We can’t believe it’s August …So much has happened this year and it doesn’t appear that things will be slowing down any time soon. But no worries – Rumor Mill is always on the case, keeping you plugged in to all the craft beer news that matters. Plus we’ve an all-important update on what we’ve been drinking lately and you absolutely don’t want to miss that.

DC Beer Week Rages On (Washington, DC) – ‘Power City” is home to many major craft beer events and one of the big ones is happening all this week. DC Beer Week, which launched last Sunday, with the fantastic Brewers on the Block festival, is not even close to over and there are still all kinds of beer events going on nightly all over town! Last night we hung out way to late with Eastern Shore Brewing’s Adrian Moritz, and drank way too much with Fordham & Dominion’s Casey Hollingsworth down at Kramersbooks & Afterwords. But we’ve only just begun because tonight were drinking beer and bourbon with Devil Backbone’s Jason Oliver down at Jack Rose. And Thursday’s the DC Total Tap Takeover over at ChurchKey, and we’re absolutely not missing that!

Craft Beer Biz Projected To Boom Down Under (Australia) – With beer consumption in Australia at a 65-year low, the Australian craft beer movement is experiencing a surge in popularity and exponential growth – and here’s some fast facts on what’s happening “down under” that came our way via IBISWorld. With over all beer consumption down a shocking 15%, Australian craft beer now commands a 3.5% market share, and is projected to grow an amazing 6.3% annually, over the next five years.

Assume The CEO Position (Fort Collins, CO) – New Belgium Brewing’s Chief Operations Officer and President, Christine Perich, has been named CEO as Co-founder Kim Jordan transitions exclusively into the Executive Chair of the Brewery’s Board of Directors. Perich will focus on short-term strategy, leading the executive team, industry leadership and running day-to-day operations. Jordan will focus on long-term strategy and vision while working with the Board of Directors.

Good And Bad Beer News In Great Britain (UK) – The Financial Times is reporting that some good news and bad news for the beer industry in Great Britain. On the positive side, the number of craft breweries continues to rise with government figures now showing a new artisan brewery opening every other day. At the same time, the number of British pubs continues to decline at a worrisome rate, with 29 closing each week.

What We’ve Been Drinking Lately (Washington, DC) – We’d like to thank all the breweries who ship us beer from time to time. It’s always great to sample the brews that we write about and helps to give us a better feel for what’s happening out there. And last night we hit up a very special draft-only small batch release that Magic Hat recently sent us. Magic Hat Belgo Sutra is an 8.2% Belgian Dark Ale that’s been fermented over figs and dates – Nice!

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