Beer-articles 923

Downtown Merced is set to welcome a new family-friendly taproom, Una Más Taproom, opened by local brothers Abraham and Isaac Santana. Located at the intersection of Main and K streets, the taproom will pay homage to the brothers’ Latino heritage and their community.

Abraham, 25, and Isaac, 28, are following in the entrepreneurial footsteps of their parents, who co-own a graphic design and embroidery business, Imagine Graphics. They recently received approval from the Merced City Council for a Type 40 alcohol license, enabling them to serve beer and snacks.

The name "Una Más" translates to "one more" in Spanish, reflecting the brothers’ desire to create a welcoming atmosphere for gathering with family and friends. Abraham stated, “We love great beer and good conversations. So one more drink, one more laugh, one more moment together—that’s the spirit we want to embody.”

The brothers aim to carve a niche in the local beer market while supporting existing businesses like the 17th Street Public House and Hola Cafecito. They plan to offer complimentary drink samples to introduce visitors to various beers, acknowledging that beer can be an acquired taste.

The inspiration for the taproom arose from Abraham’s involvement with The Man Up Opportunity Foundation and its fundraising event, "Pizza and Pints," which connects local brewers with the community. Driven by a desire to create a family-friendly bar, Abraham aims to accommodate minors, offering non-alcoholic beverages as well.

The Santana brothers plan to begin renovations shortly and have a vision for Una Más Taproom to be a long-term fixture in the Merced community. “Our goal is to become a staple in the community—a place people can count on for years to come,” said Abraham.

Fresno State’s quarterback battle is heating up as the team preps for the upcoming season. With multiple candidates vying for the starting position, the competition is fierce and the pressure is on.

Returning players like Jake Haener, who led the Bulldogs to a successful campaign last year, aim to maintain their starting spots. However, promising newcomers and transfers are eager to make their mark, pushing everyone to elevate their performance.

The team is focusing on sharpening their skills through intense practices, allowing each quarterback to showcase their strengths. Offensive coordinator and the head coach emphasize the need for quarterbacks not just to be proficient passers, but also effective leaders on the field.

As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike are keeping an eye on the developments in training camp. The coach indicates that they might not finalize the starting choice until shortly before the season opener, maintaining an air of mystery and excitement around the positional competition.

The outcome of this battle could significantly shape the Bulldogs’ prospects for the season. As Fresno State fans hold their breath, the team works hard to refine their strategies and select the best fit under center.

Once you discover beer cocktails, you’ll find yourself captivated by their potential. Beer’s diverse flavors, textures, and aromas offer a unique depth to various drinks, making it a perfect match for cocktail creation beyond the standard brew. London-based beer writer Melissa Cole shares her insights and tips on crafting refreshing beer cocktails, particularly suited for summer enjoyment.

Having written about beer cocktails in her book The Little Book of Craft Beer, Cole emphasizes the importance of understanding the characteristics of the beer you’re working with. It’s crucial to identify its flavor profile, alcohol content, and aromas before crafting your cocktail. For instance, hoppy IPAs or sweet wheat beers can significantly impact the final drink. Cole notes that using beers with American hops can infuse your cocktails with delightful citrus undertones.

Another interesting aspect she highlights is using the beer’s carbonation to enhance your drink. For example, high-carbonation beers like Belgian saisons add body and complexity, serving as a fantastic substitute for soda water in cocktails.

Cole also encourages experimenting with non-alcoholic beers to create mocktails, opening up even more creative possibilities. She mentions using non-alcoholic stout for fun and flavorful floats.

Here are a couple of recipes from Cole’s book to try out:

A Quick Session
Inspired by the classic Greyhound cocktail, this refreshing drink showcases the grapefruit flavors typical of pale ales and IPAs. It’s designed for batching, making it perfect for gatherings.

• 2 parts vodka (chilled)
• 3 parts well-chilled grapefruit juice
• 2 parts well-chilled session IPA or American pale ale

Mix the vodka and grapefruit juice, pour into a highball glass, and top with the beer. For an extra twist, rim the glass with salt for a salty dog variation.

A Rube Icon
This punch-like cocktail uses tart sour beer combined with lychee liqueur for a tropical flavor profile. It’s elegant when served in a martini glass.

• 2 oz. lychee liqueur
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 5 oz. tropical fruited beer (like a gose or Berliner Weisse)

Shake the liqueur and lime juice with ice, strain into a martini glass, and gently top with the beer.

Embrace the flavors of summer with these delightful beer cocktails, and always remember to drink responsibly and share with loved ones.

Miller Lite is celebrating its 50th anniversary by giving away 50,000 free beers across various bars in the United States. On August 1, coinciding with International Beer Day, the popular beer brand will host this giveaway at 450 participating bars. In addition to the bar giveaway, a special "Beer Drop" event will take place at the Miller Brewing Company in Milwaukee, where cans will drop from a large six-pack installation at 4:50 p.m. local time, with a livestream available for fans.

To participate, fans aged 21 or older can visit millerlite.com/find-celebration to locate a nearby bar offering free beers. For those who cannot visit the bars in person, there will be an online option available.

Ann Legan, Vice President of Marketing for the Miller family of brands, emphasized that this milestone is a celebration of the brand’s history and its connection with fans over the past five decades. Earlier this summer, Miller Lite began its celebratory activities by releasing limited-edition gold cans and partnering with comedian Marcello Hernandez from "Saturday Night Live" for promotional events.

This anniversary event is expected to be a joyful occasion for beer lovers as they celebrate in various locations nationwide.

For more details, visit Miller Lite’s official site.

Beer enthusiasts have an exciting opportunity to enjoy free drinks as Miller Lite celebrates its 50th anniversary with a nationwide promotion. On August 1, coinciding with International Beer Day, the brand is giving away 50,000 beers across the United States.

Ann Legan, the vice president of marketing for Miller, emphasized the celebration as more than just a milestone; it’s a tribute to the brand’s loyal fans over the past five decades. She invites everyone to join in the festivities and raise a glass to another 50 years of memories.

Participants can join the promotion in several ways starting at 4:50 p.m. local time, which includes attending a special event at the Miller Lite Brewery in Milwaukee, watching online, visiting participating bars, or claiming their free drink via Millerlite.com.

In Michigan alone, 21 bars are participating in this giveaway. Guests must be 21 years or older to receive their free beer, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis during the celebration from 4:50 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time.

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.