Beer-articles 995

Do you know where most of the world gets the hops needed to produce beer? It’s the Yakima Valley, renowned for growing 75% of hops in the U.S. With both the U.S. and Germany competing for the title of top hop producer, local celebrations for International Beer Day on Friday, August 7, can be enjoyed right in the Tri-Cities area.

Celebratory Events for Beer Day

Moxee Hop Festival
Taking place from Thursday, August 6 to Saturday, August 8 at Moxee City Park, the Moxee Hop Festival combines fun activities for all ages. The festival, which started in 1948, includes games, a dunk tank, and a parade on Saturday morning. For those who enjoy competition, Friday features an apple pie baking contest, while Saturday hosts a 5K Fun Run/Walk. Attendees aged 21 and older can explore the Budweiser Beer Garden, featuring musical acts and more. The festival hours are 5-10 p.m. on August 6, 4 p.m.-midnight on Friday, and 7 a.m.-midnight on Sunday.

Brewery Events in the Tri-Cities

Sage Brewing Co.
Located at 8425 Chapel Hill Blvd., Pasco, Sage Brewing will celebrate by serving craft beers along with La Bahía Mexican food from 4-8 p.m. on Friday. Saturday includes a collaboration with Smokin’ Boar Sausages for a delicious pairing of sausages and cold beer from 1-8 p.m., followed by a daylong Happy Hour on Sunday.

Moonshot Brewing
Found at 8804 W. Victoria Ave., Kennewick, Moonshot Brewing is set to host a pinball tournament on Saturday, August 8, to celebrate the launch of a new Transformers pinball machine. The food truck for the night is Gray’s Wings and Things, and both the tournament and food will commence at 5 p.m. Fridays and Sundays are designated as bring-your-own-food days.

Last Call
Opening its doors on Saturday, August 8, this new establishment at 213 W. Kennewick Ave. promises a lively night with live music from Badlandz.

Bombing Range Brewing Company
Located at 2000 Logston Blvd., Richland, this brewery invites patrons to enjoy live music from their local Beer Choir chapter on Saturday evening. With pints offered at $5, it’s a great spot to wind down.

Whether you’re interested in family-friendly activities at the Moxee Hop Festival or brewery experiences around the Tri-Cities, there are plenty of ways to join in the festivities for International Beer Day.

Something is changing in the beverage industry. Recent reports show a decline in sales of traditional alcoholic drinks: beer and cider sales fell over 3%, while wine dropped more than 6%. In contrast, non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits experienced a significant upswing of nearly 19%, now surpassing one billion dollars in sales. This shift has given rise to a new category of functional beverages that promise more than just refreshment. Notably, beer is now available in a "functional" variety. The concept is appealing: enjoy a cold drink without the effects of alcohol, combined with ingredients that may reduce stress or enhance focus.

What Is Functional Beer?

The range of functional beers varies widely. At the simpler end are non-alcoholic and low-ABV beers, which have improved considerably over the past decade, along with hop water that mimics the beer taste without any alcohol. On the more complex side, these beverages include beneficial ingredients, such as:

• Adaptogens like ashwagandha and reishi to help manage stress.
• Nootropics like L-theanine and caffeine for improved focus.
• Botanicals, electrolytes, and even probiotics.

Brands such as De Soi, Kin, and TRIP have popularized the idea of enjoying a buzz without the booze, and similar beer-style products are gaining traction.

The Effectiveness of Claims

While the claims about functional ingredients range from factual to exaggerated, some ingredients show promise. For instance, the combination of L-theanine and caffeine has been shown to promote calm focus without causing jitters. Similarly, ashwagandha has evidence supporting its ability to modestly lower cortisol levels. Moreover, reductions in sugar content and the addition of electrolytes are genuine benefits.

However, caution is warranted. The actual doses of these functional ingredients in beverages can often be insufficient to deliver the advertised effects. The benefits of adaptogens can be subtle and vary significantly among individuals, and some marketing promises may exceed the supporting evidence. Additionally, there is the risk of a "functional halo" effect, where consumers might justify consuming more sugary drinks on the belief that they are "healthy."

The Real Benefit

The significant health benefit of these functional beers is not necessarily the added ingredients, but rather the reduction in alcohol consumption. Alcohol is one of the most harmful substances that people frequently consume, and any product that encourages drinking less is a positive development. Finding a functional beer that tastes good enough to replace traditional beer can support healthier drinking habits. While the additional ingredients may provide secondary benefits, the key advantage lies in the absence of alcohol.

Enjoy these beverages for what they are without undue expectations. While they may not offer significant health improvements, the healthiest ingredient in many of these drinks is simply the alcohol no longer present. Maintain the familiar rituals of social drinking, avoid hangovers, and approach the wellness claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.

For those considering these functional beverages, it’s important to note that ingredients like adaptogens and nootropics can interact with medications, so it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you have health conditions or are taking medications.

Utz Quality Foods, maker of Utz® Cheese Balls, was a key sponsor of Beer Bowl 2026, a charity event held in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, aimed at benefiting the Eagles Autism Foundation. Co-hosted by Jason and Kylie Kelce, the event took place on June 25, 2026, and featured unique fan experiences, celebrity appearances, and challenges to raise funds for autism research and care.

One of the highlights was the Utz x Garage Beer "Million Cheese Ball Challenge™," which included a massive pool containing over one million cheese balls, where participants dove in to find branded ping pong balls. This fun and engaging challenge quickly became one of the most memorable moments of the Beer Bowl.

The event also included a dedicated Utz-branded bar at the Team 62 event on June 24, where attendees enjoyed Utz snacks, including pretzel necklaces, and participated in a live auction with exclusive items. Together, these activities raised an impressive $1.26 million for the Eagles Autism Foundation, surpassing the previous year’s record of $1 million.

Liza Darnell, Vice President of Marketing Communications at Utz, expressed that the event combined the joy of Utz Cheese Balls and Garage Beer with a serious commitment to supporting a worthy cause.

For more updates and content from the event, you can follow Utz on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The Eagles Autism Foundation remains dedicated to funding research and programs that provide vital resources to help those impacted by autism, having raised over $50 million in its eight years of operation.

Madison Beer and Justin Herbert have officially announced their engagement, a heartfelt moment celebrated via a joint Instagram post on July 28, 2026. The couple, who have shared nearly a year together, revealed the engagement details through a series of photographs and videos captured during an elaborate outdoor proposal adorned with flowers.

Herbert proposed beneath a beautifully decorated arbor, captured in a photo where he is on one knee with an open ring box, while Beer, delighted and surprised, crouches before him. The intimate moment showcased Beer’s stunning white cardigan and lace skirt by With Jéan, complemented by Herbert’s simple yet stylish white long-sleeved shirt and black trousers. The couple has yet to announce any specifics regarding wedding plans.

In a sweet touch, Beer’s mother, Tracie Beer, joined in the celebration by sharing a FaceTime screenshot from the moment her daughter and Herbert revealed their engagement. She expressed heartfelt sentiments about her daughter’s happiness and her confidence in Herbert being a loving partner.

Their romance first entered the public eye in August 2025, beginning with Herbert being spotted at one of Beer’s photo shoots. The couple made headlines when Beer was seen at a Chargers game, further solidifying their relationship in the eyes of fans. This public affection was continued with music video appearances, including Beer’s "lovergirl" where they shared romantic moments.

In reflections on their relationship, Beer shared that Herbert entered her life "at the perfect time," and noted how mature their connection felt. Their bond deepened over time, with both publicly expressing their love for one another during each other’s birthdays.

Experts have commented on Beer’s engagement ring, suggesting it potentially features a diamond worth between $500,000 to $1 million, highlighting its grandeur with estimates of a center stone ranging from five to ten carats.

This celebratory moment marks a significant milestone for Beer and Herbert as they embark on this exciting new chapter together.

Before embarking on a crucial season with the Los Angeles Chargers, quarterback Justin Herbert shared exciting personal news: he and pop star Madison Beer are engaged. The couple, who did not publicly announce their relationship until last August, took to social media to share the engagement announcement, which received significant attention.

Beer, 27, who had recently completed a tour, posted a heartfelt message alongside a photo collage on Instagram, introducing her fiancé. Their relationship appears to have blossomed over the past year, evidenced by various public appearances together. Herbert has shown his support by attending her concerts, even traveling internationally with her during her tour.

The engagement was officially revealed on July 28, 2026, and while it’s still unclear exactly when Herbert proposed, it likely occurred sometime after Beer’s tour ended in mid-July. The proposal took place in a scenic garden location, although specific details remain private.

This step in their relationship comes as Herbert prepares to enter his seventh season in the NFL, highlighting a perfect blend of personal and professional milestones during a pivotal time in his career.

The craft beer industry is experiencing a significant downturn, extending from 2025 into 2026, leading to the closure of several notable brands, including Ballast Point Brewing Company. On June 29, Ballast Point closed its brewpub in San Francisco’s Mission Bay, following a previous closure of a tasting room in San Diego’s Miramar neighborhood.

In a statement shared via Instagram, the company expressed gratitude to patrons who had made memories at the San Francisco location, while not specifying the number of employees affected by the closure. The message emphasized the community spirit shared over the years.

Despite these closures, Ballast Point continues to operate three tasting rooms in California, located in Little Italy, San Diego, Anaheim, and Long Beach. The brewery reassured customers that its beers remain available in local bars, restaurants, and grocery stores.

The closures reflect a broader struggle within the craft beer sector. Ballast Point, once valued at $1 billion when acquired by Constellation Brands in 2015, saw its worth plummet to $223 million by early 2018. This decline forced Constellation to sell the brand to Kings & Convicts Brewing Company for just $17 million in 2019. Industry authorities noted that Constellation aimed to focus on more profitable core brands as Ballast Point’s sales declined.

Founded in 1996, Ballast Point is best known for its award-winning Sculpin IPA, which has received numerous accolades throughout its history.

The craft beer market overall is shrinking, with volume sales down 4% in 2025, leading to a decrease in retail dollar sales and the number of operational breweries, which dropped to 9,578, a 2.9% decline from the previous year.

Other breweries have also closed their doors due to similar pressures. Zipline Brewing Company, previously Nebraska’s largest craft brewery, shut down its operations without prior employee notification. In Seattle, Wheelie Pop Brewing closed its production facility and taproom, though one of its locations in Mill Creek continues to operate.

The challenges faced by these breweries highlight the ongoing shifts in consumer preferences and market conditions that are reshaping the craft beer landscape.

For additional context, refer to the following links:

• Brewbound on Constellation Brands’ acquisition of Ballast Point
• San Diego Union-Tribune on Ballast Point’s sale and decline
• Brewers Association report on craft beer market trends

Salsa and tortilla chips are a classic appetizer beloved by many, offering a perfect combination of savory and crunchy flavors that make for easy sharing. While this dish typically pairs well with drinks like spicy margaritas or beer, it turns out that beer can be a delightful ingredient in salsa as well, enhancing its flavor profile.

Rick Martinez, the author of Salsa Daddy, shares his insights on how to create a lively salsa by incorporating beer. Having experimented with different types of alcohol, he found that beer works best for adding depth without being overwhelming. He developed a recipe for salsa borracha, or "drunk salsa," which initially features Mexican beer. Martinez prefers using Pacifico for its smooth flavor, but any pale lager can work.

To incorporate beer into salsa, Martinez suggests using about half a cup and allowing it to cook down, which evaporates most of the alcohol while retaining the distinct hoppy flavor. This method can bring a new dimension to traditional salsa recipes, including pico de gallo, where only a few tablespoons may be added along with other strong flavors like lime. However, caution is advised when using beer in fruit-based salsas, as it could lead to an undesired sweet taste reminiscent of a daiquiri. For those recipes, he recommends a small amount of a flavorful tequila.

Cooking with beer is more common than one might think—some even use it in chili, which shares many ingredients with salsa. By thoughtfully adding beer, you can elevate your homemade salsa experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

A&W has introduced a new Root Beer Float flavor that promises to satisfy summer cravings for a classic treat. This new soda combines A&W’s famed root beer with vanilla ice cream-inspired flavors, allowing fans to enjoy the essence of a root beer float without needing to visit an ice cream shop.

The soda is available in both regular and ‘Zero Sugar’ varieties. Despite not containing actual ice cream, many fans believe it captures the spirit of the beloved dessert. However, some customers are cautiously optimistic, reflecting on their mixed experiences with previous flavors, specifically A&W’s Ice Cream Sundae flavor. While one fan expressed disappointment with that prior offering, others expressed excitement about the new Root Beer Float flavor, describing it as an "absolute pick-up."

A&W continues to operate more than 850 restaurants, where the traditional root beer float remains a popular offering, reinforcing the brand’s longstanding heritage. For those looking for another refreshing option, A&W is also bringing back its Lemonade Shake, available for a limited time at participating locations.

For more about A&W’s offerings, visit their official site.

It seems this summer is all about refreshing beverages, as A&W has introduced a new flavor that fans are raving about—Root Beer Float Soda. This latest offering from A&W is positioned to compete directly with Mug’s new Root Beer Floats Vanilla Howler Soda, which has garnered attention since its release.

The new Root Beer Float Soda from A&W is designed to bring the classic diner experience of root beer floats into a convenient can. Combining the traditional sassafras and licorice flavors characteristic of root beer with the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream, this soda aims to evoke the nostalgic taste of a traditional float without the need for a bowl or spoon.

In addition to this new flavor, A&W previously released an ice cream sundae-flavored soda last summer that was well-received, featuring familiar elements like hot fudge and sprinkles. This new limited-edition Root Beer Float soda is now available in both regular and zero-sugar versions, and it even comes in mini cans for those who want to sample the flavor.

Fans of the soda are already sharing their positive impressions. One noted its "great butterscotch taste" with an extra hint of vanilla cream, leading to excitement about the taste. Comparisons with Mug’s offering suggest that many prefer A&W’s version, leading to a wave of enthusiasm among soda fans looking forward to trying this new take on a classic.

With the summer season still in full swing, there’s no shortage of time to enjoy A&W’s creamy Root Beer Float Soda, making it a perfect refreshment for warm weather days.

For more details, read the original article on Allrecipes.

Whether you enjoy the creamy blend of ice cream and fizzy soda or simply have a fondness for nostalgic drinks, root beer floats are a classic favorite. To find out which fast food chain serves the best root beer float, Steven Luna from Mashed tried six popular options including Red Robin, Freddy’s, and Sonic. Ultimately, Culver’s emerged as the top contender for both quality and price.

Culver’s float was particularly praised for its balanced flavor profile. Luna noted that Culver’s unique root beer formula adds a spicy twist that complements the creaminess of their frozen custard. The burger chain is well-known for its top-notch custard made from fresh, often local dairy and simple ingredients, giving customers a rich and satisfying experience.

For those who might not be familiar with Culver’s, the chain has been around since its inception, boasting a root beer created by a co-founder, contributing to its uniqueness on the menu. Customers are fond of the combination of root beer and custard, leading to impressive sales figures of over 315,000 gallons of root beer annually.

Reddit users and YouTube reviewers alike echo positive sentiments about the float, routinely pairing it with their meals, highlighting its delightful sweetness, creaminess, and slight kick from the root beer.

For newcomers to Culver’s, the root beer float is a must-try, but patrons can also custom-order their floats by using different sodas and flavors. This versatility means that there’s always something new to try, ensuring that each visit can be unique.

For more information, you can read the original article on Mashed here.