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 yourselves

Hey the work week is over... And it's time to start thinking fun. Well good, because we're all about it and we've got all kinds of ideas for you. From the nation's coolest beer festivals, movies and music to cutting edge TV - we've got your back big-time.  Plus we've a special weekend beer pick for you too, because we know you'll be drinking!

So welcome to our awesome Weekend Picks...

Nothing slakes that late summer thirst when you're relaxing on a beach, camping near a lake, or just grilling on your deck, like a tall, frosty, malty glass of Pumpkin beer. Are you serious craft beer community? Seasonal creep gives me the seasonal creeps. Despite many bemoaning the short summer season here in New England, we're already witnessing beers packed with sugary pumpkin additives and Oktoberfest-shoved piles in stores. If the sight of pumpkins and Märzens sitting next to lemon shandies and beergaritas looks strange, it's not from drinking too much.

To some, the Small Brewers Caucus (both in the House and Senate) might sound like a sneaky way for our elected leaders to score some free pints. In reality, the role they play in supporting the ever increasing craft beer economy is invaluable. While most battles are being fought at the state level, the importance of having representatives from every state supporting the growth of artisanal ales and lagers is greater than ever before.

So many beers- So little time... Fall continues to give way to winter and with that comes the beers of the season. And we've a number of interesting new releases that you'll want to chase down...We've some interesting new offerings from Dogfish Head and El Segundo that sounds serious as well.

Yikes it's November already...and 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.

Last week's news that the world's largest beer company AB InBev, had finalized a $107 Billion dollar deal and with SABMiller, AB's top competitor, is certain to impact the global beer market and change the industry profoundly. And like it or not, those changes will affect the craft beer biz directly.

Here's 3 things that we expect to see more of if (or more likely when) this deal is approved.

So many beers- So little time... Fall is giving way to winter and with that comes the beers of the season - and we've a number of interesting new releases that you'll want to chase down...Plus we've some interesting new offering from Cigar City and 3 Floyds that sounds serious as well.

Constellation Brands, home to breweries such as Corona, Modelo and Pacifico has announced an agreement to acquire San Diego-based Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits. We'd like to say that we're surprised by this... but unfortunately we're not...and it doesn't take a genius to understand why all this is happening.

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 yourselves