Beer-articles 947

EMMETT TWP, MI — A rural Michigan market is making waves with a unique approach to ensuring that residents don’t run out of beer on Christmas. Trombley’s Country Market, located in Emmett Township, has released an original music video titled “Sellin’ Beer on Christmas,” featuring a lighthearted country tune performed by Ethan Trombley, one of the family members affiliated with the store.

Opened by Trombley’s grandparents in 1974 as a small produce stand, the family-owned business has expanded over the years to include a variety of food items such as handmade pizza and sandwiches. The store maintains its spirit of community service, opening for a few hours on Christmas Day to cater to local needs while humorously emphasizing its beer sales.

Ethan Trombley, who also manages the market, recorded the music video over three days in November. In it, he dons an elf costume while family members and friends join in, underscoring the market’s community roots. “It was a fun process that represents our personality and mission,” Trombley remarked, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere that characterizes the market.

The family aims to foster connections within the community, reflecting the store’s growth from a roadside stand to a local hub over the past 51 years. Despite facing loss with the passing of Ethan’s father, James, in 2019, he is committed to continuing the family legacy while utilizing modern promotion methods like a YouTube channel named Small Town Market.

“Sellin’ Beer on Christmas,” released on December 6, follows a previous music video Trombley created for another original song titled “Ain’t Nothin Like The USA.”

As part of its holiday offerings, Trombley’s Country Market will be open from noon to 3 p.m. on December 25, complying with state laws that prohibit alcohol sales during the early hours of the holiday.

Sonoma County, known primarily for its wines, is also home to a vibrant craft beer and cider scene. This guide explores noteworthy breweries and cideries that beer and cider enthusiasts should not miss on their next trip to the region.

Notable Breweries

Sonoma County boasts a surprising number of unique breweries for its size. Starting with Russian River Brewing in Windsor, this brewery is celebrated nationwide for its iconic beer, Pliny the Elder. Santa Rosa hosts multiple breweries, including Cooperage, Fogbelt, and HenHouse, alongside the original Russian River brewpub.

In Rohnert Park, you can find Old Caz and Parliament, while The Barlow in Sebastopol showcases breweries such as Crooked Goat and Seismic Brewing. Moving up north to Petaluma, Lagunitas is a well-known name and offers various locations to explore, including the Palace of Barrels. Other breweries can be found as far north as Cloverdale’s Wolf House and in Guerneville with Stumptown.

Cidermakers: From Orchard to Glass

Sonoma County has a rich apple history dating back to when early settlers first introduced the fruit. Although many orchards have transformed into vineyards, over 2,000 acres of heirloom apple varieties still flourish, preserving the county’s cider-making legacy.

Ace Cider, founded in 1993, is recognized as the oldest cidery and is popular for its sweet options and seasonal varieties. Tilted Shed Ciderworks, based in Windsor, creates a diverse range of ciders from over 120 heirloom apple varieties, both from their orchards and local sources.

At Golden State Cider, located at The Barlow, visitors can sample seasonal ciders. Additional cideries in the Sebastopol area include Dutton Estate, Ethic Ciders, Eye Cider, and Horse & Plow. There are also a few cideries throughout the county, such as Goat Rock Cider in Petaluma and Preston Farm in Healdsburg.

Insights from Local Breweries

Interviews with the owners of prominent breweries like Russian River Brewing and Old Caz Brewing provide insight into the unique experience of brewing beer in Sonoma County. For instance, Natalie Cilurzo from Russian River emphasizes the strong sense of community, not just in brewing but also in the regional maker culture encompassing wine, chocolate, and produce.

Tom Edwards of Old Caz highlights the importance of local tourism fostered by the nearby wineries, benefiting their brewery despite being in a wine-centric region. Both owners express deep gratitude for the support from local patrons, showcasing the collaborative spirit of Sonoma’s craft beverage scene.

Whether you’re a connoisseur or just beginning your exploration of beer and cider, Sonoma County offers a rich variety of flavors waiting to be discovered.

A splash of beer in your cooking can transform a variety of dishes, adding layers of flavor and a lighter texture. From steak and omelets to bread and cookies, there’s no shortage of culinary options. The key to successfully cooking with beer, according to Karen Malzone, co-owner of Odd Bird Brewing in New Jersey, is to move beyond traditional recipes and embrace creativity. Cooking should be an enjoyable and communal activity, allowing us to express our culinary artistry to others.

To inspire your own beer-infused cooking adventures, look for inspiration everywhere—from farmer’s markets to restaurant menus. Engaging with friends or chefs who utilize beer in their cooking can spark new ideas. Additionally, resources like ‘The American Craft Beer Cookbook’ by John Holl provide fantastic insights and recipes.

If you’re excited to experiment, consider starting with some popular beer-infused recipes. You might find that incorporating beer into your dishes can reignite your passion for cooking and sharing meals with those you care about.

Hazy IPAs dominated the craft beer scene in 2025, despite headlines claiming the decline of the craft beer industry. Many breweries are still thriving, and young drinkers are actively enjoying these beverages. The hazy IPA, often a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts, continues to lead both sales and competitions.

At the prestigious World Beer Cup, "Shifted Visions" from Everywhere Brewery in Orange, California, triumphed in the hazy IPA category, competing against 290 entries. This IPA features a blend of pilsner malt and hops, including Nectaron, Motueka, Simcoe, and Citra, solidifying its elite status.

The Great American Beer Festival saw "TourBus Double Dry Hopped Hazy IPA" from Destihl Brewery take the top prize, showcasing a 7.4% ABV with Citra and Mosaic hops. This beer is part of a Grateful Dead-inspired series and has been successful in previous competitions, reflecting its consistent quality.

In the U.S. Open Beer Championship, "Planet Pulp" from Triple C Brewing Co. in North Carolina won gold in the hazy category. Known for its juicy flavors reminiscent of pineapple and peach, this beer is brewed with Mosaic, Citra, and El Dorado hops.

Across the Atlantic, "Turtle Town" from Hodad’s Brewing Co. in San Diego earned a gold medal in the hazy IPA category at the European Beer Star. This beer has low bitterness and a juice-forward flavor, establishing a strong reputation with multiple awards.

These winners illustrate that, contrary to negative narratives, the craft beer scene, especially for hazy IPAs, is thriving and full of competitive spirit.

Treaty Oak Revival has found themselves in the spotlight recently, not just for their rise in the country music scene, but due to the controversies surrounding their live performances. The band’s unique mix of country, rock, and grunge has raised eyebrows among traditionalists, but what has really sparked debate is their crowd interaction during shows.

Known for their high-energy concerts, the band has adopted a tradition where they kick off their song "Boomtown" by engaging the audience in a beer shower. Unfortunately, this lively custom has taken a dangerous turn with fans launching full beer cans into the crowd, often hitting others—and even the band members—causing injuries and chaos.

Frontman Sam Canty shared his experience of getting hit by a beer can at a concert, which left him with a gash on his face and disrupted a song performance. Other band members have also echoed concerns, clarifying that while they enjoy the fun of beer showers, they do not approve of beer-throwing. Guitarist Lance Vanley emphasized their stance, stating, “No, we don’t [encourage] it,” and mentioned that they have implemented measures like pour-only beers to combat the issues.

The viral nature of social media might be exacerbating the situation, as more fans try to emulate the wild antics they’ve seen in videos. Despite the thrill of the crowd’s energy, Treaty Oak Revival stresses the importance of safety over reckless behavior.

As they continue their tour and gain popularity, the band aims to maintain the fun of their shows while ensuring a safe environment for all attendees. Their latest album, West Texas Degenerate, reflects their roots and experiences from their West Texas upbringing, further solidifying their place in the music landscape while pushing back against these recent controversies.

For more about Treaty Oak Revival’s upcoming shows and music, visit their official site.

Madison Beer made a stunning appearance at the Variety’s Ninth Annual Hitmakers Brunch held on December 6, 2025, in Los Angeles. She wore a striking white halter-neck minidress featuring a unique design with a single black strap that crossed over her neckline. This fashionable piece, known as the Brielle Cross Front Dress from Superdown, showcased a darted bust and included a hidden back zipper along with a loop button closure for the halterneck.

To complement her outfit, Beer opted for black peep-toe pumps with a slingback strap and sheer black tights, anchoring her look effectively. She accessorized minimally with gold earrings, a bracelet, and several rings. Madison styled her hair half-up with soft waves, and her makeup was kept soft and radiant.

Excitingly, the singer is set to release her third studio album, titled Locket, on January 16, 2026. In a recent Instagram post, she revealed the album’s tracklist, which includes three previously released singles: "Bittersweet," "Make You Mine," and "Yes Baby." During an interview with Vogue, Madison discussed the personal significance behind the album title, emphasizing its connection to authenticity and genuine experiences, which she had identified even before finalizing many tracks.

The Variety Hitmakers Brunch celebrated artists and industry influencers who made significant contributions to the year’s music hits. During the event, Tate McRae was presented with the Powerhouse of the Year award, while Sabrina Carpenter took home the Hitmaker of the Year award. Other notable attendees included Tyler the Creator, Addison Rae, Sofia Richie, Alex Warren, and Jack Antonoff. For more details on Madison Beer’s upcoming album, check out her shared updates on Instagram.

A retail business group is reviving its campaign to lift the ban on beer and wine sales in Maryland grocery stores. This renewed initiative aims to allow grocery retailers to sell alcoholic beverages, which has been historically prohibited in the state.

The push for repeal comes amid ongoing discussions about the changing dynamics of consumer preferences and shopping habits. Advocates argue that permitting alcohol sales in grocery stores would enhance convenience for shoppers and potentially boost sales for local businesses. However, the proposal is expected to face scrutiny from various stakeholders, including lawmakers and community groups concerned about issues such as underage drinking and public health.

The group’s efforts highlight a growing trend among retailers to adapt to market demands by seeking legislative changes that would allow for a wider array of products to be sold. This movement is part of a broader conversation concerning regulation and economic opportunities for businesses within the state.

For more details on this topic, you can follow updates on legislative developments and community responses.

Across the United States, a new generation of craft IPAs is reshaping the definition of "hoppy." The 2025 Beverage Testing Institute World Beer Championship showcased a range of top-rated IPAs, illustrating the vast diversity in style and approach among American brewers. From soft and hazy to bold and bitter, these selections highlight how innovative techniques and unique ingredients shape modern IPAs.

Top IPA Selections

1. Fremont Brewing Head Full of Dynomite Hazy IPA (6.8% ABV)

   • Description: This rotating hazy series features a variable hop recipe that emphasizes tropical fruit aromas like mango and pineapple, complemented by floral notes and a soft, creamy mouthfeel thanks to oats and wheat.

2. Toppling Goliath Pseudo Sue New England–Style IPA (5.8% ABV)

   • Description: A single-hop Citra showcase, this beer balances juicy notes of grapefruit and mango with a clean finish, offering a harmonious mix of hazy fruitiness and mild bitterness.

3. Prison City Mass Riot New England IPA (6.8% ABV)

   • Description: This flagship hazy IPA combines Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe hops for a complex profile rich in tropical fruit flavors, delivering a smooth and slightly sweet palate with an elusive bitterness.

4. Salt Flats Brewing Co. Slipstream Double IPA (9.0% ABV)

   • Description: A bold West Coast-style DIPA, it showcases robust grapefruit and orange notes complemented by caramel malt for a well-rounded, slightly sweet finish, offering a classic bitter punch.

5. Toppling Goliath Cyber Sue American-Style IPA (7.2% ABV)

   • Description: Aiming to combat dull IPAs, it boasts a tropical fruit aroma along with moderate bitterness, creating a clean and dry palate experience.

6. Cape May Brewing Co. Cape May IPA (6.3% ABV)

   • Description: This West Coast IPA stands out with a blend of citrus and floral hop characteristics, presenting a crisp, nuanced flavor profile that appeals to traditional IPA drinkers.

7. Toppling Goliath King Sue Double Hazy IPA (8.2% ABV)

   • Description: Known for its vibrant tropical flavors, it was built exclusively on Citra hops, resulting in a smooth and creamy mouthfeel with a warm, lingering finish.

8. Ike & Oak Brewing Co. Mount Massive Double New England Style IPA (8.1% ABV)

   • Description: With a combination of Falconer’s Flight, Citra, and Amarillo hops, this hazy imperial IPA delivers a luscious array of fruity and floral notes, underlined by a gentle bitterness.

These selections demonstrate that there is no singular path to crafting outstanding IPAs. Different breweries take unique approaches to showcase the diverse spectrum of hop flavors. From rich and velvety to clean and crisp, this variety ensures there’s an IPA for every palate. Whether you favor hazy textures or assertive bitterness, these celebrated brews offer a captivating tour through the ever-evolving landscape of American craft beer.

For further exploration of this topic, you can revisit the Beverage Testing Institute for more insights on craft beers and their ratings.

After an extensive seven-year investigation, scientists at ETH Zurich have discovered the long-sought formula for stable beer foam, often referred to as the "holy grail" of brewing. This research provides insights into the different physical mechanisms that contribute to the durability of foam across various beer types.

The project, led by Professor Jan Vermant, was inspired by a fundamental question posed to a Belgian brewer: "How do you control brewing?" The response was telling—"By watching the foam." This interaction led the researchers to explore the forces and structures behind the foam stability that keeps beer enjoyable from the first sip to the last.

Their findings, published in Physics of Fluids, reveal a clear hierarchy in foam stability among different Belgian ales. The "Tripel" style produced the most stable foam, followed by "Dubbel," with "Singel" beers exhibiting significantly less durability owing to milder fermentation processes and lower alcohol levels.

In examining two lagers from large Swiss breweries, the team noted that while these lagers can achieve stable foam akin to Belgian ales, the underlying physical principles differ. One lager’s performance was less impressive than anticipated, highlighting potential for further improvement.

Traditionally, foam stability was largely attributed to protein-rich layers forming around bubbles, derived from barley malt. However, this study uncovers a complex interplay of factors influencing foam longevity, especially depending on the type of beer.

In lagers, foam stability is determined by surface viscoelasticity, significantly influenced by protein amounts and their behavior. In "Tripel" beers, stability is maintained through Marangoni stresses—movement caused by surface tension variations. This can be illustrated with a simple analogy: when soap is added to a surface of crushed tea leaves on water, the leaves are drawn outward by swirling currents, which can help stabilize foam similarly to "Tripel" beers.

Researchers discovered that the structural behavior of proteins surrounding the bubbles differs for each beer type. In "Singel" beers, these proteins create a densely packed formation, while "Dubbel" beers develop a mesh-like structure that enhances stability. In contrast, "Tripel" beers mimic properties of surfactants used in various products.

The ETH team has partnered with a leading brewery to delve deeper into the foam stability issue and ascertain the factors that keep beer foam from collapsing. Vermant asserts that enhancing foam quality requires a careful, structured approach rather than a one-size-fits-all method.

Beyond brewing, the research has wider implications. For instance, in electric vehicles, foams in lubricants can pose risks, and the team has begun collaborating with Shell to explore solutions for foam management. Additionally, they are studying the use of environmentally friendly surfactants and investigating the stabilization properties of foams in various contexts, emphasizing the valuable insights gained from their beer research.

In summary, this comprehensive study enriches our understanding of beer foam stability and paves the way for advancements not just in brewing but across various industries.

• ETH Zurich Research
• Physics of Fluids Journal Reference: DOI: 10.1063/5.0274943

As winter approaches, festive events centered around beer, wine, and spirits are filling up the calendar in the Bay Area. Here’s a roundup of exciting activities to consider during the holiday season.

Upcoming Events:

• Paint and Pints: Enjoy a craft beer while painting festive artwork at Gilman Brewing Co. in Berkeley, on Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Event Details

• Brewery Yoga: Relax with a yoga session at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing in Santa Cruz on Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. Follow it up with some refreshing beer for $18. Event Details

• Cab Franc Day: On Dec. 4 at Bankhead Theater in Livermore, wine lovers can indulge in tastings from thirteen local wineries accompanied by complimentary snacks. Event Details

• Holiday Charcuterie Workshop: Learn how to create a stunning charcuterie board while sipping wine from Dante Robere Vineyards on Dec. 4, for $95. Event Details

• St. Bernardus Christmas Ale Release: Join Tiger’s Taproom in Oakland on Dec. 5 from 5-10 p.m. for the one-night release of this legendary Belgian ale. Free entry. Event Details

• Champagne Christmas: Celebrate the holiday season with bubbly and live music at Dalé Vino in Pittsburg on December 6, following the local Holiday Parade. Free, table reservations are encouraged. Event Details

• Merry Martini Mixer: Enjoy three festive gin cocktails at the AC Hotel in Sunnyvale, paired with a live DJ on Dec. 10, from 5-7 p.m. Free event. Event Details

These events showcase the amazing local craft beverage scene and are perfect opportunities to celebrate the season with friends and family. Enjoy the holiday spirit while tasting some new favorites or indulging in seasonal traditions.