Craft Beer News
PorchDrinking brings you the breaking in craft beer news.
Is the Beer + Yoga Trend Here to Stay?
May 30, 2017 | Taylor Laabs
Feature image courtesy of Great Divide Brewing Company
Drinking a beer while sitting on a bar stool is an image that many people have in their heads when they envision the craft beer scene. Now, times are changing. The craft beer boom has changed people’s perceptions towards beer in general, and on a more finite level—what you can do when you’re drinking one.
BREAKING | Fort Collins Brewery Acquired by Vancouver’s Red Truck Beer Company
May 26, 2017 | Tristan Chan 1
In today’s ever changing competitive craft beer landscape, even one of Colorado’s oldest breweries isn’t impervious to acquisition.
Fort Collins Brewery (FCB) has confirmed that the brewery has been acquired by Vancouver, BC-based Red Truck Beer Company, and that during the acquisition process, Red Truck Beer has decided to phase out and discontinue the FCB brand and beers. Read More
Brewery Preview | Grist Brewing Opens Second Brewhouse & Taproom in Lone Tree
May 26, 2017 | Tristan Chan
In an age when breweries are scrambling to battle for shelf space, one Colorado brewery is taking a different approach toward growth. Grist Brewing Company will open its second brewhouse and taproom location this Saturday just 10 miles west of its original Highlands Ranch location, near the Park Meadows Mall.
Birds Fly South Hosts The Funk Collective Festival as Alternative to Wicked Weed Invitational
May 24, 2017 | Danele Bova
Birds Fly South Ale Project announced on Tuesday that they will be hosting The Funk Collective Festival as an alternative to the Wicked Weed Funkatorium Invitational.
Fast Facts on Ravenswood’s Newly Branded Malt Row District
May 22, 2017 | Taylor Laabs
*Feature image courtesy of Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
Ravenswood is embracing the vibrant beer culture within its Northside neighborhood by re-branding a two-mile stretch of road into Malt Row, which will feature six local breweries along with one distillery. That two-mile stretch, mapped here, will expand from Balmoral Avenue to Irving Park Road.
The Bruery Sells Majority Stake to Castanea Partners
May 19, 2017 | Tristan Chan
Orange County, CA based craft brewery, The Bruery, announced this morning, that it has entered into a partnership agreement with Castanea Partners, which would sell a majority stake to the Boston, MA based private equity firm.
The experimental and barrel-aged focused, The Bruery explained the decision to partner with Castanea this morning via a blog post stating “which will enable us to continue to grow in ways consistent with our ideals”.
Peter Bouckaert Leaving New Belgium to Launch Purpose Brewing and Cellars
May 18, 2017 | Tristan Chan
The classic Greek philosopher Socrates was quoted as saying, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” That continuous quest for knowledge and life’s next great challenge continues to drive Peter Bouckaert. Bouckaert announced today, that he will be transitioning from his current position as Brewmaster at New Belgium Brewing to team up Zach and Laura Wilson formerly of 1933 Brewing, to form Purpose Brewing and Cellars.
AleSmith and Around the Bend Collaboration, Chicago Craft Beer Week
May 18, 2017 | Mathew Powers
The annual Beer Under Glass (B.U.G.) at Garfield Park Conservatory serves as the formal opening to Chicago Craft Beer Week (#CCBW), and brewers are more than happy to provide special offerings for the unique event. One such brew exemplifies the true meaning of craft beer — industry first, beer first, a collaboration between two “competing” breweries, Alesmith Brewing Company and Chicago’s Around the Bend Beer Co. This special brew will enjoy its first pouring at B.U.G, and then during select events (and sold in stores) thereafter.
How DryHop Brewers is Helping to Save the Polar Bears
May 11, 2017 | Taylor Laabs
Feature image courtesy of DryHop Brewers
DryHop Brewers is known for making great beer in the Lakeview community; they are also known for some pretty cool collaborations. One of those collaborations is the charitable partnership they have with the local Lincoln Park Zoo. Now in its fourth year, this creature-inspired collaboration is all about benefiting the animals – and brewing a special beer each year in their honor.
BREAKING | Anheuser-Busch Monopolizes South African Hop Supply from Craft Breweries
May 10, 2017 | Tristan Chan
In the wake of last week’s Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI) acquisition of Wicked Weed Brewing, many casual and die hard craft beer fans have been left debating the objectives, intent and repercussions ABI’s growing empire would have on the craft industry.
Event Preview | Brewed Food 2017 Tour
May 10, 2017 | Hannah Carlson
Image courtesy of Brewed Food
Jensen Cummings is nothing, if not passionate about craft beer and great food. The enthusiasm for his latest venture, Brewed Food, is jumping out of the receiver, as we chat over the phone about his upcoming events in Seattle, Cincinnati, Atlanta and Louisville. Each event, hosted by Brewed Food and local restaurants and brewers, are a craft beer and food lover’s dream. The menus feature everything from Koji Coulette Steak and Malted Barley Risotto, Bourbon Barrel Stouts and Summer Ales. But Cummings is clear: This is not a beer dinner. Don’t expect a few different courses paired back to a handful of brews. This is something much larger. This is a movement – and he wants you to be a part of it.
4204 Main Street Debuts New Beer & New Place to Drink it
May 9, 2017 | Jordan Palmer
Featured image courtesy of 4204 Main Street Brewing’s Facebook page
Is 4204 Main Street Brewing Co. taking over the Illinois town it calls home? Well, after visiting their brand spankin’ new tap room, then visiting their original location for dinner, and seeing the canning facility located next door—you have to wonder.
Chicago White Sox Partner with Revolution Brewing and a Tour of the Craft Kave
May 5, 2017 | Mathew Powers
It was merely spring training when we first reported on the White Sox Craft Kave, and now a month into the season the south siders are looking up with a tie for first in the AL Central. Recently, the White Sox organization invited PorchDrinking to visit the Craft Kave for an inside look into MLB’s finest collection of craft offerings in a single stadium.
Although The Kave is not all about craft — macro’s and macro-owned quasi crafts certainly exist, the infusion of Craft Beer into the White Sox home is not only substantial, it’s celebrated. In fact, The Chicago White Sox recently announced a new marketing agreement with Revolution Brewing: Rev will be featured as the “Beer of the Homestand” during the Detroit and Boston series on May 26 through May 31.
Growing List of National Breweries Rescind RSVP to Wicked Weed Funkatorium Invitational
May 4, 2017 | Tristan Chan 17
It has been a rough twenty four hours for the craft beer industry, as droves of national brewers have begun voicing their responses to Wicked Weed Brewing’s acquisition by Anheuser-Busch InBev. The first and perhaps most high profile response came from Jester King Brewing’s Jeffrey Stuffings who shared a heartfelt, but definitive statement on the Austin brewery’s policy toward future collaborations and sales of Wicked Weed products.
Jester King Nixes Wicked Weed Collab & Addresses Anheuser-Busch Purchase
May 3, 2017 | Tristan Chan
Diehard craft beer community followers weren’t the only ones shocked to learn of today’s Wicked Weed acquisition by Anheuser-Busch InBev. Jester King Brewery Founder Jeffery Stuffings shared his thoughts on today’s acquisition announcing that Jester King would no longer sell Wicked Weed products based on the principal that the world’s largest brewery conglomerate has actively pushed legislation to oppose the interest of Texas craft brewers. Read More
NEWS | Anheuser-Busch Acquires Wicked Weed Brewing
May 3, 2017 | Tristan Chan
This morning, Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI), the world’s largest brewery conglomerate, announced the acquisition of Wicked Weed Brewing.
The Asheville, NC brewery began as a 15 barrel pub system in 2012, founded by brothers Walt and Luke Dickinson along with friends Ryan, Rick and Denise Guthy, Originally focused on West Coast style IPAs and Belgians, Wicked Weed quickly developed a reputation for wild, sour and experimental barrel-aged beers. This progression led to the opening of their Funkatorium sour beer taproom and barrel-aging facility in 2014, a second 50 barrel production facility in 2015, and most recently The Funk House and company headquarters which houses a custom designed brewhouse and training facility.
Breaking | Ska Brewing Expands Capacity, Adds New Beers in 2017
April 28, 2017 | Cory Pelc
Like many large to mid-sized breweries in the country, Ska Brewing (Durango, CO) has begun eyeing the next phase of growth to keep up with the rising demands and competition in the craft beer industry. In 2017 that’ll take the form of a brewery expansion, new beers and an expanded beer garden at the brewery.
BREAKING | Molson Coors Donates to Student Suds & A New CSU Teaching Brewery
April 25, 2017 | Cory Pelc
The micro(brew)cosm of community that never seems to surprise in craft beer isn’t relegated to the small guys as the Molson Coors Brewing Company (Golden, CO) provides a big helping hand to Colorado State University this week.
Half Acre Beer is Experimenting with Mixed Fermentation
April 25, 2017 | Taylor Laabs
Featured image courtesy of Half Acre Beer Co.
Half Acre Beer Co. is expanding and it’s a good sign for Chicago craft beer drinkers. Their new Balmoral Brewery space, a massive 60,000 square foot expansion, is getting closer and closer to opening to the public. Not only does this mean more real estate, but it also means more opportunities to brew beer, including the newly announced mixed fermentation program at their original brew spot in Lincoln Square.
BREAKING | Founders Brewing Opening 2nd Location in Detroit
April 25, 2017 | Tristan Chan
While many major breweries like New Belgium, Oskar Blues, Deschutes, and Sierra Nevada have begun expanding their footprint with multiple locations in other states, Founders Brewing, is growing by reinvesting in … Read More
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