The Brew Lounge: Industry News

Showing posts with label Industry News. Show all posts

Friday, August 10, 2018

Mid-2018 report: The craft segment is either growing or maintaining or Who Moved My Beer?

The beer glass is either half full and getting fuller or at least not getting more empty. Hm, let's think about that for a second. Basically there's a lot of breweries out there. Plenty more in the making. Plenty more beer being made and lots of people still interested in getting to know beer. But maybe not as many there used to be. Thing about statistical forecasting is that it takes quite a few data points to make conclusive statements about both current state and future trends.

Here's the Brewers Association's press release regarding its mid-year report on the state of the industry.

Brewers Association Reports Mid-Year Growth Pace Remains Stable for Small and Independent Brewers
Boulder, Colo. • July 31, 2018 — Growth for small and independent craft brewers remained stable for the first half of 2018, according to new mid-year metrics released by the Brewers Association (BA) — the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers. Production volume for the craft segment increased five percent during the first half of 2018.

“While more mature, the market continues to show demand for small and independent craft brewers,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “There are certainly industry headwinds, but this stabilized growth rate is reflective of the market realities that exist for brewers today.”

As of June 30, there were 6,655 active breweries, up from 5,562 during a comparable timeframe last year. An estimated 2,500 to 3,000 breweries are in planning, based on active Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) licenses.

“The data demonstrate that 2018 is on pace to have the highest number of brewery openings and closings to date. However, even as breweries close, openings continue to far outpace the number that shutter,” added Watson. “New players looking to enter the space should be aware of the constructs of the current landscape, work to differentiate themselves and will need to make quality beer to succeed.”

Craft brewer definition: An American craft brewer is small, independent and traditional. Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less (approximately three percent of U.S. annual sales). Beer production is attributed to the rules of alternating proprietorships. Independent: Less than 25 percent of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member that is not itself a craft brewer. Traditional: A brewer that has a majority of its total beverage alcohol volume in beers whose flavor derives from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients and their fermentation. Flavored malt beverages (FMBs) are not considered beers.

About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 4,800-plus U.S. breweries. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events including the World Beer Cup^®, Great American Beer Festival^®, Craft Brewers Conference^® & BrewExpo America^®, SAVOR^TM: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience, Homebrew ConTM, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week^®. The BA publishes The New Brewer^® magazine, and Brewers Publications^TM is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com^® and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association^® and the free Brew Guru® mobile app. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2018. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com

Thursday, June 14, 2018

A growing CANarchy is afoot. Deep Ellum joins the team.

I'll admit that when I saw the multi-day, outdoor CANarchy event in Nashville during the Craft Brewers Conference last month, I thought it was just a marketing play on words to promote an event. Then, after a little extra effort and scrutinizing the participating breweries (Oskar Blues, Cigar City, Perrin, Wasatch, and Squatters), I came to learn that it was the umbrella name for their new company collective.

Now they have one more on Team CANarchy — Deep Ellum. I've drank the beers while elsewhere in Texas, but haven't been to the rollicking Deep Ellum neighborhood in Dallas for nearly 15 years in the time that it was just growing up.

Take it away, press release.

Deep Ellum Brewing Company Joins CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 12, 2018 - Deep Ellum Brewing Company is the latest craft brewery to join the CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective. For Deep Ellum, a craft brewery with rough edges and deep roots in the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas, Texas, the move to join the disruptive collective of independent brewers will immediately provide resources for increased production and distribution.

Founded in 2011 by John Reardon, Deep Ellum Brewing Company quickly grew to become the third largest independent craft brewery in Texas, led by its flagship brews, Dallas Blonde and Deep Ellum IPA. In 2017, Deep Ellum grew 37% to produce more than 45,000 bbls in Texas only, with the vast majority being consumed within 20 miles of the brewery.

“It’s been a hell of a ride for all of us at Deep Ellum and I believe this is just the beginning,” said John Reardon. ”We’ve been looking for the right partner to grow the Deep Ellum brand and I believe we’ve found that with CANarchy. They’re a group of like-minded people that have not conformed to the status-quo and have hit critical mass on the path of coming together and remaining independent. We’re all in.”

CANarchy provides a platform from which rapidly growing craft breweries seeking high level resources can expand and compete in the increasingly competitive craft beer segment, while maintaining independence. The platform is driven by individual brewery culture, giving brewers control of their businesses and brands, while providing resources and support to scale their respective operations.

“Deep Ellum Brewing has created a strong community and now they’re facing next-level challenges that we’ve seen before. Within CANarchy, we can solve those problems in our own way,” said Joey Redner, founder of Cigar City Brewing, who joined CANarchy in June of 2016. After immediately addressing capacity issues, CANarchy was able to assist Cigar City Brewing to expand distribution and increase shipments 43% from 65,000 bbls to 92,000 bbls in 2017.

“CANarchy’s culture thrives on collaboration among craft breweries blazing their own path and doing things their own way. John and the Deep Ellum crew light the fire of craft beer in DFW and will bring that same fire to our collective,” Dale Katechis, Soul Founder of Oskar Blues, said about the new partnership.

“During my time at the University of Colorado I specifically remember my first can of Dale’s Pale Ale, and that experience is part of the reason I’m in this business. Joining a collective of such irreverent and disruptive founders and leaders is exactly what Deep Ellum has been looking for,” said John Reardon.

Deep Ellum is currently undergoing a large expansion, including a 60-barrel brewhouse at the company’s primary facility that is expected to come online within the next few months. The brewery is operating at maximum capacity and is projecting 55,000 bbls of production in 2018. Deep Ellum is also constructing a taproom in Fort Worth, Texas, that will incorporate a 5 bbl Brewhouse and retail space that is scheduled to open in late fall of 2018.

CANarchy was recently ranked #9 on the Brewers Association’s list of the 2017 Top 50 U.S. Craft Brewers as ranked by sales volume. The portfolio includes Oskar Blues Brewery, Perrin Brewing Company, Cigar City Brewing, Squatters Craft Beer and Wasatch Brewery. The collective is the #1 provider of American craft beer in a can and has driven Cigar City Brewing’s Jai Alai IPA and Oskar Blues’ Dale’s Pale Ale to the #1 and #2 sold craft can six packs in U.S. Grocery.

Terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

About Deep Ellum Brewing Company
In 2011, Deep Ellum Brewing Company set up shop in the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas, Texas - the first craft brewery to open in Dallas in over a decade. Since then, Deep Ellum has become as well known for its innovative brewing and exceptional quality as it has for its healthy disdain for the status quo. Like the notorious neighborhood it calls home, the brewery is bold, fearless, and unapologetic. The idea of “blending in” was never part of the plan - at the bar or on the shelf. With a commitment to staying true to their reckless streak, their rough edges and their roots, Deep Ellum has quickly grown to become the 3rd largest independent craft brewery in Texas and the 65th largest brewery overall. Led by its flagships, Deep Ellum IPA and Dallas Blonde, the brewery has amassed an extremely devoted fan base across Texas and beyond. @deepellumbrewing #LoveRunsDeep

About CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective
Founded in 2015, CANarchy is a disruptive collective of like-minded brewers dedicated to bringing quality and innovative flavors to beer drinkers in the name of independent craft beer. The portfolio of craft breweries, partially funded by Fireman Capital Partners, including Oskar Blues Brewery, Deep Ellum Brewing, Perrin Brewing Company, Cigar City Brewing, Squatters Craft Beer and Wasatch Brewery and newly added Deep Ellum Brewing Company, is challenging corporate convention to preserve independent craft beer culture. CANarchy is the #1 provider of American craft beer in a can by bringing value to distributors, retailers and beer drinkers. CANarchy was recently ranked #9 on list of the 2017 Top 50 U.S. Craft Brewers as ranked by sales volume. Cigar City Brewing Jai Alai IPA and Oskar Blues’ Dale’s Pale Ale are currently the #1 and #2 sold craft can six packs in U.S. Grocery. The CANarchy platform brewed over 350,000 bbls in 2017, reaching all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., parts of Canada, Puerto Rico, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Brazil, and South Korea.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Landmark Americana making a new mark in New Jersey

Good crew behind Landmark Americana and its lively bar/restaurant atmosphere. Been to the West Chester and the University City locations. Done pretty well mixing in the craft beer as well, though if my recollection holds up, the city location excels beyond the West Chester spot. The same management team was behind the opening of Urban Village Brewing Company last year in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia. They already are in NJ (southern) and have now announced that later this year, they'll be pushing up into northern NJ, specifically just outside Trenton. Announcement follows:

On May 8th Landmark Americana Tap & Grill hosted a sneak peek celebration to unveil plans for its newest location at Campus Town at The College of New Jersey. Founder Dave Goldman and local elected officials, as well as members of TCNJ administration, were on hand. The fifth Landmark Americana will feature a combination of entertainment with a sports bar atmosphere, boasting an impressive lineup of 40 taps featuring local craft brews, HDTV screens, and delicious pub fare. Landmark Americana will be bringing approximately 70 full and part-time jobs to the location. The 9,200 square feet location will open in Campus Town, which was developed by the PRC Group, and plans to open early Fall 2018.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Wrap-up: Craft Brewers Conference 2018

(Click above for a full gallery of mostly, but not totally, beer-related pictures in Nashville at both the Craft Brewers Conference and World Beer Cup)
Am I late getting to you on the topic of the Craft Brewers Conference and the biennial World Beer Cup that accompanies it? Depends. If you follow me on the socials, then you'd likely seen me two weeks ago chattering about bars and breweries around Nashville - the host town in 2018 - and newsy bits from the conference itself, as well as "live-Tweeting" the area breweries of interest as they won awards during the ceremony on Thursday evening.

Last week, I shared the local highlights from the World Beer Cup awards. And above you'll find a picture link to a photo gallery of around 200 pictures, mostly beer-related, capturing the week in Nashville. Sounds like a lot, but at least I whittled it down from nearly 800. That's the kind of work I put in for you 😊

The Brewers Association briefly wrapped up its take on the week. Here are some of my own takeaways from what I heard, saw, and tasted during five days in Nashville.

- Diversity. This message came through loud and clear whether it was in a keynote address, in a breakout session, or in the off-site gathering of beer writers for a three-panel symposium presented to the North American Guild of Beer Writers. Cliff Notes version? Even if we don't have the solution for the still mostly white straight male dominated industry, if we're not attempting to take steps in the proper direction, then we're still part of the problem. For myself, wheels are already turning how I can be a part of the improvement.

- NashVegas. What the heck is that? Well, it didn't take long for it to be explained to me that Nashville is a much bigger party city that I'd realized. And, as a result, bachelorette parties what seems like every night. And, "pedal taverns". Shut down Broadway to show the Predators playoff hockey game, mix in beautiful weather, 15-20 square blocks of music and "regular" debauchery (though, I quickly learned, too, that Printer's Alley is not what it used to be), and it goes to another level. Might considering tossing Orleans in the name as well to capture the party essence. Oh, and rooftop parties atop every other bar.

- Stronger Together, and Independent Craft Beer logo. This mantra and this logo were repeatedly announced loudly as antidotes to both macro tampering as well as slowing growth in the craft segment. While I've long held that the craft segment has grown as much as it has and as quickly as it has over the past 10-20 years because of the support that brewers provide each other, as well as the role of suppliers, wholesalers, media (traditional as well as social)...anyone associated with the process of getting beer from tank to glass... I've been a somewhat slowly enthusiastic adopter of the Independent Craft Beer logo that the Brewers Association created and distributed in 2017. They announced that it's been used by over 3,300 breweries (on websites, marketing, and/or packaging) and had signed up another few hundred during the conference. I *do* believe in the message, yet a label does not ultimately convey quality; not really sure there is anything that actually can do that in a decisive and conclusive manner. But, for my part, I will continue to highlight only (or, at least, mostly) the positive with the idea that there are enough forums for scuttlebutt and that the weak can fall to the wayside with their help or on their own. Also, thinking of someway to emphasize the role of Independent Beer Media as well.

- Shout-out to the local Nashville beer scene. I discovered plenty of Nashville's beer scene, but gotta say it was mostly due to my own sleuthing skills. For past CBCs, I've been contacted as part of media outreach to familiarize people such as myself with the local brewing scene by way of tours, invitations, samplings, and the like. This year, not so much. (Could be my ranking has been downgraded?!) Though, hats off to TailGate Brewery for the personalized welcome bag of beer and related accessories. What did that inspire me to do? After unpacking at the condo, TailGate was my first stop for my first beer in Nashville, coinciding with the Predators playoff Watch Party. In addition to enjoying the four canned beers - Naked Statue Blonde, Peanut Butter Milk Stout, Southeast IPA, and Welcome to Nashville Hazy IPA - later back home, while on-site at the Music Row pub location, not only did I find the Barn Out Back Altbier remarkable and the Jasmine Saison, Sake Kolsch, and Farmhouse Rye very good, I had an accidental crossing of paths with the owners/brewers from Something Wicked in Hanover, Pa. First time meeting them even though they're in my Ale Street News coverage area. Some honky-tonkin' ensued from there through late into the night. So, I won on several fronts. But otherwise I was on my own. Brewery-wise, I found my way to Bearded Iris (great, if you're into IPAs, DIPAs, DDH-IPAs, NEIPAs, seriously that's pretty much it), Tennessee Brew Works (a few great classic styles including an Extra Easy ESB "English pub style" and an American Brown called King Chestnut), Jackalope (check out their Thunder Ann Pale and Bearwalker Brown), and Yazoo (great Pilsner that paired nicely with the Beer Writers Guild meeting and in lieu of spending more time there, brought some special bottles home with me). And on the bar front, Craft Brewed, City Tap, Acme Feed & Seed, Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint, and Kuchnia & Keller stood head and shoulders above and demonstrated that it's a year-round thing for them and not just a CBC week condition. (The Germantown neighborhood, on the whole, is an excellent destination for eating, drinking, and walking.) You want these on your short list when exploring the Nashville beer scene. Oh yeah, and of course a few honky tonk bars were on the docket each night!

That's about it for the big headlines. Much more and I'd be getting into insider baseball territory.

The 2019 Craft Brewers Conference was announced to take place in Denver. Will I be there? Will I see you there?

Wednesday, May 09, 2018

Wrap-up: World Beer Cup 2018 in Nashville, TN

(Click above for a full gallery of pictures documenting my week in Nashville for Craft Brewers Conference and World Beer Cup.)
Am I late getting to you on the topic of the Craft Brewers Conference and the biennial World Beer Cup (WBC) that accompanies it? Depends. If you follow me on the socials, then you'd likely seen me last week chattering about bars and breweries around Nashville - the host town in 2018 - and newsy bits from the conference itself, as well as "live-Tweeting" the area breweries of interest as they won awards during the ceremony on Thursday evening.

You can read the official press release farther down below. The numbers are truly amazing. First up, let's see how our neck of the woods (as defined by PA, DE, and NJ) fared in beer judging competition against beers from around the world. Grand total for the three state region: 3 gold, 9 silver, 2 bronze)

Pennsylvania
2SP (The Russian, silver)—If, by now, you can't see this one coming, you don't know Bob Barrar. Also, gold at Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in both 2016 and 2017.

Conshohocken (Puddler’s Row, silver)—I'll say likewise about this beer as well. Have had numerous sixtels of this on tap at The Brew Lounge and I keep you telling you all about it over and over again. Whether you're listening, well.... Won at WBC in 2016 in Philly as well.

Free Will (Olly, silver)—Again, not much surprise here as one of Free Will's foudre finest. Get it at the next Sour Sunday. Or at the Souderton Theater (you'll need to see the latest news for that reference).

Iron Hill-Media (Solzhenitsyn, bronze)—This, too, is becoming a regular thing in competition. This won at GABF last year and another World Beer Cup award in 2016.

Mad Chef (Mr. Dynamite, silver)—Now here's a little secret for you. I've gone as far as to say that this is one of the best brewpubs in the region that many of you haven't been to and more say they haven't heard of. These guys, Greg and Francisco, are stand up guys and are putting out equally well-done food and beer at their little place outside Lancaster. Really, you need to listen to me more often.

Penn (Penn Gold, gold)—This is the kind of recognition that warms me. Been around for over 20 years (30?) and still winning awards. Brooklyn Lager also took home a gold medal this year proving that it ain't all about the new, flashy, and afternoon 4-pack sales. Its first gold was at GABF twenty years ago in 1998.

Rivertowne (Maxwell’s Scottish, bronze)—Another one that has graced the winner's stage; this one, a recurring seasonal, won in 2014 at World Beer Cup. Enjoy their beers at the ballpark or arena in Pittsburgh.

Roundabout (Heini’s Good Cheer, silver)—If you're in the Pittsburgh area, I wonder if you know about Roundabout. It's in the hot Lawrenceville neighborhood and along with Hop Farm, Full Pint, and Arsenal Cider makes for an excellent stroll along Butler Street. This beer won silver at WBC in 2016 and silver at GABF in 2017. See a pattern here?

Sterling Pig (Shoat, silver)—Brian McConnell and I talked about beer styles, awards, and other such topics the night prior over some Buffalo Trace late in the evening. Then I wished him well and hopes that he'd be walking across the stage. If I can do the same for anyone else, let me know.

Two Rivers (Bangor Slate, gold)—Here's a personal sin. I've enjoyed many of their beers. Heard their name called for awards in the past. I still haven't been to their downtown Easton location. That must be addressed. Soon.

Weyerbacher (Riserva, gold)—Speaking of Easton, was just at Weyerbacher a couple months ago to refresh my memory and to bring home a couple Buffalo Trace barrels (hey, where have I heard that name before). The Riserva? Long a favorite of mine and one I gushed over when judging it during the Philadelphia Inquirer's Brewvitational a few years back. Another just award. And, gold, no less. Riserva took home a GABF last year too.

Delaware
Bellefonte (Grateful Haze Porter, silver)—Now I'm getting into undiscovered territory. Heard of them, but have not yet had the pleasure of an on-site visit. So, I've got no color commentary for you.

Revelation Craft (Peach Berliner Weisse, silver)—Ditto. But, they won for their gluten-free beer last year at GABF, so maybe there's a new guard in Delaware. Someone tell Dogfish Head and others!

New Jersey
Iron Hill-Maple Shade (The Cannibal, silver)—But, no ditto here. Another solid repeat winner from the Iron Hill family and one that I look forward to every year. At Belgium Comes to West Chester event too. Eddie! This has won twice at GABF in the past and this makes the second WBC award for The Cannibal.

2018 World Beer Cup® Winners Announced

8,234 entries from 66 countries compete at the “Olympics of Beer”

Nashville, Tenn. • May 3, 2018—The Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers—announced the results of the 2018 World Beer Cup Awards. The largest competition to date, the awards were presented at the conclusion of the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America® at Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Beers were judged during six sessions over a period of three days by an elite panel of 295 judges from 33 countries—72 percent of whom were from outside the United States. Judges evaluated 8,234 beers—a 25 percent increase in the number of entries from the 2016 World Beer Cup. Of the 2,515 participating breweries, 807 were from outside the United States.

Out of a possible 303 awards in 101 beer style categories, 302 were awarded. One gold award was not given in Category 36, International-Style Pilsener.

“Beer brings people together,” said Charlie Papazian, founder and past president, Brewers Association. “The World Beer Cup showcases the breadth of the global brewing community and winning an award symbolizes one of the greatest brewing achievements. Congratulations to all the winners on this remarkable accomplishment.”

Competition Highlights

Average number of beers entered per category: 82 (a 13 percent increase from 2016)

Most-entered categories in 2018:

377 entries in Category 93, American-Style India Pale Ale
196 entries in Category 94, Imperial India Pale Ale
196 entries in Category 28, Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer
190 entries in Category 29, Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Stout

Number of countries represented: 66 (a 20 percent increase from 2016)

Countries with the most awards:

United States: 242
Canada: 14
Germany: 9

Country with the highest winning rate: Belgium (10 percent)

Panama won its first-ever World Beer Cup award. All other award-winning countries were previous winners.

The Brewers Association introduced the World Beer Cup competition in 1996 to celebrate the art and science of brewing by recognizing outstanding achievement. The 2018 World Beer Cup is made possible by the generous support of sponsors including presenting sponsor Krones, and partner sponsors Barth-Haas Group, First Key Consulting Inc., MicroStar Logistics, SAHM GmbH + Co. KG, and Siemens.

Tuesday, May 08, 2018

Iron Hill gets lucky in South Carolina with its 13th Grand Opening

Been away for a little while working on deadlines as well as spending a week in Nashville for the Craft Brewers Conference and World Beer Cup. I'll cover the latter later this week.

First up, I knew it was coming and all of a sudden it was here. Iron Hill now has a shop down south; pretty far down south as a matter of fact. South Carolina. I continue to impressed and proud of the company culture, the measured growth plan, and of course the final product of people, atmosphere, food, and beer.

In case you were not aware, the other twelve locations are in Delaware (Newark [1996] and Wilmington [2003]), New Jersey (Maple Shade [2009] and Voorhees [2013]), and Pennsylvania (Media [2000], West Chester [1999], North Wales [2004], Phoenixville [2006], Lancaster [2007], Chestnut Hill/Philly [2012], Ardmore [2014], and Huntingdon Valley [2016]).

The next three locations on the docket are Center City Philadelphia, Rehoboth Beach, Del., and Hershey, Pa. These additions will take them close to 2,000 employees strong. Not too shabby, eh?

Here's the official press release.

Lucky Number 13: Iron Hill Opens In Greenville

Award-Winning Brewery and Restaurant Brings Craft Kitchen, Scratch Beer to Palmetto State

Wilmington, DE (May 1, 2018) – Delaware-based Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant further expands their brewery and restaurant portfolio with the opening of their 13th location in Greenville, SC. Located at 741 Haywood Road, the launch is a major part of the company’s aggressive ‘20 by ‘20’ initiative. It marks the first location in a new market for the group, and promises to bring the delicious, made from scratch menu items and creatively crafted beer for which the popular restaurant group is widely known, to the south.

Operating Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., the newest Iron Hill location at the bustling Haywood Mall area is bringing an additional 100 full and part time jobs to the Greenville region. Designed by Boulder-based Bray Architecture, the brewery and restaurant spans 7,500 sq. ft. and has a seating capacity of 250, which includes an on-site brewery, cocktail area, and an outdoor patio. The brewery, which is fully operational on-site, will produce between 800 to 900 barrels of their award-wining craft beer annually.

The on-site brewery will enable Iron Hill Greenville to deliver the same craft beer freshness with the new Upstate Kolsch, an homage to the brand’s 13th location, and favorites such as the award-winning signature Vienna Red™ Lager, Iron Hill Light Lager and White Iron® Wit, as well as deliciously wholesome fare including the Brewski Burger ($13.50), Gold Medal Baby Back Ribs ($17.00/$25.00), Char-Grilled Ribeye Steak ($29.00), Baked Chesapeake-Style Crab Cakes ($27.00) and Pan Roasted Organic Chicken ($21.00). Along with signature menu items and craft beer, there will be a daily feature sheet, showcasing chef created dishes using the freshest seasonal ingredients.

In addition to their brand-wide donation to CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, and as part of Iron Hill’s philanthropy and commitment to the communities they serve, the brewery and restaurant will be collaborating with Greenville’s Project Host to donate $0.75 from each Triple Chocolate Hill dessert sold in order to support their efforts to nourish the hungry and train the unemployed.

“Our team is very excited to join this vibrant and growing community,” says co-founder Kevin Finn. “The expanding local craft beer scene in Greenville is something we’re proud to be a part of. We’re thrilled to be able to offer a new place to enjoy delicious beer and food with good friends and look forward to bringing some Southern hospitality into Iron Hill’s trademark service.”

About Iron Hill

Named after the historic Revolutionary War landmark in Delaware, where General George Washington battled the British, Iron Hill is among the most enduringly successful craft brewers in the United States. Their 21-year consecutive winning streak of winning medals at national and international competitions is the longest by any craft brewery.

Founded by home brewers Kevin Finn, Mark Edelson and restaurateur Kevin Davies in Newark, DE in 1996, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant has blossomed from one restaurant and brewery to 13 locations up and down the East Coast, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and South Carolina. Each brewery/restaurant has their own craft kitchen and scratch brewery, allowing individual chefs and brewers the creativity to pair the freshest ingredients with the highest quality grains and hops. For 21 years, Iron Hill has incorporated beer in everything they do. As a result, Finn, Edelson and Davies are viewed as innovative business leaders in their home state of Delaware and in the Mid-Atlantic region. They started Iron Hill at a time when small breweries were just beginning to gain mass appeal around the country and their entrepreneurial, forward-thinking helped build them into what they are to date. Each individual location has their own head brewer. Each location dedicates itself to the freshest ingredients and friendly atmosphere for all age groups – helping change overall perceptions about brewpubs one meal, one pint, one community at a time.

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Remember when Green Flash ruled the West Coast IPA?

Here's another press release for you to digest. This one carries more detail with it over at Brewbound, which I encourage you to follow and read.

There are numerous ways a brewery can go out. Whether this is the revival of Green Flash or just an intermission remains to be seen, but there's enough doubt it will ever be the same. Here on the east coast, we may not see it again for the foreseeable future, as the new owners begin to reel distribution back much closer to home in southern California.

And the Virginia Beach location that just opened a little over a year ago? The one that I'd swear would be a perfect stopping point along the way to/from my annual Outer Banks (NC) vacation? But yet the timing never worked out to show up during open hours? That's closed up. Such a shame. Here's the press release below and the rest of the color at Brewbound.

Green Flash Brewing Completes Previously Announced Sale to Investor Group; Announces Addition of Dave Mills as New Vice President of Sales

Award-winning San Diego brewery emerges from the sale with stabilized financial position and streamlined operations

San Diego, CA – April 2, 2018 — San Diego-based Green Flash Brewing Company is excited to announce the completion of the previously-announced sale of its West Coast brewing operations. The new investor group, which includes a number of individuals with extensive experience in both the craft beer and food and beverage industries, is committed to maintaining Green Flash’s status as an iconic independent craft-brewing interest. With this new financial backing and focus, Green Flash will return to its Southern California roots, while consolidating distribution of its beers and those of sister-brand Alpine Beer Company to San Diego County and the greater Southwest.

Green Flash Brewing Company emerges from the sale with a stabilized financial position and streamlined operations. Green Flash has ceased operations at its production brewery in Virginia Beach, Va., its barrel-aging facility in Poway, Ca., and completed its transition from national to regional distribution. The company will focus on brewing exceptional beer, connecting with customers, and building the brands in the core markets of California, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Nebraska.

The Green Flash and Alpine breweries will continue to operate in San Diego and Alpine, respectively. Meanwhile, the Green Flash Brewhouse & Eatery in Lincoln, Neb. will open in April, and will brew specialty beers serving the state of Nebraska. This brewery will serve as the model for future customer connection points in the Southwestern United States.

Green Flash Brewing Company is also announcing some changes to the management team, led by the announcement of Dave Mills as new Vice President of Sales and Business Development. Dave, who previously served as Chief Sales Officer at Ballast Point Brewing Company, will manage all sales and trade marketing activities. Dave said, “I am stoked to join the Green Flash team in my hometown of San Diego. The Green Flash and Alpine brands are iconic in San Diego beer culture. This opportunity is the dream of a lifetime and I can’t wait to begin my new adventure.”

Dave will replace Jim Kenny, who served as VP of Sales for the last eight years. Jim leaves a legacy, as he spearheaded growth for Green Flash from 14,000 to over 90,000 barrels per year at its peak. “Jim’s Hungwah-spirit and GSD work ethic pushed us to great heights,” says Hinkley, who added, “I wish Jim all the best and I know he will find a great position in the beer business."

Mike Hinkley, who started Green Flash 16 years ago, will lead the company. Chris Ross, President, will leave the company. Chris was appointed President in late 2016 and did an outstanding job guiding the company through some difficult times over the past two years. “Chris helped reshape the company, making this transaction possible. We are all very grateful to him for all of his efforts,” said Hinkley.

Other key management roles include Erik Jensen – Vice President of Brewing Operations, Dave Adams – Vice President of Hospitality, Nicole Hanlon – Director of Human Resources, and Katie Wolbrink – Controller.

The investor group was represented by Livingstone Partners, an international middle market M&A firm with seven offices located in the United States, Europe and Asia.

About Green Flash Brewing Co.
Green Flash Brewing Co. is headquartered in San Diego, California. Established in 2002 by co-founders Mike and Lisa Hinkley, it has grown into the 43th largest craft brewing company in the country behind iconic brands such as West Coast IPA, an award-winning beer whose wide acceptance helped define one of the most popular style categories of all time. Brewmaster Erik Jensen leads brewing operations for beers within the Green Flash portfolio as well as those of Alpine, Calif.-based Alpine Beer Co., which the company acquired in 2014. For more information, visit: www.greenflashbrew.com.

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Industry data shows craft segment still growing, now to over 6,300 brewing establishments

Continuing the press release sharing this morning, I have one from a couple weeks back from the Brewers Association that you should find interesting, particularly if you're the number-crunching kind.

Small and Independent Brewers See Sustained Growth in 2017

Brewers Association releases new data figures for craft brewers

Boulder, Colo • March 27, 2018—The Brewers Association (BA)—the trade association representing small and independent¹ American craft brewers—today released 2017 data on U.S. craft brewing² growth. With over 6,300 breweries operating during the year, small and independent craft brewers represent 12.7 percent market share by volume of the overall beer industry.

In 2017, craft brewers produced 25.4 million barrels, and saw a 5 percent rise in volume³ on a comparable base and an 8 percent increase in retail dollar value. Retail dollar value was estimated at 26.0 billion, representing 23.4 percent market share. Microbreweries and brewpubs delivered 76 percent of the craft brewer growth. Craft brewing’s growth occurred in the context of a total beer market which dropped 1 percent by volume in 2017.

“Growth for the craft brewing industry is adapting to the new realities of a mature market landscape,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. “Beer lovers are trending toward supporting their local small and independent community craft breweries. At the same time, as distribution channels experience increased competition and challenges, craft brewer performance was more mixed than in recent years, with those relying on the broadest distribution facing the most pressure.”

Additionally, in 2017 the number of operating breweries in the U.S. grew 16 percent, totaling 6,372 breweries, broken down as follows: 3,812 microbreweries, 2,252 brewpubs, 202 regional craft breweries and 106 large or otherwise non-craft brewers. Small and independent breweries account for 98 percent of the breweries in operation. Throughout the year, there were 997 new brewery openings and only 165 closings— a closing rate of just 2.6 percent. Combined with already existing and established breweries and brewpubs, craft brewers provided more than 135,000 jobs, an increase of greater than 6,000 from the previous year.

“Beer lovers want to support businesses that align with their values and are having a positive impact on their local communities and our larger society,” added Watson. “That’s what small and independent craft brewers are all about. The ability to seek beers from small and independent producers matters.”

To educate beer lovers about which beers are independently produced, the BA launched the certified independent seal in June 2017. More than 3,100 independent brewers have committed to adopting it.

Notes: Numbers are preliminary.

¹An American craft brewer is small, independent and traditional. Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less (approximately 3 percent of U.S. annual sales). Beer production is attributed to the rules of alternating proprietorships. Independent: Less than 25 percent of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member that is not itself a craft brewer. Traditional: A brewer that has a majority of its total beverage alcohol volume in beers whose flavor derives from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients and their fermentation. Flavored malt beverages (FMBs) are not considered beers.

²Absolute figures reflect the dynamic craft brewer data set as specified by the craft brewer definition. Growth numbers are presented on a comparable base. For full methodology, see the Brewers Association website.

³ Volume by craft brewers represent total taxable production.

Friday, October 13, 2017

October 2017: Beer News update, part 1

Interesting assortment of odds 'n' ends here. Enjoy.

~ In any sort of news reporting or writing, I love me some good follow-up. Here's a great five-year-old example finally closed last week. [Link to Ramblings of a Beer Runner]

~ I used to write more like this. I've long enjoyed reading Ron Pattinson's stuff. This is one great example post why. Maybe it'll inspire me to get back to basics. First I have to question who cares and why. [Link to Shut Up About Barclay Perkins]

~ Some lists are okay. I like this one. But only have a couple ticks on it with my name. [Link to MSN]

© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2017. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com

Friday, August 25, 2017

August 2017: Beer News update, part 2

Little bit of this and that to share with you from the last couple of weeks. Some interesting, some thought-provoking. Enjoy.

~ I recently did a malt-focused article. Bay Area friend, Derrick Peterman, recently wrote his view from California. [Link to Edible East Bay]

~ Some front line observations from those that didn't make it. [Link to Draft Magazine]

~ A viewpoint from one that went to the macro side. [Link to MarketWatch]

~ I recently talked with the folks behind Bube's Brewery in Mount Joy for some blurbs in upcoming Ale Street News. Here is much longer piece into the location's fascinating history. [Link to LancasterOnline]

~ Fresh out of yesterday's news. [Link to Charlotte Observer]

Friday, August 11, 2017

August 2017: Beer News update, part 1

Had to hold up the publishing of these notes to share with you with the trio of big news events in our small little world of beer that popped up yesterday. Read on to learn more...

~ But first, let's get started with something that pairs well with beer -- baseball. An unfortunate loss. [Link to CSNPhilly.com]

~ Another big fish gobbles up a smaller one. [Link to Brewbound]

~ Best case scenario for all involved and it keeps an important brewery and its good people in San Francisco going. [Link to San Francisco Chronicle]

~ A sudden and unfortunate ending for a landmark in Philly. [Link to Eater Philadelphia]

~ Great spotlight shining on Jon Medlinsky and his destination Martha, just down the block from Phila. Brewing Company. [Link to Philly.com]

~ Casey Parker is a wild and crazy guy. [Link to Foobooz/Philadelphia Magazine]

~ If you need a reason to ignore/dislike/hate the so-called NEIPA, here's a handy list to pick from. [Link to The Full Pint]

~ Time to link to excellent writing from Pete Brown again. This time, topic: IPAs. [Link to Pete Brown's blog]

~ I guess if you need a laugh, here's a good place to start. [Link to Brew Dog's website]

~ And one last bit of acquisition news to close out this update. This from San Francisco as well. [Link to SFGate.com, plus bonus coverage from The Full Pint and Jay Brooks.]

Monday, July 31, 2017

July 2017: Beer News update, part 2

Catching up on some news around here on the last day of July, basically just so I can uphold my promise to deliver two news round-ups per month.

~ This time, nothing controversial. [Link to Home Brewers Association]

~ Very pleased to see history not be forgot. [Link to Philly Voice]

~ Nice story about gypsies settling down. [Link to New York Times]

~ In this month's acquisition/investment news. [Link to Brewbound]

~ Hold that thought; one more. [Link to Beer Street Journal]

~ Guess this explains why my media credentials never arrived. [Link to CNN]

~ This answers my question about what a Fishtown Brewpub is. [Link to Foobooz/Philly Mag]

~ And, finally, if you like beer and you like the Philadelphia Eagles....[Link to The 700 Level/Comcast Sportsnet]

Friday, July 14, 2017

July 2017: Beer News update, part 1

Time to check in on the beer news wire to see what you might have missed over the last couple of weeks.

~ Transparency is very important in much of life. If this helps, then I'm all for it. I'll reserve judgment, but am initially skeptical about the net proposed benefits. [Link to Brewers Association]

~ Speaking of transparency. It's a complicated world of beer out there these days. [Link to Beer Scribe]

~ Challenges like this are nothing a new business can plan for. [Link to 6abc.com]

~ News from Santa Rosa. [Link to Brewbound]

~ And, one last bit of politics for this beer news update. [Link to Beervana]

Friday, May 05, 2017

May 2017: News update, part 1

Thought this would be a light update until....

~ ....this news came along to crush so many of you. [link to Brewbound]

~ .... and this very measured response from Jester King. [link to The Full Pint]

~ and another response, this one from The Rare Barrel and commentary around values. [link to The Full Pint, again]

~ aaannnnnnnnd, yesterday's news from Lagunitas land. [link to Chicago Tribune]

~ Further, in the intensifying war between macro, micro, and independent. [link yet again to The Full Pint]

~ An interesting viewpoint on the future. [link to Draft Magazine]

~ Well documented highlights from the Craft Brewers Conference in Washington, DC last month. [link to Brewers Association]

~ A story worth reading about Duvel Moortgat. [link one more time to The Full Pint]

~ Are you keeping up with Yards' construction progress? They can help you with that. [link to Yards Brewing Company's website]

~ Very good news for Delaware and, more specifically, Dogfish Head. [link to DelawareOnline]

~ And even more good news. This for the Aloha Spirit on Maui. [link to The Maui News]

~ Finally, in a completely self-serving fashion, here are links to my recent articles at The Town Dish. Please check them out, "like", and share. One about a variety of drinking reasons in Pittsburgh, one about Spoonwood Brewing Company, and one about Root Down Brewing Company's progress in Phoenixville.

Friday, April 21, 2017

April 2017: News update, part 2

A variety of brews news, much of which was picked up in just the last few days. The first one, though, might be a bit dated for a few of you. Grab a beer and enjoy. Cheers!

~ If you ever wondered what happened to Patrick Jones, former brewer at Triumph in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood. [link to Northwest Indiana Times]

~ Just got this e-mail yesterday. I really like the sound of it and will need to look further into it. [link to Artisanal Imports]

~ Philly Beer Scene Awards for 2017 are now open for voting. [link to Philly Beer Scene]

~ Tony Forder from Ale Street News weighs in with astute observations from the annual Craft Brewers Conference. [link to Ale Street News]

~ I can only speak about half of these. I've got some more work to do! [link to Visit Cumberland Valley]

~ Very cool article about Wegmans, Sly Fox, and friend Ned Foley's Two Particular Acres. [link to Wegmans]

~ Something new and shiny in West Philly. [link to Dock Street Brewing Company]

~ Taking in the super-sized NFL Draft spectacle on the Ben Franklin Parkway? Here are some drinking options. [link to Philly.com]

~ Insights to the state of the industry from longtime analyst Peter Cherpack. [link to The Full Pint]

~ And before all this CBC went down in DC, Jim Koch from Boston Beer let this out into the wild for our consideration. [link to New York Times]

~ If I was going to Pittsburgh's Craft Beer Week, I'd definitely be studying up on this from Bob Batz. [link to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Friday, February 17, 2017

February 2017: News update, part 2

Plenty more this week to fill up your beer news mail bag. I don't cover it all, so I link to it for your convenience.

~ Looks like cat is finally out of the bag. [link to BillyPenn.com]

~ Nice news for the future of Bell's Brewery. [link to The Full Pint]

~ Iron Hill is about to climb yet another. [link to The Brew Lounge]

~ Interesting story out of Reading, Pa. [link to WFMZ]

~ Excellent news for beer lovers in Pittsburgh. [link to Post-Gazette]

~ Absolutely NFW. Please stop ruining beer. [link to New York Times]

~ Guppy's is cool. This might be a decent replacement for Growlers. [link to Philly.com]

~ Great background on a sappy Super Bowl ad. [link to Yours For Good Fermentables]

~ Great to hear the news developing out in Boyertown. Wish I lived closer. [link to Other Farm's FB page]

~ Charitable beer drinking. [link to Draft Magazine]

~ You know I'm a numbers guy; these are interesting numbers. [link to Appellation Beer]

~ Perhaps even more so, I a coffee and beer guy. [link to Joe Sixpack]

~ For some reason, I was wondering if I was missing out on not following Beer Advocate forums. Then I went down this rabbit hole and reconfirmed why I never have. [one and only time link to BeerAdvocate.com]

~ Chalk this interesting talk about Neshaminy Creek up to something worth following. [link to Philly.com]

Friday, November 18, 2016

November 2016: News update, part 2

Gathered up a few interesting things from the last couple weeks to share with you. Have I missed anything?

~ Oh, how convenient this would've been to have Wissahickon Brewing Company so close to my college when I was there. [Link to Phila. Business Journal]

~ So Pittsburgh thinks it can best Philly in hockey and beer? [Link to Phila. Business Journal]

~ The beer guys that brought you U-bahn and Bru now have some sour beer and pizza to sell to you [Link to Philly.com]

~ This should keep our local friend and Two Roads sales guy, Lee Porter, hopping. [Link to Beer Pulse]

~ Apparently, I'm not as plugged in as I thought I was. Last I checked (okay, that's on me), this project was dead. Alas... [Link to Prism Brewing Company's facebook page]

~ Six-packs, growlers, and singles at beer distributors. Wine in grocery stores. Welcome to your new Pennsylvania. [Link to Philadelphia Magazine]

~ And, finally, this happened last night. Bob Barrar from 2SP Brewing Company found his name on the drawn raffle ticket last night at City Tap House, where Philly Beer Week was conducting its annual fundraiser and Belgian trip giveaway. [Link to 2SP's facebook page]

© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com.

Friday, November 04, 2016

November 2016: News update, part 1

(Photo credit: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
Back again here with the next round of recent beer news covering the serious to the silly. Let's get to it:

Dare I say that Pennsylvania is creeping up oh-so-dangerously to the 21st century?! [Link to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

And, change? How's this for change? In their words: "It's true! Carry out bottled wine goes on the shelves starting November 1". [Link to Local 44 Bottle Shop]

Sounds like another great year in Pottstown. [Link to The Town Dish]

I was cited in Michael Klein's column, so the least I can do is send you back to check it out. [Link to Philly.com]

How's that for some innovation from ABIB?! [Link to ABC-7 in Denver]

The campaign to get the Brew: The Museum of Beer off the ground in Pittsburgh is up and running. [Link to BrewMuseum.com]

Well, now how did this end up happening? [Link to Philly Voice] And then this happened. [Link to JockPop]

And on a similar note, local Dock Street takes on the evil empire. [Link to Billy Penn]

There was the Travelocity Beer Tourism Index that Jay Brooks broke down [Link to Brewers Association]

And then the American Homebrewers Association released its recommended seven hot homebrew-related travel destinations [Link to the AHA]

Friday, October 21, 2016

October 2016: News update, part 2

Some big macro news accompanies the local news for the second half of October's round up of brews news. Grab a Beer and Enjoy. In no particular order...

~ Brooklyn Brewery sells 24.5% equity to Kirin from Japan. [Link to Wall Street Journal.] and [Link to The Full Pint]

~ ABIBGI is opening next to The Fillmore in Philly. [Link to Philly.com]

~ Stone's layoffs a harbinger of sobering up or a hangover? [Link to The Full Pint]

~ Very cool news from Sterling Pig in Media, Pa. where I've been enjoying watching their growth [Link to The Town Dish]

~ Oktoberfest at the 23rd Street Armory sounds/looks like a success. [Link to Philadelphia Business Journal]

~ Is Urban Village Brewing Company still coming to Northern Liberties? Might need to do some additional sleuthing. [Link to Philly.com]

~ Beer fests. Underage attendees. The controversy continues. [Link to Draft Magazine]

~ I used to live in Manayunk in the 90s pre-brewpub. Lot of time has passed since then and they're still there. [Link to Yours For Good Fermentables]

~ Grey Lodge's Mike "Scoats" Scotese added a fourth home-away-from-home to his roster. [Link to Philly Mag/Foobooz]

Friday, October 07, 2016

October 2016: News update, part 1

Let's go with this quick and easy format for a twice-monthly news update so that I can look like I'm staying on top of things around here.

~ Harrisburg has a new brewery. Hoping to stop by there later this month. Jeff Musselman, formerly of Tröegs, is involved. [Link to Millworks]

~ Selling out? I prefer to simply call it selling. A well-reasoned approach to the never-ending debate. [Link to Modern Times]

~ Can't say I saw this one coming. Roy Pitz from south-central PA (Chambersburg, to be exact, in Franklin County) opening up an outpost in Philly. [Link to Philly.com]

~ Stone is finally up and running in Berlin. Pretty cool stuff. [Link to Stone on YouTube]