The beer biz never sleeps at American Craft Beer. And here’s just some of what’s been happening in the beer world while you were enjoying the weekend.

Irish Craft Brewery Expands In US

Born in the garrison town of Ballymote, Sligo on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, The White Hag Brewing Company has grown from a pioneering brewery into one of the country’s most celebrated independent exports. Now, the award-winning brewery has expanded its reach into the United States, with beers available in several states including Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Wisconsin, thanks to its partnership with BevNomad, a beverage accelerator specializing in brand development and international expansion.

Since its founding in 2013, The White Hag has:

• Been voted #1 Craft Brewery in Ireland twice in the past eight years
• Expanded distribution to eight countries across Europe and even into Dubai
• Hosted Hagstravaganza each year, the largest international brewery festival in Ireland
• Opened a dedicated taproom in Dublin Airport, sharing Irish craft beer with millions of travelers each year

“We’re proud to share the spirit of Irish craft brewing with American consumers,” said Bob Coggins, Co-Founder and Commercial Director of The White Hag. “Our partnership with BevNomad has allowed us to bring our beers to life here in the U.S. with the same recipes, the same culture, and the same commitment to innovation that defines us at home in Sligo.”

Words to Drink By

“‘It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” Charles Darwin, English naturalist, geologist and biologist

Molson Coors Launches Black Stout In UK

Molson Coors Beverage Company is growing its lineup with the launch of Caffrey’s Black Stout, a new addition designed to tap into rising interest in the stout category that has been primarily championed by Guinness in the UK.

Clocking in at an uber-approachable 3.4% ABV, Caffrey’s Black Stout leans into the classic traits stout fans look for. Roasted malt and cocoa lead the way, followed by gentle bitterness, soft caramel notes, and a subtle touch of licorice. Hops take a back seat in this beer, letting the malt do all the talking, while nitrogen infusion delivers a smooth, velvety mouthfeel that’s creamy without feeling heavy.

The January 2026 launch in the United Kingdom also nods to the brand’s roots. Caffrey’s was founded in 1897 by Thomas Caffrey, with stout and porter at the heart of the original brewing vision, making this release a natural extension of that heritage.

Timing-wise, the move couldn’t make more sense. The stout category has picked up serious momentum, in the UK attracting 31% more drinkers since 2023, with especially sharp growth among 25–34-year-olds, where participation has nearly doubled.

That growth is also coming from a broader audience. Women are increasingly choosing stout across the pond, with female drinkers up 48%, alongside a 26% rise among men.

“Caffrey’s Black Stout has been crafted to deliver the balance and depth of flavor that stout drinkers value,”  Nigel Maguire, Marketing Controller for Caffrey’s said. Its launch draws on Caffrey’s long-standing brewing heritage, reintroducing the brand to today’s market in a way that remains grounded in its history.

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