Beer-articles 995

Carlos Netto is Co-founder and CEO of Matera, a software company he founded over 30 years ago in Brazil.

The sun beat down on the cobblestone streets of Monte Verde, Brazil, as I wandered, parched and dreaming of a cold beer. Rounding a corner, I stumbled upon an unexpected oasis: a vibrant, unattended beer booth standing proudly on the sidewalk.

This wasn’t your average kiosk. There was no bored vendor and no cash register—just a row of gleaming taps, each adorned with a unique QR code. A playful sign invited me to “Scan, Pay, Pour.”

Intrigued, I pulled out my phone, opened my banking app and scanned the code for a local lager. With a satisfying “beep,” my payment went through, and the tap unlocked. Moments later, I was sipping a crisp, refreshing brew, marveling at the sheer simplicity of it all.

This clever beer vendor didn’t waste time or resources on hiring staff to handle payments or on acquiring costly terminals for transactions at their booth. Instead, they concentrated on brewing excellent beer and providing it to people who needed it most—on sweltering days during a vacation.

As Jeff Bezos aptly put it when pitching Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2008, breweries should prioritize enhancing their beer’s flavor rather than spending resources on generating their own power, a common practice in the early 1900s. Overtime, breweries shifted their focus to improve their beer while relying on external sources for energy.

In a similar vein, companies in Brazil are now less obsessed with handling payments. Thanks to instant payments and QR codes, there’s no need for them to invest in expensive payment terminals that comply with extensive security standards. QR codes can be displayed on any screen or simply printed on paper, eliminating the need for a specialized terminal.

The ease and simplicity I experienced at that beer booth are reflective of the innovative culture fostered by Brazil’s Pix payment network. Although the successful implementation of Pix might be attributed to mandates from the Central Bank, the truth is that entrepreneurs and developers have utilized these tools to create payment solutions that significantly enhance user experiences.

The integration of QR codes with the instant payment system, Pix, has revolutionized the way transactions are conducted, providing businesses with a cost-effective and uncomplicated payment method. This transformation has not only streamlined financial interactions but has also expanded the reach of products and services to a wider audience of consumers and enterprises.

The United States stands in a prime position to mirror this technological advancement. With instant payment frameworks like FedNow and RTP already established, the infrastructure is prepared for the adoption of QR code payments on a large scale. American consumers, who are accustomed to using QR codes for accessing information and menus, will likely find using QR codes for payments an intuitive extension.

It is important to note that payment QR codes are distinct from the more commonly used URL QR codes in the U.S., which primarily serve for information dissemination.

Payment QR codes contain all necessary details to facilitate a transaction. Banks that have reliable and secure QR code payment systems can create QR codes for vendors, verify them upon scanning to ensure their integrity, and deactivate the QR codes once the payment is made to prevent duplicate transactions.

Once a standardized QR code payment system is established in the U.S. by ASC X9, QR codes issued by any financial entity will be compatible across the board.

This adoption will allow banks, credit unions, and merchants throughout the U.S. to provide a smoother and more straightforward payment method. The infrastructure for creating and interpreting QR codes already exists and is reliable, removing the necessity for each business to create individual solutions.

Reflecting on my experiences in Brazil, the evolution of payment modes can be as easy, secure, and delightful as scanning a QR and enjoying a drink. Integrating QR code payments with prompt transaction options, businesses can simplify processes, boost security, and improve customer service.

Here’s to embracing QR codes, immediate transactions, inventive businesses, and the pleasure of a chilled beer on a bright day. Cheers!

Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?

BROCKTON − Brockton food blogger Mirbentz Jean Francois has launched his first flagship location in Boston, serving delicious culinary creations and fun snacks. It’s a fast-paced take-out restaurant that lets you get fresh Haitian food without the long wait.

A Brockton man was rescued and flown to a Boston hospital after being trapped for hours in a train car that was carrying coal in Bridgewater.

An East Bridgewater man was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol after crashing his car into a home on Monday evening, while “allegedly filming a video on his phone when the crash occurred,” according to police.

In a crushing blow to downtown Brockton’s halting rebirth, Brockton Beer Company announced Friday it would close. Here is what we know.

In case you missed it, here are five of the top stories from the past week throughout the Brockton area.

Brockton’s very own food blogger has inaugurated his first primary establishment in central Boston, featuring a range of delicious culinary offerings and enjoyable snacks. Located at 700 Albany St., Boston, Mirbentz Jean Francois has transformed a substantial space into a dual-purpose venue named “Did You Eat Yet,” consisting of a convenience store and a take-out restaurant. This venture emphasizes a quick-service model where customers can swiftly enjoy pre-prepared Haitian meals by selecting from a buffet setup, facilitating a quick dining experience.

Haitian take-out spot in Boston: Brockton’s very own food blogger launches Haitian take-out spot and convenience store

A man from Brockton was saved and airlifted to a hospital in Boston after being entrapped for several hours in a train car filled with coal in Bridgewater. The Bridgewater Fire Department received an emergency call around 9:05 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, regarding a situation at Stiles & Hart Brick Co., situated at 127 Cook St., where an employee was caught in a rail car laden with coal. Upon their arrival, firefighters discovered a 26-year-old man from Brockton trapped waist-deep in coal within the railcar. “The man required urgent medical help,” stated Chief John Schlatz.

Man rescued from Bridgewater coal train: Brockton worker flown to Boston hospital after being rescued from Bridgewater coal train

News that feds charged former Stoughton cop Matthew Farwell with killing Sandra Birchmore after state and local probes ruled her death a suicide has people buzzing about parallels with a separate case: the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. Prosecutors say his girlfriend Karen Read hit him with her SUV in front of a fellow Boston cop’s house and left him to die. Both cases involve alleged homicides that occurred in the same town, Canton. Both cases involve — in very different ways — off-duty police officers. And both cases have caused media firestorms and public protests online and in person, with supporters demanding “Justice for Sandra Birchmore” and “Free Karen Read” adherents saying she was framed.

Norfolk DA investigated both cases: Norfolk DA investigated Sandra Birchmore and Karen Read cases. What’s same and different?

Is Matthew Farwell still a cop?: Is ex-Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell still a cop anywhere else? A 60 second read

A cow that had escaped and was being pursued by a rider on horseback in East Bridgewater was successfully secured thanks to the efforts of the East Bridgewater Police on a Wednesday morning. During his patrol around Belmont and Summer streets around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4, Officer Robert Lang noticed the unusual scene, as stated by Chief Michael Jenkins in an afternoon report. Deputy Police Chief Mike McLaughlin, Sgt. John Smith, and Officers Joshua DeJesus, Matthew Monteiro, and Patrick O’Brien quickly arrived and aided in corralling the cow.

‘Boots’ the cow on the loose: ‘Boots’ the cow on loose in East Bridgewater safely corralled by police. What happened?

Brockton Beer Company, a local brewery and one of the few minority-owned breweries in the state located at 121 Main St., announced its closure last Friday, marking a setback for downtown Brockton’s development revival. The company made the announcement via a press release and social media blast that morning.

Brockton Beer Company to close: Brockton Beer Company to close. Here is what we know.

Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today. 

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton-area top stories: Haitian take-out, Brockton Beer Co. closing

A Refreshing Pint of American Lager Beer

American Lager is a diverse category that includes six distinct styles, each noted for their different features.

American Pale Lager is known for its light body and pale color, accompanied by a mild taste. This type generally displays low bitterness, offering a clean and crisp finish. The malt aspect is often understated, presenting a hint of sweetness, while the hop essence ranges from minimal to moderate. The American Pilsner is sometimes grouped under American Pale Lager, though it is recognized separately in certain classifications.

American Light Lager appears even lighter in color and body compared to American Pale Lager. It is exceptionally refreshing and smooth to drink, characterized by very low bitterness, a high degree of carbonation, and typically fewer calories and less alcohol content.

American Adjunct Lager is crafted with the addition of rice or corn as well as barley malt, which imparts a lighter body and flavor profile to the beverage. Typically, it appears very pale, has a light body, and provides a subtle flavor, with minimal to no hop bitterness.

American Premium Lager presents a body that is slightly richer and a flavor that is more pronounced than the usual American Pale Lagers. These lagers are typified by their enhanced malt character, golden hue, and a clean, crisp finish that is complemented by moderate carbonation.

American Malt Liquor is distinguished by its higher alcohol content, usually between 6% and 9% ABV, compared to other American lagers. Characteristically sweeter and more robust, it features a prominent malt taste and higher gravity.

American Ice Lager undergoes a unique brewing process similar to other lagers but includes a stage of partial freezing to extract water and elevate the alcohol level. This variety is typically light-bodied, has a crisp finish, and possesses a slightly higher alcohol percentage than regular lagers.

These interpretations showcase the range of American Lagers, Adjusted to cater varied palates and strengths, from delicate to hearty brews, and their different alcohol content.

Here is a summary of ten distinguished American Lagers from craft breweries that have either received gold medals or higher, or have been rated over 90 points in a minimum of five prominent beer contests. Also included are the contests where they were awarded, the medals they received, insights about each brewery, and quick tasting notes.

Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Boston Beer Company

Competitions & Awards: Great American Beer Festival (GABF): Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 90 Points, BeerAdvocate: 90 Points

Samuel Adams Boston Lager is the premier offering from the Boston Beer Company, established by Jim Koch in 1984. This beer was instrumental in the resurgence of American craft beers. It presents a deep amber hue topped with a rich, frothy head, emitting scents of caramel malt, floral hops, and a slight fruity note. The taste offers a harmony of malty sweetness and subtle bitterness, culminating in a fresh, clean finish.

Brooklyn Lager, Brooklyn Brewery

Recognitions: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 92 Points.

Established in New York in 1988, Brooklyn Brewery quickly became a key player in the craft beer landscape. Brooklyn Lager is an amber lager known for its robust taste that melds traditional European and American brewing methods. It is marked by aromas of caramel and bready malts. The flavor is predominantly malty with a slight sweetness, offset by mild hop bitterness.

Sierra Nevada Summerfest, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points, BeerAdvocate: 90 Points.

Founded in 1980 in Chico, California, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has been a pioneer in the craft brewing industry. Their seasonal lager, Summerfest, is celebrated for its crisp and refreshing nature, featuring a light golden hue, floral and spicy hop aromas, a well-balanced malt sweetness, and a mild hoppy bitterness.

Narragansett Lager, Narragansett Brewing Company

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, BeerAdvocate: 91 Points

Founded in 1890 in Rhode Island, Narragansett Brewery saw a resurgence in the 2000s. Its renowned classic lager, popular in the Northeast, is distinguished by its pale golden color and frothy white head. It emits scents of grain, bread, and hints of corn, while the taste is characterized by its crispness, subtle sweetness, and a cleanly refreshing finish.

Devil’s Backbone Vienna Lager, Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points

Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company, positioned in Virginia, is celebrated for its Vienna Lager, an amber-hued beer characterized by aromas of toasted malt, caramel, and a hint of nuttiness. Its flavor profile is smooth and malty with a balanced hop bitterness, culminating in a clean finish.

Shiner Bock, Spoetzl Brewery

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points.

Since 1909, Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas has been producing beers. Shiner Bock, although technically a bock beer, has a light and drinkable quality similar to lagers. It features a dark amber color with notes of caramel and toasted malt. The beer’s flavor is smooth, slightly sweet, and has a balanced bitterness, enhancing its drinkability.

Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils, Oskar Blues Brewery

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 92 Points, BeerAdvocate: 91 Points.

The innovator from Colorado, Oskar Blues Brewery, led the charge in the craft beer in cans movement. Their Mama’s Little Yella Pils offers an authentic take on the traditional Czech-style Pilsner, infused with a unique craft twist.

This beer presents a golden hue, characterized by its crisp and pristine flavor profile. A subtle sweetness from the malts is perfectly countered by a distinct bitterness, providing a smooth, invigorating, and thoroughly enjoyable drinking experience.

Firestone Walker Pivo Pils, Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 93 Points, BeerAdvocate: 92 Points

Located in California, the Firestone Walker Brewing Company is renowned for its numerous accolades in the U.S. brewing scene. Their Pivo Pils offers a unique, hop-infused twist on the classic German Pilsner. It presents a pale straw appearance with a bright white head, exuding aromas of floral hops, lemon, and subtle spices. The taste is notably crisp and invigorating, featuring a harmonious bitter edge and concluding with a clean, dry finish.

Also, explore the Firestone Walker Lager, another celebrated lager from the brewery.

Jack’s Abby House Lager, Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points

Located in Framingham, Massachusetts, Jack’s Abby is renowned for its expertise in lager production. Their signature House Lager is a traditional Helles-style lager that has garnered significant praise. It boasts a golden color, a malty scent complemented by subtle floral hops. The taste offers a harmonious blend of mild sweetness and a clean, sharp finish.

Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold, Great Lakes Brewing Company

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 92 Points.

Great Lakes Brewing Company, established in 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio, is renowned for its dedication to quality and environmental sustainability. Dortmunder Gold is a distinguished Dortmunder-style lager recognized with multiple awards.

Other notable craft lagers that did not make it to the top ten include Victory Prima Pils from Victory Brewing Company, and Sixpoint The Crisp from Sixpoint Brewery.

Anchor Steam, operated by Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco, stands as one of the pioneering American craft breweries. Their flagship Steam Beer, an innovative cross between ale and lager styles, has been in production since 1896 and epitomizes the original California Common-style beer. Despite its historical significance, it missed an entry into the Beer Hall of Fame after Sapporo USA closed it in August 2023. Nevertheless, Hamdi Ulukaya acquired the company in June 2024 with intentions to resume its beer production.

These ten American Lager beers have earned widespread acclaim by consistently gaining recognition at major beer competitions. They cover a variety of lager styles, each providing a distinctive and superior taste experience, while maintaining the integrity of American craft brewing.

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A Refreshing Pint of American Lager Beer

American Lager is a broad category of beer that encompasses six different styles, each with unique characteristics.

American Pale Lager is a light-bodied, pale-colored beer with a mild flavor. It is often low in bitterness and has a clean, crisp finish. The malt character is typically subtle, with a slightly sweet taste, while the hop flavor ranges from minimal to moderate. American Pilsner is considered a sub-category of American Pale Lager, though in some classifications, it stands as its own category.

American Light Lager is even lighter in color and body than its pale counterpart. It is highly refreshing and easy to drink. This type of lager features very low bitterness, high carbonation, and often fewer calories and lower alcohol content.

American Adjunct Lager incorporates rice or corn with barley malt, creating a lighter body and flavor. This beer is usually very pale, has a light body, and offers mild flavors with minimal to no bitterness from hops.

American Premium Lager provides a body and flavor that are slightly richer than those of ordinary American Pale Lagers. These lagers feature a more noticeable malt flavor, a golden hue, and a clean, crisp end with moderate levels of carbonation.

American Malt Liquor features an alcohol by volume (ABV) content higher than other American lagers, generally from 6% to 9%. Characteristically, it is sweeter, more full-bodied, and displays a prominent malt flavor with increased gravity.

American Ice Lager is produced in a manner similar to other lagers but includes a step where part of the liquid is frozen, removing some water and thus elevating the alcohol level. Typically, it maintains a light body, has a crisp conclusion, and possesses a slightly greater alcohol content compared to traditional lagers.

These styles showcase the variety found in American Lagers, appealing to an assortment of palates, ranging from light to rich, each with different alcohol by volume (ABV) levels.

Here are summaries of ten leading American Lagers from craft breweries which have earned significant recognition, including gold or higher awards, or scoring over 90 points in no fewer than five prestigious beer contests. Each summary presents the contests in which these lagers excelled, their awards, some information about the brewery, and a concise tasting note.

Samuel Adams Boston Lager, from Boston Beer Company

Competitions & Awards: Great American Beer Festival (GABF): Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 90 Points, BeerAdvocate: 90 Points

Samuel Adams Boston Lager is the signature brew of the Boston Beer Company, which Jim Koch initiated in 1984. This beverage has been critical in the American craft beer movement. It showcases a rich amber hue topped with a dense, creamy head, presenting scents of caramel malt, floral hops, and slight fruity hints. The taste offers a harmonious blend of malty sweetness complemented by a subtle bitter touch, culminating in a smooth, refreshing finish.

Brooklyn Lager, Brooklyn Brewery

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 92 Points.

Established in 1988 in New York, Brooklyn Brewery has solidified its place within the craft beer community. Brooklyn Lager is an amber lager that merges top European and American brewing practices. It exudes aromas of caramel and bready malt. The flavor is predominantly malty with a mild sweetness, balanced by a subtle hop bitterness.

Anchor Steam Beer, Anchor Brewing Company

Accolades: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 90 Points, BeerAdvocate: 90 Points

Located in San Francisco, Anchor Brewing Company stands as one of the pioneering breweries in the American craft beer movement. Their renowned Steam Beer, crafted since 1896, represents the quintessence of the California Common beer style. It features a copper hue with aromas of toasted malt and caramel, complemented by a rich malt sweetness and a pronounced hop bitterness with herbal notes.

Sierra Nevada Summerfest, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points, BeerAdvocate: 90 Points.

Founded in 1980, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Chico, California is a trailblazer in the craft brewery scene. Summerfest, their seasonal lager, offers a refreshing and balanced flavor experience. It features a light, crisp, and golden appearance, complemented by floral and spicy hop aromas. The beer provides a balanced malt sweetness touched by a subtle hop bitterness.

Narragansett Lager, Narragansett Brewing Company

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, BeerAdvocate: 91 Points

Narragansett Brewery, established in 1890 in Rhode Island, saw its resurgence during the 2000s. Its renowned classic lager enjoys a broad fan base across the Northeast, characterized by a pale golden color and a rich, frothy top. Its aroma is a blend of grains, bread, and hints of corn, whereas its taste offers a crisp and smooth experience with slight sweetness, ending in a refreshing finish.

Devil’s Backbone Vienna Lager, Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points

Originating from Virginia, the Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company is famously recognized for its Vienna Lager, a beer that has received numerous accolades and epitomizes their brewing excellence. It presents an amber hue alongside aromas of toasted malt, caramel, and subtle nuttiness. Its flavor profile is predominantly malty and smooth with a harmonious balance of hop bitterness, culminating in a clean and satisfying finish.

Shiner Bock, Spoetzl Brewery

Accolades include GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points.

Spoetzl Brewery, situated in Shiner, Texas, and operational since 1909. Despite being categorized as a bock, Shiner Bock boasts qualities similar to lagers, characterized by its light and palatable nature. It presents a dark amber hue with scents of caramel and toasted malt. The flavor profile is predominantly smooth, subtly sweet, and exhibited a well-rounded bitterness, contributing to its overall easy drinking experience.

Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils, Oskar Blues Brewery

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 92 Points, BeerAdvocate: 91 Points.

Oskar Blues Brewery, located in Colorado, initiated the innovation of canning craft beers. Their Mama’s Little Yella Pils delivers the classic taste of a Czech-style Pilsner, enhanced by a unique craft approach.

This beer showcases a golden hue paired with a crisp and clean palate. Its slight malt sweetness is perfectly countered by a dash of refreshing bitterness, ensuring it remains both quaffable and revitalizing.

Firestone Walker Pivo Pils, Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 93 Points, BeerAdvocate: 92 Points

Firestone Walker Brewing Company, based in California, is recognized as one of the most celebrated breweries in the United States. Their Pivo Pils offers a hoppy twist on the classic German Pilsner style, characterized by its pale straw appearance and prominent white head. It exudes aromatic notes of floral hops, lemon, and a touch of spice while delivering a crisp and invigorating flavor with balanced bitterness and a clean, dry finish.

For further exploration, consider the Firestone Walker Lager, another prestigious lager beer.

Jack’s Abby House Lager, from Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points

Located in Framingham, Massachusetts, Jack’s Abby is renowned for its expertly crafted lagers. Their standout, the House Lager, is brewed in the traditional Helles style, boasting a radiant golden hue, enriched with a malty scent complemented by a subtle floral hop backdrop. The taste profile is harmoniously balanced—featuring a gentle sweetness paired with a crisp and refreshing finish.

Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold, Great Lakes Brewing Company

Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 92 Points.

Great Lakes Brewing Company, established in 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio, prides itself on its dedication to quality and sustainable practices. Its Dortmunder Gold, a Dortmunder-style lager, has garnered multiple accolades.

Other notable craft lagers that didn’t make the top ten include Victory Prima Pils from Victory Brewing Company and Sixpoint The Crisp from Sixpoint Brewery.

Anchor Steam, from Anchor Brewing Company located in San Francisco, stands as one of the pioneering craft breweries in America. Brewing since 1896, their Steam Beer, a distinctive blend of ale and lager, is recognized as the original beer of the California Common style. Despite its historical significance, it was omitted from the Beer Hall of Fame list when its parent company, Sapporo USA, ceased its operations in August 2023. Nevertheless, in June 2024, Hamdi Ulukaya acquired the company and intends to resume production.

These ten American Lager beers have demonstrated their excellence through consistent recognition at key beer competitions, embodying a variety of lager styles. Each presents a unique and superior drinking experience, maintaining the tradition of American craft brewing craftsmanship.

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Pilsners are increasingly in popularity at beer competitions. Here are the world’s best according to … [+] a recent competition.

More people are interested in who makes the world’s best pilsner than ever before. As I’ve written previously, pilsners have long been the style that brewers order when visiting another brewery. This is because pilsners are clean and simple and there is nowhere for a brewer to hide “off” flavors.

But these days it’s not just brewers ordering these beers. Brewery patrons are buying more pilsners, and major beer competitions across the U.S. have seen an increased number of pilsners entered for consideration in 2024.

Some of the world’s best pilsners were named at The 2024 North American Brewers Association International Beer and Cider Awards in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Results were announced earlier this summer. Even though U.S. breweries dominated the competition across all categories, the contest was open to breweries across the globe.

The International Beer and Cider Awards featured competition among various pilsner styles including Bohemian-style, German-style, Italian-style, and West Coast-style pilsners, all of which are types of lager. Lagers have recently gained popularity among American craft brewers and beer enthusiasts.

At this year’s event, West Coast breweries excelled, clinching gold medals in every pilsner category, with a Portland brewery winning gold for two of its pilsners. These pilsners have been declared the best in the world for 2024.

Von Ebert Brewing has been recognized for producing the world’s best German-style pilsner, according to the 2024 North American Brewers Association International Beer and Cider Awards.

This brewery has seen consistent success in beer competitions, having previously won gold at the 2023 World Beer Cup and silver at the 2022 Great American Beer Festival for its pilsner. The beer’s tasting notes describe it as having hints of “fresh flowers, white peppercorn, and lightly toasted crackers.” Notably, this is just one of two pilsners from Von Ebert Brewing that won gold medals this year.

One of the core beers from this Washington brewery, Silver City Pils is all about enjoying life’s simple pleasures: including an excellent pilsner. “With every sip, its grainy aromas intermingle with subtle hints of water cracker and a touch of honey. Like old friends sharing stories by the fire, the sweetness and bitterness balance perfectly,” notes the brewery.

Von Ebert Brewing makes the world’s best Italian-style pilsner according to the The 2024 North American Brewers Association International Beer and Cider Awards.

Von Ebert Brewing clearly has this whole brewing pilsner thing down. Pierre Pilsner is the second gold medal-winning pilsner from this Portland Brewery. With a 4.8 ABV, it has, per the brewery, notes of “Ripe strawberry, crackery malt, citrus spritz.”

Like all beers brewed by Berryessa Brewing, Couch Potato is unfiltered and naturally carbonated. The beer is brewed with Admiral Maltings Feldblume Malt, Idaho Select Pilsner Malt, potato, and Idaho 7 Hops. The result, according to the brewery is, “a piney, dry, finely balanced brew.”

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts.

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site’s Terms of Service. We’ve summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

So, how can you be a power user?

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site’s Terms of Service.

Pilsners are increasingly in popularity at beer competitions. Here are the world’s best according to … [+] a recent competition.

More people are interested in who makes the world’s best pilsner than ever before. As I’ve written previously, pilsners have long been the style that brewers order when visiting another brewery. This is because pilsners are clean and simple and there is nowhere for a brewer to hide off flavors.

But these days it’s not just brewers ordering these beers. Brewery patrons are buying more pilsners and major beer competitions across the U.S. have seen an increased number of pilsners entered into competitions for consideration in 2024.

Some of the world’s best pilsners were named at The 2024 North American Brewers Association International Beer and Cider Awards in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Results were announced earlier this summer. Even though U.S. breweries dominated the competition across all categories, the contest was open to breweries across the globe.

The International Beer and Cider Awards evaluated four distinct pilsner types: Bohemian-style pilsner, German-style pilsner, Italian-style pilsner, and West Coast-style pilsner. Pilsners, a category of lager, have seen a surge in popularity within the American craft brewing scene from enthusiasts to casual drinkers. Lagers have seen increased interest in American craft brewing.

Breweries from the West Coast claimed gold medals in each pilsner category with a Portland brewery winning gold for two different pilsners. These are the pilsners awarded gold medals in the 2024 competitions, positioning them as the top pilsners globally.

The best German-style pilsner of the world, as determined by The 2024 North American Brewers Association International Beer and Cider Awards, is crafted by Von Ebert Brewing.

Von Ebert Brewing utilized traditional German pilsner hops to create their award-winning beer, which has a history of competition success. Their pilsner previously secured a gold medal at the 2023 World Beer Cup and a silver at the 2022 Great American Beer Festival. The beer’s tasting notes depict its unique flavors as comprising “fresh flowers, white peppercorn, and lightly toasted crackers.” The brewery also excelled in the pilsner category with two gold medals at this year’s awards.

One of the core beers from this Washington brewery, Silver City Pils is all about enjoying life’s simple pleasures: including an excellent pilsner. “With every sip, its grainy aromas intermingle with subtle hints of water cracker and a touch of honey. Like old friends sharing stories by the fire, the sweetness and bitterness balance perfectly,” notes the brewery.

Von Ebert Brewing makes the world’s best Italian-style pilsner according to the The 2024 North American Brewers Association International Beer and Cider Awards. Von Ebert Brewing clearly has this whole brewing pilsner thing down. Pierre PIlsner is the second gold medal-winning pilsner from this Portland Brewery. With a 4.8 abv, it has, per the brewery, notes of “Ripe strawberry, crackery malt, citrus spritz.”

Like all beers brewed by Berryessa Brewing, Couch Potatoe is unfiltered and naturally carbonated. The beer is brewed with Admiral Maltings Feldblume Malt, Idaho Select Pilsner Malt, potato, and Idaho 7 Hops. The result, according to the brewery is, “a piney, dry, finely balanced brew.”

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Former Tulsa World Publisher Eugene Lorton and Mayor Herman Newblock are shown in a historical photo in front of the first officially legal beer delivery in eastern Oklahoma. This significant event took place in July 1933 at the Tulsa World Building, as Lorton had advocated for the legalization of beer sales in Oklahoma.

Oklahomans had a strong desire for beer.

This was particularly true in Tulsa, where there had never previously been legal beer sales. The populace eagerly voted in favor of the legalization of 3.2% alcohol beer on July 11, 1933.

In Tulsa County, this proposal received overwhelming support, passing by more than a four-to-one margin. Similarly, in Oklahoma County, the initiative was approved at nearly a three-to-one rate.

Across the state, the proposition was passed by a two-thirds majority, although it was surmised that more individuals might have voted in favor had the temperature not been excessively high.

The weather on Election Day soared to 105 degrees, marking the 15th day in a row of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees.

Despite the overwhelming support, the implementation was not immediate.

Governor William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray announced that the commencement of beer sales would only occur following an official proclamation. He also deployed the Oklahoma National Guard to secure the 50 rail carriages filled with beer at the Oklahoma City railway yard, preventing them from being accessed prematurely.

Though Attorney General J. Berry King declared that the beer sales were legalized following the election, dealers chose to wait until the governor sanctioned the sales. The Frisco Railroad was allowed by Governor Murray to transport 43 freight cars filled with beer into Tulsa, with the stipulation that they remain unloaded until his approval was granted.

Out of these, 27 freight cars were designated for Tulsa.

In anticipation of the governor’s nod, beer companies and vendors secured prominent advertisements in the Tulsa World newspaper on that day.

The following day, Governor Murray officially authorized the sales, marking this event with the delivery of the first legally sold case of beer in eastern Oklahoma to Eugene Lorton, the Publisher of Tulsa World. This historic delivery occurred in front of the World Building at 315 S. Boulder Ave., and was notably made using a wagon drawn by the renowned six-horse team of Anheuser-Busch.

A large number of people from Tulsa congregated in front of the newspaper office to observe the event, with notable attendees including Mayor Herman Newblock and World Editor N.G. Henthorne, who participated in both the state and Tulsa County committees of the Beer for Oklahoma League.

Lorton was a pioneer in campaigning for the legalization of beer sales in Oklahoma.

Within two days, a price competition arose, with numerous beer vendors reducing their prices to 15 cents per bottle, down from 20 cents. Previously, beer distributors and vendors had reached a consensus that beer would be maintained at 20 cents per bottle in hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants, and sold at two bottles for 35 cents in grocery stores.

According to a survey, only a handful of drugstores were still charging the 20-cent price. Those sticking to the agreed price indicated they might have to lower their prices to stay competitive.

Like this column? Read all the columns in the Only in Oklahoma series from the Tulsa World Archive.

Only in Oklahoma is a series from the Tulsa World Archive that was written by former Tulsa World Managing Editor Gene Curtis during the Oklahoma Centennial in 2007. The columns told interesting stories from the history of the country’s 46th state. The Tulsa World Archive is home to more than 2.3 million stories, 1.5 million photographs and 55,000 videos. Tulsa World subscribers have full access to all the content in the archive. Not a subscriber? We have a digital subscription special offer of $1 for three months for a limited time at tulsaworld.com/subscribe.

The Tulsa World newsroom is committed to covering this community with curiosity, tenacity and depth. Our passion for telling the story of Tulsa remains unwavering. Because your story is our story. Thank you to our subscribers who support local journalism. Join them with limited-time offers at tulsaworld.com/story.

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“I wouldn’t have minded it so much if a man had shot me,” Starr reportedly said after being wounded.

It was the second explosion since the factory opened in 1973.

Three people were killed and 18 were injured when a fun day of celebrating the Fourth of July ended in tragedy in 1912.

When a guided missile frigate ship was named in his honor in 1980, Navy historian Samuel Morrison described the admiral as “part Cherokee, par…

When the Tulsa World introduced one of its most beloved columns in 1935, the writer kept it a secret from her husband until he discovered it by reading her first publication.

Malt produced at small malthouses is typically handcrafted, including the manual raking of malt to ensure it does not clump as the barley germinates.

When the Craft Maltsters Guild was established in 2013, it started with just eight member malthouses. As of now, the Guild includes 110 member malthouses located predominantly in North America, with additional members worldwide. There are also numerous other small malthouses not yet affiliated with the Guild.

Over the past decade since its inception, the craft malt industry has notably evolved into a significant sector.

“The surge in craft malt popularity directly correlates with the expansion of craft breweries and craft distilleries,” stated Steve Kurowski, the executive director of the Guild, during a phone interview. “These small-scale breweries and distilleries often prefer not to engage with larger malt suppliers. They have grown by encouraging their patrons to support local enterprises, and they, in turn, choose to support neighborhood businesses. This includes partnering with craft maltsters who are attentive and adaptive to their client’s needs.”

The rise of small maltsters, purchasing raw grains such as barley, wheat, rye, corn, and other varieties from nearby farmers, extends its benefits beyond just the local beer and spirits production. These smaller maltsters produce malt in much smaller batches compared to large-scale malthouses, enabling them to buy grains from small-scale, local farmers. This practice diminishes the reliance on monocropping and enhances diverse crop rotations, which are crucial for maintaining healthy soil across all types of crops, not only those used for brewing.

Contrastingly, large malthouses demand vast amounts of raw grains that need to be as uniform as possible, sourcing only a few varieties from limited American regions. For instance, barley typically comes from Midwest states, focusing on two or three specific varieties. On the other hand, small malthouses have the flexibility to source grains from other regions stretching from New York to California, adapting to local soil conditions and climates which differ from the Midwest. This regional and varietal diversity in agriculture helps safeguard against diseases and pests, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of the industry.

Moreover, the proliferation of small maltsters encourages more farmers to incorporate malting barley into their crop rotations, thus potentially boosting their incomes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that most farms are not profitable, allowing farmers to produce higher-value crops may represent a financial remedy. Promoting relationships with local farms, as noted by Kurowski, small maltsters not only reduce monoculture but also foster sustainable farming practices and a stronger community connection. Diversifying crop rotations is broadly recognized as beneficial for the soil since different crops have varied nutrient impacts.

Craft Malt Month, an initiative of the Craft Maltsters Guild, runs from September 1 to 30.

September is Craft Malt Month, an initiative of the Craft Maltsters Guild to promote the work of the Guild and bring attention to the work of small malthouses and small farmers.

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts.

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When assessing a beer’s quality, home-brewers will often speak of esters. But what exactly are esters, you may wonder. Esters are the fruity sweet aroma you experience when selecting the ripest carton of strawberries, for example. In beer, esters are created during fermentation when alcohol reacts with organic acids to create fruity aromas — though they can also be introduced by adding fruit to the brew.

Esters are naturally present in flowers and fruits, and chemically derived esters are used in flavorings and aromas in many foods and household products. That lemon-scented dish detergent you just used likely got its pleasant smell from esters. And the delightful aromas in esters are an all-important component for some styles of beer.

Perhaps you want to make the perfect beer to bring to a barbecue that’ll pair well with everything. Or you want to make a strong lager for some grilled mesquite beer brats. No matter what your plans, be forewarned: When brewing beer, esters can be a blessing or a curse depending on the style you intend to make.

Read more: 10 Of The Healthiest Beers You Can Drink

Introducing esters into beer without the use of fruits is a deliberate decision in crafting specific beer types such as German wheat beers, hefeweizens, Belgian pale ales, English bitters, and strong lagers. When produced, esters impart flavors and aromas perceived by beer experts and enthusiasts as citrus, fruity, or reminiscent of banana, pear, apple, and even bubble gum. These characteristics are integral and expected in these beer varietals.

However, esters in home brewing need careful management to avoid undesirable tastes. Flavors akin to solvents, plastics, heavy perfumes, or acetone can result, which are generally unpleasant. Moreover, while fruity tastes might enhance some beer styles, they are inappropriate and unwanted in others; for instance, an American pilsner should not exhibit such sweet or fruity notes.

Brewing is both a craft and a science. The American Homebrewers Association explains that ester production can be influenced by wort composition, choice of yeast, and the conditions under which fermentation occurs. For instance, ester formation tends to decrease using tall, narrow fermenting vessels, while broader, shallower vessels promote higher ester production.

The production of fermented drinks like wine, hard ciders, spirits, and beer starts from a sugary substance; grape juice for wine, apple juice for cider, and wort for beer. Wort is a highly sweetened liquid extracted from grains, and it feeds the yeast during fermentation to produce carbon dioxide, flavors, and alcohol. Managing sugar levels, zinc, and specific acids in the wort can manipulate ester levels. Factors such as oxygen and lipids can also affect ester formation, thus the selection of malts, yeast, and hops is crucial for ester control.

There are thousands of yeast strains though not all are commercially available. Some yeast strains produce more esters than others. So, if you’re making a wheat beer, you probably want to choose one with high ester-producing characteristics. Your home-brew supplier should be able to guide you to the appropriate ingredients to use for the style you want to brew. And don’t forget, when brewing your own beer, sanitation is key.

Read the original article on The Daily Meal.

Millennials are getting too old to hit the pub every night. Many Gen Zers prefer cannabis to beer. And a number of breweries are increasingly pushing ciders, seltzers and other spiked drinks.

In other words, the once-heady craft beer business has lost its fizz.

It’s a story that’s playing out across New England as the industry consolidates following years of rapid expansion.

In recent weeks, the owners of Jack’s Abby in Framingham acquired Wormtown, Worcester’s oldest and busiest brewery. The parent company of New Hampshire’s Smuttynose recently reached a deal to acquire Wachusett. Dorchester Brewing joined forces with Aeronaut. Ipswich Ale hooked up with Riverwalk.

Meanwhile, some brands are going away. The latest: Cambridge Brewing Co. in Kendall Square, which recently announced it will go dark at the end of the year.

“The shakeout is absolutely here, there’s no question,” said Dan Kenary, chief executive of Harpoon parent company Mass. Bay Brewing. “A week does not go by when I am not approached about wanting to take a look at a brewery looking to sell, go out of business, or merge.”

Have we reached an era of Peak Craft? All signs point to yes.

Last year, 15 breweries opened in the state, while 11 closed, according to the Massachusetts Brewers Guild and local blog Mass. Brew Bros. That net gain of four was the smallest increase since 2010, when there were just 48 breweries in Massachusetts. At the start of this year, there were 235.

Nationwide, overall beer sales have been flat or declining for years — largely due to soft sales of mass-market mainstays like Bud Light and Miller Light. Craft beer had posed a bright spot, eventually growing enough market share to account for roughly one-fourth of all spending on beer in the United States.

But now, even craft has plateaued. Craft beer sales volume fell 1 percent last year, per Brewers Association data, compared to a 5 percent drop for all beer. The total number of breweries, meanwhile, ticked up less than 1 percent to 9,900.

The only growth could be found in taprooms — breweries that primarily offer on-premise drinking with limited or no food menus. The number of craft brewers who sell through wholesalers had already started to decline and liquor store shelves were getting crowded with alternatives. The beer wholesale industry, too, is going through its own consolidation, and distributors are trying to streamline their crowded craft offerings.

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Even Boston Beer Co., whose flagship lager made Sam Adams a household name, has long pivoted to other drinks such as hard cider and tea to propel growth. In each of the past two years, Boston Beer reported around 85 percent of its volume came from alcoholic beverages other than beer.

“What you’re seeing in Massachusetts very much mirrors the national trend,” said Bart Watson, the Brewers Association’s chief economist. “We had this era of explosive growth where breweries were opening right and left. That’s decelerated. [Today] it feels like we’re kind of moving toward equilibrium.”

Big Beer has taken notice. The country’s two biggest brewers, Anheuser-Busch InBev and Molson Coors, are now unwinding their craft portfolios. Last year, AB InBev sold eight craft brands — such as Shock Top and Redhook — to Canadian cannabis giant Tilray Brands, while Molson Coors made a similar move this month, also by reaching a deal with Tilray.

“The big brewers have decided they’re getting out of this craft business because, ‘Why do it anymore?’ ” said Jenn Litz-Kirk, director of content for trade publication Beer Business Daily. “’Craft is slowing. That’s not our core competence. We need to focus.’”

Kenary said he noticed that regional craft brewers, relatively larger players that mostly sell through distributors, peaked roughly a decade ago. Microbrewers and taprooms continued to grow, but even those corners of the industry have lost their buzz. Kenary co-founded Harpoon, one of Massachusetts’ first craft brewers, and said he hoped to help stoke a vibrant beer culture in the United States. He and his peers succeeded “beyond our wildest freaking dreams,” Kenary said, and then rode the rising tide.

But lately, he said, it feels like that tide has been going out.

To a large extent, the plateau reflects generational drinking habits. Craft beer rose to prominence as millennials reached legal drinking age. But they’re getting older, raising kids and cutting back on the late nights on the town. Gen Z seems to be much less interested in the latest super-hoppy IPA or double barrel aged stout. Brewers also say it’s no coincidence that their industry has stalled out as cannabis products have become more widely available.

Then there’s the aftershocks of COVID. Businesses that were starting to struggle going into the pandemic soldiered on with the help of Paycheck Protection Program grants or other government assistance. Now those subsidies have ended.

Esther Tetreault, who owns Trillium with her husband, JC, said the changing nature of work following the pandemic has also had an impact. Trillium’s Canton brewery is next to the headquarters of insurer Point32Health, where many of the roughly 4,400 employees based there are working remotely on any given day. Trillium’s Fort Point brewery, a popular post-work refuge for the Seaport office crowd, still hasn’t bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.

Tetreault knew the craft boom couldn’t go on forever. But she still sounds sad that the party is over.

“Whenever I hear that somebody’s opening a craft brewery, I’m a little surprised,” Tetreault said. “It feels like the timing, and the industry, and the economic landscape are not right for that.”

Dorchester Brewing chief executive Matt Malloy said brewers need to adapt to consumers’ changing preferences. For him, that meant adding wine, hard cider, and even frozen slushies to the drink menu — he jokes that his establishment is starting to turn into a “slusheteria.”

Consolidation, Malloy added, is to be expected in a mature market such as craft beer. His business recently merged with Aeronaut under the newly created Tasty Liquid Alliance umbrella, moving Aeronaut production from Everett to Dorchester’s brewery on Mass. Ave. while keeping the Aeronaut taproom in Somerville going.

The mergers, acquisitions, and closings in the brewing industry show no signs of slowing down, especially for those primarily selling through liquor stores where competition for shelf space is fierce. Industry insiders believe it’s inevitable that the total number of breweries will begin to decline.

“When everyone’s growing, when everything is hunky-dory, people don’t tend to look for those opportunities,” explained Adam Romanow, founder and CEO of Castle Island Brewing. “In a soft market like this, more people see it as an exit strategy or a succession plan.”

At Jack’s Abby in Framingham, optimism persists despite the challenges. The acquisition of Wormtown has lifted Hendler Family Brewing Co., previously known as Jack’s Abby, into the top 30 largest craft brewers in the country by volume. Jack’s Abby’s focus on lagers complements Wormtown’s expertise in IPAs. Although Wormtown’s main brewery in Worcester has shut down, with production shifting to Framingham, most of its staff were retained. Moreover, the Wormtown taproom in Foxborough remains open, and there are plans to expand the one in Worcester. Read more about this development.

Hendler said many brewers built larger operations than they needed with the anticipation that double-digit sales growth would continue well into the future. Now the industry has far more production capacity than it needs.

“We are investing very heavily in craft beer and believe in its long-term future. This isn’t a ‘sky falling’ scenario,” Hendler said. “There might be a challenging period that we’re going to have to navigate through but we see a really bright future for those who figure out how to navigate that successfully.”

Jon Chesto can be reached at jon.chesto@globe.com. Follow him @jonchesto.