Beer-articles 913

TOPEKA (KSNT) – A local brewery is announcing the release date for a new beer produced solely in Shawnee County.

Blind Tiger Brewery announced Tuesday, Aug. 27 that local farmers collaborated with its brewers to produce a “never before brewed”, brand-new beer. Fourth and fifth generation Shawnee County farmers Roger and Jason Hamm worked with Blind Tiger Brewery’s Brewmaster John Dean and Head Brewer Alvaro Canizales to produce the specialty beer, according to a news release from Blind Tiger Brewery.

The original beer is called “Shawnee County Golden Ale.”

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“Talk about hyper-local,” Dean remarked. “Talk about a low carbon footprint. This malt originated within five miles of our brewery. I can assure you, our beer is only as good as our ingredients, and this top-notch barley-malt from the Hamms certainly makes the grade.”

The Hamm brothers, Roger and Jason, own Two Mule Malting, which is credited with both growing the barley and processing it into malt that the brewery uses, as per the press release.

Blind Tiger Brewery announced that, to their knowledge, this is the inaugural occasion of “brewing-quality barley” being cultivated in Shawnee County, along with the malting of the barley itself.

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“Our mission is to provide brewers with malt varieties not currently available on the market as a form of seed conservation,” Roger Hamm said. “We started this journey seven years ago and it is now reaching fruition. So many barley varieties may vanish, so I want to do my part and hopefully those rare varieties can find a place in award-winning beer.”

Shawnee County Golden Ale is described by the brewery as having a rich, malty flavor and 5.2% ABV and 16 IBUs. The beer will be available on tap starting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28 at Blind Tiger Brewery, located at 417 SW 37th St.

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Michigan breweries such as Short’s Brewing Company and Founders Brewing Co. have broadened their offerings by introducing hop water – a non-alcoholic beverage. Charlie Nick | MLive.com

A fresh type of six pack has been appearing in Michigan coolers this summer. It offers the familiar features of being bubbly and hoppy as expected of craft beverages, but comes with a unique twist – it’s non-alcoholic.

Enter: Hop water.

Michigan breweries are joining the trend of non-alcoholic drinks, spurred by the increasing interest in the “sober curious” movement. This shift is influenced by individuals wanting to reduce their alcohol intake or those seeking non-alcoholic alternatives.

Founders Brewing Co., Short’s Brewing Company, and New Holland Brewing each introduced a hop water version on shelves this summer.

Non-alcoholic labels currently represent only a small fraction of total alcohol sales in the United States — not even a full 1% — but the market has been expanding steadily over the years.

In 2023, non-alcoholic drinks reached $565 million in sales, achieving a 35% increase in dollar sales year-over-year, according to market research firm NielsenIQ.

For breweries, hop water is a new creation that utilizes a well-known ingredient.

Hops themselves don’t contain alcohol – that buzzy feeling is born during the fermentation process. Hop water, in contrast, is infused with hops to add the aromatics – that bitterness made famous by IPA-style beers.

Hop waters are not non-alcoholic beers mimicking a lager, stout or hazy IPA. Hop water is its own beverage.

For breweries, adding non-alcoholic to the product lineup isn’t just about being trendy. They have found real value in re-introducing themselves to new and younger audiences, they told MLive.

RELATED: Alcohol-free drinks flow in Michigan as more businesses enter market

Founders Brewing Co., rooted in the heart of Grand Rapids’ Beer City, garnered its reputation and growth from the fervent support of dedicated fans. This fan base originally grew through personal recommendations from that one friend who was enthusiastic about craft beer.

In recent times, the landscape has shifted, with social media now playing the role of influencer, continually pushing recommendations. The online world buzzes with attempts to sway consumer choices, presenting challenges for businesses to genuinely understand consumer behavior.

With the introduction of their new product, Hoppy Mood, Founders aims to attract a broader audience.

“We see an opportunity with consumers choosing to opt out of alcohol, modify their alcohol preferences, or explore beyond traditional beer. These individuals could potentially become enthusiastic supporters too,” explained Sandy Anaokar, Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s about broadening our community.”

RELATED: NFL’s Kelce brothers eyeing Founders Brewing Co. to make their personal beer brand

Gen Z, or those born between 1997 and 2012, is leading the non-alcoholic trend.

The latter half of Gen Z has already reached drinking age, but they only make up 6% of beverage alcohol buyers, according to NielsenIQ’s report. Even more telling, 45% say they’ve never consumed alcohol.

Digging deeper into consumer statistics, NielsenIQ found the 45-54 age group and those with income over $100,000 over index for non-alcohol consumption, meaning it’s not just the younger generations looking for moderation.

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Numbers help, but the secret ingredient to the craft beer industry is its heartbeat, said Kerry Lynch, sales director at Shorts Brewing Company.

“I think the second the craft beer industry starts looking at business trends as its primary source of information is the second that is no longer craft,” she said.

The Bellaire-based brewery had the idea for their hop water, Thirst Mutilator, since 2019.

The concept emerged organically as team members began starting families and sought a non-alcoholic drink that maintained a craft quality, according to Lynch.

However, the timing was not right initially due to market conditions and technological limitations, Lynch explained. Nevertheless, the idea persisted.

During the pandemic, the opportunity for a musical collaboration surfaced.

Shorts collaborated with Michigan bluegrass artist Billy Strings, who began his career performing in Northern Michigan at venues such as Short’s Bellaire Pub and Brewery.

Strings has been sober since 2016 and has publicly shared his experiences in his music and through the media, marking a perfect moment to reintroduce hop water, according to Lynch.

In partnership with Strings, Shorts is launching new hop water variants reminiscent of the Faygo beverages typically found in a garage refrigerator, starting with lemon lime in 2022 followed by grape this summer.

RELATED: Short’s Brewing partners with Grammy-winner Billy Strings to release first non-alcoholic beverage

Last year, the product was introduced at Meijer, leading the expansion of what has become a competitive non-alcoholic beverage shelf.

When Short’s introduced grape hop water this summer, their sales for Thirst Mutilator had already doubled from the previous summer, according to Lynch.

“There is a chance that if we had not launched Thirst Mutilator in 2022, and we waited and launched it in 2025, that it wouldn’t work. We might have already missed the opportunity,” Lynch stated. “I often ask our team, is the effort worth the outcome?”

The beverage industry is known for its volatility, with new trends sparking rapidly.

White Claw was released in 2016, marking the beginning of the canned cocktail trend. Presently, even brands like Mountain Dew and Sunny D are offering seltzers.

Short’s and Founders have both forayed in and out of other beverages: seltzers, hard teas and ginger beers, to name a few.

RELATED:Founders reopens Grand Rapids taproom after pouring nearly $1M into renovations

The time when you’d only go to a brewery for a beer is over, said Founders Brewmaster Jeremy Kosmicki.

“We have expanded our own facilities to the point where we can house a lot more people and changing palates are going to force us to do some other things which are not that far out of our wheelhouse,” he said.

You can take beer out of the brewery, but innovation is core to craft.

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As the Seahawks initiated their training, Jamie Sheriff found himself distributing beer.

Back in Mississippi, the former junior-college player wasn’t on any team’s radar. After going undrafted as a linebacker from South Alabama, and previously overlooked by college football programs out of Terry High School in Mississippi in 2018, Sheriff had to pave his path at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

By the time May, June, and July rolled around, no NFL team had expressed interest in signing him, even as an undrafted free agent, a common practice for hundreds of players in the league.

“I didn’t know where I was going to be,” Sheriff admitted.

The Seahawks encountered Sheriff, who stands at 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 254 pounds, at South Alabama. They extended an invitation to him for a rookie minicamp in Renton during May on a trial basis.

Unfortunately, they chose not to sign him following the camp.

“Honestly, I was surprised,” he admitted. “Because I believe I possess the talent required to compete in this league.

“However, I remain prepared for any opportunity. I never gave up or allowed anything to discourage me.”

“They said I was on their ‘short list,’ Sheriff said.

But by summer he needed a job. He took one delivering beer for Southern Beverage in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

After a while he decided he didn’t like that work, so he quit.

“And then two days after, I ended up getting a call,” he said. “So I was like, ‘Look at God!'”

The “call” was from the Seahawks. After injuries at linebacker early in training camp, coach Mike Macdonald and his defensive staff remembered the overlooked edge rusher who’d impressed them in that spring minicamp.

On Aug. 6, they signed Sheriff. Camp had already been underway for two weeks.

Three weeks and three impressive preseason games later, Sheriff is vying for a spot on the Seahawks as a highly improbable linebacker.

The final roster decisions following the NFL preseason occur on Tuesday. Seattle is required to reduce its team size from 90 players down to 53. Among them, Sheriff stands as one of the few rookie free agents with a tangible shot at securing a position on the roster.

The others are running back George Holani and kick returner Dee Williams.

On fourth down in the fourth quarter of a one-score preseason game Saturday at Lumen Field, Sheriff lined up at what effectively was right defensive end. Hand on the ground, the outside linebacker bulled into and through Cleveland left tackle Lorenzo Thompson. Sheriff overpowered Thompson and slammed into quarterback Tyler Huntley for a sack and turnover on downs.

That set up Jason Myers’ field goal, the clinching points in Seattle’s 37-33 win to end the preseason.

It was the third sack in three games for Sheriff. He had seven pressures on opposing QBs entering Saturday, then added a couple more against the Browns.

“He’s a guy that really stood out during the rookie tryout,” Macdonald said. “Just kind of the message with all the guys: If there’s not a spot for you right now, we’re still invested in your growth and development. To his credit, he didn’t skip a beat since he’s been here.

“He should be proud of the way he played.”

The Seahawks traded edge-rushing outside linebacker Darrell Taylor, their co-leader in sacks two seasons ago, to Chicago Friday. Saturday night, top edge rusher and outside backer Uchenna Nwosu injured his knee on a Browns chop block in the first quarter.

That — and his production that has exceeded what he did in college — has Sheriff a candidate to make the 53-man roster.

Macdonald and general manager John Schneider are considering whether Sheriff will go unclaimed on league waivers, should they release him by Tuesday. If Sheriff clears waivers, the Seahawks could then add him to their 17-member practice squad starting Wednesday. Recent changes in league regulations make it much easier for practice-squad players to participate in weekly games than it was several years ago.

Sheriff’s fate will be known by Tuesday 1 p.m.

Despite the uncertainty, he prefers this situation to his previous job of handling kegs back home.

“I was ready for this,” he stated late Saturday night. “I take setbacks in stride.”

He mentioned that MacDonald’s updated defensive strategy in Seattle, introduced by the NFL’s youngest head coach after his successful tenure coordinating Baltimore Ravens’ leading defense, allows him to perform optimally.

“The approach here is much more engaging,” Sheriff commented. “It allows me to focus on pass rushing, which is at the core of my skill set.”

Following three difficult seasons marred by injuries and subpar performances on the field, and a league suspension due to an off-field incident involving a woman last year, wide receiver and kick returner Dee Eskridge approached Saturday’s game as potentially his last with the Seahawks.

“I’m putting everything I have into this game,” stated Eskridge, who was the first among three selections by the team in the 2021 draft.

“So I just came out here with the mentality that if it’s my last time ever coming out here to play on this field, then so be it. God has a bigger plan. But I’m going to go out here, have fun, keep joy, and then make plays like I did.”

The biggest play, maybe of his career given the stakes, came with 4 minutes left in the second quarter Saturday.

After weeks of undrafted rookie Dee Williams wowing on kick returns while Eskridge was hurt again, Eskridge fielded a Browns punt late in the second quarter on the left. He stopped and cut right. He out-ran would-be tacklers across the field, then cut inside. His sprint went 73 yards the end zone for a touchdown.

That gave Seattle a 24-10 lead.

When he reached the end zone, Eskridge placed his index finger on his lips over his face mask.

What was that about?

“Removing the noise,” he explained, addressing his numerous detractors.

“He’s able to perform such plays. That’s the kind of player he is,” Macdonald commented. “Proud of Dee. He has diligently worked to put himself in a favorable spot here. He ought to be proud.”

After Saturday’s game, Eskridge was contemplating whether he would be cut by Tuesday. The team’s wide-receiver roster has strong contenders for the fifth and sixth spots who have had outstanding preseasons and have shown greater availability than Eskridge: Laviska Shenault, Cody White, and Easop Winston Jr.

“It’s been a little adversity. Obviously, last week I didn’t play,” Eskridge mentioned.

“I would love to be a Seahawk. But, obviously, we know this business. Wherever I land, wherever I stay, that’s a blessing, regardless,” he added.

Dee Eskridge expressed that he entered this game thinking it might be his last with the #Seahawks and was determined to give his all. He stated that nothing was going to stop him from scoring on that punt return touchdown.

The gesture of putting a finger to his lips in the end zone?
“Taking the talk out of it.”

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) August 25, 2024

In just over a decade, beer’s popularity has grown and stretched the demographic, spanning the cultural arch from fancy New York restaurants to minor league ballparks in the middle of nowhere and everywhere in between. And that type of brew-on-demand can be seen in Americans’ overall consumption averages, where the national per-year tally breaks down to almost a 6-pack a week.

Which states average the most cold ones in a year? According to beerinfo.com, here’s how all 50 and Washington D.C. rank per capita…

Utah comes in at the bottom of the barrel, with 20.2 gallons per capita consumed last year.

Connecticut residents managed to tip back .1% more brews than Utah last year, tipping the scales at 22.1 gallons on average per person.

It’s unexpected to find these two states so low in the beer consumption ranking, considering their populations. New Jersey, often bustling, only consumed 22.4 gallons of beer per person in 2023, lacking in “Beer Gardens” despite the name “The Garden State”.

Similarly, New Yorkers matched their neighbors by also consuming 22.4 gallons per capita. It seems the Hudson River does little to separate their drinking habits.

The first state to surpass the 24-gallon mark was Maryland, with an average consumption of 24.2 gallons per person in 2023.

Despite its fame for bourbon, Kentucky ranks 46th in beer consumption, with an average of 24.4 gallons per person each year.

Heading Northwest, individuals in Washington consume an average of 24.8 gallons per capita.

In California, a considerable number of breweries and a significant population results in an average consumption of 25.5 gallons per capita.

Georgia slightly surpasses California with a consumption of 25.7 gallons per capita.

In Indiana, residents enjoy their beer, averaging 25.9 gallons per capita in 2023.

Tennessee led as one of two states to surpass drinking 26 gallons per person, reaching 26.2 gallons in 2023.

Despite expectations for higher consumption, Massachusetts matched the 26.2 gallons per capita in 2023, adding a twist to the statistics.

Despite its small size, Rhode Island exhibited substantial beer enthusiasm, averaging 26.3 gallons per person in 2023.

In Virginia, the average per person beer consumption climbed to 26.7 gallons.

The Natural State consumed an average of 26.7 gallons per person in 2023.

With just a slight increase, Michigan surpasses Arkansas and Virginia with an average consumption of 26.8 gallons per person.

In North Carolina, the average per person was 27.1 gallons in 2023 — it’s unclear if this includes any canine consumption…

In the sunny state of Florida, the per capita beer consumption reached 27.4 gallons in 2023.

Residents of Idaho enjoyed their beer in 2023, consuming an average of 27.8 gallons per person.

In D.C., where politics often reigns, residents consumed 28.3 gallons of beer per capita in the previous year.

Kansas also reported the same beer consumption rate as D.C. in 2023, at 28.3 gallons per person.

Oklahoma joined the group with similar beer consumption figures, equaling both Kansas and D.C. at 28.3 gallons per capita.

Minnesota averaged 28.5 gallons per capita in 2023.

Whether it’s Rolling Rock, Yuengling, or Iron City, Pennsylvanians consumed 28.6 gallons per capita last year.

With the emergence of numerous fine breweries in Alaska, it’s no surprise that Alaskans enjoyed 28.7 gallons per person on average in 2023.

Illinois was the first state to surpass the 29-gallon mark, with an average of 29.1 gallons per capita in 2023.

Arizona makes it into the top 25, registering an average of 29.5 gallons of beer per person.

Surprisingly, Colorado isn’t as high as expected, with an average beer consumption of 30.0 gallons per person last year.

Following closely, Ohio claims a spot with its residents consuming 30.1 gallons of beer per capita last year.

In Alabama, the average beer consumption reached 30.2 gallons per person in 2023.

West Virginia ranks at number 20, with an average consumption of 30.3 gallons per person last year.

Oregon also records a per capita beer consumption of 30.3 gallons, matching West Virginia.

Greeting from Hawaii! The state makes it into the top 20 by consuming 30.4 gallons of beer per person last year.

In Missouri, the average beer consumption per person was 31.0 gallons in 2023.

Next up is New Mexico, which averaged 32.4 gallons per capita.

Gallons of beer per capita in the Palmetto State hit 32.7 in 2023.

Wyoming landed at No. 15 in 2023, drinking 33.0 gallons per capita.

Delaware cracked the top 15 by cracking open and drinking 33.6 gallons of beer per capita.

Iowa matched Delaware’s beer consumption in 2023, each recording an average of 33.6 gallons per capita.

Last year, Mississippi’s average beer consumption was 33.9 gallons per capita.

Following closely along I-55 South, Louisiana tied with Mississippi for eleventh place, each with a consumption of 33.9 gallons per capita.

In Maine, famous for its lobster, the average beer consumption was 34 gallons per capita.

Texas ranks ninth, averaging 34.4 gallons of beer per capita in 2023.

Nebraska residents consumed an average of 35.2 gallons of beer per capita.

In 2023, Vermont’s consumption of 35.3 gallons per capita did not lead the Northeast.

In Nevada, the average per capita beer consumption was 35.8 gallons in 2023.

You can’t have a professional sports team named the Brewers and not be in the top 5 on this list — well done, Wisconsin. The state drank an average of 36.2 gallons.

South Dakota lands just outside the final three, averaging 38.9 gallons per capita.

Montana’s great expanse must be perfect to enjoy while having a beer or two, as the locals tipped back 41.0 gallons per capita.

Raise your hand if you had New Hampshire as the top spot out the Northeast. The state’s residents drank 43.9 gallons per capita.

And finally, we arrive at North Dakota — most likely with a beer in our hand. North Dakota’s residents are the beer-drinking champs, consuming 45.8 gallons per capita.

Cheers!

This article originally appeared on List Wire: Which states drink the most beer? Here’s how all 50 states (plus D.C.) rank

Heineken L0VE.L0VE at the U.S. Open

Liquor brands frequently appear at sports events, and the most renowned and valuable among them are often prominent at significant competitions, including this week’s U.S. Open in New York City.

Non-alcoholic options such as beer, wine, and spirits are gaining popularity among mainstream consumers, and their presence at these events is increasingly seen as acceptable and normal.

Heineken recently launched its special “L0VE.L0VE” cans, a new look for its non-alcoholic beverage, Heineken 0.0, coinciding with the tournament. This effort is clearly a marketing strategy, yet it reflects the larger shift towards moderation and the presence of non-alcoholic choices at prominent sporting events.

In 2023, the sales of non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits exceeded $565 million, marking a 35% increase from the previous year—according to Nielsen. Non-alcoholic beer notably commands 86.1% of this market segment. Heineken, the renowned Dutch brewery, recorded an 11.2% increase in non-alcoholic beer sales year-over-year, totaling nearly $80 million in 2023. In contrast, dollar sales by 11.2% year-over-year, regular beer sales dipped for Heineken, although the company still amassed approximately $2.4 billion in net profits for the year.

“For us, it’s crucial to show that moderation is cool,” stated Jonnie Cahill, Heineken USA’s chief marketing officer, in remarks to Forbes. “We want to make sure that we’re meeting our customers where they are in their lives and supporting whatever journey they choose.”

The L0VE.L0VE cans symbolize this philosophy, merging Heineken’s longstanding association with sports (including tennis) with its commitment to promoting responsible drinking.

“We chose this metaphor for the appeal of non-alcoholic beer because, like a 0-0 score, it leaves everything open and full of possibilities,” Cahill explained, noting that the product launch aims to appeal broadly, from fervent tennis fans to those just beginning to show interest in the sport.

Heineken’s initiative to introduce L0VE.L0VE at the U.S. Open cleverly plays on the tennis term for a 0-0 score, “love,” while strategically engaging with the increasing trend of zero-proof beverages.

“We’re always looking to bring unique and premium experiences to our consumers,” Cahill explained. “Tennis continues to influence pop culture—whether through blockbuster movies, streaming reality shows, or the emerging ‘tenniscore‘ fashion trend.”

In addition to the L0VE.L0VE cans, Heineken Silver, which is a low-calorie and low-carb light beer, will also be made available for the first time on tap at the tennis event.

The inclusion of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol options at more sporting events, such as the U.S. Open, signifies a significant trend in the industry. The rising popularity and acceptance of these beverages demonstrate a shift towards moderation, while still allowing for enjoyment.

“Events like Coachella, the U.S. Open and the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix are ideal platforms to showcase Heineken Silver, our low-carb, low-calorie and sessionable beer,” Cahill says. “Drinkers always have a choice in how they are part of the social occasion.”

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Jason and Travis Kelce are in the beer business. The Cleveland Heights-raised brothers are investors in Garage Beer.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Jason and Travis Kelce are looking at some local breweries in Michigan to potentially be a leading contract brewer for the star football players’ beer brand, Garage Beer.

The Kelce brothers announced in a June 12 press release that they are significant owners and operators of the Ohio-based business, their home state.

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GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Zambaldi Beer in Green Bay continues its Pints with a Purpose program to support the local community in collaboration with Rise Up Athletics.

For every pint, flight, to-go growler, or to-go six-pack purchased, the program contributes $1.

Local 5 News spoke with Billy Yang, the boys’ basketball coordinator at Rise Up Athletics, about the organization and the benefits of their partnership with Zambaldi Beer.

“We supply athletic gear, training, transportation, and other necessities to kids in our area who are in need,” Yang explained. “We help to cover the gaps they face.”

If you can’t attend the event at Zambaldi Beer to support Rise Up Athletics through Pints with a Purpose, you still have the option to contribute by visiting Rise Up Athletics’s website here.

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For comprehensive updates on the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, visit WFRV Local 5 – Green Bay, Appleton.

An Indiana man was reportedly poisoned by his wife and stepdaughter over a period of two months before succumbing on their fifth attempt, according to police statements.

Harold “Peanut” Allen, aged 52, met his demise on 22 December 2022 after consuming a root beer that contained ethylene glycol, an odorless, transparent, and sweet liquid commonly used in antifreeze.

While his obituary mentioned that he “passed away suddenly,” investigations have unveiled that his death had been anticipated by his wife, Marsha Allen, 52, and her daughter, Ashley Jones, 30, as claimed by authorities.

The prosecutors have indicated that on 14 September 2022, Jones purportedly purchased pong pong seeds via eBay. A single seed from this plant can deliver a lethal dose of cerberin, which is toxic enough to deem the plant as the “suicide tree.”

The duo is said to have crushed the seeds with a coffee grinder and incorporated them into brownies they made on November 26, 2022.

According to court filings, on the same day, Allen’s wife sent her daughter an image of Allen with a partially eaten brownie on a paper plate resting on his midriff.

The filings state, “Harold fell ill after consuming the brownie and was rushed to the emergency room the following day.”

His recuperation involved multiple hospital visits, which purportedly irritated the individuals accused of trying to kill him.

Police allege that the duo exchanged messages on 28 November, with Marsha reportedly stating: “I am irritated and can’t sleep peacefully.

“I need this to be over,” said the distraught mother and wife. “I hope it reaches its climax soon and ends lol,” to which Jones supposedly responded, acknowledging her agreement.

Two days subsequent to the conversation, Allen found himself in the emergency room again, though his symptoms were attributed to intestinal inflammation by the physicians.

Choosing a different deadly plant, the mother and daughter, as per authorities, opted for hemlock, procuring it through Etsy this time.

Despite multiple alleged attempts by using it in a bowl of chili, a glass of soda, and a margarita during December, all of which seemed ineffective, Jones reportedly decided to procure ethylene glycol on the 13th of December, aiming to mix it into a root beer.

A week later, Allen passed away.

Almost a year following this incident, Marsha Allen’s home in Freetown, which is situated approximately 40 miles from Bloomington, was targeted in a burglary. The local police apprehended Steven Andrew White, 29, and Nathaniel Kane Napier, 28, linking them to the crime.

Nevertheless, the authorities suggested that White and Napier did not act independently. According to statements made by Jackson County Sheriff Rick Meyer last year, the burglary was executed under the command and with the help of Marsha’s daughter, Ashley Jones.

Marsha Allen reported to the authorities her suspicions about her daughter being involved from the beginning, as the culprits had access to the gun safe’s combination. She believed her daughter, Jones, was the only other individual who knew the combination.

White disclosed to an investigator that not only did Jones instigate the burglary involving him and Napier, but he also claimed that she had accused her mother of having fatally poisoned Allen previously.

Allen refuted these claims and handed over her phone to the police, which led to the discovery of crucial evidence that supported the alleged plan to murder Allen.

Text messages exchanged between the duo in December 2022 were found on her phone, which officials uncovered.

According to the sheriff’s office, Jones has admitted to ordering the ethylene glycol that would be used to kill her stepfather but insisted it was her mother who committed the act by lacing his drink with it.

Allen’s wife died of suspected suicide the same day that a search warrant for her home was put into effect in October 2023, following the arrest of Jones for allegedly instigating the burglary of her mother’s house.

Jones now faces an abundance of charges, namely two counts of murder, one count of conspiracy to commit murder, one count of consumer product tampering, and two counts of attempted murder.

A trial for Jones is scheduled to begin on 7 January 2025.

The world’s best lager for 2024 has been designated in various subcategories by the U.S. Open Beer Championship.

Lager enthusiasts are currently enjoying a golden era. This type of beer, known for its crisp and smooth profile due to cold fermentation, is seeing a rise in popularity among craft brewers. As previously covered, lagers are one of the most popular styles found at major beer festivals and local taprooms alike. Although they haven’t reached the sales levels of IPAs, their presence is increasingly felt.

At this year’s U.S. Open Beer Championship, various lager subcategories stood out, with judges awarding gold medals to the best light and medium-body lagers after a rigorous blind taste testing. It’s worth noting that this overview excludes pilsners, which have been discussed in a previous article.

The U.S. Open Beer Championship, known for announcing its results earlier this season, accepts entries from worldwide breweries. However, the highlighted winners here are all from the U.S., which reflects not only higher participation rates from American breweries but also the exceptional quality of lagers produced in the country.

It’s great to see craft breweries embrace this style that was once the dominion of big beer. It’s also clear that Missing Falls Brewery understands what this style is all about. The beer’s tasting notes proudly proclaim it is a “fuss” free beer designed to be light and drinkable.

John and Amanda Hutchings started Fall River Brewing Co. out of a garage in the early 2010s. They’ve since grown into a celebrated brewery with beer distributed throughout California and Nevada. Their American-style lager, Hooked, draws on American and German influences with the goal of creating a beer with a crisp and clean finish inspired by the outdoors.

Made in collaboration with the band Old Heavy Hands, this light lager was brewed with max crushability in mind. Per the brewery, it’s “a very light-bodied, crisp lager designed to be consumed very cold. Very refreshing and thirst-quenching.”

This casino-based brewery clearly hit the jackpot with this beer. According to the brewery Oroveza is “brewed with a light grain bill and a generous amount of flaked maize to give it the clean and bright color of gold.” The result is a crisp and refreshing brew.

Würld Class is highly esteemed as per the commendation it received from the U.S. Open Beer Championship, brewed by a family-operated brewery in La Grange Park. This establishment is known not only for premium brews crafted by Jim Koblish, the owner and head brewer, but also for its strong communal atmosphere.

The gold lager is expertly made using Riwaka hops sourced from New Zealand. Described in its tasting notes, the beer exhibits “extreme citrus notes and Nectaron hops – intense pineapple, passion fruit, and stone fruit characters” along with “aromas of lemongrass and stone fruit.” Brunswick Beer and Cider finds its muse in the understated allure of North Carolina’s wetlands, highlighted by a logo that reflects the ancient cypress trees prevalent in that region.

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About this rating

For years, a claim has circulated on social media that the word “bar” originated as an acronym for “beer and alcohol room.” For example on July 10, 2024, an Instagram user posted a meme reading:

How old were you when you learned that BAR stands for “Beer & Alcohol Room”

The caption of the post read, “Be honest?”

(Instagram user @westwest739)

The first instance of the statement that Snopes found was posted on X on December 14, 2018. The message was nearly the same as the meme mentioned, stating: “How old were you when you learned that BAR stood for Beer & Alcohol Room?”

How old were you when you learned that BAR stood for Beer & Alcohol Room?

— Today Years Old (@todayyearsoldig) December 15, 2018

Since then, the claim has been posted numerous times in text, meme, and video form on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and other social media sites.

In addition to English-language posts, the claim about the etymology of the word “bar” also spread widely in other languages. In fact, the post with the highest engagement numbers Snopes has been able to identify was written in French.

That post, which was made on June 13, 2020, and as of this writing had received around 1,200 reposts and 5,500 likes, read: “C’est quand que vous avez su que le mot ‘BAR’ signifie Beer and Alcohol Room?”

C’est quand que vous avez su que le mot “BAR” signifie Beer and Alcohol Room ?

— Bati 🔅 (@bati_acl) June 13, 2020

Translated into English, that means, “When did you learn that the word ‘BAR’ means Beer and Alcohol Room?” Essentially, this post translates directly from similar statements in English-speaking contexts.

Comparable posts have appeared in Italian, Portuguese, and Swahili (Snopes verified the translations of the Portuguese and Swahili posts using Google Translate).

Despite its widespread propagation, the assertion that the English word “bar” is an acronym for “beer and alcohol room” is inaccurate.

Instead, multiple etymological dictionaries have confirmed that the word “bar,” in the sense Merriam-Webster defines as “a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks and sometimes food are served,” has the same etymological origin as the primary meaning of the English word “bar,” namely “a solid piece or block of material that is longer than it is wide.”

Namely, as noted by the Online Etymological Dictionary as well as the Oxford English Dictionary and An Etymological Dictionary of Modern English, the word “bar” came into English in the 12th century by way of the Old French word “barre,” meaning “beam, bar, gate, barrier.”

All three dictionaries noted that the first known English use of the word “bar” to mean a tavern or drinking establishment occurred in the 1590s and specifically referred to the “barrier or counter over which drinks or food were served to customers.”

In sum, multiple etymological dictionaries have explained that English word “bar,” meaning tavern or drinking establishment, developed as a particular usage of the broader term “bar,” meaning a long, solid block of material. The ultimate origin of both terms was the Old French word “barre.” For this reason, Snopes has rated the claim that the word “bar” originated as an acronym for “beer and alcohol room” as “False.”