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 power-pounding eggnog.

So, it's been a beer-soaked nine months since I moved to San Francisco from brew-boomtown Denver. But even at my liver-punishing drinking pace, I haven't technically been able to taste everything NorCal has to offer. (If you'd like to help me on my quest, feel free to buy me a pint next time you see me around town!) As I've explored the Bay Area beerscape, there have been so many standouts. In no particular order, here are three of my personal faves.

Hey it's Friday and the weekend's almost here. Things are getting festive and you're ready for some serious fun. Well good, because we are on it! From the nation's coolest beer festivals to movies, music, and cutting-edge TV, we've got your back big-time. Plus we've got a special Holiday WeekendBeer Pick that you'll want to share. So welcome to our special Holiday Edition of Weekend Picks.

North Texas saw an explosion of new breweries this year, and with so many new beers, it was difficult choosing only three. These beers represent the growing talent in our metroplex and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to enjoy a pint or two at these three breweries.

War is coming, Bay Area denizens.

And, if the tech journal bombast proves true, we're in for a bare-knuckled showdown of epic proportions. No, we aren't being invaded or, to the best of my knowledge, on the brink of a zombie apocalypse. The gathering firestorm headed our way is over bread, milk, and eggs.

Ahh, December in Boston -- a time for tourist hordes at Fanueil Hall, wrapping presents in front of the On Demand yule log, and lobbing angry tweets at the MBTA. If there's one thing to look forward to amidst the icy streets and T delays, it's a tasty pint at the end of the tunnel. And if there's one thing I've learned in the past year, it's this: we have so many to choose from. In no particular order, here are three beers that I'll reflect on fondly when I think of 2013.

So many beers, So little time...Newbies is your essential map to the "best of the best" and the hottest new craft beers rolling out each week, and this week we're all about the cold-weather seasonals. From DC Brau's Model Citizen to Ninkasi's Dawn of the Red, we've got all kinds of new releases you're going to want to chase down. So welcome to another edition of Newbies - your ultimate guide to great new craft beers!

Hey it's Wednesday and that means it's Rumor Mill Time....Don't miss your chance to make history with the new Game of Thrones beer. We'll be bringing you everything we know so far, plus we've got some huge news from the Goose Island camp and some updates on Stone's popular Enjoy By series. But that's not all... we've also got a special Rumor Mill winter release you'll want to chase down before the holidays. So fasten your seat belts everybody because....THIS WEEK'S RUMOR MILL IS ON!

San Diego? Los Angeles? Hold up! Orange County is where it's at for craft beer. We've got 3 million thirsty people with outdoor temps easily in the mid-70s almost all year long - Orange County is made for craft beer. The OC is the best for award-winning brews and friendly tasting rooms dripping with good vibes. The best of craft beer can all be found behind the Orange Curtain.

For anyone looking to sip some tasty brews and immerse themselves into the Orange County beer culture, here are my top 3 beers that made 2013 great.

2013 has been kind to me. New breweries flood Wisconsin, beer fests abound, and I squeezed in a trip to Europe (my beer mecca) and Turks and Caicos (their beer wasn't bad!). Through thousands of tastes, sips, and chugs, I've painstakingly extracted my favorites. And although I love Madison, I do my best to be fair to the rest of the Midwest in my selections. Alright, no I don't. Here we go - the best of 2013!