Hey it’s Wednesday and it’s Rumor Mill time… There’s big news for craft beer fans in both the real and imaginary Springfields. Brewers in Alabama have a big SNAFU to contend with and Florida is about to feel a little less ignored. We’ve also got an awesome new release that you’ll want to chase down. So fasten your seatbelts everybody… THIS WEEK’S RUMOR MILL IS ON!

They May Pop the Cap on Illinois Craft Brewers (Springfield, IL) – The Illinois General Assembly overwhelming approved the amendment to HB 1573 in the Senate, allowing craft brewers to manufacture up to 30,000 barrels of beer and maintain their exemption to self-distribute 7,500 barrels. The amended bill now goes to Governor Quinn for consideration. If the amended bill is signed, it will be effective immediately. We think a few other states could take a lesson from Illinois!

Don’t Have A Cow Man! Duff Beer Comes To Universal Studios (Orlando, FL) – In news from the other Springfield… On June 1, 2013, Universal Orlando opened the doors to Moe’s Tavern, part of The Simpsons Springfield Fast Food Boulevard expansion near The Simpsons Ride. Inside, Barney Gumble greets guests who can pull up a stool at the bar and order a Duff Beer, Duff Dry, or Duff Lite, which are being brewed by the Florida Beer Company. ¡Ay, caramba!

Another Reason To Be Bummed If You’re Not Going To SAVOR (New York City, NY) – The brew minds behind F.X. Matt Brewing Company’sSaranacbrand brought innovation to a new level with the creation of an exclusive brew, available only at SAVOR 2013, that features ingredients specially bred for their unique flavor and aroma profiles. “Our brewing team researches unique ingredients to inspire new ideas every year,” said Saranac President Fred Matt. “We’re always trying to outdo the beers we’ve created in the past. Plus, we’re celebrating our 125th anniversary and this is another way we get to demonstrate our inventive brewing approach.”

There’s A Bottleneck In Alabama (Montgomery, AL) – No new bottle labels are being approved in the state of Alabama for the time being. New labels must be approved by the enforcement division of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, which has a backlog of about 800 applications because of the departure of a staffer who was responsible for that task, a spokeswoman said. While the agency is in the process of hiring a replacement, it begs the question… “Why was only one person doing that???”

Florida Gets A Little Summer Love (Fort Collins, CO) – New Belgium Brewinghas signed agreements with seven distribution partners in Florida with plans to start selling beer in the state on July 29th. New Belgium will roll out 22 oz. packages of some of its core brands first – Fat Tire, Ranger, Sunshine Wheat, and Trippel – along with Lips of Faith offerings in July. Draft and 12 oz. packages will follow 60 days later in September.

A Rumor Mill Release You’ll Want To Look Out For

Mother’s Brewing Companyhas just announced the release of D’Lila, a super hopped up wheat that’s packed with fruit and citrus notes. With an infusion of refreshing lemon peel, orange peel, and bergamot tea, it promises to quench even the most serious summer thirst.