Garrett Oliver Unites Brewing Industry in Pioneering ‘Brewing for Impact’ Initiative

For more than 30 years, Garrett Oliver has been a pioneer in the brewing industry, both in his brewing and his commitment to social change. His focus on innovation in the craft beer movement has led to national recognition and a James Beard Award. Having been with Brooklyn Brewery for 30 years this year, Oliver is proud to announce the “Brewing for Impact” campaign. This initiative launches a worldwide collaboration with breweries, spotlighting the ancient West African grain fonio, and is rooted in Oliver’s belief that beer can unite people, cultures and traditions. In highlighting fonio and its adaptability, Brewing for Impact is able to emphasize the idea that the future of brewing can have a focus on sustainability and social awareness.
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Ultimate 6er | Pride Milestones in America

Just your friendly neighborhood bisexual reminding everyone that Pride Month is an important time to reflect on the LGBTQIA+ community, both on the strides that have been made in the past fifty years as well as all the work that still needs to be done. Nearing the end of June, I wanted to pair some Pride Month beers to important milestones in furthering LGBTQIA+ rights. Please keep in mind that these are only six of the many events, riots, protests, bills, etc. that have occurred, and it is important to learn about these events year-round, not just in the month of June. As always, let us remember that we owe Pride to Black transgender women like Marsha P. Johnson, and to understand whatever our own privilege is, even as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

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Ultimate 6er | Beers and Books for Summer Reading

In recent years, books written by comedians about their own lives have become extremely popular. From Amy Poehler’s Yes Please to Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, these books of essays blend humor, life lessons, and important experiences into a relatively quick read. With shelter in place orders still set in place, what better way to spend your time than with a delicious beer and an entertaining book?

The below books are focused on those of BIPOC authors; you can find your local Black-owned bookstore here to support Black-owned businesses!

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Flagship February | Falling Back in Love with the Basics

“Hype is a funny thing,” Larry Bell told me on his way from Kalamazoo to Chicago. Bell is a craft beer pioneer and founder of the eponymous Bell’s Brewery. “Hype doesn’t come from us. It comes from what people’s expectations are. I’ve seen how hype affects people, but even with 30 years in the business, I can’t explain it fully.”

In Colorado, which was once (and perhaps still) considered the craft beer capital of the world, there are some legendary flagship brews we haven’t had easy access to until very recently. Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, Founders’ All-Day IPA and Brooklyn Lager are just a few. This all changed at the end of 2018 and Midwest and East Coast transplants living in Colorado celebrated the return of their long-lost favorite brews.

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The Weekly Buzz | October 26 – November 1

Here’s the deal, people: Jobs are terrible. People who have never actually done my job spend hours telling me how I shoud do it. It’s so infuriating that I had to edit several f-bombs out of this piece already. Luckily, I have beer. It allows me to relax. Anyway… Here’s some stuff from Twitter and Instagram. Enjoy The Weekly Buzz!
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Event Preview | Scallywag! Craft Beer Meets Punk Rock

Craft Beer meets Punk Rock – that’s the focus of the Scallywag! festival headed to Austin, Texas on Sunday, September 23 at the Austin 360 Amphitheater. The punk rock extravaganza features over … Read More

The Weekly Buzz | March 23 – 29

This is a glorious day. It’s Friday, and I’m about to have an entire weekend off. This only happens about once a month, and I could not be more stoked. My weekend beer plans are already in the works. Have you started planning yet? Maybe these social media posts will help! Sharpen your pencils and pull out your day planner. This is The Weekly Buzz.
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What We’re Drinking | October 6, 2017

It’s October, fall is in the air and everyone is inhaling anything pumpkin flavored. I don’t know about you, but I always look forward to this time of year so I can start drinking pumpkin-flavored beers and coffees. There seems to be a controversy when it comes to pumpkin beer though. Both sides are determined to prove their point and convert the other. No matter which side you are on, I think we can all agree that fall brings many things, good or bad, but it always brings forth the beginning of Stout Season! Pick out your favorite stout and get ready to see What We’re Drinking this week!
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The Weekly Buzz | July 21 – 27

If you’ve ever spent 12 hours in an amusement park with three young children, then you have a rough idea how my week has been. Although our family trip to Kennywood was ultimately a lot of fun, it did leave me in need of a beer or five. I’d like to toast all the parents out there for surviving these kinds of endeavors. As it’s the weekend once again, I invite you to raise a glass and enjoy The Weekly Buzz.
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The Ultimate Roundup | 50 Chocolate Beers for Valentine’s Day

Beer is a love language all on its own. This Valentine’s Day, show your love language by indulging in one of these chocolate-infused craft beers oozing with rich, sweet chocolate goodness. This Ultimate Round Up will help you find the ultimate chocolate beers. You can forgo the chocolates and roses this year. We won’t judge.

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What We’re Drinking | January 13, 2017

Friday the 13th, a superstition as old as time. At PorchDrinking, we don’t understand how a Friday could get such a bad rap. Maybe we can replace Friday the 13 with Monday the 13. Now that’s something to be scared of. Grab a drink, take a seat. This is What We’re Drinking. 

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The Weekly Buzz | October 21 – October 27

Beer announcements blowing up like A-bombs this week. Some are returning seasonals, others are new twists on old friends, and some are all-new creations. Put those in the boil with event announcements and ferment over ample shenanigans. This is The Weekly Buzz, brewed just for you!

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The Weekly Buzz | October 7 – 13

Besides GABF, it was kind of a slow week on social media, but fear not, fair reader! I’ve managed to scrounge up a few humdingers for your enjoyment. If you like beer events, ghosts, or janitorial work, you have come to the right place. Turn up the polka music, pour yourself a beer, and dive into The Weekly Buzz!

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Ultimate 6er | The 2016 Evolution Fighting Game Championship Series

The world of eSports is vast and glorious; on the brink of mainstream acceptance through the understanding and mutual respect put into the time and skill of learning video games. There are games with underground followings like Counter Strike: Global Offensive and genres such as MOBAs that have reached the zenith of national sport. But today’s Ultimate 6er is centered around a breed settled when the quarters were slammed on the arcade cabinet in the days of yore: Fighting Games.

The Fighting Game Community or “FGC” has had a vigorous history through years of rigorous reinvention and a fervent, dedicated fanbase of thrill-seeking gamers. Beyond the coordination and strategy of other gaming tournaments, Fighting Games have an unmistakably thematic flair. The ups-and-downs of comeback, the mind game of predicting your opponent and the study of position create a viewing experience unlike any other. It’s just two players, two controllers, two characters drowning out the thousands of passionate fans to play the best match possible. Read More

Ultimate 6er | The 88th Academy Awards

Photo Courtesy of ABC

Out of all the great events in February, The Academy Awards always stand out as the true final hurrah for the previous year. It’s easy to get caught up in the fervor of the Oscars similar to that of the Super Bowl, rooting for your favorite films while trying to guess the odds between critical vs. commercial praise. And if you are in a movie league like I am, or if you were just one of 36+ Million Viewers from last year, there’s got to be plenty of beer flowing from both sides of the screen.

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The Brooklyn-Stockholm Connection | New Carnegie Brewery

“It’s like I was given a new puppy,” my husband says, as he sips his beer, “and then someone takes it away from me.”

The new puppy was a beer … Read More

Brooklyn Brewery | Summer Ale

Brooklyn Brewery

ABV: 5.0%

So let’s dive right into summer and talk about Brooklyn Brewery’s annual Summer Ale because omg this winter. This winter has been like that kid in Problem Child or North Korea – it just won’t effing quit! While I know that we may technically still be in spring, summer brew taps are already being installed at all our favorite bars, and pictures of Oberon are littering Instagram feeds everywhere, so maybe, just maybe, if we collectively signal to the gods of the seasons that we are ready for change by toasting them with lovely summer beer, they may finally let us break free from these wintery shackles. Yes? Yes. Cheers to summer, sunny picnics, patio brunches, and the delightful countenance of a Brooklyn Summer Ale. Read More

Brooklyn Sorachi Ace

7.60% ABV

Ante up PorchDrinker, because today we have the Brooklyn Sorachi Ace on our table and it is…aces. Sorry, I had to. This delightful saison was intended for summers, but after its original warm-weathered debut, Brooklyn Brewery fans liked it so much, it worked its way off the seasonal list and onto the Brewmaster’s Reserve, offered year round. While I can see the summer appeal it is certainly a brew good for any season. However, The thing I like the most about this beer is that it has a little bit of everything, all rolled into one. (Yes, I did just accidentally slip into some Meredith Brooks lyrics there. I cringed for a second, but then I got over it. You will too.) This beer is somehow simultaneously crisp yet comforting, light but big, and strong but subtle. Basically, you’ve hit blackjack my friend. Read More

Ultimate 6er – NYC Borough Tour

On this, the 12th anniversary of 9/11, I thought it appropriate to show some love to New York City. So for this Ultimate 6er, I am taking you on a … Read More

Brooklyn Brewery – Brooklyn Local 1 Belgian-Style Ale

Brooklyn Local 1 Belgian-Style Ale, Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn, NY

ABV: 9%

IBU: 26

Brooklyn Brewery’s Brooklyn Local 1 is probably my new go-to summer beer. It’s only too … Read More