Beer-articles 908

Alamo Beer Co. in San Antonio is set to release a new beer inspired by the beloved animated series King of the Hill. The brewery, whose roots date back to the 1990s, will officially launch this highly anticipated Alamo beer on July 26, with availability in H-E-B stores starting July 28. The beer’s trademark process was originally unrelated to the series, but fans have long associated the brewery with the character Hank Hill, who famously enjoys Alamo beer in the show.

Eugene Simor, the founder of Alamo Beer Co., explained that the brewery has an official licensing agreement with Disney, allowing them to use the likeness of the characters and branding from the show. The cans will feature the King of the Hill logo and unique slogans linked to the series.

Simor described the Alamo beer as a straightforward American lager with a flavor profile that includes a slight breadiness and cracker taste. With an alcohol content of 4.4% ABV, the beer aims to be an easy-drinking choice for gatherings. "It’s perfect for watching football, grilling out, or enjoying a day by the water," added Victor Montez, the brewery’s brewmaster.

The launch event will be held at the brewery on July 26, featuring food trucks, music, and the chance to purchase the beer on draft. Attendees can buy six-packs on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one per person. The brewery plans to keep the Alamo beer available year-round.

Following a challenging period, which included filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February, Alamo Beer Co. is on the verge of completing a sale to SJK Capital, a private equity firm. This sale is expected to pave the way for new developments within the company.

With its history intertwined with King of the Hill, Alamo Beer Co. looks forward to capitalizing on this collaboration as the series prepares for its revival, set to premiere on August 4.

If New Yorkers are facing higher prices for craft beers and ciders, it might be due to the tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on imported aluminum. According to a report from the Albany Times-Union, local craft brewers are feeling the financial strain as these tariffs increase their costs significantly.

Christian Weber, co-owner of Common Roots Brewing, shared that he has experienced an 8% rise in costs, translating to an additional $10,000 for the business. The tariffs, which began with a 25% increase in March and then doubled to 50% in June, are intended to promote domestic production but have left brewers burdened until U.S. manufacturing can meet the demand.

Weber explained the challenges coming from supply chain issues, stating, “If the end goal is to increase American manufacturing, then you can’t just slap a tariff on and expect the market just to catch up.” As American manufacturers struggle to keep up with the sudden demand for materials, other costs have also surged. For example, cardboard prices have gone up by 5%, and certain food items have seen “astronomical” price increases, including coffee, which rose by as much as 25% due to its import reliance from countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil.

The impact of these tariffs extends beyond breweries. Sonya del Peral, co-owner of Nine Pin Cider, highlighted that a recent shipment of cans came with an added tax of over $1,700. With several shipments remaining this year, she noted that the additional $20,000 in costs has been shocking for a small business. Del Peral stated, “This is all about building up manufacturing, supposedly, but it’s really hurting our existing manufacturing business, which is hyperlocal.”

As local brewers and cider producers navigate these challenges, the broader effects of tariffs are increasingly evident, raising concerns about the sustainability of small businesses in New York’s craft beverage industry.

Tate Huffard, the CEO of Best Day Brewing in Sausalito, is at the forefront of a growing trend in the beverage industry: the rise of nonalcoholic (N/A) beers. Despite the decline in alcoholic drink sales, the demand for nonalcoholic options is on the upswing. This shift is reflected in the projected growth of the global nonalcoholic beer market, which is expected to double from $20 billion in 2023 to $40 billion by 2033.

Huffard, who moved to California in 2010, became inspired to create Best Day Brewing after realizing the social impact of beer culture and his personal experiences with drinking. His journey began with a challenge among friends to cut back on alcohol, leading him to explore N/A beer alternatives which ultimately motivated him to produce a high-quality product that truly resembled traditional beer.

Starting without a background in brewing, Huffard learned through trial and error and sought inspiration from countries where nonalcoholic beers constituted a significant market share compared to the U.S., where it lingered at 0.3%. His goal was to create a beer that wouldn’t distinguish itself from its alcoholic counterparts, and he turned this vision into reality after years of development.

Best Day Brewing launched in 2022 and has quickly made a name for itself as one of the fastest-growing nonalcoholic craft beer brands in the U.S. Currently, it is available in nearly every state, reflecting a broader trend toward health and wellness, particularly among millennials, many of whom are re-evaluating their drinking habits as they start families.

Looking forward, Huffard is excited about upcoming products, including a Mexican lager with lime and sea salt, and collaborations with environmental organizations like the Surfrider Foundation. He emphasizes that nonalcoholic beer consumers are not necessarily opting for sobriety; instead, they are seeking varied choices in their drinking options to enjoy life fully regardless of the occasion.

For those interested in trying Best Day Brewing, their products can be found at various retailers in the Bay Area, including Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and others.

Boston Beer Co., the company behind Samuel Adams, has outlined its plans for nearly $4 million worth of land acquisitions made last year in Cincinnati’s West End neighborhood. The company purchased two blocks of land bordered by Findlay Street to the north, John Street to the east, and Livingston Street to the south. These areas will be fenced and cleaned up to serve as a tractor-trailer staging area and drop lot.

The land’s purchase had generated interest when it was announced last November. Notably, the staging area will not extend east of John Street, where Boston Beer also acquired a vacant former factory building and adjacent warehouses facing Central Avenue in December.

For more details, you can read the full article from the Cincinnati Business Courier.

As I learned with my first sip, beer is an acquired taste. However, even among enthusiasts of lagers, stouts, pale ales, and IPAs, there’s a unique segment that can be rather perplexing: sour ales. These distinctive beverages, often aged in wooden barrels, rely on the intricate work of wild yeasts and bacteria.

Cameron Ball, the owner and brewer at La Mesa’s Helix Brewing, aptly describes sour ales: “These are not fast drinks like a beer you’d grab on your way home from work. I like to think of them as weekend beers that you’d take some time with.”

My journey into sour ales began about 20 years ago, thanks to "Dr." Bill Sysak. He was the beer ambassador at Stone Brewing and introduced me to sours during a tasting featuring selections from Oregon’s Cascade. My exploration deepened with trips to Belgium’s Cantillon, known for its fruit lambics, and Rodenbach, the home of acclaimed Flanders red ales.

Sour beers can be temperamental and challenging to create. Helix, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, has spent seven years honing its sour ale production under the "Sourworx" operation. On my latest visit, Ball had nine varieties on tap, showcasing the extensive range of flavors derived from the barrels that expand and contract with seasonal temperature changes. “It’s more of an art,” Ball noted, highlighting the need for creativity rather than merely following a recipe.

In addition to enjoying the sour beers, I indulged in some reading material that intersects faith and beer. "The Beer Drinker’s Guide to God" by William B. Miller, an Episcopal priest, reflects on the complexities of faith and alcohol, weaving humor and spirituality throughout its narrative. Another recommended read is "Pairing Beer & Chocolate" by David Nilsen, which offers delicious pairings, though it notably leaves out San Diego’s local breweries.

For those in the area, several upcoming beer-related events may appeal to sour ale fans. The Rosarito Beer Fest will take place on Saturday at Las Rocas Resort & Spa, and on Tuesday, Barley & Sword Brewing will host a cheese and beer pairing evening.

On the tasting front, here are a few quick reviews of sour ales to enjoy this summer:

• Bloodbuzz

  • Brewery: Helix Brewing, La Mesa
  • ABV: 6%
  • Description: A blood orange sour ale aged in barrels, offering a citrusy aroma and tart juiciness. Definitely a drink to savor.

• Energetic Allure

  • Brewery: Seek Beer, San Diego
  • ABV: 6%
  • Description: This gluten-free sour ale presented a unique visual separation in the glass, leaving me confused as to how to best enjoy it.

• One Way or Another (2017)

  • Brewery: Cascade, Portland, Ore.
  • ABV: 7.7%
  • Description: A marionberry and Meyer lemon sour ale that’s unapologetically tart and refreshing, reminiscent of sparkling wine.

As summer heats up, sour ales are a refreshing choice that deserves attention.

A Greater Cincinnati beer distributor, Ohio Eagle Distributing, has announced plans to lay off over 100 employees as it prepares for an acquisition. A recent Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letter revealed that 178 workers across Ohio will lose their jobs, including 124 from the local area. The layoffs are expected to take effect around September 8, primarily impacting staff at their facilities in West Chester Township and Lima.

Despite the layoffs, the company’s president remains hopeful that most, if not all, affected workers will be rehired under the new ownership. Ohio Eagle Distributing is currently in negotiations to sell all its assets, a move that will lead to the termination of its current workforce.

For more details, you can read the full story here.

Boston boasts a rich history of brewing, with roots tracing back to the Bell in Hand Tavern, established in 1795. Today, the city’s craft beer scene is alive and thriving, showcasing a blend of traditional and inventive breweries. With venues featuring live music, trivia nights, and unique offerings, Boston’s breweries cater to a diverse crowd. Here are some highlights:

Aeronaut Brewing Co.

Located in Somerville, Aeronaut combines a cozy atmosphere with a selection of creative brews like the Tangerine Coriander Sour Planet. Visitors can bring food or enjoy offerings from local Venezuelan food truck Carolicious.

Address: 14 Tyler Street, Somerville
Phone: 617-987-4236
Website: aeronautbrewing.com

Drawdown Brewing Co.

This woman-owned brewery in Jamaica Plain is known for its malty beers like the cream ale "Let’s Goooo." The relaxed vibe is heightened during events focusing on women’s sports and local entertainment options.

Address: 3204 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain
Phone: 617-553-2363
Website: drawdownbrewing.com

Dorchester Brewing Co.

Offering stunning skyline views from its greenhouse/roof deck, Dorchester Brewing serves thirst-quenching beers including the refreshing New Moon wheat beer, and the Cobblestone stout.

Address: 1250 Massachusetts Avenue, Dorchester
Phone: 617-514-0900
Website: dorchesterbrewing.com

Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall

Founded in 1986, Harpoon stands as a beacon in Seaport for reliable brews like its classic IPA. Enjoy homemade pretzels or pizza while participating in onsite events.

Address: 306 Northern Avenue, Seaport
Phone: 617-456-2322
Website: harpoonbrewery.com

Lamplighter Brewing Co.

A hybrid coffee shop and brewery, Lamplighter is famed for its Rabbit Rabbit double IPA and an assortment of local cheeses and cured meats.

Address: 284 Broadway, Cambridge
Phone: 617-945-0450
Website: lamplighterbrewing.com

Long Live Roxbury

Long Live offers excellent food, tasty IPAs, and an array of entertainment options for non-beer lovers. This welcoming environment ensures everyone has a good time.

Address: 152 Hampden Street, Roxbury
Phone: 617-334-5633
Website: longlivebeerworks.com

Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.

Known for its flagship Cloud Candy IPA, Mighty Squirrel’s Fenway location boasts a menu with Latin-inspired dishes and a vibrant atmosphere.

Address: 1 David Ortiz Drive, Fenway
Phone: 857-557-5700
Website: mightysquirrel.com

Notch Brewing

Specializing in Czech and German-style beers, Notch Brewing in Brighton has a biergarten feel complete with communal seating and hearty fare like pretzels and sausage.

Address: 525 Western Avenue, Brighton
Phone: 617-548-2947
Website: notchbrewing.com

Portico Brewing

With inviting outdoor spaces for families and dogs, Portico stands out for its exceptional beers and a menu featuring tacos from Taqueria El Barrio.

Address: 101 South Street, Somerville
Phone: 617-764-5215
Website: porticobrewing.com

Remnant Brewing

Famed for its patio and charming taproom, Remnant serves thoughtful brews like the Dream Pop pale ale and supports local initiatives with its food offerings.

Address: Bow Market, 2 Bow Market Way, Somerville
Phone: 617-764-0641
Website: remnantsomerville.com

Roundhead Brewing Co.

Focused on community and inspired by Peruvian flavors, Roundhead in Hyde Park serves distinctive styles like Chimú, a red ale brewed with purple corn.

Address: Westinghouse Plaza Building, Number 10, Hyde Park
Phone: 617-360-7070
Website: roundheadbrewing.com

Trillium Brewing

Trillium’s original Fort Point location remains a favorite for its celebrated IPAs. Its new locations provide diverse beer experiences alongside food options from nearby vendors.

Address: 50 Thomson Place, Fort Point
Phone: 857-449-0083
Website: trilliumbrewing.com

Widowmaker Brewing

Located in Braintree, Widowmaker features craft beers like Blue Comet and seasonal specialties that rotate throughout the year, offering something for every palate.

Address: 190 North Beacon Street, Brighton
Phone: 617-390-0660
Website: widowmakerbrewing.com

Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or looking to explore Boston’s vibrant brewing scene, these locations offer something for everyone.

After pouring a brown, gritty liquid from a large silver tank into a refractometer, South African brewing master Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela expresses her approval to students, who enthusiastically share their observations. "When you are brewing, you must constantly check your mixture," she emphasizes, highlighting the need for balance between sugar and grains.

At 41, Nxusani-Mawela is a pioneering figure as the first Black woman to own a craft brewery in South Africa. Her goal is to broaden access to the multibillion-dollar beer industry for more Black individuals and women. At her microbrewery in Johannesburg, she trains 13 young Black graduates, most of whom are women, in the brewing craft.

The students come from backgrounds in chemical engineering, biotechnology, or analytical chemistry and are eager to gain qualifications specific to brewing. During their extensive six-hour class, they learn various brewing techniques such as malting, mashing, and fermentation—all essential steps in brewing quality beer. "My favorite part is the mashing," says Lerato Banda, a 30-year-old chemical engineering student aiming to launch her own beverage line. "It’s where the beer and everything starts."

Nxusani-Mawela’s Brewsters Academy, where the classes began in early June, focuses on beer varieties from around the world and Africa. Students will complete a six-month hands-on experience in addition to their lessons.

Located in Johannesburg’s Wynberg suburb, Nxusani-Mawela’s Tolokazi brewery lies between the poorer township of Alexandra and the affluent financial district of Sandton, often referred to as Africa’s richest square mile. She grew up in Butterworth—about 621 miles away—and was inspired by a university event to pursue a career in brewing. Initially, she began brewing as an amateur in 2007, combining her passion for business and science, leveraging her microbiology degree.

Nxusani-Mawela is committed to transforming the beer industry for future generations. "I wanted to ensure that being the first Black female to own a brewery in South Africa, I’m not the first and the last," she states. Her aim is to normalize the presence of Black individuals and women in the industry over the next decade.

The South African beer industry generates over $5.2 billion for the country’s economy and supports more than 200,000 jobs. Despite its male-dominated nature, there are ongoing initiatives to incorporate more women.

Lehlohonolo Makhethe, a 24-year-old student, acknowledges the historical connection between women and brewing in some African cultures. She believes acquiring these skills is reclaiming their traditional roles. "How it got male dominated, I don’t know," she remarks, adding, "we are going back to our roots as women."

Nxusani-Mawela also emphasizes the importance of maintaining traditional African beer styles. Her award-winning Wild African Soul beer, which brings together elements of Umqombothi (a traditional African beer made from maize and sorghum) and Belgian Saison, showcases this vision. "Umqombothi is our African way, and everybody should know how to make it, but we don’t," she reflects, highlighting her desire to merge the past with contemporary brewing.

Utilizing unique South African flavors, her Tolokazi line includes beers infused with marula fruit and rooibos, typically known for its tea. A festival participant, Lethabo Seipei Kekae, expressed surprise at enjoying rooibos beer, stating, "It’s so smooth. Even if you are not a beer drinker, you can drink it.

The Friends of Findley State Park, Inc. held a successful root beer float social on July 5, drawing over 100 attendees to raise funds for the park. Tricia Andel, the organization’s president, expressed optimism about their goals despite recent budget cuts affecting park operations.

The event took place from 1 to 3 p.m. beside the campground’s shelter house, which was built in 2002 with funds raised by the Friends. Each root beer float, sold for $2, was made with vanilla ice cream and root beer. The organization hosts root beer socials over Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends.

This year’s primary fundraising goal is to complete pickleball courts near the boat ramp within the camping area. The necessary concrete pad for the four-court setup was poured at the end of June, with a total project cost of approximately $16,000. The group received a $7,400 grant from the Lorain County Public Health’s Healthy Places grant program.

The next fundraising event, the Forest Frolic Trail Race and Hike, is set for July 12. Although the Friends of Findley started fundraising in 2002, they were officially established as a non-profit organization in 2004. Their mission focuses on building new attractions and preserving Findley State Park, which spans 838 acres of wooded land and features a large lake, providing opportunities for camping, boating, and hiking.

For more information on the Friends of Findley’s fundraising activities or to register for the Forest Frolic, visit www.friendsoffindley.org.

During my recent interrailing trip across Europe, I had the opportunity to visit Munich, often celebrated as the beer capital of Europe due to its famous Oktoberfest festival. While staying in the city center, I made an essential decision that transformed my visit: venturing out to local parks to experience Munich’s vibrant beer gardens.

Munich is filled with popular tourist attractions such as Marienplatz and the BMW Museum, which are undoubtedly worth seeing. However, what makes a trip to this German city truly special is the chance to explore beyond the typical tourist spots. I was thrilled to discover the lush parks that host stunning beer gardens, a beloved local pastime.

One of the highlights of my botanical exploration was Cafe Gans am Wasser, located in Westpark. This delightful spot is known for its quirky furniture and variety of beer options, all enjoyed in a charming atmosphere. It quickly became a favorite of mine during my stay.

Moreover, Munich’s beer culture thrives not only through its renowned festival but also year-round, drawing thousands of beer enthusiasts. Whether embarking on a beer tour or simply enjoying a cold brew in a local garden, the experience is rich and fulfilling.

In my park wanderings, I also discovered Olympiapark, which is adorned with hills offering breathtaking views and insights into the city’s Olympic history. There, locals lounged peacefully, sharing laughter and stories on sunny afternoons. The English Gardens captivated me with winding trails, open spaces, and serene rivers, presenting an inviting locale to sip beer and savor traditional Bavarian cuisine.

While Munich’s city center is bustling with bars, the real charm lies in these peaceful parks where Munich residents unwind. Other beer gardens on my list that I didn’t explore include Hirschgarten, Flaucher, and Aumeister—each promising their own unique experiences.

Before leaving for Stuttgart, I made sure to stop by Nymphenburg Palace, a magnificent green space that showcased impeccable landscaping. My three days spent in Munich were filled with unforgettable moments, largely thanks to the beer gardens tucked away in the city’s beautiful landscapes.

For anyone planning a visit, I highly recommend stepping outside the city’s tourist traps and embracing the ambiance of Munich’s local parks and beer gardens.

Visit Munich for more insights on hidden gems in the city.