Craft Beer Storm

Historical Beer – Chicha-Category - Historical Beer-Beers in this category include established historical beers and/or brewing traditionsfrom any era or part of the world that don’t fit within another beer style defined within these guidelines.-This category pays tribute to beers that incorporate unique brewing ingredients and/or techniques that were used in the past. Within the framework of these guidelines, examples of Historical Beers include South American Chicha, Nepalese Chong/Chang, African sorghumbased beers and others.-Focus on Chicha since so interesting-The drink’s history dates back to around 5000 B.C. where there’s evidence of early pottery in the Andean region used as vessels to carry and store chicha. The drink soon played a crucial role in history and civilization. It became a cultural signifier for many Andean groups (i.e. Incas and Aztecs) and was not only central to many economies as a means of payment, but also became important for its intoxicating effects.-For many of the Andean groups, drunkenness was a way to spiritually communicate as well as develop a sense of community and togetherness. Sharing a drink with another person was seen as an act of friendship and understanding. Sound familiar? Today, chicha is still an important drink for many in Central and South America.-Normal process for making beer- Usually grind up barley to release starch and soak in hot water to convert starch to sugars – boil/cool down and yeast would ferment / interact with sugar and create alcohol-Chicha is an ancient beer indigenous to many cultures ranging from the Andes up to what is now the southwestern United States. Somewhere along history, someone decided it’d be a good idea to chew up corn, spit it out, boil it and then ferment it in a clay pot for a few days until it was ready to drink-DogfishHead Brewery makes a Chicha and describes the process:-So what exactly is Chicha? In Peru, small communities produce it from masticated maize (corn is a grain), naturally fermented in large clay pots and often flavored with indigenous fruit and spices. -DFH first made the Chicha beer in 2009-The purple maize was milled, moistened in DogfishHead workers mouths and spit out and mixed with malted Barley (standard grain used in beer) before boiled. The natural ptyalin enzymes in the saliva act as a catalyst and break the starches into more accessible fermentable sugars. Yeast converts these sugars into alcohol.-Since the grain-chewing (known as salivation) happens before the beer is boiled the beer is sterile -Added Soursop Fruit and strawberries to the beer-In 2018, they enlisted the help of 100+ co-workers to prepare the beer's main ingredient - masticated purple maize ... and for the first time, they released 200 (750ml) bottles of this one-of-a-kind brew exclusively at their Milton Delaware Tasting Room & Kitchen in March-ABV on DogfishHead Chicha – 3.1%-IBU – 4-https://www.dogfish.com/brewery/beer/chicha-https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/how-to-brew/chew-spit-brew-how-to-make-chicha-beer/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.com

Michael interviews Liam Tutty, Founder of Dead Centre Brewing in Westmeath, IE (the Dead Center of the Country!). Topics include Liams journey to open the Brewpub, challenges faced and the Irish Craft Beer Scene.You can reach Liam at tuttyliam@gmail.com and you can find out more about his new brewery through links below:https://www.facebook.com/DeadCentreBrewing/https://www.instagram.com/deadcentrebrewing/https://twitter.com/DeadCentreBrewhttps://untappd.com/DeadCentreBrewingSubscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Brew News – 12/14/18Itunes – Ranked # 12 in Food Category and #1 Craft Beer Podcast recently – THANK YOU!Interviewed John Kimmich – Co-Founder of Alchemist – Stowe, VT•Famous Heady Topper, an unfiltered double India pale ale (IPA) with an 8 percent ABV•Men's Journal calls Heady Topper, “America's most coveted beer.”•RateBeer.com names it one of the 100 best beers in the world. •It regularly tops the charts at BeerAdvocate.comTrying to get Sam Calagione Founder of DogfishHead and Jim Koch Founder of Boston Beer Co. on – connect us!Drizly Lands $34.5 Million in Series C FundingDrizly, a Boston-based on-demand alcohol delivery company, has secured another $34.5 million as part of a Series C fundraising round, according to a December 10 SEC filing.Founded in 2012, Drizly has now raised about $70 million across multiple fundraising rounds from a variety of investors. Early-round investors also included First Beverage, Suffolk Equity, Gary Vaynerchuk (via the Vayner RSE fund – Wine Library) and the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.Six-year-old Drizly, which processed over 1 million transactions in 2017, currently bills itself as “the world’s largest alcohol marketplace.” Its mobile application enables consumers to shop for beer, wine and spirits and compare prices.Drizly, which operates in more than 100 North American markets and recently expanded into Vancouver, Canada, has forged partnerships with more than 1,000 retailers. The company is aiming to add another 2,000 retail stores in 2019, according to source with knowledge of the company’s growth strategies.•Intrastate Shipping Available In (16): •California•Colorado•Connecticut•D.C.•Florida•Illinois•Louisiana•Massachusetts•Minnesota•Missouri•New Jersey•New York•North Carolina•Ohio•Oregon•Washington•Interstate Shipping Available In (8): •Virginia•West Virginia•Idaho•North Dakota•Nebraska•New Mexico•Nevada•OregonDME Receivership Leaves Hundreds of Craft Brewers in LimboNearly 26 months after the merger of Canadian brewing equipment manufacturers Diversified Metal Engineering (DME) and Newlands Systems, the combined company has fallen into receivership after defaulting on loan payments to the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).DME Group’s financial troubles have left hundreds of of North American craft brewery owners who had already shelled out millions of dollars in equipment deposits in limbo.DME’s list of unsecured brewery creditors features a host of well-known producers, including 10 Barrel Brewing, Anchorage Brewing, Diageo, Foam Brewers, Labatt, Lord Hobo, Maine Beer Company, Monday Night Brewing, Moosehead Breweries, New Belgium Brewing, Night Shift Brewing, Notch Brewing, Tired Hands Brewing, and Wicked Weed, among many others.DME’s financial woes follow issues for several other brewing equipment manufacturers, including the closure of Portland, Oregon-based Metal Craft in 2017 and Canton, Ohio-based SysTech Stainless Works earlier this year.Thad Fisco, owner of Portland Kettle Works, likened the closings to small brewers stuck in the “hinterland between being regional and being local.”“Same exact thing is happening in the manufacturing business,” he said. “Too much debt, the debt gets ahead of you, you can’t make the payments and the banks come in and foreclose.”Still, the closure of a large manufacturer such as DME is an opportunity for companies such as Portland Kettle Works, Fisco said.Anheuser-Busch Lays Off Dozens of Brewery WorkersAnheuser-Busch InBev has eliminated nearly 40 jobs across North America, Brewbound has learned.In a statement issued...

Experimental Beer-Experimental beers are any beers that are primarily grain-based and employ unique and unusual techniques and/or ingredients.-By definition, beers which represent a combination of two or more existing categories and exhibit distinctive characteristics of each of those categories would also be categorized as Experimental Beers. -For example, combining an Imperial IPA (high hop aroma, lighter color and high ABV) with a Stout (low hop aroma, darker color and lower ABV) – Imperial IPA Stout-Uniqueness is the primary consideration when evaluating this category.-Color, Clarity, Aroma, Hop Aroma/Bitterness, Body and ABV varies-Beara Brewing Co. – we brew a Double IPA called Outer Limits with Galaxy hops – connected with Outer Limits Hot Sauce in NJ and interviewed Ed Martin, Owner of Outer Limits Hot Sauce (https://www.outerlimitshotsauce.com/) in Episode 17 – we infused their Lime Jalepeno Hot Sauce into our OL DIPA and it came out great – combination of DIPA with Chilli beer - should enter that into GABF next yearSubcategory: Ginjo Beer or Sake-Yeast Beer-These beers are brewed with sake yeast or sake (koji) enzymes. Sake character may best be described as having mild fruitiness and mild earthiness, with mushroomcharacter. A high amount of alcohol may be evident.-Color: Pale to dark brown-Clarity: Slight chill haze is acceptable-Malt Aroma & Flavor – Very low to medium-Hop Aroma and Flavor and Bitterness - (IBU) 12-35 - Low to medium and in harmony with sake-like character-Body: Varies-ABV: 4.3%-10.2%-Subcategory: Wild Beer-Wild beers are spontaneously fermented with microorganisms that the brewer has introduced from the ambient air/environment in the vicinity of the brewery in which the beer is brewed. Wild Beers may not be fermented with any cultured strains of yeast or bacteria.-The most notable producers of wild ales called either Belgium or Germany-Yeast is all around you in the air, and the method of spontaneous fermentation captures that yeast and uses it to ferment beer.-Wild Beers may or may not be perceived as acidic. They may include a highly variable spectrum of flavors and aromas derived from the wild microorganisms with which they are fermented.-Allagash in Maine built a CoolShip where they pump wort (sugar water) into a massive container and just let natural yeast in air ferment it-I connected with Jason Perkins who is the Brewmaster at Allagash in Maine and I’m hoping to have him on the show in the New Year-Color: Any color is acceptable.-Clarity: Clear or hazy due to yeast, chill haze or hop haze.-Malt Aroma – Generally, these beers have very low to low malt character.-Hop Aroma and Flavor and Bitterness – Very low to high-Body: Very low to medium-ABV: 8.5%-12.2%-Glassware for Experimental Beer: Belgian style or tulip glassExamples courtesy of BeerAdvocate (https://www.beeradvocate.com)Ginjo Beer or Sake-Yeast Beer ExamplesSakitumi | Lagunitas Brewing CompanyAlcohol by volume (ABV): 9.00% Extra Dry Sake Style Saison Ale | Stillwater Artisanal AlesAlcohol by volume (ABV): 4.20%Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in...

Michael interviews Ryan Daley, a Master Cicerone at The High End Beer. Ryan walks us through how he became a Master Cicerone, how to enjoy Craft Beer and food pairings.Knowledge Area ResponsibilitiesCandidates for Master Cicerone certification must demonstrate encyclopedic knowledge and an in-depth understanding of all issues related to brewing, beer and beer service.The full Master Cicerone Syllabus is your guide to preparation. All of the resources recommended for the Certified Cicerone® and Advanced Cicerone® exams should be considered in your preparation for the Master exam.Expectations for Master Cicerone candidates:In-depth theoretical and hands-on knowledge of draft systems is required, with a special emphasis on troubleshooting and draft system design.Mastery of beer styles is expected with detailed knowledge of the current BJCP guidelines and familiarity with other style systems as well.Tasting experience with a wide range of beers and styles is a must. Candidates should be familiar with a catalog of commercial examples for each style and have the ability to describe their flavors. Travel to classic beer producing areas in Europe can be highly beneficial.Assessment of off-flavor recognition using AROXA™ flavor standards should be undertaken so that you have mastered recognition of all the off-flavors mentioned in the syllabus. You should also be able to describe unfamiliar off-flavors using specific and descriptive language.Candidates must demonstrate detailed knowledge of the brewing process and its many variations with an emphasis on the sources of flavors in beer and a clear knowledge of how changes in the brewing process might change the flavor of the finished beer. Brewing beer alone or with partners can help to ensure thorough knowledge of the brewing process.Candidates will be asked to complete a number of pairing and chef-collaboration exercises relating beer with food. Experience preparing and presenting beer and food pairing events in collaboration with chefs and/or brewers is strongly recommended.Throughout the exam, candidates will be expected to describe beer (and food) flavors using vivid and specific terms that accurately cover the full spectrum of flavor while remaining within the reach of consumer understanding.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft...

Craft Brew News – 12/07/18WE ARE RANKED # 12 IN FOOD CATEGORY ON iTUNES !!!!California ABC Uncovers Brewpub ViolationsA statewide investigation by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) into 70 brewpubs with “Type 75” licenses uncovered violations by nearly 50 of the licensees.As Brewbound reported in late July, the Type 75 retail restaurant license gives brewpubs the ability to produce between 100 and 5,000 barrels annually. However, some business owners sought to obtain the licenses with the primary intent to sell spirits.The investigation found that nearly 50 licensees were either not brewing beer, not meeting the quotas or not functioning as a brewpub.California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a new law in September allowing Type 75 licensees to sell their products for off-premise consumption. The law also tightened requirements for obtaining the license, requiring license holders to operate at least a 7-barrel brewing system and produce and sell at least 200 barrels annually.Previously, Type 75 licensees were required to produce at least 100 barrels per year, with no sales requirements. That led some business owners to seek the licenses, which cost about $14,000, instead of obtaining liquor license, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.More than 1,200 Breweries Join Sierra Nevada Wildfire Relief ProjectMore than 1,200 breweries have signed up to brew a special IPA, created by Sierra Nevada in an effort to raise money for wildfire relief. As part of those efforts, beer companies will brew the same beer and donate proceeds to the Camp Fire Relief Fund, which supports those affected by the California wildfire that killed 88 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.Sierra Nevada founder Ken Grossman wrote that his company will donate 100 percent of sales from Resilience Butte County Proud IPA to the fund.“Our hope is to get Resilience IPA in taprooms all over the country to create a solid start for our community’s future,” Grossman wrote.Brewers large and small have agreed to participate.New Belgium Brewing Launches ‘Up Next’ Rotator Series with Brut IPAFORT COLLINS, Colo. — New Belgium Brewing’s brand new Up Next Series taps into the brewery’s tradition of innovation by offering easy-drinking, unique and flavor-bending beers that reflect evolving trends in food and drink. Brut IPA, a bubbly and effervescent brew perfect to ring in the New Year, is first up in the Up Next Series.Inspired by sparkling wine and partner Dick Cantwell’s foray into brewing Brut IPAs at sister brewery Magnolia Brewing in San Francisco, New Belgium’s Brut IPA pours a bright and bubbly platinum blonde with white grape and tropical aromas that give way to a refreshingly dry finish. The beer offers a crisp alternative to hazy fruit-forward IPAs.Ross Koenigs, New Belgium Research & Development Brewer states “Our Brut IPA mashes wine notes with a beer backbone that delivers the best of both traditions. This beer will take you through the holidays and beyond – it makes a great beer-mosa as well. ”Left Hand Brewing Company Expands International Distribution to SwedenLONGMONT, Colo. – Left Hand Brewing Co., a pioneer in craft beer innovation through its nitro technology, has partnered with Great Brands to expand its international distribution into Sweden. Beginning this month, Left Hand Brewing’s flagship brand, Milk Stout Nitro, will be available in Systembolaget in 12oz bottles.Left Hand’s Milk Stout Nitro is the number one selling craft stout in the U.S. In 2011, Left Hand became the first American craft brewery to encapsulate the nitro draft experience when it debuted Milk Stout Nitro in the bottle. The innovation continued in 2016 when Left Hand introduced...

Other Strong Beer-Beers of any style intentionally brewed with higher alcohol content than defined within that style’s guidelines are categorized as Other Strong Beer.-These beers should achieve a balance between the style's characteristics and the additional alcohol.-Color, Clarity, Aroma, Hop Aroma/Bitterness and Body according to Style-ABV – generally 8% +-Beara Brewing Co. – we brew a strong ale called Mighty (8% ABV) and add some local NH Maple Syrup to balance out alcohol – we also barrel aged it in Jim Beam barrels – Bourbon Oaked Mighty - came out delicious-Subcategory: American-Style Imperial Porter-Color: Black-Clarity: Opaque-Malt Aroma & Flavor – No roast barley or strong burnt/black malt character should be perceived. Medium malt, caramel and cocoa sweetness should be present.-Hop Aroma and Flavor and Bitterness - (IBU) 35-50 - Low to medium-high-Body: Full-ABV: 7.0%-12.0%-Subcategory: American-Style Wheat Wine Ale-This style is brewed with at least 50% wheat malt.-Color: Gold to black-Clarity: Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures-Malt Aroma – Bread, wheat, honey and/or caramel malt aromas and flavors are oftenpresent.-Hop Aroma and Flavor and Bitterness - (IBU) 45-85– Medium to medium-high-Body: Full-ABV: 8.5%-12.2%-Glassware for Other Strong Beer: Belgian style glass, Snifter or Goblet/ChaliceExamples courtesy of BeerAdvocate (https://www.beeradvocate.com)-American-Style Imperial Porter Examples-American-Style Wheat Wine AleSubscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public:

Michael interviews Scott Kaplan who covers New Hampshire for Yankee Brew News (New England's "Beeriodical" since 1989) to discuss the Craft Beer industry and trends in New England and the US.Yankee Brew News is published bi-monthly, on 100% recycled paper. At least 50,000 copies are distributed in breweries, brewpubs, brew on premises, homebrew supply shops, good beer bars and good beer stores across New England and Eastern New York.Yankee Brew News is part of Brewing News newspapers which provide news, analysis and information about beer to craft brew consumers, beer travelers and home brew hobbyists in 7 distinct regions of North America. Their locally written content arrives bimonthly at targeted distribution outlets (breweries, brewpubs, beer bars, retail stores and homebrew shops) throughout each region. Papers are also delivered to enthusiastic and influential subscribers and industry vendors.Yankee Brew News can be found at http://www.brewingnews.com/yankeebrew/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer News – 11/30/18MillerCoors, Pabst settle lawsuit over brewing contract•MillerCoors and Pabst Brewing settled a lawsuit Wednesday in which Pabst claimed the bigger brewer lied about its ability to continue brewing Pabst's beers to put that company out of business.•"We have reached an amicable settlement in the case and are pleased to resolve all outstanding issues with Pabst," MillerCoors said in a statement. Settlement details were not disclosed.•Since 1999, Chicago-based MillerCoors has made and shipped nearly all of Pabst's beers, which include Pabst Blue Ribbon, Old Milwaukee, Lone Star and Schlitz. Pabst's lawyers argued in the company's 2016 lawsuit that MillerCoors worried that Pabst would cut into its market share and devised a plan to stop brewing for the smaller competitor. MillerCoors' attorneys called Pabst's claim a conspiracy theory and said the company was simply deciding what makes economic sense.•The agreement between MillerCoors and Pabst, which was founded in Milwaukee in 1844 but is now headquartered in Los Angeles, expires in 2020 but provides for two possible five-year extensions. The companies disagreed on how the extensions were to be negotiated: MillerCoors argued it had sole discretion to determine whether it can continue brewing for Pabst, whereas Pabst said the companies must work "in good faith" to find a solution if Pabst wanted to extend the agreement but MillerCoors lacked capacity.•However, Pabst said internal documents from MillerCoors showed the company was worried about competition from Pabst and went as far as hiring a consultant to find a way to get out of the brewing agreement.•Pabst needs 4 million to 4.5 million barrels brewed annually and claims MillerCoors is its only option. Pabst's lawsuit sought more than $400 million in damages and a court order for MillerCoors to honor its contract.•MillerCoors and Anheuser-Busch, which have the biggest U.S. market share at 24.8 percent and 41.6 percent, respectively, have been losing business to smaller independent brewers, imports, and wine and spirits in recent years, according to the Brewers Association, a U.S.-based trade group. Overall U.S. beer sales have declined, with shipments down from 213.1 million barrels in 2008 to 204.2 million in 2017, according to the association.Trillium Labor Practices, Brewing Methods QuestionedMassachusetts craft beer maker Trillium Brewing Company’s labor practices and brewing methods are under scrutiny after accusations were lodged last week by a self-described former employee in an online beer forum.According to the former employee, who used the name “Abagofit” in a Beer Advocate forum, Trillium required its retail employees to reapply for jobs that they already held prior to last month’s opening of the company’s new brewery, taproom and restaurant in Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood. The ex-worker wrote that the base compensation for employees who had worked for more than three years at the brewery was cut from $8 an hour to $5 an hour to “work the exact same job across the street.”“We apologize that this has caused any of our employees, customers or friends to doubt, in any way, the integrity of Trillium or their ongoing support of us,” the company said. “We are fortunate that we’ve assembled such a talented team and remain committed to brewing exceptional beer that we can share with our family, friends, and customers.”Since the issues were raised last week, customers have left scathing comments on social media posts advertising new release beers priced at as much as $22.20 a 4-pack. One commenter shared a photoshopped label of Trillium’s “Cutting Tiles” double IPA with the name changed to “Cutting Wages.”Staff pay wasn’t the only issue raised in the Beer Advocate forum. The former employee also accused Trillium of...

Session Beer-This category includes any style of beer made lower in strength than described in the classic style guidelines. These beers should exhibit lower alcohol content than the classic style.-Drinkability is key to a successful session beer. – not a “one and you are done” beer-Beers exceeding 5.0% abv are not categorized as Session Beers. Usually lighter in color-Beara Brewing Co. – had higher ABV beers - brewed a Session Beer called Citra Wit – wheat beer made with Citra Hops – 4.8%-Color: The color should mimic the classic style upon which the beer is based-Clarity: Appearance may vary from brilliant to hazy to cloudy and should mimic the classic style upon which the beer is based-Aroma – According to style-Hop Aroma and Flavor and Bitterness - IBU 10-35 – not overwhelming-Body: According to style-ABV: 3.7%-5.0%-Glassware: Depends on styleSession India Pale Ale-Another category for Session Beer – sometimes so many that separate category has to be created -Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Hop aroma and flavor are medium to high and can display qualities from a wide variety of hops from all over the world. Overall hop character is assertive.-Perceived Bitterness: Medium to high (IBU) 40-55-IPA’s exceeding 5.0% abv are not categorized as Session Beers.-Color: Gold to copper-Clarity: Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures. Hop haze is allowable at any temperature.-Body: Low to medium-ABV: 3.7%-5.0%Session Beer (courtesy of Beer Advocate)(https://www.beeradvocate.com)Highway 128 Session Series: Blood Orange GoseAnderson Valley Brewing Co - Boonville, CAABV – 4.2%Notes / Commercial Description: Our Blood Orange Gose is a tart, refreshing wheat ale that is kettle-soured with lactobacillus and brewed with sea salt and coriander. However, unlike traditional versions of the style, ours features liberal additions of blood oranges during fermentation. This imparts tangy citrus notes that complement the champagne-like flavors, creating a complex and sessionable ale perfect for any occasion.Easy Jack Session IPAFirestone Walker Brewing Co. - Paso Robles, CAABV - 4.5%Brewmaster Matt Brynildson went to the mountain and returned with a vision for a different kind of Session IPA, one that would be brewed and dry hopped with a globetrotting selection of new hop varieties from Europe, New Zealand and North America. He foresaw a beer that would deliver massive hop aromas, a signature malt balance and an empty glass before you knew what hit you. And so the newest member of our Jack IPA family was born.Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram:

Michael speaks with Ryan Newhouse, content and marketing director for both the Beer Marketing and Tourism Conference and Beer Now Conference. The Beer Marketing & Tourism Conference (BMTC) in Boise, Idaho on March 26-28, 2019 provides hard information about the important and growing functions of beer marketing and beer tourism that you can bring home to both grow and improve your local offerings. Attendees include breweries, brewery guilds, Destination Management Organizations, tour operators, bloggers and media, and others. We expect from 250 – 350 people at the 2019 conference, making it large enough to be valuable networking and small enough to meet your peers.Idaho has 58 breweries, which puts it 10th in the US in terms of breweries per capita by state. And like many smaller cities, the craft beer scene in Boise is booming.You will have the opportunity to sample this beer culture via the following events:•Optional evening party at Payette Brewing•Dinner, tour, and tasting at Gooding Farms hop farm•Lunch and beer tasting courtesy of the Idaho Ag•Optional post-conference Ski With the Brewers reception and night skiingThe Beer Now Conference in Great Falls, MT on June 6-8, 2019 started in 2010 in Boulder, Colorado as the Beer Bloggers Conference. The conference subsequently broadened its scope and changed its name to the Beer Bloggers & Writers Conference. In 2018, the conference again expanded its scope to include others involved in the communication of beer and renamed to the Beer Now Conference.The conference attracts approximately 150 attendees from throughout North America and beyond to network, learn, and taste beers. Montana is well known for outdoor adventures such as hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and river rafting but it is also hotbed of beer, with the second highest density of brewers in the United States. Great Falls is located on the Missouri River and is the most centrally-located major city in Montana. It is very invested in beer and hosts a number of statewide beer events each year. The city is throwing out the welcome wagon with two great beer dinners and lots of local brews for our attendees.https://beernow.org/Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes:

Craft Beer News – 11/23/18Artisanal Brewing Ventures Execs Discuss ‘100 percent’ Acquisition of Sixpoint BreweryAfter four years of discussions with Sixpoint Brewery founder Shane Welch, Artisanal Brewing Ventures (ABV) finally completed a deal to purchase 100 percent of his Brooklyn-based craft brewery this week.Even though ABV had been courting Sixpoint for several years, it wasn’t until this summer when negotiations really began to heat up, John Coleman, CEO of ABV, told Brewbound.As the deal came together, ABV — which is backed by family office Ulysses Management and was formed in 2016 via the merger of Victory Brewing and Southern Tier Brewing — turned to Wells Fargo to help finance the acquisition.Coleman declined to share specific financial terms of the transaction.Unlike ABV’s partnerships with Victory and Southern Tier, whose founders have remained involved in the businesses they started, Welch is exiting the company he founded in 2004 to focus on other “craft beer-related businesses,” including a smartphone app that helps facilitate direct-to-consumer sales at breweries.Although ABV’s past strategy has focused on retaining its partner breweries’ founders, the company decided it needed to be more flexible when it came to Sixpoint, Paul Barnett, managing director of Ulysses Management, told Brewbound.“Shane has a lot of other outside interests, which he’s passionate about,” he said. “He struggled with the idea of the obligations that are inherent in being an active founder partner like Bill [Covaleski] and Ron [Barchet of Victory] and Phin [DeMink of Southern Tier].”Now, Sixpoint brewmaster and chief product officer Eric Bachli will lead the company. Last year, Welch hired Bachli away from popular Massachusetts craft brewery Trillium Brewing.According to Coleman and Barnett, Sixpoint was an attractive acquisition target for ABV due to its geographical presence in New York City, where the brewery sells more than half of its volume, as well as its alignment within the Sheehan Family network of wholesalers.“We think there’s a lot of growth potential in metro New York as well as all of the surrounding areas,” Coleman said. “And from a brewing standpoint, the brands are all very complimentary with Southern Tier and Victory brands.”According to Coleman, Sixpoint is on pace to produce 55,000 barrels of beer by the end of 2018. The company did not report production figures to the Brewers Association last year, but in 2016 it reported production of 74,500 barrels.Finally, Barnett and Coleman said ABV isn’t done buying, and they mentioned a focus on breweries located in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Southeast regions of the U.S..“The east of the Mississippi geography we find is really an attractive market,” Barnett said.TTB Accepts Offer for Trade Practice ViolationsTTB and Elgin Beverage Agree to $325,000 Offer in CompromiseThe Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) yesterday announced the acceptance of a $325,000 offer in compromise from Illinois distributor Elgin Beverage Co. for alleged violations of tied house provisions.Elgin, based in Bartlett, about 35 miles from Chicago, distributes products from Constellation Brands, Pabst Brewing and FIFCO USA, among others.In a press release, the TTB said Elgin had “aided and abetted another industry member in the use of a third party to pay retailers to carry and promote their products.”The pay-to-play scheme, the TTB argued, gave Elgin an “unfair advantage” in the marketplace.“TTB remains committed to putting an end to anti-competitive practices that hurt law-abiding businesses and prevent consumers from enjoying a wide selection of products,” the agency wrote.Earlier this month, the TTB issued an industry circular reminding alcohol...

Honey Beer-Honey Beers incorporate honey as a fermentable sugar in addition to malted barley. (Fermentation - Mash In – convert starch to sugar – boil down – transfer to fermenter – add yeast – also add honey)-Honey character should be evident in aroma and flavor, but should not be overpowering.-Beara Brewing Co. – Castletown Honey Brown – Northern English style Brown Ale with local Honey from Sea Bee Honey in Rye, NH (www.seabeehoney.com) – interviewed Joe Martilla, Founder/Bee Keeper on Craft Beer Storm Podcast Episode # 3 (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2) -Color: Very light to black depending on underlying style-Clarity: Clear to hazy is acceptable-Hop Aroma and Flavor and Bitterness - Very low to very high but Honey should come through-Body: According to style-ABV: 2.5%-12.0% - anything more may be considered a Mead (Mead or honey wine is the oldest alcoholic drinks known to man. It is made from honey and water via fermentation with yeast.) The alcoholic content ranges from about 3.5% ABV to more than 20% - usually higher ABV-Glassware: Pint glass or Belgian Style glass for aromaHoney Beer Examples (courtesy of Beer Advocate)(https://www.beeradvocate.com)Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram:

Michael speaks to Jack Hendler, Co-Founder of Jack's Abby in Framingham, MA. They explore the success of Jack's Abby Lagers and discuss the newer Springdale unit producing Oak Barrel Aged Ales.Founded in 2011 by three brothers, Jack, Eric, and Sam Hendler, Jack’s Abby has become a mainstay of the craft brewing scene in the Northeast and nationwide.Jack’s Abby brews lagers, and only lagers. Born in the high alps of Bavaria over 200 years ago, lagers became a beloved brew all across Europe. Lagers feature a distinctive smoothness and fullness that no other beer has and we think everyone deserves.Our mission is to create truly distinctive lagers featuring locally grown ingredients, traditional German brewing standards, and American innovation.Springdale by Jack’s Abby was founded in 2016 as the experimental and barrel-aging arm of Jack’s Abby Brewing. With curiosity, creativity and the support of our talented production team, we’ve spent our first year crafting dozens of wild and barrel-fermented beers, as well as a line of traditionally fermented ales.Ales, IPAs and barrel-aged beers make up the core of Springdale’s portfolio. Pearly, our country-style can-conditioned witbier is light, lively and expressive, while our breakfast stout Brigadeiro is packed with luscious flavors of coffee and chocolate. We also can our IPAs and suggest drinking them fresh; they’re packed with huge, expressive hop flavors from American and Australian hops. Our barrel-aged series, on the other hand, can be cellared indefinitely. This includes unfruited wild ales and beers fermented on a wide variety of fruit, including apricots (Apriculture) cherries (Kriek Mythology) and raspberries (Poive Raz).Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NHMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0LCraft Beer Storm Facebook:

Craft Brew News - 11/16/18Following Temporary Shutdown, Sierra Nevada Brewing Launches ‘Camp Fire’ Relief FundAfter nearby wildfires forced Sierra Nevada Brewing to temporarily cease operations at its Chico, California-based production facility over the weekend, the craft brewery has resumed making beer. The country’s third-largest craft brewery also announced the creation of a fund to help those affected by the blaze.The so-called “Camp Fire” is now the most destructive wildfire in California history. To date, it has claimed the lives of 42 people, destroyed more than 6,000 homes and wiped out thousands of other structures. More than 200 people remain missing, and the fire has scorched about 125,000 acres of land. At last word, the blaze was only 35 percent contained, with fire officials hoping for full containment by the end of November.Donations can be made via this link.https://www.goldenvalley.bank/Community-Foundation.aspx?utm_source=Media+Contacts&utm_campaign=958c0b8c7b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_13_04_24&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f07999573-958c0b8c7b-318489661&mc_cid=958c0b8c7b&mc_eid=f6a216287d “The brewhouse is ramping up today to get inventories back to normal,” she wrote. “If necessary, our Mills River [North Carolina] facility is ready to increase production, but we don’t anticipate that need.”Blue Moon Creator Keith Villa’s First THC-Infused Beer is a Belgian-Style White AleKeith Villa, the legendary brewmaster who retired from MillerCoors earlier this year and launched Ceria, Inc., a cannabis company, is most known for creating the iconic Blue Moon Belgian-style wheat ale.So it’s only fitting that his first play in the cannabis-infused beverage space would be a de-alcoholized version of his popular brew.Called Grainwave, Villa’s first THC-infused non-alcoholic craft beer, a Belgian-style white ale, will hit Colorado dispensaries in mid-December.A 4-pack will sell for $36, according to the release, while single bottles will also be sold for $9 each.Colorado’s Fate Brewing Company Files for BankruptcyYet another small brewery has found itself in financial trouble.The parent company of Boulder, Colorado-based Fate Brewing Company, Fate Restaurants LLC, has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection.According to the November 1 filing, Fate owes more than 50 creditors between $1 million and $10 million. The company also claims between $1 million and $10 million in estimated assets.Fate Brewing founder Mike Lawinski, who owns 40 percent of the company, according to the filing, did not respond to requests for comment. However, he issued a statement to several Colorado media outlets attributing the bankruptcy to an inability to receive federal approval for a brewing operation located in the former Avery Brewing production facility in Boulder. He also cited an underperforming second brewpub location, which was seized by the city of Lafayette in mid-October due to unpaid taxes.San Diego Craft Brewers Produced More Than 1.1 Million Barrels in 2017San Diego County craft brewers produced more than 1.1 million barrels of beer in 2017, up about 22 percent from 2016 levels, according to an economic impact study conducted by the San Diego Brewers Guild and California State University San Marcos’ (CSUSM) Office of Business Research and Analysis.The total economic impact of the craft brewing industry in San Diego County increased from $870 million in 2016 to more than $1.1 billion last year, according to the study, titled “Economic Impact of Craft...