(Courtesy Sierra Nevada Brewing)

More signs that Japan’s Sapporo may be losing faith in its US craft beer acquisition. Weve that, “Words to Drink By” and more.

Sierra Nevada’s Cult Holiday Beer

Just about every craft beer fan knows about Sierra Nevada’s Celebration, the only annual holiday beer in the states made exclusively with fresh hops (Cascade, Centennial and Chinook) harvested in the Pacific Northwest. But that beer has a small batch sibling that is getting an official draft-only release which is exclusively available at its Mills River, NC brewery (while it lasts) going into the holidays.

A very, very, very limited release, Sierra Nevada Celly Drippins is an uber-rare take on the beloved Celebration Fresh Hop Ale.

And this is how the brewery describes it.

“When we empty a tank of Celebration Fresh Hop IPA, the dry-hop bags stay behind, hanging in midair by a pulley system. We patiently wait and collect every drop of beer from those saturated bags—extreme fresh hop flavor we call Celly Drippins. Out of every 5,000 cans of regular Celebration IPA, we get the equivalent of one can of Celly Drippins.”

If ever there was a holiday beer worth traveling for, Celly Drippins is it. But do call ahead to be sure it’s still around.

Words to Drink By

Beer has always been my drug of choice, I’ve been drinking it since I was nine.”  – Tom Bobak, Founder & Editor-in-Chief American Craft Beer

(Courtesy Stone Brewing / Sapporo USA)

Stone Brewing Stops Exporting

In January 2025, Stone Brewing, which was acquired  by Sapporo  in 2022, is pulling out of all 50 of its export markets according to the Drinks Business.

This decision was not made lightly. Stone’s international export business makes up about 1% of our total sales. Despite our team’s strong efforts, the current environment has challenged our growth.

“We have a clear and very promising plan for future growth,” said Stone/Sapporo  CEO Zach Keeling, “ which requires us to concentrate our focus on the US market where both Stone and Sapporo brands are experiencing the most success. We thank our international fans for their years of support.”

The brewery will be turning its focus from craft classics Like its Arrogant Bastard Ale to more dependable selling releases like Delicious IPA  and Buenaveza Mexican Lager.

###

Got Something We Need To Know About? Send Your Press Releases to: pr@AmericanCraftBeer.com