Beer-articles 922

Cape Cod Beer, one of Massachusetts’ oldest craft breweries, is set to transition ownership to Mike McNamara, the owner of Hog Island Beer Co. This change comes as current owners, Todd and Beth Marcus, prepare to hand over their brewery, known for its Cape Cod Blondes and Reds, to McNamara through a newly formed holding company called Triton Beverage Group. This acquisition follows McNamara’s recent purchase of Mayflower Brewing Co. in Plymouth.

The decision to sell was not something the Marcus couple actively sought, but an appealing offer from McNamara prompted them to reconsider. They have indicated their intention to remain involved until the deal is finalized, a process expected to take around four months. Currently, the brewery employs over 20 staff members.

Beth Marcus expressed mixed feelings about the transition, acknowledging the joy of their community work and experiences at the brewery while feeling reassured about the future under McNamara’s leadership. The deal will broaden Cape Cod Beer’s distribution, previously limited to a close radius around its Hyannis location, by partnering with Sheehan Family Companies for statewide sales.

McNamara has reassured consumers that each brewery under his management will retain its unique identity and operations. He emphasized that the focus will be on enhancing their collective strengths rather than changing what makes each brewery special.

As the craft beer industry continues to consolidate, this acquisition reflects ongoing trends in the sector, where mergers enable companies to streamline operations, boost marketing capabilities, and adapt to evolving consumer preferences.

For further details, read more on Hog Island and Cape Cod Beer.

City Street Investors is finalizing the opening of its new beer garden in Arvada, set to debut on July 7, 2025. This establishment, located at 9258 W. 58th Place, emphasizes outdoor aesthetics with a striking garden featuring 850 plants and 44 trees, making it a central part of a larger redevelopment project.

Spanning an acre, the beer garden is complemented by a 2,000-square-foot retail building and a 14,300-square-foot pocket park, with an overall investment of $6 million. Financial support came from the Arvada Urban Renewal Authority, which sold the property at a discounted price of $230,000 and provided an additional $1.6 million for infrastructure improvements. This initiative is part of a broader development plan that includes hundreds of new homes and significant commercial space.

Joe Vostrejs, a co-owner of City Street Investors, noted that the beer garden aligns with Arvada’s vision for placemaking, enhancing the community by creating a gathering space for residents. The building also draws inspiration from the area’s history, resembling an old train station, but no tenants have been confirmed yet for this space.

The developers experienced challenges with material costs, particularly due to tariffs that impacted lumber prices significantly as construction progressed. Despite these hurdles, the project aims to foster community engagement, with an emphasis on creating a walkable neighborhood.

For more details, visit BusinessDen.

Looking for an outdoor patio table that also keeps your drinks cool? Amazon is currently featuring a deal on the Keter 3-in-1 Cool Side Table Cooler. Originally priced at $80, it is now available for $60, offering a 25% discount.

This versatile table not only serves as a place to set your drink but also features an interior cooler that can hold up to 55 12-ounce cans. With its 10.3-gallon capacity, there’s ample space for beverages, ensuring they’re kept cold for hours. The Keter Cooler is made with a weatherproof design that prevents fading and requires minimal upkeep, while its rattan exterior is easy to clean.

The table measures 17.4 inches tall and is available in Taupe and Bluish Grey colors, as well as Graphite for an additional $5. It can be placed on your patio, balcony, or next to the pool to provide a functional and stylish complement to your outdoor furniture.

For a limited time, customers can enjoy free Prime shipping on this cooler table, with some options available for next-day delivery.

If you’re interested in other cooler options, Amazon also has various coolers on sale, including popular models like the YETI Tundra 35 and Coleman Classic Series Portable Wheeled Cooler, offering substantial discounts.

For more information and to shop the Keter Cooler Table, visit this link.

You can explore additional cooler deals here.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is celebrating a significant milestone in its history as they currently lead 2-0 at halftime in the Champions League final against Inter Milan. This match holds great importance for PSG, as a victory would secure the club’s first Champions League trophy. The excitement among PSG fans was palpable, particularly at a public viewing in a beer garden in Munich, where celebrations erupted following the early lead.

As the match progresses, anticipation grows among supporters gathered to witness what could be a historic moment for the French club. Observers are hoping that the celebrations remain peaceful, and that the night marks a joyous occasion for fans.

For PSG, this match is not just another game but potentially a transformative moment, transforming the club’s standing on the European stage.

The trend of beer festivals is shifting from large, crowded events to smaller, more intimate gatherings that prioritize quality and consumer experience. The Great American Beer Festival, which has long been a flagship occasion in the beer community, has undergone significant changes due to declining attendance. For the first time since its inception in 1982, the format was revamped, reducing the number of sessions and introducing thematic entertainment areas. This move is part of an effort to revive interest and engagement in beer festivals.

While large festivals grapple with ticket sales and evolving consumer preferences, smaller festivals are experiencing a renaissance. Events like the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival in Paso Robles, California, have thrived by focusing on quality over quantity. Brewmaster Matt Brynildson emphasizes curation and exclusivity, inviting only the best breweries and ensuring that their brewmasters are present to interact with attendees. This creates a premium atmosphere, encouraging ticket holders to appreciate the craft behind each beer.

Similarly, Good Word Brewing in Duluth, Georgia, hosts several intimate festivals throughout the year that cater to specific themes and targeted audiences. Owner Todd DiMatteo intentionally set out to differentiate his festivals from larger, less personalized ones. By focusing on quality offerings and the community aspect of the events, these gatherings are able to attract discerning beer enthusiasts who seek nuanced tasting experiences rather than merely sampling as many beers as possible.

As craft beer continues to evolve, the palate of the consumer has also matured. With almost 10,000 breweries in America, beer lovers are becoming increasingly selective, favoring curated experiences that highlight the artistry of brewing. This shift signals a growing appreciation for craftsmanship in beer, indicating that smaller festivals could very well represent the future of beer culture.

Here are some noteworthy small beer festivals to consider:

Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival

Held annually in Paso Robles, California, this festival features around 70 top breweries from around the world. Breweries must send a representative to discuss their offerings, ensuring a personal touch for attendees.

Good Word Brewing Events

Good Word Brewing organizes three themed festivals, including:

1. Little Beer: A spring celebration of lower-alcohol beers.
2. Le Bon: A September event that pairs saisons with oysters.
3. Mighty Fine Fest: A new festival focusing on West Coast IPAs, debuting in June 2025.

Denver Rare Beer Tasting

This exclusive event showcases rare beers and is limited to just 450 attendees, with proceeds supporting a charity focused on prostate cancer.

Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer (FOBAB)

Held in Chicago, this November festival offers a diverse range of barrel-aged beers, celebrating the unique flavors that wood aging brings.

Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival

Taking place in Anchorage every January, this event highlights flavorful barley wines and is a great way to enjoy craft beer during the winter months.

As the beer festival landscape continues to change, events that embrace a more intimate setting while keeping the focus on quality may likely remain popular among beer enthusiasts.

Lagers are witnessing a resurgence, even amidst a challenging period for the craft beer industry. Despite a reduction in overall consumption and increasing brewery closures, lagers have consistently gained popularity among both brewers and consumers. This trend was highlighted at the recent World Beer Cup in Indianapolis, a leading international beer competition that saw over 8,375 submissions from 49 countries, including more than 1,000 lagers across various categories.

Judged by over 200 experts through 14 tasting segments, the World Beer Cup awarded gold medals to standout entries, focusing not only on traditional styles but also on innovative interpretations of lagers. Here’s a look at some of the notable winners that showcased the versatility and craftsmanship in this beer style.

The Best Lagers of 2025

• Classic Non-Alcohol Ale or Lager

  • Gold: Tsingtao Non-Alcoholic Wheat Beer, Tsingtao Brewery Co., Qingdao, China

• Kellerbier or Zwickelbier

  • Gold: Broumy, Pivovar Matuška, Broumy, Czech Republic

• American Light Lager

  • Gold: Clubhaus Lager, Von Ebert Brewing, Portland, OR

• International Light Lager

  • Gold: Solveza, Peaceful Side Brewery, Maryville, TN

• International-Style Lager

  • Gold: Yamagata, Original Pattern Brewing, Oakland, CA

• Hoppy Lager

  • Gold: Cold IPA, pFriem Family Brewers, Hood River, OR

• Munich-Style Dunkel

  • Gold: G.G., Exile Brewing Co., Des Moines, IA

• International Dark Lager

  • Gold: Late Czech Out, Pilot Brewing Co., Charlotte, NC

• Munich-Style Helles

  • Gold: Construct Of Quality, Cinder Block Brewery, North Kansas City, MO

• Dortmunder/Export or German-Style Oktoberfest

  • Gold: The Cushman, Morgan Territory Brewing, Tracy, CA

• Vienna-Style Lager

  • Gold: Vienna, Second Street Brewery, Santa Fe, NM

• German-Style Maerzen or Franconian-Style Rotbier

  • Gold: Follow the Lederhosen, Moontown Brewing Co., Whitestown, IN

• German-Style Schwarzbier

  • Gold: Schwarz Bear, Gatlinburg Brewing Co., Sevierville, TN

• German-Style Bock or Maibock

  • Gold: Cold Front, Avery Brewing Co., Boulder, CO

• German-Style Doppelbock or Eisbock

  • Gold: Curse The Goat, Shoreline Brewery, Michigan City, IN

• American-Style Lager

  • Gold: Vacancy Classic, Vacancy Brewing, Austin, TX

• Contemporary American-Style Lager

  • Gold: El Pato Loco, Able Baker Brewing Co., Las Vegas, NV

• American-Style Amber Lager

  • Gold: 40 Mike Mike, Free Roam Brewing Co., Boerne, TX

Finding the Best Lagers of 2025

Many of these award-winning lagers come from breweries with limited distribution; however, some may offer shipping options. To find out if these beers are available near you, check individual brewery websites. Additionally, the World Beer Cup results page provides access to search for other medalists by state.

George Wendt, best known for his role as the beer-loving Norm Peterson on the iconic NBC sitcom Cheers, has passed away at the age of 76. His family confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles from natural causes.

Wendt’s career began in Chicago with the renowned improvisational comedy troupe, Second City, during the 1970s. He gained further prominence when he portrayed Bob Swerski, one of the "superfans" on Saturday Night Live. His television work included numerous appearances alongside various high-profile stars.

Wendt’s film credits encompass a range of movies, including Dreamscape, Fletch, and Spice World, among others. He famously played a grumpy father in Michael Jackson’s "Black or White" music video. He was the uncle of actor Jason Sudeikis, a testament to the family’s artistic legacy.

As Norm Peterson, Wendt became a beloved character on Cheers, which ran for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993. He maintained a strong presence on the show, tying for the record of most episodes alongside Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman. His portrayal earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

In his personal life, Wendt was described as a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife of nearly five decades, Bernadette Birkett, and their children. His legacy will continue through numerous interactions he had with fans, who frequently greeted him with cheers echoing his on-screen persona.

Wendt often reflected on his role as Norm, highlighting the challenges of pretending to drink beer for extended periods on set. He enjoyed acting but was known for his self-deprecating humor about his character’s quirks and his own performing experiences.

As a celebrated figure in television history, Wendt was not just a familiar face but also a complex actor whose contributions to laughter and entertainment will be long remembered.

HONOLULU – In celebration of American Craft Beer Week, Honolulu Beerworks has launched a new taproom in Kalihi alongside their latest conservation beer, aimed at raising awareness for the endangered black-footed albatross. Founded in 2014, the brewery has expanded significantly, unveiling a spacious facility at 1632 Hart St.

To commemorate the opening and the release of their new beer, Kahuku Ka’upu, the brewery is hosting a “Bird is the Word” event on May 24. Owner Geoffrey Seideman shared details on HNN’s Sunrise, introducing patrons to the innovative beer crafted with tangerines, in collaboration with the James Campbell Wildlife Refuge.

The new taproom will operate from Thursday to Saturday between noon and 6 p.m., featuring rotating food trucks and a diverse array of handcrafted beers that incorporate local ingredients such as tropical fruits, honey, and coffee. Seideman emphasized the brewery’s strong community engagement, highlighting their commitment to environmental causes through seasonal conservation beers.

For more information about Honolulu Beerworks and their offerings, visit honolulubeerworks.com.

Hooters, an iconic restaurant chain, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure its debts and continue operations. The filing occurred in March, and the company has been working with stakeholders to support its financial recovery. Despite the bankruptcy, Hooters remains open and operational.

In an exciting development, wrestling legend Hulk Hogan’s company, Real American Beer, is reportedly considering an all-cash bid for Hooters’ intellectual property. This strategic move aims to incorporate Hooters into Hogan’s growing portfolio, which focuses on building a lifestyle brand that resonates with modern consumers.

With plans to revitalize Hooters, Hogan’s brand intends to expand into various areas, including consumer products, digital content, gaming, and experiential formats. This relaunch aims to re-energize the Hooters brand for today’s audiences, all while honoring its original spirit.

Hooters, founded in Hogan’s hometown of Clearwater, Florida, was among the first establishments to carry Real American Beer shortly after its launch. The collaboration aligns well with Hogan’s vision to merge entertainment and patriotism through his products.

The potential acquisition signals a positive shift for Hooters as it seeks to solidify its financial foundation and continue delivering its well-known hospitality and dining experience to customers.

J West Bottle Shop has become a cherished gathering place for beer, wine, and cider enthusiasts in the Lents neighborhood of Portland since its opening in 2019. Owner Jeff Welton describes the warm, communal atmosphere where patrons might even bring in homemade dishes, like a fresh Detroit-style pizza, to share.

Previously known as Lents Draft and Bottle, the establishment underwent a brief closure in September 2024 for Welton to take sole ownership and rebrand the bar. Despite the change, J West reopened smoothly, quickly regaining its loyal customer base who appreciate its carefully curated assortment of craft beverages. Though the Portland bar scene is vast, J West’s location is a notable aspect that elevates its status as a local gem, particularly since options for craft beer and wine are limited in the area east of 82nd Avenue.

Welton prides himself on promoting inclusivity among drinkers, ensuring that everyone—from IPA aficionados to wine lovers—finds something they enjoy. The drink menu is a blend of offerings, featuring local hoppy beers alongside esteemed imports like German lagers and Italian wines, all at affordable prices. This blend reflects Welton’s extensive experience in the bar and restaurant industry and his personal tastes.

The décor is simple, with handwritten menus and minimal decorations, creating a homey bar atmosphere where conversations flow easily among patrons. Rather than relying on special events to attract customers, J West excels in fostering genuine connections between its clientele.

Overall, J West Bottle Shop captures the essence of traditional Portland nightlife, emphasizing community and inclusivity at a welcoming neighborhood spot.

Visit: J West Bottle Shop, 8530 SE Foster Road, 503-720-6693, jwestbottleshop.com. Open 3:30–11 pm Tuesday–Sunday.