We can’t believe July’s almost over …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.

Brewing Up Billions (Washington, DC) – A new economic study released by Beer Serves America yesterday highlighted how the U.S. beer industry – from brewers and beer importers to beer distributors to retailers- generates nearly $253 billion in economic activity, produces $48.5 billion in tax revenue and supports 1.75 million jobs. There were no specifics however as to the economic impact of renegade craft beer journalism on the industry – but we’re pretty sure it’s massive as well.

Another Brewery Name We Wouldn’t Have Chosen (Sparta, TN) – It’s not as unfortunate as you might initially think, still Calfkiller Brewing (named after the nearby Calfkiller River) isn’t the first name we’d have chosen for a brewery…just sayin’. One thing’s for sure we don’t think this brewery going to run into any name litigation problems.

China on Course to Dominate the World’s Beer Sales (China) -China which is already the largest beer market by volume globally, is expected to become the largest beer market in the world by sales too. According to a new report, Assessment of China’s Beer Market 2014-2017″ China is poised to surpass the United States in overall sales by 2017.

Mission Takes Two (San Diego, CA) – Our friends at Mission Brewery took home two a gold medals in this year’s US Open Beer Championship and we’re happy for them.Carrack Imperial Red Ale and Mission’s Hard Root Beer were the big winners – and there is currently no word on the “ticker-tape” parade down in San Diego.

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 a special Legendary Series release that we just received from Lakewood Brewing. Saint Dymphna is an 8.6% Belgian-style Tripel brewed with Linden flowers and it was pretty awesome!

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