Category: Beer News

Krysta Boisvert was a new brewery quality manager who had found her groove. Fermentations were to spec, microplate tests were coming back clean, and everything was going swimmingly—until one day, she found traces of pediococcus and lactobacillus.

This is a moment no brewery employee wants to witness. Thankfully, Boisvert is a trained microbiologist and determined the cause and solution before any major issues arose—exactly what the brewery had hired her to do.

Quality matters at any size brewery, especially if you can’t see it. And the team behind beer quality is what matters most since data doesn’t analyze itself.… Read the rest “The People Behind Beer Quality”

The United States is home to more than 18,000 islands, and for travel lovers, many are worth adding to a list of must-see destinations. Luckily for craft beer enthusiasts, there are breweries located on several of these islands.

Brewing on an island isn’t always a sunny vacation, though. For some, it can mean shipping challenges, an increased cost of materials, and relying on tourism season for business. On the other hand, these breweries are creating a unique community gathering place for locals and travelers alike, often adding an unforgettable experience to a trip itinerary.… Read the rest “These 19 Breweries Are on U.S. Islands”

Low- and no-alcohol beer has dominated beer industry headlines for several years. The average craft beer fan is getting older and doesn’t want to derail their day with a drink; Gen Z entered legal-drinking status with a focus on wellness; and brewer appreciation for 3% milds and 4% lagers thrives.

More recently, however, there’s an opposing extreme at work, too. Last August, Kate Bernot reported for The Washington Post: “Craft Beer is Polarizing. Many Drinkers Want High ABV or None at All,” examining consumers’ rising interest in high-ABV beers alongside that sustained penchant for near-zero beers.… Read the rest “Imperial Beer Takes the Throne”

Beer teaches us science, art, culinary exploration, innovation, geography, agriculture, and history/herstory. It teaches us about ourselves, and about each other. No wonder the hobby of homebrewing (the practice of fermenting at home) is and has been one of the driving forces for food and beverage.

Simply put, homebrewing makes life more delicious.

Celebrate Learn to Homebrew Day on November 4

Way back in 1999, to celebrate the joy of beer and brewing, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA)* created Learn to Homebrew Day. If you brew, you know (and if you don’t, you will) that one of the best things about a brew day is that you get to choose your adventure.… Read the rest “Homebrewing Makes Life More Delicious”

In honor of Veterans Day, we’re highlighting a few veteran-owned breweries from across the United States. These breweries represent just a few of the dozens of veterans who have transitioned from serving their country to serving their communities. Their success speaks to the unique leadership and management skills that these veteran-owners picked up during their military service.

14th Star Brewing, St. Albans, Vt.

Vermont’s 14th Star Brewing arose from Steve Gagner’ and Matt Kehaya’s need to alleviate boredom while stationed in the remote mountains of Afghanistan and their desire to imagine a post-war future.… Read the rest “A Salute to Veteran-Owned Breweries”

Breweries across the country—from California to North Carolina—are using game nights to draw in diverse crowds, welcome new guests, and expand their communities. No matter what the game, many breweries have found that hosting game nights with offerings such as lotería, mahjong, or bingo extends a welcome to members of ethnic communities who may not have had a reason to visit the brewery before.

Lotería Love

Four Corners Brewing Company in Dallas, Texas, has long been known for its colorful branding, inclusivity for the Latinx community, and beers such as El Chingón IPA, El Grito Mexican lager, and Local Buzz Honey Golden Ale.… Read the rest “Bingo! Breweries Score on Game Night”

Coffee has long been a favorite adjunct for brewers, and for good reason. Done right, that familiar, bold, roasty goodness can add complexity to a beer without overpowering it. But the possibilities for combining these two staple beverages go beyond just crafting a great coffee stout.

Many breweries are adding on a whole new aspect of the business: a coffee roastery or shop sharing the same space as house-made beers. These dual-minded business owners know that beer lovers with an adventurous palate and an appreciation for a high-quality beverage often feel just as passionate about their coffee.… Read the rest “Coffee & Beer: A Dynamic Duo”

In 1976, The Rolling Stones were the most sought-after live act on the planet. Their performances had surpassed “must-see” status, landing somewhere between “take out a second mortgage on your home to afford this concert” and “donate a kidney for quick cash.” If they were in town, you were either seeing them or writhing in FOMO as you spun “Exile on Main St.” in your apartment.

Massively hyped, much of the pressure for them to entertain, excite, and dazzle landed squarely on the behind-the-scenes shoulders of Johnny Starbuck, the Stones’ tried, trusted, and tested roadie.… Read the rest “Sympathy for the Cellar Person”