VGS INTERNATIONAL INC. LAUNCHES ÍS—PRONOUNCED “ICE”—VODKA

Los Angeles, CA, October 23, 2008--VGS International Inc. (VGS) has announced the US launch of ÍS™ VODKA (pronounced “ice.”) An ultra-premium blend of naturally pure Icelandic water and non-genetically modified European wheat, this super-premium vodka is distilled seven times to ensure an unparalleled taste experience. “As consumers of luxury products become more health-conscious, we are proud to introduce a spirit made with the purest water on earth to the American marketplace,” said Madeline Vinski, CEO of VGS International Inc., the parent company of IS Vodka. Currently available in California and Nevada, IS plans to expand its distribution rapidly through an arrangement with importer/distributor MHW, Ltd.

While many vodkas are made with local spring or worse, municipal water, IS vodka features unique, uncommonly pure “esker” water from Iceland. A cousin of the artesian spring, eskers form when water—in this case, from a glacier—percolates to the surface through layers of clay and gravel, resulting in not only a rare geological formation, but one of the purest water sources on earth. Extraction is managed in an ecologically responsible manner by members of the local Icelandic community.

Master Distiller Peter McKay of the United Kingdom, a graduate of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and a judge for the International Wine & Spirit Challenge, developed a special distillation formula for ÍS Vodka using pure Icelandic water, the finest non-genetically modified European wheat and a third (secret) ingredient. McKay distills this blend seven times for ultimate purity, unrivalled quality and consistently exceptional taste.

Gracefully tall and sleekly elegant in shape, the ÍS Vodka decanter is as luxurious and evocative as the spirit inside. Stylized icicles adorn the sides of the bottle, a reminder of its contents’ icy origins, while a substantial, handsomely finished nickel-plated cap provides a crown. The focal point on the front of the bottle is a medallion molded in the image of a mythical Icelandic angel—the “living logo” of the ÍS Vodka brand. The angel hoists a sphere emblazoned with a “7,” the number of times ÍS VODKA is distilled. The brand name is enameled on the bottle is pure silver foil, a metaphoric reflection of flickering Arctic sunlight on an Icelandic glacier.

Though comparable in quality and taste to internationally acclaimed vodkas in the ultra-premium price category (which can cost $75 or more), ÍS VODKA, retails for $39.95, a standout among its price peers. “We wanted to ensure an ultra-premium quality experience that was accessible to most consumers,” Vinski says.

The Peninsula Beverly Hills, the only AAA Five-Diamond and Mobil Five-Star hotel in Southern California for fifteen consecutive years, purchased the very first case of ÍS VODKA shortly after the first container hit US shores in September. “We’re impressed both by the smooth finish and the hint of fire in ÍS VODKA,” said the Peninsula’s Food and Beverage Director Christian Boyens. The brand has expanded its Southern California distribution to include the Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Rey, Morton’s Beverly Hills, BondSt Beverly Hills, Ago, and many others. “We’re confident customers and consumer nationwide will embrace IS VODKA’s combination of quality, taste and value,” Vinski concludes.

About Viking Glacier Spirits (VGS) International, Inc.

VGS International Inc. is a private holding company established for the purpose of introducing ÍS VODKA to the super-premium segment of the global vodka market. Viking Glacier Spirits (US) is the exclusive importer of this spirit to the United States of America. IS Vodka is an ultra-premium blend of naturally pure Icelandic water and non-genetically modified European wheat, distilled seven times to ensure an unparalleled taste experience. VGS invites all consumers of ultra-premium spirits to “taste vodka for the very first time” by visiting: www.isvodka.com

IRON HILL BREWERY & RESTAURANT ANNOUNCES 8th LOCATION IN MAPLE SHADE, NJ

MAPLE SHADE, NJ – In May 2009, the region’s most celebrated brewery and dining destination, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, will open their eighth location in Maple Shade, New Jersey (124 East Kings Highway, 856-273-0300). The new outpost will mark the group’s first foray into New Jersey.

“We hope that beer and food lovers in New Jersey will enjoy our house-brewed beers and delicious cuisine as much as our fans in Pennsylvania and Delaware,” says Iron Hill founding partner Kevin Finn. Along with co-owners Kevin Davies and Mark Edelson, Finn has continuously sought out thriving suburban locations for their award-winning concept, beginning in Newark, DE in 1995. The Maple Shade location is made even more special by the fact that all three owners hail from New Jersey.

The executive chef and head brewer have not yet been named, but will no doubt continue Iron Hill’s tradition of culinary and brewing excellence. The new location will accommodate 280 guests and serve Iron Hill’s menu of new American favorites including their signature Brewski Burger, with mushrooms, bacon and a choice of American, sharp cheddar, Swiss, provolone or muenster cheeses; Fish and Chips, North Atlantic Pollack battered in their own Vienna lager and served with French fries, cole slaw and malt vinegar; Black Pepper Crusted Ahi Tuna with a salad of lentils, spinach, grape tomatoes and shallots and a port wine vinaigrette; and Pan Roasted Chicken Breast with smashed Yukon gold potatoes, crispy friend onion rings, asparagus and thyme pan jus. Iron Hill will be open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

Iron Hill Maple Shade will also offer an impressive selection of their house-brewed beers, including: Vienna Red Lager, an Austrian lager with bread-y malt aroma and a clean, crisp finish; Pig Iron Porter, dark, flavorful and chocolate-y with good balance and a slight bitterness; Raspberry Wheat, a filtered American wheat beer with a touch of natural raspberry flavor; and Ironbound Ale, a celebration of American ales made from the nation’s finest hops varieties such as Cascade, Crystal, Centennial and Chinook.

Iron Hill is poised for even more impressive growth in the coming years; Citibank recently approved them for $10 million in funding for six additional locations throughout the mid-Atlantic region by 2011.

Since 1996, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant has consistently been recognized for its outstanding beers and cuisine, accruing over 100 “Best of” awards from regional magazines. Their hand-crafted beers have also won acclaim and in total, they have received 39 medals from the three most prestigious beer events, the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup and Real Ale Festival.

They operate seven award-winning locations: Newark, DE; Wilmington, DE; Media, PA; West Chester, PA; North Wales, PA; Phoenixville, PA and Lancaster, PA.

For more information about Iron Hill, or to make a reservation at any of their locations, please visit their website at www.ironhillbrewery.com.

AMERICANS PREFER ORIGINALS OVER CONTEMPORARY

To mark its 135 birthday, Coors Banquet celebrates timeless classics

Golden, Colo. – From cars to movies, the originals really do remain timeless according to a recent Coors Banquet survey conducted by Harris Interactive®. The survey polled adult men and women ages 21 and older nationwide and found that the majority of adults preferred classics (75 percent) over the latest trends (25 percent).

Among the list of findings, the following classics beat out their modern day counterparts:

• 93 percent prefer original songs over remixes (7 percent)


• 75 percent prefer open air stadiums over sports domes (25 percent)


• 95 percent prefer hanging out with friends over video chatting with friends (5 percent)


• 87 percent prefer basic blue jeans over designer label pants (13 percent}


• 96 percent prefer original movies over remakes (4 percent)

“For the past 135 years, Coors Banquet has been known as an icon of the West,” said Lee Dolan, vice president of the Coors Family of Brands, MillerCoors. “As we expanded our footprint nationwide, we refused to compromise our full-flavored taste, born in the Rocky Mountains.”

From one classic to another, Coors Banquet is celebrating 135 years as a beer that has withstood the test of time, keeping close to its original recipe using only Rocky Mountain water, high country barley and the finest ingredients. The timeless beer is still brewed on the same Rocky Mountains in the same brewery as it has been since Adolph Coors first introduced it in 1873.

Coors Banquet has been part of American history through the years from the early days of prohibition to creating the first all-aluminum recyclable can. As legends go, area miners would throw parties during the 1800s called “banquets” stocked with requisite Coors. The Banquet Beer became a part of the Coors name as homage to the lively gatherings and western legacy. Coors Banquet has also been a favorite among former presidents to Hollywood actors.

To find out more about Coors Banquet’s history, please visit www.Coors.com.

Cozy Up This Holiday Season With a New Leinenkugel's Seasonal Brew – Fireside Nut Brown

-Maple aroma and pronounced chocolate, caramel and hazelnut top notes tempt the palate-

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (October 21, 2008) – The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company is rolling out a new seasonal brew just in time for the holidays. Starting in November the 141-year-old specialty brewer will add Leinenkugel’s Fireside Nut Brown to its portfolio of specialty craft beers.

The new seasonal beer harkens to a time when multiple generations of the Leinenkugel family would gather with friends and enjoy a special brew crafted especially for the holiday season.

While the star of this holiday seasonal is the roasted malt character, the well-balanced flavor and brilliant amber tones give Leinenkugel’s Fireside Nut Brown a comforting approachability that you don’t experience in traditional English-style nut browns. English two-row malts give this lager a maple aroma and pronounced chocolate, caramel and hazelnut top notes that dance around the palate before finishing gracefully.

Brewed in small, high-quality batches at Leinenkugel’s brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wis., Leinenkugel’s Fireside Nut Brown Lager is the perfect complement for holiday foods such as glazed hams, roasts, gravies, pies and pastries.

Fireside Nut Brown contains 4.9 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). It will be available during November and December where Leinenkugel’s is sold in 6, 12 and 24-pack bottles and on draft.

“Fireside Nut Brown is an adventurous yet classic flavor rounding out our family of year-round and seasonal beer offerings,” said Jake Leinenkugel, fifth generation brewer and president of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. “We’re excited to introduce our version of this English-style beer and hope to draw interest from our loyal fans and beer lovers in search of variety or new seasonals during the holiday season.”

Craft beer lovers should also keep an eye out for a new late winter / early spring seasonal - Leinenkugel's 1888 Bock - which will hit shelves and taps in January.

HOLIDAY RECIPES

Leinie’s Nut Brown Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:
• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup Leinenkugel’s Fireside Nut Brown
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped candied walnuts to top

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
2. Place the potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for one hour or until tender.
3. Scoop the flesh into a bowl and discard the skins.
4. Add the beer, cream, olive oil, brown sugar, molasses, and salt and beat on high speed with an electric mixer until smooth.
5. Add chopped candied walnuts to top potatoes.
6. Cover to keep warm or reheat before serving.

Leinie’s Traditional Fireside Stuffing

Ingredients:
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup minced carrots
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 2 large yellow onions, chopped
• 5 cups crumbled cornbread
• 5 cups seasoned bread crumbs
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 bottle of Leinenkugel’s Fireside Nut Brown
• 1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sage

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325° F.
2. Place Italian sausage, carrots, celery and onions in a large skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl combine sausage mixture with cornbread, bread crumbs, chicken broth, Leinenkugel’s Fireside Nut Brown, poultry seasoning and sage. Mix well and transfer to a 9x12-inch baking dish.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes or until cooked through. Take off foil and brown another 10 minutes.

Craft a Quick Leinie’s Baste
To add a hint of maple, caramel and hazelnut to your turkey, pour one to two bottles of Leinenkugel’s Fireside Nut Brown over your turkey and then baste it with butter. The drippings are also ideal for adding a flavor shot to your gravy.

About Leinenkugel’s
Leinenkugel’s, brewed in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is the leading craft brewer in the upper Midwest. Year-round offerings include Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat, Honey Weiss, Berry Weiss, Leinie’s Red, Creamy Dark, Original and Light. In addition to the new Fireside Nut Brown, Leinenkugel’s offers three other limited-release seasonal beers including summer favorite Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest and 1888 Bock (coming Jan. 2009). For more information on the rich history of Leinenkugel’s, visit www.leinie.com.

Rogue Nation Continues New Expansion, Plants Its Flag in Nine Countries

NEWPORT, OR, October 20, 2008 – Ex-pats and locals alike can now order up a bottle of Rogue Ale in Australia, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago. The countries may be new to Rogue, but selling abroad isn’t: the Newport, Oregon based craft brewery has been exporting its lineup of ales for years, beginning in Japan in 1993. Since then, it has expanded to Canada (Albera, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec), England, Guam, the Philippines, Sweden, and most recently, the People’s Republic of China.

Rogue Nation will continue to expand into more countries to further gain support for its recent application for admission to the United Nations. Among its arguments for recognition, coins and currency, passports, national ID cards, stamps, license plates, a flag, a constitution, a national past time, a literary journal, a farm and a pledge. More important, Rogue Nation is an expression of a shared culture and language that unites its citizens in a common bond.

Owing to its philosophy that “variety is the spice of life,” Rogue Ales crafts a wide range of ales made with the finest hops and barley malt, free range coastal water and Pacman top fermenting proprietary yeast. Rogue does not use preservatives, additives or chemicals, nor does the brewery pasteurize its products. For more information, visit www. rogue. com.

Celebrating its second century, Rogue Ales is an Artisan Varietal Brewery founded in Oregon in 1988, as one of America’s first 50 microbreweries. Rogue has 550+ awards for taste and quality and is available nationally and in 20 countries.

America’s Greatest Beer Celebration: The 2008 Great American Beer Festival and Competition

The 2008 Festival and Competition Shattered Records and Made Beer History

Boulder, Colo. • Oct. 16, 2008 - The Great American Beer Festivalsm (GABF), America’s greatest beer festival and competition, attracted beer lovers from across the world on October 9th, 10th, and 11th. This year’s event, held in Denver, Colorado, had 432 breweries, 60 plus exhibitors and 2,600 volunteers. A total of 46,000 attendees could choose from 2,052 different beers, one ounce at a time, from 432 breweries across the United States. The festival sold out two weeks before the start date and the competition was the largest commercial beer competition ever to be held.


Link to High Resolution Photo

“The Great American Beer Festival celebrates American’s flavorful and innovative beer culture, featuring small independent craft brewers who are brewing some of the best beer in the world,” stated Charlie Papazian, President of the Brewers Association and founder of the festival. “Despite a softening economy and raw materials challenges, beer from U.S. craft brewers continues to generate global excitement and interest in the American beer and food scene.” http://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.org

The Great American Beer Festival Competition attracted 127 international beer judges. Award-winning brewers received prestigious gold, silver, and bronze medals in 75 distinct beer categories, establishing the best examples of each style in the U.S. New style categories this year included: Fresh Hop Ale, American-Belgo Style Ale, and Leipzig-Style Gose. This year’s entries came from 472 breweries. A total of 2,902 beers were judged.

The average number of beers entered per category was 39. Category 46: American-Style India Pale Ale had the highest number of entries with 106. Category 4: Fruit or Vegetable Beer was second with 90 entries.

Leading Medal Winning States – 2008 GABF (Link to Complete Winners List)

• California: 506 entries, 39 medals won, 8% of entries winning medals


• Colorado: 356 entries, 34 medals won, 10% of entries winning medals


• Oregon: 209 entries, 19 medals won, 9% of entries winning medals


• New York: 134 entries, 10 medals won, 7% of entries winning medals


• Wisconsin: 134 entries, 15 medals won, 11% of entries winning medals


• Pennsylvania: 115 entries, 10 medals won, 9% of entries winning medals


• Washington: 108 entries, 7 medals won, 6% of entries winning medals


• Michigan: 98 entries, 5 medals won, 5% of entries winning medals

Great American Beer Festival 2008 Statistics:

• 432 Breweries in the festival hall


• 2,052 Beers served at the festival


• 46,000 attendees (includes brewers, volunteers, ticket holders)


• 2,600 volunteers


• 41,679 volunteer hours, estimated


• 472 Breweries in the competition


• 2,902 Beers judged in the competition


• 75 Categories judged + Pro-Am Category


• 127 Judges from eleven countries


• Average number of competition beers entered in each category: 39


• American Style India Pale Ale Category had the highest number of entries: 106

2008 GABF Official Sponsors are: (Official Sponsors) DRAFT magazine, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Coors Light, Miller Lite, Microstar Keg Management, 97.3 KBCO, 103.5 The Fox, and AM 760. (Associate Sponsors) Samuel Adams, Eco-Products, Inc., Here's To Beer, Four Points by Sheraton, WAHL 'Let It Grow Tour', Winter Park / Copper Mtn. Resorts, Westword

For images photos or B-roll please contact Cindy Jones. 303.447.0816 x144 / cindy@brewersassociation.org

For podcast, video and images from the festival visit the Press Room pages on GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com

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Based in Boulder, Colo., U.S.A., the Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade and education association for American craft brewers and the community of beer enthusiasts. Visit the website: www.beertown.org to learn more. The association’s activities include events and publishing: World Beer Cup®; Great American Beer Festival sm ; Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America®; National Homebrewers Conference; National Homebrew Competition; American Craft Beer Week (May); Zymurgy magazine; The New Brewer magazine; and books on beer and brewing. The Brewers Association has an additional membership division of 17,000+ homebrewers: American Homebrewers Association.

IRON HILL BREWERY CONTINUES STREAK BY BRINGING HOME SIX MEDALS FROM GREAT AMERICAN BEER FESTIVAL

WILMINGTON, DE – Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, with seven area locations won an amazing six medals for their handcrafted beer at the prestigious 27th annual Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in Denver, Colorado. Iron Hill has won a total 27 medals at the GABF since they opened in 1996 and has brought home medals each of the 12 years they have participated. This year’s winning GABF medals include four gold, a silver and a bronze, making Iron Hill the region’s most decorated brewery.

“We’ve always been proud of the beers we brew and serve, and these medals continue to affirm the level of quality of our products,” says Director of Brewing Operations Mark Edelson. “This year makes me especially proud, because not only did we continue our winning streak, but we also set a single year Iron Hill record for medals and this year was a complete team effort. Each medal was won by a different brewer.”

Medals were awarded in the following categories: Rye Beer, a gold medal for “Roggenbier” brewed by Tim Stumpf in Phoenixville, PA; Vienna-Style Lager, a gold medal for “Vienna Red Lager” brewed by Justin Sproul in Newark, DE; French and Belgian-Style Saison, a gold medal for “Saison” brewed by Chris LaPierre in West Chester, PA; Belgian-Style Lambic or Sour Ale, a gold medal for “Lambic de Hill” brewed by Bob Barrar (10 time GABF winner); Wood and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer, a silver medal for “Cherry Dubbel” brewed by Larry Horwitz in North Wales, PA; Belgian-Style Lambic or Sour Ale, a bronze medal for “Cassis de Hill” brewed by Brian Finn in Wilmington, DE.

Past GABF Iron Hill honors include: Best Large Brewpub of the Year 2005, Russian Imperial Stout (Gold 2003, 2006) and Bourbon Ivan (Bronze 2006), Belgian Strong and Kriek De Hill (Gold 2005), Tripel (Bronze 2002, 2003, 2004) and Ironbound Ale (Bronze 2005.)

The Great American Beer Festival is the oldest and largest beer festival in the United States. This year’s judging included 2,902 beers from over 472 breweries. A complete list of winners is available from the Association of Brewers web site at www.beertown.org.

Critics and readers alike have heaped praise on Iron Hill; in the past few months, 10 regional publications have honored Iron Hill, including The Wilmington News-Journal, which called them “Best in the Business” in 2008. Other recent critical accolades have included: “Best Bar in Montgomery County” from the Philadelphia Inquirer; “Best Upstate Beer Selection” from Delaware Today, along with inclusion in their “Hall of Fame” feature; “Best Kids Menu” from Main Line Today; “Best Brewery” from The Montgomery County Record; “Best Bar & Grill / Microbrewery” from County Lines; and “Best Beer Selection” from The Daily Times’ “Best of Delaware County” feature, an honor they have earned every year since 2003. Readers’ choice awards have included: “Best Microbrew” from Main Line Today; “Best Late Night Menu” from Delaware Today; and “Favorite Brewery” from Lancaster’s Sunday News.

Iron Hill has also been honored by several publications for their philanthropic contributions to their community. They won a prestigious Restaurant Neighbors Award from the National Restaurant Association, in addition to being named among greater Philadelphia’s Top Corporate Charitable Contributors (#52) in the Philadelphia Business Journal. That publication also named Iron Hill as a finalist for their In-Kind Donor Award, Philanthropic Donor Award, and Volunteer Donor Award.

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant has seven locations, in Newark, DE; Wilmington, DE; Media, PA; West Chester, PA; North Wales, PA; Phoenixville, PA and Lancaster, PA. All seven locations are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. For more information about Iron Hill, or to make a reservation at any of their locations, please visit their website at www.ironhillbrewery.com.

Apple Farm Inn Offers Holiday Rates for Festive Packages

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (October 15, 2008) – Apple Farm Inn in San Luis Obispo, CA, offering deluxe Inn accommodations and amenities, celebrates the season with three holiday vacation packages value priced for those who book by November 26 (the day prior to Thanksgiving). The special offerings are sure to please everyone, from fun-loving families and shoppers to sight-seeking tourists.

“Our Gift To You” Package
Priced at $209 per night, Our Gift To You includes one night’s stay and a $100 gift card that can be used anywhere on the property, from the restaurant to the gift shop, or given as a holiday gift. Valid November 9 though January 1, 2009 for Sunday through Thursday night stays.

“Holiday Splendor at the Castle” Package
Whether seeking romance or whimsy, Holiday Splendor at the Castle delivers with one night’s stay at the Inn; two adult tickets to tour Holiday Splendor at the famous Hearst Castle; two gourmet box lunches for the trip to the Castle; and a $20 gas voucher. Priced at $189 for the first night, guests may add an extra Sun-Thurs night stay for $159. Valid November 30 through January 1, 2009 for Sunday through Thursday nights.

“Home Away from Home For the Holidays” Package

Touting a range of festivities for kids of all ages, Home Away from Home includes one night’s stay at the Inn and all the warmth of home for $179 per night. The package includes a gingerbread house kit, hot cocoa with peppermint stir sticks delivered to the room and a $50 voucher good toward the Apple Farm Restaurant or Gift Shop. Valid November 9 though January 1, 2009 for Sunday through Thursday night stays.

Limited accommodations are available for all aforementioned holiday packages, so book early for the best rooms and rates. For additional information or to make reservations, please call (800) 255-2040 or visit www.applefarm.com.

Apple Farm is a Boutique Hotel Collection property. Boutique Hotel Collection features distinctive hotels, inns and resorts in scenic destinations throughout California, with each property reflecting rare regional treasures. Nestled in unique locales, ranging from seaside state parks, an eco-friendly lodge and marine sanctuaries to the Central Coast wine country and historic towns, guests of Boutique Hotel Collection properties can experience authentic area attractions such as wine tasting, visiting state wildlife reserves, kayaking amidst the beauty of the bay and soaking up small town charm. Editorial media interested in additional information on Boutique Hotel Collection or property images may contact Holly Padove at (805) 773-1000 or holly@thepressroom.com.

Great Divide Wins Medal at 2008 Great American Beer Festival

(Denver, CO) – Great Divide Brewing Company picked up another medal at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) awards ceremony held on Saturday, October 11, in Denver, CO.

Yeti Imperial Stout, won a bronze medal in the Imperial Stout category. Yeti (9.5% alcohol by volume) is an onslaught of the senses. It starts with big, roasty malt flavor that gives way to rich caramel and toffee notes. Yeti gets its bold hop character from an enormous quantity of American hops.

Yeti Imperial Stout is a repeat winner at GABF, having also won a silver medal at the 2005 festival. This medal brings Great Divide’s GABF totals to an impressive 13 medals.

“It's extremely rewarding for each of us at the brewery when we win a GABF medal,” says Brian Dunn, founder of Great Divide. “The awards are recognition that we're brewing some of the highest quality beers in the US, they make us all very proud. We’ve had quite a few celebratory beers around here the past couple days.”

That Yeti has won medals in previous years is especially satisfying to Dunn and his staff. “This repeat medal is proof of the consistent quality of our beers,” Dunn says. “They say great things about our brewing methods, our focus, and the caliber of our staff.”

There were 472 breweries participating in this year’s GABF competition, with a total of 2,902 beers judged. Colorado breweries won 23 of this year’s GABF medals, get details at http://www.beertown.org/events/gabf/pdf/winners/gabf08_winners.pdf . For details on all of Great Divide’s beers visit www.greatdivide.com.

Great Divide is one of the most decorated microbreweries in the US. The brewery has seven placements in the current Best of Beer Advocate “Top Beers” rankings. Three Great Divide beers were chosen for Ratebeer.com’s 2007 “The Best Beers in the World” list, which ranked the globe’s top 100 beers.

Great Divide is ranked 14th in Ratebeer.com’s 2008 “The Best Brewers in the World” rankings (of the top 100 breweries) and the brewery has won 13 medals at the Great American Beer Festival, held each year in Denver, Colorado.

In 2003, the brewery was one of craft beer’s first to defy the mainstream and expand its focus to bigger, more assertive beers that reflected the original spirit of the company. The move to more challenging beers has helped Great Divide grow to 8,760 barrels of beer production in 2007.

In 1994, Great Divide set up shop in an abandoned dairy/yogurt plant on the north edge of downtown Denver. The company has expanded several times at that location. The Great Divide Tap Room is a hit with local beer lovers and Denver visitors.

Michigan’s Bill Wamby & Redwood Brewing Named Small Brewpub & Small Brewpub Brewer of the Year at Great American Beer Festival Competition

Five Michigan Mircrobrews Receive Individual Medals

(EAST LANSING, Mich) – It was a good year for Michigan craft brewers at the 27th Annual Great American Beer Festival Competition, held October 9-11, in Denver, CO. Bill Wamby and Redwood Brewing Company in Flint were named Small Brewpub Brewer of the Year and Small Brewpub of the Year, respectively. Redwood also snagged two of the five individual medals for Michigan craft beer, for its Munich Dark and Cream Stout.

The individual medal winners from Michigan include:

European-Style Dunkel (18 Entries)

• Gold Medal: Munich Dark, Redwood Brewing Company – Flint, Michigan


• Silver Medal: Bastone Munchner Dunkel – Bastone Brewing – Royal Oak, Michigan

German-Style Altbier (27 Entries)

• Gold Medal: The Detroit Dwarf, The Detroit Beer Company – Detroit, Michigan

French- and Belgian-Style Saison (37 Entries)

• Bronze Medal: Luciernaga, Jolly Pumpkin – Dexter, Michigan

Sweet Stout (19 Entries)

• Gold Medal: Cream Stout, Redwood Brewing Company – Flint, Michigan

The Great American Beer Festival invites industry professionals from around the world to sit together in small groups and, without knowing the brand name, taste beers in each specified style category. The ultimate goal of the Great American Beer Festival Judge Panel is to identify the three beers that best represent each beer-style category as described and adopted by the Great American Beer Festival.

Five different three-hour judging sessions take place over the three-day period during the week of the festival. Judges are assigned beers to evaluate in their specific area of expertise and never judge their own product or any product in which they have a concern. Breweries are awarded points based on medals won, and these points are tabulated to arrive at the results.

The Professional Judge Panel awards gold, silver or bronze medals that are recognized around the world as symbols of brewing excellence. These awards are among the most coveted in the industry and heralded by the winning brewers in their national advertising. Medal distinctions are as follows:

• GOLD: A world-class beer that accurately exemplifies the specified style, displaying the proper balance of taste, aroma and appearance.


• SILVER: An excellent beer that may vary slightly from style parameters while maintaining close adherence to the style and displaying excellent taste, aroma and appearance.


• BRONZE: A fine example of the style that may vary slightly from style parameters and/or have minor deviations in taste, aroma or appearance.

The Great American Beer Festival is the granddaddy of all U.S. beer festivals, offering the largest collection of U.S. beer ever assembled. Sponsored by The Brewers Association, the festival features more than 1900 different beers from 400 breweries throughout the country. A highlight of the festival is that many of the beers are served by their makers, allowing aficionados the chance to meet many of their beer heroes.

The Brewers Association (www.beertown.org), which was established in 2005 by a merger of the Association of Brewers and the Brewers' Association of America. The organization’s goal is to unify the combined 88-year history of service and to promote and protect the U.S. craft brewing community's interests.

According to The Brewers Association, of the 1,463 breweries in the U.S. an astounding 1,420 are considered independent craft brewers, with 975 of these being brewpubs. American craft brewers (small, independent and traditional) have commanded attention in he beer world with 11% sales growth in the first half of 2008.

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes over $24 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $133 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #6 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

The Michigan Brewers Guild exists to unify the Michigan brewing community; to increase sales of Michigan-brewed beer through promotions, marketing, public awareness and consumer education; and to monitor and assure a healthy beer industry within the state. For more information, including a list of Michigan microbreweries, log on to www.michiganbrewersguild.org.

TALES OF THE COCKTAIL 2008 ANNOUNCES ECONOMIC IMPACT ON NEW ORLEANS

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA-The results of a recent Visitor Profile and Economic Impact Study for Tales of the Cocktail 2008 conducted by the University of New Orleans Division of Business and Economic Research show the total economic impact produced by the 7th annual event was $7.6 million. State and local governments realized over $560,000 in tax revenue as a result of the five-day festival. Tales of the Cocktail is a global event with the majority of attendees (73.9%) not living in the Greater New Orleans area. International visitors came from Canada (53.8%), the United Kingdom (15.4%), the Netherlands (7.7%), Austria (7.7%) and France (7.7%).

Visitors spent an average of $1,341 during their trip to the New Orleans area. Tales of the Cocktail attracts an affluent visitor (22.5% with incomes above $100,000) who spent an average of $312.70 with the largest proportion on restaurants/meals, lodging, bars/nightclubs and shopping. On average $103.06 per person was spent on daily meals.

While most of Tales of the Cocktail visitors were repeat attendees (41.4%) the event is continuing to attract new visitors each year (58.9%). Tales of the Cocktail features cocktail events such as dinner-pairings, cocktail demos and tastings, seminars, mixing competitions, design expos, book-signings and much more. Of the respondents who attended seminars, the majority (63.3%) attended 5 or more sessions and the average number of seminars attended was 6.5.

The vast majority (97.3%) of visitors stayed overnight in the New Orleans area and an overwhelming majority of visitors (94.4%) stayed in hotels. Three-fourths of visitors (75%) stayed 4 or more days in the New Orleans area. The average number of nights stayed was 4.5.

Summary of Additional Findings:

• 94% of visitors were in New Orleans primarily for Tales of the Cocktail


• 59.2% of attendees were between the ages of 36-64


• 93.8% of attendees plan on attending Tales of the Cocktail next year

Tales of the Cocktail has increased attendance 25% from 2007 to 2008. This study shows the huge impact that the event has had on New Orleans. Tales of the Cocktail will only continue to grow and continually be recognized as the premier cocktail event to attend.

About Tales of the Cocktail
Tales of the Cocktail, a culinary and cocktail festival features award-winning mixologists, authors, bartenders, chefs and designers in the New Orleans French Quarter at five days of cocktail events such as dinner-pairings, cocktail demos and tastings, seminars, mixing competitions, design expos, book-signings and much more.

About the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society
The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to benefit hospitality industry members, produces Tales of the Cocktail annually. Its mission it so preserve the rich history of the restaurants and bars of New Orleans and the unique culture of dining and drinking famous to the city, while educating locals, visitors, and the hospitality industry about this culinary heritage. The 2008 project will be the Behind the Bar photo exhibit described below.

Tales of the Cocktail announces Behind the Bar Photo Exhibit
New Orleans Bars to be Preserved in Photo Exhibit
Tales of the Cocktail, the annual dining and drinking extravaganza, which is produced by the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society, will unveil its newest medium to further their “cocktail cause”. “Behind the Bar” is an exhibit of photographs taken in New Orleans bars and restaurants that convey the “spirit” behind cocktail culture in New Orleans. The month long exhibit will open on Wednesday, October 1st and display photographs selected by a panel of judges including award winning photographer and author, Kerri McCaffety and designer and author, Phillip Collier.

“Behind the Bar” will be on display at Art for Arts Sake this fall, 2008 at the W New Orleans.

W Hotel New Orleans
333 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA

The PrimeTime Brewers and Founders Brewing Company Participate in Worldwide Day Dedicated to Teaching Homebrewing

Boulder, Colo. • — November 1, 2008 is the American Homebrewers Association’s (AHA) 10th Annual Teach a Friend to Homebrew Day. The PrimeTime Brewers Homebrew Club of Grand Rapids MI, along with Founders Brewing Company, are participating in this year’s celebration.

Teach a Friend to Homebrew Day is an international event celebrated each year on the first Saturday in November with the goal of introducing people to the homebrewing hobby and establishing relationships with local homebrew supply shops and homebrew clubs. The PrimeTime Brewers and Founders are happy to invite anyone who is interested in learning how to homebrew to stop by the site from 10 am to 4pm on Saturday, November 1.

Founders Brewing Company
235 Grandville Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
www.foundersbrewing.com

In 2007, over 1,900 participants brewed approximately 1,970 gallons on Teach a Friend to Homebrew Day at 152 sites worldwide (including sites in Canada, England, Denmark, and 33 states in the United States). This year, the AHA expects even greater participation.

"One of the great things about homebrewers is they are happy to share their knowledge and to pass on the joy that they find in homebrewing to others,” states Gary Glass, the director for AHA, “that's really what Teach A Friend To Homebrew Day is all about."

Homebrewing is a hobby that is increasing in popularity and something that almost anyone 21 years and older can enjoy. Homebrewing is a rewarding but easy hobby – anyone who has a kitchen can do it. The equipment and ingredients needed are less expensive than most people think.

For information on how to participate in this year’s Teach a Friend to Homebrew Day event and to view the registered sites, go to: www.beertown.org.

Based in Boulder, Colo., U.S.A., the Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade and education association for American craft brewers and the community of beer enthusiasts. Visit the website: www.beertown.org to learn more. The association’s activities include events and publishing: World Beer Cup®; Great American Beer Festival (sm); Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America®; National Homebrewers Conference; National Homebrew Competition; American Craft Beer Week (May); Zymurgy magazine; The New Brewer magazine; and books on beer and brewing. The Brewers Association has an additional membership division of 15,000+ homebrewers: American Homebrewers Association.

Dewar’s Celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Repeal December 5, 2008

Just as ships carrying Dewar's Scotch Whiskey waited offshore for the stroke of midnight on a cold winter night in 1933, today Dewar's eagerly anticipates the Dec. 5 "Repeal Day" celebrating the 21st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that ended Prohibition.

On Dec. 5, 1933, Dewar's Scotch Whiskey became one of the first liquors to be served legally in the country. On Dec. 5, 2007, the brand will commemorate this significant time in U.S. history by kicking off the 75th anniversary year of Dewar's Repeal Day.

We want to remind everyone that a mere 75 years ago, a very significant change was made to our Constitution, The 18th amendment is the only Constitutional amendment ever repealed. It had a huge affect on the U.S. What better time to celebrate?!"

Celebrations of Dewar's Repeal Day are planned in various cities across the nation, including New Orleans, the birthplace of one of the original cocktails.

Why not celebrate this significant day in American history with some vintage cocktails - The Dewar’s Old Fashioned; Dewar’s Highball; Ward Eight; and the Rob Roy.

Five Facts for Repeal Day:

• December 5th will mark the anniversary of Repeal Day; it was on this date in 1933 that the 21st Amendment was ratified and Prohibition was terminated. And, Dewar’s Scotch - the first legal whisky to arrive in the U.S. - hit New York’s South Street Seaport docks the moment the law was put into action. Joseph Kennedy, Sr. (JFK’s father) happened to be the US agent for the brand.


• Now, a lot of people have suggested that Joseph Kennedy was a bootlegger, which he may or may not have been. But what he really was, was the owner of a company named Somerset Importers. Somerset owned the exclusive rights to import Dewar’s Scotch and Gordon’s Gin, and right before Repeal, Somerset stocked up. Big time. Once Prohibition was over, they sold the premium liquors for a hefty profit, and Joe was a rich man.


• The umbrella becomes a clever symbol of the post-prohibition era. Ironically with rain inside the umbrella for many wet days to come.


• To honor the repeal of the 21st amendment many celebration begin at 9:00pm or the 21st hour.


• Many Repeal Day hosts insist the first drink of the evening be non-alcoholic beverage to remind everyone of the dry days of prohibition.

Many Repeal Day celebrations include period inspired dress which for women can include hose and garters (flapper inspired) and for men Fedora’s, Derby or Newsboy caps.

Save the Date! Dewar’s will celebrate in style at legendary New Orleans Bar and Restaurants.

CELEBRATE THE HARVEST WITH THE BRANDYWINE VALLEY’S SEVEN LEADING WINERIES AT LONGWOOD GARDENS

LINE-UP OF WINE, FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT MAKE THIS THE NOT TO BE MISSED EVENT OF THE SEASON

KENNETT SQUARE, PA -- The seven vintners of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail will celebrate the end of grape harvest season with a fun filled Vintner’s Dinner on Saturday, November 8 in the magnificent setting of Longwood Gardens East Conservatory and Ballroom (1001 Longwood Road) from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. The incredible line-up of wine, food and entertainment will make this the not-to-be-missed event of the season.

As Master of Ceremonies, KYW TV 3 anchor and local resident Pat Ciarrochi will emcee the festivities. Legendary Joel Peterson, winemaker, president and founder of Ravenswood Winery will make an appearance and serve as guest speaker. Gifted singer, 11 year old Rocco Fiorentino, who is blind from his premature birth and the inspiration for The Little Rock Foundation, will perform for the audience. The cost per person will be $135 and will raise funds to benefit the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail.

The evening will also include a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception with live piano music, a sit-down dinner paired with wines from the local vineyards and dancing to the Brass Ensemble of the Kennett Symphony. All of the winemakers from the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail will attend the harvest celebration to meet and mingle with guests.

The seven wineries, known for making the area’s best wines, include: Black Walnut Winery, Chaddsford Winery, Kreutz Creek Vineyards, Twin Brook Winery, Paradocx Vineyard, Penns Woods Winery and Va La Vineyards. Formed in 2003, the Brandywine Wine Trail has quickly become known as an up-and-coming wine destination credited to the fertile microclimate of the region. Their popular Barrels on the Brandywine tasting weekends, held each spring and fall, draw thousands of visitors to sample the latest wines from each winery.

Affectionately known as the “Godfather of Zin,” Peterson is considered one of the industry’s best-known and most popular figures. Since starting Ravenswood in 1976, he has taken the Sonoma-based winery from a one-man garage operation producing 327 cases of Zinfandel to the #1 producer of Zinfandel worldwide.

A silent auction will benefit The Little Rock Foundation (www.littlerockfoundation.org), an organization of parents who have children with blindness, visual impairment and other disabilities.

Corporate tables are available and will include a special Winemakers Reception. Black tie is optional. Seating is limited and tickets have normally sold out well in advance in previous years. For more information or reservations, please visit www.bvwinetrail.com or call 610.444.3842 or 866.390.4367.

Cascade Brewing takes home a bronze medal from its inaugural entry into the Great American Beer Festival

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oct. 13, 2008 - Cascade Brewing Co.’s first entry into the prestigious Great American Brewers Festival (GABF) proved fruitful, with a bronze medal awarded to Cascade Kriek Ale in the Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer category. The 27th annual GABF was held this past weekend in Denver, Colo.

Cascade Kriek Ale is a Belgian Flanders Style Red Ale refermented with a sweet blend of fresh whole Northwest cherries. The beer spent more than nine months of lactic fermentation and aging in small French oak wine barrels before being hand-bottled.

The GABF medal helps to support Cascade Brewing Co.’s mission of creating ultra-premium, oak barrel-aged, lactic-fermented Belgian-style beers that range from lambic-style fruit beers to red ales.

Thanks to his dedication to sour beers, Cascade brewmaster Ron Gansberg has developed a reputation as one of Oregon's most innovative brewers; a brewer who looks to yeast and barrel-aging rather than hops to produce flavor. There are typically 50 or more barrels racked in Cascade’s brewhouse at any given time, aging and souring for months on end.

The Great American Beer Festival is the largest and most prestigious competition for American craft beers. This year's competition featured 2,902 beers from 472 breweries. A panel of 127 judges from 11 countries worked three days to award 222 medals in 75 categories. There were a total of 27 entries in the Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer category.

Located in the Raleigh Hills neighborhood of SW Portland, Cascade Brewing Co. was established in 1998 by Art Larrance, who has been involved in Oregon’s craft beer industry since its inception. Art co-founded one of the state’s first microbreweries, Portland Brewing, as well as the Oregon Brewers Festival, which today is one of the world’s preeminent craft beer festivals.

Cascade Brewing offers eight well-balanced beers on draught year-round, complemented by seasonal selections. The award-winning Cascade Kriek is hand bottled in 750 ml champagne bottles and sells for $15.95, along with Cascade Blackberry, Apricot, and Cuvee. These can be purchased at the brewery, as well as locally at Belmont Station and John’s Market.

For more information, call 503-296-0110 or visit www.raclodge.com.