Idahoans vent on Net: 'Don't tax my beer'(February 22) - Some 570 Facebook users have jumped on a powerful interest group's campaign to stop the state Legislature from tripling taxes on beer and wine. Complete Story
  
Mount Carmel Brewing Expands(February 22) - Demand outstripped production pace at Mount Carmel Brewing Company in Cincinnati, which sold 1,000 barrels last year and expects to sell about 3,000 barrels in 2010. The company sells beer in bulk to retailers at wholesale prices. Complete Story
   
The Great Arizona Beer Festival to be held March 7 & 8(February 22) - The Festival features more than 100 specialty and micro brewed beers, live music, games and fun for people age 21 and over. Entertainment will be provided by two great bands. Complete Story
   
Arizona Craft Brewer's Guild Strong Beer Festival(February 22) - How much do we enjoy a mug, stein, or glass of the golden wonder fluid that is beer? What if we told you that we have a wing of our house dedicated to the memory of Spuds MacKenzie? Complete Story
  
Beer Writer, Bill Brand Passes Away(February 21) - Bill Brand, who worked for the Tribune for over two decades, was hit by an N-Judah light rail line near AT&T Park on February 8. After remaining hospitalized for nearly two weeks, Brand, who was 70, passed away this morning, according to a statement released by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. Complete Story

Portland Deschutes Brewery and Public House Receives Organic Certification(February 21) - Deschutes Brewery’s Portland Pub goes organic. Oregon’s award-winning Deschutes Brewery recently received Oregon Tilth certification for the brewhouse at the Portland Brewery and Public House and plans to begin brewing organic beers on-site, including Green Lakes Organic Ale. Complete Story

Midnight Sun's Rondy Brew(February 21) - RondyBrew 2009 is a rendezvous of playful pale malts and feisty American hops, designed to exhilarate your winter-weary soul. This copper-colored ale delivers citrusy and refreshing hop aroma and flavor. This year’s label features Rondy’s hottest event: The Running of the Reindeer. If you’re suffering from cabin fever, get out and run with the herd. Complete Story

High Falls Brewery Sold(February 21) -City officials tell us KPS Capital Partners, a private equity fund finalized the sale today.  The city worked out an agreement with the company to keep the more than 300 jobs at the brewery.  High Falls Brewing Company has been in Rochester for more than 150 years. Complete Story

Old Hat Brewery in Lawton now bottling Scotch Ale(February 21) - The Old Hat Brewery started bottling last week, head brewer Tom Fuller said. The small brewery has been eyeing it for several months and was finally able to flip the switch, so to speak. Complete Story

Arizona legislators trying to outdo Oregon with a 2087% increase in beer tax (February 21) - It wasn’t enough that Oregon legislators wanted to whack beer drinkers and their state’s small breweries with a 1900% tax increase.   Now Arizona is considering a “Liquor Luxury Tax” of $3.50 a gallon ! Complete Story

Wisconsin Scottish Ale from Sand Creek Brewing(February 20) - Over the last year-and-a-half, Sand Creek has introduced its Select Series of beers sold in four packs. Brewery co-owner Jim Wiesender explains: “These are special beer that we allow our brewmaster Todd Krueger to a little go crazy with, make something a little different and show off.” Their latest creation is Wisconsin Scottish Ale. Complete Story

Brewing Beer is Not a Sin(February 20) - For the past couple weeks or so, Oregon's beer drinkers have been following with anxiety a proposed law to tax their beloved IPAs.  I've been avoiding the temptation to write about it because my sense is that the offending piece of legislation--HB 2461--is really just a starting place. Complete Story

Breweries Design Tap Handles To Stand Out In Crowded Beer Market(February 20) - AS BEERS have become more sophisticated, so have the tap handles that breweries and tap houses use to tout them. Breweries often turn to designers to create their tap handles.  Complete Story

BeerAmerica.TV(February 19) - BeerAmerica.TV is the first web site to have all the beer video you’ll ever want to see AND be the first beer web site dedicated to the specialty craft brewing world with industry experts and insiders just a click away! Website and Videos

Alabama beer goes gourmet(February 19) - Free the Hops, a grassroots organization of Alabamians, brewed a bill that, if passed, will allow the level of alcohol in beer to rise to 13.9 percent by volume. The Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee unanimously approved this bill, which moves it to the next step — being presented to the full Senate. Complete Story
 
Samuel Smith’s ales set the pace(February 18) - The ales of the Samuel Smith brewery are a source of endless delight for me. No less than four of their beers rank among the top beers in the world — Nut Brown Ale, Taddy Porter, Imperial Stout and its Oatmeal Stout. Complete Story

Hunahpu's Imperial Stout Wins at Atlanta Cask Ale Competition(February 17) - In Mayan mythology, Hunahpu gave cacao to the Mayan people who used it to make a drink for the everyday people and a food for rulers and gods. Hunahpu's Imperial Stout has a forward chocolate character with notes of cinnamon and vanilla. The dark fruit and tobacco-like notes of ancho and pasilla chilies contribute a deep complexity, yet produce very little Scoville heat. Quaff this beer and take a journey into the history of the Mayan culture. Homebrewed by Wayne Wambles, Cigar City Brewing. Complete Story

Man Pays $2,650 for a pint of Terrapin India Brown Ale(February 17) - Marshall Davis took his time before choosing a pint of Terrapin India Brown Ale — the maiden pint sold at Leon’s Full Service on its first day of operation in downtown Decatur. But for $2,650, he had the right to be picky.  Complete Story

Flavorful beer marks Spoetzl's centennial(February 17) -Spoetzl Brewery, maker of Texas’ iconic Shiner Bock, has produced a special release beer to mark its centennial, calling this relatively strong (6.7 percent alcohol) doppelbock Commemorator. And it’s a winner. Complete Story
 
Obama beer unveiled(February 17) - EAST African Breweries has launched a new beer, President Lager, to commemorate Barack Obama’s election. “President Lager is a special edition brand that has been introduced onto the market following its success in Kenya.  Complete Story
 
Kid Rock to have his own craft beer(February 17) - The Michigan Economic Growth Authority approved Tuesday a state tax credit valued at $722,957 so that the Michigan Brewing Co., a Webberville brewer of craft beers, can produce a new product line: a craft beer for musician Kid Rock. Complete Story

Alaska No. 2 in tax on beer after Tennessee(February 16) - Beer drinkers in Tennessee may find this hard to swallow: the state has the highest beer tax in the nation, just ahead of runner-up Alaska. Complete Story
 
Peroni Launches New Low-Carb Beer(February 16) - In a sign of modern beer-drinking trends, iconic Italian beverage maker Peroni is set to launch a new low-carb beer, with Australia chosen to spearhead the global launch. Complete Story
 
Rogue Chocolate Stout(February 16) - Ever take a look at the babe on the Rogue Chocolate Stout bottle and wonder, what do you have to do to get your face on an amazing beer?  Complete Story
 
Abita Bock Beer Review (February 16) -This is really good. The slight malt finish reminds me of Spaten Oktoberfest. It's not as strong as Spaten, it hints at that flavor. I actually expected something like Shiner Bock when I bought this. Complete Story
 
Great Divide Releases Claymore Scotch Ale and Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout(February 15) - Great Divide Brewing Company, one of America's most acclaimed craft breweries, will release Claymore Scotch Ale and Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout as the first offerings in a new lineup of rotating seasonal releases. Complete Story

Surly Brewing booms despite recession(February 15) - In these harsh economic times when many companies are struggling to stay afloat, a local brewery is beginning to expand quicker than it can handle. Complete Story
 
High Falls Brewery close to being sold(February 14) - KPS Capital Partnerswants to buy High Falls Brewery, makers ofGenesee Beer. And it's a move that could affect hundreds of local jobs."It's one of our long-time locally-owned breweries and we have always been a Genny supporter," Linda Kreitzberg said. Complete Story
 
Chocolate Bock is a sweetheart of a beer(February 13) - While I didn’t find it in the seasonal aisle and it’s not strictly related to the holiday, other than having chocolate in the name, Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock brings a welcome ray of sunshine. Complete Story

Valentine’s Day chocolate, beer and homebrew – a good deal (February 13) - This is one of the best deals I’ve seen for homebrewers and beer enthusiasts in a long time.  The American Homebrewers Association is making a special “Fall in Love with Beer and Chocolate!” offer.  Complete Story

A few chocolaty beer suggestions from the Michigan Brewers' Guild to help your sweet tooth on Valentine's Day(February 13) - "Chocolate is the consumable most commonly associated with Valentine's Day, but many may not be aware that certain craft brews - especially those with chocolaty undertones - make the perfect treat for beer lovers," according to the folks over at the Michigan Brewer's Guild. Complete Story
 
What beer to drink with chocolate(February 13) - Rogue in Oregon has teamed up with Vosges chocolate maker and is offering a beer and chocolate package. Complete Story
 
Wynkoop Announces 2009 Beerdrinker of the Year Finalists(February 12) -  Wynkoop Brewing Company’s judging panel has picked its three finalists for the brewpub’s 2009 Beerdrinker of the Year award. The finalist include: J Mark Angelus, a Nehalem, Oregon semi-retired prosecutor, avid beer drinker and 2008 Beerdrinker of the Year finalist. Cody Christman, a Denver software engineer, beer educator and avid homebrewer and beer lover. In 2008 Christman began teaching a Beer 101 course to friends and family in his home bar. Phil Farrell, a Cummings, Georgia commercial pilot, homebrewer, beer judge and 2007 finalist. He has tasted beer in every country in Europe, 1000 of the world’s pubs and 400 brewpubs.  Complete Story
 
Brewing groups plump for beer tax relief(February 11) - The Washington-based Beer Institute and the Colorado-based Brewers Association sent out a joint statement today stumping for H.R. 836. The Brewers Excise and Economic Relief Act would effectively return the federal beer excise tax back to its pre-1991 level of $9 per barrel. The tax doubled in 1991. Complete Story

Anchor: Our Barrel Ale(February 11) - Meet Anchor Our Barrel Beer. It’s 8.02 percent, aged six months in charred oak barrels that had been used to age Anchor Old Potrero Straight Rye Whisky. They only have about 100 cases of magnum –50. 7 ounce - bottles 12 bottles to the case. No kegs; no 12 ouncers. Complete Story

What's on Tap: SF Beer Week(February 11) - OK, I'M IMPRESSED. I've been writing this beer column for nearly 20 years and I've tasted a lot of great beer and been to some fabulous events, but I've never seen anything in the Bay Area to equal SF Beer Week. All I can say is: Wow! Complete Story
 
3rd Annual Portland's Cheers to Belgian Beers Festival(February 11) - Portland's Cheers to Belgian Beers started two years ago to help introduce Oregonians to the breadth of style and flavors of beers brewed in Belgium. The first year had 10 brewers pouring 10 beers at the Rock Bottom Brewery on April 10th, 2007. Complete Story
 
Harpoon's Catamount Maple Wheat(February 11) - This full, smooth wheat ale is warming and delicious. It's mildly hopped to let the distinct flavor and aroma of real VT maple syrup take the lead. The maple sweetness and body that blankets this velvety amber beer showcases one of New Englands most beloved traditions.  Complete Story
   
Mayflower IPA Now Available in Bottles(February 10) - We are pleased to announce that Mayflower IPA is now available in bottles. Although quantities are limited, we have packaged enough to satisfy our existing customers and plan to brew enough to provide a steady and growing supply throughout the year. Complete Story
 
Beer lovers go to great lengths for Sexual Chocolate(February 9) - Since 2006, Foothills has been releasing this signature brew near Valentine's Day. Created in 1996 as a homebrew by Bartholomaus, its reputation is erupting not only into local legend (with local beer geeks lining up around the block each year to grab their alloted four-bottle ration), but also garnering positive reviews. Complete Story
 
Heineken Experience: Amsterdam's bubbly themed attraction(February 8) - The sweet smell of barley mash fills the brewing hall. Water and foam spritz down on visitors' heads as they watch a film about fermentation, as seen from the perspective of beer. Next up: the tasting. Complete Story

Chocolate, beer make a lovely pair (February 7) - If the monks who brew beer call it "liquid bread," then for Valentine's Day, think of it as "liquid cake." Craft beer and chocolate make a surprisingly harmonious match, whether paired in a recipe or presented side by side at the table. Complete Story
 
Oroville's first brewery gets started(February 6) - The first batch of mash went into the cooker at Western Pacific Brewing & Dining at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, and it will be ready to serve as beer in about 14 days. When David and Debrah Deakins bought out the other owners of the Depot Restaurant, they decided to put in a micro-brewery and make beer. Complete Story

Pearl Street Brewery Celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary(February 6) - Even in this tough economy one local business is celebrating a big anniversary. The Pearl Street Brewery, in downtown La Crosse, marks 10 years of business this year and tonight's Winter Ball will be a chance to celebrate. Complete Story
 
PHILLY CRAFT BEER FEST - March 7(February 6) - Come experience the flavors of award-winning breweries from across the country – from highly-acclaimed local beers by Nodding Head and Lancaster to great brews from special guests like Unibroue, Duck Rabbit Craft Brewery, Blue Point Brewing Company, Stone, Gritty McDuff's, Hoppin' Frog, Southampton, and He’Brew. There will be cooking with beer demos for the first time, entertaining talks led by industry leaders, plus food available for purchase.  Complete Story
 
This Just In: Cascade Apricot Ale is Amazing(February 6) - Draft Magazine named Cascade Brewing's Apricot Ale as one of the top 25 beers of 2008 in its January/February issue, putting it in an elite category with other craft beers from around the world.   Complete Story

Leinenkugel to roll out Classic Amber(February 5) -Jake and John Leinenkugel will both be in Milwaukee Thursday, Feb. 5, to celebrate the roll-out of Leinenkugel's Classic Amber. The beer will make its national debut in March, but Wisconsin customers will receive an early release on draft from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Leinenkugel's 10th Street Brewery in Milwaukee. Complete Story
 
Four Atlanta beer bars make list of best in the nation(February 5) - The editors of Draft, a magazine for beer enthusiasts, have come out with a huge honking list of the best beer bars in America, and they had plenty of love to bestow upon four Atlanta-area taverns. The picks were made by local beer expert Bob Townsend. Complete Story 

Tennessee beer tax nation's highest(February 5) - The Knoxville News Sentinel reports Wednesday that 2008 data analyzed by the Beer Institute and served up by the Tennessee Malt Beverage Association shows that state and local taxes on beer in Tennessee are now $33.25 per 31-gallon barrel, up from $32.28 in 2007. Complete Story

A-B extends shelf life, drops "born on" date for small beer brands(February 4) - For years, Anheuser-Busch has been unbending when it comes to its beer's shelf life. If the brews went 110 days without selling, crews would sweep into bars and restaurants and hand the retailer a check for the value of the beer. They would grab the beer, break the bottles and pour the liquid out. No exceptions.  Complete Story
 
Karl Strauss Brewing Celebrates 20th Anniversary(February 3) - On Feb. 2, 1989, the duo, with the assistance of Cramer's cousin - a 45-year veteran master brewer named Karl - opened the doors of Karl Strauss Brewing Co.'s first brewpub downtown. This year, the company is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Complete Story

2009 Pauli Girl - Katarina Van Derham(February 3) After an historic election, St. Pauli Girl beer, the No. 2 German beer in the U.S., has officially named model Katarina Van Derham as the new St. Pauli Girl spokesmodel for the 2009 calendar year. Complete Story, Photo, and Video
 
E-Fuel, Sierra Nevada to turn beer yeast into fuel(February 3) Los Gatos-based E-Fuel, the inventor of the world’s first home ethanol system -- the Efuel100 MicroFueler -- and Sierra Nevada have agreed to house MicroFuelers at the brewery in Chico, enabling Sierra Nevada to manufacture its own ethanol using waste from its brewing process. Complete Story

New Belgium Brewery Learns Lesson About Green Marketing(February 3) Los Gatos-based E-Fuel, the inventor of the world’s first home ethanol system -- the Efuel100 MicroFueler -- and Sierra Nevada have agreed to house MicroFuelers at the brewery in Chico, enabling Sierra Nevada to manufacture its own ethanol using waste from its brewing process. Complete Story
 
Super Bowl Beer Ad - A horse is not just a horse, of course(February 2) Sometimes a horse is more than a horse. When it is a Clydesdale, it is a marketing icon. That is what Anheuser-Busch In Bev marketing moguls Keith Levy and Bob Lachky told me when I asked about their Budweiser commercials that aired in Sunday's Super Bowl. Complete Story 
 
Maui Brewing Grows Again(February 1)  - Maui Brewing is proud to announce another phase of expansion.  Commencement of the work on this phase comes less than two years from the opening of MBC's second location, the production brewery.  Adjacent to that facility on Honoapiilani Highway in Lahainatown, a tasting room and retail logo and beer shop is currently under construction.  To make room for more tanks to keep the beer flowing, the canning operation will be relocated to the adjoining space.
 

2008 Monthly Beer Festivals
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