Brewery Showcase | Oswego Brewing Company

The addition of suburban-Chicago’s Oswego Brewing Company (May, 2018) further demonstrates that the craft beer industry is far from “too crowded.” Oswego Brewing has fit in nicely, thank you, and is drawing in its own new loyal crowd of craft beer fans. Operating out of spacious building — the town’s former fire station — and under the direction of the multi-award winning head brewer, Marc Wilson, Oswego Brewing deftly balances the art of offering sophisticated special releases alongside solid, versatile year-round and seasonal choices.
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Preyer Brewing Co. | Undercurrant

It’s been a season of surprises in North Carolina. First, we have one of the biggest December snow storms I’ve ever seen. Then, I discover a new brewery — Preyer Brewing — that managed to fly under my radar for the past 3 years.

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Ultimate 6er | 6 Beers to Leave Out for Santa Claus

Thanks to the amazing array of barrel-aged brews and hearty ales available in December, many of us are growing bellies that even the man at the North Pole would be proud of. While many of us don our own red hats and honor the big man with our own gift-giving exploits, it feels like Santa might be extra stressed this year for a myriad of people-produced reasons. I’m sure Santa still appreciates a good batch of cookies and a tall glass of milk, but this year, I think Mr. Claus might appreciate something with more of a bite to quell his nerves during the big night. Here’s a look at six beers that are sure to put you on the nice list with Santa Claus this year.

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Why I’m Giving up Hazy IPAs in 2019

In 2019 I’m giving up the haze crazy, hop bombs, and juice boxes. I’m doing this not to rebel or revolt against the New England IPA. It’s a matter of self-control and I just didn’t do a good job of that this past year. It’s a fine style of beer that has taken this industry by storm and helped launch some of the most well-known breweries today, but personally, in 2018 I just gravitated towards them too often. Read More

Moody Tongue | BBA Chocolate Barleywine

Given the fact that its buried in snow and doesn’t see the sun for 6 months out of the year, It comes to no surprise the Chicago doesn’t even rank in American’s top 50 fittest cities. But where Chicago lacks in fitness, friendliness, honest politicians, and low taxes, it makes up with its food and beer scene.

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PorchDrinking’s Weekly Denver Beer Beat | December 18, 2018

The Denver Beer Beat sheds light on news of brewery openings, special tappings, firkins and one-off batches, bottle releases, dinners, pairings, etc.
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Dogfish Head Stretches its Creative Roots with New Alternate Takes Whiskey Series

Delaware-based Dogfish Head is anything but timid when it comes to their product. From beers made with space rocks to colorful creations that combine beer and wine, the brewery most known for their intensely-hopped IPAs has made it a point to expand their creative profile beyond just beer into the lucrative distilling space. After experimenting with small batches of spirits in as early as 2002, Dogfish put their foot in the ground in 2015 with the launch of their new distillery which creates 100 percent scratch-made gin, whiskey, rum and vodka at their Milton, DE location. Now, the ambitious brewery and distiller is taking things one step further with the launch of their Alternate Takes spirits program that aims to shake up the traditional liquor you see on your local liquor store shelves.

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Maxline Brewing Uses Cute Dogs in Ugly Sweaters to Promote Local Mental Health Program

Maxline Brewing in Fort Collins is making a name for itself as the most dog-friendly place in town. The brewery typically hosts a fundraiser at least once a month; those fundraisers are almost always pup-centric. Puppy adoptions with a local shelter are also scheduled at least once a month and their patio is a haven for all sorts of four-legged friends. So when Terri Lee Bolles was brainstorming about where to hold the first fundraiser for her non-profit, Project Mental Health Freedom (PMHF), it was a no-brainer.

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Wynwood Brewing | Pop’s Porter

The Sunshine State is more than 1,000 miles away from me and is experiencing no snow at all (but, is that any surprise?). Meanwhile, the temperature outside my house here in Massachusetts has dropped to the teens. In this totally unfair, location-based insult, what kind of beer will help me endure this unforgiving weather? A porter will do the trick, but it has to be robust, smooth and drinkable. Therefore, Pop’s Porter tops my forecast.

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Dissecting Garrett Oliver’s “Beer Expert Guesses Cheap vs Expensive Beer”

If you’ve been paying attention to the Gourmet YouTube scene, many classic publications are rejuvenating themselves through spectacular new digital content series. Bon Appétit has been pushing forward with glorious junk food recreations in “Gourmet Makes” and fermentation experimentation in “It’s Alive With Brad.” America’s Test Kitchen has transitioned to online magnificently through highly informative videos on products and cooking techniques. But the series that’s been most interest in terms of flavor analysis is “Price Points” by recipe index Epicurious.

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Guide to New Year’s Eve Parties at Chicago Craft Breweries

New Year’s Eve is a time for renewal, a time for hope. And, a time for beer and drinks. Don’t miss out on some of Chicago’s best craft-brewery NYE events. Each one invites drinkers to have some food, beer, fun activities and, of course, a midnight countdown. This summary gives you the scoop, but we encourage you to click on the links to read some of the finer print.

Here’s to 2019!

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First Look | Cellar West Artisan Ales Re-Opens Today in Lafayette

After over two years in North Boulder, Cellar West Artisan Ales is moving to a new home in nearby Lafayette, CO.

From the start, Zachary Nichols, the owner/brewer at Cellar … Read More

Here’s Where to Find Founders Brewing CBS & KBS in Colorado

When we first broke the news back in August that Founders Brewing would finally be arriving in Colorado for distribution, the immediate flood of questions we fielded from readers centered … Read More

What We’re Drinking | December 14, 2018

You know what’s great about beer? Whether you love the holidays or find yourself embracing your inner Scrooge, beer tastes sweet either way. It’s either used for a celebration or for comfort, depending on your current level of holiday stress. If you’ve gotten all your shopping done, gold star for you. You’re quite a few steps ahead of me. But if you’re forgetting to stock your beer fridge in lieu of stocking stockings, the PorchDrinkers have some great ideas for inspiration this week to fill the craft beer void in your life. This is What We’re Drinking.  

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Event Preview | Wynkoop’s Beer Drinker of the Year 2019

Do you think you could be crowned Wynkoop’s Beer Drinker of the Year for 2019? Prove it! The Beer Drinker of the Year is not only crowned to someone who really enjoys, appreciates and drinks beer, but who also knows a quite a bit about how beer is made, it’s history and can demonstrate this range and depth. Wynkoop is looking for passionate home brewers, local brewers, or even someone who just really loves a good stout. They are looking for contestants both local and national. The submission deadline is January 13, 2019, so get ready!

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A Holiday Brewski at the Zooski | Denver Zoo Lights Tap List

In a city like Denver where the craft beer market is insanely competitive, party planners and marketing teams now build events around a top-notch tap list—it’s no longer an afterthought or bonus. Take Denver Zoo, for example. Not so long ago, patrons would have been stoked to have any kind of beer available as they peered at Pachyderms. But now, during the 28th annual Zoo Lights, the park proudly presents its visitors with a carefully cultivated beer menu, which includes over 20 craft brews.

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Firestone Walker | Champs de Fraises (2017)

Firestone Walker is known for creating some awesome brews, from the Luponic Distortion IPA series to Velvet Merkin, at their Paso Robles brewery. I feel that their Barrelworks beers can be overlooked at times, like the Champs de Fraises. I will be the first to say it took me a while to get down with wild ales, always thinking they would turn out a funky “gym sock” Belgian nose. Obviously, I had a lot to learn! Nowadays, wild ales are my jam and I seek out the opportunity to try these beauties.

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Pour List | 2018 Denver Festivus Brings Out the Best Holiday Beers

In a holiday season littered with White Elephants, tinsel and ugly sweaters, I think it’s safe to say what we really care about is cutting straight to the booze and … Read More

Surly Brewing Announces 2019 Beer Release Calendar & Boxed Six-Packs

Surly Brewing has announced its plans for 2019, which include (among other items) the return of its Brooklyn Center Small Batch series and Seasonal Variety Packs.

The popular Minnesota brewery also announced several new items for 2019 such as boxed six-packs (12 oz. cans) and a new, year-round hazy IPA in 16 oz. cans.

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Costa Rica Will Host the Second Annual International Beer Cup Exclusively for Independent Craft Breweries

At the beginning of the new year, San José – Costa Rica will host the second annual international beer cup, exclusively for independent craft breweries from January 14 to 19, 2019.

This Cup is the first of its kind that is limited exclusively to independent commercial brewers. Over 600 entries will be judged by 38 judges, including certified BJCP judges, Cicerones and internationally renowned professional brewers from top independent breweries from around the world, including Peter Lengyel, Jennifer Talley, Barrett Tillman, Peter Bouckaert and Ehren Schmidt, to name a few.

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