water District’s Environmental Services Manager said “Sebago Lake is so pure that it is one of only 50 public surface water supplies in the entire country that require no filtration before treatment. “The forests are the natural filtration plant for Sebago Lake. Keeping it clean and naturally filtered like this means that our water is safer, less expensive, and tastes better than if the lake were degraded and we had to filter it artificially.”Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Support ACS In NYC Marathon“32K In 64 days” - I signed up for the NYC Marathon through the American Cancer Society and I am aiming to raise $32,000 ($3,200 Minimum X 10X) - please follow link below to donate what you can - $25, $50, $30K! - Onward... - Here is link –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=94035&pg=personal&px=49477898&fbclid=IwAR2mBEvhF1wMA_BbHPhkavichNSFrE9Y9gi2RVZzfQ_4Da5Sht7gvH9rY_k*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 49 – That’s My Recipe, Thief! and Tree House Growth

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2019 12:14


Craft Brew News 10/18/19(courtesy of Brewbound – www.brewbound.com)Anheuser-Busch Accuses MillerCoors of Stealing Confidential Beer RecipesThe legal battle between the two largest beer makers in the U.S. escalated today, as Anheuser-Busch today accused MillerCoors of breaking state and federal laws by stealing trade secrets regarding beer recipes for its two top-selling brands, Bud Light and Michelob Ultra.A-B alleges that two of its former employees who now work for MillerCoors and its parent company Molson Coors either shared confidential trade secrets with their current employers or sought information from current employees about the making of A-B products.MillerCoors VP of communications and community affairs Adam Collins issued a statement accusing A-B of “trying to distract from the basic fact that they intentionally misled American consumers.”The allegations are the latest salvo in the ongoing legal friction between the large beer manufacturers. In March, MillerCoors filed a deceptive advertising lawsuit in federal court against A-B for launching Bud Light Super Bowl commercials that pointed out the use of corn syrup in the brewing process of Miller Lite and Coors Light.A-B’s filing today points to two of its former employees: one who serves as Molson Coors’ VP of global quality and food safety, and a brewer for MillerCoors at its Golden, Colorado-based brewery, who previously worked at A-B’s Cartersville, Georgia-based production facility.In its counterclaims, A-B argues that its trade secrets are its “most important assets — specifically, the means and manner in which it brews its most popular beers.”Boulder Beer Retrenches, Pivots to Brewpub ModelCiting increased competition in a crowded marketplace, Boulder Beer Company announced today that it would cease distribution and focus on its brewpub business.Boulder Beer director of marketing Tess McFadden said the 40-year-old Boulder, Colorado-based beer company will pivot to a brewpub business model once the last batches of production beer leave its facility.As part of the transition, Boulder will lay off about 20 of its 50 employees over the next two months as operations wind down, she added.Production at Boulder Beer, which was founded in 1979 by David Hummer and Randolph “Stick” Ware, a pair of University of Colorado-Boulder astrophysics professors and homebrewers, has declined steadily in recent years. Last year, the company produced 16,305 barrels of beer, down 44% from its peak of 29,333 barrels in 2014.According to McFadden, the company plans to buy a seven-barrel brewhouse and will transform its production area into an event space. The brewpub will continue serving Boulder beers, as well as a barbecue-focused menu.Boulder Beer plans to sell the majority of its equipment. However, the company plans to keep its 50-barrel brewhouse, which remain as a decorative artifact.Tree House Brewing Makes Million Dollar Investment for New WarehouseMassachusetts’s Tree House Brewing is expanding once again at its Charlton-based production brewery and headquarters.Earlier this month, Tree House co-founder Nate Lanier tweeted an aerial image of a large construction site next to the existing facility with the “shhh” emoji. Questions from curious followers rolled in, but Lanier did not publicly answer them.However, according to a report in the Worcester Telegram, Tree House is constructing a 76,700 sq. ft. warehouse adjacent to its existing building. The expansion necessitated the purchase of 41 acres of neighboring land.Tree House’s meteoric rise over the last few years made it 42nd fastest growing brewery in 2018, according to national trade group the Brewers Association’s (BA).Since 2015, the first year the BA has Tree House’s production volumes on record, Tree House’s production has increased from 2,350 barrels that year, to 44,250 barrels in 2018, an increase of 130% from 2017 levels, according to the BA.Tree House sells the vast majority of its beer directly to consumers at its Charlton facility. Nielsen: Active Lifestyle Beers Offer Big Opportunity for Craft, IPAs Remain Dominant Style and Value Tops VolumeConsumers are considering health and wellness more and drinking less but willing to spend more on alcoholic beverages when they do drink, members of market research firm Nielsen’s beverage alcohol team shared during last week’s Brewers Association Power Hour webinar.Here are three takeaways from Nielsen’s latest update on craft’s mid-year performance.Consumers More Mindful of Health and WellnessConsumers are now more concerned about health and wellness than any other topic, according to the Conference Board Global Consumer Confidence Survey, in collaboration with Nielsen.The most common reason respondents gave for drinking less is that they’re prioritizing health and about half of respondents said they were “making an effort to reduce their overall” alcohol consumption.The health and wellness trend was clear across several product segments. Five of Nielsen’s top 10 growth brands by dollar sales were hard seltzers. According to Nielsen, hard seltzers crossed the $1 billion sales mark in August for the last 52-week period.IPAs Still Dominant, Other Top Styles ShrinkIPAs remain the top-selling style in craft, and the only style among craft’s top five to gain in dollar share for the 36 weeks ending September 7. The next four styles — seasonal, witbier, variety packs, and American pale ales — each lost at least 5% of dollar share. IPAs accounted for 30% of all craft dollars and grew dollar sales 10%. Other styles increasing sales during period included blonde or golden ales, bocks, American wheat beers, and pilsners, Premiumization: Value Tops VolumeWhile consumers report that they’re drinking fewer alcoholic beverages, trends show that they’re spending more. Several off-premise metrics, such as household penetration and frequency of shopping trips, have remained steady, but dollars spent are increasing. On-premise data, reported that consumers are willing to pay more for local brands both on- and off-premise.“Consumers tend to be willing to pay a premium — almost a $5 premium — when it comes to paying for local craft, compared to some of the more national or non-local varieties or offerings,” “Value is outpacing velocity and volume in all categories. “It goes to show the premiumization in the whole alcohol segment.”Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Support ACS In NYC Marathon“32K In 64 days” - I signed up for the NYC Marathon through the American Cancer Society and I am aiming to raise $32,000 ($3,200 Minimum X 10X) - please follow link below to donate what you can - $25, $50, $30K! - Onward... - Here is link –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=94035&pg=personal&px=49477898&fbclid=IwAR2mBEvhF1wMA_BbHPhkavichNSFrE9Y9gi2RVZzfQ_4Da5Sht7gvH9rY_k*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 48 – 2019 Great American Beer Festival

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2019 17:26


Craft Brew News 10/11/19(courtesy of Brewbound www.brewbound.com )Wrapping up the 2019 Great American Beer FestivalAbout 60,000 people attended last week’s Great American Beer Festival in Denver, but the 2019 edition of national trade group the Brewers Association’s (BA) largest consumer-facing event may mark the last in which beer is the only featured alcoholic beverage.Leaders within the not-for-profit trade group told Brewbound that discussions are ongoing about opening up future festivals to other alcoholic beverages beyond beer that craft breweries are making. Could there be a beyond beer pavilion? A section dedicated to hard seltzer? At this point, the organizers say they are keeping an open mind as they try to attract more consumers to the annual event.Although this year’s GABF didn’t sell out completely, three of the four sessions, on Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday evening, each sold outSeen on the Floor …Although there seemed to be more room on the floor this year, lines still jammed up sections where popular brewers — including Russian River, the Lost Abbey, Avery Brewing, WeldWerks, Rhinegeist Brewery and more — were located.Brooklyn Brewery made a statement with its booth, highlighting its non-alcoholic beer, Special Effects, which will launch in select markets this fall before hitting the company’s 30-state footprint in 2020.Pernod Ricard-owned Jameson Irish Whiskey’s barrel-aged beer garden continued to be a major draw within the festival and a big winner over the weekend. Although the company’s advertisements weren’t as ubiquitous as in 2018, the company again wrapped public transportation with Caskmates ads.Meanwhile, Sierra Nevada founder Ken Grossman kicked off Thursday’s GABF session by showing off the legendary Chico, California-headquartered craft brewery’s first brewhouse. Grossman recently reacquired the brewhouse in a trade with Mad River, and the company is sending the brewhouse on the road, starting with San Francisco Beer Week in February and Homebrew Con in Nashville in June. Grossman told Brewbound that he plans to make some legs of the trip with the brewhouse, which is still operational.Best Booth Goes to …For the second consecutive year, New Belgium put together the festival’s most eye-catching booth. The double-sided stand featured a “Fat Tire” branded ski lodge bar on one side, complete with a bubble hockey game, while the other side featured a more traditional bar along with a photo booth called the “Mini Bar.” The Fort Collins-headquartered craft brewery continued to raise the game within the fest.Sam Calagione Leads Boston Beer’s Annual BreakfastBoston Beer Company founder Jim Koch’s 35-year streak of attending GABF was broken this year. Koch was noticeably absent from Friday’s annual breakfast with members of the media, although he did appear via a pre-recorded video from Munich, where he was selecting hops.In Koch’s stead was Dogfish Head co-founder Sam Calagione, whose company merged with Boston Beer Company earlier this year.Unlike past years, Boston Beer did not announce its big innovation for the coming year. However, the company did unveil a limited-release Samuel Adams-Dogfish Head collaboration beer called CollaBEEration, a continually hopped pilsner brewed with honey from Brooklyn and Zambezi. The beer will only be available starting October 11 at Samuel Adams’ taproom in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood and at Dogfish Head’s taproom in Milton, Delaware.Boston Beer also announced the return of Utopias, the biennial “extreme beer” that checks in at 28% ABV, and which the company claims is illegal in 15 states. The beer will be released in select markets on October 15 for a suggested retail price of $210. The beer will also be on tap at the Samuel Adams taproom in Cincinnati during an anniversary event on November 15.Calagione also announced the 2020 release of World Wide Stout, which has been aged in Utopias barrels.And the Winner is …Of a possible 321 medals in 2,017 beer style categories during the 33rd annual GABF competition, the BA awarded 318 medals. A total of 283 breweries won medals this year.In the most entered category — Juicy or Hazy IPA — Chicago’s Old Irving Brewing’s Breezer took home the gold.Other gold medal winners from the most entered style categories included, Denver-based Comrade Brewing’s More Dodge Less RAM winning for American-style IPA; Austin-based Elmo Brewing’s Roxanne winning for Fruited American-Style Sour Ale; Indianapolis-based Blind Owl Brewery’s Parliament Drive winning for German-Style Pilsener; and Salinas, California-based Alvarado Street Brewery’s Double Cone winning for Imperial IPA.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com** Check out Upcoming Craft Beer Weekends ** Hampton, NHThe Victoria Inn Bed & Breakfast and PavilionCraft Beer Weekend - Dates: October 25-27, 2019Friday - Food / Beer Pairing at Inn / Q&A Brewer's PanelSaturday - Beer Bus takes you to local Breweries/DinnerSunday - Kegs N Eggs and BeerMosasAvailability: Limited - Book NOW!https://www.eventbrite.com/e/craft-beer-storm-weekend-tickets-74469531373If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Support ACS In NYC Marathon“32K In 64 days” - I signed up for the NYC Marathon through the American Cancer Society and I am aiming to raise $32,000 ($3,200 Minimum X 10X) - please follow link below to donate what you can - $25, $50, $30K! - Onward... - Here is link –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=94035&pg=personal&px=49477898&fbclid=IwAR2mBEvhF1wMA_BbHPhkavichNSFrE9Y9gi2RVZzfQ_4Da5Sht7gvH9rY_k*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 47 – US Economy Loves Craft Beer

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2019 10:56


Craft Brew News 10/4/19(courtesy of BrewBound www.brewbound.com)Brewers Association: US Craft Brewing Industry Contributes $79 Billion to US EconomySmall and independent U.S craft brewers generated $79.1 billion in economic impact in 2018, which represented roughly 0.4 percent of the gross domestic product, according to industry trade group the Brewers Association’s (BA) 2018 Economic Impact Report.The Boulder, Colorado-headquartered not-for-profit added that the $79.1 billion amounted to a 4% increase over 2017’s $76.1 billion in output. A similar report shared by the BA in 2012, reported $33.9 billion in economic output.The release of the new analysis comes about a week before the BA’s largest consumer-facing event of the year, the annual Great American Beer Festival in Denver.According to the BA, the craft brewing industry was responsible for creating more than 559,545 total jobs last year, with 150,055 jobs directly at breweries. The craft brewing industry also contributed more than $5 billion in direct wages and benefits to its workers.The BA also broke down the economic impact in each state and released a list of the five states with the greatest economic impact. California — where 1,000 independent breweries are in operation as of August 2019, according to the California Craft Brewers Association — once again led the way with an output of $9 billion. Pennsylvania ($6.3 billion), Texas ($5.1 billion), New York ($4.1 billion) and Florida ($3.6 billion) rounded out the top five.A-B’s Natural Light Hard Seltzer and Big 12 Conference Announce PartnershipAnheuser-Busch and the Big 12 Conference announced a partnership this week to make Natural Light Seltzer the “Official Hard Seltzer of the Big 12 Conference.”The sponsorship will include elements during games, online and social media, as well as advertising during the conference’s baseball, football, and men’s and women’s basketball championships, according to Forbes. The partnership is solely with the athletic conference, not the 10 universities within the league, the outlet noted.Ricardo Marques, vice president of core and value brands at Anheuser-Busch, told Forbes that the sponsorships would help increase Natural Light Hard Seltzer’s market share due to hard seltzer being “still in its early days as awareness.”The deal is the latest is an ongoing trend of hard seltzer brands partnering with sports leagues and teams, including Boston Beer’s Truly Hard Seltzer being named the “official hard seltzer” of the National Hockey League earlier this week.Anheuser-Busch InBev Acquires Markstein Beverage Co. in San MarcosCalifornia’s beer distribution system is being shaken up once again.Anheuser-Busch InBev announced Friday evening the planned acquisition of “key assets” from Markstein Beverage Co. in San Marcos, California. The company will add those assets to its existing wholly owned distributor, Anheuser-Busch Sales of San Diego.The move comes about 15 months after Markstein, under threat of termination, was forced to sell the distribution rights to the Constellation Brands portfolio of Mexican import brands, including Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, and Pacifico, among others, in northern San Diego County to the Reyes Beverage Group.Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close upon closing requirements being met.Beyond A-B products, Markstein’s portfolio in San Marcos includes craft brands such as Sierra Nevada, Hangar 24, Speakeasy and Drake’s Brewing, as well as offerings from Craft Brew Alliance, including Kona Brewing, Redhook, Widmer Brothers and Square Mile Cider. The future of those brands’ distribution appears unclear.White Claw Maker Investing $250 Million to Increase Production and Meet DemandStarbucks, Apple, Tesla … and White Claw? Anthony von Mandl, the founder of White Claw parent company Mark Anthony Brands, told thousands of beer wholesalers Tuesday during the National Beer Wholesalers Association’s Annual Convention that his company is a disruptor in the vein of those iconic brands.According to von Mandl, White Claw’s disruption is “growing beer and unlocking substantial incremental profits and sales growth” for its beer wholesalers and retailers. He expressed confidence that White Claw will be “an enduring brand” that will be “connected to consumers for decades to come” with “the potential to deliver billions of dollars of profit” to its partners.“We are building an iconic global brand just as Starbucks did,” he proclaimed.Despite a flood of new entrants into the hard seltzer category — von Mandl said there are more than 70 hard seltzer brands on the market now — White Claw has maintained 60% of the market share, and combined with Boston Beer Company’s Truly Hard Seltzer, commands about 75% of the market.To meet consumer demand for White Claw, Mark Anthony Brands is investing $250 million to build a pair of production facilities on both coasts, as well as doubling its capacity at the Cold Spring contract brewery in Minnesota.In New Jersey, the company plans to build a brownfield production brewery from the ground up that is capable of producing 50 million cases of White Claw annually. That facility is expected to be operational by April 2020.Meanwhile, the company is still in the process of site selection for a potential West Coast brewery. Those three facilities, along with the company’s co-packer in Tennessee, will give it as much as 200 million cases of capacity in 2020, and 250 million cases in 2021.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com** Check out Upcoming Craft Beer Weekends ** Hampton, NHThe Victoria Inn Bed & Breakfast and PavilionCraft Beer Weekend - Dates: October 25-27, 2019Friday - Food / Beer Pairing at Inn / Q&A Brewer's PanelSaturday - Beer Bus takes you to local Breweries/DinnerSunday - Kegs N Eggs and BeerMosasAvailability: Limited - Book NOW!https://www.eventbrite.com/e/craft-beer-storm-weekend-tickets-74469531373If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Support ACS In NYC Marathon“32K In 64 days” - I signed up for the NYC Marathon through the American Cancer Society and I am aiming to raise $32,000 ($3,200 Minimum X 10X) - please follow link below to donate what you can - $25, $50, $30K! - Onward... - Here is link –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=94035&pg=personal&px=49477898&fbclid=IwAR2mBEvhF1wMA_BbHPhkavichNSFrE9Y9gi2RVZzfQ_4Da5Sht7gvH9rY_k*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 46 – Brew Dog and Texas Beer-To-Go Booming

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2019 10:46


Craft Brew News 09/27/19(courtesy of BrewBound – www.brewbound.com)BrewDog USA on Track to Double Sales in 2019Scottish craft brewers BrewDog are on pace to double its U.S. business this year.In an email to BrewDog USA wholesalers, chief revenue officer Adam Lambert reported that the company’s depletions (sales to retailers) increased 95% through the first eight months of the year. The company has also sold more than 320,000 case equivalents.BrewDog’s U.S. home, Ohio, where it built a 100,000 sq. ft. production facility, accounts for 55% of its domestic business, and in-state sales are growing at a rate of 80%.Sales of core IPAs Elvis Juice and Hazy Jane are up 104% and 95%, respectively, year-to-date. Grapefruit-infused Elvis Juice now represents nearly half (49%) of BrewDog USA’s business, while New England-style IPA Hazy Jane makes up 22% of its business. Sales of BrewDog’s flagship Punk IPA, which accounts for 8% of the company’s business, are flat.Lambert noted that 16 oz. cans continue to drive BrewDog’s total growth and represent 9% of its total business.In 2020, BrewDog is projecting its upward sales trajectory to continue, as Lambert told wholesalers that the company’s goal is to once again double its business.Weyerbacher Reorganization Plan Shows Private Investor Group Backed Out, Internal Investors InThe private investment group announced as a majority investor in Weyerbacher Brewing Company this past April has backed out of the deal, the brewery’s chief operating officer, Josh Lampe, told Brewbound.Instead, the Easton, Pennsylvania-based craft brewery has turned to a group of seven individuals and two trusts to invest $50,000 in exchange for shares in the business, according to a reorganization plan filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Pennsylvania’s Eastern District.1518 Holdings abandoned plans to buy a majority stake in Weyerbacher, a 24-year-old craft brewery that sold as many as 19,543 barrels at its most recent peak in 2014, shortly after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April, Lampe said.“We’ve been going at it on our own, and we’ve got a lot of beer coming out and are making headway with getting everything back in stock, which is a good thing,” he added.Weyerbacher also owes $1.9 million to other creditors, but those claims are unsecured and the company plans to pay back a total of $186,000 according to the reorganization plan.Lampe said there have been no layoffs at Weyerbacher since the company laid off two salespeople in February. The company has no plans to close its retail locations in Easton, where it operates a 30,000-barrel production brewery and taproom, or in New Hope, where it opened a stand earlier this year inside a food hall and local market.Lampe said “We’re still working through our issues, but my main focus is the future of the company and making sure that we are able to keep putting out great beer,”.Texas Brewers Report Boost from Beer-To-Go Sales LegalizationEighteen days after Texas’ new beer-to-go law went into effect, manufacturing brewers are reporting high levels of consumer enthusiasm for the opportunity to buy and take home packaged beers from taprooms.After passing through the Texas Legislature in the spring and being signed by the governor in June, the law allowing the state’s licensed manufacturing breweries to sell beer to-go went into effect on September 1. Prior to the change, only brewers holding brewpub licenses that produced fewer than 10,000 barrels could sell patrons beer for off-premise consumption. The new law allows customers to purchase up to one case of 12 oz. cans (288 oz.) per brewery visit daily.Peticolas Brewing Company founder Michael Peticolas said sales during the two weeks since the change in the law were the best in the 8-year-old Dallas-based beer company’s history. Peticolas, an attorney turned brewer, was a vocal proponent of changing the law.“It was a huge team effort to get this thing from concept to actually opening up on September 1, which ultimately is the single biggest day we’ve ever had in our history,” he said.Austin Beerworks co-founder Adam DeBower told Brewbound in an email that the passage shows that with “a well-thought-out and executed game plan, normal people can in fact still move the needle on the laws that govern our lives.”Truly Hard Seltzer Named Official Hard Seltzer of the NHLThe Boston Beer Company today announced it has inked a five-year deal for Truly Hard Seltzer to be the “official hard seltzer” of the National Hockey League. The agreement is Boston Beer’s first national sports league partnership.The sponsorship will begin at the start of the 2019-2020 season on October 2, and will give the brand exposure both through broadcasts and stadiums during the regular season, Stanley Cup Playoffs, and Stanley Cup Final. Truly will also sponsor the Truly Hard Seltzer NHL PreGame during the 2020 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic as well as the 2020 NHL Stadium Series.NHL chief business officer and executive vice president Keith Wachtel said in a press release “As the beer category continues to evolve, we’re thrilled to become the first national sports league partner of The Boston Beer Company,”. “With a thriving business across multiple categories, they are an ideal partner to engage with our avid fan base. We’re excited to develop fun and unique activations across their portfolio of brands.”In December 2017, Boston Beer and the Boston Red Sox announced a multi-year agreement to make Samuel Adams “the official beer of the Boston Red Sox.”Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com** Check out Upcoming Craft Beer Weekends ** Hampton, NHThe Victoria Inn Bed & Breakfast and PavilionCraft Beer Weekend - Dates: October 25-27, 2019Friday - Food / Beer Pairing at Inn / Q&A Brewer's PanelSaturday - Beer Bus takes you to local Breweries/DinnerSunday - Kegs N Eggs and BeerMosasAvailability: Limited - Book NOW!http://www.thevictoriainn.com/6th-annual-craft-beer-storm-weekend-2019/If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Support ACS In NYC Marathon“32K In 64 days” - I signed up for the NYC Marathon through the American Cancer Society and I am aiming to raise $32,000 ($3,200 Minimum X 10X) - please follow link below to donate what you can - $25, $50, $30K! - Onward... - Here is link –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=94035&pg=personal&px=49477898&fbclid=IwAR2mBEvhF1wMA_BbHPhkavichNSFrE9Y9gi2RVZzfQ_4Da5Sht7gvH9rY_k*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 45 - A-B and Coors - Corn Syrup? No - CBD Yes!

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2019 10:27


Craft Brew News 9/20/19A-B Appeals ‘No Corn Syrup’ Ruling’Anheuser-Busch is appealing a preliminary injunction granted to MillerCoors that would block the company from selling Bud Light in packages that contain “no corn syrup” language and an icon starting March 2, according to MediaPost.Federal judge William Conley last week modified an existing partial preliminary injunction awarded to MillerCoors in May, which blocked A-B from displaying certain Bud Light billboards and television ads that he deemed “misleading.”Coors Distributing Co. Adds Distribution of CBD-Infused Beverages in DenverCoors Distributing Co. is taking a step into the growing CBD-infused beverage category, announcing Friday that it will begin distributing products from Colorado’s Best Drinks and DRAM Apothecary.Coors will provide distribution coverage for CBD and DRAM across the Denver metro area, where it services more than 1,000 accounts, DeGraff said in an email to BevNET. The company will provide DSD to bars, restaurants, liquor stores, grocery stores, c-stores, sports and entertainment venues and licensed events. Coors will have the exclusive right to sell to outlets with a liquor license.According to Fulton, Coors will take on around 40,000 cases of product off the bat, and that the two companies have had preliminary discussions about extending the distribution agreement beyond the Denver area to include other regions within the state.Founders Brewing Sale Valued at $198 MillionSpanish brewer Mahou San Miguel paid $198.8 million to acquire an additional 59% stake in Founders Brewing Company this year, MLive reported, citing a purchase agreement and other documents filed with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC).Mahou San Miguel already owned 30% of the Grand Rapids-based craft brewery following a 2014 transaction valued at $96.3 million. Once this transaction closes next year, the company will hold 90% of Founders, while Founders Brewing co-founders Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers will each retain 5% of the business.If accurate, Mahou San Miguel will have paid more than $294 million for its majority stake in Founders. For reference, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery’s merger with Boston Beer Company was valued at $300 million in cash and stock.Dogfish Head Boil Kettle, Vibrating Football Game Added to SmithsonianThe Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has added Dogfish Head co-founder Sam Calagione’s boil kettle and vintage electric football game — used in the process of continual hopping — to its growing collection of homebrewing and craft beer history items in the American Brewing History Initiative, according to Smithsonian.com.Calagione told the website “My Dogfish Head co-workers and I are excited to have our brewery’s original boil kettle and continual-hopping invention now within the Smithsonian’s permanent collection,”. “This American institution is all about shaping the future by preserving our country’s heritage.”The American Brewing History Initiative is the first project aimed at collecting and preserving artifacts from the growth of the craft beer industry. In other Dogfish news, the company’s collaboration trail running shoes — with SeaQuench Ale branding — with Merrell, was the No. 1 selling shoe on the company’s website after the launch.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com** Check out Upcoming Craft Beer Weekends ** Hampton, NHThe Victoria Inn Bed & Breakfast and PavilionCraft Beer Weekend - Dates: October 25-27, 2019Friday - Food / Beer Pairing at Inn / Q&A Brewer's PanelSaturday - Beer Bus takes you to local Breweries/DinnerSunday - Kegs N Eggs and BeerMosasAvailability: Limited - Book NOW!http://www.thevictoriainn.com/6th-annual-craft-beer-storm-weekend-2019/If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Support ACS In NYC Marathon“32K In 64 days” - I signed up for the NYC Marathon through the American Cancer Society and I am aiming to raise $32,000 ($3,200 Minimum X 10X) - please follow link below to donate what you can - $25, $50, $30K! - Onward... - Here is link –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=94035&pg=personal&px=49477898&fbclid=IwAR2mBEvhF1wMA_BbHPhkavichNSFrE9Y9gi2RVZzfQ_4Da5Sht7gvH9rY_k*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News #44 - A-B Gets Sued But Also Gets Human

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2019 11:16


Craft Brew News 09/12/19Judge Denies A-B’s Motion to Dismiss Patagonia Trademark LawsuitA federal judge on Tuesday denied Anheuser-Busch’s motion to dismiss a trademark case filed by outdoor clothing maker Patagonia after the world’s largest beer manufacturer launched a beer called Cerveza Patagonia.According to Law 360, Patagonia sued for trademark dilution, rather than trademark infringement, due to the two company’s products being unrelated. A company can only file for trademark dilution when the mark has become “famous.”U.S. District Judge Virginia A. Phillips ruled that Patagonia, who cited more than $10 billion in sales, did indeed fit this description.Phillips wrote “To meet the ‘famousness’ element of protection under the dilution statutes, a mark must be truly prominent and renowned. “Plaintiffs have sufficiently alleged that its ‘Patagonia’ mark is famous and distinctive.”Along with trademark dilution, the lawsuit also sought to cancel A-B’s 2012 registration of the name “Patagonia,” as it could be associated with the apparel company. Phillips refused A-B’s request to dismiss those claims.Patagonia general counsel Rob Tadlock told Law 360 that A-B has “deliberately tried to confuse customers into thinking that Patagonia Cerveza is produced by Patagonia, rather than Anheuser-Busch.”Last month, A-B launched Cerveza Patagonia in 13 states.Brewers Association Estimates Number of Breweries in PlanningBrewers Association (BA) chief economist Bart Watson, referencing state license lists and brewery-in-planning memberships in its database, along with Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) permits, estimated that 1,940 breweries will open in the U.S. over the next two years. According to Watson, when factoring in brewery closures, the number of total breweries in the U.S. over the next two years could reach around 9,200.Check out our Podcast with Bart Watson on Episode # 41 - Here is link:https://www.iheart.com/podcast/966-craft-beer-storm-29999356/episode/episode-41-what-kind-30904715/Narragansett Acquires 18,000 Sq. Ft. Brewery in Rhode IslandNarragansett Beer officially acquired an 18,000 sq. ft. building in Providence, Rhode Island, which will serve as the company’s new headquarters. Narragansett plans to add an indoor taproom, outdoor beer garden and special event space to the facility, which is slated to open in spring 2020.Narragansett president Mark Hellendrung told Brewbound that he expects the first phase of the project to cost $6 million. The company will also own the building.In a press release, Hellendrung called the brewery acquisition a “homecoming” for him and “a new chapter” for the brand.“To have a brewery right at the top of Narragansett Bay, that’s easy to get to in Providence, and is connected to the picturesque India Point Park and the East Bay bike path is really a dream come true,” he said.Narragansett will continue to produce its higher volume offerings at FIFCO USA and Isle Brewers Guild in Pawtucket, while producing small-batch and innovation beers on a 15- or 20- barrel brewhouse in Providence, where the company also plans to install a canning line.Anheuser-Busch Donates Canned Water to Hurricane Dorian Relief EffortAnheuser-Busch, answering the American Red Cross’ request for aide, donated more than 100,000 cans of water to Florida residents in advance of Hurricane Dorian, according to Florida Politics. The water was delivered to A-B’s Jacksonville brewery from its production facility in Carterville, Georgia. Southern Eagle Distributing, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing and Bernie Little Distributors distributed the water.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com** Check out Upcoming Craft Beer Weekends ** Hampton, NHThe Victoria Inn Bed & Breakfast and PavilionCraft Beer Weekend - Dates: October 25-27, 2019Friday - Food / Beer Pairing at Inn / Q&A Brewer's PanelSaturday - Beer Bus takes you to local Breweries/DinnerSunday - Kegs N Eggs and BeerMosasAvailability: Limited - Book NOW!http://www.thevictoriainn.com/6th-annual-craft-beer-storm-weekend-2019/If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Support ACS In NYC Marathon“32K In 64 days” - I signed up for the NYC Marathon through the American Cancer Society and I am aiming to raise $32,000 ($3,200 Minimum X 10X) - please follow link below to donate what you can - $25, $50, $30K! - Onward... - Here is link –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=94035&pg=personal&px=49477898&fbclid=IwAR2mBEvhF1wMA_BbHPhkavichNSFrE9Y9gi2RVZzfQ_4Da5Sht7gvH9rY_k*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 43 – Night Shift Expanding and Hard Seltzer Takes on IPAs

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2019 14:32


Craft Brew News 09/06/19(Courtesy of Brewbound.com) https://www.brewbound.com/Night Shift to Open $10 Million Brewery in Philadelphia, Expand Production in Everett, MAEverett, Massachusetts-based Night Shift Brewing announced plans Wednesday to open a $10 million, 130,000 sq. ft. production brewery in Philadelphia.Speaking to Brewbound, Night Shift co-founder Michael Oxton said the company is “committed” to opening the new brewery before the end of 2020.The Philadelphia project is being financed through a combination of cash flow and bank debt, he added.Night Shift’s three founders — Oxton, Rob Burns and Michael O’Mara — collectively own about 80% of the business, with friends and family holding the remaining stake in the company.Oxton said “Since our beginning, we haven’t taken on any more investors and we have no plans to do so,”. “Our runway is fiercely independent for 100-plus years, and we have no plans of raising outside capital and letting another firm sort of dictate our decisions.”Earlier this month, the Philadelphia Board of Zoning Adjustment approved Night Shift’s permit to operate a taproom inside a former Anheuser-Busch wholesaler warehouse, according to the Boston Globe, which first reported the story Wednesday.In Philadelphia, Night Shift will lease the building, which is already equipped with refrigeration space, loading docks and a potential taproom location. The company plans to install a 100-barrel brewhouse in the space, which will immediately unlock 30,000 barrels of initial capacity. Over time, Night Shift could scale production at the facility to 200,000 barrels of capacity, although Oxton stressed that Night Shift remains committed to a philosophy of letting demand dictate growth.In addition to opening the Philadelphia brewery, Night Shift is upgrading its Everett headquarters, replacing its 20-barrel brewhouse with a 60-barrel system. The new brewhouse is expected to be operational next month.All of that demand has Night Shift on pace for 50% volume growth by the end of 2019. Oxton projects the company will produce more than 40,000 barrels, up from around 30,000 barrels in 2018.Craft Brew Alliance Exploring All Options in the Wake of No Offer from A-BCraft Brew Alliance CEO Andy Thomas had a rare off-cycle conference call with investors and analysts today after his company’s largest playmate, Anheuser-Busch InBev, declined its long-held option to purchase the Portland, Oregon-headquartered craft beer maker.The call came two weeks after the August 23 deadline for A-B, which already owns 31.3% of CBA, to make an offer of $24.50 per share (about $328 million) to purchase the remainder of the company or pay a one-time fee of $20 million. A-B opted for the latter, leaving questions about the world’s largest beer manufacturer’s future interest in the smaller beer company known for brands such as Kona Brewing, Widmer Brothers, Redhook and others.Since that time, CBA’s stock (BREW) has declined from $12.96 on August 22, the day before the deadline, to $9.28 at the end of trading today. It has sparked speculation that CBA might look to sell to another suitor or divest its brands, including fast-growing Kona. Another narrative emerged saying CBA and/or Kona were too entangled with A-B to ever be unlinked.Thomas stressed that CBA’s management team is being “exhaustive” in making sure all options are considered before choosing the correct path forward. The company’s leadership team has begun working with independent board members, bankers and external advisors to explore alternatives, “strategic and otherwise,” and the conversations with A-B have continued as CBA tries to understand what a future relationship looks like, he said. “We wouldn’t be in the discussions that we’re in right now if we thought status quo is an acceptable outcome,” he added. “It is not.”The biggest CBA block is that Kona brand, which is pushing 500,000 barrels and growing “high-single to low-double-digits,” Thomas said.Boston Beer Company is Taking Truly Hard Seltzer on Tap to Bars and RestaurantsTruly Hard Seltzer-maker Boston Beer Company announced today the nationwide launch of “Truly on Tap,” a new product that the company is calling ”one of the first hard seltzers available on draft” across the country.Boston Beer CEO Dave Burwick told Brewbound, via email, that Truly on Tap is the Pure offering renamed. He noted that Truly on Tap shares many of the attributes of a vodka soda: “effervescent, clear, finished with a squeeze of fresh fruit” but with a lower ABV.According to the sales sheet, Boston Beer appears to be positioning Truly on Tap as an alternative to light beer and spirits, attempting to capture happy hour and game-day occasions during the upcoming football season.Citing off-premise sales data from market research firm IRI, the sales sheet notes that hard seltzer sales year-to-date have surpassed those of IPAs — the most popular craft beer style — through July 7.Additionally, the company calls out a Radius study, which found that two-thirds of drinkers said they would substitute drinking a beer at a bar with hard seltzer if it were available. If that wasn’t a sobering stat for alcohol producers, Boston Beer cited a Harris Poll that the company commissioned last October that found 70% of 21- to 31-year-old consumers said they’d choose hard seltzer over other alcoholic beverages at bars and restaurants.Truly, along with White Claw, already make up 85 percent the off-premise sales of hard seltzer offerings, according to market research firm Nielsen. The firm also projects the hard seltzer industry to generate $1 billion by the end of 2019.Dogfish Head Nears National Distribution; Adds 45th State, MississippiDogfish Head Craft Brewery is just five states away from completing national distribution.The Milton, Delaware-based craft brewery, which merged with Boston Beer Company earlier this year, announced Monday the addition of its 45th state — Mississippi — via Capital City Beverages.Sales of Dogfish Head products, such as 60 Minute IPA, Slightly Mighty IPA, SeaQuench Ale and 90 Minute IPA, as well as seasonal offerings, will begin in the state starting in early September.Last year, Dogfish Head ranked as the 13th largest domestic craft brewery, with production of 275,000 barrels of beer, according to national trade group the Brewers Association. The company is on pace to grow to around 300,000 barrels by the end of this year, with net sales of $120 million.The $300 million merger of Dogfish Head and Boston Beer — which makes the Samuel Adams, Truly Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea and Angry Orchard cider brands — was completed in July.Following the transaction, Boston Beer founder Jim Koch said the two brands would work to align into a single wholesaler network.Koch told Brewbound in July, “We think monogamy works a lot better in wholesaler relationships than polygamy,” Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com** Check out Upcoming Craft Beer Weekends ** Hampton, NHThe Victoria Inn Bed & Breakfast and PavilionCraft Beer Weekend - Dates: October 25-27, 2019Friday - Food / Beer Pairing at Inn / Q&A Brewer's PanelSaturday - Beer Bus takes you to local Breweries/DinnerSunday - Kegs N Eggs and BeerMosasAvailability: Limited - Book NOW!http://www.thevictoriainn.com/6th-annual-craft-beer-storm-weekend-2019/If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Support ACS In NYC Marathon“32K In 64 days” - I signed up for the NYC Marathon through the American Cancer Society and I am aiming to raise $32,000 ($3,200 Minimum X 10X) - please follow link below to donate what you can - $25, $50, $30K! - Onward... - Here is link –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=94035&pg=personal&px=49477898&fbclid=IwAR2mBEvhF1wMA_BbHPhkavichNSFrE9Y9gi2RVZzfQ_4Da5Sht7gvH9rY_k*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 42 – Amazon Under Investigation and AB InBev Likes Peruvian Beer

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2019 11:20


Craft Brew News - 8/30/19(Courtesy of Brewbound.com)Amazon’s California Alcohol Delivery Service Under InvestigationThe California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has opened an investigation into Amazon’s Prime Now beer, wine, and spirits delivery service in the state after wine database and news outlet Wine Searcher reported possible violations of California liquor law.According to California liquor law, alcohol delivery services are required to have brick-and-mortar stores that operate for at least half the hours of their delivery operation.When a Wine Searcher reporter went to visit the ecommerce giant’s brick-and-mortar location at 3334 North San Fernando Road in Los Angeles, there was no storefront to be found, the website reported. The reporter claimed he could only find an “Associate’s Entrance” to Amazon Flex Delivery Partners, its private delivery service.Wine Searcher alleged that Amazon, which was issued a liquor license in February, violated its license in several ways, including not displaying alcoholic beverages for sale, not having alcoholic beverages available for sale, and not posting store hours.Matthew Hydar, supervising agent for the California Department of ABC, told Wine Searcher that the article sparked the ABC’s investigation. He said if the accusations were proven, the ABC could potentially strip Amazon of its liquor license until it has established a brick-and-mortar store or fine the company. Another option would be for the case to go before an administrative law judge, although Hydar said he does not expect criminal charges against the company.Anheuser-Busch’s ZX Ventures Acquires BarbarianAnheuser-Busch InBev’s growth and innovation group, ZX Ventures, has acquired Peruvian craft brewery Barbarian. Financial details were not disclosed, although ZX acquired 100% of the company’s shares, according to La Republica.The acquisition was announced in Peru on August 13. Barbarian’s founders and collaborators will remain with the company, and ZX plans to triple Barbarian’s production by 2020, according to the outlet.Co-founder Ignacio Schwalb said “We know that Barbarian has an incredible growth potential and that is why we have made the decision to add an important partner, which will take Barbarian to the next level,”. “This partnership opens a new world full of possibilities and will give us the opportunity to look carefully at our processes and search for optimizations in order to strengthen the growth and sustainability of the brewery.”A-B InBev also owns Peruvian brewery Backus, which was obtained as part of the MegaBrew merger with SABMiller in 2015.Empire Farmstead Brewery Files for BankruptcyNew York’s Empire Farmstead Brewery and affiliate Empire Brewing Properties filed for Chapter 11 protection in the Northern District of New York’s Bankruptcy Court earlier this week, according to court records. News of the filing follows a July asset purchase agreement reached by the distressed brewing company and Wisconsin’s Burnett Dairy Cooperative for $3.25 million.Empire, which opened in June 2016, attributed the bankruptcy filing to delays and high costs during the brewery’s construction, as well as a 2016 wild yeast infection that caused the brewery to “pull back” all bottled beer from distribution.According to court records, the filing is to “to ensure the ongoing operations of the businesses so that they may be sold as going concerns, to market the Debtors’ assets for sale as going concerns through a competitive bidding process, and to address the Debtors’ financial difficulties for the benefit of their respective creditors.”In 2017, Empire began working with Community Bank in an effort to sell the brewery or refinance its debt.Wachusett Launches Fifty Trees Hard Cider BrandMassachusetts’ Wachusett Brewing Company is further diversifying its portfolio with the addition of a new cider brand, Fifty Trees Hard Cider. According to a press release, the cider will be available in two styles: Original, a semi-dry cider blended with European Bittersweets, and Cranberry, featuring locally sourced cranberries. Fifty Trees sources its apples from orchards in North Central Massachusetts.Wachusett president Christian McMahan said in the release “We have been making hard cider pretty consistently over the last two years,”. “We have done a ton of experimentation over that time and are proud to finally be able to launch Fifty Trees to a wider audience. ”In addition to beer, Wachusett’s portfolio includes the Nauti hard seltzer brand.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com** Check out Upcoming Craft Beer Weekends ** Hampton, NHThe Victoria Inn Bed & Breakfast and PavilionCraft Beer Weekend - Dates: October 25-27, 2019Friday - Food / Beer Pairing at Inn / Q&A Brewer's PanelSaturday - Beer Bus takes you to local Breweries/DinnerSunday - Kegs N Eggs and BeerMosasAvailability: Limited - Book NOW!http://www.thevictoriainn.com/6th-annual-craft-beer-storm-weekend-2019/If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Support ACS In NYC Marathon“32K In 64 days” - I signed up for the NYC Marathon through the American Cancer Society and I am aiming to raise $32,000 ($3,200 Minimum X 10X) - please follow link below to donate what you can - $25, $50, $30K! - Onward... - Here is link –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=94035&pg=personal&px=49477898&fbclid=IwAR2mBEvhF1wMA_BbHPhkavichNSFrE9Y9gi2RVZzfQ_4Da5Sht7gvH9rY_k*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 41 - It's a Legal Matter, Baby

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2019 11:05


Craft Brew News - 8/23/2019(Courtesy of Brewbound - www.brewbound.com)MillerCoors, Stone Brewing File for Summary Judgement in Trademark CaseStone Brewing and MillerCoors have each filed for summary judgement in their ongoing trademark infringement lawsuit, according to Libation Law Blog.In February 2018, the San Diego-based craft brewery filed a lawsuit against MillerCoors, claiming its rebranded Keystone packaging caused marketplace confusion.In its latest brief, Stone Brewing claimed that its brand and trademark would be “destroyed” should MillerCoors succeed “in supplanting Stone’s craft beers with Keystone as ‘STONE’ in the minds of consumers.”Meanwhile, MillerCoors called the lawsuit “a publicity stunt” by Stone and claims that it was the first to use the “Stone” and “Stones” marks.“Stone Brewing is failing [to] keep pace in an ever more crowded craft beer segment and needed to revitalize its now-outdated image as an iconoclast,” MillerCoors’ brief said. “Stone Brewing’s market is increasingly populated by beers that are rated in official beer tastings as simply better than Stone Brewings’ ‘strong and unapologetically flavorful hops.’”Stone Brewing’s motion for preliminary injunction to ban the sale of Keystone products prior to a court hearing was denied earlier this year.Bell’s Brewery and Loveland Distributing Co. Headed to Richmond Circuit CourtThe legal dispute between Michigan’s Bell’s Brewery and Richmond, Virginia-based wholesaler Loveland Distributing Co. is heading to Richmond Circuit Court, according to Richmond Biz Sense.As Brewbound reported in October, when Premium Distributors of Virginia, a subsidiary of the Reyes Beverage Group, reached a deal to acquire Loveland Distributing Co., which had been selling Bell’s beer since 2015. According to reports, Bell’s had been attempting to terminate its contract with Loveland prior to the closing of the transaction due to the wholesaler not sharing crucial information regarding the deal. Bell’s ultimately ceased shipments to the state.The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority ordered the sides to enter arbitration in May, however, the ABC reversed course in July, saying only a Virginia circuit or district court could compel arbitration.Bell’s is appealing the order in hopes that Virginia ABC will determine it does have the authority to order arbitration, which Bells’ and Loveland’s contract calls for in the event of termination.Guns N’ Roses, CANarchy Settle LawsuitRock band Guns N’ Roses has settled its trademark infringement lawsuit against the CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective, which sold a rosé beer called “Guns ‘N’ Rosé ale” and merchandise without the band’s permission, according to Reuters. The two sides reached a settlement agreement on July 31, and both sides are currently working on a written settlement that would dismiss the lawsuit, the outlet reported.Cumberland Farms Files 2020 Ballot Initiative to Lift Cap on Liquor LicensesMassachusetts-based convenience store chain Cumberland Farms this week filed a proposed 2020 ballot question to lift the cap on the number of liquor licenses a single retailer can hold. Beer and wine is currently sold in just seven of the chain’s 206 Massachusetts stores.The question proposes a new food store beer and liquor license with no statewide cap that would be subject to local approval. Before hitting the ballot, the proposal must be certified by the attorney general’s office, garner 80,000 signatures, and be presented to the state Legislature.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 40 – Embezzlement Woes and Pets In Breweries

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2019 10:01


Craft Brew News 8/16/19(Courtesy of Brewbound – www.brewbound.com)Former North Carolina Brewers Alliance Leader Appears in Court on Embezzlement ChargesKendra Penland Turner, former executive director of the Asheville Brewers Alliance, appeared in Superior Court Monday on charges of embezzlement and financial card fraud for unauthorized use of the organization’s credit card, according to ABC News affiliate WLOS.Turner is accused of embezzling an unspecified amount of the Brewers Alliance’s money between February 2017 and April 2018, as well as charging more than $500 to its credit card from September 2016 to April 2018. She resigned last summer after three years in the role.Turner could face up to five years in prison if convicted of both offenses. Her next court date is scheduled for September 19.Anheuser-Busch to Launch Non-Alcoholic Budweiser in IndiaAnheuser-Busch will enter the non-alcoholic beer market in India with the launch of Budweiser 0.0, the company announced last week. Budweister 0.0 will be available in cans and bottles at retailers in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and other cities, according to The Economic Times.Ben Verhaert, AB InBev president for South Asia, said in a media statement. “Budweiser is one of the fastest growing beer brands in the country and we are thrilled to add Budweiser 0.0 to our portfolio here,” “While the market for non-alcoholic beers is still nascent here, as a leading brewer we see a great opportunity to grow this segment.”News of the non-alcoholic Budweiser launch follows the city government in New Delhi, India’s capital, banning A-B from selling its products for three years after accusations of tax evasion, according to Reuters. The New Delhi government alleges that the world’s largest beer manufacturer duplicated barcodes sold at the city’s retailers in 2016 in order to pay lower taxes. A-B has denied these claims. Reuters reported Tuesday that city authorities denied A-B’s plea to temporarily lift the ban, while its appeal is under consideration.Wellspent Brewing Company ClosesSt. Louis-based Wellspent Brewing Company announced its closure, effective immediately, earlier this week. The brewery was opened by Kyle and Angela Kohlmorgen in March 2018.In a letter posted to the brewery’s Facebook account, Kyle Kohlmorgen cited overwhelming debt for the end of Wellspent.“We had a vision for Wellspent and a commitment to quality in both beer and experience,” he wrote. “To realize that vision and maintain that commitment, we needed a LOT more money than we had. We didn’t want to take on private investment for fear of diluting that vision and commitment.”Kohlmorgen added that the goal was to keep Wellspent open long enough to break even, but after “starting way too fast,” the business wasn’t sustainable.North Carolina Governor Signs Law to Allow Pets in BreweriesNorth Carolina Gov. Ray Cooper signed Senate Bill 290 into law last week, allowing pets inside breweries that do not prepare or serve foods starting September 1. The state previously banned pets from all food establishments, including breweries. However, it did not distinguish between breweries’ with restaurants and taprooms that do not serve food, according to Port City Daily. Under the new law, a brewery is defined as being “not engaged in the preparation of food on the premises.”Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 39 - Employee Lawsuits and New Left Hand CBD Beverage

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2019 10:04


Craft Brew News 08/08/19(Courtesy of Brewbound – www.brewbound.com)Down the Road Beer Company Founder Donovan Bailey Dead at Age 46Donovan Bailey, the founder of Everett, Massachusetts-based Down the Road Beer Company, died on July 31, at the age of 46.According to Bailey’s obituary, he died “unexpectedly” at his home in Malden.Bailey founded Down the Road in 2013. According to Bailey’s obituary, Down the Road was his passion project, after working in several different fields, including construction, serving in the U.S. Army National Guard and as an EMT.“When you love what you do and it’s your passion … it isn’t work,” Bailey’s obituary read. “The long hours and all that accompanies a successful start up business, Down the Road Beer Co. on Ashland Street in Everett was Donovan Bailey’s dream come true.”Last year, Down the Road produced 3,500 barrels of beer, according to data from national trade group the Brewers Association.Pyramid Owner Reaches $450,000 Settlement with Alehouse WorkersAround 300 current and former workers of Seattle’s Pyramid Alehouse will split a $450,000 settlement for unpaid wages, according to the Seattle Times.FIFCO USA, the parent company of Pyramid Brewing Company, will pay some workers nearly $10,000 for allegedly not paying them for overtime, inaccurately recording hours worked, or “time shaving” by deleting hours from time sheets, the outlet reported.Jeremy Brotherton, a now-former Pyramid Alehouse prep worker and dishwasher, told the outlet that his hours worked would be adjusted to below 80 hours so that the company would avoid paying for overtime.The lawsuit also accused the company of not allowing workers to take breaks or giving them time to eat meals during their shifts.A FIFCO USA spokesperson said the company takes employee complaints seriously and reviews all of its practices following complaints.Manhattan Beer Distributors, Delivery Drivers Engaged in $50 Million LawsuitDelivery drivers are suing New York’s Manhattan Beer Distributors in federal court for alleged wage theft, according to Law360.com.The case, first filed in 2015, resurfaced last week as workers and the beer wholesaler presented motions for summary judgment.According to the lawsuit, the beer wholesalers’ drivers claim that the company violated New York labor law by docking their pay for items such as “missing beer cans and unreturned pallets.” The drivers say the company attempted to recoup standard operational costs from them “first through garnished wages and eventually through invoices enforced by the threat of termination.”“The practice strikes me as especially appalling in light of the fact that this beer behemoth with a virtual stranglehold on the metro New York beer market chooses to illegally impose its losses on workers whose financial standing is far more precarious than its own,” Steven Wittels, an attorney for the drivers, told Law360.Manhattan Beer Distributors has disputed the drivers’ claims, arguing that the company did not violate labor laws because “a commission does not become a ‘wage’ until it is ‘earned.’”Left Hand Enters CBD-Infused, Non-Alcoholic Drink MarketColorado’s Left Hand Brewing Company is partnering with WAAYB Organics to launch a new line of CBD-infused, non-alcoholic sparkling water drinks called Present.Present will come in three flavors — “natural,” lemon-lime and blood orange — and checks in at zero calories and 20 mg of “full spectrum CBD distillate from hemp grown” on WAAYB’s USDA certified organic Northern Colorado farm. Online sales are slated to begin August 12, according to a press release.WAAYB Organics CEO Scott Cusack said in the release “We oversee the entire process from putting seeds into soil, to cultivation, harvesting, extraction and distillation,” WAAYB Organics CEO Scott Cusack said in the release. “We firmly believe this is the only way to create CBD products our customers can trust.”Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 38 - Can't Trade Beer on Facebook and More BrewDog Drama

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2019 10:50


Craft Brew News 08/02/19(courtesy of Brewbound www.brewbound.com)Peter Coors Op-Ed Calls for Government to Intervene on Aluminum PricingMolson Coors vice chairman Peter Coors penned an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal this week, urging President Trump to stop the “manipulative business practices that appear to permeate” in the aluminum market.Coors wrote that the Trump administration’s decision to lift the 10 percent tariff imposed on Canadian and Mexican aluminum imports in May has made 77 percent of imported aluminum tariff-free, though still priced as if tariffs were imposed on it.He wrote “The aluminum market is dominated by a handful of companies that employ archaic and opaque pricing mechanisms,”. “They are exploiting the aluminum tariffs to profit at the expense of the end user, raising their prices to match tariff prices.”Coors said Molson Coors pays nearly 20 percent more for aluminum than it did a year agoHe wrote “This metal is too critical to America’s strategic goals to be left to the whims of speculators and the manipulation of a cozy clique of suppliers,” Facebook Imposes New Alcohol RestrictionsFacebook announced a policy this week to restrict alcohol and tobacco-related content. A company spokeswoman told CNN that the new policy blocks private sales, trades, transfers and gifting of these products on Facebook and Instagram. Content related to the sale or transfer of such products will be limited to those over 18.While Facebook Marketplace already bans alcohol and tobacco sales, this new policy will target posts by private users, using “ a combination of technology, human review and reports from our community to find and remove any content that violates these policies,” said the spokeswoman. Thus, the new restrictions will apply to sales between private users under age 18 in Facebook beer trading groups.Stockholder Alleges Anheuser-Busch Artificially Inflated Share PricesThe City of Sterling Heights General Employees’ Retirement System has accused Anheuser-Busch of a scheme to artificially inflate its shares. The system filed a complaint against A-B with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on June 21, claiming the world’s largest beer manufacturer violated the Securities and Exchange Act, according to Legal Newsline.The plaintiff alleges that when InBev acquired Anheuser-Busch in 2008, it caused substantial debt for A-B, despite telling investors “they had been deleveraging Anheuser-Busch in a manner that was consistent with the company’s internal targets.” The lawsuit claims that this misled investors about the company’s finances. A-B stated in its Q3 earnings results last year it had “slashed its dividend by 50 percent to ‘accelerate deleveraging toward our optimal capital structure of around a 2x net debt to EBITDA ratio.'” The suit claims A-B share prices declined in response to this announcement.The system, which is seeking jury trial, claims A-B’s actions misled the public about the company and its value, which affected the retirement system.BrewDog CEO ExitsAfter just five months, Andy Shaw has departed the “CEO of Beer” role at BrewDog, The Grocer reported.Shaw, the former managing director of UK Red Bull, was hired in February to head global beer sales and marketing. BrewDog did not disclose the reason for his departure.“We would like to thank Andy for all the hard work during his time with us and wish him all the best for the future,” BrewDog CEO James Watt told the outlet.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 37 - Thirsty Turkeys and AB InBev Liquidation

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2019 9:13


Craft Brew News – 07/25/19(courtesy or Brewbound – www.brewbound.com)Anheuser-Busch InBev to Sell Australian Business to Asahi Group Holdings for $11.3 BillionA week after pulling back from a planned IPO of its Asia-Pacific operations, Anheuser-Busch InBev announced today an $11.3 billion deal to sell its Australian subsidiary, Carlton & United Breweries, to Asahi Group Holdings.The news also comes a day after The Wall Street Journal reported that A-B InBev was exploring asset sales of business units in Australia, South Korea, Guatemala and Honduras in an effort to cut its $100 billion debt load incurred through its 2016 MegaBrew merger with SABMiller.For its part, Asahi said the acquisition of Carlton & United Breweries creates a “third core [business] pillar” to go along with its business units in Japan and Europe. Asahi also pointed to “sustainable economic growth” in Australia, where the company already sells brands such as Asahi Super Dry, Peroni and Pilsner Urquell. Carlton & United Breweries’ portfolio of brands, including Carlton and Great Northern, is “highly profitable, with EBITDA margin of over 40 percent,” the company added.Lord Hobo Cuts 8 Jobs, But Plans to Add Hundreds More as it Opens New TaproomsRumors of a large layoff at Massachusetts’ Lord Hobo Brewing Company began circulating Thursday evening on social media.Reality was much different.Lord Hobo founder Daniel Lanigan told Brewbound that the company cut eight jobs across sales, marketing, production and taproom staff this week, which he classified as part of the “normal course of business.”“This is not a layoff. It’s not because of a financial problem,” he said. “We’re up 13,000 barrels this year over last year. We’re having a crazy good year.”The Woburn, Massachusetts-based craft brewery, Lanigan added, has added 40 jobs over the last 12 months, and is currently hiring six other positions.Molson Coors Acquires London’s Hop Stuff BreweryMolson Coors has acquired financially troubled London craft brewery Hop Stuff.In a blog post, Hop Stuff founder James Yeomans said the company had been facing “financial difficulties in the recent months” that forced it to enter “administration,” a process similar to bankruptcy in the U.S., on July 12.Yeomans wrote “I’m pleased to say that we were able to secure an asset sale to Molson Coors Brewing Company as part of a pre-packaged administration process, which includes our brewery, brand and taprooms and the transfer of all staff to Molson Coors, Due to our financial position, this was the best possible option for our people and the future of our beers, or we faced the whole business going into liquidation.”Hop Stuff was founded in 2013 with the support of 72 investors, according to the company’s website. The number of investors grew to 1,300 as the company conducted three “successful” crowdfunding rounds. In its third crowdfunding round, the company raised around $1 million (£800,000) in February 2018, taking its total investments received through crowdfunding to around $1.8 million (£1.5 million), according to The Morning Advertiser.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Beer Sessions Radio (TM)
Episode 490: Tapping the Beer Data

Beer Sessions Radio (TM)

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2019 56:03


This week, Jimmy crunches the numbers with Ted Kenny of Top Hops, Gage Siegel of Beer Menus and Nonsequitur Brewing Project, David Steinman of Craft Brew News, and Ethan Siegler, author of a recent study on Los Angeles beer consumer choice. They talk about what kind of beer data they’re interested in, the dominance of the “hazy IPA,” the geographic differences in craft beer offerings, highlights from Ethan’s thesis study, and what exactly the “mobility gap” is. Beer List: Flora’s Tiki, Pineapple Wine Spritzer Industrial Arts’ Tools of the Trade, Pale Ale It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 36- More Fines for Big Beer and More Beer for Michigan

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2019 7:22


Craft Brew News – 07/19/19(courtesy of Brewbound) https://www.brewbound.com/Heineken USA Agrees to Pay $1.25 Million Fine to Settle New York Trade Practice ViolationsThe New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) on Wednesday finalized a $1.25 million settlement agreement with Heineken USA Incorporated (HUSA) for 42 alleged violations of the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) law.The New York fine comes three months after HUSA agreed to pay the largest offer in compromise ever — $2.5 million — to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) for alleged trade practice violations related to its proprietary “BrewLock” draft systems.The federal investigation spurred the New York investigation, as the TTB notified the SLA last year that HUSA was allegedly providing retailers with BrewLock systems at no cost.The BrewLock systems, according to both the SLA and TTB, are designed to only dispense Heineken products packaged in unique kegs, which subsequently induced retailers to purchase more products made by the global brewing company.Through its investigation, the SLA determined that HUSA gave away more than 800 BrewLock systems, valued at about $500 each, from 2014 to 2015. Additionally, the SLA’s investigation found that Heineken attempted to conceal transactions involving its “Blade” kegerator device by using a third-party, Micro Matic, to incentivize retailers.State Liquor Authority chairman Vincent Bradley said in a press release. “Whether you are small craft brewery or a major international company, you have to comply with the rules and laws of New York,” “Our agency remains committed to rooting out anti-competitive practices that artificially restrict consumer choice and place small manufacturers at a disadvantage.”Heineken’s UK Pubs Under InvestigationTwo weeks after announcing plans to sell off 150 pubs, Heineken’s Star Pubs & Bars chain is under investigation by the Pubs Code Adjudicator for allegedly requiring its publicans to overstock Heineken beer and its other offerings, according to The Guardian.At issue is whether Heineken imposed unfair terms on tenants who tried to escape the so-called “beer tie,” which requires tenants to buy a certain amount of beer from their landlord, in this case, Heineken. If found to be in violation, the Dutch beer giant could face a fine of about $13.8 million, the outlet reported. California Revises Definition of ‘Beer’California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law Tuesday revising the definition of beer to include production using “honey, fruit, fruit juice, fruit concentrate, herbs, spices, and other food materials, as adjuncts in fermentation.” The law also says beer aged in empty wooden wine or spirits barrels is defined as “beer” and should “not be considered a dilution or mixture of any other alcoholic beverage.”California beer companies were previously required to hold a wine making license in order to use fruit in the fermentation process, according to KSBW News. The clarification aligns state law with the existing federal law.Michigan Brewers Push for Self-Distribution IncreaseMichigan craft brewers are attempting to increase the state’s self-distribution cap to 30,000 barrels annually, according to Crain’s Detroit Business. Currently, state law limits self-distribution to 1,000 barrels a year, forcing those who exceed the cap to contract with a wholesaler.Eastern Market Brewing co-owner Dayne Bartscht has started an online petition to garner support for the effort. So far, more than 3,000 people have signed the petition.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 35 - Tall Sips Brewfest - June 26, 2019 - Get Your Tickets!

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2019 24:19


Michael speaks with Chad Chadwick, Chairman of the Piscataqua Maritime Commission and Laurie Mantegari, Event Planner for the Tall Sips Brewfest which is happening on July 26, 2019 from 5-9pm in Rye, NH!Buy your Tall Sips Brewfest tickets here:https://sailportsmouthnh.org/brewfestThe Piscataqua Maritime Commission (PMC), a 501(c)(3) organization, organizes Sail Portsmouth, a tall ship visit held each summer on the waterfront of our picturesque city. Beautiful rigged ships - square-riggers, brigantines, barques, schooners - sail into Portsmouth harbor. What else does the PMC do for our maritime region? With the help of our generous sponsors, we arrange for the annual Sea Challenge, sending local teens on a life changing Ocean Classroom adventure. Also, throughout the year,we host Maritime Talks with speakers and slideshows addressing our maritime connection.Would you like to be a sponsor for the Sea Challenge or for Sail Portsmouth? Are you the captain of a tall ship who would like to bring your vessel to Sail Portsmouth? Would you like to be one of our wonderful 150 volunteers for Sail Portsmouth? Let us know here or through our website.Check out the PMC Facebook Page here:https://www.facebook.com/SailPortsmouth/?eid=ARBgQJA8K3UquhWHlb1PW53howtUE4mo7tO3m3Idlr-vjm6yKyAie-4l1nw26cwuofcuQfdi1W4JG5qwWebsite: www.sailportsmouthnh.orgEvent Planning: https://everydaydetails.com/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 34 - More Beer in Charlotte and Less Tax in PA

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2019 9:38


Craft Brew News 7/05/19(Courtesy of Brewbound.com)German Brewer Gilde Reveals US Expansion PlansGerman Brewer Plans to Operate Large Manufacturing Brewery in CharlotteGerman brewer Gilde has an ambitious plan to build one of the largest individual craft brewing facilities in the United States.According to the Charlotte Observer, the company is looking into the possibility of eventually brewing upwards of 500,000 barrels annually in North Carolina, however the timetable for beginning that project is still nearly three years away.In the meantime, Gilde CEO Karsten Uhlmann told the outlet that his company would begin by importing beer into the U.S. via Anheuser-Busch wholesaler Adams Beverages this month.The Hanover-headquartered beer company — which produced 850,000 barrels of beer last year — then plans to open a 5,000 sq. ft. small-batch brewery called “The Embassy” before the end of 2019. Two-to-three years later, Uhlmann added, the company plans to open a 100,000 sq. ft. facility capable of being scaled to 500,000 barrels that will also feature a taproom, beer garden and kitchen.Pennsylvania Lawmakers Lower Brewery Sales TaxPennsylvania lawmakers and Gov. Tom Wolf on Friday approved legislation (H.B. 262) to lower an impending sales tax on beer sold in taprooms, tasting rooms and brewpubs. In a press release, the Brewers of PA announced that after 18 months of negotiations with legislators and the governor’s office, an agreement had been reached.The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (DOR) was slated to begin collecting a 6 percent sales tax for every dollar of beer sold directly to consumers at brewery locations starting July 1. That tax would have been on top of an existing $2.48 per barrel state excise tax that Pennsylvania beer companies already pay.However, H.B. 262 amends to the tax code to allow breweries to “pay 6 percent sales tax on 25 percent of the retail sale” of a pint. According to the Brewers of PA, that formula is in line with the wholesale price paid for beer by restaurants, bars and grocery stores.Canopy Growth Corporation Terminates Co-Founder and Co-CEO Bruce LintonCanopy Growth Corporation (TSE: WEED) today announced that co-CEO Bruce Linton has stepped down as chief executive and board member.However, Linton, who co-founded the company in 2013, called into CNBC to clarify that he was fired from the world’s largest cannabis company.“I think stepping down might not be the right phrase,” he said. “I was terminated.”Mark Zekulin, who had been co-CEO with Linton, will takeover as the sole CEO, while Canopy works to identify a replacement.Last August, Constellation Brands upped its investment in the company, spending $4 billion to acquire 104.5 million shares of Canopy, raising its stake to about 38 percent.In April, it struck a deal with Acreage Holdings, agreeing to acquire the New York-based cannabis company for $3.4 billion when marijuana becomes federally legal in the U.S.Linton had a knack for deal making, and helped lead a company that was growing revenue at a healthy clip, but Canopy last month reported a record low gross margin of 16 percent during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, and an EBITDA loss of $98 million.Meanwhile, during Constellation Brands’ first quarter earnings call, CEO Bill Newlands said the company was “not pleased” with Canopy’s recent financial results.Bell’s Offers Employees Assistance in Obtaining GEDsBell’s Brewery is making an effort to help employees without high school diplomas to pass the GED (General Educational Development) test. The Michigan craft brewery is offering employees access to free tests, online study tools in and a personal advisor through the GEDWorks program.Bell’s human resources services manager Emily Schuiling said in a press release. “When we discovered a talent pool that was rich in passion and dedication, but didn’t meet the hiring requirements for some of our roles, we knew we needed to help fill that gap. GEDWorks has been nothing short of amazing,” Bell’s employs more than 550 workers across 41 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 33 - Beer Discrimination and State Protectionism

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2019 10:16


Craft Brew News – 06/28/2019(Courtesy of Brewbound.com)US Supreme Court Strikes Down Tennessee Residency RequirementSix months after hearing oral arguments in a constitutional challenge to Tennessee’s two-year residency requirement for obtaining a retail liquor license, the United States Supreme Court yesterday struck down a controversial stipulation that had prevented out of state retailers from setting up shop in the Volunteer State.In that case, chain alcohol retailer Total Wine, along with Doug and Mary Ketchum, who bought a mom-and-pop liquor store in 2016 after moving to Memphis from Utah, challenged the two-year residency requirement, which they said amounted to economic protectionism.The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit sided with Total Wine and the Ketchums, ruling that the residency requirement violated the Constitution and the 21st Amendment’s dormant Commerce Clause, which was established to prevent states from engaging in economic protectionism.In writing his majority opinion, issued yesterday, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito deemed Tennessee’s two-year residency requirement for retail license applicants unconstitutional because it “blatantly favors the state’s residents and has little relationship to public health and safety.”The high court added that the 10-year residency requirement for license renewals and a provision blocking publicly traded corporations from operating liquor stores in the state “are so plainly based on unalloyed protectionism that neither the Association nor the state is willing to come to their defense.”Deschutes Begins Selling Canned Water ** Check out Episode # 42 - Deschutes BrewMaster Brian Faivre **In an effort to cut down on single-use plastic water bottles, Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery has begun canning drinking water, according to the company’s blog.Deschutes, the 10th largest Brewers Association-defined craft brewery, said its canned water would be available to purchase this summer at events throughout central Oregon, as well as Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe’s locations in Bend, Sunriver and Riverbend.Bell’s Two Hearted Ale Named Top Beer by AHAFor the third consecutive year, Bell’s Brewery’s Two Hearted Ale is the top-ranked beer in the U.S. according to the American Homebrewers Association’s (AHA) Zymurgy magazine.The Best Beers in America list, now in its 17th year, is populated by a survey of AHA members. Rounding out the top five, in order, were Russian River’s Pliny the Elder, Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale, Founders Brewing’s KBS and The Alchemist’s Heady Topper.“Receiving this honor once, twice even was incredible. But a third time? I am speechless and incredibly thankful to the homebrewing community and everyone who has helped make this beer what it is today,” Bell’s founder Larry Bell said in a press release.Additionally, AHA members named Bell’s the top brewery in the U.S., followed by Founders, Russian River, Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head.BrewDog Loses Sex Discrimination LawsuitBrewDog’s attempt to draw attention to the gender wage gap ended with a man successfully suing the Scottish craft brewery for sexual discrimination, according to the Independent.Thomas Bower filed a lawsuit against BrewDog after one the brewery’s bartenders refused to sell him a discounted Punk IPA, rebranded Pink IPA, in March 2018 unless the man identified as a woman.Bower claimed that he felt “forced’ into identifying as a woman so he could buy the discounted beer. So he sued the company claiming “direct discrimination and breach of the Equality Act 2010,” the outlet reported.District Judge Phillips agreed with Bower, ruling that the man had been “directly discriminated against” by BrewDog due to his gender.“The fact that by identifying as female he was still able to purchase a Pink IPA makes no difference,” Phillips added. “I accept what Dr. Bower says, namely that identifying as female was the only way he could purchase a Pink IPA at a cost of £4.”According to Vice, Bower was awarded $1,254 in damages, which he pledged to donate to charity (minus court fees).Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 32 - Cannabis Beverages and Texas Beer-To-Go

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2019 8:34


Craft Brew News – 6/21/19(courtesy of Brewbound.com)Texas Governor to Sign Beer-to-Go into LawTexas Gov. Greg Abbott will officially make beer-to-go sales at the state’s manufacturing breweries legal during a June 15 signing ceremony at Austin Beerworks.Abbott’s signature will allow consumers to purchase up to one case of beer (288 fl. oz.) per day from the state’s manufacturing breweries, starting September 1, 2019. Those sales would count against a 5,000-barrel cap that is already in place for on-premise taproom sales at those breweries.His signature will also ensure operations of the state’s alcohol regulatory body, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), will continue.Yards Brewing Begins Offering Contract Brewing ServicesPhiladelphia’s Yards Brewing Company is now offering contract brewing services to fill about 60,000 barrels of excess capacity.Yards, which opened a 70,000 sq. ft. production facility and taproom in November 2017, has about 100,000 barrels of annual capacity. Last year, Yards’ production declined 2 percent, to 40,296 barrels, according to data from the Brewers Association.Yards said its first client is New Jersey’s Cape May Brewing Company, according to a press release on the Brewers of PA website. The company is seeking additional partners.US House Committee Expected to Extend Federal Excise Tax Relief for BrewersAn effort to maintain reduced federal excise taxes (FET) on all brewers an importers could take a major step forward.The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to extend tax cuts for alcohol producers and importers as part of the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 3301) extender bill.Although the committee’s version of tax relief would only extend through the end of 2020, alcohol industry trade groups say they plan to continue efforts to make the tax cuts permanent.The extender would keep in place through December 31, 2020, an excise tax rate of $3.50 per barrel (a reduction from $7 per barrel) on the first 60,000 barrels for domestic brewers producing fewer than 2 million barrels annually. The legislation also sets the federal excise tax to $16 per barrel on the first 6 million barrels for all other brewers and beer importers, while maintaining the $18 per barrel excise tax for brewers producing more than 6 million barrels.The Brewers Association, the Colorado-based trade group supporting over 7,000 small and independent breweries, also supports the bill also plans to continue working alongside the BI to advance the legislation.Cannabiniers on Verge of Next Brewery AcquisitionLighthouse Strategies — the company behind Cannabiniers and the Two Roots line of CBD- and THC-infused non-alcoholic craft beers – is closing in on its next brewery acquisition.CEO and chairman Michael Hayford said the company could finalize the purchase of a craft beer company in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. before the end of June.According to Hayford, who discussed his company’s strategy and outlook on the cannabis space at BevNET’s Cannabis Forum last week in New York City, the forthcoming acquisition will aid Lighthouse’s expansion into the Canadian cannabis market when drinkable products are permitted for sale later this year.Though he declined to name the company, or discuss financial terms of the potential deal, Hayford said the brewing facility is capable of producing between 60,000 and 100,000 barrels of beer annually.In the meantime, Hayford confirmed that Lighthouse has been working with San Diego’s Green Flash Brewing Company for contract beer production. Under the terms of that arrangement, Cannabiniers has access to 50,000 barrels of production capacity annually.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 31 - Dutch Craft Deals and Brew Dates

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2019 9:45


Craft Brew News – 6/14/19Heineken Purchases Minority Stake in OedipusHeineken N.V. has acquired a minority stake in 7-year-old Amsterdam craft outfit Oedipus Brewing, according to a letter posted on the company’s website this week.Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.Heineken’s deal with Oedipus follows minority investments in Belize Brewing Company and London’s Brixton Brewery and Beavertown Brewery. The company also owns California’s Lagunitas Brewing, which produced more than 1 million barrels in 2018, according to U.S. trade group the Brewers Association.In a letter to Oedipus’ fans, the company’s founders said the investment from Heineken would help make their “creative dreams a reality.” Those aspirations include opening a food and beer bar, launching a music and cultural venue, and building a sustainable farmhouse brewery near Amsterdam.“It has been confidence-inspiring to see, despite our obvious differences, the extent to which we speak the same language,” Oedipus’ founders wrote. “And it has been great to see mutual trust and understanding grow with each conversation.”Pascal Gilet, Heineken CEO of the Netherlands, said in a release that the world’s second largest beer manufacturer “can learn a lot from how Oedipus has developed and will develop in the future.”Bumble to Open Brick-And-Mortar Bar in NYCDating app Bumble plans to open Bumble Brew — a coffee and wine bar — in New York’s SoHo neighborhood this fall, according to Bloomberg. The brick-and-mortar location will operate as a 70-seat coffee shop during the day and a wine bar with small plates during the evening, the outlet reported.According to Bloomberg, the space will host “female chef demos, BFF parties, networking events, and date nights” in an effort to grow its networking site, Bumble Bizz.In news that should please Brewers Association CEO Bob Pease and National Beer Wholesalers Association CEO Craig Purser, Bumble Brew will also serve beer. Last year, both executives suggested that smartphones and dating apps were stripping away on-premise drinking occasions.“They don’t have to go to the club to meet a date, they just swipe right,” Purser said during the NBWA’s annual convention last Fall. “And if emerging LDAs are spending that kind of time on dating platforms and social media, beer’s got to be there too.”For his part, Pease also told Beverage Daily that the iPhone is “a bigger threat” to beer than cannabis.SEC Loosens Restrictions on Alcohol SalesThe 14 universities within the Southeastern Conference can decide whether to serve beer and wine during sporting events this fall, according to CBS.For the last 30 years, alcoholic beverage were only available to SEC fans in premium seating areas, such as luxury boxes. However, starting August 1, those universities can begin offering alcoholic beverages in general seating areas.Nevertheless, there are limits. Alcoholic beverages can only be sold at concession stands. Also, universities must end service:following the third quarter of football games;halfway through the second half of men’s basketball games;after the third quarter of women’s basketball games;and during the middle of the seventh inning of baseball games.Despite having the option to sell alcoholic beverages as of August 1, four top football schools — Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Mississippi State — won’t offer alcohol sales this year, 247Sportsreported.Anheuser-Busch Makes Renewable Electricity DealAnheuser-Busch InBev struck a “power purchase agreement” this week with San Francisco-based Recurrent Energy to buy renewable electricity credits from a 2,000 acre solar facility being built in Pecos County, Texas. Once the facility is completed in 2021, A-B said it would brew its top brands — Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and others — with 100 percent renewable electricity from wind and solar powerSubscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 30 - Fake Kona Beer and Who is 'Born and Raised"?

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2019 9:55


Craft Brew News – 6/7/19(courtesy of Brewbound.com)NFL Allows Players to be Featured in Beer AdsThe National Football League will now allow its players to be featured in beer ads, according to Morning Consult, citing a league email. The news comes months after the NBA and MLB lifted restrictions on active players to be featured in beer ads.However, the NFL has put restrictions on its players’ participation, including:only active players can be featured in the ads;the ads cannot imply players are endorsing the products;if a company wants to feature more than one player in an advertisement, it must use a minimum of six players in the ad.players also must be featured in uniform in action shots using “licensed Associated Press” photos.The NFL also eased restrictions on wine and spirits companies, allowing them to become “official” sponsors of its franchises. Although wine and hard liquor companies will be allowed to use team logos on packaging, they will not be able to use players in their advertisements.Details of CBA’s Kona Lawsuit SettlementA month after Craft Brew Alliance agreed to settle a years-long class action lawsuit over alleged “false and deceptive advertising” of its Kona Brewing beer brand, the Portland, Oregon-based craft beer company has detailed the settlement agreement in a May 23 SEC filing.As part of the agreement, CBA will pay up to $10 to customers without receipts and as much as $20 to those with a proof of purchase. CBA has said it expects to incur costs of $4.7 million to settle the dispute.According to the original complaint, CBA “intentionally” misled consumers ito believing Kona products are made in Hawaii. Although CBA operates a production facility in Hawaii and produces thousands of barrels on the island, a majority of Kona beer sold in the continental U.S. is brewed at facilities in Portland, Oregon; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and at an Anheuser-Busch brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado.Deschutes Brewery Launches New Brand Campaign(Check out Episode # 42 where we interview Deschutes BrewMaster Brian Faivre)Deschutes Brewery is attempting to position itself as “the beer of choice in the land of recreational cannabis,” the company said in a press release. The Bend, Oregon-headquartered craft brewery released a series of videos and advertisements earlier this week as part of its new “It Comes with the Territory” campaign.According to Deschutes vice president of marketing Neal Stewart, the company is “drawing attention to the healthy tension between craft beer and cannabis.”“People are going to enjoy recreational cannabis, but we want to remind them that this is still one of, if not the best place on Earth to enjoy a beer and Deschutes helped put the craft brewing industry on the map,” he said.No-Li and Goose Island Butt Heads Over ‘Born & Raised’ Name(Check out Episode # 25 where we interview Matt Jimenez, Head Brewer at Goose Island China in Shanghai )The Chicago Tribune chronicled attempts by No-Li Brewhouse founder John Bryant to resolve a dispute with Anheuser-Busch-owned Goose Island, which recently began using the name “Born + Raised” for a new, draft-only ale that is exclusively available in Chicago.Spokane, Washington-based No-Li has used the “Born & Raised” name for its flagship IPA for the last seven years. He claims No-Li has “first-use” rights to the name. However, his efforts to resolve the issue have been rebuffed by Goose Island leaders.“I don’t think we should have to give Anheuser-Busch a brand that’s established since 2012,” he told the Tribune.For his part, Goose Island president Toss Ahsmann said he’s confident the Chicago craft brewery can use the name since No-Li doesn’t own a federal trademark on the name.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 29 - New Jersey Socialists and Gillette Stadium Beer

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2019 10:11


Craft Brew News 5/31/19(Courtesy of Brewbound.com)New Jersey ABC Sets Restrictions on the Number of Events Craft Breweries Can HostThe New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) issued a revised special ruling earlier this week aimed at limiting the number of annual events breweries can host in their taprooms.Under the ruling issued Tuesday, the ABC said the state’s craft breweries can hold up to 25 “special events,” 25 “social affairs,” and 52 “private parties” annually inside their taprooms. Additionally, breweries are now allowed to sell their beer at 12 events a year outside of their taprooms.Citing concerns of bar and restaurant owners, the ABC first announced plans to impose restrictions on the number of events craft breweries could host in September 2018. The agency suspended that ruling days later amid pressure from craft brewers, state lawmakers and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.In Tuesday’s revised ruling, the ABC said the new guidelines are an effort to “balance the concerns” of the state’s 100 licensed craft breweries with those of the state’s 6,000 retail licenses in an effort to create “stability” and “foster realistic competition.”Leaders from both of the state’s trade groups — the New Jersey Brewers Association and the Brewers Guild of New Jersey — called the latest ruling a “mixed bag.”Brewers Guild of New Jersey executive director Eric Orlando said while the ruling gives craft brewers some new privileges, it also adds more restrictive provisions.New Jersey Brewers Association executive director Alexis Degan said her organization plans to lobby lawmakers to remove the limits on the number of events breweries can host in their taprooms, as well as repeal other “antiquated” liquor laws.Sierra Nevada Asks Breweries to Honor Camp Fire PledgesSierra Nevada Brewing is still waiting for more than half of the breweries that agreed to brew Resilience IPA and donate the proceeds to the relief efforts of last year’s Camp Fire wildfire to submit their donations, according to a company letter.“Though we have and continue to do good work to get our community back on its feet, this is a long-term process,” Sierra Grossman, brewery co-owner and daughter of founder Ken Grossman, wrote in the letter, which was obtained by WorstBeerBlog. “Those funds you pledged are critical to continue our uphill battle.”Nearly 1,500 craft breweries signed up to brew Resilience IPA as part of Sierra Nevada’s efforts to raise money for the victims of Camp Fire wildfire, which killed 85 people, displaced tens of thousands of residents, and destroyed more than 18,800 structures.Sierra Nevada told Fortune that it is “actively working” with breweries “to establish realistic timelines for donations.”“We are however hopeful that those funds will be received as soon as possible so we can continue funding this essential work,” the company told the outlet.Earlier this year, Sierra Nevada estimated that the Resilience campaign could potentially raise as much as $15 million if the project’s 1,484 breweries produced to their stated commitment levels.Ex-MillerCoors VP Sentenced to Prison TimeFormer MillerCoors vice president of sales David Colletti was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison for bilking the country’s second-largest beer manufacturer out of more than $8 million over the course of a decade as part of a fraudulent scheme, according to Law 360.Colletti, who reached a plea deal in 2016, told authorities he recruited people to act as vendors on more than 200 phony invoices. Those fake invoices were then submitted to MillerCoors, which paid Colletti’s phony vendors, who split the proceeds with Colletti.Colletti had worked for MillerCoors for more than 30 years.Wormtown Brewery to Add 2nd Location at Gillette StadiumMassachusetts’ Wormtown Brewery today announced plans to open a second taproom, adjacent to the New England Patriots’ stadium, before the end of the summer.Wormtown managing partner David Fields said the Worcester-based craft brewery took control of a 4,000 sq. ft. space at Patriot Place — a shopping, dining and entertainment center near Gillette Stadium in Foxborough — from Battle Road Brewing Company, which had operated a pop-up taproom there during the latter half of 2018. “Sixteen million people go through Patriot Place on an annualized basis, and they come from not just Massachusetts, but all over New England and all over the country,” Fields said. “So there’s an opportunity to connect our brand to a whole bunch of people that may or may not have seen us before.”Wormtown has purchased a 7-barrel brewhouse for the facility, which will serve as an innovation hub. The company is hoping to open the Foxborough outpost ahead of the New England Patriots’ first exhibition game on August 22.The taproom also brings Wormtown closer to one of its biggest customers: Gillette Stadium.As for Wormtown, the company grew production 15 percent in 2018, to 24,615 barrels of beer. Through the first four months of 2019, Fields said the company’s volume is up about 40 percent. If those trends continue, the company could finish 2019 at around 33,000 barrels, he added.Wormtown’s flagship IPA, Be Hoppy, accounts for 86 percent of the company’s volume. However, initial sales of Don’t Worry IPA and Mass Whole Lager, two recently launched products, are strong.Mikkeller did this at City Field in NY.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 28 - Texas Beer-To-Go and No Tariffs for Mexico

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2019 13:21


Craft Brew News - 05/24/19(brought to you by Brewbound.com)Texas Senate Approves Beer To-Go-Sales MeasureTexas craft brewers’ efforts to legalize beer-to-go sales is closer to passage than ever before.On Wednesday, Texas Senators unanimously passed sweeping legislation to maintain operations of the state’s alcohol regulatory body, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), along with several changes to the state’s alcoholic beverage code, including an amendment that would permit a majority of the state’s manufacturing breweries to sell their offerings for off-premise consumption.The measure now returns to the House of Representatives for concurrence. Those familiar with the process expect the measure to easily pass through the chamber and then advance to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.Texas is the only state in the country that does not allow beer-to-go sales at manufacturing breweries, but the state does allow brewpubs, wineries and distilleries with similar permits to sell their products for off-premise consumption.If passed, the bill would allow consumers to purchase up to one case of beer (288 fl. oz.) per day from the state’s manufacturing breweries, beginning September 1, 2019. The advancement of the beer-to-go sales bill comes a week after the Wholesale Beer Distributors of Texas (WBDT), a powerful lobbying group, agreed to back the measure. In February, the Texas Craft Brewers Guild and Texas’ other wholesaler group, the Beer Alliance of Texas, reached a “stakeholder agreement” on to-go sales.The effort to reform Texas’s direct-sales laws date back to 2015 when Dallas-based Deep Ellum Brewing sued the TABC, arguing that manufacturing breweries were at a competitive disadvantage. Deep Ellum Brewing founder John Reardon called the Senate’s passage of the beer-to-go amendment “bittersweet.”Addressing Rumors, Stone CEO Says Distribution Business is Not For SaleDespite months of rumors to the contrary, Stone Distributing Company (SDC) is not for sale.In a memo to employees last week, Stone Brewing CEO Dominic Engels sought to quash talk that the San Diego craft brewing company was attempting to offload its distribution business.“Rest assured of our commitment to SDC,” he wrote.According to Engels, Stone Distributing remains “a key piece of Stone Brewing” and a “critical” piece to the company’s success in its largest market, California. He added that Stone is “committed to the continued growth of SDC.”Indeed, Stone Distributing has grown into one of the largest craft beer wholesalers in the San Diego market. According to a March profile in San Diego Magazine, the more than two decades old wholesale business sells about 4.5 million cases of beer to more than 12,700 unique accounts annually. The business, which employs more than 300 workers, covers a 40,000-square-mile service area. Beyond selling its own brands, Stone’s portfolio includes about 45 different craft brands, including popular California craft breweries Modern Times, Russian River, and Port Brewing, as well as offerings from national brands such as Boulevard Brewing, Brooklyn Brewery, Cigar City, Oskar Blue and Victory Brewing.So where did rumors of a sale originate? Engels pointed to large wholesalers.“In times of uncertainty, fueling rumors is common practice by large wholesalers who look to undermine retailer confidence in the alleged seller,” he wrote. “Given the success of SDC as the largest independent craft beer distributor, whenever there is activity in the market, SDC is a prime target.”Study: US Beer Industry Supports More than 2 Million JobsThe U.S. beer industry was responsible for creating more than 2.19 million jobs that paid more than $101 billion in wages and benefits in 2018, according to a joint study released today by industry trade organizations the Beer Institute (BI) and the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA).The biennial “Beer Serves America” report is “a snapshot in time” of the industry’s current health and provides the industry with a tool in their advocacy efforts, NBWA president and CEO Craig Purser told Brewbound.“Part of what we’re trying to do by rolling this out is just remind people that this small industry is really the little engine that could,” he said. “It provides a lot of economic contribution and a lot of groceries on people’s tables across America.”According to the report, U.S. beer companies and wholesalers employ more than 200,000 American workers. Each of those jobs creates 31 additional full-time equivalent jobs in adjacent industries.US Lifts Aluminum and Steel Tariffs on Canada, MexicoNearly a year after imposing aluminum and steel tariffs against Canada and Mexico, the Trump administration today officially lifted levies imposed upon the two longtime trade allies.On Friday, President Donald Trump announced plans to remove the tariffs — 25 percent on foreign steel and 10 percent on imported aluminum — as the three countries work toward the passage of a renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now called the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. In turn, Canada and Mexico today lifted retaliatory tariffs against U.S. goods.Ending tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from Canada and Mexico marks a significant moment for the beer industry, as about 43 percent of aluminum used by U.S. beverage companies comes from Canada, according to Washington, D.C.-based trade group the Beer Institute (BI).Nevertheless, BI president and CEO Jim McGreevy said tariffs on aluminum and steel, which amount to a $350 million annual tax on the industry, need to be completely repealed.Although President Trump has eased the tariffs on imported goods from Canada and Mexico, he has also escalated his trade war against China by increasing levies against $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. As such, the tariffs on several products being imported from China, including brewing equipment, have increased from 10 percent to 25 percent. In turn, China has threatened to raise its tariffs on $60 billion of U.S. goods beginning in June.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 27 - O.G.'s Merging and Taking the Power Back

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2019 13:02


Craft Brew News – 5/10/19(Courtesy of Brewbound.com)Boston Beer Company and Dogfish Head Agree to Merge in $300 Million DealEight years ago, Dogfish Head and Boston Beer Company teamed up to brew a collaboration beer for the annual SAVOR craft beer and food pairing experience.Today, the two companies announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement valued at about $300 million. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter.The merger comes nearly four years after Dogfish Head sold a 15 percent stake to LNK Partners, a New York-based private equity firm. As a result of the merger, LNK will exit its investment in the Delaware-based craft brewery.The merger brings together the Brewers Association’s second-largest craft beer maker, Boston Beer, with the 13th largest craft brewery, Dogfish Head. Both companies will retain their status as BA-defined independent craft breweries.Speaking to Brewbound, Sam Calagione said the deal came together over pints this past February, during Beer Advocate’s Extreme Beer Fest in Boston.Sam said “We talked about how challenging the industry is getting, the indie craft definition, brands that consumers think are indie craft, active lifestyle beers, and we discovered how beautifully complementary and not competitive our portfolios were,” he said.In a press release, the two companies said the merger would “create a powerful Amercian-owned platform for craft beer and beyond.”Koch said, via the press release. “This combination is the right fit as both Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have a passion for brewing and innovation, we share the same values and we will learn a lot from each other as we continue to invest in the high-end beer category,”According to the release, Dogfish Head is on pace to sell 300,000 barrels of beer in 2019, with net sales of about $120 million.Boston Beer chief executive Dave Burwick, who previously served as the CEO of Peet’s Coffee & Tea Inc. before taking over as CEO of the brewery last February, will lead the merged entity.According to Calagione, Burwick — who led the acquisitions of two super-premium coffee brands, Intelligentsia and Stumptown, while at Peet’s — was “very involved” in the merger.Burwick said, via the release “United, we will have the highest quality, most distinct, high-end portfolio, from both a price-point and product perspective with the top-ranked sales organization to bring it to market,”. “We expect that we’ll see more consolidation in the craft industry over time, and we’ll be in the best position to take advantage of those changes.”Calagione, who noted that Dogfish shares about half of its wholesalers with Boston Beer, said the two companies would also look to “align distribution geography everywhere it makes sense.”Red Bull Terminates 3 Massachusetts Wholesalers, Leading to ‘Mass Layoff’ at BurkeRed Bull North America this week announced it would terminate distribution contracts with three Massachusetts beer and non-alcoholic beverage wholesalers in June, as it transitions to a self-distribution model for off-premise accounts. The energy drink maker also announced it would transfer its on-premise business to wine and spirits distributor Martignetti Companies.Starting June 3, Red Bull Distribution Company (RBDC) will take over the brand’s distribution rights from Burke Distributing Corporation in Boston, Atlas Distributing in Worcester and Williams Distributing Company in Chicopee.In a statement released to media outlets, Red Bull said its focus is on “providing the most effective and efficient route to market in every geography.”Unlike beer breweries, non-alcoholic beverage companies are not subject to Massachusetts’ franchise laws, which lock beer brands into nearly unbreakable contracts with their wholesalers. The state’s beer companies and wholesalers have been at odds over reforming those laws for several years, but a resolution has proven elusive. “Due to unforeseen circumstances arising out of the termination of a major business contract, Burke Distributing Corporation will be conducting a mass layoff at its corporate offices,” he wrote in the letter to Business Services/Rapid Response Manager Ken Messina.Burke added that the job cuts are expected to be “permanent,” with the “first separations” slated for June 24. The Boston Business Journal reported that Burke — a third-generation wholesaler whose brands include MillerCoors, Constellation Brands, Boston Beer Company and several craft brands — employed 320 workers as of 2018.Red Bull Distribution Company operates in 22 states with 82 warehouses and more than 2,000 employees, according to its website. The company sold 6.8 billion cans worldwide in 2018, a 7.7 percent increase over 2017 levels.Schlafly Sold Again: Sage Capital Sells Controlling Stake in Saint Louis Brewery Back to FamilyThe Schlafly family once again has controlling interest of The Saint Louis Brewery, makers of Schlafly Beer.More than seven years after acquiring a majority interest in the Saint Louis craft brewery, private equity firm Sage Capital, as well as several current and former Schlafly Beer employees, including co-founder Dan Kopman, have sold their stakes in the business to a new investor group led by David Schlafly, a real estate developer and cousin of brewery co-founder Tom Schlafly.Specific financial terms of the deal, which closed May 3, were not disclosed. Following the transaction, the new investor group, including members of the Schlafly family, as well as individual investors, will control 80 percent of the company.Speaking to Brewbound, David Schlafly said his first goal was to return ownership of the brewery to the Schlafly family and close friends.“Through the virtue of that, the brewery can do what it’s always done — it can lead in making great beer,” he said. “Quality companies like Schlafly are very rare, and [they] are things you want to be a part of.”In 2017, the last year in which production numbers were available, Schlafly brewed about 45,000 barrels of beer, down from a peak of 60,000 barrels in 2015. Tom Schlafly told Brewbound that the company’s production had declined even further in 2018, but was unable to provide final production figures.Nevertheless, David and Tom Schlafly remain bullish on the growth prospects of the beer category. According to Tom Schlafly, the company has an opportunity to succeed because of its “history of quality and excellence.”“Can I prove that empirically? Not yet,” he said. “But it’s just an instinct that I have that as consumers become more knowledgeable, they recognize that we have brewed dozens of styles in perfect compliance with the established standards.”Schlafly’s brand image was damaged last December following the circulation of a newsletter to bars and restaurants that criticized another local competitor, 4 Hands Brewing. Following the debacle, The Saint Louis Brewery and 4 Hands issued a joint statement in which the maker of Schlafly Beer apologized on behalf of an unnamed “senior executive” who had “caused negative and misleading information to be circulated about 4 Hands” via an anonymous newsletter. Then-CEO James Pedegraft abruptly resigned from the company days before the joint statement, and it is widely understood that he was responsible for designing and distributing the disparaging remarks.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 26 - High Moose and Hawaiian Beer

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2019 12:38


Craft Brew News - 5/3/2019Craft Brew Alliance Agrees to Settle Kona Labeling DisputeCraft Brew Alliance (CBA) has agreed to settle a years-long class action lawsuit over alleged “false and deceptive advertising” of its Kona Brewing beer brand.In an SEC filing, the publicly traded Portland, Oregon-based craft beer company – today said it expects to incur costs of about $4.7 million to settle the dispute, which surfaced in early 2017.That amount is inclusive of all legal and administrative fees but does not represent the total amount CBA will pay to the class, according to Marcus Reed, the company’s general counsel.According to Reed, the nationwide settlement will be open to consumers who purchased Kona-branded beer products dating as far back as 2013.The original complaint alleged that CBA, “intentionally misleads consumers into believing that Kona Brewing Company beer is a local beer made in Hawaii.”Although CBA maintains a production facility in Hawaii and produces thousands of barrels on the island, it produces a majority of the Kona beer sold in the continental U.S. at facilities in Portland, Oregon, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and at an Anheuser-Busch brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado.Speaking to Brewbound, Reed said the company agreed to a settlement after two years of litigation because it was becoming a “distraction” to the company’s day-to-day business.“It got to the point where it was time to reach a settlement,” he said.Canada’s Moosehead Breweries Enters Cannabis Sector in JV with SproutlyCanada’s oldest and largest independent brewery is getting into the cannabis business.Moosehead Breweries Limited and Sproutly Canada, which aims to become the leading supplier of water-soluble cannabis solutions, yesterday announced their intent to form an exclusive joint venture that will develop, produce and market cannabis-infused beverages.In the release, Moosehead CEO Andrew Oland said Sproutly’s proprietary “Infuz2O” process for delivering cannabis effects within five minutes drove the brewery’s interest in entering the cannabis market.Recreational use of cannabis was legalized in Canada last October, however, the sale of edibles and infused beverages are not currently permitted. Legalization of those products is expected to occur on October 17.Moosehead joins a growing list of beer manufacturers that have already invested in the cannabis space. Large beer companies such as Anheuser-Busch InBev (Tilray), Constellation Brands (Canopy Growth) and Molson Coors (Hexo) have each struck partnerships with other Canadian cannabis companies. Hamilton, Ontario-based Collective Arts Brewing has also established a sister company called Collective Project Limited to develop and sell cannabis-infused beverages.Cannabis is not federally legal in the U.S., however 10 states — Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Washington, D.C. — have established laws permitting the sale and use of recreational cannabis within their borders. Several other states are currently working to decriminalize and legalize cannabis.Meeting of the Malts: Pennsylvania Craft Beer Production Tops in the NationFor the third consecutive year, Pennsylvania produced more craft beer than any other state in the nation, Brewers Association chief economist Bart Watson shared during the Brewers of Pennsylvania’s annual Meeting of the Malts gathering in Hershey, Pennsylvania. (Check out Craft Beer Storm – Episode # 41 with Bart Watson!)In 2018, Pennsylvania’s 354 craft breweries combined to produce more than 3.7 million barrels of beer. And, according to Watson, the state ranked second in the number of brewery openings, trailing just California. Most of that growth, Watson said, is coming from the small breweries that sell directly to consumers.Direct-to-consumer sales at Pennsylvania breweries increased by 15,000 barrels last year, Watson said. He added that Pennsylvania brewers have room to grow as national taproom sales accounted for about 12.5 percent of beer sales.Looking at the national landscape, Watson said he believes there will be 10,000 breweries in operation in the U.S. within the next two years. In 2018, a record number 7,346 breweries operated for all or part of the year.As more breweries have opened, the median size of all beer companies has shrunk to 400 barrels, Watson said. He added that half of the breweries in the country produce 400 barrels or fewer.However, Watson said craft brewers have the opportunity to buck those trends and grow over the next decade as millennials “age into beer, rather than aging out of beer like previous generations.”Veteran New Belgium Communications Director to Depart on May 10Longtime New Belgium Brewing spokesman Bryan Simpson will depart the company on May 10, Brewbound has learned. (Founder is Kim Jordan)“It’s been an absolute honor to represent this brewery and everyone’s collective love and talent,” he said via a statement.Leah Pilcer-Pitman, who most recently served as New Belgium’s director of retail development and strategy, will supplant Simpson as director of communications.Simpson, who spent 21-years with the country’s fourth largest craft beer company, said he will launch his own boutique digital media agency this summer.“I’ll be moving on to pursue my long-deferred dream of creative film and media production, and I will always be a passionate and vocal fan of New Belgium Brewing and the entire craft brewing industry,” he said via the statement.Speaking to Brewbound, Simpson said his yet-to-be-named agency would focus on “content generation” and the creation of “digital and web assets.”Simpson, one of New Belgium’s longest-tenured employees, joined the company in July 1997. At the time, New Belgium produced about 80,000 barrels of beer, its offerings were distributed in just five Western states, and the entire craft brewing industry comprised fewer than 1,100 breweries that collectively produced 5 million barrels.Today, more than 7,300 breweries make nearly 26 million barrels of craft beer, according to industry trade group the Brewers Association. For its part, New Belgium, now the fourth-largest U.S. craft brewery according to industry trade group the Brewers Association, produced 846,000 barrels of beer in 2018, down from 955,000 barrels in 2017. The company distributes to 50 states.“I was literally hired on the bottling line, and then I worked in the tasting room for one-to-two years, but at that time everyone was doing a bit of everything,” he said.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 25 - Craft Growth and TTB Cracks the Whip

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2019 15:38


Craft Brew News – 04/06/19(courtesy of Brewbound.com)Constellation Brands Sales Top $8.1 Billion in Fiscal Year 2019Constellation Brands reported its fiscal year and second quarter 2019 earnings results today, which were highlighted by a 7 percent increase in net sales, to more than $8.1 billion.During the 2019 fiscal year, Corona brand family shipments reached 150 million cases, while depletions increased 7 percent. Meanwhile, Modelo brand family shipments exceeded 125 million cases, as depletions rose 12 percent.Newlands called Modelo Especial “the leading growth engine in entire U.S. beer market,” adding that it is the “fastest growing brand in the on-premise” and the No. 1 selling beer in 7-Eleven stores.“It is the fastest growing major beer in the industry, accounting for almost 40 percent of total category growth,” he said, adding that the beer is now the top selling brand in California.In 2020 fiscal year, Constellation Brands will make its “biggest marketing investment” behind Modelo, with television advertising during live sporting events as well as the roll out of 32 oz. single-serve bottles.Heineken USA to Pay Record $2.5 Million Fine to Settle Trade Practice ViolationsThe Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) today announced the acceptance of a record $2.5 million offer in compromise from Heineken USA Incorporated for alleged trade practice violations outlined in the Federal Alcohol Administration (FAA) Act.According to the TTB, HUSA supplied alcohol retailers with its proprietary “BrewLock” draft systems at no cost between August 1, 2015, and March 26, 2019.In a press release, the TTB said the BrewLock systems were designed to only dispense products packaged in unique kegs used by HUSA, which subsequently induced retailers into purchasing offerings made by the global brewing entity.Additionally, the TTB accused Heineken’s U.S. importing arm of making “slotting fee payments” to retailers, and disguising those transactions as “permissible activities” such as consumer sampling experiences that never actually occurred.Brewers Association: Craft Growth Outpacing Overall Beer MarketThe BA, which released its 2018 craft industry growth statistics today, reported that 7,346 craft breweries operated in the U.S. in 2018. That’s up from 6,490 in 2017.Those 7,346 craft breweries produced a combined 25.9 million barrels of beer in 2018, up about 800,000 barrels from 2017, the BA said.Brewers Association chief economist Bart Watson told members of the media during a teleconference. “We’re still seeing openings outpace closings by almost five-to-one,” Watson added that he expects both numbers to be revised upward next year as additional data is collected.In 2018, craft’s share of total beer dollars grew to 24.1 percent — to an estimated $27.6 billion — which Watson attributed to price inflation and the so-called “long tail” of small brewers commanding higher retail margins. Craft’s volume share of the overall U.S. beer also increased, to 13.2 percent last year, up from 12.6 percent in 2017.Watson also made a case for the smallest breweries finding the most success as they build their businesses through direct-to-consumer taproom sales. The BA estimates that the number of barrels sold directly to consumers via brewery taprooms grew by about 400,000 barrels, to 3.1 million barrels, in 2018 (up from 2.71 million barrels in 2017).Ninkasi Brewing Sells Majority Stake, Establishes National Platform to Acquire Other BreweriesOregon’s Ninkasi Brewing has sold a majority stake to Legacy Breweries Inc., an upstart venture led by former Yakima Chief CEO Don Bryant, that aims to acquire U.S. craft breweries.Similar to Canarchy – which owns Oskar Blues, Cigar City Brewing, Deep Ellum, Utah Brewers Cooperative, Perrin Brewing and Three Weavers – or Artisanal Brewing Ventures – which owns Victory Brewing, Southern Tier and Sixpoint Brewery – Legacy Breweries Inc. hopes to establish “collaborative partnerships” with craft breweries, according Ninkasi co-founder Nikos Ridge.Speaking to Brewbound, Ridge said he, along and co-founder Jamie Floyd and the company’s six investors, would “retain significant ownership” in the brewery.“Ninkasi sold a majority stake to Legacy Breweries in order to create a new platform that can leverage our resources in conjunction with those of the Legacy team,” he said.As those “brewing hubs” are established, the company would also look to acquire 10 to 15 smaller breweries in those geographies. Those companies would be able to access expanded production and packaging capabilities and have better access to raw materials such as hops, malt, and cans. (Beara Portsmouth Location for Sale - Call Me or send me an email michael@craftbeerstorm.com !)Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 24 - "You Can't Put Stone on that Can!" But You Can Tax It

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2019 15:47


Craft Brew News - 3/29/19(brought to you via Brewbound.com)Beer Institute: Aluminum Tariffs are Hurting US Beer IndustryAround this time last year, the Beer Institute (BI), a national trade association representing the American brewing industry, warned that President Donald Trump’s aluminum and steel tariffs would cost the beer industry $347 million annually and potentially lead to the loss of 20,000 jobs.Well, as it turns out, the BI’s worst fears are coming true.The Washington, D.C., lobbying group tapped Austin, Texas-based Harbor Aluminum — a research firm that specializes in the global aluminum industry –According to the firm — the U.S. beverage industry paid about $250 million for aluminum cansheet between March and December of last year.During that same period, however, the United States Department of the Treasury collected just $50 million, while U.S. smelters and rolling mills pocketed the rest.Here’s the rub: The U.S. cansheet used to produce beverage cans contains 70 percent domestic scrap metal, which is exempt from tariffs. The other 30 percent comes from imported primary aluminum.But according to the BI, domestic beverage manufacturers paid a tariff on 100 percent of the cansheet used to make beverage cans.In other words, rolling mills and smelters are effectively stealing from beverage manufacturers by overcharging for cansheet as if it was made entirely from imported primary aluminum.“Brewers are paying a tariff price even on domestic aluminum,” McGreevy said via a press release. “I have heard from brewers large and small from across the country who are seeing their aluminum costs drastically increase, even when they are using American aluminum.”Approximately 60 percent of the beer produced and sold in the U.S. is packed in aluminum cans and bottles, the BI estimates.In addition to the BI and the Brewers Association, the American Beverage Association and the CMI oppose tariffs on steel and aluminum.These Are the Fastest-Growing Breweries in America, According to the Brewers AssociationAn Iowa craft brewery topped the Brewers Association’s (BA) list of the 50 fastest-growing breweries of 2018, but it wasn’t Toppling Goliath.No, the distinction of being the fastest-growing U.S. brewery in 2018 belongs to Lake Time Brewery.The 7-year-old Lake Time — located in Clear Lake, Iowa, a vacation haunt for Midwesterners about 30 minutes from the Minnesota border — produced 1,300 barrels of beer in 2018, according to co-founder Bob Rolling. That’s up from an estimated 220 barrels in 2017, which Rolling attributed to opening a new production facility and installing a canning line.This is the second year that the BA has released the list of fastest-growing breweries. Last year’s top honor went to Milford, Massachusetts-based Craftroots Brewing, which produced 308 barrels of beer in 2017, up from 20 barrels the year prior. Craftroots didn’t make a repeat appearance on this year’s list, however.Although official production figures were not disclosed, it is believed that the largest brewery on the 2018 list was popular hazy IPA maker Tree House Brewery. The Massachusetts-based craft brewery produced 19,250 barrels of beer in 2017, and likely sold more than 40,000 barrels last year. Tree House did not immediately respond to an inquiry regarding 2018 production figures.On the other end of the spectrum, a handful of companies on the list produced fewer than 100 barrels in 2017, including Long Beach, California-based Dutch’s BrewHouse, which made just five barrels of beer that year.Stone v. MillerCoors: Court Denies Craft Brewery’s Attempt to Block Sales of Rebranded Keystone Light PackagingStone Brewing’s initial attempt to prevent MillerCoors from selling rebranded Keystone Light products has come up short.On Tuesday, a federal judge denied Stone’s motion for a preliminary injunction as well as the San Diego-based craft brewery’s attempt to dismiss MillerCoors’ counterclaims.Although U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez denied Stone’s motions, he wrote that the craft brewery’s trademark infringement claim is “moderately strong” and said the “Stone” trademark is “indisputable” with “protectable ownership.”Still, Benitez found that Stone was “hard-pressed” to prove it would suffer irreparable harm by not receiving a preliminary injunction. He added that MillerCoors “has not been found liable of trademark infringement,” and should not be forced to stop using the refreshed Keystone Light packaging until the matter is decided in a courtroom.Stone filed the lawsuit against MillerCoors nearly 14 months ago, alleging that the mainstream beer manufacturer’s rebranded Keystone Light packaging and advertisements infringed upon its “Stone” trademark.The case — which was first cited by attorney Brendan Palfreyman, who runs the TrademarkYourBeer.com website — will now advance to the discovery phase and potentially a trial. Stone is seeking monetary damages and a permanent injunction against the rebranded Keystone Light packages.Stone Brewing co-founder Greg Koch said via the release. “All along this has been a clear-cut infringement case, and now we can focus our resources on proving the significant damages done to the good name of Stone Brewing,” Stone CEO Dominic Engels added. “MillerCoors has made hundreds of millions of dollars from rebranding Keystone in a way that infringes on our trademark,” “It also has hurt Stone and our brand. We look forward to presenting this evidence to the Court at trial.”Boston Beer Names New CMOAfter an eight-month search, the Boston Beer Company (NYSE: SAM) has identified its next chief marketing officer.The country’s second-largest craft brewery today named Lesya Lysyj, who is currently the U.S. president of Welch’s Foods Inc., as its new CMO.At Welch’s, Lysyj was “responsible for $600 million in revenue leading marketing, sales, innovation and licensing” for the company’s food and beverage products in the U.S., according to her LinkedIn. Prior to joining Welch’s, Lysyj spent 1.5 years as the president of Weight Watchers North America and three years as CMO of Heineken USA.Lysyj fills a vacancy left by Jon Potter, Boston Beer’s first-ever CMO, who departed the company last July.In an SEC filing, Boston Beer said Lysyj’s would earn $475,000 annually, not including performance bonuses totaling as much as 50 percent of her base salary. She will also have an option to purchase shares of the company’s Class A Common Stock valued at approximately $1.5 million.Lysyj’s hiring is the second notable appointment for Boston Beer this month. Last week, the company named Uber, Inc. general manager Meghan Joyce to its board of directors.Boston Beer — which makes the Samuel Adams, Angry Orchard, Twisted Tea, and Truly Hard Seltzer brands, among other offerings — posted double-digit growth in depletions, shipments, and sales last year.On its way to shipping nearly 4.3 million barrels of product in 2018, the company increased net revenue by 15.4 percent, to $995.7 million.According to the release, Lysyj, 56, will oversee the “planning, development, and execution” of Boston’s “brand development, marketing, and advertising initiatives.”Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 23 - Unions, Cannabis and Whiskey

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2019 12:56


Craft Brew News – 3/22/19(Articles brought to you by Brewbound.com)Anchor Workers Vote to UnionizeSeeking better pay and benefits, workers at San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing Company voted in favor of forming a union on Wednesday, according to Bloomberg.The vote to organize with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union passed 31-16, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Anchor, which was acquired by Japan’s Sapporo Holdings Limited in 2017, now has 10 days to dispute the vote.The effort to unionize has been met with multiple “union-busting” tactics from Anchor management, despite a February 14 pledge to remain neutral. According to Huffpost, management “pressured the 61 brewery workers and nine staffers at Public Taps,” its neighboring taproom, to form separate bargaining units. Public Taps employees are slated to vote on whether to form a union later today, according to the AnchorUnionSF Twitter account.Additionally, Anchor management reportedly intimidated employees during private meetings and threatened years-long wage freezes. In turn, employees filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board earlier this month alleging management deployed union-busting tactics, including ordering employees to remove pro-union pins while on the job, Bloomberg reported.No, Thorn Brewing Was Not Sold to a Cannabis CompanyNext Green Wave Holdings, a vertically integrated California cannabis company, issued a press release Tuesday erroneously indicating that San Diego’s Thorn Brewing had been sold.Speaking to Brewbound, Thorn Brewing co-founder Dennis O’Connor confirmed the brewery was not a part of Next Green Wave’s $27 million transaction, which included the acquisition of more than 45 CBD and THC products.Next Wave Holdings actually purchased SD Cannabis, a company O’Connor said he has been working with independently on the development of water soluble THC and CBD products.The relationship with SD Cannabis developed after Thorn Brewing released a 4.20 percent ABV session IPA called OG HighPA, which was brewed with cannabis-derived terpenes. That product, which contained no THC or CBD, was released in 2016 and was made in collaboration with Jetty Extracts.But O’Connor was still interested in creating a cannabis supplement that could be added to various beverages, so he teamed up with SD Cannabis to research and develop a new product. “You’d buy it at a local dispensary, and mix it with your beer or your whiskey,” he said, noting that the company plans to launch the products next month, on April 20 (4/20).He also envisions mixologists experimenting with the THC and CBD mists.Beer Industry Stakeholders in Maryland Compromise on ReformMaryland’s craft brewers, wholesalers and retailers have reached an agreement on sweeping legislation that, if approved, would reform the state’s laws surrounding self-distribution, taproom sales and franchise agreements.One set of proposed bills would allow beer companies producing 20,000 barrels or less to terminate their wholesaler contracts by giving 45 days notice without showing “good cause.” The other bills would raise caps on self-distribution, taproom sales and production limits.Currently, those companies are required to give 180 days notice and show “good cause” in order to get out of their distribution agreements.A separate piece of legislation called the “Modernization Act” — would increase the self-distribution cap from 3,000 barrels to 5,000 barrels annually for breweries holding a Class 7 “Limited Beer Wholesaler License.”Wholesaler Group Opposes Texas To-Go Sales BillsIn an Austin American-Statesman op-ed titled “State beer sales laws aren’t broken. Leave them alone,” Larry Del Papa, a wealthy beer distributor, argued that allowing Texas’ manufacturing breweries to sell beer for off-premise consumption would harm independently owned grocery, convenience and liquor stores.Del Papa serves as the president of the Wholesale Beer Distributors of Texas (WBDT), a powerful wholesaler lobbying group that has refused to sign onto a “stakeholder agreement” reached between the Texas Craft Brewers Guild and the Beer Alliance of Texas. If passed by lawmakers, that agreement would put an end to a years-long contentious dispute over to-go-beer sales by allowing manufacturing breweries to sell beer for off-premise consumption within the state’s existing 5,000-barrel cap on direct-to-consumer sales.According to Del Papa, only 10 craft breweries would benefit from the legislation. The rest of the state’s 305 other breweries, Del Papa argued, could operate under brewpub licenses due to falling below the 10,000-barrel cap.However, Austin Beerworks co-owner Adam DeBower told Brewbound that the law change would benefit hundreds of brewers, fostering growth that could expand those companies’ production beyond the 10,000-barrel cap.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 22 - Beer Mags Are Out and New Belgium Contracts Are In

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2019 31:33


Michael and Guest Kate Cone, Author of "What's Brewing in New England" discuss this week's Beer News. Check out Kate's Website at https://www.saucyscrivener.com/Craft Brew News – 3/15/19(Courtesy of Brewbound.com)New Belgium Begins Contract Brewing for Startup Lager BrandAfter experiencing an 11 percent production decline in 2018, New Belgium Brewing has opened its Colorado brewing facility to an upstart lager brand that is aiming to eclipse the 100,000-barrel threshold within two years.New Belgium — the fourth largest craft brewery in the U.S. — and Charleston, South Carolina-based East Island Brewing Co., maker of the “Island Coastal Lager” brand, today announced the new brewing arrangement in a joint press release.Scott Hansen, who launched the Island Coastal Lager brand with partner Brandon Perry at the end of 2017 said “Last year, we sold 5,000 barrels into the market, and we were ranked by IRI as the No. 1 craft lager in 6-packs in South Carolina,” he said. “With New Belgium’s logistics, capacity, quality control, and supply chain support, our ultimate goal is to pass the 100,000 barrel threshold over the next 18 to 24 months.”New Belgium production declined from 955,000 barrels in 2017 to 846,000 barrels last year, representing about 56.4 percent capacity utilization across its entire brewing footprint.East Island Brewing Co. also recently secured $2 million in series A funding, which Hansen said would be used to “pour gasoline on the fire and accelerate growth.”ZX Ventures: 28 Percent of Consumers Don’t Know They Can Buy Beer OnlineNearly one-third of U.S. consumers don’t realize they can purchase booze online, according to Anheuser-Busch InBev’s “global growth and innovation” division, ZX Ventures.ZX Ventures’ e-commerce team recently teamed with Mintel to survey 1,000 U.S. consumers about their “awareness of online beer shopping, preferences, and purchase drivers.”Among the most notable discoveries was that 28 percent of U.S. consumers don’t realize they can buy beer online, and those who have purchased beer online represent “roughly 6 percent” of the legal-drinking-age population in the U.S.According to ZX, which cited a potentially outdated Business Insider article from 2014, less than 1 percent of food and beverage sales occur online in the U.S.It’s worth noting that Justin Robinson, the co-founder of online alcohol marketplace Drizly, who spoke at the 2017 Brewbound Session, said he believed online sales could account for as much as 15 percent of all alcohol transactions by 2025.All About Beer Files for Bankruptcy; 2 Pacific Northwest Print Magazines Cease OperationsNorth Carolina-based All About Beer LLC and publisher Christopher Rice filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy protection last month, according to the Triangle Business Journal.Court documents revealed the company is more than $4.5 million in debt and has more than 5,000 creditors – including former employees and subscribers who are owed subscription dollars — according to the Business JournalThe company’s assets, including glassware and camera equipment, total less than $50,000, the outlet noted.In addition to All About Beer, which had purchased Draft Magazine and ceased production of that publication, Celebrator Beer News shuttered its print business to focused exclusively on digital content.BrewDog Rebrands Streaming Network, Lowers Monthly Subscription PriceAfter shamelessly stooping to sophomoric sexual innuendos to launch a streaming video-on-demand service last summer, the private equity-backed “punks” over at Scottish craft brewery BrewDog have rebranded the network to DrinkTV and slashed the monthly subscription price (now $2.99) by 40 percent.According to a press release, DrinkTV will offer “new and curated cocktail, beer, wine and travel content that aims to do for drinking culture what food-focused programming has done for foodies.”“Why isn’t drink culture celebrated in the same way as food?” said Jared Cotton, the co-founder of Redtail Media, which also co-founded the streaming network. “We are aiming to change that; bringing exciting and engaging programming that highlights the world of booze that permeates our culture, but just hasn’t been captured yet … until now.”Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 21 - "Pay to Play" and Cannabis Delivery Drama

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2019 11:53


Craft Brew News – 3/8/19(Courtesy of Brewbound.com)Massachusetts High Court Rules Against Craft Beer Guild AppealThe Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts has denied Sheehan Family Companies subsidiary Craft Beer Guild’s attempt to appeal a ruling that it violated laws prohibiting unfair trade practices and illegal “pay-to-play” activities, according to the Boston Globe.The state high court agreed with the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC), which found that the beer wholesaler had violated the state law against “price discrimination” — a practice in which distributors sell the same quantity of a product at different prices to different retailers — by offering rebates to some retailers but not others. In a statement to the press, the ABCC said it remains “committed to ensuring an equal playing field in the alcoholic beverages industry” in Massachusetts.The ABCC said. “We are pleased with today’s decision from the Supreme Judicial Court, upholding the regulation that prohibits manufacturers and wholesalers from bribing retailers,” As Brewbound previously reported, the ABCC found that Craft Beer Guild, which distributes more than 200 craft brands from throughout Massachusetts, had paid bars about $120,000 from for tap handle placements.In the 2017 ruling upheld this week by the Supreme Judicial Court, a Suffolk Superior Court judge ruled that the ABCC, which slapped Craft Beer Guild — which also operates as Craft Brewers Guild — with a 90-day license suspension in 2016 after an investigation revealed the company had “engaged in a pervasive illegal enterprise involving numerous retailers and corporations that spanned at least five years.” In lieu of suspension, Craft Beer Guild agreed to pay a $2.6 million fine.Drizly Files Lawsuit Against Co-Founder, Eyes Cannabis DeliveryA lawsuit filed this week by Boston-based on-demand alcohol delivery company Drizly against Nick Rellas, its former co-founder and CEO, revealed the e-commerce company’s plans to expand into medical and recreational cannabis delivery later this year, according to Law 360.The lawsuit alleges that Rellas, who exited Drizly in August, violated a 1-year non-compete and a nondisclosure agreement by attempting to start his own e-commerce cannabis delivery business, the outlet reported.“Beginning in late 2017 and continuing through his tenure as CEO, Drizly decided to enter an adjacent market for another highly controlled product: legalized medical and recreational cannabis,” the lawsuit said. “Drizly has approached potential commercial retail partners, explored the best path to market, consulted with state regulatory officials, and crafted a market entry plan.”US Supreme Won’t Hear Consumers’ MegaBrew ChallengeThe U.S. Supreme Court has passed on hearing beer consumers’ bid to block Anheuser-Busch InBev’s $107 billion acquisition of rival SABMiller, according to Law 360.A group of consumers had filed a lawsuit arguing that allowing the MegaBrew merger to proceed would have constricted the beer market, the outlet reported.In October, the merger cleared its final hurdle to approval as a federal judge signed a “Modified Final Judgment” — more than two years after the Department of Justice initially green-lit the acquisition.New Holland Receives Approval For Pabst-Branded WhiskeyNew Holland Brewing Co. recently received federal label approval for a Pabst Brewing Co.-branded whiskey, signaling a contract distilling arrangement between the two companies, according to MiBiz.com.Recall that Michigan beer company inked a marketing, sales and distribution agreement with Pabst in December 2016. Additionally, Pabst already sells a bourbon under the Not Your Father’s label.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 20 - Cut Out the Middleman and How the Other Half Lives

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2019 18:27


Craft Brew News - 3/1/2019Actual Brewing Files for BankruptcyIn the wake of sexual assault allegations against Actual Brewing Company founder Fred Lee, the Columbus, Ohio-based craft beer company has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to Columbus Business First.Actual’s largest unsecured claim is a $100,000 loan made by John Dilley, Business Firstreported. The company also owes federal taxes of $55,000 and thousands of dollars to other creditors, including the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services ($3,750), the city of Columbus ($3,500), Keg Logistics ($21,392), mobile canner Iron Heart Canning ($5,087), and its landlord, Plaza Properties ($39,068).Meanwhile, the company is facing a civil lawsuit from an investor attempting to recoup $50,000, the outlet reported.Northern Eagle Beverage Acquires New Jersey A-B WholesalerNorthern Eagle Beverage Co. today announced the acquisition of Anheuser-Busch Sales of New Jersey, a Jersey City-based wholly-owned distributor, according to a press release.The divestiture does raise questions about A-B’s next potential move. Included among the conditions in last October’s final judgment approving A-B’s MegaBrew merger with SABMiller is an agreement that the global beer giant cannot purchase a beer wholesaler if the acquisition would result in more than 10 percent of its U.S. volume being sold via wholly-owned distribution companies.In 2015, A-B swapped ownership of a wholly-owned distribution outfit in Kentucky for three Colorado operations owned by Texas-based Standard Sales Company. As the pace of middle-tier consolidation picks up, it’s possible A-B could look to buy a wholesaler in another market, while still remaining under the 10 percent threshold established by the U.S. Department of Justice.Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against Molson CoorsMolson Coors is facing a class-action lawsuit for overstating its net income by nearly $400 million in 2016, according to the Denver Post.In an SEC filing last week, Molson Coors blamed accounting errors with inflating its net income totals and understating its tax liabilities in 2016. Additional accounting errors in 2017 led to overstated tax expenses as well as understated net income and deferred tax liability, the Associated Press reported.The lawsuit claims that Molson Coors — whose flagship products include Miller Lite and Coors Light — as well as CEO Mark Hunter and CFO Tracey Joubert engaged in a scheme to deceive investors by knowingly or deliberately disregarding that the company’s financial statement contained errors and misleading statements.Other Half Hires Eric Salazar Away From New BelgiumAfter a 23-year career at New Belgium, Eric Salazar has departed the Fort Collins-headquartered craft brewery to join New York’s Other Half Brewing and lead its wood-aged and wild ale program, according to the Democrat & Chronicle.Other Half co-founder and brewmaster Sam Richardson told the outlet “He’s going to help us reimagine what we want this program to look like,”.However, Other Half has yet to establish a home for its nascent sour production, which it is currently searching for. For his part, Salazar, who departed New Belgium at the beginning of the year, told the Democrat & Chronicle that he and his wife, Amy, were looking to move to the East Coast to be closer to her family.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 19 - Big Boys and Boston Beer Garden Drama

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2019 10:37


Craft Brew News – 2/22/19Courtesy of Brewbound.comReceiver Reaches Agreement to Sell DME Group’s Main BusinessCourt-appointed receiver Alvarez & Marsal filed a report Thursday saying it had reached an agreement to sell financially troubled Canadian brewing equipment manufacturer DME Group’s manufacturing and fabrication headquarters in Charlottetown.According to the receiver’s second report filed with the Superior Court of Prince Edward Island, Alvarez & Marsal said it executed a purchase agreement with CIMC Enric Tank and Process Ltd. on February 13. Now, the receiver is asking the court to approve the sale.According to CIMC’s website, the company is “one of the largest suppliers for the beverages and liquid food industries,” with operations around the globe.Alvarez & Marsal said CIMC plans to continue the DME Group’s operations in Charlottetown, employ a majority of the employees currently working at the facility and potentially rehire others.Backlash Over Boston Beer GardensA pair of Massachusetts lawmakers are attempting to rein in Boston’s popular outdoor beer gardens, according to the Boston Globe.Driven by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, state Sens. Ed Kennedy (D-Lowell) and Nick Collins (D-South Boston) are co-sponsoring a bill that would prevent any person or company from obtaining more than 14 one-day licenses a year. Beer companies such as Trillium and Wachusett, among others, have used those licenses to operate outdoor beer gardens from the spring into the fall.Currently, the law allows applicants to obtain up to 30 one-day licenses. However, beer companies have used a loophole that allows multiple applicants to request licenses on their behalf. Last year, the city issued 82 one-day licenses, up from 39 in 2017, the Globe reported.Speaking to the Globe, Massachusetts Restaurant Association president and CEO Bob Luz said the law is being abused to the detriment of his organization’s members.The states brewers have said they’re willing to work with lawmakers to evolve the law.Meanwhile, Notch Brewing founder Chris Lohring pointed out that the bill as written wouldn’t just hurt craft brewers, but would also affect nonprofits that rely on one-day licenses.Jim Koch Responds to #CorntroversyIt’s been nearly two weeks since Anheuser-Busch launched its Bud Light Super Bowl ads pointing out MillerCoors’ use of corn syrup in its flagship Miller Lite and Coors Light offerings and upsetting corn farmers. Now, Boston Beer Company founder Jim Koch has trudged into the cornfield with a blog post on the Samuel Adams website titled “Corntroversy — Deja Vu?”Koch wrote “It’s like McDonald’s and Burger King arguing about grilling vs. broiling their burgers,” he wrote. “Who cares? Fast food is still fast food.” Koch also predicted that the next phase of A-B’s fight with MillerCoors would be either the latter’s use of hop extract or an attack on imports such as Corona and Modelo, which “use the same industrial brewing techniques and ingredients”Koch also wrote “How safe is the quality image and premium price point of imported beers if drinkers realize that their fancy, upscale image hides less expensive ingredients and industrial brewing practices, just as happened in 1986?”Drizly Partners with BevMo! in CaliforniaBoston-based on-demand alcohol delivery company Drizly is expanding its reach in California via a new partnership with retailer BevMo!, according to a press releaseBevMo has 166 beer, wine and liquor stores on West Coast.The deal will make Drizly’s 60-minute delivery service available in 45 of BevMo!’s stores, including those in the Bay Area, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles and San Diego.With the addition of BevMo!, Drizly now partners with more than 1,000 retail locations in more than 100 cities across North America. The company recently secured $34.5 million as part of a Series C fundraising round.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 18 - Not Your Father's Union

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2019 9:43


Craft Brew News 2/15/19(Courtesy of Brewbound.com)Union Efforts Start at Anchor BrewingAnchor Employees Attempt to UnionizeWorkers of the iconic Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco have begun the process of unionizing, Splinter News reported.In a letter dated February 7, Anchor’s employees requested that Japan’s Sapporo Holdings Limited, which acquired the brewery in 2017, recognize their union with the International Longshoremen & Warehouse Union.“Anchor workers should be paid enough to live in San Francisco,” the letter said. “We’re struggling to survive and raise our families. The work we do is exhausting — and we have to keep moving farther away and driving longer to survive.”The employees added that if Sapporo does not recognize their union, they would file for an election with the National Labor Relations Board.Anchor would not be the only beer company to organize. Brewers Association chief economist Bart Watson tweeted that Boston Beer Company’s Cincinnati production facility as well as Lagunitas’ Chicago operation are both unionized. Additionally, August Schell brewer Dave Berg noted that the Minnesota brewery is also a union house.Pabst Rebrands Not Your Father’s Line, Targets Female ConsumersPabst Brewing Company officially launched the rebrand of its Not Your Father’s FMB line earlier this week. The nationwide rollout of rebranded labels and packaging for its root beer offering and new lemonade flavor started Monday.According to a press release, Pabst is now using the line to target female consumers ages 21 to 35, and the company has lowered the price of 6-packs to $9.99.“We learned that these women are buying 60 percent of the flavored malt beverage business,” Daniel Crawford, Not Your Father’s associate brand manager, said via the release. “We took the time to get to know her – what makes her tick, what motivates her and how she likes to spend her free time – it all guided the new look and the campaign we’re launching to introduce the new brand.”Weyerbacher Cuts 2 Sales Reps, Seeks InvestmentIn a cost-cutting move as it seeks new investment, Easton, Pennsylvania-based Weyerbacher Brewing has laid off two salespeople, according to PhillyBeerWorld.com.Weyerbacher chief operating officer Josh Lampe described the job cuts as “reorganizing.”“We’re getting some funding from investors,” he said. “As part of that, we had to get the company healthy before the investment came in.”According to PhillyBeerWorld.com, Weyerbacher produced about 15,000 barrels of beer in 2018, down from a peak of 19,543 barrels in 2014, according to an estimate from the BA.Meanwhile, Weyerbacher was involved in a two-month dispute with its insurance carrier.Breweries Close in Portland, Oregon and DenverPortland, Oregon-based Burnside Brewing is now closed after its landlord changed the locks to the building due to the 9-year-old beer company failing to keep make its rent payments, Willamette Week reported. Additionally, a lien has been placed on the brewery’s equipment.Employees were reportedly notified via a message — a screenshot of which was shared on Reddit — that the brewery was “no longer operational” as of February 5, and they were encouraged to file for unemployment. The message added that it was unclear if the company would make payroll, but “wages will be paid as soon as possible.”Burnside, which the BA estimated produced 3,400 barrels of beer in 2017, is one of several established Portland beer companies to either shut down completely or close a taproom over the last five months.Meanwhile, Denver-based Fermaentra Brewery announced it would close on February 23, according to the Westword alt-weekly newspaper.“Long story short, a lot of overhead has forced some difficult decisions in the last year and with costs on the rise we don’t foresee being able to operate Fermaentra at the Evans location in a sustainable manner,” the company said in a Facebook post. “In lieu of continuing to operate we have decided to transfer the space over to a brewery with a fresh and exciting model.”Feraementra, which opened in late 2014, produced an estimated 450 barrels in 2017, according to the BA.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 17 - Canadian Cannabis and RateBeer Bias?

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2019 12:57


Craft Brew News 020819Canada’s Collective Arts Brewing to Enter Cannabis MarketCanada’s Collective Arts Brewing is venturing into the cannabis sector.The Hamilton, Ontario-based craft brewery, located about 50 miles from the New York border, has established a sister company called Collective Project Limited that will develop and sell cannabis-infused beverages.In a conversation with Brewbound, CEO and co-founder Matt Johnston said the new line of THC- and CBD-infused beverages would be “artisanal” in nature, and could include non-alcoholic beer, as well as cold brew coffee or tea.The company is also planning to make a multi-million dollar investment on dealcoholization equipment, which will be used to produce non-alcoholic beer infused with THC and CBD, Johnston said.Collective Arts joins a growing list of beer manufacturers that have already invested in the cannabis space. Large beer companies such as Anheuser-Busch InBev (Tilray), Constellation Brands (Canopy Growth) and Molson Coors (Hexo) have each struck partnerships with Canadian cannabis companies. Other U.S. beer manufacturers, including Flying Dog, and Heineken-owned Lagunitas have experimented or explored the possibility of THC- and CBD-infused beverages. Craft Brew Alliance is also eying the sector.Bell’s Brewery to Cease Beer Shipments to VirginiaVirginia may be for lovers, but it won’t be a place where drinkers can purchase Bell’s beer for much longer.Bell’s Brewery founder Larry Bell notified the company’s seven Virginia wholesalers on Friday that the Michigan craft brewery would cease shipments to the state after filling final orders.Bell told Brewbound. “We are not taking any new orders from them at this point,” “Those were difficult calls to make,” he added. “It feels like the government shutdown. Here’s people that aren’t getting a paycheck because of somebody else’s dispute. But the fact of the matter is, with Virginia law, that if we stay in the market, we could be exposing ourselves to legal risk that could be financially devastating.”Bell declined to explain further, citing ongoing legal proceedings before the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC). However, at the center of his company’s retraction from the state is a dispute over the attempted sale of Bell’s distribution rights to a subsidiary of the Reyes Beverage Group.Bell added that his company’s overall shipments grew 2.7 percent in 2018, driven by distribution expansion and organic growth in the company’s home markets. In 2017, Bell’s ranked as the seventh largest craft brewery in the U.S., producing about 463,808 barrels of beer, according to trade group the Brewers Association.Massachusetts Breweries Strike Strategic PartnershipMassachusetts’ Mercury Brewing and Newburyport Brewing today announced a strategic partnership that will give the latter company access to brewing capacity, via a contract arrangement, as well as various sales, marketing, and administrative resources.Speaking to Brewbound, Rob Martin, owner of Mercury Brewing, which produces beers under the Ipswich Ale Brewery label, confirmed that his company had not taken an ownership stake in Newburyport.Instead, Newburyport worked out an agreement with Mercury Brewing that includes payment for brewing, as well as sales, marketing and administrative services.In the process of partnering up, Newburyport will close its existing production facility as it prepares to downsize brewing operations and open a “destination brewery” outfitted with a small-batch, 7-barrel system.Newburyport currently operates on a 20-barrel brewing system and supplements its in-house production with beer brewed under contract at Isle Brewers Guild in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.Mercury Brewing currently makes beer for about 20 different companies, Martin said, and its facility has the capacity to produce as much as 45,000 barrels annually.The addition of Newburyport’s contract business will take Mercury to roughly 90 percent capacity utilization, Martin said.ZX Ventures Fully Acquires RateBeerZX Ventures, Anheuser-Busch InBev’s venture capital arm, has acquired the remaining portion of beer ratings website RateBeer.com that it did not already own.ZX Venture’s full purchase of RateBeer comes after an initial investment was made in October 2016 and disclosed eight months ago.According to a ZX Ventures spokesperson, RateBeer will continue to “operate as an independent entity,” and its “rating system will remain unchanged.”In a statement, ZX Ventures said its acquisition of RateBeer will lead to the expansion of the brand into “new areas,” such as “an affiliate marketplace pilot program in Australia” and further upgrades to the platform’s user experience.The initial round of investment led to backlash from RateBeer users as well as well-known craft brewers such as Dogfish Head and Karl Strauss, among others, who questioned the unbiased nature of the site and asked for their ratings to be removed..News of the investment also comes a week after RateBeer announced its annual list of the “Top 100 Brewers,” which was topped by Vermont’s Hill Farmstead.The rest of the top 10, in descending order, included Russian River Brewing, Trillium Brewing Company, Cigar City, Tree House Brewing, AleSmith, Toppling Goliath, Three Floyds, New Glarus and Side Project.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 16 - Green Flash is Back!

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2019 11:17


Craft Brew News - February 1, 2019With Government Reopened, TTB Begins Processing Backlog of Beer LabelsHundreds of Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) employees returned to work on Monday, following a 35-day government shutdown the brought beer label approvals and other important alcohol beverage enforcement activities to a standstill.Last Friday, President Donald Trump signed a continuing resolution that ended the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and temporarily funded the federal government through February 15.Now, with the threat of another shutdown looming, TTB workers are tasked with processing a backlog of nearly 10,000 alcohol beverage label approval requests that have already been submitted this year.The TTB approved 192,000 alcohol beverage labels — including approximately 34,000 beer labels — in 2018, according to the Washington Post.During the 35-day shutdown, a number of small craft brewery owners were stuck waiting for beer label approvals that couldn’t be processed, delaying new beer releases and causing financial setbacks.Meanwhile, in Oregon, Deschutes Brewery president Michael LaLonde told the Bend Bulletin that 8 percent of the company’s business was at risk as it awaited approval for six beer labels and a cider permit.“It’s having a huge impact on the business and potentially the economy of Oregon itself,” he told the outlet.Green Flash Brewing Rebrands, Re-Releases Original West Coast IPAGreen Flash Brewing today unveiled a new logo, rebranded packages and a reformulated version of its West Coast IPA flagship.The move comes about eight months after the San Diego-based craft brewery named former Anheuser-Busch executive Michael Taylor as its new CEO, following months of financial turmoil and an eventual foreclosure sale to holding company WC IPA LLC.The redesigned packages feature “custom artwork by illustrator Matthew Jay Fleming, whose illustrations depict the vibrant San Diego lifestyle.”“Our new visual identity represents a dramatic shift for the Green Flash brand and reinforces its origin as one of the original San Diego craft beers,” Ben Widseth, the company’s vice president of marketing, said via a press release.In addition to the new package design, the company also re-launched its West Coast IPA flagship with the original recipe. In mid-2014, the company raised the ABV of its West Coast IPA from 7 percent to 8.1 percent.Widseth said “Over the years, we have been listening to our loyal drinkers who reminisced about the original recipe,”. “So we’re excited to bring it back for them to enjoy, along with a portfolio of other fan favorites and new beer releases to come.”In addition to the original West Coast IPA, Green Flash’s core portfolio now includes Soul Style IPA, GFB Blonde Ale and Tropical DNA, a hazy IPA.In 2018, amid ongoing financial troubles, Green Flash was forced to close two production facilities, lay off 76 employees and pull distribution from 42 states.Asahi to Buy Fuller’s Beer and Cider BusinessTokyo-based Asahi Group Holdings today announced a $327 million deal to acquire the beer and cider business of London-based Fuller Smith & Turner.Financial details were not disclosed, and the the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2019.According to the BBC, Fuller’s will now focus on its pub and hotel business, which accounts for about 87 of the company’s profits. In a press release announcing the deal, Asahi said it would supply beer to Fuller’s more than 380 pubs and hotels in London and south of England.“The deal secures the future of both part of our business including protecting the heritage of the Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, which was particularly important to the Fuller’s board,” Fuller’s chief executive Simon Emeny told the BBC.As part of the deal, Asahi will acquire Fuller’s beer and cider brands, such as London Pride, Frontier lager and Cornish Orchards cider. Asahi will receive the right to use Fuller’s trademarks, although the U.K. company will maintain ownership of the brand name. Asahi will also take control of Fuller’s Griffin Brewery in London, where the company was founded in 1845.The Fuller’s offerings join an Asahi portfolio that includes previously acquired brands such as Peroni and Pilsner Urquell, which were both purchased in 2016.Goose Island Brewmaster DepartsGoose Island brewmaster Jared Jankoski is leaving the Chicago-based and Anheuser-Busch-owned craft brewery for Madison, Wisconsin-based craft brewery Octopi Brewing, according to the Chicago Tribune.Goose Island has yet to identify a replacement.Jankoski told the Tribune that his decision to depart Goose Island after seven years was a personal one, noting that he is “not really a city person.” He joins the 3-year-old Octopi Brewing as brewmaster and will help the company through a $10 million expansion project that will increase its capacity from 40,000 barrels to 100,000 barrels.News Brought to you by Brewbound (www.brewbound.com)Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 15 - Brew Dogs in Ohio - Cannabis in New York

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2019 12:34


Craft Brew News – 1/25/2019ZX Ventures-Backed Kombrewcha Refreshes Look, Expands DistributionAmid growing interest in more “functional” alcoholic beverages, one of the country’s pioneering hard kombucha brands is undergoing a makeover in an effort to appeal to younger female consumers looking for boozier versions of the fermented tea beverage.Originally launched in 2013 as a more traditional non-alcoholic kombucha, Kombrewcha — which was co-founded by Honest Tea co-creator Barry Nalebuff and received investment from Anheuser-Busch’s ZX Ventures in 2016 — has upped its alcohol content and unveiled new packaging as an emerging hard kombucha category begins to develop.Speaking to Brewbound, Kombrewcha CEO Garrett Bredenkamp said the moves — which include a transition from bottles to cans and expanded distribution to the Pacific Northwest — were the byproduct of consumer feedback from the last year. The company’s core customer — active 28- to 45-year-old women — wants a sessionable beverage with a slightly higher ABV and natural ingredients packaged in cans, he said.So starting in March, Kombrewcha will increase the ABV of its three core offerings — Royal Ginger, Lemongrass Lime and Berry Hibiscus — from 3.2 percent ABV to 4.4 percent ABV.Those products will also move into 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, sold at a suggested retail price of $11.99, as the company phases out 4-pack bottles.Kombrewcha, which was originally founded as a non-alcoholic beverage company, pivoted a little more than a year ago to become one of the first hard kombucha brands. The boozy version of Kombrewcha launched in New York City, where it gained shelf placements at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s stores, as well as more than 100 on-premise accounts.New York Prohibition Party Seeks Alcohol BanA political party seeking to ban beer, wine and spirits has re-formed in New York, according to NYup.com. Dormant since the 1940s, the New York Prohibition Party reemerged in 2017 with a goal of establishing “a lasting prohibition of the manufacture and sale of alcohol, to abolish the alcohol industry, and to establish a teetotal culture,” the outlet reported.The party is targeting Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has been a vocal supporter of the state’s craft alcohol industry and given tax credits, grants and other incentives to emerging companies.“Governor Cuomo is perhaps the worst governor on alcohol issues that our state has had since Herbert Lehman [New York’s governor when Prohibition ended in 1933],” the NY Prohibition Party told NYup.com in an email. “His support for the alcohol industry is unethical and has harmed the people of New York.”BrewDog to Fly UK Investors to OhioBrewDog is getting into the airline business… sort of. The Scottish craft beer makers announced an exclusive trip for its Equity for Punks investors to go from London to Ohio, on February 21st through the 25th.“Our shareholders are involved in every aspect of our business – for a chance to check out our Columbus brewery like never before, there’s no better way to travel than with BrewDog Airlines,” the company wrote on its website.BrewDog said it would give travelers a behind-the-scenes look at its Columbus brewery as well as tours of other breweries in the region.Canopy Growth Corporation to Invest Up to $150 Million in New York Production FacilityLess than a month after the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill, Canadian cannabis company Canopy Growth Corporation has announced plans to invest up to $150 million to establish its first U.S. production facility in New York state.Earlier this week, Canopy announced that the Empire State had granted it a license to begin processing and producing hemp. In a press release, Canopy said it would invest between $100 million and $150 million to build a U.S. operation in New York’s Southern Tier. The company added that it plans to establish “large-scale production capabilities focused on hemp extraction and product manufacturing,” which would allow it to produce “tons of hemp extract” annually.Canopy called its expansion into the U.S. “another example of the strategic advantage” last year’s $4 billion investment from Corona and Modelo maker Constellation Brands provides the company.For their part, executives with the New York-headquartered Constellation Brands have expressed confidence in Canopy’s ability to achieve a $1 billion (Canadian) revenue run rate within the next 18 months. CEO Rob Sands, who will be supplanted by current president and COO Bill Newlands in March, has referred to cannabis as the “most significant global growth opportunity for the next decade.”Sales of legal cannabis in North America are forecasted to grow to $24.2 billion by 2021, according to BDS Analytics, which tracks cannabis industry trends.Canopy credited the work of U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer in helping pass the Farm Bill, along with Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s creation of the “Hemp Research Pilot Program,” for its decision to establish a base in New York state.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 14 - Mickey Mouse Digs Sculpin IPA

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2019 13:02


Craft Brew News – 1/18/19Maryland’s Flying Dog Brewery Hopes to Release Cannabis-Infused BeerPending approval from the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, Flying Dog Brewery and Green Leaf Medical Cannabis plan to release Hop Chronic IPA, the state of Maryland’s first THC-infused non-alcoholic beer.The two Frederick, Maryland-based companies announced today that they intend to make Hop Chronic available to the state’s medical cannabis patients as an alternative to smoking or vaping as early as this summer.Flying Dog CEO Jim Caruso stated, “For people who don’t want to smoke, don’t want to vape, there’s no path of experiencing the therapeutic benefits,” “It feels good to be a part of creating a delicious IPA where people who want to experience cannabis that way can do that.”However, Flying Dog and Green Leaf face a potential regulatory roadblock as the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission has yet to allow companies to produce or sell edible cannabis products.Nevertheless, Caruso stated that he’s optimistic the product will be approved since similar offerings have already received the go ahead in other states, like Colorado, where Ceria, Inc. founder and Blue Moon creator Keith Villa launched a similar product in December.If approved, Flying Dog would join a number of beer manufacturers that have already entered the cannabis space. Large beer companies such as Anheuser-Busch InBev (Tilray), Constellation Brands (Canopy Growth) and Molson Coors (Hexo) have each struck partnerships with Canadian cannabis companies. Other U.S. beer manufacturers, including Heineken-owned Lagunitas and Craft Brew Alliance (31.4 percent owned by A-B InBev), have experimented or explored the possibility of THC- and CBD-infused beverages.Ballast Point Sets Opening Date for Downtown Disney TaproomA year after announcing plans to open a taproom in Anaheim’s downtown Disney district at the Disneyland Resort, San Diego’s Ballast Point’s brewpub has set an opening date of Wednesday, January 16.The Constellation Brands-owned craft brewery said the new taproom will feature a 3-barrel brewing system and offer more than 50 styles of Ballast Point beer across 100 tap lines.Constellation Brands craft and specialty president Ben Dollard said, via a press release. “This new location also gives our passionate brewing and culinary teams the perfect place to test new and inventive offerings, as we welcome longtime Ballast Point fans and introduce new guests to our brand,” The Disney taproom is Ballast Point’s ninth in the U.S.Braxton Brewing Announces $5 Million ExpansionKentucky’s Braxton Brewing Company has embarked on a $5 million expansion that will include the purchase of the building where its brewery is currently situated, as well as the construction of a rooftop bar and the installation of a new canning line.Braxton co-founder and CEO Jake Rouse said the construction of the new 5,000 sq. ft. rooftop bar would cost about $1.5 million.The craft beer maker, which launched in 2015, will also spend approximately $2 million to acquire the Covington, Kentucky, property where the brewery is located, and another $1.5 million to expand production capabilities.According to Rouse, Braxton made about 17,000 barrels of beer in 2018, up from 11,500 in 2017. The company expects to produce upwards of 25,000 barrels in 2019 but will have the capacity to make 30,000 barrels.In late December, Braxton announced the launch of Vive Hard Seltzer. The product will be sold in 12 oz. slim cans, which led the company to invest in a new canning line capable of filling those packages.In addition to the Vive Hard Seltzer line, Braxton recently launched a new year-round New England-style IPA, called Tropic Flare. Four-packs of 12 oz. cans sell for a suggested retail price of $9.99.San Diego Brewers Guild, Lyft Share Most Requested Brewery DestinationsThe San Diego Brewers Guild and Lyft shared their list of most traveled craft brewery destinations of 2018. Those destinations include Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens at Liberty Station, Half Door Brewing Co., Fall Brewing Company, Mike Hess Brewing in North Park, Border X Brewing, Hillcrest Brewing Company, Ocean Beach Brewery, Mission Brewery, Viewpoint Brewing Company and Coronado Brewing Company/Coronado Brewpub.The Brewers Guild and Lyft also shared the most requested brewery destinations during the 2018 San Diego Beer Week, which included Stone Brewing World Bistro at Liberty Station, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Half Door Brewing Co., AleSmith Brewing Company and Bay City Brewing Co.Lyft will continue to serve as the official rideshare partner of the San Diego Brewers Guild in 2019.Stories brought to you courtesy of Brewbound (www.brewbound.com)Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 13 - Caviar and Cannabis in Hollywood

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2019 22:23


Craft Brew News – 01/11/190.05 (Blood Alcohol Content) BAC Limit Takes Effect in UtahUtah will have the toughest drunk driving laws in the nation as of December 30, according to NPR. The state’s 0.05 blood alcohol content limit goes into effect just one day before New Year’s Eve.The legal limit for the rest of the country remains 0.08., which the American Beverage Institute told NPR would take about four drinks for a 180-pound man to reach. It would only take two drinks for a 180-pound man to hit Utah’s new 0.05 limit, however.Utah’s 0.05 BAC limit was initially signed into law in March 2017, but it took more than a year to implement due to a review process that was intended to ensure it didn’t lead to any unintended consequences. As the new BAC limit goes into effect, Utah continues to be an outlier on alcohol-related laws. The state will soon be one of the last in the nation the bar grocery, convenience and big box stores from selling beer above 3.2 alcohol by weight.Threes Brewing Partners with Caviar for Home DeliveryNew York’s Threes Brewing Company has partnered with delivery service Caviar to offer on-demand beer delivery within a four-mile radius of its taproom in Brooklyn’s Gowanus neighborhood. The company hopes to expand the service in the future.There is a $15 minimum for deliveries, which shouldn’t be an issue since prices range from $15 for a 500 mL bottle to a $20 4-pack of cans.Scotty’s Brewhouse Chain Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe Scotty’s Brewhouse brewpub chain has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to Inside Indiana Business.Before the calendars flip to 2019, Scotty’s plans to close four unprofitable locations in Muncie and Indianapolis, Indiana, as well as Carmel and Waco, Texas.In a press release, Scotty’s Brewhouse president Chris Martin said the company’s focus will shift to “growing the brand through franchising as well as management agreements.”In December 2016, Scotty’s founder Scott Wise sold the chain, which he founded in 1996, along with two Thr3e Wise Men Brewing Co. brewpubs to a subsidiary of Arizona-based Due North Holdings LLC.West Hollywood Approves Cannabis Cafes and RestaurantsThe city of West Hollywood, California, recently approved several applications for cannabis restaurants, cafes and lounges, according to Eater Los Angeles. Among the approved locations are:Eight cafes where only edibles can be consumedEight lounges where cannabis smoking, vaping and edible consumption will be permittedEight medical dispensariesEight adult-use retailersEight cannabis delivery servicesApproved businesses now have a year to obtain a business license through the city and secure storefronts.States Eyeing Cannabis Legalization in 2019Marijuana Moment editor and Forbes contributor Tom Angell recently examined the states that appear poised to legalize recreational use cannabis in 2019. Those states include Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.Other states such as Kansas, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Texas and South Carolina could follow suit through ballot initiatives or the legalization of medical use cannabis.So far, 10 states have legalized recreational use cannabis, and 33 states allow marijuana use for medical purposes.Articles brought to you by Brewbound – www.brewbound.comSubscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 12 - My Miller is Better Than Your Bud

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2019 24:20


Craft Brew News – 12/28/18TTB Suspends Operations Amid Government ShutdownAs the partial shutdown of the U.S. government stretches into its fifth day, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has officially closed.A temporary landing page on the agency’s website states that alcohol companies will still be able to access the TTB website to make electronic payments, submit labels or formulas, and to file other operational reports, but TTB employees will “not be able to respond to questions or comments submitted via the website until appropriations are enacted.”At the time, the TTB expected 51 of its 478 employees to continue working during the shutdown.The shutdown, which White House officials have said could last into 2019, comes after Trump and House Republicans refused to accept a short-term spending bill that would have funded the government until February 8, 2019.When the federal government shutdown for 16 days in 2013, applications and label submissions were backlogged and some breweries expressed concerns that the release of new beers and seasonal offerings could be delayed as a result.Canopy Growth Eyes US Market Following Farm Bill SigningCanadian cannabis company Canopy Growth Corporation announced plans to enter the U.S. market shortly after President Donald Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law on Thursday.“Canopy Growth will participate in the American market now that there is a clear federally permissible path to the market,” Canopy CEO and chairman Bruce Linton said via a press release. “Consistent with the spirit of the Farm Bill, Canopy Growth will participate in ways that support American farmers.”Canopy offered no further details. However, the company stated that it is “well-positioned to enter the U.S. market” as a result of a $4 billion investment from Constellation Brands, as well as its “deep hemp-specific portfolio of intellectual property acquired from Colorado-based ebbu Inc.”The 2018 Farm Bill decriminalizes industrial hemp and allows for the cultivation and more widespread commercialization of the variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that, according to the bill, contains less than 0.3 percent THC.News of Canopy’s plans to enter the U.S. market comes just two days after the world’s largest beer manufacturer, Anheuser-Busch InBev, announced a research partnership with Canadian cannabis company Tilray to explore the creation of non-alcoholic beverages infused with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).Arcadia Foreclosure Auction PostponedA December 20 foreclosure auction for Michigan’s Arcadia Brewing Company has been delayed, according to MLive.com.Karen Hencken, a certified court officer who handles mortgage foreclosures in Kalamazoo County, told MLive.com that the auction was postponed for the next seven days, but due to the holidays, would likely be adjourned until January 10.The Kalamazoo-based craft brewery had fallen behind $1.4 million behind on its mortgage. However, brewery founder Tim Suprise told Brewbound earlier this month that he was in discussions with potential “strategic partners” that would help the company avert foreclosure.Advertising Watchdog: Miller Lite Can Claim ‘More Taste’ Than Bud Light, Michelob UltraIn response to a challenge by Anheuser-Busch, the National Advertising Division (NAD) has found that MillerCoors has proven a “reasonable basis” to claim that Miller Lite has “more taste” than A-B brands Bud Light and Michelob Ultra, according to a press release from the Better Business Bureau program, which monitors national advertising campaigns for truth and accuracy.However, the NAD recommended that MillerCoors stop using its “Know Your Beer” commercials that appear to show the conclusion is based upon a taste test.Both beer companies viewed the decision favorably. A-B told the Associated Press that it was encouraged by the finding that MillerCoors had “misrepresented Itself” and its taste preference claims were “unsupported by fact.”Meanwhile, MillerCoors CEO Gavin Hattersley told his company’s “Behind the Beer” blog that the beer maker was “pleased with the ruling” and would adjust the campaign to comply with the NAD’s recommendations.“We know it’s helping distinguish Miller Lite, and obviously garnering the attention of our competitors as well,” he told the blog.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 11 - Taxes, THC and Trouble

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2018 11:57


Craft Brew News – 12/21/18Pennsylvania Breweries Face Tax on Beer Sold in TaproomsCraft brewery owners in Pennsylvania are attempting to restructure the collection of a forthcoming sales tax that is slated to begin next July and would increase the cost of beer sold directly to consumers for on- and off-premise consumption at the state’s nearly 300 taprooms, tasting rooms and brewpubs.As of July 1, 2019, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (DOR) will begin collecting a 6 percent sales tax for every dollar of beer sold directly to consumers via brewery taprooms, tasting rooms and brewpubs. The tax would be in addition to the $2.48 per barrel state excise tax that Pennsylvania breweries already pay. Chris Lampe, co-owner of Weyerbacher Brewing Company and president of the Brewers of PA, estimated that “90 percent” of the state’s 300 brewing locations would be affected by the implementation of the sales tax.“In the past six years, the Brewers of Pennsylvania has gone from 12 members to 250 members and a large portion of those newer members of the Brewers of For example, a bar owner would pay about $9 in taxes on a $150 keg purchased from a wholesaler. However, that same keg of beer sold inside a brewery taproom for $5 a pint, at 120 pints, would net $36 in taxes. “I can tell you at Weyerbacher it certainly would be passed on and there would be a sign up saying this is exactly why,” Lampe said.Anheuser-Busch and Tilray Partner to Research Non-Alcoholic THC and CBD DrinksAnheuser-Busch InBev today announced a partnership with Canadian cannabis company Tilray that is aimed at researching non-alcoholic beverages infused with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).In a joint press release, the two companies said they would each invest up to $50 million to better understand the market for beverages infused with cannabis. The arrangement is limited to Canada.Under the terms of the partnership, A-B subsidiary Labatt Breweries of Canada will work with Tilray subsidiary High Park Company, an adult-use cannabis company that makes, sells and distributes cannabis brands in Canada.Legal recreational cannabis sales throughout Canada began on October 17, 2018, and A-B InBev is latest major beer manufacturer to partner with a cannabis company north of the border.Constellation Brands has invested more than $4 billion into Canada’s Canopy Growth Corporation, acquiring a 38 percent stake in the process.Earlier this month, Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, which allows for the cultivation and more widespread commercialization of industrial hemp — a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that, according to the bill, contains less than 0.3 percent THC. The bill would also exclude hemp from the Controlled Substances Act.President Donald Trump is expected to sign the 2018 Farm Bill on Thursday.Deschutes Cuts 7 Percent of WorkforceOregon’s Deschutes Brewery laid off dozens of employees last week, citing missed growth projections.Speaking to Brewbound, Deschutes Brewery president and CEO Michael LaLonde said the company cut about seven percent of its workforce on Thursday. Affected positions came from sales, marketing and operations.LaLonde told Brewbound that Deschutes had “staffed up to grow over the past two years” but had to slash its workforce when that growth never materialized.Deschutes, which was ranked as the tenth largest craft brewery last year by trade group the Brewers Association, is on pace to finish 2018 with sales of about 315,000 barrels of beer, LaLonde told Brewbound. The 30-year-old beer company’s volume trends are down from a peak in 2016, when it sold 374,313 barrels. Last year, the company’s sales declined 9 percent, to 339,155 barrels.Deschutes is the latest craft brewery to downsize its workforce in 2018. Lagunitas, New Belgium, Green Flash, Ninkasi, and Avery Brewing, among others, also laid off workers this year. Large brewers, including Anheuser-Busch, MillerCoors, Constellation Brands and Pabst have also reduced their head counts.The layoffs at Deschutes come about a week after the company said it would not break groundon a planned $95 million manufacturing facility in Roanoke, Virginia in 2019.Lalonde told Brewbound that the goal remains to “break ground and build in Roanoke.” However, the size and scale of that project are now in question.To Fund Ongoing Legal Disputes, Craft Beer Cellar Turns to CrowdsourcingEmbattled Massachusetts-based retail franchisor Craft Beer Cellar is asking the public for $250,000 that it says will be put toward “past, present and future legal demands.”The request, posted to fundraising platform GoFundMe, comes about two months after the retailer’s parent company, “Craft Beer Stellar, LLC,” had a lawsuit against employment website Glassdoor dismissed by a federal judge in Massachusetts, and about one month after it filed a lawsuit against one of its franchisees.On November 19, Craft Beer Stellar, which oversees 32 franchise locations and one wholly-owned retail store, filed a lawsuit against one of its franchisees, Gardiner, Maine-based Hoppy Days, LLC.In addition to naming a group of one or more anonymous individuals that allegedly posted confidential information to the Glassdoor website as part of that lawsuit, Craft Beer Stellar also named John Callinan, who owned and operated the now-shuttered northern Maine beer store, as a defendant.In the lawsuit, Craft Beer Stellar claims it has “suffered irreparable harm to its business and reputation in the craft beer industry,” and said the negative online reviews have caused the business to lose sales and “prospective business.”As of press time, 12 individuals had pledged $625 toward the $250,000 goal. Among those who contributed are Idle Hands Craft Ales founder Chris Tkach and Firestone Walker territory manager Kristen Demergian.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 10 - Ebb and Flow of Craft Beer World

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2018 14:12


Craft Brew News – 12/14/18Itunes – Ranked # 12 in Food Category and #1 Craft Beer Podcast recently – THANK YOU!Interviewed John Kimmich – Co-Founder of Alchemist – Stowe, VT•Famous Heady Topper, an unfiltered double India pale ale (IPA) with an 8 percent ABV•Men's Journal calls Heady Topper, “America's most coveted beer.”•RateBeer.com names it one of the 100 best beers in the world. •It regularly tops the charts at BeerAdvocate.comTrying to get Sam Calagione Founder of DogfishHead and Jim Koch Founder of Boston Beer Co. on – connect us!Drizly Lands $34.5 Million in Series C FundingDrizly, a Boston-based on-demand alcohol delivery company, has secured another $34.5 million as part of a Series C fundraising round, according to a December 10 SEC filing.Founded in 2012, Drizly has now raised about $70 million across multiple fundraising rounds from a variety of investors. Early-round investors also included First Beverage, Suffolk Equity, Gary Vaynerchuk (via the Vayner RSE fund – Wine Library) and the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.Six-year-old Drizly, which processed over 1 million transactions in 2017, currently bills itself as “the world’s largest alcohol marketplace.” Its mobile application enables consumers to shop for beer, wine and spirits and compare prices.Drizly, which operates in more than 100 North American markets and recently expanded into Vancouver, Canada, has forged partnerships with more than 1,000 retailers. The company is aiming to add another 2,000 retail stores in 2019, according to source with knowledge of the company’s growth strategies.•Intrastate Shipping Available In (16): •California•Colorado•Connecticut•D.C.•Florida•Illinois•Louisiana•Massachusetts•Minnesota•Missouri•New Jersey•New York•North Carolina•Ohio•Oregon•Washington•Interstate Shipping Available In (8): •Virginia•West Virginia•Idaho•North Dakota•Nebraska•New Mexico•Nevada•OregonDME Receivership Leaves Hundreds of Craft Brewers in LimboNearly 26 months after the merger of Canadian brewing equipment manufacturers Diversified Metal Engineering (DME) and Newlands Systems, the combined company has fallen into receivership after defaulting on loan payments to the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).DME Group’s financial troubles have left hundreds of of North American craft brewery owners who had already shelled out millions of dollars in equipment deposits in limbo.DME’s list of unsecured brewery creditors features a host of well-known producers, including 10 Barrel Brewing, Anchorage Brewing, Diageo, Foam Brewers, Labatt, Lord Hobo, Maine Beer Company, Monday Night Brewing, Moosehead Breweries, New Belgium Brewing, Night Shift Brewing, Notch Brewing, Tired Hands Brewing, and Wicked Weed, among many others.DME’s financial woes follow issues for several other brewing equipment manufacturers, including the closure of Portland, Oregon-based Metal Craft in 2017 and Canton, Ohio-based SysTech Stainless Works earlier this year.Thad Fisco, owner of Portland Kettle Works, likened the closings to small brewers stuck in the “hinterland between being regional and being local.”“Same exact thing is happening in the manufacturing business,” he said. “Too much debt, the debt gets ahead of you, you can’t make the payments and the banks come in and foreclose.”Still, the closure of a large manufacturer such as DME is an opportunity for companies such as Portland Kettle Works, Fisco said.Anheuser-Busch Lays Off Dozens of Brewery WorkersAnheuser-Busch InBev has eliminated nearly 40 jobs across North America, Brewbound has learned.In a statement issued last Friday, A-B said it was making “a limited number of targeted changes” to its North American “supply organization.”Last week’s cuts come about 15 months after A-B eliminated nearly 2 percent of its North American workforce in a move that impacted approximately 350 employees.A-B joins a growing list of beer companies that have downsized their workforces in 2018, including Constellation Brands, Pabst Brewing Company, Lagunitas, New Belgium, Green Flash, Ninkasi, and Avery Brewing, among others.Through the first nine months of 2018, A-B’s U.S. revenues have declined 1.4 percent. Meanwhile, the company’s two flagship brands — Bud Light and Budweiser — continue to lose volume although both still rank among the top five Brewery Openings on the Rise in Major U.S. Population Centers, BA ReportsU.S. cities with populations in excess of 5 million have seen the most percentage growth of brewery openings in the past five years, according to Brewers Association chief economist Bart Watson.In an email to Brewbound, Watson explained that the growth in the number of breweries in the U.S.’s largest cities is partially due to those locations playing “catch-up” with the rest of the country.Watson’s data — including an interactive map — revealed that eight metro areas are now home to more than 100 breweries.Leading the way is Chicago, with 167 breweries. Interviewed Chet Brett (Brand Manager) from Tribes Brewing Co. in Mokena, IL - Chicago area– they are doing well and selling a lot of beer.Trailing Chicago are long-time beer meccas and other major population centers, including Denver (158), Seattle (153), San Diego (150), Los Angeles (146), New York (141), Portland, Oregon (139), and Philadelphia (113).The last time Watson charted the data — in 2013 — Seattle’s 87 breweries were the most in the nation. Chicago ranked fifth that year with 62 breweries, trailing Portland, Oregon (77), San Diego (76) and Denver (63).Rankings are fleeting, however, as more breweries open their doors and shutter. According to the BA, 7,000 breweries were in operation as of the end of October, with potentially as many as 1,000 openings in 2018. Meanwhile, Watson told Brewbound earlier this year that he anticipates as many as 300 brewery closures by the end of 2018, as the gap between openings and closings begins to converge.News courtesy of Brewbound (https://www.brewbound.com/)Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 9 - We are Ranked #12 in Food Category on iTunes!

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2018 29:32


Craft Brew News – 12/07/18WE ARE RANKED # 12 IN FOOD CATEGORY ON iTUNES !!!!California ABC Uncovers Brewpub ViolationsA statewide investigation by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) into 70 brewpubs with “Type 75” licenses uncovered violations by nearly 50 of the licensees.As Brewbound reported in late July, the Type 75 retail restaurant license gives brewpubs the ability to produce between 100 and 5,000 barrels annually. However, some business owners sought to obtain the licenses with the primary intent to sell spirits.The investigation found that nearly 50 licensees were either not brewing beer, not meeting the quotas or not functioning as a brewpub.California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a new law in September allowing Type 75 licensees to sell their products for off-premise consumption. The law also tightened requirements for obtaining the license, requiring license holders to operate at least a 7-barrel brewing system and produce and sell at least 200 barrels annually.Previously, Type 75 licensees were required to produce at least 100 barrels per year, with no sales requirements. That led some business owners to seek the licenses, which cost about $14,000, instead of obtaining liquor license, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.More than 1,200 Breweries Join Sierra Nevada Wildfire Relief ProjectMore than 1,200 breweries have signed up to brew a special IPA, created by Sierra Nevada in an effort to raise money for wildfire relief. As part of those efforts, beer companies will brew the same beer and donate proceeds to the Camp Fire Relief Fund, which supports those affected by the California wildfire that killed 88 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.Sierra Nevada founder Ken Grossman wrote that his company will donate 100 percent of sales from Resilience Butte County Proud IPA to the fund.“Our hope is to get Resilience IPA in taprooms all over the country to create a solid start for our community’s future,” Grossman wrote.Brewers large and small have agreed to participate.New Belgium Brewing Launches ‘Up Next’ Rotator Series with Brut IPAFORT COLLINS, Colo. — New Belgium Brewing’s brand new Up Next Series taps into the brewery’s tradition of innovation by offering easy-drinking, unique and flavor-bending beers that reflect evolving trends in food and drink. Brut IPA, a bubbly and effervescent brew perfect to ring in the New Year, is first up in the Up Next Series.Inspired by sparkling wine and partner Dick Cantwell’s foray into brewing Brut IPAs at sister brewery Magnolia Brewing in San Francisco, New Belgium’s Brut IPA pours a bright and bubbly platinum blonde with white grape and tropical aromas that give way to a refreshingly dry finish. The beer offers a crisp alternative to hazy fruit-forward IPAs.Ross Koenigs, New Belgium Research & Development Brewer states “Our Brut IPA mashes wine notes with a beer backbone that delivers the best of both traditions. This beer will take you through the holidays and beyond – it makes a great beer-mosa as well. ”Left Hand Brewing Company Expands International Distribution to SwedenLONGMONT, Colo. – Left Hand Brewing Co., a pioneer in craft beer innovation through its nitro technology, has partnered with Great Brands to expand its international distribution into Sweden. Beginning this month, Left Hand Brewing’s flagship brand, Milk Stout Nitro, will be available in Systembolaget in 12oz bottles.Left Hand’s Milk Stout Nitro is the number one selling craft stout in the U.S. In 2011, Left Hand became the first American craft brewery to encapsulate the nitro draft experience when it debuted Milk Stout Nitro in the bottle. The innovation continued in 2016 when Left Hand introduced the first U.S.-made nitro widget cans, allowing nitro fans to take these smooth and creamy beers on the go.Jörgen Hasselqvist, co-founder and marketing manager at Great Brands said“We have had a long relationship with Left Hand and Milk Stout was the reason in the beginning, so to being able to introduce Milk Stout Nitro across Sweden is amazing. It will be a fun adventure to make America’s Stout into Sweden’s Stout of choice!”Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 8 - Pabst and Trillium Accusations!

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2018 14:01


Craft Beer News – 11/30/18MillerCoors, Pabst settle lawsuit over brewing contract•MillerCoors and Pabst Brewing settled a lawsuit Wednesday in which Pabst claimed the bigger brewer lied about its ability to continue brewing Pabst's beers to put that company out of business.•"We have reached an amicable settlement in the case and are pleased to resolve all outstanding issues with Pabst," MillerCoors said in a statement. Settlement details were not disclosed.•Since 1999, Chicago-based MillerCoors has made and shipped nearly all of Pabst's beers, which include Pabst Blue Ribbon, Old Milwaukee, Lone Star and Schlitz. Pabst's lawyers argued in the company's 2016 lawsuit that MillerCoors worried that Pabst would cut into its market share and devised a plan to stop brewing for the smaller competitor. MillerCoors' attorneys called Pabst's claim a conspiracy theory and said the company was simply deciding what makes economic sense.•The agreement between MillerCoors and Pabst, which was founded in Milwaukee in 1844 but is now headquartered in Los Angeles, expires in 2020 but provides for two possible five-year extensions. The companies disagreed on how the extensions were to be negotiated: MillerCoors argued it had sole discretion to determine whether it can continue brewing for Pabst, whereas Pabst said the companies must work "in good faith" to find a solution if Pabst wanted to extend the agreement but MillerCoors lacked capacity.•However, Pabst said internal documents from MillerCoors showed the company was worried about competition from Pabst and went as far as hiring a consultant to find a way to get out of the brewing agreement.•Pabst needs 4 million to 4.5 million barrels brewed annually and claims MillerCoors is its only option. Pabst's lawsuit sought more than $400 million in damages and a court order for MillerCoors to honor its contract.•MillerCoors and Anheuser-Busch, which have the biggest U.S. market share at 24.8 percent and 41.6 percent, respectively, have been losing business to smaller independent brewers, imports, and wine and spirits in recent years, according to the Brewers Association, a U.S.-based trade group. Overall U.S. beer sales have declined, with shipments down from 213.1 million barrels in 2008 to 204.2 million in 2017, according to the association.Trillium Labor Practices, Brewing Methods QuestionedMassachusetts craft beer maker Trillium Brewing Company’s labor practices and brewing methods are under scrutiny after accusations were lodged last week by a self-described former employee in an online beer forum.According to the former employee, who used the name “Abagofit” in a Beer Advocate forum, Trillium required its retail employees to reapply for jobs that they already held prior to last month’s opening of the company’s new brewery, taproom and restaurant in Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood. The ex-worker wrote that the base compensation for employees who had worked for more than three years at the brewery was cut from $8 an hour to $5 an hour to “work the exact same job across the street.”“We apologize that this has caused any of our employees, customers or friends to doubt, in any way, the integrity of Trillium or their ongoing support of us,” the company said. “We are fortunate that we’ve assembled such a talented team and remain committed to brewing exceptional beer that we can share with our family, friends, and customers.”Since the issues were raised last week, customers have left scathing comments on social media posts advertising new release beers priced at as much as $22.20 a 4-pack. One commenter shared a photoshopped label of Trillium’s “Cutting Tiles” double IPA with the name changed to “Cutting Wages.”Staff pay wasn’t the only issue raised in the Beer Advocate forum. The former employee also accused Trillium of cutting corners in the brewing process, including pouring tequila into kegs of a beer and promoting the beer as being barrel-aged to consumers. The commenter also claimed that management instructed workers to lie to customers about the beer’s origins and later tell consumers that the tequila flavor was “brewers magic.”“They straight up dumped tequila into the kegs,” the commenter wrote. “I’m no lawyer, but I know that is illegal.”Trillium has yet to address those allegations.People Moves: Ex-New Belgium Brewmaster Joins Melvin’s BoardMelvin Brewing Adds Peter Bouckaert to BoardFormer New Belgium brewmaster Peter Bouckaert has joined Wyoming-based Melvin Brewing’s board of directors, according to Forbes.Bouckaert — who left New Belgium after more than two decades to join Purpose Brewing and Cellars last May — told the outlet that he approached Melvin founder Jeremy Tofte at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival to discuss the company’s growth and to learn about its response to allegations that an employee had groped a server at another brewery in Bellingham, Washington, earlier this year. That employee — who was suspended, sent to sexual harassment training and given drug addiction treatment — is no longer with the company.Bouckaert’s addition to Melvin’s board follows the exit of sales director Ted Whitney, who departed the fast-growing Wyoming craft brewery for a similar sales role with Nug, a California-based cannabis company that sells edibles, flowers, concentrates, seeds and more.As US Beer Shipments Decline, Off-Premise Sales Remain FlatShipments of domestically brewed beer are down about 2.9 percent, according to the Beer Institute, but year-to-date volume sales at off-premise retailers are still basically flat.Dwindling sales of domestic premium beers drove much of the declines, as volume sales of those products were down 5 percent during the period.Picking up some of that lost volume were imported beers. Despite modest growth for the craft category as a whole, volume sales for some of the country’s largest craft breweries – including New Belgium, Gambrinus, Craft Brew Alliance and Deschutes – were all in decline during the period.Nevertheless, other top-ranked craft beer companies are bucking category-wide trends. Founders Brewing, Stone Brewing, Canarchy Craft Brewery Collective, Firestone Walker, Dogfish Head and New Glarus Brewing were all up double-digits.Among craft beer styles, IPAs are still the largest product type in the category, with dollar sales up 12.8 percent.Sales of craft golden ales and “other pale lagers” are also still on the rise – both categories were up 13.5 percent and 52.9 percent, albeit on smaller volume bases.Stories courtesy of Brewbound (https://www.brewbound.com/) and CNBC (https://www.cnbc.com/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
CBN # 6 - Is THC for me? / SD Killing It

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2018 34:12


Craft Brew News - 11/16/18Following Temporary Shutdown, Sierra Nevada Brewing Launches ‘Camp Fire’ Relief FundAfter nearby wildfires forced Sierra Nevada Brewing to temporarily cease operations at its Chico, California-based production facility over the weekend, the craft brewery has resumed making beer. The country’s third-largest craft brewery also announced the creation of a fund to help those affected by the blaze.The so-called “Camp Fire” is now the most destructive wildfire in California history. To date, it has claimed the lives of 42 people, destroyed more than 6,000 homes and wiped out thousands of other structures. More than 200 people remain missing, and the fire has scorched about 125,000 acres of land. At last word, the blaze was only 35 percent contained, with fire officials hoping for full containment by the end of November.Donations can be made via this link.https://www.goldenvalley.bank/Community-Foundation.aspx?utm_source=Media+Contacts&utm_campaign=958c0b8c7b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_13_04_24&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f07999573-958c0b8c7b-318489661&mc_cid=958c0b8c7b&mc_eid=f6a216287d “The brewhouse is ramping up today to get inventories back to normal,” she wrote. “If necessary, our Mills River [North Carolina] facility is ready to increase production, but we don’t anticipate that need.”Blue Moon Creator Keith Villa’s First THC-Infused Beer is a Belgian-Style White AleKeith Villa, the legendary brewmaster who retired from MillerCoors earlier this year and launched Ceria, Inc., a cannabis company, is most known for creating the iconic Blue Moon Belgian-style wheat ale.So it’s only fitting that his first play in the cannabis-infused beverage space would be a de-alcoholized version of his popular brew.Called Grainwave, Villa’s first THC-infused non-alcoholic craft beer, a Belgian-style white ale, will hit Colorado dispensaries in mid-December.A 4-pack will sell for $36, according to the release, while single bottles will also be sold for $9 each.Colorado’s Fate Brewing Company Files for BankruptcyYet another small brewery has found itself in financial trouble.The parent company of Boulder, Colorado-based Fate Brewing Company, Fate Restaurants LLC, has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection.According to the November 1 filing, Fate owes more than 50 creditors between $1 million and $10 million. The company also claims between $1 million and $10 million in estimated assets.Fate Brewing founder Mike Lawinski, who owns 40 percent of the company, according to the filing, did not respond to requests for comment. However, he issued a statement to several Colorado media outlets attributing the bankruptcy to an inability to receive federal approval for a brewing operation located in the former Avery Brewing production facility in Boulder. He also cited an underperforming second brewpub location, which was seized by the city of Lafayette in mid-October due to unpaid taxes.San Diego Craft Brewers Produced More Than 1.1 Million Barrels in 2017San Diego County craft brewers produced more than 1.1 million barrels of beer in 2017, up about 22 percent from 2016 levels, according to an economic impact study conducted by the San Diego Brewers Guild and California State University San Marcos’ (CSUSM) Office of Business Research and Analysis.The total economic impact of the craft brewing industry in San Diego County increased from $870 million in 2016 to more than $1.1 billion last year, according to the study, titled “Economic Impact of Craft Breweries in San Diego County Report.” The study also found that more than 130 San Diego-based breweries generated about $802 million in revenue last year.Much of the industry’s economic impact in the county is derived from breweries in five cities — Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista — along Route 78 within the so-called “78 Corridor,” such as Stone Brewing, the Lost Abbey/Port Brewing, Belching Beaver, Rip Current and Mason Ale Works, among several others.News Courtesy of Brewboundhttps://www.brewbound.com/newsSubscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 5 - Beer Jesus and Hop Wars

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2018 18:30


Craft Brew News - 11/9/18Via Brewbound https://www.brewbound.com/news/last-call-yakima-chief-hops-faces-lawsuit-greg-koch-on-the-big-screenYakima Chief Hops Accused of Breaching ContractMelbourne-based ingredient supplier Bintani Australia has filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Yakima Chief Hops that accuses the broker of refusing to sell it hops, the Capital Pressreported.However, Yakima Chief Hops claims Bintani first breached its supply contract by selling a stake to a competitor, Brewers Supply Group, which is owned by the Rahr Corporation.Nevertheless, Bintani argues in the lawsuit that the sale did not violate its agreement with Yakima Chief Hops. Instead, it claims that Yakima Chief Hops breached the contract by terminating “for cause” last September and has since started soliciting Bintani customers. A terminated agreement could cost the company more than $20 million, as Bintani buys 71 percent of its hops from Yakima Chief Hops, according to the lawsuit.Bintani is seeking an injunction to block Yakima Chief Hops’ termination of the supply agreement.Total Wine, New Seasons to Offer Alcohol DeliveryTotal Wine & More is partnering with Texas-headquartered Delivery Solutions to provide same-day home delivery to customers nationwide, according to a press release.“The goal is to make compliant, nationwide delivery available out of the box for retailers,” Delivery Solutions founder Arshaad Mirza said, via the release. “Our orchestration middleware along with our growing delivery partnerships, makes plug and play last mile delivery possible.”Total Wine & More operates 190 stores in 23 states. A timetable for implementation was not shared.Meanwhile, another grocery store chain, New Seasons — which operates 21 stores in Oregon, Washington and Northern California — announced its own alcohol delivery service in Portland, Oregon, via Instacart.Finally, in September, grocery store chain Meijer extended its alcohol delivery service to 40 stores in Ohio, Supermarket News reported. Meijer also offers beer and wine delivery in Michigan.Craftworks Holdings Acquires Logan’s RoadhouseColorado-headquartered Craftworks Restaurants & Breweries — which owns the Rock Bottom and Gordon Biersch brewpub chains as well as Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom — has acquired Nashville, Tennessee-based chain Logan’s Roadhouse, according to a press release. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.The three chain restaurants will be part of a newly formed holding company, CraftWorks Holdings, which will be led by current Logan’s CEO, Hazem Ouf. The company now operates 393 restaurants across 40 states and Washington, D.C.“By creating CraftWorks Holdings, we have laid the foundation for a premiere restaurant & brewery holding company to provide long-term growth opportunities for our brands, team members and franchise partners and established a platform that is well positioned for future growth and acquisitions,” Ouf said, via the release.Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHStone Brewing Founder in DocumentaryAn advance screening of “The Beer Jesus From America,” a documentary featuring Stone Brewing co-founder Greg Koch and his quest to open a brewery in Germany, will be held at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, on Sunday, November 4. After the showing, Koch and filmmaker Matt Sweetwood will take part in a Q&A session.“This film stands as not just a glimpse into the trials, challenges, roadblocks and occasional triumphs of the project, but the story of following your heart and challenging convention,” Koch said, via a press release.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 3 - Heady Topper vs. 77 Pack of Natty Light

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2018 8:11


Craft Brew News – 10/26/18https://www.brewbound.com/news/last-call-canada-lifts-tariff-on-u-s-aluminum-cans-climate-change-effects-on-beer-refutedCanada Lifts Tariff on U.S. Aluminum Cans; Climate Change Effects on Beer RefutedIn response to a shortage of aluminum cans, the Canadian government has lifted a 10 percent tariff on U.S.-made aluminum cans, according to Reuters.Luke Harford, president of trade group Beer Canada, told the outlet that Canadian brewers had faced a shortage of 16 oz. cans, which are only available from U.S.-based suppliers. That forced some companies to halt production for weeks, or delay product launches.Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s 10 percent tariff on imported aluminum remains in effect.Brewers and Farmers Refute Barley Shortage FearsA recent paper published by 10 international scientists in the Nature Plants journal suggested a barley shortage caused by climate change could cause beer prices to double. The report said heat waves and droughts could lead to barley yield declines of as much as 17 percent while beer production could drop 16 percent.However, Brewers Association (BA) chief economist Bart Watson told NPR that the “study isn’t a great indicator of what is going to happen in the real world” and the study overstates the effects on the beer industry.Dwight Little, president of the Idaho Grain Producers Association, added that climate change is likely to occur slowly, which will give farmers time to adapt and change their planting schedules.Craft Beer Cellar Lawsuit Against Glassdoor Thrown OutA federal court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Craft Beer Stellar LLC, the franchisor of the Craft Beer Cellar retail outlets, against Glassdoor. In the suit, Craft Beer Stellar argued that anonymous users — possibly franchisees — had unfairly critiqued the company and violated the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, among other claims.According to Massachusetts trial attorney Andrew Caplan, the court tossed out Craft Beer Stellar’s lawsuit, citing the federal Communications Decency Act, which bans lawsuits against website publishers for defamatory statements posted by third parties.A-B’s Natty Light 77-Packs Draw Ire of Maryland ComptrollerMaryland Comptroller Peter Franchot is accusing Anheuser-Busch of promoting binge drinking following the release of specialty 77-packs of Natural Light, which were exclusively sold in College Park, the home of the University of Maryland.“Corporate beer manufacturers claim to care about the public health impacts of alcohol, but the message they send by selling a 77-pack of beer designed to look like a keg in a college town shows they care more about their bottom line than the negative impacts of binge drinking,” Franchot spokesman Alan Brody told the New York Daily News.A-B released the multipacks earlier this month to celebrate the year of the brand’s creation. The packages, which retailed for around $30, quickly sold out.Franchot has drawn headlines in the last couple of years for his advocacy of the state’s craft breweries.Heady Topper is a double India Pale Ale brewed by The Alchemist in Stowe, Vermont. It is unfiltered and contains 8% ABV, with hints of citrus flavors. Unpasteurized, it is kept refrigerated by authorized retailers until point of sale.

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News # 2 - Cannabis Drinks and San Diego with a "B"

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2018 25:33


Craft Brew News # 2Articles courtesy of Brewbound (https://www.brewbound.com/)https://www.brewbound.com/news/last-call-economic-impact-of-san-diego-brewers-exceeds-1-billion-ba-analyzes-gabf-winnersSan Diego Craft Brewers’ Economic Impact Estimated at $1.1 BillionThe craft brewing industry in San Diego County had an economic impact of about $1.1 billion in 2017, up from $870 million the previous year, according to a recently released study by the California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) Office of Business Research & Analysis and the San Diego Brewers Guild.The study also found that San Diego-based breweries generated three times the revenue — about $802 million — as the San Diego Padres in 2017. That figure was up from $638 million in 2016.“2017 proved to be a successful year for the ‘Capital of Craft,’ and these research findings truly show our vibrant region is on track for continuous growth,” San Diego Brewers Guild executive director Paige McWey said, via a press release.BA Analyzes GABF WinnersThe chances of winning a medal at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival were the lowest on record — just 3.6 percent this year — due to the increased number of entries, Brewers Association (BA) chief economist Bart Watson shared during his annual breakdown of medal winners.“Without considering which category was entered, a brewery that entered four medals still only had a 13.7% chance of winning a single medal, and even a group that entered 20 beers only had a 50/50 shot of winning a medal,” he wrote. “That makes it all the more impressive to see some breweries win multiple medals, and also to see brewers who repeated medal wins from previous years. Given the low odds, it truly shows their ability to consistently make world-class beers.”Watson also analyzed medal winners by size and found that regional beer companies “overperform” their medal-winning expectations, while breweries under 1,000 barrels “under-perform, but they still win a heck of a lot of medals.”Price-Fixing Probe in India Snares A-B InBev, Carlsberg and United BreweriesThe Competition Commission of India (CCI) conducted a search-and-seizure raid Thursday at the offices of United Breweries, Carlsberg and Anheuser-Busch InBev that turned up email exchanges revealing those companies were fixing prices, Reutersreported, citing a government source.“That is smoking gun evidence,” the source told the outletThe CCI reportedly had been conducting an antitrust investigation into the three beer companies over the last year, Reuters reported. In India, the state government dictates beer prices by adding up excise duties, taxes and retail profit on top of the minimum ex-brewery price declared by the companies. However, sources told the outlet that the companies likely manipulated the ex-brewery price.California Brewpub License Reform Becomes LawIn late September, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a new law allowing brewpubs with “Type 75” licenses — retail restaurant licenses with brewing privileges (between 100 and 5,000 barrels annually) — to sell their products for off-premise consumption.The new law also tightens the requirements for obtaining the license, requiring license holders to operate at least a 7-barrel brewing system and produce and sell at least 200 barrels annually. Previously, Type 75 licensees were required to produce at least 100 barrels per year, with no sales requirements, which led some people to seek the licenses as a cheap way of obtaining a liquor license.The bill was supported by Artisanal Brewers Collective (ABC), a restaurant and brewpub group started by former Golden Road Brewing co-founder Tony Yanow, and which operates brewpubs in Los Angeles and San Diego. Cannabiniers Eyes Market Expansion for Non-Alc Cannabis Drinks by Year EndCannabiniers, a cannabis company that claims to produce “the world’s first line of CannaCrafted non-alcoholic THC and CBD infused craft beer,” is projecting annual sales of its Two Roots Brewing offerings to reach 500,000 barrels by late 2020, the company announced in a a press release.In order to meet consumer demand, the company is in the process of securing brewing capacity via “contract brewing, acquisitions or strategic alignments” to feed a 20-state rollout,” Cannabiniers president Timothy Walters said in the release.“With sales exceeding forecasts by 300 percent, we are now taking orders three months in advance,” he said. “We need to move now and take advantage of our first mover position, in advance of changes in federal law, and market entry of Constellation Brands, InBev/AB, Diageo, or others.”To finance the multi-state rollout — which the company is targeting by the end of 2018 — Cannabiniers is in the process of $50 million Series B capital raise.Michigan Lawmakers Seek Ban on Cannabis-Infused Alcoholic DrinksMichigan lawmakers voted last week in favor of banning the use, possession and sale of marijuana-infused beer, wine and spirits, according to the Detroit News. Gov. Rick Snyder is expected to sign the bill into law.Meanwhile, Michigan voters will decide whether to make recreational use of marijuana legal during the November midterm elections. Medical marijuana use is already legal in the state.

Craft Beer Storm
Craft Brew News #1 - Russian River and Buffalo Wings

Craft Beer Storm

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2018 26:29


10/11/18 Craft Brew News #1New installment summarizing the weeks top Craft Beer Stories for YOU! Here are links:Craft Brew Alliance Buys 3 Beer Companieshttps://www.brewbound.com/news/2018/led-by-23-million-purchase-of-cisco-brewers-craft-brew-alliance-buys-3-beer-companies?utm_source=Brewbound&utm_campaign=9fca622528-mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6026cb3473-9fca622528-168836149Russian River Eyes 40,000 Barrels in 2019 in their New Sonoma County Breweryhttps://www.brewbound.com/news/2018/as-new-windsor-brewery-opens-russian-river-eyes-40000-barrels-in-2019?utm_source=Brewbound&utm_campaign=9fca622528-mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6026cb3473-9fca622528-168836149Buffalo Wild Wings Partners with Brewers Associationhttps://www.brewbound.com/news/2018/buffalo-wild-wings-partnership-with-the-brewers-association-to-extend-beyond-gabf?utm_source=Brewbound&utm_campaign=b58a0ebb00-mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6026cb3473-b58a0ebb00-168836149Cigar City expands distribution into 17 new states https://www.brewbound.com/news/growing-at-more-than-60-percent-cigar-city-eyes-143000-barrels-in-2018