This Week's Beer News + OG Pumpkin Ale Profiling
Powered by glow-in-the-dark beer cans
You never know where you’re going to find beer news.
I search through a lot of sources to build this email every week, but over the weekend I read something surprisingly well-reported about beer history and it came from a business-focused website. I don’t know if any of you subscribe to The Hustle but their weekend long read was called “The forgotten father of pumpkin beer.”
It was originally published in 2020 but updated just a few days ago, and if you’re unfamiliar with the story of Bill Owens and Buffalo Bill’s Brewpub, you should definitely give it a read if you enjoy well-spun tales of very early craft beer history — and how the world of craft beer would probably look a lot different without his pumpkin ale.
Elsewhere, this Vinepair story looks at how beer is losing market share nationwide, with some states seeing double-digit declines … but there was one lone Midwestern state seeing an increase. One of those big declines was also in the Midwest. Both are quite surprising, particularly the latter. (It’s Indiana and Wisconsin, respectively, just to save you a click, but go read it anyways.)
Anyways, this is starting to sound too much like I’m giving you homework, but hey, I figure if you’re reading this you like reading about beer. Figured I’d pass these two things along … plus all of this as well:
Given the recent changes in the area, it makes sense for Eater to have updated their “Best Places to Drink Along Malt Row in Ravenswood” map, which they did this week.
Block Club has a nice feature on Marz Brewing as they celebrated their 10th anniversary this weekend.
Shaw Local Media celebrated Penrose Brewing for winning six medals at the 2024 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship for a variety of their Seltz-Up drinks.
Patch.com shared a story about Banging Gavel’s Friday release of The Verdict Is PINK, a new beer whose proceeds will be going to breast cancer charities.
South Side Weekly named Open Outcry the “Best Place to Unwind” after a recent visit and chatted with the new owners.
WGLT reported on the two new beers from Destihl and their new partner, Illinois State University.
Belleville is mourning the loss of Shoehorn Brewing’s Corina Mager. RIP.
NWILife has a nice little feature about the breweries and beer culture in and around Michigan City, including Burn’Em Brewing and Zorn Brewing.
The Herald Times looks into Upland Brewing’s first NA beverage, HopRX.
Outside Detroit in Wyandotte, Northern Wind Brewing plans to open next year with a 92-seat tap room.
Griffin Claw Brewing Co. created a new Glenlore Trails’ Luminous Lager, and packaged it in some cool glow-in-the-dark cans.
You don’t see a lot of beer-related news in People Magazine, but One Well Brewing in Kalamazoo was the site of this story: “Couple Unexpectedly Welcomes 3rd Child in Brewery Parking Lot, Then Gives Baby Fitting Middle Name”
This year’s Frankfort Beer Week just started and I love that the local movie theater is celebrating by showing Smokey and the Bandit.
The Star-Tribune covered Fair State’s exit from bankruptcy and looks at some of their plans moving forward.
For some reason, Axios Indianapolis wrote up a visit to Pryes Brewing and didn’t like the swarms of bees, but liked the smoothie IPA with marshmallow.
Feast Magazine’s reader favorite awards went to Urban Chestnut for best beer program and 4 Hands for best brewery.
Guessing the bankrupcy filing didn’t go great for O’Fallon Brewing since they are auctioning off their brewery equipment.
The jokes write themselves on this one: A-B is introducing Michelob Ultra Zero, a NA version of the already barely-there beer, next year.
Cleveland’s Pulpo Beer Company is closing their location in Willoughby.
Hoodline adds to the coverage of Forest City’s new no-kids policy, following the actions of “irresponsible parents.”
Fond du Lac hasn’t had a brewery since 1941, but soon the Fond du Lac Beer Company intends to change that.
Spectrum News looks at the success being had by Gathering Place Brewing Company and their Packers-themed beers.
FX Matt announced their acquisition of Ohza, an RTD brand focused on canned mimosas and sangrias.
I knew that Trader Joe’s has an annual Vintage Ale, but I didn’t know that Costco does — and apparently it’s brewed by Deschutes.
Most-clicked link in last week’s email: The WGN-TV link which described the staff of Alarmist Brewing as “some of the most unique people you’ll ever meet.”
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