Podcasts about craft brew news

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.

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 

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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/

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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/