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I Can Fight Cancer Beer Festival Oct. 5
September 24, 2024 | Robert FrenchCraft beer enthusiasts have countless festivals to attend. Many of them are just for fun. Some of them support great causes. But few seem to be driven by so much passion, love and determination as the I Can Fight Cancer Beer Festival, which takes over where F*ck Cancer left off last year. Read More
Taking a Look Back at the 2024 Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival
June 12, 2024 | Ryan PachmayerBeer festivals had a long run of relative stability. Many festivals could rely on the same venue to come through year after year, at relatively predictable prices. Core volunteers would be in place each year and many of the same sponsors and breweries could be expected to attend each season. Critically, attendance at these festivals was almost a guarantee. The pandemic blew that all up. Beer festivals are still plenty popular, but now organizers have to contend with a far wider range of potential changes from year to year. It has been a more ruthless and unforgiving world for beer festival planners over the last few years.
Horus Aged Ales | Year Nine Spotlight
May 2, 2024 | Eric GriffinIt has been over a year now since collaborating with Kyle Harrop and Horus Aged Ales on a spotlight of his unique and formidable barrel program. Now, Horus finds itself preparing to open year seven of the Convocation membership. We reconnected with Harrop for a brand new feature, highlighting some of his recent projects as well as digging deeper into what we can hope to expect from this sought after program in 2024.
Firestone Walker | Anniversary XXVII
November 8, 2023 | Robert FrenchWhen you think of legendary anniversary beers, Firestone Walker has to be pretty close to the top of this list. Not only do they consistently produce incredible blended beers, it’s how they come to that final blend that makes it so special. As with previous versions, local winemakers come together to compete to put their names on that winning blend. Read More
Collaborating for a Cause | Altar of the Orc Lord: DDB Edition
November 7, 2023 | Eric GriffinThose who have followed Alex Kidd since the beginning know him to be a long-time supporter of Modern Times. His reviews of their products have contributed to the growth of their barrel program and special projects, and the news of his cancer diagnosis back in May really hit the team in a personal place. Less than a month after Alex shared the news on social media, Modern Times had already organized a release in an effort to help cover his hospital expenses. We had the opportunity to work briefly with the Special Projects team at Modern Times to gain more insight on the beer itself and Alex’s impact on their development.
Drinking Beer For A Great Cause & F*ck Cancer
October 2, 2023 | Robert FrenchThink about your life, family, friends and colleagues. Everyone reading this will have some connection to a person whose life has been impacted by cancer. It doesn’t really matter what type of cancer it is, I think we can all agree, Fuck Cancer. Read More
California Will Now Allow Cider & Perry Production For Small Breweries
August 30, 2023 | Robert FrenchCalifornia takes an important step to level the playing field between large and small breweries. Small breweries will now be able to produce cider and perry under the same roof. Senate Bill 788 was signed by the Governor on July 21st. This was after both the State Assembly and State Senate unanimously approved earlier. Read More
Firestone Walker 2023 Tropical Hazy Mixed Pack Includes the New Mind Haze Tropic Rocket
August 23, 2023 | Mathew PowersFirestone Walker first joined the Hazy IPA trend in 2019 with the release of Mind Haze IPA. Its success led to Double Mind Haze (DIPA), Mind Haze Light, and a few creative reinterpretations of the original Mind Haze found in its Tropical Hazy Mixed Pack. The 2023 version includes two familiar Mind Haze varieties — Tiki Smash and Citrus Cyclone — and an all-new Mind Haze Tropic Rocket IPA.
GOAL. Brewing opens in San Diego
August 22, 2023 | Robert FrenchA new, but returning player is back in the San Diego brewing scene. GOAL. Brewing opened in July and at the helm of the brewhouse is Derek Gallanosa. Read More
Brewery Showcase | 49th State Brewing
August 11, 2023 | Brian HaitzIf you have the opportunity to head out to Alaska near either Anchorage or Denali, put 49th State Brewing at the top of your must-see list. Hopefully by the end of this brewery showcase, we’ll do a fair job of convincing you why.
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Collaborating for a Cause | Stay Strong Alex
June 30, 2023 | Eric GriffinBy now, nearly everybody remotely involved in craft beer has heard the news about Alex Kidd, aka DontDrinkBeers. For those unaware, Alex has been the satirical voice of craft beer for years, a passionate beer enthusiast who, in addition to running a very successful podcast about the current events and trends in the industry, is also a highly respected attorney, loving husband, and father to a two-year old son and soon-to-be daughter expected in September.
Saved By The Beer! Boonsville Beer Festival is Back
April 24, 2023 | Robert FrenchThis year will be the 25th year of Anderson Valley Brewing Co.’s Boonville Beer Festival. It will take place on Saturday, April 29, at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds. Read More
Crafting History | The Lost Abbey
March 31, 2023 | Eric GriffinRound two of Crafting History circles back into the familiar territory of Belgian-influenced beer. A mysterious hybrid concept rooted in monastic tradition, The Lost Abbey out of San Marcos, California found historical success through flavorful, imaginative beer with no boundaries. And here we find ourselves 17 years later, with Head Brewer/Co-founder & COO Tomme Arthur still holding tightly to those founding values, and creating a product that both retains its relevance as well as reminds consumers why this brewery has solidified itself a coveted spot in craft beer history. We had the privilege of speaking with Tomme, gaining first-hand insight into the brewery itself, their development over time, and some more history behind some of the bigger beers in their portfolio.
Burgeon Beer Company Launches New Online Beer Shop
March 24, 2023 | Jason MurphyCarlsbad, California-based Burgeon Beer Company has recently launched a new online beer shop that will be a game-changer in the San Diego beer market. Interested in what they are doing that could be that much of a change? Read on to find out!
California’s Craft Beer Summit Is Back
March 3, 2023 | Robert FrenchThe California Craft Beer Summit is back! This multi-day event includes educational seminars, a hands-on trade show, food and craft beer pairings, and a place to reconnect, meet people and learn. Read More
The PorchCast Ep 102 | Terence Sullivan – Sierra Nevada Brewing
February 23, 2023 | Tristan ChanIn episode 102 of the PorchCast, we were joined by Terence Sullivan, Produce Manager for Sierra Nevada Brewing to share the story behind their iconic Celebration Fresh Hop IPA. Terence pulled back the curtain behind brewery’s extensive hop selection and hop harvest process needed for produce such large volumes of the widely popular seasonal IPA.
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Firestone Walker | IPA Mixed Pack Featuring Galaxy Shapeshifters
January 17, 2023 | Emma WargoletThe amount of options at a liquor store can be overwhelming, and it can feel limiting to choose a six- or 12-pack of just one beer. The solution? Mixed packs. These are a great way to get a little taste of different beers, and also provide a variety to guests. Released in November 2022, Firestone Walker launched the IPA Mixed Pack Featuring Galaxy Shapeshifters, which can be found through its Beer Finder.
It’s All In The Blend | Tasting Eleven Years of Firestone Walker Anniversary Ales
December 28, 2022 | Robert FrenchThe coming together of brewers and winemakers mixed with the art of blending and barrels is the genesis of Firestone Walker Brewing Company Anniversary Ale. Read More
Alvarado Street Brewery | Motor Oil No. 17
November 1, 2022 | Robert FrenchAs the weather cools, leaves begin to change color and the smells of pumpkin spice are inescapable, it’s hard to beat the comforting warmth of an Imperial Stout. Alvarado Street Brewery in collaboration with Weathered Souls Brewing Company is bringing the latest version of Motor Oil. Motor Oil No.17 is a Chocolate Imperial Stout registers with an impressive 11.5% ABV.
Ultimate 6er | Reality TV Show Roundup
August 3, 2022 | Jennie OlsonA guilty, or not-so-guilty, pleasure of mine has always been finding and binging the next great reality TV show. From falling in love to questioning “not but really… is it cake?”, this TV genre tackles it all. For reality TV, just like beer, there is surely a show and a style for everyone. The following are Colorado specific beers that pair perfectly with some reality tv show favorites. Read More
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