Regions
Lakewood’s Caution Brewing Announces Closure at the End of June
June 4, 2018 | Tristan Chan 5
While we’re only six months into the year, 2018 has been a rough one for Colorado’s craft beer landscape. According to research from Stephen Adams, Colorado Beer Geek, this year, the state of Colorado has seen nine closures including Crazy Mountain Brewing’s Edwards location, Powder Keg Brewing, Dodgeton Creek Brewing (temporary), Vindication Brewing, Beryl’s Beer Co., Great Storm Brewing, Revolution Brewing (which plans to re-open under a new owner and name), FanDraught Sports Brewery and Nighthawk Brewery, and sadly we’re now hearing of a 10th.
Eurotrip | DC Brau Goes to Sweden
June 4, 2018 | Stacey Goers
DC Brau is the latest stateside brewery to capitalize on the exploding Swedish beer market. The Washington D.C.-based beloved brewery announced it will be distributing in Systembolaget stores throughout Sweden this fall.
Read More
We Threw a Beer Instameet… Here’s How It Went
June 4, 2018 | Adam Rozanas
Minnesota has a thriving craft beer scene.
With some 150 craft breweries from top to bottom of the state — and more popping up faster than … Read More
Westbound & Down Brewing Plans Growth Around Experimental Program
June 4, 2018 | Tristan Chan
Like many Coloradans who have traversed the winding I70 highway toward Summit County, you’ve probably at some point noticed the word BREWERY painted in big bold letters along the side of a building in the thoroughfare town of Idaho Springs. For those who keep up with the ever-evolving Colorado craft beer landscape, this mountain town spot has become a familiar requisite stop for those who appreciate well-crafted traditional styles paired with great eats. But what most don’t realize is that Westbound & Down Brewing has been quietly preparing to join Colorado’s storied lineup of esteemed sour producers.
Read More
Scorched Earth Brewing Company | Barrel 76 Red Flanders
June 4, 2018 | Mathew Powers
Somehow, suburban Chicago’s Scorched Earth Brewing barreling program remains off the radar for most beer drinkers, which leaves this writer befuddled. Certainly those in the Chicago region with a nose for barrel-aged beers should make it a high priority to seek all forms of Scorched Earth brewing alchemy. One of the brewery’s latest releases, Barrel 76, is a Flanders red ale aged in French oak wine barrels with Montmorency cherries and Madagascar vanilla beans. Traditional, yet innovative. Sophisticated, yet rustic. Tart, yet a bit sweet. The beer serves as an example for what craft brewing is all about.
Six Observations From Illinois Craft Beer Week (ICBW)
June 1, 2018 | Mathew Powers 1
The inaugural Illinois Craft Beer Week (ICBW) replaced the former, annual Chicago Craft Beer Week (CCBW), but both the kick-off and closing festivals took place on Chicago’s north side, and most of the intra-week events occurred within the nation’s third-biggest market, which also happens to be where the vast majority of Illinois breweries operate. So, as they say, “A rose by any other name.” Nevertheless, the 2018 version is in the books and once again demonstrated that the enthusiasm for craft beer remains high. There are nuances to the industry and week-long festivities worthy of mentioning, so let’s take the time to note a few observations made during ICBW.
Sly Fox Brewing | Alex’s Lemon Wheat Ale
June 1, 2018 | Samantha Story
Let us start at the very beginning — with a lemonade stand.
The story starts with a little girl named Alexandra “Alex” Scott. Just before her first birthday, Alex’s parents were given the diagnosis that Alex had neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer.
First Look: Odell Brewing Opens Small Batch Brewery & Taproom in Denver RiNo
May 31, 2018 | Scott Davidson
Denver’s River North Art District is beginning to look completely different than it did even six months ago. Just along the once rough and tumble, sleepy main drag of Larimer Street alone, the transformation is none more apparent than the recent additions of American Bonded, the next chapter in Sean Kenyon’s (founder of Williams and Graham) burgeoning cocktail bar catalog, and Call, a trendy coffee shop, sandwich concept, along with it’s upcoming neighboring sister bar Beckon. The landscape has also been forever changed by the recent influx of satellite locations from several already well-established national brands. This recent flood of familiar faces includes one of the country’s hottest bar concepts in Death and Co, inside of The Ramble Hotel, the fast food behemoth that is Shake Shack, and chain wine bar concept Barcelona. And beginning Monday, Odell Brewing will extend their reach outside of their Fort Collins roots to Denver’s hottest neighborhood, when they open their second outpost in the heart of Denver’s River North Art District.
Odell Small Batch Festival 2018 Review: Something Old, Something New
May 31, 2018 | Jaclyn Menendez
Odell Brewing, home to the (unofficial) official Best Patio of Fort Collins, hosted its Small Batch Festival on May 26. Not many breweries can pull off a festival consisting entirely of their own brews, but the prolific Odell successfully produced a beer lineup consisting of old favorites and some brand new blends.
For $35, patrons received two 12oz pours (8oz for high ABV brews ), a stainless steel cup and 60+ beer options. This party isn’t new—Odell has hosted this festival a handful of times in the past decade—and in the late May summer sun, the Small Batch Festival definitely felt like a familiar get-together. It was part business as usual, but other aspects felt distinctly special. Here’s the breakdown of what felt old, and what was new:
Haymarket Brewing | Pink Sock Monkey Raspberry Wheat
May 31, 2018 | Mathew Powers
Haymarket Brewing in Chicago (and now also in Michigan) owes its name to one of the most notable moments in labor history: The Haymarket Affair. But, this is no time for a history lesson, this is a time to get to know a brewery renowned for creating beer intended for drinking, not sipping; for enjoying after a hard day’s work, not kept in cellars. And Pink Sock Monkey Raspberry Wheat Ale is one of those beers.
Haymarket commits itself to workers — no matter the color of the collar — and Pink Sock Monkey Raspberry Wheat reminds us all that artisans and craftspeople enjoy a long legacy of cherished American professions, from blacksmith to brewer. Haymarket deftly weaves its way through the craft beer world by creating beers that simultaneously exude refinement and also approachability. Yes, those are often overused buzz words, but in this case they are perfect descriptors.
PorchDrinking’s Weekly Denver Beer Beat | May 30, 2018
May 30, 2018 | Jeremiah Cornelius
The Denver Beer Beat sheds light on news of brewery openings, special tappings, firkins and one-off batches, bottle releases, dinners, pairings, etc.
Read More
PorchDrinking’s Weekly Atlanta Beer Beat | May 30-June 5, 2018
May 30, 2018 | Josh Ritenour
The Atlanta Beer Beat sheds light on news of brewery openings, special tappings, firkins and one-off batches, bottle releases, dinners, pairings and more!
Elevation Beer Co. | Pomegranate Acide
May 30, 2018 | Sue Bjorkman
In Elevation Beer Company’s parking lot, there are often more mountain bikes than vehicles. Elevation is in Poncha Springs, Colorado, a tiny town just outside the small town of Salida in the heart of Colorado’s most mountainous region. From whitewater rafting to bagging 14ers to riding the endless trails at wrecking-ball speed, it’s all celebrated here with great craft beer. Naturally.
Fremont Brewing | The Lamb
May 29, 2018 | Hannah Carlson
A handful of weeks back, on a quintessential Seattle spring evening, dozens of Fremont Brewing’s most loyal and ardent patrons gathered at the brewery’s Frelard facility location in celebration of the Heron Hunting Club’s annual event. The event, which is rightfully hailed as one of the best in Seattle’s craft scene, is a chance for Fremont fanatics to mingle with the brewery’s staff, experience incredible bites from famed Seattle chefs, and perhaps most importantly, stock up favorite Fremont beers that the brewery releases from their cellars for the occasion. As one of the lucky fans that was in attendance for the Heron Hunting Club get together, I was not going to let this rare shopping opportunity slip away. I left with a plethora of beers that, to this day, has me giddy – one of those brews being The Lamb, a 2016 saison that was the first brew from Fremont’s Fermentation Lab series.
Schlafly Can Release Helps Beer Drinkers Love Cider
May 28, 2018 | Jordan Palmer 1
Are you enjoying the cider renaissance?
It is real, but up until now, I pretty much ignored ciders as nothing more than a decent option for those who wanted beer, but couldn’t have one due to gluten or sugar issues. Boy, was I wrong! After seeing the opening of St. Louis’ first cidery, I’m ready to give this ancient beverage a chance.
Read More
Fort George Brewery | From Astoria With Love
May 28, 2018 | Anna Dacosta
Love can be complicated, but those complications are usually worth one’s while. Fort George Brewery managed to capture love in a can with From Astoria With Love, their Russian Imperial Stout. I knew I had to get this beer from Oregon back to my home in Florida. Luckily, the airport in Portland had a couple of cans left, so now is a good time to share this bliss with you.
Michigan Beer Chronicles Part 1 | Grand Rapids (plus Bell’s & Dark Horse)
May 25, 2018 | Taylor Laabs 2
After a five-day excursion with my beer-loving parents through Western Michigan and Traverse City, I’ve come back enamored with many of the local brews… and about five pounds heavier. But it was all worth it: every single brew, cheese board, burger and beer flight. During the trip, we visited over 20 breweries throughout Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Marshall, Ludington and Traverse City. Some were massive, others were upstarts, but each left an impression. To make my recap as readable as possible, I’ve decided to divide my thoughts up into regions, starting with the focal point: Grand Rapids, and the additional visits we took to Bell’s, Dark Horse and Starving Artist located in Kalamazoo, Marshall and Ludington respectively. Here are my highlights.
Avery Invitational Pour List & How to Win A Pair of Tickets
May 25, 2018 | Tristan Chan
In craft beer, the old adage of “If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it” doesn’t necessarily apply. Even the most successful breweries and industry events must continue to innovate in this most competitive and fast-evolving landscape.
Crow Hop Brewing | Rado’s Red Sweet Cherry Sour
May 25, 2018 | Bryan Oldham
The Colorado brewery scene is one with its ups and downs, ebbs and flows. Some breweries see their star shine brightly, then quickly fizzle out and shut their doors nearly as soon as they opened. Others, like Crow Hop Brewing in Loveland, CO, find increased success year after year and eventually need to move locations to accommodate the greater fanfare.
Living the Dream Brewing Teams Up with Alamo Drafthouse on Pathfinder IPA
May 24, 2018 | Tristan Chan
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Alamo Drafthouse
Since they first opened their doors in Austin, TX, our good friends at Alamo Drafthouse have been pioneers in allowing movie-goers to order elite level craft beer options while enjoying the silver screen.
recent comments