The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), Alexandria, Va., hosted its 78th annual convention and tradeshow Oct. 11-14 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Constellation Brands Inc., Victor, N.Y., announced an agreement to acquire San Diego-based Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits. One of the fastest growing craft beer companies in the United States, Ballast Point beer portfolio contains more than 40 different varieties, including its Sculpin IPA and Grapefruit Sculpin IPA, the company says. The partnership with Ballast Point will enable Constellation Brands to compete in the craft beer segment, further strengthening its position in the highest end of the U.S. beer market, it adds.
Three cities in Maryland recently named October “Shore Craft Beer and Hard Cider Month.” One of them in Ocean City, also hosted a Shore Craft Beer Festival, which took place Oct. 24 and featured local brewers, according to the Caroline Times Record.
Winter brew salutes World War II Battleship USS Massachusetts
November 10, 2015
Providence, R.I.-based Narragansett Beer announced the release of Big Mamie Indestructible American Pale Ale, a sessionable ale that pays homage to the USS Massachusetts. The release commemorates the 50th anniversary of maritime museum Battleship Cove and Narragansett’s own efforts to save the impenetrable warship many years ago, the company says.
Reigning 3s plays tribute to Portland Trail Blazers
October 27, 2015
There are few plays in basketball more exciting than the three-point shot. Taking inspiration from the game, Portland, Ore.-based Pyramid Breweries recently teamed up with the Portland Trail Blazers to create its newest, limited-edition beer – Reigning 3s. This unfiltered White Pale Ale is the company’s take on its own 3-pointer, using a combination of Cascade, Apollo and Lemon Drop hops. With 5.5 percent alcohol by volume, this beer rates 30 on the international bitter unit (IBU) scale. Due to limited availability fans will have to travel to "Rip City" to get a shot of this brew, the company says.
A common expression in marketing is “Sell the sizzle, not the steak.” Although the consumer might need food for sustenance, it’s the sound of the sizzle that makes them want a steak instead of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Deschutes Brewery’s bottles, cartons and tap handles now sport a new, updated look designed to better reflect the quality of the beer inside while increasing shelf presence and display impact, the company says.
Jim Koch offers insights for building a career, launching successful business
September 29, 2015
Jim Koch, founder of The Boston Beer Co., Boston, brewer of Samuel Adams beers is writing a book titled “Quench Your Own Thirst: Business Lessons Learned Over a Beer or Two.” Based on more than 30 years of experience as a business owner and brewer, Koch offers insights into the ride from scrappy start-up to thriving public company, according to New York-based Macmillan Publishers. His business model and recollections offer counterintuitive lessons that entrepreneurs and drinkers can apply to business and to life, it adds.