The Weekly Buzz | July 27 – August 2

August 3, 2018 | Dan Bortz

Since we’re all gathered here around the Weekly Buzz hearth, allow Grandpappy Dan to spin a yarn about the good old days. A long time ago, fall seasonal beers — like pumpkin ales — used to be released in the fall, so that their warm spiciness and pumpkin sweetness could be enjoyed on cool autumn nights. Märzens (or Oktoberfests) would be released in September to coincide with Munich’s historic Oktoberfest festival, which runs from late September until early October. Much like the way certain big box chains stock bathing suits in February, these beers are releasing earlier and earlier. Does anyone really want to drink a Pumpkin Ale in July or August? I don’t believe that they do. Seasonality is a beautiful thing, but it is being lost as its lines are being blurred. If you don’t buy fall seasonals in August, they’ll stop releasing them in August.

Let’s make seasonal beers great again!
Read More

The Weekly Buzz | December 29 – January 4

January 5, 2018 | Dan Bortz

Well, it’s officially 2018. I don’t feel much different than I did last year. I already go to the gym on a regular basis, so I don’t have a pesky weight loss resolution to deal with (although I do have plenty left to lose). The world is still a terrifying hellscape, and we’re all used to that by now. We still have craft beer, so that’s a mark in the “Win” column. Craft beer also loves creating internet nonsense for us all to read, and we’ve collected some fun ones this week. Welcome to The Weekly Buzz!
Read More

The Weekly Buzz | November 24 – 30

December 1, 2017 | Dan Bortz

So, which of you maniacs woke up ungodly early to hunt for Black Friday beer releases or discount video game consoles? I did neither. I went to my job and nursed my Thanksgiving hangover like a responsible grown up. With every passing minute, I grew more and more enraged by BCBS posts. First of all, I don’t really care what beer you bought, and, secondly, it’s just really fancy Budweiser. There’s no need to flood every beer forum with pictures of your “haul”. Anyway… Other things happened this week, too. Here they are in an all-new edition of The Weekly Buzz.
Read More

The Weekly Buzz | September 8 – 14

September 15, 2017 | Dan Bortz

This week was a bummer in a lot of ways. Houston is still reeling from Harvey, Florida got beat up by Irma and we remembered the anniversary of a devastating terrorist attack. You know what, though? We got through it. We’ll continue to get through it. Even though at times it may seem like we are kicking ourselves in the ass, we’ll find a way to make it right. Until that day, we will have America’s greatest coping mechanism at our disposal–beer. Crack open a fresh one, and get ready for The Weekly Buzz.
Read More