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CASAS Animal Shelter Director Sherry Brec (right) with Drago’s K9 handler Kyle Kaelberer (left) at label unveiling event on Sunday, Sept. 22. Rob Sheiffele

A late K-9 is forever immortalized after winning a beer label contest that benefits a Massachusetts animal shelter.

A label inspired by Drago, a German Shepherd who was one of the most decorated and respected K-9’s in Connecticut, claimed victory at the third annual Provincetown Brewing Company label contest.

The label contest benefits The Carrie A. Seaman Animal Shelter (CASAS), a no-kill shelter located on Cape Cod.

The contest invited pet owners to submit their pet photos for a chance to win a cash prize and an opportunity for their pet to feature on a special edition beer label by Provincetown Brewing Company. The grand prize this year was won by Drago, who was honored posthumously at the start of Provincetown’s Pet Appreciation Week on Sunday, Sept. 22.

“We’re as pro pet as it gets,” stated Erik Borg from Provincetown Brewing Company during a press release.

“From our beloved pet mascot Brewski to every pet that visits our beer garden during the ‘Barks & Brews’ pet tea happy hour, Provincetown Brewing Company shines when joined by our furry friends,” Borg explained. “We are excited to collaborate with CASAS once more to craft a custom pet-themed brew and to help support an essential organization.”

Drago’s dad and handler Kyle Kaelberer, who grew up near Provincetown, would take Drago to explore the town during the quieter seasons. According to a press release, Drago had a particular fondness for MacMillan Pier’s docks and the beach by the old Surf Club. Sadly, Drago passed away this past July due to a full mesenteric torsion.

The pet that wins the contest will not only be featured on a special edition label but will also receive a case of crowlers of the special brew. In addition, special prizes will be available for the pets finishing second and third. All proceeds from the contest will go towards supporting CASAS.

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Festival attendees savor the first glasses of beer on the inaugural day of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Excited festival-goers reach for the initial glasses of beer on the first day of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ in Munich, Germany, occurring on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

A waitress is seen transporting beer mugs within the Hofbraeuhaus tent during the first day of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

People are rushing to gain entry into the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival held in Munich, Germany, marked on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

The Oktoberfest hosts arrive for the start of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Visitors gather in the tent of the Hacker-Pschorr brewery for the commencement of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

A waitress sets up beer mugs in the Augustiner marquee for the opening of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday morning, September 21, 2024.

Waitresses stand by for the gate opening before the launch of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Visitors gather in anticipation of the opening of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival, surrounded by paintings depicting iconic Munich scenes, in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Police conduct patrols prior to the commencement of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Festival attendees enjoy the initial servings of beer on the first day of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

MUNICH — Bridie O’Halloran experienced her first-ever beer at Oktoberfest.

The 19-year-old from Australia described her beer as “the best I’ve had” after drinking about a quarter of her liter-sized mug on Saturday. Adorned in a pink dirndl, which she had purchased just hours before, O’Halloran joined the throng of tens of thousands at the 189th Oktoberfest in Munich, celebrating alongside a sea of more seasoned beer enthusiasts.

The festivities kicked off officially on Saturday with the opening of the world’s largest folk festival. Munich’s Mayor Dieter Reiter initiated the celebrations at noon by tapping the first keg of beer.

Immediately, servers began navigating through the crowded tents, skillfully balancing up to 10 beer mugs each. The attendees toasted and sipped eagerly from their mugs amidst the warm, bustling atmosphere, serenaded by bands playing traditional Bavarian music, although they were cautioned by signs against dancing on the tables.

The festival, which is housed in 18 large tents across the Theresienwiese fairground, will continue until October 6. It anticipates welcoming around 6 million people over its 16-day span, with daily crowds potentially reaching 600,000. Visitors this year will pay between 13.60 and 15.30 euros ($15.12 to $17.01) for a large mug of beer, marking an increase of about 3.87% over last year’s prices.

This year, there is increased security following a fatal knife assault in Solingen, located about 470 kilometers from Munich. The assault on August 23 resulted in three fatalities and eight injuries, with claims of responsibility by the Islamic State group, though no evidence was provided. Consequently, for the first time in its history, Oktoberfest has implemented the use of metal detectors, though organizers noted there were no specific threats.

On early Saturday morning, as the gates opened at 9 a.m., attendees quickly surged into the fairgrounds, despite efforts by security to maintain order. Amidst the cold, laughter and shouts of “why are we running!” filled the air as people hurried to secure a spot at the front of the line for good seating in the tents.

The day featured a traditional parade and the ceremonial keg-tapping by Reiter. Once the festivities were underway, focus shifted to enjoying beer and traditional foods like roasted chicken, bratwurst, and pretzels. Amusement rides also entertained the younger visitors who came with their families.

Mikael Caselitz, a 24-year-old Munich native who has been a regular at Oktoberfest for many years, was among the crowd. He expressed that visiting the festival in Munich should be on everyone’s bucket list at least once.

“It can get really crowded and disgusting when people puke on the side of the road,” he joked, “but overall it’s a really fun experience.”

Ollie Standen woke up at 6 a.m. to get in line well ahead of the noon keg-tapping. The 21-year-old from England is in Munich this year for a university exchange program and a local friend told him he had to join the festivities. He said he’s looking forward to trying different German beers that aren’t usually found in the United Kingdom.

“It’s a great German tradition and I’m excited to be here,” he said.

The event was skipped in 2020 and 2021 as authorities grappled with COVID-19, but returned in 2022.

The initial Oktoberfest took place on October 17, 1810, commemorating the nuptials of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Theresa of Saxony. Hosted in a field on Munich’s outskirts, the site was named “Theresienwiese” in tribute to the bride. Although the name persists, the festivity now begins in September to benefit from the milder Bavarian weather.

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WASHINGTON — On a warm day, an ice cold beer is particularly refreshing. However, if it warms up too much, many might notice a decline in its taste, finding it unpleasant or even intolerable.

Scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have deduced the reasons behind why beer often tastes better when chilled. The explanation lies in the behavior of ethanol, the drinking variety, at various temperatures.

At lower concentrations, ethanol molecules take on a pyramidal formation, whereas at higher concentrations, they link together in chains.

The study reveals that in colder conditions, the ethanol tends to cluster into these chain formations, which seems to intensify the perceived ethanol flavor in beer, a taste described by some as a blend of bitterness and sweetness.

But how cold is too cold? The American Homebrewers Association mentions that if the beer is overly chilled, it might conceal the flavors and aromas, rendering the beer bland and devoid of character.

This occurs because low temperatures retard the release of aromatic compounds. Nonetheless, the integral crisp bitterness and carbonation of the beer will remain unaffected.

Conversely, if the beer is too warm, it tends to reveal more flavors, yet it may lead to the beer tasting flat.

The ideal serving temperature varies with the type of beer. According to the association, most beers are best served at temperatures ranging from 38 to 55 degrees.

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(CNN) — They may not be intoxicating, but some authorities argue that non-alcoholic beers and mocktails should not be accessible to minors, advocating for regulations to limit sales to this age group.

The demand for nonalcoholic beverages is on the rise as particularly young adults aim to decrease their alcohol consumption. To qualify as nonalcoholic, these beverages must have an alcohol content of under 0.5% alcohol by volume.

The sober-curious movement has led to the production of packaged nonalcoholic drinks that often mimic the appearance of alcoholic beverages. Examples include Budweiser Zero and a nonalcoholic Corona beer, which is presented in the brand’s distinctive longneck bottle.

“This allows inclusion for many people using these products in social situations,” commented Dr. Molly Bowdring, an instructor at the Stanford Prevention Research Center.

But the products may offer an entry point into drinking culture that some experts are worried could foster unhealthy habits.

Actress Kristen Bell ruffled some feathers last year when she said on a talk show that she lets her daughters — now ages 9 and 11 — drink their dad’s nonalcoholic beer at home.

“They’re unlikely to lead to intoxication, but they contain many of the same cues as alcohol – flavor, look, smell,” said Bowdring, who recently published a commentary on the issue in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.

She says there’s emerging evidence that nonalcoholic beverages may prime kids to switch to the real thing.

The research that’s raising eyebrows comes from Japan, Taiwan and Australia.

Surveys of elementary, middle and high school students in Japan, where the legal drinking age is 20, found that 20% to 30% said they were drinking nonalcoholic beverages. Additional studies in Japan found that elementary school students who said they drank nonalcoholic drinks were more interested in drinking alcohol than those who said they didn’t have these kinds of beverages.

Nonalcoholic beverage use in junior high and high school was linked to the likelihood that a person had had alcohol in the previous 30 days.

In Taiwan, where the legal drinking age is 18, high schoolers who said they drank nonalcoholic beverages were more likely than those who didn’t to express an intention to drink alcohol.

In Australia, where the legal drinking age is 18, researchers conducted focus groups and surveyed teens ages 15 to 17 about the use of what they called zero-alcohol beverages. They found that more than a third had tried zero-alcohol drinks, and more than 1 in 5 were drinking them at least monthly. In the survey, teens who said they had tried zero-alcohol drinks were 2.5 times more likely to have also drunk alcohol compared with those who’d never had them.

Dr. Leon Booth, a research policy fellow at the George Institute for Global Health in New South Wales, Australia, said teens appear to be drinking these for a mix of reasons. Some were just curious about new products and tried them but didn’t drink them frequently. Others, though, said they had used zero-alcohol drinks to fit in with older friends who were drinking.

“They are effectively role-playing drinking when they choose a zero-alcohol version of an alcoholic product, instead of a regular soft drink or something else obviously not alcoholic,” Booth wrote in an email.

“In the focus group discussions, a few teens mentioned they had gotten used to the taste of beer by drinking zero alcohol versions, which suggests that zero alcohol beverages can acclimatise young people to the taste of alcoholic beer,” he added.

The Distilled Spirits Council, representing alcohol manufacturers, insists that nonalcoholic drinks resembling alcoholic beverages should not be used by children and teenagers.

“Non-alcoholic drinks that replicate alcohol branding are intended for adults, and many alcohol producers have committed to voluntarily indicate age restrictions on such products,” stated Lisa Hawkins, spokesperson for the council, via email. The council has not adopted a stance regarding government-required age limits.

Bowdring mentioned that there is minimal research on the prevalence of these nonalcoholic drinks among American youth, but she is currently conducting a survey. She reached out to officials across all 50 states and the District of Columbia to inquire about regulations concerning the sale of nonalcoholic drinks, finding that most states, including California, have no regulations.

According to Bowdring, twelve states mildly restrict sales of nonalcoholic beverages to minors, though these rules seem to be more accidental than deliberate.

“My read of the situation, having talked to a lot of folks, is that there weren’t specific laws or policies written in for nonalcoholic beverages, but rather their definition of alcohol simply encompassed nonalcoholic beverages,” she said.

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Do you know your Citra from your Simcoe hops?

Hops grow on a vine at the Morrier Ranch in Yakima, Washington.

Beer aficionado Tony Rehagen here. I’m reporting from seat 29F on Alaska Airlines Flight 473 en route to Seattle, alternating between typing and savoring a Fremont Cloud Cruiser IPA. The refreshing, piney taste of this brew, combined with our Pacific Northwest destination and the season, brings one topic to mind: hops.

September marks the peak of the harvest season for US hops, with 99% of them cultivated in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Hops, or humulus lupus for the scientifically inclined, are one of beer’s four essential components—alongside malt, yeast, and water. In the US, they play a pivotal role due to their natural bitterness, citrusy and floral tastes, and earthy, often fruity scents. These characteristics distinguish the pale ales and IPAs, like the Cloud Cruiser, that spearheaded the Craft Beer Revolution and continue to top craft beer sales nationwide.

Hulk Hogan co-founded Real American Beer, which is expanding its footprint in Illinois.

CHAMPAIGN — Hulk Hogan of WWE fame is coming to Champaign this week.

Real American Beer, a brand co-founded by Hogan, has announced that it is expanding its footprint to Illinois. Hogan is holding a three-day tour to promote the launch, which includes three stops in Champaign on Friday:

“I’ve got some unforgettable memories from my time wrestling in this state — like the Rosemont Horizon in ’85, where I defended the WWF championship,” Hogan said. “Now, I’m back with Real American Beer, and we’re here to make history once again.”

Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer is expanding its footprint in Illinois.

Fans will have a chance to meet the team, sample beer and win merchandise at the events, company officials said. Additionally, the Real American RV will be at Kam’s Bar at 7 p.m. Friday for a Tailgate Viewing Party.

Illinois marks the 12th state in Real American Beer’s expansion.

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Meet The Pantagraph’s 20 Under 40 — a talented group of young leaders who, despite their age, are already leaving a mark on our community.

Rivian Automotive is investing in the Dallas market with plans for its first showroom in the city — adding another site in Tesla’s backyard.

The Normal Town Council has approved plans to subdivide a 381-acre plot of land across the street from Rivian Automotive’s plant for future development.

A new children’s activity center opening doors Tuesday in Bloomington is seeking to help children and their families socialize with indoor play areas.

Einstein said: “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it.”

Saline Main Street’s Oktoberfest is bringing back its Wiener Dog races this year.

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Tree House beer, traditionally a specialty brew only accessible to those willing to journey to its Central Mass. brewery to purchase it, has further expanded its reach with a new pick-up point at the Prudential Center.

The brewery based in Charlton introduced an indoor pop-up and a curbside drive-through service at the Prudential Center’s garage, enabling customers to collect cases without exiting their vehicles. Both services commenced last weekend on a trial basis, a company announcement revealed. Tree House Brewing Co. also maintains an outdoor taproom at the Prudential’s South Garden.

Established in 2011, Tree House Brewing does not distribute its beers through retail stores. Instead, it has been growing beyond its Central Massachusetts origins, inaugurating a new outlet in Tewksbury with a unique Tree House-owned golf course last year—details here. The company also has locations in Sandwich, Deerfield, and Woodstock, Conn., and is preparing to open a new venue in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Previously, only the Tewksbury site offered the convenience of a curbside pickup service, as mentioned on their website.

Tree House is introducing a new Boston-themed craft beer named “Hello Boston.” However, those eager to try this specialty IPA will need to make their way to the Prudential Center, as this brew will only be available at their Back Bay location.

“Tree House is honored to be rooted in New England and especially proud to represent Massachusetts,” the company stated on social media. “We began with a burst of passion and optimism in 2011, and we’re excited to bring our offerings to Boston with a pop-up location in the bustling heart of the city at the Prudential Center.”

The pop-up will initially operate on Fridays and Saturdays, with plans to soon expand its hours. The goal is to open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For curbside pickup, customers should place their orders online and arrive at the designated garage at their selected time.

Camilo Fonseca can be reached at camilo.fonseca@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @fonseca_esq and Instagram @camilo_fonseca.reports.

It is feared farmers will only be able to supply around a fifth of their usual turnover this autumn, potentially causing a price increase for beer drinkers as a result of one of the worst harvests in decades.

The price of a pint of beer is expected to rise significantly due to a disappointing summer affecting crucial crop yields.

The UK is anticipated to record one of its most disappointing harvests, with a lack of sunshine leading to poor yields of wheat. Farmers may achieve only about 20% of their standard autumn turnover. Experts suggest that England might experience one of its three worst harvests since records started in 1983.

The acreage planted with wheat has decreased by almost 10%, and two-thirds of British farmers report financial losses. During the winter and spring, excessive rainfall waterlogged many fields, destroying sown crops and preventing further planting. Mike Wilkins, a Wiltshire arable farmer who lost about half of his yield, spoke to the BBC, stating, “We have lost thousands and thousands of pounds this year, it has been catastrophic.”

According to Farmers Weekly, UK cereal output is anticipated to decline by more than 3 million tonnes compared to the five-year average this season, marking 2024 as one of the poorest harvests in recent decades. New analysis of government data illustrates the significant impact that prolonged periods of heavy rainfall had on the planting and growth phases, resulting in an estimated 13% decrease in yields for crops like wheat, winter and spring barley, oats, and oilseed rape.

This situation is also affecting brewers, leading to increased production costs for beer, which are likely to be passed on to consumers. This, coupled with ongoing inflation, is expected to drive up the average cost of a pint once more. The Morning Advertiser, a publication dedicated to the pub trade, reported these trends after conducting a reader survey. It noted that the current average price of a lager in London stands at £5.59, which is 80p more than the national average.

The data also highlights a distinct North-South price divide within the UK. There exists a mid-country “belt” that generally offers more affordable lager prices. In areas like the Midlands and Wales, the average price is noted at £4.74, which is less expensive compared to the southern regions, the North West, and Scotland. However, the most cost-effective pints are found in the North East, where the average cost is £4.56.

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A tournament Saturday in Omaha’s Blackstone District transformed Farnam Street into a competitive cornhole arena.

Duo teams competed in the Omaha Sports Commission’s second annual Cornhole Classic, which was enhanced by the presence of beer, a DJ, and screens broadcasting college football games.

Following a brief explanation of the rules, the games commenced at around 11 a.m. with teams aligning themselves along the cornhole boards arrayed across Farnam Street, which was cordoned off between 39th and 40th Streets for the occasion.

Teams took part Saturday in the Omaha Sports Commission’s second annual Cornhole Classic on Farnam Street in the Blackstone District.

Throughout the day, Blackstone was buzzing with live music and various celebrations as a part of its Second Saturday events.

The champions of the event’s double-elimination cornhole tournament were poised to receive $200 worth of gift cards for local shops in Blackstone, along with a new set of cornhole boards. The entry cost for each team was $45, which included two drink tickets.

Larissa Buster and Marisa Mathews, colleagues from the College of St. Mary, formed a team named “Is(s)a Squad.” Their involvement in cornhole stretches beyond this event; they have also participated in a recent league as hobbyists.

Buster mentioned her fondness for the simplicity of cornhole and looked forward to competing with Mathews to see how well they would perform in this particular Saturday’s tournament.

“It’s a nice summer and early fall game,” she said. “It’s a beautiful day out for it.”

Mathews said she’s gotten more into playing cornhole in the last few years.

“I’m originally from California and never had played it before I came to the Midwest,” she said. “It’s pretty fun.”

Amir Parikh of Chicago tosses a beanbag during the Cornhole Classic tournament on Saturday.

The atmosphere of the event created a jovial environment, according to Buster.

“It feels like a neighborhood celebration for Blackstone,” she commented. “It’s an extremely enjoyable event.”

Varnica Bajaj chose to bring Amir Parikh, who was visiting from Chicago, to the tournament for an engaging Saturday activity. They warmed up while waiting for their initial match.

“It appeared to be a fantastic chance to connect with the Blackstone community,” Bajaj remarked.

Creighton’s Norah Sis spikes the ball past USC’s Mia Tuaniga in a college volleyball match at Sokol Arena in Omaha on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024.

Creighton’s Kiara Reinhardt, left, embraces Kendra Wait as they celebrate a point against USC in a college volleyball match at Sokol Arena in Omaha on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024.

Creighton’s Kendra Wait, left, and Elise Goetzinger try to block the ball against USC in a college volleyball match at Sokol Arena in Omaha on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024.

Craig Dykers, a Snøhetta architect, discusses the exterior of The Phillip G. Schrager Collection at The Joslyn in Omaha on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.

Sunlight pierces through the windows inside The Joslyn on a bright Friday morning, September 6, 2024.

During an intense first set at the Devaney Center in Lincoln on Thursday, September 5, 2024, Nebraska volleyball players Bergen Reilly (2) and Andi Jackson (15) attempt to block a shot from Citadel’s Ali Ruffin (18).

Leah Robinson of Elkhorn North competes energetically in the Platte River Rumble held at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

A tightly packed group of runners kick off the Large School Varsity boys 5k at the commencement of the Platte River Rumble, located at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland, on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

A large cluster of runners starts close together at the start of the Large School Varsity Boys 5k in the Platte River Rumble at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.

Liana Pendley, of Plattsmouth, Neb., carries red balloons prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Colorado Buffaloes in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

The Nebraska Cornhusker Marching Band line up before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Colorado Buffaloes in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) jumps over Colorado’s Shilo Sanders (21) with the ball during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

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