Beer-articles 922

More than 150 independent breweries in New Jersey are gearing up for the inaugural New Jersey Craft Beer Week from July 13 to 20, a statewide initiative aimed at boosting visibility and support for the craft beer industry.

Organized by the Brewers Guild of New Jersey, this campaign will include a variety of events such as tap takeovers, trivia nights, food trucks, and live music at breweries across the state, including North, Central, South Jersey, and the Jersey Shore. The Guild, representing policy interests of independent breweries and brewpubs, unveiled this initiative as their first coordinated public campaign to promote the state’s often underestimated craft beer scene.

New Jersey, despite housing numerous breweries, ranks low in brewery count per capita and beer consumption. These statistics highlight an opportunity for growth and awareness in a state that is currently lagging behind in both access to and knowledge of its craft beer offerings.

The timing of this campaign comes as the industry is emerging from a challenging period characterized by rising operational costs and regulatory hurdles related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2019, New Jersey has seen a decline in the number of breweries, dropping from around 180 to roughly 150, with a significant number of closures occurring since mid-2020.

The craft beer industry in New Jersey saw initial growth following the state’s law changes in 2012, which allowed more extensive production and distribution for microbreweries and brewpubs. However, the industry faced setbacks in 2019 due to new regulations imposed on breweries by the state’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), which introduced restrictions on events and food sales as a way to appease full retail license holders like bars and restaurants.

As advocates for local breweries noted the struggles posed by these restrictions, recent legislative changes have begun to ease regulations, allowing breweries more flexibility in operations and promoting local craft beer enjoyment.

The New Jersey Craft Beer Week aims to reconnect locals with breweries in their communities, encouraging residents to explore the craft beer offerings available right in their own neighborhoods. The Guild hopes this event will be the catalyst for rediscovering the state’s vibrant craft beer landscape, with specific launch events at various participating locations on July 13.

For more information about New Jersey Craft Beer Week, including a listing of participating breweries and events, you can visit the Brewers Guild of New Jersey.

Recent research has highlighted that non-alcoholic beers, which many consumers perceive as a healthier option, may not be as beneficial as they seem. As sales of these beverages surge—expected to become the second-largest beer category globally according to industry reports—scientists have raised concerns about their health implications.

In a study involving 44 healthy young men, participants were assigned to either consume two bottles of non-alcoholic beer daily or drink water over four weeks. The results revealed concerning spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels among the group that consumed non-alcoholic beer. Additionally, those participants showed increased levels of harmful cholesterol and triglycerides, risk factors linked to heart disease.

Particularly problematic were the zero-proof wheat and fruity beers, which tended to have higher amounts of added sugars. This sugar content could potentially contribute to weight gain and supplement chronic health conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Despite their non-alcoholic labeling, these beverages can contain almost the same calories as standard beer, primarily due to the higher carbohydrate content stemming from added sugars used to enhance flavor after removing alcohol.

Interestingly, while many beer brands market their non-alcoholic options as healthier, the nutritional profiles suggest otherwise. Notably, a typical 12-ounce alcoholic beer contains around 14 grams of alcohol, whereas non-alcoholic versions have less than 0.5% ABV and often contain a significantly higher carbohydrate count.

The ongoing trend of younger generations drinking less alcohol has fueled the rise of non-alcoholic beers. Research indicates that social attitudes towards drinking are changing, with millennials and Gen Z increasingly opting for moderation. A 2023 Gallup poll showed a decline in alcohol consumption among adults under 35, with fewer feeling that drinking is a social necessity.

Experts maintain that any effort to reduce alcohol intake can have positive health outcomes, underscoring the importance of balancing choices in beverages. This perspective is further reinforced by health warnings linking excessive alcohol consumption to numerous health issues, including cancer risks and liver damage. The conversation surrounding non-alcoholic beer and its side effects is opening a debate about health consciousness and the future of social drinking.

The annual summer pop-up at Eakins Oval, located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, kicks off today and will run until September 14. The event offers a vibrant mix of activities, including a beer garden, mini golf, food trucks, and various weekly events such as live music performances, movie nights, and youth-focused activities.

The space is operated by Libertee Grounds, known for serving a delicious array of food with Asian-American fusion flavors. This year’s exciting offerings include Korean smash burgers, Masala nachos, and a well-stocked bar featuring both beer and cocktails. In addition, families can enjoy the Philly-themed mini golf course, which remains free for children under 12, while adults and teens can play for a fee of $10.

The pop-up kicks off formally with a Juneteenth Festival this Saturday, which features music, art demonstrations, and an all-Black vendor market from noon until 9 p.m. Movie nights will include screenings such as "Raiders of the Lost Ark" at 8:15 p.m. on Friday. The summer schedule also includes after-dark R&B concerts on select dates, teen nights, basketball tournaments, health classes, and arts and crafts sessions for kids.

Operating hours for the Oval are as follows:

• Wednesdays and Thursdays: 4-9 p.m.
• Fridays: 4-11 p.m.
• Saturdays: Noon to 11 p.m.
• Sundays: Noon to 9 p.m.

The Oval will be closed from June 30 to July 6 to accommodate the Wawa Welcome America festivities.

For more information, you can visit The Oval’s Instagram page.

Gavin Adcock, a former college football player turned country music star, has recently made headlines following a series of dramatic events. Last month, he was arrested for reckless driving in Tennessee after being caught speeding at 103 mph. This incident has garnered significant attention, especially since Adcock’s name has surfaced frequently in the media.

In a separate incident, a video from 2024 resurfaced on social media, showing Adcock onstage during a performance. The clip captures a beer can unexpectedly hitting him in the face, prompting a fiery response from the singer. He reacted by stating, “Aight, this song is about talking (expletive), and I’m about to come out there and beat your fat (expletive),” which elicited cheers from the audience. His spirited comeback continued as he vented further expletives towards an unseen fan before diving back into his performance.

Despite the chaos, Adcock’s swift recovery and ability to continue performing surprised many, as the beer can struck him quite forcefully. The post-arrest period highlighted his frustration with his reckless driving incident, which he explained on social media after buying his dream car, a 1973 Dodge Challenger. He admitted he had been joyriding when he was pulled over by the police, stating, “The car ran great.”

Following his arrest, he was taken into custody by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and although his bond was set at $1,000, he was released the next morning. The 26-year-old singer has previously faced legal trouble, including an arrest related to a suspended license.

Gavin Adcock’s rise in the country music scene continues to attract both fans and controversy, marking him as an artist to watch closely.

When the World Beer Cup awards were announced recently, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. won gold for its flagship beer, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, in a surprising category: Extra Special Bitter. Although this beer has been renowned for 45 years and is celebrated for essentially creating the American Pale Ale style, winning in this category was unexpected.

To understand this, we need to explore how pale ales differ from Extra Special Bitters (E.S.B.). Historically, these two styles were often regarded as the same in England, with the beer referred to as pale ale in bottles and bitters on draft. Before clear identifiers emerged, customers would simply order a bitters, differentiating it from the sweeter mild ale that was also popular.

The term “bitters” evolved over time into three categories: Ordinary Bitters, Best or Special Bitters, and Extra Special Bitters. The E.S.B. designation was introduced by Fuller’s in 1971, but because early craft beer drinkers in the U.S. generally avoided beers labeled as bitter, many brewers opted to use the pale ale term instead.

Today, the World Beer Cup features several categories for pale ales and bitters, with guidelines that evolve each year. While Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is now labeled a legacy beer, its classification has shifted to fit the sub-category of American-style Extra Special Bitter, reflecting changing consumer tastes and brewing practices.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is well-balanced, blending rich malt and robust hop flavors. When it debuted in the early 1980s, it was considered hop-forward, but compared to modern IPAs, it now appears more restrained. This balance is why pale ales remain a popular choice for various occasions.

If you’re looking to explore pale ales, Sierra Nevada’s original is readily available and still tastes nearly the same as when it was first introduced. Additionally, Faction Brewing’s Penske File Pale Ale stands out as an excellent West Coast pale ale. Firestone Walker’s Double Barrel Ale offers a great take on English-style pale ales, while Cellarmaker Brewing in San Francisco produces excellent options like Underneath the Pine and Super Mt. Nelson.

For those interested in the craft beer landscape, Sierra Nevada’s recent win highlights the intersection of tradition and evolving tastes in the brewing world.

When Joe Lemnah’s savings ran dry, Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) stepped in to help with his brewery venture, Burlington Beer Company (BBCo.). After starting home-brewing in 2006 and honing his skills at Dogfish Head Brewery in Delaware, Lemnah launched BBCo. in 2014 with a vision to bring his brewing talent back to Vermont.

Located in Williston, BBCo. operates from a 22,000-square-foot production facility and features a brewpub in Burlington’s South End, which opened in 2021. Lemnah faced significant challenges in securing funding, particularly in an increasingly competitive market. Despite numerous rejections from traditional lenders, VEDA believed in his passion and entrepreneurial spirit.

With VEDA’s support, Lemnah secured the necessary financing for brewing equipment and other critical needs, indicating that their willingness to invest in passionate entrepreneurs was vital to BBCo.’s establishment and growth. The brewery has contributed positively to the community by creating unique brews for local causes, such as a special beer in response to flooding in 2023.

Lemnah emphasizes the importance of artistry in his beer production, stating that brewing is more than just a business; it’s about making a fun and enjoyable product that reflects his creative spirit.

Currently, VTDigger is addressing Vermont’s affordability crisis by launching a new reporting beat focused on economic inequality across the state. To support this initiative, they are partnering with Report for America, relying on community contributions to fund the new reporting position. A Vermont donor is matching all donations received before June 14, doubling the impact of each contribution.

Ellie Beer has established herself as a remarkable talent in track and field since her teenage years, marking her place in Australian sports history with impressive accolades including a gold medal at the World Indoor Championships. Her career has flourished as she represented Team Australia at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, showcasing her skill on an international stage.

In her journey, she has consistently set record-breaking times and earned recognition in various competitions. As part of Team Australia, Beer participated in the Women’s 4 x 400m relay heats at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Over the years, she has continued to shine, winning events and achieving personal bests, further solidifying her status as a top-level athlete.

Her recent achievements include winning the Women’s 400m final at the Maurie Pant Meet in Melbourne and competing in the 2025 Australian Open and Under 20 Athletics Championships. At this event, she notably finished first in her heat and progressed to the final, demonstrating her capabilities as a sprinter.

In May 2025, Beer contributed to Team Australia’s success by securing second place in the mixed 4x400m relay final at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China. Her relentless pursuit of excellence makes her a standout athlete and a prominent figure in Australian athletics.

For more about Ellie Beer and her journey in athletics, follow her career as she continues to make waves in the sport.

The Sparta Beer and Brat Fest is currently taking place downtown, celebrating Father’s Day weekend with an array of entertainment, food, and beverages. This festival kicked off on Friday and continues through Saturday, showcasing a selection of locally brewed beers and various specialty bratwursts. While admission is free, attendees need tickets to purchase food and drinks.

Festival-goers can enjoy live music across multiple stages, engage in activities such as axe throwing and fowling, and explore an artisan vendor market. Notably, former Detroit Pistons player Lindsay Hunter will be making an appearance and is hosting a basketball shooting contest over the festival’s two days.

Michelle Baltruczak from the Sparta Chamber of Commerce highlighted that one of the festival’s primary goals is to bring the community together and foster local pride. Additionally, the event serves as a fundraiser for future community events in Sparta. With thousands of visitors expected from the surrounding areas, the festival promises to be a vibrant gathering.

For details on hours and a complete schedule of events, visit spartachamber.org.

As summer approaches, the outdoor drinking scene in Queens comes alive, with plenty of bars and beer gardens making for perfect hangout spots. As the sun sets past 8 p.m. and temperatures rise, it’s an ideal time to unwind with friends while enjoying great food and drinks.

Here are some of the top outdoor venues to explore this summer in Queens:

• Anable Sailing Basin (4-40 44th Dr., LIC): This waterfront location boasts stunning skyline views alongside a menu that includes craft drinks and freshly grilled items like burgers and skirt steak. It’s a cozy spot for casual meet-ups.

• Focal Point Beer Co. (43-50 12th St., LIC): Known for its spacious outdoor seating, this local brewery offers a rotating selection of IPAs and non-alcoholic brews. It’s a great hangout for trivia nights or casual meet-ups, with the added perk of a nearby taco shop.

• Bar Dalia (33-17 31st Ave., Astoria): With both sidewalk seating and a backyard area, Bar Dalia serves cocktails, wine, and small plates with an inviting atmosphere typical of Astoria’s lively streets.

• Pig Beach (35-37 36th St., Astoria): An energetic venue that amplifies summer fun with BBQ specials, ice-cold drinks, and regular watch parties for major sporting events.

• The Goat Bar (43-17 Queens Blvd., Sunnyside): A cozy, laid-back retreat featuring a patio perfect for sipping cocktails, enjoying small bites, and catching live performances.

• Claret Wine Bar (4602 Skillman Ave., Sunnyside): This intimate venue transforms into an al fresco dining gem during the warm months, serving pizza, wine, and cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere with live music on Fridays.

• Leaf Bar and Lounge (133-42 39th Ave., Flushing): Featuring a rooftop terrace, this venue highlights Taiwanese cuisine and a variety of drinks, accompanied by a daily happy hour.

• Paradise Alley (4109 150th St., Flushing): A chill bar with a nice outdoor area, serving up pizzas and cocktails while offering entertainment options like pool and darts.

• One Station Plaza (213-10 41st Ave., Bayside): Known for its outdoor beer garden, it’s the go-to spot for casual meals including hearty burgers and shareable plates.

• Forest Hills Station House (106-11 71st Ave., Forest Hills): This popular neighborhood bar features plenty of outdoor seating for brunch, dinner, or a drink in a relaxed environment.

• Queens Beer Garden (80-60 Cooper Ave., Glendale): Nestled within The Shops at Atlas Park, this beer garden is perfect for after-work drinks, offering tacos, quesadillas, and a broad drink menu.

Whether you’re in the mood for a breezy lounge atmosphere, delicious food, or spectacular views, Queens has numerous options to enjoy the season outdoors.

In 2025, beer taxes vary significantly across the United States, with Tennessee, Alaska, and Hawaii holding the highest rates according to a Tax Foundation analysis. The effective tax on beer can reach as much as nearly 41% of its retail price. For instance, in Tennessee, the tax is $1.287 per gallon, followed by Alaska at $1.07 and Hawaii at $0.93. Conversely, states like Wyoming, Missouri, and Wisconsin exhibit much lower rates, with Wyoming imposing just $0.019 per gallon.

These taxes may consist of various layers including federal, state, and local taxes on production and retail sales, contributing to the overall cost of beer. The Tax Foundation notes that taxes represent a substantial portion of the beer’s production costs.

In terms of recent legislative changes, some states have adjusted their beer tax rates in 2025. For example, Connecticut lowered its tax from $0.24 to $0.19 per gallon, while North Dakota, Arkansas, and Utah increased their rates.

The complexity of alcohol taxation in the U.S. underscores the need for potential reforms. The Tax Foundation suggests that modernizing the tax system to classify based on actual alcohol content—rather than by type—could simplify tax regulations across the board.

For further details on state beer tax rates, you can refer to the analysis from the Tax Foundation.