What We’re Drinking | April 16, 2021

Spring imposes upon the world a level of uncertainty that’s both invigorating and maddening. With this uncertainty comes a full spectrum of desires; wet snow convinces the palate that we must drink a heavy Stout. Fresh, sunny days inspire us to seek out something a bit lighter and crisper.

The changing of seasons can make one reflect on getting a bit older as well. I used to be an extremely cynical youth. I started shaving my head at an early age — by the time I wanted to grow it back, I couldn’t. I was rocking the full Jean-Luc Picard by age 28. I also started feeling a bit more self-conscious about my physique.

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MadTree Brewing’s Purpose is Rooted in Sustainability

By reading the name and looking at the logo, it is clear MadTree Brewing has a love for trees and the environment. Through this passion, the Cincinnati brewery has committed itself to being a sustainable and environmental-friendly brewery.

Since day one, MadTree has embraced its name and worked to celebrate and protect nature, while at the same time working to reduce its impact on the environment.

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Boys Are From Märzen Podcast | Pam Catoe Craft Beer Austin

In Episode 38 of the “Boys Are From Märzen” podcast, Kindsey Bernhard converses with Pam Catoe, owner and chief contributor of Craft Beer Austin and Southwest regional editor for PorchDrinking.com.

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Xul Beer Co. | Pastry Kids on the Block Vol. 2

Have you ever been sipping on a beer, eating a certain food, or getting a whiff of a certain smell and it invokes a memory, or takes you back to a time in your past? This is called sensory memory, and we as humans absorb these by our sense organs all throughout our lives. Certain foods, drinks, sights, sounds or smells can awaken one of these short memories and take you back in time to a place you’ve been before. Pastry Kids On The Block Vol. 2 from Xul Beer Co. does just that with their delectable Fruited Sour.

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Goldspot Brewing & Lady Justice Brewing Celebrate Major Milestone

Representation matters. In an industry where diversity has been under-prioritized for decades, craft beer has finally begun recognizing the importance of creating a more inclusive community. And while having conversations around diversity and inclusion are a great step forward, representation is still the most important path toward true change. 

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Ellipsis Brewing | …Sunset (New England IPA)

Ellipsis Brewing out of Orlando, FL, is quickly ascending the craft beer ladder in their just over four years of being in business. Some of their top beers have been “Y Can’t IBU”, a zero-IBU Pale Ale, and Happy Pils, a joyously bright Pilsner.

Just entering their tasting room, by the way, is an experience all its own. A bold and unforgettable almost neon blue color on the wall suggests a combination of hype and chill vibes amongst this taproom.

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Asheville Breweries Bloom with Expansions & Taproom Reopenings

Asheville brewery expansions and reopening announcements have been in full bloom this spring. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. announcing the reopening of their taproom, Hi-Wire Brewing Co. will open a new beer garden and Burial Beer Co. expanding its South Slope footprint. All in all, craft beer fans will have a lot to explore this summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Ultimate 6er | Six Arizona Beers to Weather Any Weather

The snow is melting. The sun is shining. Spring has sprung! Or has it? This time of year, the weather can never seem to make up its mind. One day could be a sunny day at the beach. The next, you may need to ask Noah to build another ark. Whatever the weather, you’ll need a beer to make it through. These six Arizona Beers are sure to help you withstand any weather. Read More

Back Channel Brewing Co. | Titles (New England IPA)

The folks of the North start to rejoice this time of year because it means warmer days ahead and the start of the baseball season. It also means we’ve made it out of the brutal winter and into beers of the warmer seasons. The thick and dark beers are still around. But, we are starting to see a seasonal change to juicer beers that one can enjoy on patios or sitting in the stadium of your favorite baseball team — Back Channel Brewing Titles is the ideal beer for that. Read More

Our Staff Picks the Best Beers from March 2021

As we aim to continue to showcase the incredible beers being produced from independent craft breweries across the country, we thought we’d tap into our regional teams to showcase some of the best beers that have impressed us each and every month.

Bear with us as we’re still growing our regional teams across the country and hope to add full coverage over time, but for now, here are the best beers our teams tried in their respective states for March 2021.

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Firestone Walker Luponic Distortion No. 18 | A New Zealand Hops Blend

A beer exuding New Zealand terroir, the latest release of Firestone Walker Luponic Distortion No. 18 consists of four hops from the island country: Nectaron, Nelson, Motueka and Riwaka.

“It’s a celebration of our new grower and merchant relationships that we’ve forged over the past couple of years in the Southern Hemisphere,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “It’s the first time we’ve had enough supply to go all-in on a blend of 100% New Zealand-grown hops.”

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Beers For Gaming | Ascension: Eternal

Deck-building board games often offer a unique sensation for gamers due to the act of holding physical cards and choosing which ones to play on the board or map. The hours upon hours spent opening packs, sorting through your collection and creating strategic decks adds memories to the game itself. The satisfaction of creating a deck based around a strategy or unique ideas–and it actually working–is incredible. Read More

Cellador Ales | Deadcrush Rustic Wild Ale

With Firestone Walker launching their new society to much hullabaloo and memes, many are asking “Why should you spend your hard-earned COVID relief check on an expensive collection of beers from one brewery?” This question becomes especially poignant when you realize that, instead of investing these funds at the local bottle shop where you are choosing what prizes you will go home with, you are at the mercy of the brewer spinning their “wheel of chance” for what you receive. With so many good beers so readily available, and an abundance of trust issues built up from watching too much “Survivor,” how do you decide when it’s worth it to drop a large lump sum for vague promises of future delights? Cellador Ales might have the answer.
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Revolution Brewing Releases Cuvée de Grâce for Second Time

When Revolution Brewing Cuvée de Grâce was last released in January 2020 there was a line around the brewery, a big release party inside the taproom and just three U.S. airports were beginning to screen for COVID simply as a precaution.

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Against the Grain Brewery to Open Downtown Louisville Location

The past year and a half has been very difficult for businesses in downtown Louisville. Between the COVID-19 shutdowns, the lack of tourism and the Breonna Taylor protests, downtown Louisville has taken an unfortunate hit.

Against the Grain Brewery is hoping to change that. The brewery announced they are opening their fourth location in downtown Louisville in the building that formerly housed Another Place Sandwich Shop and Jimmy Can’t Dance that closed on February 28, 2021.

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Old Nation Brewing Co. | Night Farmer Porter

Old Nation Brewing Co. made waves a few years ago for their highly drinkable take on the New England IPA: M-43. What followed was a “New Orthodox” IPA series that has kept the brewery on top of best-in-beer lists. But the brewery ain’t no one-trick pony. Their Electron Brown and Over Privileged Stout have both been hits with beer enthusiasts and are a far cry from the Hazy IPAs that put them on the map. In what seems like a pattern of success, they’ve managed to create another winner with their newest brew, a 6.5% ABV Porter called Night Farmer.

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