American Craft Beer The Best Craft Beer, Breweries, Bars, Brewpubs, Beer Stores, And Restaurants Serving Serious Beer.
We blame the industry for this… It used to be that when we wrapped up our Weekend Picks on Friday, we could coast through the weekend. There was little need to check in for updates – things were pretty much done. But clearly all that’s changed.
So here’s some of what’s happened in the world of craft beer while you were off enjoying yourselves.
A Rogue Nation Mourns (Newport, OR) – While we might be a bit delayed in our memoriam, it’s with a heavy heart that we learned of the passing Tuesday of Rogue Ale’s founder and co-owner Jack Joyce at 71. We join everyone around the country who’s been inspired by Jack’s revolution and raise a glass to his unique vision and persistently innovative spirit. Below is his son Brett’s statement from the 28th:
Yesterday the Rogue Nation and Family lost our co-founder, leader, friend, and father as Jack Joyce passed away at the age of 71.
Following a career as both a small town attorney and Nike executive, Jack and some friends founded Rogue in 1988 in Ashland, Oregon. From the outset, Jack set Rogue on a path of innovation, creativity, and rebellion. Rogue made hoppy, flavorful beers and was told that no one would drink them. Rogue made a wide range of beers and was told no one wanted variety. Rogue sold 22oz bottles of beer and was told no one would pay a premium for a single serve beer. Rogue opened multiple pubs and breweries and was told that it would be wise to follow a more efficient and logical business plan. Rogue took the road less, or perhaps never, travelled. Rogue was the first U.S. craft brewer to send beer to Japan. Rogue won 1,000 awards for product and packaging excellence. Rogue worried about getting better, not bigger. Rogue began distilling. Rogue began farming. Rogue remained dedicated to its small town roots and made sure to give back to its local communities. Rogue started a Nation. This was all vintage Jack.
He was the true Rogue and will be missed by us all.
Great Expansion (Denver, CO) – If you’ve ever been to Great Divide Brewing in downtown Denver, you know first-hand that they’re a huge presence, lately existing in a fast shrinking space. Have no fear as they’re officially announcing their coming expansion in the River North neighborhood, at an estimated price tag of $38.2 million, set to be unveiled during their 20th Anniversary event June 15th. Their new facility, with the completion of Phase One slated for spring 2015, will have enough space to potentially produce 250,000 barrels a year, house a 70,000 sq ft warehouse and a new canning line. The original location will remain intact, focusing on smaller batch and specialty beers. Our excited cup overflows!
A New Yard to Play In… (Irvine, CA) – We’ve never been one to turn town a tall frosty one, which was also behind the creation of the Yard House chain of pub restaurants. They’ve grown to quite a mighty size, having over 50 locations in 20 states. Their newest location, opened just last week in a 16,000 sq ft space in downtown Portland, accommodates 400 guests and 130 taps, with a big focus on Northwest craft beers (50 taps). You know, just in case Portland needs another place to soak in suds. 2014 will see 3 more openings of the popular bar and grill: Tucson, AZ; Greenville, SC; Dallas, TX: Springfield, VA.
AHA! Homebrew Sales Up (Boulder, CO) – On Friday, the American Homebrewers Association released the results of their 2013 survey which details, among other things, a 10% growth in gross revenue for homebrew supply stores, a 24% increase in beginner homebrew kits purchased and 14% growth in beer ingredient vs. wine ingredient purchases. All this data adds up to what we’ve been suspected all along: the craft beer movement has and will continue to exceed expectations and shatter records. Brew on!
