Brewers Association Releases Top 50 Breweries List

Boulder, Colorado • April 13, 2009 – Brewers Association, which represents the majority of brewing companies in the U.S., announced the annual list of top 50 brewing companies.  Released are lists for both Top 50 Craft Brewing Companies¹ of small and independent craft brewers (see Craft Brewing Statistics) plus a Top 50 Overall Brewing Companies list. Rankings are based on sales volume in 2008.

"In 2007, 35 of the top 50 brewing companies were small and independent craft brewers. In 2008 there were 37," states Paul Gatza, Director of the Brewers Association. "Craft brewers continue to have success and generate excitement behind the flavorful beer movement, but not without recent challenges including price increases for raw materials and supplies, as well as access to market issues."

Changes from last year's list include breweries moving up or down in the rankings based on volume sales. There was one new entrant into the Top 50 Craft list, The Saint Louis Brewery, and two craft brewers have claimed spots in the Top 50 Overall list—Big Sky Brewing Co. and Mac & Jack's Brewery. Consolidation of MillerCoors, last year's number 2 and 3 brewers, opened up a slot, and the merger of Widmer Brothers and Redhook into the company now named Craft Brewers Alliance, Inc. opened up another slot filled by emerging small and independent craft brewers.

A more extensive analysis of statistics on the craft beer segment in 2008 will be released April 22 during the Craft Brewers Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. The Association's full 2008 industry analysis, which shows regional trends and sales by individual breweries, will publish in the May/June issue of The New Brewer on May 19.


Top 50 Craft Brewing Companies by Beer Sales Volume

(Based on 2008 sales)

Rank	Brewing Company	City	State
1	Boston Beer Co.	Boston	MA
2	Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.	Chico	CA
3	New Belgium Brewing Co.	Fort Collins	CO
4	Spoetzl Brewery	Shiner	TX
5	Pyramid Breweries Inc.	Seattle	WA
6	Deschutes Brewery	Bend	OR
7	Matt Brewing Co.	Utica	NY
8	Boulevard Brewing Co.	Kansas City	MO
9	Full Sail Brewing Co.	Hood River	OR
10	Magic Hat Brewing Co.	Burlington	VT
11	Alaskan Brewing Co.	Juneau	AK
12	Harpoon Brewery	Boston	MA
13	Bell's Brewery, Inc.	Galesburg	MI
14	Kona Brewing Co.	Kailua-Kona	HI
15	Anchor Brewing Co.	San Francisco	CA
16	Shipyard Brewing Co.	Portland	ME
17	Summit Brewing Co.	Saint Paul	MN
18	Stone Brewing Co.	Escondido	CA
19	Abita Brewing Co.	Abita Springs	LA
20	The Brooklyn Brewery	Brooklyn	NY
21	New Glarus Brewing Co.	New Glarus	WI
22	Dogfish Head Craft Brewery	Milton	DE
23	Long Trail Brewing Co.	Bridgewater Corners	VT
24	Gordon Biersch Brewing Co.	San Jose	CA
25	Rogue Ales/Oregon Brewing Co.	Newport	OR
26	Great Lakes Brewing Co.	Cleveland	OH
27	The Lagunitas Brewing Co.	Petaluma	CA
28	Firestone Walker Brewing Co.	Paso Robles	CA
29	SweetWater Brewing Co.	Atlanta	GA
30	Flying Dog Brewing Co.	Frederick	MD
31	BJ's Restaurant & Brewery	Huntington Beach	CA
32	Rock Bottom Brewery Restaurants	Louisville	CO
33	BridgePort Brewing Co.	Portland	OR
34	Odell Brewing Co.	Fort Collins	CO
35	Victory Brewing Co.	Downingtown	PA
36	Mac and Jack's Brewery	Redmond	WA
37	Big Sky Brewing Co.	Missoula	MT
38	Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants	Chattanooga	TN
39	Karl Strauss Brewing Co.	San Diego	CA
40	Breckenridge Brewery	Denver	CO
41	Lost Coast Brewery and Cafe	Eureka	CA
42	Otter Creek Brewing Co.	Middlebury	VT
43	Utah Brewers Cooperative	Salt Lake City	UT
44	North Coast Brewing Co.	Fort Bragg	CA
45	Blue Point Brewing Co.	Patchogue	NY
46	Boulder Beer Co.	Boulder	CO
47	Pete's Brewing Co.	San Antonio	TX
48	McMenamins Breweries	Portland	OR
49	Anderson Valley Brewing Co.	Boonville	CA
50	The Saint Louis Brewery, Inc.	St Louis	MO

 

Top 50 Overall Brewing Companies by Beer Sales Volume

(Based on 2008 sales)

Rank	Brewing Company	City	State
1	Anheuser-Busch InBev	St. Louis	MO
2	MillerCoors Brewing Co.	Chicago	IL
3	Pabst Brewing Co.	Woodridge	IL
4	Boston Beer Co.	Boston	MA
5	D. G. Yuengling and Son Inc.	Pottsville	PA
6	Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.	Chico	CA
7	Craft Brewers Alliance, Inc.	Woodinville	WA
8	New Belgium Brewing Co.	Fort Collins	CO
9	High Falls Brewing Co.	Rochester	NY
10	Spoetzl Brewery	Shiner	TX
11	Pyramid Breweries Inc.	Seattle	WA
12	Deschutes Brewery	Bend	OR
13	Iron City Brewing Co.	Pittsburgh	PA
14	Minhas Craft Brewery	Monroe	WI
15	Matt Brewing Co.	Utica	NY
16	Boulevard Brewing Co.	Kansas City	MO
17	Full Sail Brewing Co.	Hood River	OR
18	Magic Hat Brewing Co.	Burlington	VT
19	Alaskan Brewing Co.	Juneau	AK
20	Harpoon Brewery	Boston	MA
21	Bell's Brewery, Inc.	Galesburg	MI
22	Goose Island Beer Co.	Chicago	IL
23	Kona Brewery LLC	Kailua-Kona	HI
24	Anchor Brewing Co.	San Francisco	CA
25	August Schell Brewing Co.	New Ulm	MN
26	Shipyard Brewing	Portland	ME
27	Summit Brewing Co.	Saint Paul	MN
28	Stone Brewing Co.	Escondido	CA
29	Mendocino Brewing Co.	Ukiah	CA
30	Abita Brewing Co., L.L.C.	Abita Springs	LA
31	The Brooklyn Brewery	Brooklyn	NY
32	New Glarus Brewing Co.	New Glarus	WI
33	Dogfish Head Craft Brewery	Milton	DE
34	Long Trail Brewing Co.	Bridgewater Corners	VT
35	Gordon Biersch Brewing Co.	San Jose	CA
36	Rogue Ales/Oregon Brewing Co.	Newport	OR
37	Great Lakes Brewing Co.	Cleveland	OH
38	The Lagunitas Brewing Co.	Petaluma	CA
39	Firestone Walker Brewing Co.	Paso Robles	CA
40	SweetWater Brewing Co.	Atlanta	GA
41	Flying Dog Brewing Co.	Frederick	MD
42	BJ's Restaurant & Brewery	Huntington Beach	CA
43	Rock Bottom Brewery Restaurants	Louisville	CO
44	BridgePort Brewing Co.	Portland	OR
45	Odell Brewing Co.	Fort Collins	CO
46	Victory Brewing Co.	Downingtown	PA
47	Straub Brewery	Saint Marys	PA
48	Cold Spring Brewing Co.	Cold Spring	MN
49	Mac and Jack's Brewery	Redmond	WA
50	Big Sky Brewing Co.	Missoula	MT

For additional statistics, see Craft Brewing Statistics.

¹The definition of a craft brewer as stated by the Brewers Association: An American craft brewer is small, independent, and traditional. Small: Annual production of beer less than 2 million barrels. Beer production is attributed to a brewer according to the rules of alternating proprietorships. Flavored malt beverages are not considered beer for purposes of this definition. Independent: Less than 25% of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member who is not themselves a craft brewer. Traditional: A brewer who has either an all malt flagship (the beer which represents the greatest volume among that brewer's brands) or has at least 50% of its volume in either all malt beers or in beers which use adjuncts to enhance rather than lighten flavor.

Open Content is Proud to Announce the Launch of Drink Me Magazine

San Francisco, Calif., (April 14, 2009) – Drink Me magazine launches its first issue this month in San Francisco. Published by Open Content, Drink Me is the only lifestyle and entertainment publication about drinking and bar culture created for enthusiasts.

“Thirty months in the making, we’re finally here,” says Daniel Yaffe, president of Open Content. “It’s been a long and exciting road. We hope our readers take time to explore and enjoy as we offer up all the alcohol culture one could ever ask for, bottled up and ready to drink with a little tag that reads, ‘Drink Me.’ Welcome to our world…”

The first issue spotlights a number of drinking and cultural phenomena both locally and abroad, including Relax, It’s only Wine, an article that captures the digressions of a sommelier, Mixologistas, an in depth analysis of the trend of women bartenders, as well as Does this Count as Overtime? a look into corporate Japanese drinking culture.

Drink Me magazine will not only be offered in bars, clubs, cafes, and alcohol retailers around town, readers can also find the magazine online at www.drinkmemag.com. The publication’s online component creates a community of artists and writers from around the globe to share their unique and diverse social and epicurean alcohol traditions. In addition to its global social networking element, the site is a hub for posting alcohol-related events, entertainment, and cultural education.

“We’re looking forward to interacting with everyone online,” says Daniel Yaffe, president of Open Content, “And what better way to launch, than with a launch party with everyone who has given tremendous support to Drink Me.”

The official Drink Me magazine launch party took place on March 31, 2009 with many more events to come. Visit www.drinkmemag.com for updated listings.

ABOUT DRINK ME MAGAZINE
Drink Me is the only lifestyle and entertainment publication about drinking and bar culture created for enthusiasts. Drink Me is creating a community to share the diverse social and epicurean traditions of alcohol. We go beyond recipes to bring substance back to beer, wine and spirits. Drink Me explores and celebrates alcohol, and the drinking-wells they're enjoyed in.

CAMRA launches new ‘Cider’ book

‘Sweet cyder is a great thing, a great thing to me’ (Thomas Hardy)

Issued: Wednesday April 15th

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has released a new book unearthing the secrets of one of Britain’s most legendary craft industries- the production of cider and perry.

‘Cider’ is a lovingly-crafted exploration into the world of apples and pears, celebrating some of the industry’s pioneering characters and events, whilst travelling the length and breadth of cider country to form one of the most comprehensive cider and perry publications to date.

‘Cider’ is written, compiled and visualised thanks to a collaboration of leading experts on the subject, bringing together freelance journalists, producers and even self-confessed enthusiasts from the CAMRA membership! Due to this panel of knowledge, no stone is left unturned for the reader, with information on where to find cider retailers at home or abroad, how to match cider with food, and, as a light-hearted aside, how to produce your own cider or perry!

Andrea Briers, Chair of the CAMRA National Cider and Perry Committee, said:
‘This book is a lavishly illustrated, true insight into the world of cider and perry making, and one that captures some of the characteristics making this industry so treasured. The cider and perry world is simply brimming with diverse customs and history, and to a majority of people this element of Britishness remains undiscovered.’

In homage to the work of European producers, ‘Cider’ also devotes attention to Spanish, French, Austrian and German producers that have influenced the industry. As the book notes, ‘the temperature climate of Europe’s Cider Belt gives rise to a landscape and a culture that’s all pastures and orchards.’

Domestically, cider is currently undergoing a revival in the noughties, and ‘Cider’ lovingly reports that, ‘In the past five years, the number of producers has blossomed and more real cider and perry is now being produced than 15 years ago. Most of these cidermakers are hobby producers, though several are reaching the tipping point where they are able to pack their day jobs in and produce full time.’

Briers continues:
‘CAMRA’s National Cider and Perry Month in October has been a catalyst for change over the last few years and has really helped raise the reputation and renown of craft producers. The aim of this ‘Cider’ book is to make more consumers aware of one of Britain’s oldest drinks, and to champion the delights of fresh, well-crafted produce coming from some of the nation’s most innovative artisans.’

‘Cider’ is published on Wednesday April 15th, and is available from all good retailers, as well as from the CAMRA shop (www.camra.org.uk/shop), priced £12.99 for CAMRA members, and £14.99 for non-members.

Amstel Light's One Dam Good Bier Campaign Is Back to Give Consumers a Taste of Amsterdam

WHITE PLAINS, NY--(Marketwire - April 13, 2009) - Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer from Amsterdam, today kicks off the second stage of its popular One Dam Good Bier campaign by taking adult consumers on an exciting journey to "Amstel's Amsterdam" to experience a progressive twist on the art, nightlife, music and magic from the city in which it is brewed.

Each aspect of the campaign channels the free-spirited and fun culture of "Amstel's Amsterdam," including a redesigned and highly interactive Web site, innovative new packaging, new outdoor and print ads and a sweepstakes that gives adult consumers the opportunity to win a trip to Amsterdam. The crux of the brand's new campaign will be "Amsterdam Live!" -- a national touring event series inspired by Amsterdam's own "Melkweg," a nightclub that fuses together multiple art forms including live music, film, art and celebrity DJs -- all under one roof.

"We witnessed an incredible reaction to the launch of One Dam Good Bier last year as consumers made the connection between Amstel Light and Amsterdam," said Kheri Holland Tillman, vice president of marketing, Amstel Light. "The brand saw a dramatic shift in consumption as a result of One Dam Good Bier. Now, we're taking the campaign to the next level by offering memorable experiences that speak to the diverse culture and fun of Amsterdam while reinforcing Amstel Light's heritage and brewing tradition. Amstel's Amsterdam is all about enjoying One Dam Good Bier and having One Dam Good Time."

The campaign will continue to be anchored by the bold statement One Dam Good Bier, a line that describes the quality of Amstel Light and lays claim to the emotional imagery of Amsterdam. The second phase of the campaign will use "Amsterdam Live!" to bring to life Amstel's take on Amsterdam, where being unconventional and unexpected is celebrated. "Amsterdam Live!" will launch in June and tour major U.S. markets throughout the summer.

Verpakking (Packaging)

This summer, Amstel Light is launching new bottle graphics and new packaging that embodies the brand's roots and tradition by emphasizing that a "taste of Amsterdam is brewed in every bottle." The package creative features images of the Amstel River and canals running through the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam, as well as a synopsis of the beer's connection to the city. The new packaging will be showcased on 6- and 12-packs. While the bottle shape and appearance remain the same, the design of the label now highlights the word "Amsterdam."

Digitale Ervaring (Digital Experience)

Amstel Light's Web site (www.amstellight.com) has been redesigned to give adult consumers a chance to actually step inside "Amstel's Amsterdam." By hopping on a virtual bike and riding through the streets of Amsterdam, site visitors will have the opportunity to explore Amstel Light's take on the city's unique traditions and culture. Users will enjoy their own progressive experiences as they interact with "Amstel's Amsterdam" in unexpected ways, such as learning an authentic Dutch Roar (a traditional Dutch rallying cry), creating music by moving the mouse over a series of Amstel Light "bottles" and downloading their favorite Amsterdam-themed art.

Reclamecampagne (Advertising Campaign)

The Richards Group created the brand's new print and outdoor advertising campaign by using powerful and emotional images of Amsterdam to illustrate the fun energy and spirit of Amstel Light's connection to the city. The ads feature both the picturesque imagery and the festive atmosphere that have become synonymous with the city of Amsterdam, such as scenic views of the canals and groups of revelers enjoying the nightlife.

De Prestaties van het merk (Brand Performance)

Amstel Light pioneered the premium light beer category when it was introduced to the U.S. in 1982. Today, almost 50 percent of the U.S. beer market is composed of light beer drinkers and Amstel Light remains the only light beer in the category that tastes like a full-flavored and distinct European-style import with the benefits of being a light beer.

In Opslag en Bevorderingen (In-store and Promotions)

As part of Amstel Light's in-store merchandising efforts, an authentic replica of an Amsterdam street light and pub sign will serve as the display in stores. All in-store collateral, including price cards, cooler decals and mail-in rebates will feature descriptions of the "Unlock the Taste of Amsterdam" sweepstakes. Adult consumers will have the chance to enter, via text message, a unique code found on their Amstel Light bottle cap to win the grand prize -- a three night, four day stay in Amsterdam for one winner and three friends. In addition, adult consumers who enter the sweepstakes will be randomly entered to win one of 10 exclusive Dutch-style bikes.

About Amstel Light

Amstel Light is a leading imported light beer brand in the U.S. The Amstel Brewery was founded in 1870 in Amsterdam, Holland by two businessmen, DePester and J.H. van Marwijk Kooy. By 1886, Amstel had become Amsterdam's largest brewer of lager beer. In 1982, Amstel Light was born as an import to the U.S. Characteristic of this beer is a unique selection of raw materials and an intense fermenting process. The result is a premium imported light beer containing only 3.5% alcohol and approximately 35% fewer calories than regular lager beer. Amstel Light is imported by Heineken USA, headquartered in White Plains, New York, the nation's premier beer importer. For more information, please visit www.amstellight.com.

About Heineken USA

Heineken USA Inc., the nation's premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world's most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world's most international beer brand; Heineken Premium Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico. Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

CHEF JOSE GARCES TO OPEN VILLAGE WHISKEY, AN INTIMATE CELEBRATION OF THE CLASSIC SPIRIT

PHILADELPHIA, PA – In June, prolific Chef Jose Garces will debut his newest creation, Village Whiskey (118 South 20th Street, 215.662.1088), an intimate, 30-seat neighborhood bar. Chef Garces will serve a wealth of whiskies and inventive cocktails alongside simple, inexpensive bar food, prepared with his signature flair.

As one of the most comprehensive collections of its namesake spirit available in Philadelphia, Village Whiskey will feature a veritable library of 80 to 100 varieties of whiskey, bourbon, rye and scotch from Scotland, Canada, Ireland, United States and even a few Japanese options. For those who desire something other than whiskey, a carefully chosen list of wines with a focus on sparkling wines; and a beer list comprised exclusively of American craft beers will be available. A menu of Chef Garces’ bar snacks, burgers and tempting raw bar selections, all under $20, will complement the cocktails.

“I’ve always been a whiskey lover,” says Chef Garces, who owns Garces Restaurant Group which has four Philadelphia restaurants including Amada, Tinto, Distrito and Chifa. “It can be enjoyed in so many ways, whether as a cocktail or just sipped on the rocks. Village Whiskey is the kind of place I would want to go to unwind after a long day at work.”

An exciting array of 16 House Cocktails, developed by bar manager Paul Rodriguez, will be divided into two categories, Prohibition, or classic cocktails, and Repeal, more contemporary, modern takes. The venerable Manhattan will be a mainstay, mixed using house-made bitters. In addition to their own bitters, other one-of-a-kind, house-made mixers will be offered.

Classic “Prohibition” cocktails will include: Old Fashioned, with Noah’s Mill 114-proof bourbon, Boissiere Italian vermouth, Fee’s Brothers oak-aged bitters, cherry and orange; Sazerac with Sazerac rye, Herbsaint absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters and lemon; and Philadelphia Fish House Punch, a favorite of George Washington’s interpreted by Chef Garces in the style of his wildly popular sangrias at Amada and Tinto, with rum, brandy, peach brandy, lemon, lime, orange and maraschino. Contemporary “Repeal” cocktails will include: Village Idiot, Fighting Cock Kentucky straight 108-proof whiskey with The Bruery Black Orchard seasonal black wheat beer and ginger; The Latin Quarter Club, Cazadores reposado tequila, Flor de Cana rum, Johnny Walker Red, grapefruit and grapefruit bitters; and Sansom Street Flip, Charbay blood orange vodka, seasonal fruit and egg white. Cocktails will range in price from $11 to $18.

“Village Whiskey is a modern reinvention of a saloon, so our drinks are both recognizable and brand-new,” says Chef Garces, who is taking a departure from his popular Latin restaurants by opening this all-American bar.

Menu items, specially crafted by Chef Garces and Chef de Cuisine Dave Conn to complement the standout properties of whiskey and whiskey cocktails, will include: Raw Bar selections of seasonal oysters and clams; Charcuterie and Cheese Plate options; American Bar Snacks, such as housemade cheese puffs, spicy cheddar popcorn and honey-roasted Smokey Mountain peanuts; and a selection of House-Cured Pickles, served with a cocktail fork in a miniature mason jar, including Baby Carrots and Kumquats with cider vinegar and thyme and Herb Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes with Ricotta.

A ground-to-order Angus Beef Burger, a Veggie Burger, a Bison Burger or an Vienna All-Beef Hot Dog with all the trimmings are each served alongside duck fat French fries and Sly Fox cheddar sauce. Burgers will be topped with Village Whiskey’s house-made thousand-island dressing, Bibb lettuce, beefsteak tomato and a potato-beer bun, with optional toppings including bacon, caramelized onion, truffles, artichokes and a selection of cheeses. The menu, which will be served all day, will range in price from $4 to $20.

The welcoming space that houses this amazing library of liquor was designed by Jun Aizaki of Creme Design Collective, the creative force behind Garces’ four other Philadelphia restaurants. Here, Aizaki was inspired by American saloons and speakeasies, drawing from illustrations of turn-of-the-century social clubs and old-fashioned liquor advertisements.

“Village Whiskey is effortlessly cool – the kind of place you’d bring a date, but also a great spot for a night out with friends,” says Aizaki.

The space will evoke the free-wheeling spirit of a speakeasy or saloon with dim lighting, posters for various alcohols, a tin ceiling and antique mirrors. Black and white tiled floors, white tiled walls, sumptuous russet leather banquettes, marble topped tables and wooden drink rails add to the traditional bar decor. Behind the pewter bar with comfortable dark walnut stools, whiskies will be proudly displayed like leather-bound books.

Born in Chicago to Ecuadorian parents, Chef Jose Garces credits his family with inspiring and nurturing his interest in food from a young age. Today, he is the owner of four of Philadelphia’s most successful restaurants: Amada (217-219 Chestnut Street, 215-625-2450), Tinto (114 South 20th Street, 215-665-9150), Distrito (3945 Chestnut Street, 215-222-1657) and Chifa (707 Chestnut Street, 215-925-5555). He is also the executive chef at Chicago’s acclaimed Mercat a la Planxa (38 South Michigan Avenue, 312-765-0524). In 2008, Chef Garces saw the publication of his first cookbook, Latin Evolution (Lake Isle Press).

Village Whiskey will be open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. until 1 a.m. For more information, or to make a reservation, please visit www.villagewhiskey.com or call 215.662.1088.

Craft Brewers Ask Public to Sign Declaration of Beer Independence While Celebrating American Craft Beer Week (May 11-17)

Hundreds of Small and Independent Brewers to Host National Celebration

Boulder, Colorado • America's small and independent craft brewers (see Craft Brewing Statistics) are making special plans for the annual American Craft Beer Week (May 11-17), a national celebration highlighting the culture and contributions of craft beer. These brewers want the week to inspire beer enthusiasts to declare their independence by supporting breweries that produce fewer than 2 million barrels of beer a year and are independently owned. In the works are special brewery tours, beer and food pairing events, special release craft beers and festivals all across the U.S. A Declaration of Beer Independence is available on the program web site and the American Craft Beer Week fan page on Facebook, which participating breweries are encouraging beer enthusiasts to sign. Local breweries and restaurants will also post a copy of the Declaration of Beer Independence so that patrons can show their support.

Full information at: www.AmericanCraftBeerWeek.org and http://tinyurl.com/acbw-fb

NEW BELGIUM BREWING TO DISTRIBUTE SUNSHINE WHEAT IN CANS

A Longtime Favorite Becomes the Second New Belgium Brew to Don Aluminum

Fort Collins, CO – April 15, 2009 – New Belgium Brewing today announced that it will be packaging and distributing Sunshine Wheat in aluminum cans in Colorado only this spring. New Belgium, known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, will begin distributing a short run of cans in April. New Belgium installed its first canning line in 2008 and began rolling out Fat Tire in cans last summer.

A filtered wheat beer, Sunshine Wheat swirls in the mouth with ripples of coriander and orange peel tartness, settling into a sea of honey and apple tones. A recent web poll on www.newbelgium.com indicated that Sunshine Wheat was in the top three favorites for the next canned New Belgium beer.

“People have been asking for a more portable Sunshine Wheat for a while, so we’re excited to make this our second canned offering,” said Bryan Simpson, spokesperson for New Belgium. “Cans have many intrinsic benefits that New Belgium values; they are easily recyclable, transport lighter than glass and can be easily packed in and out when camping or enjoying the Great Outdoors.”

The cans, which are 100% recyclable, will feature Sunshine Wheat’s original watercolor artwork with color twist to reflect a summery green and yellow.

About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Amber Ale and other Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces seven year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.

Toast the Arrival of Spring with Founders Cerise Cherry Ale

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich) – In the “Cherry Capital of the World” it’s no wonder that Founders Brewing Company produces a popular craft beer that highlights this sweet and juicy Michigan fruit. Cerise Cherry Ale, the warm weather seasonal, was released April 1 and is available through August.

“We are excited about this beer, it supports our local agriculture and blends so well with the cherries,” says Alec Mull, Founders’ Director of Operations. “Cherries and beer are a marriage made in heaven, or in our case, here at Founders.”

As much as 53 gallons of Michigan cherries are used in every batch, masterfully crafted by Founders’ Brewmaster Jeremy Kosmicki. The Michigan cherries are harvested throughout West Michigan in communities such as Benton Harbor, Coloma, Grand Rapids and, of course, Traverse City.

“Cherries are added during five separate stages of the Cerise fermentation process,” says Kosmicki. “This creates a refreshingly tantalizing beer with intensive flavors, balanced somewhere between tart and sweet.”

More than 9,300 cases of Cerise will be sold this year in Michigan and nearly a dozen other states throughout the Midwest and along the East Coast.”

Cerise – which is defined as a “deep, vivid purplish red” color – is one of the most popular taproom beers at Founders. New to the line-up, it replaces the former fruit beer –Rubeus.

Founders Brewing Company, 235 Grandville Avenue SW in downtown Grand Rapids, is a proud member of the Michigan Brewers Guild. www.michiganbrewersguild.org.

FLYING FISH BREWERY ANNOUNCES EXIT 4, THE FIRST IN A LIMITED-EDITION, BIG BOTTLE SERIES HONORING THE GARDEN STATE

CHERRY HILL, NJ – New Jersey’s largest craft brewery, Flying Fish Brewing Company (1940 Olney Avenue, 856-489-0061), is flaunting its home-state pride with a new Exit Series of Big Bottle Beers. A fanciful tribute to the New Jersey Turnpike and all the Garden State has to offer, these special brews are Flying Fish’s first foray into large bottles. The first in the series, Exit 4 American Trippel, a Belgian-style bottle conditioned ale, was just released.

“At Flying Fish, we’re proud to hail from the great state of New Jersey,” says Gene Muller, who founded the brewery in 1995. “Our success comes from being focused on our home base, and this is a great opportunity for us to celebrate that in a very public way.”

Exit 4 American Trippel is named for the exit nearest Flying Fish Brewing Company’s headquarters, and is Belgian-inspired to represent their role as one of America’s first craft breweries to embrace Belgian-style beers. Future Exit Series Big Bottles will be named for other exits, chosen based on videos, photos and testimonials submitted to Flying Fish by fans at www.exitseries.com. This series will continue with three or four beers a year to eventually encompass all turnpike exits.

“We were among the first craft breweries to commit ourselves to using the Internet to build and enhance our business, and this new site allows us to reach out to our fans in a tangible way,” says Muller. “New Jersey is great because the people here are great, and we want to make sure that they can participate in this special series of beers.”

With a hazy golden hue and aromas of citrus, banana and clove, Exit 4 American Trippel bears heady malt flavors that give way to a subdued, bitter finish. As a bottle conditioned ale, it will develop as it ages. This one-time-only release is now available until it sells out across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Flying Fish was the world’s first ‘virtual’ microbrewery, establishing an Internet presence as early as 1995. That presence helped to generate press interest and woo investors to the fledgling brewery, which would not open for business until late 1996. Today, Muller and his team oversee four full-time styles, as well as a variety of seasonal beers. Their brews have been featured at the Great British Beer Festival, Oregon Brewers Festival and Canada’s Biere de Mondial Festival. They have won medals at the Great American Beer Festival, Real Ale Festival and the World Beer Championships, and are the only New Jersey brewery featured in Best American Beers. Flying Fish was recently named “Local Hero: Beverage Artisan of 2009” by Edible Jersey magazine.

For more information about Exit 4 or Flying Fish, please visit them online at www.flyingfish.com or call (856) 489-0061.

WINEBID.COM® BUYS ANTINORI'S FIRST PREMIERE NAPA VALLEY AUCTION LOT

Napa, California: – Every year WineBid.com, the premier Internet auction of fine and rare wines, participates in the Premiere Napa Valley Wine Auction. More that 200 Napa Valley Vintners create wines solely for this event.

In the 2009 Auction WineBid.com was very pleased to win lot #181 donated by Antica Napa Valley, which is the Antinori family's Napa estate. The highly-limited production wine is the estate's 2007 Townsend Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, and it will be released in mid-2010. It is the first time the Antinori's Napa Valley estate has offered a lot for Premiere Napa Valley.

Though Antica Napa Valley's first vintage, a 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, was released only in 2007, the estate is part of a noble wine-making history that goes back 26 generations. Marchesi Piero Antinori, the current president of the family's international wine-producing enterprise, first visited the Napa Valley as a young man in 1966. Nearly 30 years later he acquired an estate on a high plain in the rugged, hilly terrain of Napa Valley's eastern rim, partly because the hilly terrain with its rocky soils reminded him of Tuscany. The Antinori family chose the Townsend Vineyard for its Premier Napa Valley lot because the vineyard's grapes produce wines of exceptional power and finesse.

"The Antica wine was one of our top picks as we tasted through the lots at the Premier Napa Valley tasting. We are looking forward to being able to offer this wine to our customers in 2010,” said Jerome Zech, WineBid.com's Chief Executive Officer.

Established in 1996, WineBid.com is the largest online auction for fine and rare wines with more than 54,000 registered bidders. At WineBid.com each bottle of wine is appraised, inspected and stored in our climate controlled warehouse in Napa, California.

For more information about bidding or consigning, visit our website at www.winebid.com or call (888) 638-8968.

2009 IACP Award Winners

Winners announced at Awards Ceremony in Denver

ATLANTA (April 6, 2009) – The International Association of Culinary Professionals held its 2009 Awards Gala and Ceremony on Saturday, April 4 during the 31st Annual IACP International Conference in Denver. Lynne Rossetto Kasper from the American Public Media's "The Splendid Table" hosted the celebration, which honored top culinary professionals for their extraordinary accomplishments.

During the evening, awards were presented for the IACP Cookbook Awards, Bert Greene Awards for Food Journalism, Awards of Excellence, and Food Photography and Styling Contest.

The IACP Cookbook Awards encourage and promote quality and creativity in both writing and publishing, and honor the best cookbooks published each year. Cookbook Awards were presented in 15 categories, including the Jane Grigson Award and the Design Award.

The prestigious IACP Book of the Year award was presented by incoming IACP President Scott Givot, CCP (Gala & Co.), to A16: Food & Wine, authored by Nate Appleman and Shelley Lindgren with Kate Leahy (Ten Speed Press).

More than 400 books were entered in the competition by publishers from Australia, Canada, England, France, India, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the US.

The Bert Greene Awards for Food Journalism recognize the best food writing each year. Awards were presented in four categories: Essay, Internet, Magazine and Newspaper. A special "Best of NOLA" journalism award was presented as well.

The IACP Awards of Excellence honor the top culinary professionals in their field. Awards are presented in six categories, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

This year the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Anne Willan (La
Varenne) to Winston L. Shelton (Winston Industries) for his remarkable equipment and technology contributions to the culinary industry.

This year's Photo Contest was presented by IACP's Food Photographers and Stylists Section. Awards were presented for Best of Show and People's Choice.

A Community Service Award was also presented, to Chef Hugo Matheson (The Kitchen Café) for his exemplary service in the Denver and Boulder area.

View all 2009 Award Winners at:
http://www.iacp.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=677

National Mild Month

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, and Britain’s pubs and brewers, will once again be championing the Mild beer style with a variety of events throughout May to promote this traditional drink.

Mild beers tend to be of a low alcohol by volume, and are usually dark in colour, due to the use of well-roasted malts or barley, and are conventionally less hopped than bitters. Past CAMRA Champion Milds include Beckstones Black Dog Freddy, Hobson's Mild and Oscar Wilde Mild by Mighty Oak.

CAMRA is encouraging all its local branches to get behind the campaign and send out a dominant message as to the importance of the Mild. Past events such as 'Mild Trails' and tasting sessions have been highly successful, and with local brewers signing up to show their support, Mild Month 2009 could prove a pivotal year for this wonderful beer style.

Ruth Tyrrell, CAMRA National Beer Styles Coordinator, said:
‘Milds are at the heart of British brewing heritage, and we are urging all licensees to support the initiative by stocking a mild throughout the month of May, or even organising events such as ‘try before you buys’ and ‘meet the brewer’ sessions. One of the main aims of Mild Month is to show licensees that serving a range of beer styles offers diversity to the consumer, and could prove beneficial to their trade, which is important at the moment when so many pubs are closing.’

National Mild Day will be celebrated on Saturday May 9th and more details of this date will be released on the CAMRA website nearer the time- www.camra.org.uk

RETURN OF THE BIERE DE MARS

(Fort Collins, CO. April 6, 2009) - With a sour flash of Brettanomyces yeast, citrusy notes of lemon verbena and a dry finish, New Belgium’s Biere de Mars evokes the hearty character of the Belgian countryside. Brewed with barley, oats and wheat malt, Biere de Mars is the latest offering in the brewery’s newly created Lips of Faith program. Lips of Faith offerings feature spiced, fruit and wood beers on a regular rotation (http://www.newbelgium.com/beer).

“Picture rolling hills, brick farmhouses and an area once rich in mining,” says New Belgium’s brewmaster Peter Bouckaert. “I want you to visualize the organic architecture of Victor Horta, a curving banister with soft light falling from the window. This is what we tried to put into this beer.”

A wild Brettanomyces yeast strain added for bottle-conditioning creates a refreshingly sour flash across the palate. Lemon peel coupled with lemon verbena imparts some fruitlike character and a citrusy finish. Peter has allowed for a five-month shelf life during which the beer should mature nicely.

Biere de Mars is an old favorite at New Belgium that has not been produced in over three years. It will be available on draft and in 22-oz. bombers through the brewery’s Lips of Faith program throughout the year.

About New Belgium Brewing Company

New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces seven year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit, and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.

HomeBrewing.com Domain Acquired by Niche Stores

Specialty website holding company Niche Stores adds another premium domain to its roster

AUSTIN, Texas, April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Niche Stores, an Austin-based boutique of category-specific internet properties announced today that it has acquired the domain name HomeBrewing.com, for an undisclosed sum.

"The HomeBrewing.com domain has been at the top of our dream list for quite some time as we have developed other successful properties within this category and we are simply ecstatic to have made this acquisition," said Niche Stores CEO/Founder Christian Lavender. "Category-specific domains are truly worth their weight in gold. Given the fact that the home brewing supply market accounts for several hundred million dollars per year in retail sales we know this domain is quite precious. Even if our intention had been to make a quick profit from the resale of the domain it would have justified the significant acquisition price, as we have already been approached by several large brewing companies offering us large premiums over our original purchase price. However, our long term vision is to leverage the domain to dominate the lucrative home brewing equipment sales market. The perfect domain name coupled with our development and marketing expertise should give us a strategic advantage in reaching this goal," added Lavender.

Niche Stores builds and operates numerous websites within internet verticals that can uniquely succeed on the web by efficiently reaching a global audience of niche consumers. The acquisition of generic keyword website domains within new verticals is a key strategy for Niche Stores. These types of internet addresses can draw significant amounts of direct type traffic and are logically favored by Google and Yahoo in search engine results pages.

"Despite the current economic environment and the decline of the housing market, internet real estate continues to be an excellent form of value investing. HomeBrewing.com is an important square on the internet monopoly board for us," added Lavender.

About Niche Stores

An Austin, Texas-based firm, Niche Stores, specializes in founding, developing and operating online businesses built on generic domain name brand platforms. Niche Stores and its partner's track record include the acquisition of Kegerators.com, Mandolines.com, OhmMeters.com and DogHomes.com. Niche Stores currently operates margarators.com, grasstools.com, dogpools.com, and homebrewing.com.

Source: Niche Stores

CONTACT: Niche Stores, +1-512-394-7955

Web Site: http://www.nichestores.com/

ALL VOTES ARE IN: THE PALM PASSES THEIR SPRING DINING STIMULUS PLAN

Legendary Restaurant Rolls Out a Value Driven Dining Package with its $17 Business Lunch and $39 Steak Dinner

(WASHINGTON, D.C.; April 7, 2009) --- The Palm Restaurant Group (www.thepalm.com) announced today the roll out of their “Spring Dining Stimulus Plan” with an all-new Business Lunch Menu and $39 Biggest Steak dinner, available at Palm Restaurants nationwide.

Renowned as the restaurant to “seal the deal”, lawyers, politicians, and businessmen and women alike have long chosen The Palm as their fine dining “meeting room” to schmooze and network with colleagues, partners, and clients. The all-new Business Lunch Menu offers diners, now challenged with decreased budgets and limited expense accounts, a value menu without compromising the size and quality of ingredients The Palm is known for.

“In appreciation of the long-standing loyalty of our business and social diners, we’re offering two great menus at a great value – our own ‘economic relief package’ for our guests to continue celebrating at The Palm with family, friends and colleagues,” said John Bettin, CEO of The Palm Restaurant Group.

The Business Lunch, priced between $17 and $22 depending on the location, includes choices of:

STARTER
Mixed Green Salad, Caesar Salad or Soup of the Day

ENTRÉE
Twin Tenderloin Filets, Blackened Steak Salad, Chicken Parmigiana, Chef’s Fresh Fish of the Day, or a Palm Burger.

Served with Palm’s Signature Half and Half – cottage fries and fried onions

DESSERT
New York Cheesecake or Key Lime Pie

The Palm is also premiering its Biggest & Best Steak Dinner offer. Guests will enjoy choice of

STARTER
Mixed Green Salad
Caesar Salad
Monday Night Salad – finely chopped romaine, iceberg, tomato, onion, roasted pepper, radish, scallion and anchovy
Lobster Bisque – brandy, cream and fresh lobster meat

ENTREE
14 ounce Filet Mignon – choice of sauce: brandy peppercorn, port wine demi-glace, or classic bordelaise
9 ounce Filet Mignon Oscar – jumbo lump crabmeat, asparagus, fresh tarragon and hollandaise sauce
Wild Alaskan Halibut

Served with any Palm Signature Side

The Biggest & Best Steak Dinner Menu is offered all for only $39 per person and available at all Palm locations nationwide, through May 31, 2009.

Year of the Lobster
Earlier this year, the company announced enormous savings on their signature jumbo Nova Scotia Lobster. In celebration of The Palm’s Year of the Lobster, 3lb lobsters are priced at $62, and only $12 for each additional pound (savings of almost half what other fine dining establishments are charging). Guests are invited to join in the celebration of 40 years of serving the finest lobsters with a year long of special offers. Please visit www.thepalm.com/lobster for more details.

About The Palm
The Palm Restaurant proudly serves USDA prime-aged beef, fresh jumbo Nova Scotia lobster and premium seafood cooked to perfection with service and atmosphere like nowhere else. Known as the "place to see and be seen," the famed walls of each Palm are adorned with the caricatures of celebrities, politicians and socialites who make up its impressive customer base. Through four generations, the two families who opened the original Palm in 1926 on the East side of Manhattan have maintained co-ownership of the restaurant company. The Palm currently has more than 25 restaurants across the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico, including its newest location in Tribeca, New York City. For more information on The Palm, visit www.thepalm.com.

New Belgium Brewing Pedals into Indiana on April 20

Brewery Brings Bombers of Fat Tire, 1554 and Mothership Wit
to the Hoosier State

Fort Collins, CO – April 7, 2009 – New Belgium Brewing, the third-largest craft brewer in the U.S., today announced that 22-ounce bombers of Fat Tire, 1554 and Mothership Wit will be available throughout Indiana beginning April 20. Indiana is one of four new markets for New Belgium in early 2009.

“We’re excited to be rolling into Indiana,” said Bryan Simpson, spokesperson from New Belgium. “There’s a savvy bike scene and an appreciation for good beer so it should be a great fit all around.”

New Belgium is nationally recognized for its progressive environmental practices. By tapping into one of its core values of environmental stewardship, consumers can enjoy their new favorite beers even more. All of New Belgium’s beers are produced at a brewery where choices like reduced greenhouse emissions, green building techniques and water conservation are a cultural way of life.

Indiana residents looking to learn more about New Belgium can check out the New Belgium newsletter, The Tinkerer: http://www.newbelgium.com/the-tinkerer or New Belgium’s site: www.newbelgium.com. For those who love man’s greatest invention (the bicycle) as much as New Belgium, join Team Wonderbike today: http://www.teamwonderbike.com/.

Here are the beers New Belgium is bringing to Indiana:

Fat Tire
Like the ageless delight of pedaling a bicycle, Fat Tire Amber Ale’s appeal is in its feat of balance: Toasty malt flavors (sorta like biscuits just pulled from the oven) coasting in equilibrium with crisp hoppiness. Delicious stability - in the world of sometimes-precarious beer flavors – is perhaps what prompted one consumer to say, “This beer just makes you smile.”

Fat Tire’s depth of flavor, achieved with neither a disproportionate sway toward hops or malts, tandems well with a full spectrum of today’s engaging cuisines. Salmon, dry-aged cheeses, roasted chilies, omelets at midnight, sweet potato French fries and just about anything with grill marks or garlic are just a few of the edibles we like to partner up with our Amber Ale.

1554

Other than being dark in color, 1554 has little in common with Porters or Stouts. The beer is fermented at relatively high temperatures using a European lager yeast that imparts a refreshing, zesty acidity. Chocolate and coffee tones in the nose give way to a surprisingly clean finish. With 1554 we hoped to create a beer similar to what folks enjoyed nearly five-hundred years ago without ignoring five-hundred years of technological innovation.

Mothership Wit

New Belgium’s first organic beer offering, Mothership Wit elevates the zesty Wit or White beers of Belgium with wheat malt, coriander and orange peel spicing - all of which are organically grown. The Mothership experience begins with a cloudy pale yellow appearance capped by a creamy white head. Next is the alluring, slightly spicy, floral nose. The refreshing taste is the result of a gravitational balance of citrus and sour flavors held in suspension by a bright burst of carbonation.

By mid-2009, New Belgium beers will be available in 26 states across the United States. Fat Tire is the brewery’s flagship brew, with its other year-round and seasonal Belgian beers recognized for their mature flavors, unique history and high quality ingredients.

About New Belgium Brewing Company

New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces seven year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.

TALES OF THE COCKTAIL ANNOUNCES THE OFFICIAL COCKTAIL OF THE 2009 EVENT

WHAT:

Tales of the Cocktail, the annual culinary and cocktail festival, announces the winning bartender and recipe of their annual Cocktail Competition to determine the “official cocktail” of the event.

Tales of the Cocktail in partnership with Culinary Concierge Magazine and CocktailTimes.com invited bartenders to submit a winning recipe for the Official Cocktail Competition of the 7th Annual Tales of the Cocktail.

For our seventh anniversary, we stirred things up with our annual cocktail competition and asked bartenders to create a julep that we can use as our official cocktail at this year’s event.

Originally, the term julep would have been used to refer to a medicinal potion, but in the American South it was used to refer to a heavily iced beverage of some type of spirit, sugar and mint.

Today, a “mint julep” is usually thought of as that classic drink of the Kentucky Derby, served in its quintessential silver cup. In truth however, a julep can take a variety of forms, and we have found a recipe that would help us illustrate this fact.

Bartenders all over the world have been turning back the clock to rediscover forgotten drinks and recipes with flips, bucks and cups, which are appearing on many menus around the world.

The annual Official Cocktail Competition finals took place at in April. Judges throughout the process, included author, David Wondrich, Mixology Research Engineer, Robert Hess, TV Personality Lorin Gaudin, Yuri Kato, Editor of CocktailTimes.com and Chris Hannah of Arnaud’s French 75 Bar.


WHEN: Monday, April 20, 2009
2:00 pm (Start Time)
rsvp@talesofthecocktail.com


WHERE: Cure
4905 Freret Street
New Orleans, LA 70115

About Tales of the Cocktail
Tales of the Cocktail is an internationally acclaimed festival of cocktails, cuisine and culture held annually in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event brings together the best and brightest of the cocktail community—award-winning mixologists, authors, bartenders, chefs and designers—for a five-day celebration of the history and artistry of making drinks. Each year offers a spirited series of dinners, demos, tastings, competitions, seminars, book signings, tours and parties all perfectly paired with some of the best cocktails ever made.

About the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society
The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society is a non-profit organization committed to preserving the unique culture of dining and drinking in New Orleans and the storied bars and restaurants that have contributed to the city’s world-wide culinary acclaim. This organization supports members of the hospitality industry through education and the production of events like Tales of the Cocktail and, most recently, Trails of the Cocktail, a scholarship program for emerging talent in the New Orleans cocktail industry.

Every summer spirits from around the world descend on America’s most soulful city. This summer will be no different as Tales of the Cocktail returns. Join us for a spirited schedule of cocktails, cuisine and culture that will stir even the most idle of souls.

For more information on Tales of the Cocktail, visit www.TalesoftheCocktail.com and register your name to receive email updates, ticket-sales announcements and to view the exciting line-up of events and celebrity presenters for 2009. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW.

Beer Festival - Kingston & Leatherhead Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

Friday 26th and Saturday 27th June 2009
New Venue – Kingston Workmen’s Club and Institute
Old London Road, Kingston, KT2 6ND
just behind the ’falling down telephone boxes’
and 4 minutes walk from Kingston rail and bus stations
Opening times
Friday 11am to 3pm and 5.30pm to 11pm,
Saturday 11am to 9pm
-More than 45 real ales plus a range of cider and perry
-Hot and cold food available all sessions
-Seating in Function Room, Lounge, small outdoor drinking area
Admission
Friday lunchtime FREE, Friday evening £3, Saturday £2
CAMRA members £1 discount [cards must be shown on door]