Hey it’s Wednesday and it’s Rumor Mill Time…..We’re not sure that New York City gets what is about to hit them – but they soon will – because SAVOR 2013 is coming to the “Big Apple” this weekend. We’ll be bringing you everything we know so far. Plus we’ve got some fast-breaking news from Founders and a brewing update from the Center of the Universe! We’ve also got an awesome new release that you’ll want to chase down. So fasten your seatbelts everybody….THIS WEEK’S RUMOR MILL IS ON!

SAVOR 2013 Hits The Big Apple! (New York, NY) – We’re not sure that New York City understands the scale of what’s about to hit them – but they soon will. SAVOR is one of craft beer’s most prestigious events and the fact that it’s making a rare appearance in NYC this year is something that’s not wasted on anyone who’s ever attended one. Described as “an American Craft Beer & Food Experience,” SAVOR will be taking place this weekend, June 14^th and 15^th, and if you’ve not as yet purchased tickets, you absolutely should. We don’t know when (or even if) SAVOR will ever make its way back to Manhattan and for that reason alone, you don’t want to miss it. For more ticket and Salon info, check out: SAVOR 2013

Oskar Blues To Up The Ante At This Year’s GABF (Longmont, California) – As if a 10% ABV Imperial IPA wasn’t aggressive enough, Oskar Blues’ lead brewer is telling 303 Magazine that they’ll be aging their infamous Gubna in 40 year old anejo tequila barrels for this year’s GABF in Denver. But the madness doesn’t stop there. In yet another act of blatant societal disregard, they will also be serving up their 10.5% ABV Ten Fidy aged in rum barrels.

Founders Hits Pause (Grand Rapids, MI) – After months of facility upgrades that involved extensive production downtime and significantly reduced inventory, Founders Brewing Company has opted to take a breather and put some of their immediate plans on hold. According to their blog, they will be holding off on extending themselves into new markets (including their scheduled July launch in Florida) until they have rebuilt their core inventory levels. They also will be holding off on introducing the new package launch of All Day IPA in 12-pack cans next month.

From Major League Closer to Craft Beer Brewer (Ashland, VA) – Last January we wrote about Chris Ray’s transition from a Major League pitcher to running a craft brewery with his brother – and The Baltimore Sun just wrote about his career as well. Ray and his brother Phil now run one of Virginia’s most exciting (and also one of its best-named) new breweries, Center of the Universe Brewing Company.

Homebrew Retail Sales Up (Boulder, CO) – How come we’re not surprised by all this? The American Homebrewers Association released the results of its fourth annual Homebrew Supply Shop Survey, detailing the current state of the homebrew and wine supply retail industry. The results indicate that, on the whole, shops are thriving as they cater to the growing community of homebrewing enthusiasts and that on average, participants saw gross revenue increase by 26% in 2012.

A Rumor Mill Release You Want to Look Out For

Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company has just released their newest summer seasonal. Backwoods Belgian Ale is an 8.5% ABV Belgian-Style Golden Ale brewed with a “Southern” infusion of Honeysuckle flowers. This full-bodied Golden Ale is their interpretation of the classic style with a touch of Southern sweetness thrown in. This seasonal is available from June to late August. Look for Backwoods Belgian in 12 oz. four packs, on draft, and in the Lazy Dozen Variety Pack.