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.

The Brewers Association just published an article about the number of breweries currently operating in the United States. And even in the midst of a time of growth like we're currently experiencing, their headline U.S. Brewery Count Tops 3,000still amazes. We've come a long way from the few breweries that existed in the U.S. right after prohibition, and it's incredible. But who the hell knows how this will all end?

Hey it's Friday...Work's been a bitch this week so you're ready for some serious 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 to movies, music, and cutting-edge TV - we've got your back big-time. We've also a Weekend Beer Pick for you too, because we know you'll be drinking.

So welcome to our awesome Weekend Picks...

"People are crazy and times are strange
I used to care, but things have changed"

                                     Bob Dylan - Things Have Changed

Admit it - you're no stranger to light beer. Most of us, when pressed, would own up to having consumed our share of light beer back in the day. We also think it's safe to say that most of us are no longer light beer drinkers ...and that's bad, bad news for Big Beer.

So many beers, So little time... One of this year's most-anticipated variety packs has just shipped nationwide and it's like nothing you've ever seen before. We've that story for you and other cool new releases from Odell Brewing and Firestone Walker that you absolutely need to know about! 

So welcome to Newbies -ACB's essential guide to the most awesome new craft beers on the planet.

Hey it's Wednesday and that means it's Rumor Mill Time....If you're planning on taking a vacation coming up and you'll be drinking beer when you do, we've got some travel destinations you'll want to consider. Plus, we've got a roundup of the latest craft news and an all-important update on what we're drinking this week.

We don't sleep so you can....THIS WEEK'S RUMOR MILL IS ON!

A homebrewer for 7 years, Tom Albright took his passion to the next level in 2009. After visiting White Birch Brewing, Candia Road, and Squam Brewing, he was surprised to discover that they were all brewing on small and sometimes homebrewing-sized systems. Realizing that he could also start small, Tom decided to leave his job, follow his passion, and open his own brewery--Out.Haus Ales.

So many beers, So little time... To the shock and dismay of millions of craft beer lovers, a major Midwestern brewery has announced that it will go dark in October! We've got all the breaking news on this surprising and unfortunate story for you. Plus we've some cool new releases from Squatters Craft Beers and Full Sail Brewing that you absolutely need to know about!

So welcome to Newbies -ACB's essential guide to the most awesome new craft beers on the planet.

Double local means being able to enjoy your favorite brews from your home state while living abroad, hanging out at your local neighborhood bar or cafe. For Matt Boucher of Oregon, USA, and his wife, Toshie Boucher of Osaka, Japan, they're taking double local a step further by supplying Oregon artisanal beer to their neighborhood of Imazato, Osaka.

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.