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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.

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.