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.

Steinlager Beer Recalld After Alcohol-Free Mix-Up

More than 2,500 cases of Steinlager beer have been pulled from shelves in New Zealand after a labeling mistake left alcoholic beer sold as alcohol-free.

The issue surfaced after a customer complaint, which led Lion NZ to uncover a production error. Some clear glass bottles filled with Steinlager Ultra Low Carb beer (4.2% ABV) were mistakenly labeled as Steinlager Alcohol Free and packed into 24-bottle cases.

In total, 2,538 cases are affected. Each case contains 24 bottles of lager with a best-before date of October 21, 2026. The company says some cases may include a mix of correctly and incorrectly labeled bottles.

Authorities are urging anyone avoiding alcohol not to drink the product and to return it for a refund.

Lion NZ noted that genuine Steinlager Alcohol Free comes in green glass bottles, making it easier to distinguish from the clear bottles involved in the recall.

The company apologized for the mix-up, saying consumer safety remains its top priority.

Words to Drink By

“Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.”  – Albert Einstein, German-born theoretical physicist who is best known for developing the theory of relativity

(Courtesy Costco / Deschutes Brewery)

Costco Wins Big at 2026 World Beer Cup Awards

Costco, the global membership-based warehouse club, scored a major victory at the 2026 World Beer Cup—arguably the world’s most prestigious beer competition. Kirkland Lager, produced by Bend, Oregon-based Deschutes Brewery, took home a bronze medal in the Munich-Style Helles category.

This award-winning brew originated as a small-batch beer called “Prinz Crispy” before being rebranded for mass distribution under Costco’s Kirkland signature label. This latest accolade is part of a winning streak for the 4.5% ABV Helles Lager; it previously secured a silver medal at the 2025 World Beer Cup and a gold medal at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival.

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