Beer-articles 981

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Before embarking on a crucial season with the Los Angeles Chargers, quarterback Justin Herbert shared exciting personal news: he and pop star Madison Beer are engaged. The couple, who did not publicly announce their relationship until last August, took to social media to share the engagement announcement, which received significant attention.

Beer, 27, who had recently completed a tour, posted a heartfelt message alongside a photo collage on Instagram, introducing her fiancé. Their relationship appears to have blossomed over the past year, evidenced by various public appearances together. Herbert has shown his support by attending her concerts, even traveling internationally with her during her tour.

The engagement was officially revealed on July 28, 2026, and while it’s still unclear exactly when Herbert proposed, it likely occurred sometime after Beer’s tour ended in mid-July. The proposal took place in a scenic garden location, although specific details remain private.

This step in their relationship comes as Herbert prepares to enter his seventh season in the NFL, highlighting a perfect blend of personal and professional milestones during a pivotal time in his career.

The craft beer industry is experiencing a significant downturn, extending from 2025 into 2026, leading to the closure of several notable brands, including Ballast Point Brewing Company. On June 29, Ballast Point closed its brewpub in San Francisco’s Mission Bay, following a previous closure of a tasting room in San Diego’s Miramar neighborhood.

In a statement shared via Instagram, the company expressed gratitude to patrons who had made memories at the San Francisco location, while not specifying the number of employees affected by the closure. The message emphasized the community spirit shared over the years.

Despite these closures, Ballast Point continues to operate three tasting rooms in California, located in Little Italy, San Diego, Anaheim, and Long Beach. The brewery reassured customers that its beers remain available in local bars, restaurants, and grocery stores.

The closures reflect a broader struggle within the craft beer sector. Ballast Point, once valued at $1 billion when acquired by Constellation Brands in 2015, saw its worth plummet to $223 million by early 2018. This decline forced Constellation to sell the brand to Kings & Convicts Brewing Company for just $17 million in 2019. Industry authorities noted that Constellation aimed to focus on more profitable core brands as Ballast Point’s sales declined.

Founded in 1996, Ballast Point is best known for its award-winning Sculpin IPA, which has received numerous accolades throughout its history.

The craft beer market overall is shrinking, with volume sales down 4% in 2025, leading to a decrease in retail dollar sales and the number of operational breweries, which dropped to 9,578, a 2.9% decline from the previous year.

Other breweries have also closed their doors due to similar pressures. Zipline Brewing Company, previously Nebraska’s largest craft brewery, shut down its operations without prior employee notification. In Seattle, Wheelie Pop Brewing closed its production facility and taproom, though one of its locations in Mill Creek continues to operate.

The challenges faced by these breweries highlight the ongoing shifts in consumer preferences and market conditions that are reshaping the craft beer landscape.

For additional context, refer to the following links:

• Brewbound on Constellation Brands’ acquisition of Ballast Point
• San Diego Union-Tribune on Ballast Point’s sale and decline
• Brewers Association report on craft beer market trends

Salsa and tortilla chips are a classic appetizer beloved by many, offering a perfect combination of savory and crunchy flavors that make for easy sharing. While this dish typically pairs well with drinks like spicy margaritas or beer, it turns out that beer can be a delightful ingredient in salsa as well, enhancing its flavor profile.

Rick Martinez, the author of Salsa Daddy, shares his insights on how to create a lively salsa by incorporating beer. Having experimented with different types of alcohol, he found that beer works best for adding depth without being overwhelming. He developed a recipe for salsa borracha, or "drunk salsa," which initially features Mexican beer. Martinez prefers using Pacifico for its smooth flavor, but any pale lager can work.

To incorporate beer into salsa, Martinez suggests using about half a cup and allowing it to cook down, which evaporates most of the alcohol while retaining the distinct hoppy flavor. This method can bring a new dimension to traditional salsa recipes, including pico de gallo, where only a few tablespoons may be added along with other strong flavors like lime. However, caution is advised when using beer in fruit-based salsas, as it could lead to an undesired sweet taste reminiscent of a daiquiri. For those recipes, he recommends a small amount of a flavorful tequila.

Cooking with beer is more common than one might think—some even use it in chili, which shares many ingredients with salsa. By thoughtfully adding beer, you can elevate your homemade salsa experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

A&W has introduced a new Root Beer Float flavor that promises to satisfy summer cravings for a classic treat. This new soda combines A&W’s famed root beer with vanilla ice cream-inspired flavors, allowing fans to enjoy the essence of a root beer float without needing to visit an ice cream shop.

The soda is available in both regular and ‘Zero Sugar’ varieties. Despite not containing actual ice cream, many fans believe it captures the spirit of the beloved dessert. However, some customers are cautiously optimistic, reflecting on their mixed experiences with previous flavors, specifically A&W’s Ice Cream Sundae flavor. While one fan expressed disappointment with that prior offering, others expressed excitement about the new Root Beer Float flavor, describing it as an "absolute pick-up."

A&W continues to operate more than 850 restaurants, where the traditional root beer float remains a popular offering, reinforcing the brand’s longstanding heritage. For those looking for another refreshing option, A&W is also bringing back its Lemonade Shake, available for a limited time at participating locations.

For more about A&W’s offerings, visit their official site.

It seems this summer is all about refreshing beverages, as A&W has introduced a new flavor that fans are raving about—Root Beer Float Soda. This latest offering from A&W is positioned to compete directly with Mug’s new Root Beer Floats Vanilla Howler Soda, which has garnered attention since its release.

The new Root Beer Float Soda from A&W is designed to bring the classic diner experience of root beer floats into a convenient can. Combining the traditional sassafras and licorice flavors characteristic of root beer with the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream, this soda aims to evoke the nostalgic taste of a traditional float without the need for a bowl or spoon.

In addition to this new flavor, A&W previously released an ice cream sundae-flavored soda last summer that was well-received, featuring familiar elements like hot fudge and sprinkles. This new limited-edition Root Beer Float soda is now available in both regular and zero-sugar versions, and it even comes in mini cans for those who want to sample the flavor.

Fans of the soda are already sharing their positive impressions. One noted its "great butterscotch taste" with an extra hint of vanilla cream, leading to excitement about the taste. Comparisons with Mug’s offering suggest that many prefer A&W’s version, leading to a wave of enthusiasm among soda fans looking forward to trying this new take on a classic.

With the summer season still in full swing, there’s no shortage of time to enjoy A&W’s creamy Root Beer Float Soda, making it a perfect refreshment for warm weather days.

For more details, read the original article on Allrecipes.

Whether you enjoy the creamy blend of ice cream and fizzy soda or simply have a fondness for nostalgic drinks, root beer floats are a classic favorite. To find out which fast food chain serves the best root beer float, Steven Luna from Mashed tried six popular options including Red Robin, Freddy’s, and Sonic. Ultimately, Culver’s emerged as the top contender for both quality and price.

Culver’s float was particularly praised for its balanced flavor profile. Luna noted that Culver’s unique root beer formula adds a spicy twist that complements the creaminess of their frozen custard. The burger chain is well-known for its top-notch custard made from fresh, often local dairy and simple ingredients, giving customers a rich and satisfying experience.

For those who might not be familiar with Culver’s, the chain has been around since its inception, boasting a root beer created by a co-founder, contributing to its uniqueness on the menu. Customers are fond of the combination of root beer and custard, leading to impressive sales figures of over 315,000 gallons of root beer annually.

Reddit users and YouTube reviewers alike echo positive sentiments about the float, routinely pairing it with their meals, highlighting its delightful sweetness, creaminess, and slight kick from the root beer.

For newcomers to Culver’s, the root beer float is a must-try, but patrons can also custom-order their floats by using different sodas and flavors. This versatility means that there’s always something new to try, ensuring that each visit can be unique.

For more information, you can read the original article on Mashed here.

Wisconsin is well-known for its iconic fast-food chain Culver’s and its vast cheese production, but it also boasts a unique beer that has gained a devoted following: Spotted Cow, crafted by New Glarus Brewing Company. This ale provides a delicious fruity taste with a sweet note and subtle honey flavor, making it the perfect refreshment on hot summer days. However, the beer is exclusive to Wisconsin, which adds to its allure.

Dan Carey, the brewmaster behind Spotted Cow, created this ale as a tribute to traditional farmhouse beers made by European farmers. Its charm lies in its simplicity; it is brewed with just four ingredients: yeast, hops, water, and malted barley. The inclusion of yeast gives the beer a distinctive cloudy appearance. Its limited availability has led many to venture into Wisconsin specifically to procure this beloved brew, with some even transporting it across state lines for their friends and family.

Due to its popularity, many fans express their admiration online, with one Reddit user sharing their experience: "Went to Wisconsin for the first time last summer. Can confirm Spotted Cow is ELITE."

While it’s unclear why Spotted Cow is only sold in Wisconsin, the New Glarus Brewing Company shows no signs of changing that. For those unable to make the trip, fans recommend trying cream ales, which share a similar sweetness and malt finish, as alternatives. Some suggested options include Castle Danger Cream Ale and Urban Growler Cowbell Cream Ale. Other similar styles, such as lagers like Fulton Standard or Insight Royal Nuisance, can also mimic Spotted Cow’s mouthfeel.

Although Wisconsin may not have the highest number of breweries in the country, it certainly has some legendary beers. Visitors can find Spotted Cow in grocery and convenience stores throughout the state, as well as on tap in various bars and restaurants. Just be sure to stock up before you leave!

For more information about Spotted Cow and to explore alternatives, check out Chowhound’s original article.

The World Cup has proven to be a significant boon for the beer industry in the U.S., offering a brief respite from a decade-long decline in beer consumption. During this tournament, bars, particularly in locations like Boston, have struggled to meet the surge in demand, requiring emergency deliveries to supply thirsty fans. Reports indicate that 290,000 beers were consumed across six matches in Philadelphia, emphasizing the event’s impact on beer sales.

However, despite the lively atmosphere surrounding the tournament, the reality remains that beer sales have been on a global downturn. In the U.S., the Brewers Association documents a steady decrease in beer consumption, and similar trends have been noted in Canada and the European Union. This decline is attributed to changing consumer preferences, with more people opting for health-conscious and non-alcoholic options.

A notable shift in consumer behavior has emerged, where many individuals choose to limit their alcohol intake for health reasons. This was highlighted in a recent Gallup poll, which showed that for the first time, over half of Americans view daily drinking of a couple of drinks as detrimental to their health.

Despite these trends, the World Cup has invigorated beer sales significantly, with a reported 14% increase in sales during the tournament in U.S. host cities compared to the previous year. Nationally, sales have increased by 4%. Breweries, including the Boston Beer Co., have benefitted directly from this uptick in sales, with some establishments reporting impressive figures of beer sold during matches.

Soccer fans have taken the opportunity to immerse themselves in the spirit of the games, often gathering in bars and public venues that promote socializing over a drink. Contrasting with the last World Cup in Qatar, where alcohol sales were heavily restricted, this year’s tournament has allowed breweries to capitalize on communal celebrations.

As breweries ramp up marketing efforts, some companies have reported planned increases in their advertising budgets around this sporting event. It is yet to be seen how sales will fare once the tournament concludes, particularly as teams like Mexico and Brazil have exited the competition, impacting customer mood and consumption levels.

Nevertheless, industry leaders express optimism, citing upcoming global sporting events such as the Summer Olympics in 2028, which could reignite interest in beer consumption as social activities resume in full swing.

As temperatures rise this summer, keeping drinks cold can turn into a challenge. Natural Light has introduced a novel solution with its "CoolShed," a solar-powered cooler designed to keep beverages chilled.

Starting now and running until Friday, July 31st, individuals aged 21 and older in the U.S. can enter for a chance to win their own CoolShed, along with what the company dubs a “lifetime’s worth of beer money” — specifically, a prepaid card worth $15,531.60. This amount allows the winner to buy two 24-packs of Natural Light each month for 35 years, totaling 840 cases.

To enter, participants need to provide their name, date of birth, zip code, and email address. Additionally, the first 500 entrants will receive a $15 prepaid card described as “beer money.”

A promotional video showcases the CoolShed and highlights its unique features, including 250 cubic feet of cooling space, an insulated aluminum composite interior, heavy-duty shelving, and monocrystalline solar panels. According to the narrator, this innovative cooler harnesses sunlight to provide chilly beer for years to come.

Only one winner will receive the CoolShed and the benefit of a lifetime’s worth of Natural Light.

For more details, you can check out the official entry page here.

Last summer, during a visit to Baltimore, I stumbled upon a drink called Spaghett while perusing the happy hour menu at Wet City Brewing. The name immediately caught my attention, and at just $5, I decided to give it a try. What I discovered was not just a catchy name but one of the most refreshing summer drinks I’d ever had.

Fast forward nearly a decade, and the Spaghett has gained popularity across bars nationwide. This simple yet delightful cocktail combines Miller High Life, Aperol, and fresh lemon juice, all served straight in the beer bottle—no need for unnecessary garnishes or fancy glassware. It’s become my go-to drink as the temperature rises.

Taste Profile

The Spaghett can be thought of as a relaxed version of an Aperol spritz. Instead of prosecco, it uses lager, delivering a crisp and bubbly experience that’s just tart enough to keep you coming back for more. The beer ensures the drink remains refreshing while minimizing the boozy taste, making it perfect for hot weather.

How to Make a Spaghett

Makes 1 | Total Time: 3 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (12-oz.) bottle of American-style lager, preferably Miller High Life, chilled
• 1½ oz. Aperol
• 1 oz. fresh lemon juice

Method

1. Take a big sip from the chilled beer bottle to create space (or pour out about 1½ oz.).
2. Pour in 1½ oz. of Aperol and 1 oz. of fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice will cause some foam, so pour slowly.
3. Relax and enjoy—no stirring necessary; simply lift your bottle to mix!

Slush Version

For a refreshing twist, you can create a Spaghett slush. After sipping from the beer bottle, pour the remaining beer into a shallow dish and combine it with Aperol and lemon juice. Freeze for at least two hours, scraping the mixture every 30 minutes. Once it reaches a fluffy texture, serve it in a beer stein with a straw.

Tips and Variations

• Can I use other beers? Yes, while Miller High Life is the classic choice, any crisp lager or pilsner will work well. Just avoid IPAs, which may overpower the flavors.

• Keeping it cold: Ensure your ingredients are very chilled for the best experience. If it’s hot outside, serving over ice in a pint glass can be especially refreshing. Feel free to add a lemon wedge for garnish.

• Substituting Aperol: While Aperol is the traditional choice, you can replace it with other bright aperitifs like Campari or Contratto Aperitif for a different flavor profile.

• Why the name Spaghett? This quirky drink was invented in 2016 by bartender Reed Cahill, inspired by a recurring character from the comedy show Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!

• Making it in advance: For best results, mix the Spaghett right before serving. However, you can prepare the Aperol and lemon juice mixture up to six hours ahead for multiple servings.

Although the Spaghett remains a simple drink, its fun name and refreshing taste make it a fantastic addition to any summer gathering.