Hey we just realized that Monday was International Gruit Day...and some of you might not even be sure what a Gruit is. So welcome to another in our ongoing "What The Hell Is? series... And this one's positively pagan.

We've now reached the seventeenth state on the list, The Bluegrass State, Kentucky.  The state's nickname  is a clear reference to the grassy pastures that feed thoroughbred horses throughout the area, due it's fertile soil. It's also the home of Bourbon, a name indirectly derived from the French dynasty (likely from Bourbon Street in New Orleans) and are thus the richest source of Bourbon barrels, used for secondary beer fermentation, in the world.

So many beers- So little time... Winter is not going anywhere, anytime soon, and with that comes the beers of the season. And we've a number of interesting offerings that you'll want to chase down...We've also some new releases from Wicked Weed and Westbrook Brewing that sounds serious as well.

How could this have happened? Shouldn't the CIA have given us some kind of a heads-up or something?

Yikes it's February already... and clearly nothing is slowing down anytime 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.

Over the last few days, I have struggled for a way to start an article about my trip to Maui. Do I talk about the intense tan color of the sand and the vivid blues and greens of the Pacific?

Or maybe we just talk beer? Yes let's do that.

As we cruise into 2016, ACB looks back at the most significant events of "the year that was" - and reflects upon where our industry might be heading.

So many beers - So little time... Winter is undeniably here, and with it comes the beers of the season. And we've a number of interesting offerings that you'll want to chase down...We've some new releases from Saint Arnold and Starr Hill that sounds serious as well.

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 yourself.

As those of you who read us regularly, understand all too well - we're not geniuses - but as we do cover the craft beer industry daily. And as a result, we've got our own opinions about where things are going this year - and we might even be right about some of them!