Breckenridge bought by AB InBev, Founders expands to Southern Cali, and Rogue Farms closes due to flooding. These are just a few of the breaking beer news stories you need to know. Keep reading to find out more with this edition of the Weekly Growler Fill.

Anheuser-Busch InBev Acquiring Breckenridge Brewery

In case you missed it, because you were living in a cave or hiking the Appalachians last week, AB InBev announced an agreement had been reached to purchase Colorado-based Breckenridge Brewery. This brings the acquisition tally up to 7 craft breweries, with Four Peaks added to the roster just last week. Our amazing PorchDrinking team gave us a comprehensive low-down on the history of Breck Brew as well as the details of the new deal. In their words, “The deal would include the Breckenridge brand, brewing facilities and tap rooms, but not it’s other existing properties operating under the Breckenridge-Wynkoop Restaurant Group.” Click the link to see how our team laid out the rest of the specifics of the purchase.

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Big Legislative Wins for Small Brewers with New Tax Laws

A recent change in legislation will allow for more favorable tax reforms including extended filing periods, exemptions on equipment, and changes in bonding requirements. In other words, the tax changes will make it easier for small breweries to fill out their forms and easier to keep small breweries in existence. In addition to the tax changes, the Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau has extended the formula rule so that certain ingredients and processes used in brewing can be exempt from being subjected to formula requirements. As stated by Bob Pease, CEO of the BA, ““It takes a substantial burden off the brewer of having to specifically label ingredients that are already well known to the trade and consumers by their flavor designation.” Overall, this is a win for small breweries across the country.

Record Rain Floods and Snow Close Rogue Farms

Non-stop, historic rainfall has led to the closure of Rogue Farms in Oregon. As you can see from the picture, the hop fields, as well as the hazelnut orchard, have been flooded by the overflowing Willamette River. The good people at Rogue are currently rushing to move everything to higher ground, including the honeybees which have already been moved twice. At this time, they recommend staying away until they officially reopen as the roads could be submerged in water at any point.

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Founders Brewing expands to Southern California

We’ve been reporting on the continuous expansion of Founders Brewing distribution over the past year. Now, the citizens of Southern California (aka Los Angeles) will be able to enjoy the delicious offerings from the Michigan based brewery. Brews such as All Day IPA and Breakfast Stout will make their way into bars and liquor stores throughout the month of January. Use Founders beer finder to see where you can pick up a six-pack for yourself.

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Woman Bites Off Husband’s Ear Over a Beer

And the story you were all waiting for… a woman in St. Cloud, MN bit her husband’s ear off during an argument over beer. Police were called to the scene to investigate the domestic assault. When they arrived, they found part of the victim’s ear on the floor. After asking the woman what happened, she said she did not know. The moral of the story: don’t mess with a woman’s beer or you might lose your ear.

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