Beer-articles 842

Madison Beer made a stunning appearance at the Variety’s Ninth Annual Hitmakers Brunch held on December 6, 2025, in Los Angeles. She wore a striking white halter-neck minidress featuring a unique design with a single black strap that crossed over her neckline. This fashionable piece, known as the Brielle Cross Front Dress from Superdown, showcased a darted bust and included a hidden back zipper along with a loop button closure for the halterneck.

To complement her outfit, Beer opted for black peep-toe pumps with a slingback strap and sheer black tights, anchoring her look effectively. She accessorized minimally with gold earrings, a bracelet, and several rings. Madison styled her hair half-up with soft waves, and her makeup was kept soft and radiant.

Excitingly, the singer is set to release her third studio album, titled Locket, on January 16, 2026. In a recent Instagram post, she revealed the album’s tracklist, which includes three previously released singles: "Bittersweet," "Make You Mine," and "Yes Baby." During an interview with Vogue, Madison discussed the personal significance behind the album title, emphasizing its connection to authenticity and genuine experiences, which she had identified even before finalizing many tracks.

The Variety Hitmakers Brunch celebrated artists and industry influencers who made significant contributions to the year’s music hits. During the event, Tate McRae was presented with the Powerhouse of the Year award, while Sabrina Carpenter took home the Hitmaker of the Year award. Other notable attendees included Tyler the Creator, Addison Rae, Sofia Richie, Alex Warren, and Jack Antonoff. For more details on Madison Beer’s upcoming album, check out her shared updates on Instagram.

A retail business group is reviving its campaign to lift the ban on beer and wine sales in Maryland grocery stores. This renewed initiative aims to allow grocery retailers to sell alcoholic beverages, which has been historically prohibited in the state.

The push for repeal comes amid ongoing discussions about the changing dynamics of consumer preferences and shopping habits. Advocates argue that permitting alcohol sales in grocery stores would enhance convenience for shoppers and potentially boost sales for local businesses. However, the proposal is expected to face scrutiny from various stakeholders, including lawmakers and community groups concerned about issues such as underage drinking and public health.

The group’s efforts highlight a growing trend among retailers to adapt to market demands by seeking legislative changes that would allow for a wider array of products to be sold. This movement is part of a broader conversation concerning regulation and economic opportunities for businesses within the state.

For more details on this topic, you can follow updates on legislative developments and community responses.

Across the United States, a new generation of craft IPAs is reshaping the definition of "hoppy." The 2025 Beverage Testing Institute World Beer Championship showcased a range of top-rated IPAs, illustrating the vast diversity in style and approach among American brewers. From soft and hazy to bold and bitter, these selections highlight how innovative techniques and unique ingredients shape modern IPAs.

Top IPA Selections

1. Fremont Brewing Head Full of Dynomite Hazy IPA (6.8% ABV)

   • Description: This rotating hazy series features a variable hop recipe that emphasizes tropical fruit aromas like mango and pineapple, complemented by floral notes and a soft, creamy mouthfeel thanks to oats and wheat.

2. Toppling Goliath Pseudo Sue New England–Style IPA (5.8% ABV)

   • Description: A single-hop Citra showcase, this beer balances juicy notes of grapefruit and mango with a clean finish, offering a harmonious mix of hazy fruitiness and mild bitterness.

3. Prison City Mass Riot New England IPA (6.8% ABV)

   • Description: This flagship hazy IPA combines Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe hops for a complex profile rich in tropical fruit flavors, delivering a smooth and slightly sweet palate with an elusive bitterness.

4. Salt Flats Brewing Co. Slipstream Double IPA (9.0% ABV)

   • Description: A bold West Coast-style DIPA, it showcases robust grapefruit and orange notes complemented by caramel malt for a well-rounded, slightly sweet finish, offering a classic bitter punch.

5. Toppling Goliath Cyber Sue American-Style IPA (7.2% ABV)

   • Description: Aiming to combat dull IPAs, it boasts a tropical fruit aroma along with moderate bitterness, creating a clean and dry palate experience.

6. Cape May Brewing Co. Cape May IPA (6.3% ABV)

   • Description: This West Coast IPA stands out with a blend of citrus and floral hop characteristics, presenting a crisp, nuanced flavor profile that appeals to traditional IPA drinkers.

7. Toppling Goliath King Sue Double Hazy IPA (8.2% ABV)

   • Description: Known for its vibrant tropical flavors, it was built exclusively on Citra hops, resulting in a smooth and creamy mouthfeel with a warm, lingering finish.

8. Ike & Oak Brewing Co. Mount Massive Double New England Style IPA (8.1% ABV)

   • Description: With a combination of Falconer’s Flight, Citra, and Amarillo hops, this hazy imperial IPA delivers a luscious array of fruity and floral notes, underlined by a gentle bitterness.

These selections demonstrate that there is no singular path to crafting outstanding IPAs. Different breweries take unique approaches to showcase the diverse spectrum of hop flavors. From rich and velvety to clean and crisp, this variety ensures there’s an IPA for every palate. Whether you favor hazy textures or assertive bitterness, these celebrated brews offer a captivating tour through the ever-evolving landscape of American craft beer.

For further exploration of this topic, you can revisit the Beverage Testing Institute for more insights on craft beers and their ratings.

After an extensive seven-year investigation, scientists at ETH Zurich have discovered the long-sought formula for stable beer foam, often referred to as the "holy grail" of brewing. This research provides insights into the different physical mechanisms that contribute to the durability of foam across various beer types.

The project, led by Professor Jan Vermant, was inspired by a fundamental question posed to a Belgian brewer: "How do you control brewing?" The response was telling—"By watching the foam." This interaction led the researchers to explore the forces and structures behind the foam stability that keeps beer enjoyable from the first sip to the last.

Their findings, published in Physics of Fluids, reveal a clear hierarchy in foam stability among different Belgian ales. The "Tripel" style produced the most stable foam, followed by "Dubbel," with "Singel" beers exhibiting significantly less durability owing to milder fermentation processes and lower alcohol levels.

In examining two lagers from large Swiss breweries, the team noted that while these lagers can achieve stable foam akin to Belgian ales, the underlying physical principles differ. One lager’s performance was less impressive than anticipated, highlighting potential for further improvement.

Traditionally, foam stability was largely attributed to protein-rich layers forming around bubbles, derived from barley malt. However, this study uncovers a complex interplay of factors influencing foam longevity, especially depending on the type of beer.

In lagers, foam stability is determined by surface viscoelasticity, significantly influenced by protein amounts and their behavior. In "Tripel" beers, stability is maintained through Marangoni stresses—movement caused by surface tension variations. This can be illustrated with a simple analogy: when soap is added to a surface of crushed tea leaves on water, the leaves are drawn outward by swirling currents, which can help stabilize foam similarly to "Tripel" beers.

Researchers discovered that the structural behavior of proteins surrounding the bubbles differs for each beer type. In "Singel" beers, these proteins create a densely packed formation, while "Dubbel" beers develop a mesh-like structure that enhances stability. In contrast, "Tripel" beers mimic properties of surfactants used in various products.

The ETH team has partnered with a leading brewery to delve deeper into the foam stability issue and ascertain the factors that keep beer foam from collapsing. Vermant asserts that enhancing foam quality requires a careful, structured approach rather than a one-size-fits-all method.

Beyond brewing, the research has wider implications. For instance, in electric vehicles, foams in lubricants can pose risks, and the team has begun collaborating with Shell to explore solutions for foam management. Additionally, they are studying the use of environmentally friendly surfactants and investigating the stabilization properties of foams in various contexts, emphasizing the valuable insights gained from their beer research.

In summary, this comprehensive study enriches our understanding of beer foam stability and paves the way for advancements not just in brewing but across various industries.

• ETH Zurich Research
• Physics of Fluids Journal Reference: DOI: 10.1063/5.0274943

As winter approaches, festive events centered around beer, wine, and spirits are filling up the calendar in the Bay Area. Here’s a roundup of exciting activities to consider during the holiday season.

Upcoming Events:

• Paint and Pints: Enjoy a craft beer while painting festive artwork at Gilman Brewing Co. in Berkeley, on Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Event Details

• Brewery Yoga: Relax with a yoga session at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing in Santa Cruz on Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. Follow it up with some refreshing beer for $18. Event Details

• Cab Franc Day: On Dec. 4 at Bankhead Theater in Livermore, wine lovers can indulge in tastings from thirteen local wineries accompanied by complimentary snacks. Event Details

• Holiday Charcuterie Workshop: Learn how to create a stunning charcuterie board while sipping wine from Dante Robere Vineyards on Dec. 4, for $95. Event Details

• St. Bernardus Christmas Ale Release: Join Tiger’s Taproom in Oakland on Dec. 5 from 5-10 p.m. for the one-night release of this legendary Belgian ale. Free entry. Event Details

• Champagne Christmas: Celebrate the holiday season with bubbly and live music at Dalé Vino in Pittsburg on December 6, following the local Holiday Parade. Free, table reservations are encouraged. Event Details

• Merry Martini Mixer: Enjoy three festive gin cocktails at the AC Hotel in Sunnyvale, paired with a live DJ on Dec. 10, from 5-7 p.m. Free event. Event Details

These events showcase the amazing local craft beverage scene and are perfect opportunities to celebrate the season with friends and family. Enjoy the holiday spirit while tasting some new favorites or indulging in seasonal traditions.

Madison Beer recently shared a stylish mirror selfie on her Instagram Story, showcasing a relaxed yet chic outfit. In the hallway of her home, she captured herself dressed in a cropped grey sweatshirt and matching sweatpants, heightened by a structured black leather jacket. The laid-back look was perfectly complemented with her hair in a casual updo and accessories including large hoop earrings and glasses. The background featured her song "bittersweet" playing softly, adding a personal touch to the post.

As the holiday shopping season kicks off, many are taking advantage of Black Friday deals. Notably, a hair regrowth serum that transformed Nicole Kidman’s hair is now on sale, making it an ideal purchase for those facing hair thinning.

In other entertainment news, Jennifer Lopez, following her divorce from Ben Affleck, is reportedly taking time to focus on herself and her career rather than dating. Meanwhile, a newly revealed diamond engagement ring, "Dis-Moi Oui," purchased by Dodi Fayed for Princess Diana, adds a historical touch to the headlines, being bought just hours before their tragic accident.

From shower drain to beer can? A California company has introduced two new beers made from recycled water, aiming to shift public perception about water reuse. Epic Cleantec, co-founded by Aaron Tartakovsky, emphasizes sustainability in their efforts to craft these unique brews, which will soon be available on a national scale.

The beers are part of a broader initiative to educate consumers on the importance of rethinking water sources, especially in regions affected by drought. As more businesses explore recycling methods out of necessity and ecological responsibility, products like these could lead to more sustainable practices in other industries as well.

Tartakovsky believes that these beers not only offer a quirky alternative for craft beer lovers but also serve as a conversation starter regarding environmental challenges. The venture signals a growing trend in the beverage industry towards sustainable sourcing and increased awareness of water conservation.

For more information about this innovative approach to brewing, you can read further about their mission and product launch here.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start planning festive meals—including the perfect beer pairings. Beer expert Jay R. Brooks provides a guide to successfully match beer with food, emphasizing three key concepts: complement, contrast, and cut.

Complement

Pairing beer with food can be delightful when you align similar flavors. For instance, a dark stout can enhance chocolate brownies, while a hoppy IPA or smoked beer is ideal for barbecued dishes. Consider the flavors in both the beer and the food; if a beer is malty with caramel notes, a thick steak could be the perfect accompaniment.

Contrast

Contrast involves pairing opposites to enhance the dining experience. A classic example is the combination of oysters with stout—where sweet and briny flavors of oysters meet the roasty, bitter notes of stout. Likewise, pairing a sugary beer with sour dishes—like sauerkraut or kimchi—can create a striking balance. The bitterness of hops or roasted malts can cut through sweetness, making each bite more enjoyable.

Cut

The third principle involves using beer to “cut” through rich or fatty foods. High-carbonation beers work well with greasy meals by cleansing the palate. For example, pairing a citrusy lager with fried foods not only refreshes but also accentuates the dish’s flavors.

Additional Considerations

When deciding on pairings, consider the beer’s strength—darker, heavier beers pair better with hearty foods, while lighter dishes call for more delicate options. It’s often best to start with lighter beers during multi-course meals, progressively moving to stronger varieties.

Finally, creating your own pairings can lead to delightful discoveries. Casual yet well-rounded combinations, like pizza with lager or brown ale with shepherd’s pie, stand the test of time. John recalls a serendipitous pairing of chili con carne with blue cheese and an IPA that became a favorite through experimentation.

As you prepare for holiday gatherings, invoke these tips to explore beer and food pairings that elevate your dining experience. Don’t hesitate to share your own innovative combinations as you dive into this flavorful journey.

I was initially skeptical when someone suggested a tour of Torrance, a hidden gem in the South Bay, especially coming from the San Gabriel Valley where I often visited iconic spots like the Rose Bowl or the historic San Gabriel Mission. But as I learned more about the city, I realized there was more than meets the eye.

Torrance is home to delightful treats such as the renowned divine paradise cakes from two King’s Hawaiian locations and has historical significance, notably as the studio where the hip hop group N.W.A recorded "F— tha Police." But did the city, with its population of around 140,000, really warrant a tour?

I met with Debbie Hays, a Torrance resident and docent of the Torrance Historical Society, ready to uncover the city’s layers. Our tour began at the Historical Society, where Debbie provided insights into Torrance’s origins, from a Spanish land grant to its establishment by financier Jared Sidney Torrance in 1912. The narrative prominently featured Louis Zamperini, the “Torrance Tornado,” an Olympic athlete and war hero whose incredible story inspired the film Unbroken.

Zamperini, an Army Air Force bombardier, became a legend after surviving a plane crash and drifting at sea for 47 days, only to endure two years of captivity. The Historical Society showcased a wealth of memorabilia, including trophies and documents donated by the Zamperini family. Hays emphasized, “No other place in the world has more information and pieces of history tied to Louis than we do.”

Aside from historical highlights, Torrance boasts impressive culinary experiences, particularly on its Ramen Trail, claiming the title of the “Ramen Capital of Southern California” due to its significant Japanese population, which is about 15,000 strong. Alongside the foodie scene, Torrance capitalizes on its growing craft beer industry, featuring numerous microbreweries worth exploring.

Film buffs can explore over 200 filming locations within the city, where popular movies like Scarface and Boogie Nights were shot, showcasing Torrance’s cinematic backdrop. One highlight during the tour included a Craftsman-style home at 1313 Cota Ave., famously known as “the Buffy home,” where Buffy the Vampire Slayer was filmed. The home attracts fans from all over who want to connect with their beloved show’s legacy.

Torrance combines rich history, gourmet delights, and pop culture appeal into a unique experience that offers more than one might expect. Whether it’s savoring paradise cakes, slurping ramen, enjoying craft beers, or connecting with Zamperini’s story, there’s something for everyone in Torrance. Truly, one doesn’t have to be a Buffy fanatic to appreciate what this city has to offer.

In a bid to boost student attendance for a crucial matchup, Rice University is offering free beer to students of legal age attending their game against No. 22 North Texas on Saturday night. This matchup marks Rice’s second occasion facing an AP Top 25 team this season, and it also has bowl eligibility implications.

Rice’s undergraduate population numbers around 5,000, and campus officials are hopeful that the free beer promotion will entice students to stay for the game, especially considering many will be heading home for Thanksgiving soon after. Alongside the free beer, the school is providing the first 500 students with free t-shirts, a $15 food truck voucher, and ice cream.

Kevin Dwan, Rice’s deputy athletic director for external affairs and revenue, emphasized the significance of the game being broadcast on national television and the importance of encouraging students to attend. The beer will not be sold at concession stands but distributed from a kiosk behind the student section, with strict monitoring to ensure responsible consumption. Students can retrieve one beer per visit to the kiosk without a time limit, provided they do not show visible signs of intoxication.

Although the initial promotion was shared on social media with a straightforward “Free Beer” message, it was later removed for lacking necessary context. Dwan noted that while Rice has held similar promotions in the past, it had been at least two seasons since the last instance.

Rice’s home attendance has fluctuated throughout the season, with its highest drawing 30,116 fans during their opener against Houston, while subsequent games averaged around 22,000 attendees. Recently, attendance dipped to their lowest of the season with just over 20,000 fans present for a game against No. 25 Memphis, which adds to the urgency for initiatives like the free beer promotion in promoting a more vibrant game-day atmosphere.