Beer-articles 936

California’s Maltose Falcons and Connecticut’s Underground Brewers are significant pillars in the rise of the American craft beer movement. Established 51 years ago, the Maltose Falcons are recognized as the nation’s oldest homebrewing club, formed in a time when homebrewing was illegal but tolerated. Meanwhile, only one craft brewery, Anchor Brewing in San Francisco, stood as a beacon in the craft landscape.

This original club, along with other homebrewing groups like the Underground Brewers, played a crucial role in advocating for the legalization of homebrewing, which they pursued vigorously in the late 1970s. Drew Beechum, the Maltose Falcons’ grand hydrometer, emphasizes that without their lobbying efforts, the craft beer industry would likely not have flourished as it has.

The Underground Brewers, celebrating their 50th anniversary, have roots in a homebrew supply store founded by Pat Baker and Nancy Crosby, which evolved into a major supplier for craft brewers. Their efforts in forming the Home Beer and Wine Trade Association were critical in changing federal laws.

A legacy of both clubs is the number of members who transitioned from homebrewers to professional brewers. Notable members include Paul Camusi of Sierra Nevada Brewing and Skip Virgilio of AleSmith Brewing. Similarly, Underground Brewer members have established their own breweries across Connecticut.

Both clubs also maintain a culture of education and community at their meetings, often featuring topics like brewing techniques and styles. They foster not just brewing skills but also camaraderie among members through gatherings that sometimes involve tasting sessions and social events.

The Maltose Falcons meet monthly, combining educational discussions with tastings of homebrewed creations. Members exchange recipes, provide feedback, and organize seasonal festivals that feature food and fun.

The Underground Brewers operate similarly, holding formal judging meetings and social events throughout the year. Their gatherings also explore broader topics in brewing, such as techniques in crafting specific types of beers.

The experience of club members highlights the profound impact of homebrewing on the craft beer revolution. Tiffany Ashrafi, the current president of the Maltose Falcons, recalls her journey from helping her parents with brewing at a young age to experiencing firsthand the surge in craft beer quality compared to store-bought options. Her involvement crystallized her understanding of the community’s significant role in the craft beer industry.

Beechum reflects on the extraordinary growth of craft beer, marveling at how homebrewers, often characterized by their casual nature and passion for brewing, have sustained the momentum of this cultural phenomenon. For many, this hobby is not just about brewing; it opens doors to new friendships and experiences, marking a vibrant chapter in America’s beer history.

Ahead of the much-anticipated season 14 revival of King of the Hill on Hulu, a brewery in San Antonio, Texas, is making the show’s fictional "Alamo" beer a reality. Alamo Beer Co. has partnered with Hulu to create this brew, intended for release before the premiere on August 4.

Previously, only the show’s iconic characters—Hank, Dale, Bill, and Boomhauer—could enjoy the fictional beer on-screen. Now, fans will have the opportunity to taste it for themselves, especially those living in Texas where it will debut first.

Eugene Simor, the founder of Alamo Beer Co., confirmed the beer’s development, stating, "It’s real…We’re just trying to finalize when the actual date will be for release." Those who attended a sneak peek of the revival at the ATX TV Festival in May were fortunate enough to sample the "easily chuggable" beer.

The new Alamo beer is set to hit store shelves in July or August, allowing fans a chance to enjoy it just before the revival of the show. The upcoming season promises to follow the Hill family years after we last saw them, with Hank and Peggy now retired and navigating a transformed Arlen, while their son Bobby, now 21, experiences life as a chef in Dallas.

For more details, check out the original article from the Express-News. King of the Hill‘s season 14 revival will stream on Hulu starting August 4.

“Saturday Night Live” star Colin Jost is embracing a new partnership with Blue Moon, the beer brand that has made him its first celebrity ambassador. To kick off the campaign titled "Nothing Outshines a Blue Moon," Jost is giving back to his Staten Island community by offering free beers at his favorite local bars.

On June 24, adults 21 and over can get one complimentary Blue Moon beer at Jody’s Club Forest and O’Neill’s Restaurant & Bar from 6 p.m., and at The Kettle Black starting at 7 p.m. The events are subject to availability, and attendees may even have the chance to see Jost make a surprise appearance.

In addition to the giveaways, Jost has co-written and stars in two new commercials for the brand. One spot, “Orange & Son,” features him having a conversation with animated oranges regarding the beer’s signature orange slice, while the other, “Zoom In,” uses humor to focus on the beer as the camera nearly crops out Jost himself.

This partnership highlights Blue Moon’s “Made Brighter” initiative, which aims to differentiate the beer in a competitive summer beverage market. Jost, a Staten Island native who has been part of "SNL" since 2005 and co-host of the "Weekend Update" since 2014, is excited about this new role representing a brand he enjoys.

The Beer Store has announced a new wave of closures, with nine locations set to shut down on August 24, bringing the total to 40 stores closing in the coming weeks. This decision follows earlier closures scheduled for July 6, July 20, and August 10, as well as five locations that were recently closed on June 15.

Ozzie Ahmed, vice president of retail at The Beer Store, stated that closing a retail store is never an easy decision and highlighted the importance of these stores and employees in the community. He pointed to the changing alcohol marketplace in Ontario as a significant factor in their decision to modernize operations and focus on efficiently selling beer and managing recycling services.

The specific locations closing on August 24 include:

• Toronto — 772 The Queensway
• Toronto — 720 Spadina Avenue
• Scarborough — 1089 Kingston Road
• Richmond Hill — 8825 Yonge Street
• Bothwell — 160 Oak Street
• Blind River — 115 Causley Street
• Garson — 3098 Falconbridge Hwy.
• Manotick — 1160 Beaverwood Road
• Powassan — 760 Main Street
• Atikokan — 711 Mackenzie Street East

The rapid expansion of Ontario’s alcohol sales to include convenience and grocery stores selling beer, with the exception of spirits, has significantly impacted The Beer Store’s business model and has led to these closures.

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.