Hey it’s Wednesday and that means it’s Rumor Mill Time…Word has it that Founders Brewing will soon be tapped out and Grand Rapids is reeling! We’ll be bringing you what we know so far. Plus we’ve got some news from our friends at the NYC Brewers Guild and some updates from down in Dallas. We’ve also got a special new Rumor Mill release that you’ll want to chase down. So fasten your seat belts….THIS WEEK’S RUMOR MILL IS ON!
Founders Taps Out! (Grand Rapids, MI) – Shock and despair spread like wildfire across Michigan recently when word leaked out that Founders Brewing would be closing their taproom for nearly two weeks as they move to complete their expansion. “This is tough news for the many who consider the Founders taproom to be a second home,” reflected a somber Tom Bobak, Editor for American Craft Beer.com, “but they should look at this as an opportunity to become reacquainted with their families.” The taproom will be closed September 3rd through the 15th and will reopen on September 16.
Fun as in Fundraising (Brooklyn, NY) – Our friends at the NYC Brewers Guild are throwing a Block Party at The Well in Brooklyn this Sunday, August 25. Yes, it’s a fundraiser for next year’s NYC Beer Week but it’s also going to be a great time and will feature rare and exotic beer from more than 20 of the area’s best breweries. You can hang out with all the hipsters and there’s also going to be music provided by indie-powerhouse Small Black. Here’s your hook-up for tickets.
Happy Beer Trails (Fayetteville, AK) – In yet another sign of American craft beer’s growing popularity throughout the Southeast, Fayetteville’s Advertising & Promotion Commission has launched Arkansas’s first craft beer tasting adventure featuring all local breweries. The Fayetteville Ale Trail is a self-guided craft beer tour that lets visitors and residents experience local breweries and engage with brewmasters while learning about their craft. Plus, you get to drink some serious beer!
Eight New Breweries on the Horizon in DFW (Dallas, TX) – The Texas Craft Brewers Guild is predicting an increase in new breweries thanks to new legislation that lowered barriers to entry for many craft beer startups. The Dallas Business Journal is reporting that at least eight new breweries are currently in the planning stages around Dallas/Fort Worth, including Armadillo Ale Works in Denton, Grapevine Craft Brewery in Grapevine, Noble Rey Brewing in Grapevine, Reunion Brewing Co. in Dallas, Cobra Brewing Co. in Lewisville, and Shannon Brewing Co. in Keller.
It’s About Time (Chicago, IL) – “Old school” media will be taking on “new school” beer in September when Chicago Magazine addresses the Chicago craft beer boom. The region is now home to more than 60 craft brewers and they’re pumping out barrels in numbers that rival the city’s output during Prohibition. The September issue also includes a profile of ACB fav, Tony Magee, founder of Lagunitas Brewing Company, who hopes to upend the beer industry with his massive new facility in Chicago.
A Rumor Mill Release You Want to Look Out For
Fordham Brewing Company’s super popular Spiced Harvest Ale will be making its way to Mid-Atlantic shelves this week. Last fall, Spiced Harvest sold out within three weeks, so this year the breweryhas doubled production to hopefully meet the growing demand. At 6.6% ABV, this fall pumpkin seasonal was awarded the bronze medal in the Herb and Spice category at the European Beer Star competition in 2012.