These beer links are all business!

In the News!
BeerSci: What's The Connection Between Hops And Marijuana? (popsci.com)
Science, alcohol, and pot!

Robots and Beer! (Original found here)

The Genius of Starting a Company Without Outside Capital (New York Times)
Contract brewing and crowd sourcing are proving to be legitimate outlets for up and coming breweries.

The GrOpener opens your beer with one hand, keeping the other free for … (Denver Westword)
Can't wait till I get mine.

Tin Man Brewery out to change the thinking about beer--and robots (Evansville Courier & Press)
Everytime I think of robots I think of this.

Who’s Afraid of the Fiscal Cliff? Media Companies, and with Good Reason (Ad Age)
The downside is politicians on both sides of the aisle will probably be in favor to raise taxes on alcohol.

Review: Frothy ‘Bitter Brew’ covers Busch Empire (USA Today)
I think I found one of my reads for the holiday season!

Simpson: Don’t threaten American breweries: drink locally (University Daily Kansan)
The sentiment is great but the logic is flawed. Undergrads have no understanding of context and system thinking.

Beer chief: French tax will hit all European brewers (EurActiv.com)
In more tax news be glad you are not a beer drinker in France.

Beer Wars: Craft Brewers Are Using This Strategy to Compete (Wall St. Cheat Sheet)
Size matters and it is a strategy craft brewers are using to their advantage. Meanwhile...

Big Beer dresses up in craft brewers’ clothing (CNN Money)
...the big boys are doing this. If you read one article out of these then read this one.

Revolutionizing the beer culture in America (Buffalo News)
Jim Koch makes a lot of good points.

Genetically-Modified Beer: Is It Evil? (Broward-Palm Beach New Times)
Depends if it chaotic, lawful, or neutral evil, once we know that we can better prepare.

In Site News!
While the Mother Earth Brewing interview was supposed to be up last week I'm in the process of moving my household so things have been put on hold. Fear not though, it will be up starting tomorrow. Later this week we will have a review of ciders and expect a Thanksgiving post on Thursday.

11 Beer links to tide you through Election Day!

It sure looks pretty but is it worth two Benjamins?
(Original found here)

We are in November now and that means we have almost come full circle. It is time to launch into fall seasonals, a style that was abbreviated last year with only a few getting looked at. First though let's take a look at some of the latest beer news.

In the News!
Beer and Metal: Perrenial’s Heart of Gold wheat wine (Chicago Reader)
Wheat wines are a style I need to get better versed in. Another brewery though to keep on the radar.

Chipotle Is Experimenting With Craft Beer (Business Insider)
Nothing new about beer at Chipotle, but if anybody in Chicago can chime in I’d love to know what they will be offering and how it pairs with a fat burrito.

Beer drinkers brace for further price hikes in kegs and tanks (The Prague Post)
I think I need to start doing research on the economic / beer price correlation.

Local Breweries Awarded at Brussels Beer Challenge (NBC 7 – San Diego)
San Diego is a must travel destination for the discerning craft beer drinker.

The Common Table Will Soon Stop Serving Horrible Beer (Dallas Observer)
A bold move.

Beer aged like bourbon is the rage (San Francisco Chronicle)
Sometimes I think the craft beer world is as style conscious as a bunch of teenage girls.

France to Hike Tax on Beer by 160 Percent (The New American)
Is it too soon to start daydreaming about being a craft beer smuggler of the coast of France.
The silver lining: this is great news for the French homebrewing community!

Sam Adams’ Utopias Beer Cost $190 A Bottle (Huffington Post)
Do I get a bottle of this and call it a Christmas present for myself…this might still be a little too rich for my blood.

N.Y. breweries take a hit during Hurricane Sandy (Associated Press by way of nj.com)
Best of luck to them and hopefully they will be back on their feet soon.

The Art and Sustainability of Craft Beers (Triple Pundit)
One of the strengths of the craft beer industry is promotion of community.

These volunteers will work for beer (Orlando Sentinel)
I have become more picky of the beer I will actually work for.

In Site News

The plate is full, I just have to start serving up the entrees. This week we'll have an Election Day special, our first fall seasonal review of the month, and the first entry of our interview with Mother Earth Brewing out of North Carolina. Stay tuned and thanks for stopping in.

10 Beer links for the latter part of October

We haven't done the beer news lately so let's dive in!

In the News!

(Original found here)

Imagine the Drunken Emails You’ll Send With a Beer Can Keyboard (gizmodo.com)
This could be a case where you could become to drunk to type.

Pink saison and hot beer (Washington Post)
The release for this is at the Church Key Wednesday evening. I'll be there.

Latino Beer Sales Hint At Economic Recovery Among Hispanics (Huffington Post)
Beer consumption and purchase is a fascinating economic indicator. One day we will have to explore it.

Craft Brewers Global – Salone del Gusto (examiner.com)
Now this would be an awesome event to talk my way into.

A little beer is there in the Brahms, says Grand Rapids Symphony’s guest pianist (mlive.com)
Time for a bit of culture. Also I bet Brahms like a pint or two.

Tacoma dispensary busted for marijuana beer (Seattle Times)
I wonder what the flavor profile is on this.

County parks plan would use beer garden money for maintenance projects (Business Journal)
Beer in service of government. This could be a Parks and Rec storyline.

More Filipino women beer drinkers than men, says Radio Veritas study (Inquirer News)
Some interesting statistics in this.

Brown’s beer: Dodgy pints are the Achilles heel of the craft beer revival (London Loves Business)
Quality control of the product is important. Bad pints are bad business!

Brooks on Beer: The 10 most common beer defects (San Jose Mercury News)
But if you do get a bad pint this primer will help guide on why it sucks.

In site news!

Look forward to a final wrap up of GABF and what it all means, more reviews on pumpkin ales, and a look at some ciders. Also part 1 of the Mother Earth Brewing Company interview will be up at the end of the week. This coming Saturday I'll be at the Annapolis Craft Beer and Music Festival, if you see me say hi. Stay tuned and thanks for stopping in!

Beer links by the baker's dozen!

Thirteen beer links strung together for your enjoyment. Let's get to it!

In the News

Civil War beer returns to market (Washington Post)
The Civil War was the first historical event to capture my imagination when I was a kid. I will track down all 9 of these as they become available.

I could have went with bull testicles but I figured
I would keep it classy.  (Original found here)

Revival of historic beer (Mountain-Ear Newspaper)
Historical beers always have a place in my heart. I think it may be time to have a favorite historical beer group post.

Colorado brewery creates beer flavored with bull testicles; Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout is made with 25 lbs of roasted bull gonads. (New York Daily News)
When April Fool's jokes become reality. I will be trying this beer at GABF because you have to try every beer at least once.

Great American Beer Festival 2012: GABF Celebrates 31 Years Of Great American Craft Beer (PHOTOS) (Huffington Post)
I can’t tell you how excited I am...no that's not true, I can and I will at the bottom of this post.

7 Beers to Try at the Great American Beer Festival (The Daily Meal)
I’m looking forward to everyone of these even the last one which may take some hustling.

Maryland Beer Fest coming right up (Baltimore Sun)
Fall beerfests are going on everywhere!

Snallygaster Brings Rare Fall Beers to Yards Park (Washington City Paper)
This would have been my alternative if GABF wasn't on the calendar.

Beer tourism: How far would you travel for a brew?
For sure to here.

Beer Bombs (manufacturing.net)
I always drank the beer in Fallout games because as long as you had RadAway you were ok.

The West Bank fetes Oktoberfest (Deutsche Welle)
This makes me happy. I love the unifying power of beer.

Reduced purchasing power hits beer consumption (Business Day)
More of a global perspective but things like this are scary for macro breweries.

Sustainable agriculture tackles challenges in beer production (The Guardian)
This is worth taking the time to read and understand what is necessary to continue to produce our favorite beverage because it can be environmentally intensive.

Alabama poised for craft beer boom (Al.com)
I first noticed this when I was at the Music City Brewers Fest in July. The southern scene continues to rise.

In Site News

With Oktoberfest month now finally over we launch into pumpkin beers and ciders for the remainder of October. For me those those styles always shout out fall to me both in appearance and flavor. The colder, crisper days play to the apple and pumpkin flavors. Expect our first pumpkin ale review tomorrow night.

The big news though is the Great American Beer Festival which I will be covering as a one man army out in Denver from Friday till close on Saturday. I am beyond excited. Look for my preview on Thursday and stay tuned with updates on Untappd, Twitter, and Facebook. You can link in with all of those by clicking on the widget in the top right corner. As always thanks for stopping in!

Beer links to start off October right!

And now back to your regular scheduled programming.

(Original here)

In the News!

SD tribe’s lawsuit against beer stores dismissed (CBS News)
This will move to state courts and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

The 5 Best Beer Cities in America (GQ)
No Portland, San Diego, or even Asheville? I think the fix is in! Discuss in the comments.

Drink a Beer, Save an Endangered Species (Washington Beer Blog)
I always enjoy supporting good causes while drinking a good brew.

N.Y. beer, wine ‘summit’ could boost several industries (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
Both areas have scene a lot of growth over the years. Promoting them makes sense.

America’s Best Beer Gardens (Food & Wine)
I now have a couple of new places to check out!

Craft beer blossoming as an economic development driver (Kalamazoo Gazette)
Over and over I keep seeing articles of craft beer survivability during the recession. It makes me happy.

Beer and Metal: Bourbon Barrel Aged La Petite Mort by Central Waters and Local Option (Chicago Reader)  Central Waters Brewery continues to expand and keep their creative edge. The label on this beer is pretty cool.

U.S. Beer Consumption Continues Decline (CSP Daily News)
The above is a slightly misleading title, another take is craft beer consumption continues to rise.

Heineken Triumphs in Asia Beer Deal (Wall Street Journal)
It was a long drawn out fight to get Tiger, it may have been more costly than they realize.

Taplister Cracks Open Craft Beer Discovery With New Online Social Online Social Platform (MarketWire) This is a pretty cool.

What Your Beer Says About Your Politics (National Journal)
Graphs and charts! Expect more on this later this week.

Belleville woman arrested after calling 911 to report boyfriend drank her beer (stltoday.com)
Sometimes I weep for my country. Quick PSA announcement: Don't abuse the 911 system!

In Press Releases!

As the site continues to grow we have started to be contacted from various vendors. Every so often I will be posting things if I think they are entertaining or useful. The below blurb is from Mark of the RankPop Marketing Team in support of their client Kegerators

...I have a client with an awesome (and rather funny) Keg Calculator that calulates how much beer you should purchase for a party based on the number of people and how much each of the people are likely to drink. Here's the link. I was hoping that if you liked it, you wouldn't mind sharing it with your readers by mentioning it.

I may need to use this to help plan my 20 year high school reunion in Wisconsin this next summer! 

In Site News!

Oktoberfest marches on to its inevitable conclusion and we are riding it out. Expect a few more Oktoberfest related articles and then get ready to shift into pumpkin brews. As always thanks for stopping by!

Beer Links for Oktoberfest!

Beer and pretzels, two things that
are even better together!
(Original found here.)

Oktoberfest is in full swing and Autumn is here. The next two months are my favorites in the year. Let’s take a look at a few headlines.

In the News!

Photos: Oktoberfest – world’s biggest beer festival going strong (Denver Post)

Has Oktoberfest Become A Tourist Trap (Photos) (Huffington Post)
Over 6 million people on 64 acres at tourist prices? I think the safe answer is yes, it's a tourist trap. I still want to go.

Raise a glass (or beer mug) to the Oktoberfest tradition (NBC News)
Can’t make it to the big one? Here are some American alternatives.

Oktoberfest Alternatives: German Beer Destinations Beyond Munich (Conde Nast Traveler)
Want to get away from the big one? Here are some other Deutsch alternatives!

Daughter won’t get beer, so man calls 911 (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Oh stupid beer crime, I do miss you.

10 Most Expensive NFL Stadium Beers (The Street)
Drink before you go in the stadium...it will save you money.

Drunkenomics 101: Playing a Beer Market (Wired)
Not much in the way of beer, but it could make for an entertaining evening.

When it Comes to Beer, Variety Rules in USA (Voice of America)
This right here is why America is currently the best beer country in the world. Not only are we brewing more styles, we are even bringing them back from the dead.

Crooked Stave Barrel Cellar ordered to stop selling draft beer (Westword.com)
I'll be a bit put out if I can't get a few bottles for some reason when I go to Denver in a few weeks.

New Beer Bar Makes Stolovayas Trendy Again (The Moscow Times)
I just want to know what beer they have!

National Drink Beer Day: Cheers to free (and reduced) beer across America (Video) (examiner.com)
I don't need an excuse to drink beer but if one is available then why not use it!

Budweiser Will Launch 3 Limited Edition ‘Zip Code’ Beers Next Month (Business Insider)
I think this will be the perfect opportunity for a big ol' beer roundtable with the JGF crew.

In Site News!

Oktoberfest month drives on so we will have some more Oktoberfest reviews and commentary coming your way so stay tuned. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Your mid-week beer links to keep the mind Oktoberfest sharp

Oktoberfest. (Original found here)

Since it is Oktoberfest month here at JGF lets start off with a few Oktoberfest related stories.

In the News

Fort Bragg cancels annual Oktoberfest celebration; decline in revenue, attendance cited in festival's demise (Fayetteville Observer)
A part of me isn't really surprised and I'd be curious to know how this was promoted over the last few years. Something tells me that the Ft. Bragg MWR didn't really move with the times.

Germany's real crisis: Oktoberfest beer shortage looms (NBC News)
I guarantee the bottles will come swarming in. Those Germans couldn't handle the embarrassment if their premier festival had a beer shortage.

Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich? Read This, Especially If You're Female. (jaunted.com)
Some good tips in this if you travel across the pond to the big one.

Red Robin Beer Milkshake Debuts Ahead Of Oktoberfest (Huffington Post)
We have Red Robin's near us. I may have to go try this...but I must admit I'm hesitant.

Portland's Passions for Beer, Bicycling United in New Guidebook (Sacramento Bee)
Looks like Sarah is going to have a new project for JGF!

Campaign launched to mass produce White House beer (Mother Nature Network)
An interesting idea but their kickstarter campaign needs a lot of help if this is going to become reality.

The Audacity of Hops (CFO.com)
A very informative article on what it takes to get started in the commercial craft brewing industry.

Is Obama's public love affair with beer improving his numbers among male voters? (The Province)
Your American politics article through a Canadian lens. Remember what Lincoln said.

You're Doing It Wrong: Pumpkin Bread (Slate)
Pumpkin brews aren't getting covered till next month, but here's a recipe to tide you over. Somebody needs to try this out and report on it.

Carlsberg Expects European Beer Market to Be Challenging in 2013 (Bloomberg Business News)
Market saturation is coming for macrobreweries and once arrives the craft beer industry better be prepared.

A new marriage of kebabs and beer in PB (sdnews.com)
This sounds like a winner.

President of Beers (Willamette Week)
Here's a countdown that is sure to piss you off in some aspect, beer snobbery at its finest.

In Site News

The biggest news is that JGF is welcoming a new writer into the fold. Craig Jones, a frequent commenter on the blog has joined the writing team and will be bringing his thoughts and food knowledge to beer reviews. In addition he will be taking a closer look at the exploding Southern beer scene. Welcome aboard Craig.

Remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Untappd, and Google+. Just click on the widget in the upper right corner and it will take you where you want to go. Thanks for stopping by. 

Beer links for a vacation hangover

I’m back from vacation. All and all a good time was had; I lounged on the beach, floated in the ocean, drank some new beer from Florida and tried my hand at not doing much of anything. Now it is time to turn back to the grind.

In the News!
Heineken Is Twice Bitten, Not Yet Shy (Wall Street Journal)
A lot of money is going to be spent to grab a Tiger's tail.

The right beer can make all
the difference.

Brewing up love: Weddings tap craft beer craze (Appleton Post Crescent) Why not? There is plenty of great biere de Champagne out there.

Kiss Cam Guy Chooses Beer Over Girlfriend (Huffington Post)
If it were me, I’d be pissed for being passed over for such a shitty beer.

Majority in U.S. Drink Alcohol, Averaging Four Drinks a Week (Gallup)
A cool study on American drinking habits.

The Yardley Inn’s sour beer dinner (Washington Times)
Sours are "in"; look for more of them to be making it to shelves near you real soon.

Oskar Blues now shakes its can in Chicago (chicagonow.com)
Great news for the Second City!

Gose with crabs: Spread the word (Washington Post)
It is always exciting when forgotten styles get rejuvenated!

Revealed: The president brews his own beer, and brings it with him on the road (Des Moines Register)
I think my next big mission needs to be interviewing the White House brewmaster and scoring a bottle or two of these brews.

Beer drinkers say cheers to methane (Stock and Land)
That's a lot of gas.

Beer industry raises a glass towards cutting water consumption (GreenBiz.com)
That's a lot of water!

Yorkshire Benedictine beer proves a hit around the world (The Press)
This is going on the list of beers to track down.

Hunt for exotic beers goes beyond the pale (Kansas City Star)
Want to know we live in great beer times? This is happening in the heartland of America.

Highland Games inflatable beer tent bursts during event (Scottish Daily Record)
First time the event isn't dry in ages and the beer tent collapses...these two events are not related.

In Site News!

So I have been a bit delinquent on some macrobrewing commentary, I’ll try to rectify that this week. Expect a closer look at Miller Lite and Miller Genuine Draft, and finally you will be able to find us at the Virginia Craft Brewers Festival this weekend. Make sure to say “Hi” if you see us! (I'll be wearing a JGF shirt.)

As always you can follow us on a variety of social media sites, just click on the widgets in the top right corner. Thanks for stopping by!

Beer links for the week of July 23rd!

Let's get right to it!

In the News!

Narragansett Releases a Throwback 1975 Can, Asks ‘Jaws’ Fans to #CrushItLikeQuint (BostInno.com)  I may have to track down a can of Narragansett just to crush it.

ThaiBev move forces Heineken hand (Financial Times)
The Asian market like the African market is quickly being gobbled up. 

“Make beer, not war,” brewers urge prime ministers (Copenhagen Post)
Another opportunity for beer diplomacy.

Oktoberfest beer guide: Seasonal lager best by the liter (mlive.com)
Can't believe fall seasonals are right around the corner. 

The Breastfest Beer Festival for charity in San Francisco (Washington Times)
Great cause with great beer!

Want A Beer? Pass A Pregnancy Test First (care2.com)
This is a little ridiculous

Five Points World of Beer scheduled for October opening (al.com /Birmingham News)
Birmingham residents rejoice!

This man is on a crusade. (Original here)

Mututho seeks beer ban in the election week (Standard Media News)
Fascinating article on Kenyan politics and beer.

As It Loses to Spirits, Brewing Industry Aims to Revive Brand Beer (Advertising Age)
This is the big guys trying to recover. Craft beer is like Pandora's box to them. They can't shut it down. 

Farm-to-glass beer-making: Rouben’s farm-fresh beers (The Republic / Chicago Tribune)
Very cool idea. Has anybody tried the various results? How were they?

Top 10 summer beers (Fox News)
More choices for your summer refreshment.

Brewers predict heady times if state eases limits (Houston Chronicle)
In the end it will be the increased tax revenue that the craft industry brings in that will ease limits.

Deputies: 1,300 Cases of Corona Beer Stolen (wltx.com)
That's a lot of dimp.

New Glarus Brewing bottles love for Wisconsin (GazetteXtra.com)
I'm happy to say that I'll have my New Glarus resupply this coming weekend!

In Site News!

I'll be down in Nashville this coming weekend, more on that later, but before we get there look for another round of summer seasonal reviews and wine store recommendations for growing your beer selection. 

Remember to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Untappd. We made it easy, just click on the widget in the top right corner. We always love to hear from you!

Thanks for stopping by!

Beer links to fight off the return of the heat

Make it through the next 36 hours and we get another respite from the relentless heat and humidity. Here is your safety tip. Enjoy your beer but make sure you stay hydrated with plenty of water too.

In the News!

(Original found here)

What’s on Tap: Debunking beer slogans (mysanantonio.com)
A fun little article with some nice little facts.

Touchdown! Local craft beer to be served at Houston Texans games – and that’s just the start. (CultureMap Houston) I may have to find out when the Packers are playing the Texans and make a trip to Houston. Who is in?

Czech Republic Makes Beer with Gold + Encourages Beer Bathing (laweekly.com)
I knew about the bathing from a Michael Palin travel documentary.

Brewing Issue: What Beer Should the President Drink? (CNBC)
Which ever one the President wants. Rule #3 Beer is personal, drink what you like.

Biz: A Beer Tax Cut? (5280)
It probably wouldn't hurt too much to give a tax break to the part of the economy that is booming.

Great Lakes releases Sumeria beer details (Ohio.com)
Folks, I love a historical brew. I think this would be awesome to try.

Beer documentary to premiere this month (cincinnati.com)
Someone in "the Queen City" review this!

Proposed tax might curb UK beer imports (Financial Times)
A shame for the UK market.

Stay At Petra Guest House, Drink A Beer At The World’s Oldest Bar (hotelchatter.com)
Your travel opportunity of the week. I would so like to do this.

Sip this world-class beer straight from the tallboy (Today.com)
Can aficionados unite! I'm going to have to track this down and try it right from the can.

AB InBev fights Belgian idea of beer packaging ‘monopoly’ on colour blue (Beveragedaily.com)
I'm surprised AB InBev hasn't done this tactic to someone else first.

How far does Texas beer reach? (examiner.com)
Texas is almost uniquely suited to be the recipient of a lot of craft brews from around the country. Not enough of them make it out of the state though.

Beer has legally become an alcoholic beverage in Russia (The Voice of Russia)
The lottery ticket thing made me laugh.

Vendors cash in on legalized higher alcohol-content beers (Natchez Democrat)
Your latest Mississippi beer update.

In Site News!


The big news is that Jolly Good Fellows is going to the 2012 Great American Beer Festival. We received our media credentials late yesterday afternoon. That gives us about three months to plan, coordinate, stress out, and create outlandish expectations! If any of you are going to be there let us know so we can meet up, drink a pint, and share stories.

Remember to follow us on a variety of social media platforms by clicking on the four way widget in the top right corner. Thanks as always for stopping in! 

Beer links that beat the heat

The heat wave has broken here in Virginia. While we enjoy the cooler weather for a few days, it is time to get caught up on the latest beer news.

In the news!

Original and more info found here at the Herald Sun

A new beer a day? You bet (Sydney Morning Herald)

This article should make you appreciate what we have in the States.

Beer output flattens (Fond du Lac Reporter)
The craft beer bubble gets a mention, though I don't think it bursts yet for awhile. 

Beer canning goes mobile (San Mateo Daily Journal)
Now this is a clever business. 

Brewing a New Beer Scene in London (New York Times)
It is time to pack our bags and head over to London. 

Start-up unable to find a place to brew beer in D.C. (Washington Post)
A sign of a problem for the District beer scene? I wonder why he didn't look outside of the beltway.

Local beermaker brews derecho-inspired beverage (WTOP 103.5 FM)
Now that I have power back I am very excited about this. 

From craft beer to crafting new laws (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
This is one way of effecting positive change for beer.

Calling all beer professionals: MBAA brings Beer Steward Seminar to Portland (OregonLive.com)

We may have to come up with a strategy to cover the World Beer Congresss

Why This Beer Company Is Winning the Battle and the War (Daily Finance)

Maybe against the giants, but the little guys may eventually slay then with a death of a thousand cuts. 

Ripples from A-B/ Modelo deal could extend far and wide (stltoday.com)

This deal was huge and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. 

Wife-carrying world championships end with beer (azcentral.com)

I wonder what the ideal weight is...

In site news!

Expect a return of summer brew reviews on Wednesday. As for the rest of the week well we will figure that out when we get there! 

Thanks for stopping in!

Beer links for Freedom!

It’s July and we have a holiday smack dab in the middle of the week. Happy Independence Day everyone! I prefer my holidays adjacent to the weekend, but I’ll gladly take a midweek break this time of year. 

In the News!

Top Ten Beers To Have At A July Fourth Barbecue (San Francisco Chronicle)
It's a bit New York biased, but to each their own.

Best Beer in America Results: Hoppy Beers Continue to Reign + California Brewers Clean Up (LAWeekly.com)
Someday we will get over the hop craze and equilibrium of flavor will occur.

(original found here)

Ala. Brothers Bring Award-Winning Beer Back Home (Manufacturing.net) 

I wonder if Alabama legislators realize what they are missing out on regarding craft brewing.

Beer makes a better ethanol (Western Farm Press)
Interesting article on several fronts, environmental, energy, and our favorite beverage.

Patron’s toast new Mississippi beer law; alcohol limit raised (Jackson Clarion Ledger)
It's official, a little bit of light has crept in. 

Illinois beer consumption drops (The Southern Illinoisan)
Check out the numbers for the other Midwest states.  Thirsty folks.

American craft beer finds burgeoning market in Europe (Public Radio International)
Do you think we are keeping old guard brewers awake at night?

Get beer qualified: Experiment by pairing favorite beer and food (Army Times)
Next time I go to Fort Benning I will be going to the Cannon!

Could Pakistan beer take edge of relations with India? (Los Angeles Times)
Beer diplomacy? I will say I really want to go to Pakistan and interview these guys.

To make beer, MillerCoors helps farmers save water (MSNBC)
Smart business move. Water conservation will be crucial for continued brewing success.

World’s first self-chilling beer cans to hit UK markets (India Today)
What's the over/ under on how fast this fad fades away?

New Va. Law allows breweries to serve beer by the glass (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Yay! This is rather exciting!

In Site News!

We were trucking along pretty well until we got smacked around by the storm of Friday night which put a kibosh on all the power in my house. Power is back so you can expect the conclusion to the Borg Brugghus interview tomorrow.

Since Independence Day falls on Wednesday excessive partying may not be in the cards but we have you covered since Rudy and I have sampled an assortment of non-alcoholic beers and will have our report out on the morning of July 4 to let you know if any of them are worth your time.

Remember to follow us on Facebook, twitter, untappd, and Google +. Just go click on the widget in the top right corner.

Got something you want us to check out? You can now email us: beerfirst@beerfellow.com

Beer links for the last days of Spring

Spring sprang. Summer shows up this week which means summer ales and lagers, just in time for thirst quenching refreshment from the heat and humidity.

In the News

Single Beer Ban: D.C. Officials Want To Broaden Controversial Policy (Huffington Post)
I'm pretty sure this policy will not work to the expectation of the council.

Original here

10 Best Vacation Cities for Beer Lovers (The Street)
Surprises: Portland, Maine 

The one that shouldn’t have been a surprise but was: Burlington, VT
The one that was missing that will be on their next time: Washington DC.

Pennsylvania debates new beer flow (philly.com)
Distributors will eventually have to give way and come up with a better model.

Rising African tide floats global brewers’ boats (Reuters)
This is a good thing for the craft beer movement in the United States. It provides opportunity to continue to entrench in the minds of America of what beer should be while the big breweries are treasure hunting for profits overseas.

Northwest beer drinkers more likely than most to prefer local brew (Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal)
Who would have thought that an area with a boatload of craft brewers would have a population that enjoyed their products.

New craft beer company brewing in Jackson County (WDAM – Channel 7)
Expect more of this type of story coming out of Mississippi.

Craft beer finds growing US fan base (GMA News)

An interesting article but the lede frankly sucks as bad as the ones I normally write.

NY finds way to cheer beer brewers by restoring special tax break, keeping costs lower (Washington Post)
Which is a good thing right now for the one of the economy's shining stars. 

New 'Beer' Has Dogs Barking for Brews (ABC News)

I wonder if I can check into this brew on Untappd...

Fun flavours, local brews abound at Ontario Craft Beer Week (Metro News)

If you are hanging around the province this week then check out some of their craft brews, you could unlock the badge on Untappd!

In Site News

Now that SAVOR DC is out of the way, we will turn our attention back to Iceland. Look for the interview with the fine brewers of Borg Brugghus. In addition we will take a closer look at a few summer seasonals.

Remember you can always find us on Twitter, Facebook, Untappd, and Google+. Thanks for stopping by.

Beer links for the week of June 11th.

We are getting so close to summer I can almost taste it. Here are a few beer links to satisfy your cravings.

In the News!

Finally, gluten-free beer that tastes like beer (St. Louis Post-Dispatch by way of The Republic)
In a few months we will be looking at new arrivals on the gluten-free scene. 

This is a dual purpose picture, one to
inform you about Minnesota's local
craft scene, and the other to remind
you to go read my awesome
SAVOR article!

Beer-lovers to push for homebrewing law (Jackson Clarion-Ledger)
Mississippi beer lovers had a huge win a few weeks ago, here is hoping they soon have another.

To Grow A Craft Beer Business, The Secret’s In The Water (NPR)
Yes it is. It is sort of the rug that ties the whole room together. 

Beer maker asks commuters to give up four wheels for two (WTOP 103.5 FM)
No surprise this comes from New Belgium, sustainability and environmental stewardship are a big part of their corporate culture.

Beer, Wine Now Sold In Lincoln Sundays Before Noon (WOWT Channel 6 News – NBC)
Another blue law steps aside.

Where local beers are King: Patriotism or great taste in Minnesota and Wisconsin? You be the judge (The Dickinson Press)
I vote Wisconsin though in this election we all actually win. 

Secret to being thin hidden in your beer (iol)
Science!

Craft Breweries Take Off In Region (WUSA Channel 9 – CBS)
The DC metro region is starting to take off!

‘Queens of Beer’ to open first LGBT brewery ever in San Diego (Los Angeles Times)
My first thought was, "I thought this would have happened sooner." Needless to say though this is a positive for the industry.

Bill would allow small breweries to expand sales (readingeagle.com)
This is a good thing for small brewers but I find the distributors' response somewhat puzzling. You need to change your business model to reflect the times. 

No limits on local beers as brewers expand (Houston Chronicle)
If I have to move to Texas then this blog won't lack for material.

Beer makes hay while sun shines (Daily Pioneer)
While I read this article I had a little daydream of starting a craft brewery in India.

5 refreshing canned beers to beat the summer heat (MSNBC)
Get prepared for summer! Want other options to bring to the beach or lake where bottles and glass are prohibited? Then go check out www.craftcans.com!

Tom Kitchin: ‘That’s the essence of these artisan beers – the best of the old with the best of the new’ (Scotsman)
That is probably as good a statement for craft brewing as any.

Beer Glasses (New York Times)

Remember the importance of glassware for beer!

In Site News!

Look for more stories from Iceland, pictures from SAVOR, and another piece about New York. I'll be honest I have more content than I can shake a stick at.  As always you can follow us by clicking on the widget in the top right corner. Thanks for stopping by!

Beer links for the week of May 21st!

Big week this week so let's dive in!

In the News!

Beer guru picks the 10 best places in Michigan to have a pint. (Detroit Free Press)

So many awesome options on this list though I think a stop at Kalamazoo is in order the next time I head to Wisconsin. 

My sentiments exactly.
(Original here)

The Great Beer Parade Stimulus of 1932. (Bloomberg)

I do like these old repeal Prohibition stories, but beer drinkers, let this serve as a reminder to never happen again!

Beer still king in friendlier Preakness infield. (Boston Herald)

Preakness always makes me think of this. 

Beer-at-Burger-Chain Fad May Leave Hangover (Advertising Age)

If I was a cop this is where I would camp out after midnight and watch bad decisions live. 

Boca’s Craft Beer Crawl Made a Bit Fruity at the Funky Buddha (Broward – Palm Beach New Times)

Missing out on Funky Buddha is my biggest regret from this year's Brewvival. 

Tom Eblen: Checking in on Lexington’s new brewpubs (Kentucky.com)

For our friends in Goodhead Brewery! If you folks get up that way let us know your thoughts! 

Beer flows like water in Hyderabad (IBN Live)

Someday I am going to drink beer in India and it is going to rock. 

Can you really pick the world’s best beer? (Chicago Daily Herald)

Remember beer is subjective, but it's sure fun to argue about. On a more interesting note I would like to know the impact of personal beer reviews on purchasing. I admit that I use them. 

10 Facts About Beer (Huffington Post)

Fun little video...though the goat produced mead, not beer, both tasty though. 

Building a Beer Brand, One ‘Like’ at a Time (CNBC)

Good public relations strategy here...hey if you are reading this and you haven't started following the JGF fan page then click here!

Have your beer – soak in it, too – at Kapalua Spa (Maui News)

I'm so confused, but I'd be willing to try it!

In Site News!

As mentioned above it is a big week. On Wednesday I'll be in New York City at the New York Historical Society press preview for their Beer Here exhibition. Look for a sneak peak later this week. We also will be reviewing imperial pilsners and if I am lucky sitting down with a brewer from NYC. So stay tuned!

Beer Links for American Craft Beer Week

It is American Craft Beer Week this week, so grab a delicious craft brew and enjoy. If you are on Untappd you can check into a fine craft brew and unlock the ACBW badge. I just unlocked mine! A lot has happened in the beer world the last few days so expect a super edition of Beer Links!

In the News!

(Original here)

American Craft Beer Week events on tap all over the region (Washington Post)

Time to raise your pints high for the deliciousness that is American craft beer! 

Website Helps Customers Find Best Beer Prices (Convenience Store Decisions)

I played around with it and it works okay for larger municipalities. Don't expect to find any obscure crafts though. Still a helpful tool.

We Wanted Beer (The New Yorker)

A little bit of Prohibition history for you. 

Scientists may recreate beer from 1840’s shipwreck (Reuters)

That is what I like to see in my brewing, history and science working together for awesomeness. 

King of Craft Beers (Wall Street Journal)

I know Sam Adams is mainstream now, but you can't deny that Jim Koch continues to support the craft beer movement and make an impact. I have a sixer of the 2012 Longshot brews in the basement right now. Expect a write up in June. 

Local group urges “Protect the water, Drink Beer” (WRCB Channel 3 – NBC)

Sometimes I think brewers and beer lovers are one of the largest untapped resources for water conservation. Can't have delicious beer without quality water. 

Smallest beer shop: The Little Shop sets world record (World Records Academy)

This is the kind of thing I would drive a couple hundred miles out of my way to be a customer at. 

Beer mash fattening Colorado cows (Western Farm Press)

A clever way for brewers to reduce their solid waste stream and benefit local ranchers and farmers. 

Craft Brewers And Retailers Collaborate On Exclusive Beers (Shanken News Daily)

Another interesting little market for craft brewers to exploit in our customization focused society. 

The brands of beer that Americans really love (MSNBC)

Slightly misleading title, but the interesting fact to me is the willingness to pay more for better quality and taste. 

Lakefront launches Wisconsinite brew (BizTimes.com)

Next time I go back I have to track this down. I love that they have their own yeast strain too!

Is Beer on Tap Really the Best? (Chow.com)

Depends. 

Burnside delays release, will rename Kali-Ma after name raises concerns among some Hindus (OregonLive.com) After I read this all I could think of the rest of the day was the chant and heart scene. 

Six-Pack Beer Belt Holster is Better than Any Tool Belt (ChipChick)

If I had one I would use it to promote delicious craft goodness. 

Italian beer making a splash in Philadelphia (Philadelphia Inquirer)

This is genuinely exciting for beer drinkers, can't wait for my brother to be stationed in Italy and we can tour Italian beer country. 

Dual beer holes brilliant or guzzling gimmick? (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

While the crafts are looking at localization and customization, the bigs are trying to find ways so you can drink faster and avoid tasting their swill. 

In Site News

The big news is that I will be traveling to Iceland at the beginning of June and am open to suggestions on what I should do beer-wise while I am over there. I'll try to have a basic itinerary put together by the end of the month and what you the awesome readership and commentariat can expect while I am gone. 

As always you can find us on a variety of social media places (Click on widget in top right corner) and we love to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by!

Beer links for May!

Beer links is back! So let's dive in!

(Original here)

In the News!
Northern Virginia is a beer drinker's paradise (Washington Post)
It is hard to argue against this. The whole DC metro area is pretty rocking for beer.

Bubble has not burst on craft beer market (Washington Post)
Double WaPo! On topic though I would argue that the craft beer market has even begun to get saturated.

Responsible NASCAR Fans Rewarded at Talladega Speedway (Globe Newswire)
It is a small start but a step in the right direction. More can be done though.

Can beer save America? (Salon)
If you read one article on this link page then this should be the one!

New Brewers Speak as Part of American Craft Beer Week (nola.com)
The revolution will be brewed with diversity and that makes me incredibly happy.

World Beer Cup Announces Winners At Craft Brewers Conference (Huffington Post)
There is a slide show with a few of the winners, also check out this one for the winners of the Canny's

The Haitian Beer Prestige won Gold at World Beer Cup 2012 (Haiti Libre)
I think I need to get media credentials for the World Beer Cup 2013.

Oregon father drunk on Clamato, beer allegedly lets 10-year-old drive (KWCH Channel 12 - CBS)
Here is your weekly dose of beer crime.

Mac Power Adapter + Beer Bottle = Apple's Secret Church Key (lifehacker.com)
It is good to know I have a backup always in my bag now.

In Site News!
We will be recording a new episode of the Beercast this week, expect some reviews on some crisp and tasty pilsners, and a more thorough write up on why we are focusing on Pilsners this fine month of May. If we can cram anything else in we will! As always you can find us on Facebook, Untappd, Twitter, and Google+. Just click on the widget in the top right corner. Thanks for stopping by!