For more than 50 years, Maker’s Mark handcrafted its products, with every bottle considered a work of art, the company says. With art on the mind, the company hosted the first “The Mark of Great Art” where 54 artists from across Kentucky created pieces of art inspired by the distillery in Loretto, Ky. All types of art were represented, including oils, watercolors, wood, textile, photography and jewelry. After the display, the distillery-inspired art will be sent to eight cities around the world.

 

Pints for prostate awareness

 

Beer writer Rick Lyke created an awareness campaign called Pints for Prostates designed to reach men through the universal language of beer. Lyke, a 47-year-old Charlotte, N.C., native, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February. His goal is to educate men in a friendly and non-threatening way about the need for regular prostate specific antigen testing. The campaign is focused on reaching men during September because it is Prostate Cancer Awareness month, and work is underway to reach out to breweries, brewpubs and on-premise retailers to get support, Lyke says.

 

Purple hosts All-Star party

 

Purple Beverage, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., hosted an event in July designed to celebrate baseball’s All Star Week and honor the company’s baseball partners. All-Star pitcher and New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim outfielder Torii Hunter and rapper/hip hop artist Talib Kweli celebrated with Purple. Sports stars and VIP guests were treated to All Star-themed Purple cocktails such as the “Purple Angel Rita” and “Café Closer.” Kweli performed in a private concert as well.

 

Craft brews in Germany

 

The new U.S. Embassy opened in Berlin on July 4 and American craft brewers brought their beer to the event. More than 4,500 guests attended the opening, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former President George H.W. Bush and former ministers of the German government. Bobby Richey, Jr., Counselor for Agricultural Affairs for the U.S. Embassy in Berlin said the Embassy chose to serve U.S. craft beers because they embody many of the attributes typical of U.S. agricultural products: quality and innovation.