Beer-articles 930

Anthony Bourdain was known for his love of good beer, often spotted enjoying a cold one during his shows like "Parts Unknown." However, he steered clear of craft breweries and beer culture on screen. He once compared the craft beer movement to "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," reflecting his skepticism toward the overly analyzed craft beer scene. In a 2016 interview with Thrillist, he expressed that beer and bars should be enjoyed without scrutiny, noting his preference for the experience rather than the minutiae.

Bourdain believed that viewers would find more interest in vibrant food preparations than watching a pint being poured. He never included craft breweries or pubs in his shows, opting instead for traditional breweries in unique locations. This choice highlighted his professional ethos: engaging content matters more than presenting forms of beverage.

Moreover, his attitude toward wine mirrored his feelings on craft beer; he preferred enjoying good wine without delving into its complexities. Bourdain emphasized the importance of local and abundant flavors over a beverage’s pedigree, often surprising many who expected a more refined wine-tasting approach from someone with his culinary background.

Ultimately, his decision to avoid wineries and craft breweries was deliberate, aiming to showcase authentic cuisine, making for more captivating television than simply highlighting drink selection. This perspective provides insight into Bourdain’s complex relationship with food and beverage that remained true to his style and narrative focus.

Pilsners, known as one of the purest beer styles, are often the first choice for brewers to showcase their skills. Brewed in a variety of styles including German, American, Italian, and Bohemian, these beers are regarded for their craft and subtle complexities. According to Dow Scoggins, founder of the U.S. Open Beer Championship, "Brewing pilsners takes more time, and flaws are harder to hide."

At the recent U.S. Open Beer Championship, which is among the largest beer competitions in the U.S., pilsners were a significant focus. This year, over 8,000 beverages were submitted, with pilsners evaluated across five subcategories. Only gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded in each category, highlighting the competitive nature of these awards.

The winners of the best pilsners for 2025 include:

• American-Style Pilsner: Bullpen – Atlas Brew Works – Washington, D.C.
• Bohemian-Style Pilsner: Quiet Light – Nine Giant Brewing – Ohio
• German-Style Pilsner: An Honest Man – New Berlin Brewing Company – Ohio
• International-Style Pilsner: Famosa – Cervecería Centro Americana S.A. – Guatemala
• Italian Pilsner: Antico – Geisthaus Brewing Company – California

Many of the top pilsners are produced by breweries with limited distribution, often making it necessary to visit these locations to sample the award-winning beers. For those unable to travel, contacting the breweries directly might provide options for purchasing or finding their beers locally.

Freshness is critical for these beverages, emphasizing the advantage of enjoying a freshly brewed beer at a local brewery. Moreover, many exceptional beers, not showcased in competitions, can be discovered in various breweries, adding to the excitement for enthusiasts seeking unique flavors.

Tickets are now available for the 2025 Great American Beer Festival (GABF), set to take place from October 9-11 in Denver. This year marks a significant change: for the first time in its 43-year history, the festival will feature liquor alongside its traditional beer offerings, introducing what they are calling "The Distilling Experience."

At this year’s festival, twenty spirits companies, primarily from Colorado, will be serving quarter-ounce samples of various liquors, including whiskey, gin, and vodka, all free of charge. This expansion reflects a shift in consumer preferences, prompting GABF organizers to diversify their beverage selection. In recent years, the festival has gradually incorporated other drink options like seltzers, ciders, and ready-to-drink cocktails.

Breweries have also started to expand their product lines to attract broader clientele. For instance, WeldWerks Brewing Co. in Greeley has branched out into the ready-to-drink market, offering popular cocktails like Strawberry Margarita and Orange Creamsicle at the festival. Additionally, Montrose-based Shelter Distilling will showcase both its spirits and beers at the event.

The GABF will feature themed areas, including a traditional German biergarten, sports-themed sections, and a Halloween-themed area. Attendees can expect costume contests, a silent disco, and surprise flash mob performances, enhancing the festival’s celebratory atmosphere. The festival’s ancillary "Paired" event, which connects culinary pairings with beverages, will also return, requiring a separate ticket for attendance.

Ticket prices vary, with general admission at $85 on Thursday and $95 on Friday and Saturday. A three-day pass costs $220. More details and ticket information can be found here.

The Hudson-Landsberg Biergarten is set to return to Park Lane Green on August 8-9, offering visitors a blend of German culture through food, beer, and music. This event has free admission and aims to support the Hudson-Landsberg Sister City, a nonprofit focused on enhancing relations between Hudson and Landsberg, Germany, through various cultural exchanges and scholarships.

The Biergarten will operate on Friday from 5 PM to 10 PM and Saturday from noon to 10 PM. Attendees can enjoy performances from NorthCoast Mix, known for their polka tunes, on Friday evening, while Saturday includes presentations of Grimm fairy tales by the Great Lakes National Puppet Theater, along with a community sing-along led by the Greater Akron Beer Choir.

Local breweries, including Green Valley Brewing and HiHO Brewing Co., will provide a selection of beers for sale. Reinecker’s Bakery will offer warm pretzels, while the Hudson Rotary Club will sell bratwurst, hot dogs, and soft drinks.

Additionally, the Hudson-Landsberg Sister City will host baseball games featuring Hudson against the Landsberg Crusaders on August 11 and 13 at Hudson High School, with the first pitch on August 11 at 7 PM thrown by Hudson Mayor Jeff Anzevino.

For more information, visit the official Hudson-Landsberg Biergarten site.

Molson Coors Beverage Company recently adjusted its outlook for fiscal 2025 amid a challenging beer market. In its second-quarter report, the company posted adjusted earnings per share of $2.05, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $1.86. Despite this, quarterly sales reached $3.201 billion, exceeding the projected $3.121 billion but reflecting a 1.6% decline in net sales compared to the previous year.

The company reported a significant decrease in brand volumes, dropping by 5.1% in total. This decline included a 4.0% decrease in the Americas region and a more pronounced 7.8% decline in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific (EMEA & APAC).

Molson Coors attributed its mixed results to several macroeconomic factors, particularly softness in the U.S. beer market and challenges related to their market share. Additionally, the company’s decision to end its contract brewing agreements in the Americas by the end of 2024 contributed to expected headwinds.

Despite the difficulties, underlying (Non-GAAP) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased from $750.1 million to $763.9 million year-over-year. CEO Gavin Hattersley expressed optimism, referring to the current industry softness as a cyclical issue and reaffirming confidence in the company’s long-term growth trajectory.

Looking ahead, Molson Coors forecasts an adjusted EPS for 2025 in the range of $5.36 to $5.54, which is below the market’s consensus estimate of $5.96. Sales projections are also revised down to $11.162 to $11.278 billion, compared to the anticipated $11.386 billion. The company aims to maintain a free cash flow guidance of approximately $1.3 billion, adjusted by 10%, reflecting favorable working capital and cash tax benefits.

Following the updated outlook, Molson Coors’ stock experienced a slight increase, trading up 1.73% to $49.45.

For more details, please refer to the original article on Benzinga.

Boston Beer Company founder Jim Koch is set to reclaim the CEO position after Michael Spillane announced his resignation to focus on personal matters. Spillane, who is 65, will officially step down on August 15 but will remain involved as a board member and will continue to offer advisory support until March 2026.

Koch, who founded the company in 1984 and served as CEO until 2001, has consistently been a key figure in the company. He currently holds the title of chairman and has remained actively engaged in investor presentations and public appearances. Despite being a publicly traded company, Koch has maintained significant control through a unique voting share structure.

Spillane previously served as a Nike executive and had been with Boston Beer for about 18 months, taking over from Dave Burwick amid challenges in the craft beer industry, where smaller breweries were consolidating due to declining demand. During his tenure, Boston Beer’s shares dropped by nearly 40 percent. However, the company reported a significant financial recovery in the first half of the year, with a 3.6 percent increase in net revenue and over a 30 percent increase in net income compared to 2024.

Boston Beer has expanded its offerings beyond its original Samuel Adams beers, now encompassing brands like Dogfish Head, Twisted Tea, Angry Orchard, HARD MTN DEW, and Truly hard seltzer, employing around 2,500 individuals, including about 500 in Massachusetts.

Miller Lite is marking its 50th anniversary with a giveaway of 50,000 free beers on August 1, coinciding with International Beer Day. Ann Legan, the vice president of marketing for the Miller family of brands, expressed that this celebration is not only a milestone for the brand but also a tribute to its loyal fans who have enjoyed "Miller Time" over the past five decades. The brand invites customers to raise a glass to both the past and future memories with Miller Lite.

On this special day, Miller Lite will distribute free beers at 450 bars across the United States. Beer enthusiasts can find their nearest participating location by visiting millerlite.com/find-celebration. However, it’s worth noting that some restrictions may apply depending on the state.

Additionally, at the Miller Lite Brewery in Milwaukee, attendees can witness a unique event where beers will be dropped from a large six-pack installation at 4:50 PM local time. The event will also be streamed live, allowing fans to participate from different time zones.

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.