Beer-articles 855

Madison Beer, initially recognized as Justin Bieber’s protégé in 2012, continues to be perceived through the lens of her early fame and social media presence. Despite her efforts to reclaim her narrative, her third studio album, locket, released on January 16, 2026, doesn’t seem to fulfill the ambitious promises set by her pre-release singles.

Promoting locket since early 2024, Beer released several singles prior to the album, including "Make You Mine," "Yes Baby," "Bittersweet," and "Bad Enough." These songs hinted at a sonic direction filled with darker pop elements, driving excitement among her fans. Just days before the album’s launch, she announced The Locket Tour, covering 32 shows across Europe and North America, further suggesting an era of significance.

However, upon listening to locket, the expectation of a groundbreaking shift in Beer’s career gives way to a more transitional album. The polished production may shine in private settings but doesn’t translate well to live performances.

One notable challenge throughout Beer’s music is her unclear musical identity. Much of locket draws parallels to artists like Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish, especially with tracks like "Angel Wings," which emulates Grande’s soft vocals. Despite this, "Angel Wings" stands out by showcasing Beer’s willingness to take risks, culminating in an unexpected, immersive conclusion that deviates from her usual style.

Yet, the expectation set by her pre-release singles isn’t fully realized in the album. While "Make You Mine" and "Yes Baby" display her confidence, the overall direction of the album veers away from this momentum. The absence of the strong track "15 Minutes" further hinders the album’s flow.

Outside of a couple of standout tracks like "Complexity" and "Angel Wings," which embrace creativity through structural and lyrical risks, the rest of the album remains subdued and ballad-driven.

Despite these critiques, locket reveals its depth over time, hinting at themes of emotional introspection. The true impact of Beer’s new music, and whether it evolves into something more substantial, may reveal itself during her upcoming performances on tour. For now, the intentions behind locket are enigmatically tucked away, waiting to unfold.

Would you consider drinking beer made with bear poop? This peculiar question is at the forefront of a marketing campaign by Breakside Brewery and Columbia Sportswear.

The new beer, aptly named “Nature Calls,” is a collaboration between these two brands, known for pushing boundaries in their respective fields. Breakside Brewery is not new to unusual brewing practices, previously creating beers with creative names, but this venture takes it to another level. The "clean-tasting lager" features an unexpected ingredient: "a hint of bear poop collected trailside in Montana from the American black bear."

Despite the bizarre inclusion, the breweries assure consumers that the beer is safe to drink, stating, “We’ve brewed a lot of beers, but never one that celebrates nature this literally.” Scott Lawrence, founder of Breakside, initially thought Columbia was joking when they proposed the idea, but it has now turned into what they claim could be the wildest beer in America.

“Nature Calls” will be available at Columbia’s booth during The Players Tailgate on February 8 and in limited quantities at Breakside locations, although it won’t be advertised during the actual Super Bowl.

As the event approaches, beer enthusiasts across the country are left wondering if they’ll dare to try this unique brew.

For over four decades, the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) has been a staple event at the Colorado Convention Center, featuring rows of tables, fluorescent lighting, and a buzzing crowd of craft beer enthusiasts sampling small cups of brews. Established in 1982 by the Brewers Association, the GABF serves as a pivotal gathering for breweries to introduce new beers to a national audience, where accolades can dramatically transform a brewery’s fortunes.

In 2026, this iconic festival will undergo a significant transformation as it moves outdoors for the first time in its history. Scheduled for October 10 and 11, the GABF will take place at Denver’s Levitt Pavilion in Ruby Hill Park, marking a new chapter in its storied progression.

The relocation signifies more than just a venue change; it reflects a new outlook from the Brewers Association regarding the overall festival experience. Ann Obenchain, the association’s vice president of marketing and communications, emphasized that this move offers a chance to innovate and inject new energy into the event. She noted how it aligns with the evolving landscape of American craft beer.

Historically, GABF has mirrored the growth of craft beer in the United States, transitioning from a small, niche gathering to a major event that attracts thousands of attendees from across the country. The original concept of the festival was to unite breweries, offer a platform for competition, and familiarize the public with the diverse styles of craft beer.

As the craft beer scene thrived and more breweries emerged, the festival expanded significantly, with the Colorado Convention Center becoming a crucial venue to accommodate its growing popularity. Despite the shift toward educational programming and food pairings, the festival maintained its core format focused on dense and rapid tasting.

The new setting at Levitt Pavilion aims to provide a more relaxed atmosphere with open green spaces, enabling a broader range of activities beyond just tasting. This outdoor venue will facilitate live music, enhanced tasting areas, and a reimagined version of the festival’s PAIRED event, which will benefit from the open-air environment.

Even with these changes, the essential elements of the GABF will remain unchanged. The hundreds of participating breweries and the competitive medal component will still be integral to the festival. However, attendees can expect a different ambiance, with a less structured layout that encourages social gatherings and leisurely exploration.

The move to an outdoor venue also mirrors trends in consumer preferences, as attendees increasingly seek experiential events that foster community and social interaction rather than rapid beer sampling. As craft beer enters a new phase of evolution, the GABF adjusts accordingly, aiming to create a vibrant festival atmosphere that resonates with both long-term enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Tickets for the 2026 festival will be available starting in June, offering both veterans and newcomers a chance to experience what promises to be an exciting transformation in one of America’s most beloved beer festivals.

As the United States approaches its 250th birthday this July, celebrations may feature Michigan’s role in the craft beer movement, particularly through Founders Brewing Company. Located in Grand Rapids, which was named Beer City, USA in 2012, Founders Brewing Company has established itself as a key player in the craft brewing scene.

Founded in 1997, Founders was created when Michigan had only six breweries. Today, the state boasts nearly 400, showcasing its significant influence in shaping the craft beer industry. John Gautraud from Founders recounted the early days, stating, "When we started in 1997, there were six breweries in Michigan."

Brewmaster Jeremy Kosmicki noted that Founders experienced growth through innovation and advancements in technology. “My first job here was putting glass bottles onto the conveyor belt,” he explained about the changes in production processes, including an automated canning line capable of filling 800 cans every minute.

Michigan’s water source, particularly from Lake Michigan, is a key advantage that brewers like Gautraud believe has contributed to the state’s craft beer success. “We get to use Lake Michigan water, and we don’t have to do anything to the water,” he said. This natural resource has fostered a collaborative culture among brewers who support each other rather than compete.

In celebration of the nation’s milestone birthday, Founders Brewing Company is planning to introduce a commemorative beer called America 250. This initiative reflects not just a celebration of the country’s history but also the vital contribution Michigan has made to the craft beer landscape.

For more information, visit the links related to the craft beer movement in Michigan and Founders Brewing.

It’s a normal Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles, except for pop star Madison Beer, who is on a Zoom call while driving. Having recently turned 26, she humorously reflects, “We are old now, dude.” Her busy life revolves around the promotion of her newly released album “locket,” which launched on January 16.

Madison Beer rose to fame at 13 through her well-received YouTube song covers. By 2018, she gained recognition for her original music, particularly with her debut album, “As She Pleases.” Her first Grammy nomination came with her 2021 album “Silence Between Songs,” followed by another in 2025 for her hit single “Make You Mine.”

With “locket,” Beer aims for another breakthrough despite not having yet achieved the same cultural impact as some of her contemporaries. The album rollout began with the upbeat track “yes baby,” followed by the synth-pop “bittersweet” and the classic pop sound of “bad enough.” Fans can catch her live performance when she embarks on tour in 2026, with a stop at the Kia Forum on June 24.

In a conversation with The Times, Beer discussed the evolution of her artistry since her last release, stating that she has learned the importance of emotional honesty and vulnerability in her songs. She expresses amazement at how fans connect to her personal experiences through her music, noting that “writing something that you think no one will get” can resonate deeply with crowds.

The album “locket” showcases her recent foray into a “hyper pop” sound, influenced by her desire to create fun music for her upcoming tour. Beer acknowledges her childhood inspiration from the 2010s, particularly referencing Gwen Stefani and recognizing that the album carries a nostalgic feel reminiscent of that era.

When discussing the writing process for “locket,” Beer notes it’s evolved but often begins with chords, followed by melodies and then lyrics. Initially, the album almost took the shape of a concept piece viewed through a robotic lens, which she later decided to abandon in favor of drawing on personal narratives.

Beer reveals that pressures to surpass her previous work weighed on her during the creative process, but eventually, she focused on the joy of writing music rather than commercial success. This shift allowed her to explore her creativity more freely and authentically.

In contrast to her beginnings, Beer’s work on “locket” exemplifies an artist committed to growth and genuine expression, eager to share her journey with her audience while embracing both her past influences and her evolution as a musician.

With rising health awareness and a growing desire to cut alcohol consumption, many consumers are exploring non-alcoholic beers as a tasty alternative. The non-alcoholic beer market has significantly gained traction, offering options that mirror the flavors and aromas of traditional beers without the effects of alcohol.

Experts from the beverage industry have identified several standout non-alcoholic beers worth trying:

1. Run Wild IPA by Athletic Brewing Co.

   • Known as the "gold standard" for non-alcoholic IPAs, it features a blend of five Northwest hops, providing a distinctive piney and citrusy flavor without the heaviness.

2. Upside Dawn Golden Ale by Athletic Brewing Co.

   • This beer is praised for its light, crisp taste with hints of honey and orange, making it an ideal choice for gatherings where guests want to enjoy a refreshing drink without alcohol.

3. Just the Haze by Samuel Adams

   • An approachable New England-style IPA with a lush mouthfeel and fruity notes of mango, peach, and pineapple, it blends oats and wheat for a fuller texture.

4. Cold Gold by Wild AF

   • Co-founded by actor Charlie Sheen, this golden lager is described as crisp and clean, capturing a classic beer experience that focuses on refreshment.

5. The Story Double IPA by Go Brewing

   • This award-winning beer is a tropical delight with grapefruit and papaya notes, aimed at craft beer enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on flavor.

6. She’s Passionate Tropical IPA by Busty Lush

   • With a vibrant profile featuring passion fruit and citrus flavors, this IPA emphasizes a "flavor-first" approach while promoting women in the brewing industry.

7. Guinness 0.0

   • A non-alcoholic version of the classic stout, it offers a slightly sweeter experience while maintaining the iconic dark color and balanced flavor of traditional Guinness.

These selections showcase the diversity and deliciousness of non-alcoholic beers, making them a viable choice for those looking to reduce their alcohol intake without sacrificing taste.

Raise a parting glass — the Trillium beer garden is set to leave its long-standing location along Boston’s Greenway after nearly a decade. Since opening in 2017 as Boston’s first beer garden, Trillium has created a vibrant space for locals and visitors alike, contributing significantly to the community.

Mike Dyer, the vice president of sales and marketing at Trillium, announced that the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy has selected a new tenant after an RFP bidding process. The identity of this new vendor has not been disclosed, but the conservancy intends to support Boston-based businesses and is excited about the upcoming announcement of the new partner.

Eileen Ong, director of programs and outreach at the conservancy, acknowledged Trillium’s important role in establishing beverage gardens and its contribution to welcoming visitors.

Despite the departure from the Greenway, Trillium is expanding its presence. Dyer mentioned the opening of a new winter beer garden inside Winthrop Center, offering customers a cozy environment to enjoy a selection of beers and canned cocktails. This new venue aims to engage downtown workers, especially during the winter months when outdoor gatherings are less feasible.

The winter beer garden’s opening night attracted around 30 to 40 guests in the first hour, with plans to operate from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays until March.

“There’s plenty in store for Trillium fans,” Dyer reassured, indicating that the brewery will continue to create new experiences for its patrons as it moves forward.

Madison Beer recently featured in a striking photo shoot for Paper Magazine, where she showcased sheer micro shorts alongside a matching trench jacket. The shoot, shared on social media on January 18, 2026, quickly gained traction, amassing over 5,700 views and 364 likes. The post included a humorous caption about a "lethal-off" between her looks and a syringe, hinting at a theme of dark glamour.

In the editorial, Madison Beer leans into a high-fashion aesthetic, complete with curtain partitions and atmospheric lighting. She complemented her milky-white sheer trench with a cinched waist and ultra-short micro shorts, adding blue latex gloves and a syringe prop, which further amplified the concept of dark elegance.

This photoshoot aligns with the release of her new single “Locket” and upcoming tour dates for "The Locket Tour" in 2026. For more about her latest work and career updates, check out her profile on Reality Tea.

Chargers fans had a moment of panic recently when they thought their star quarterback, Justin Herbert, might have made an appearance in Madison Beer’s new music video for her song "bad enough." The video features a Beauty and the Beast-inspired character chasing Beer down the street, leading fans to speculate if Herbert, known for his typically reserved nature, was involved.

Ultimately, it was revealed that the actor in the video was not Herbert but Austin Minard. Nonetheless, the speculation was amusing, especially since the Chargers had just experienced another disappointing exit from the playoffs. The idea of Herbert, who has maintained a low profile in his NFL career, being featured in a music video sparked humorous reactions online.

The growing public romance between Herbert and Beer has drawn significant attention, with the couple making notable appearances together at various events, including courtside at Lakers games. Chargers fans might find this intriguing, hinting at a more outgoing persona for Herbert.

As the NFL offseason approaches, fans can only wonder if Herbert will continue to be seen in unexpected places. While serious discussions about the team’s future developments, including coaching and player acquisitions, remain paramount, the possibility of Herbert’s unexpected appearances adds an element of excitement during this quieter time. Reactions from fans included humorous disbelief and memes highlighting the juxtaposition of a star quarterback chasing a pop star in a fictional setting.

For now, Chargers supporters can keep an eye on these developments both on and off the field.

Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) has made waves by reintroducing a colossal 99 Pack of beer, just in time for the NFL post-season. This impressive package, which includes 99 cans of PBR, boasts illustrations inspired by the iconic Godzilla, thanks to the creative talents of artist ATTACK Peter. This collaboration follows a recent partnership with Toho International, marking PBR’s first foray into themed packaging since the last 99 Pack was released in 2023.

The latest edition of the 99 Pack contains an original design featuring characters from the Godzilla franchise, such as Ghidorah and Mechagodzilla. Rachel Keeton, senior brand director for PBR, humorously suggested carrying this hefty package with a friend, since it weighs over 80 pounds and contains about 9.28 gallons of beer, nearly equating to half of a keg.

Available at around $99—a dollar per can—this limited run of 4,000 packs has already begun to hit shelves nationwide, targeted towards fans looking to add a bit of excitement to their game-day festivities. Keeton noted that this special release offers PBR fans a chance to celebrate the post-season in style.

The 99 Pack has a history with the brand dating back to 2019 and has brought joy to fans occasionally over the years. With its Godzilla-themed design, the latest edition continues to solidify the brand’s connection with pop culture, as the monster genre remains ever-popular.

As Keeton put it, "It’s exciting to see his design show up in such a big way at stores," reflecting the anticipation fans have for both Pabst and Godzilla.