Hey it's Wednesday and it's Rumor Mill Time.....There's big, big news coming out of the "City of Lakes" and we're bringing you everything we know so far. Plus we've got some fast-breaking craft beer news coming in from Oklahoma and some huge news from our friends at Founders. We've also got another hot new spring release that you'll want to chase down. So fasten your seatbelts everybody....THIS WEEK'S RUMOR MILL IS ON!

There are as many layers to the craft beer community in America as there are in craft beer itself. Bound by a common love, communities have gathered together to celebrate our sudsy staple in a variety of unique ways and through different means. There's no denying that a firm connection exists between those who love craft beer and those who love running; in fact, one of the more dynamic subcultures of beer lovers, affectionately known as "beer runners," has successfully intertwined these two unlikely activities. This group has literally tackled its share of hills and valleys, but yesterday's tragedy at this year's Boston Marathon has to be one of the biggest tests of perseverance and strength this trail-blazing crew has had to face.

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 enjoying your weekend.

What a difference two months make. When I wrote my first article, Girl Meets Beer, for American Craft Beer.com, I was only peripherally aware of the Boston craft beer community. Sam Adams and Harpoon are nationally recognized names, but there are so many similarly talented brewers doing amazing, creative, back-breaking work with a tiny staff and even tinier space. Small batch brewers aren't in it for the money; it's a pure love of the job, and it shows.

Hey it's Friday and the weekend's almost here. And as far as we're concerned, it can't come quick enough. It's time for a break and you're ready for some fun, and that's where we come in! We're all about it and we've got your back big-time. Plus, we've got our special weekend beer pick that you'll want to chase down.

So welcome to this week's edition of our awesome Weekend Picks!

There's another new trend popping up in craft beer bars and hopping up our beers. So if you're asked if you've ever had a randalized beer, here's what you need to know to not look like a craft beer noob.

So many beers, So little time...With so many craft breweries, releasing so many beers, we thought it might help to provide a weekly update on all the new beers  that are hitting the streets .....So welcome to this week's edition of Newbies - your guide to great new craft beer releases!  

The Brewers Association--the not-for-profit trade group that tabulates production statistics for the U.S. brewing industry--today released its annual lists of the top 50 craft and overall brewing companies in the U.S., based on 2012 beer sales volume. Of the top 50 overall brewing companies, 39 are small and independent craft brewing companies.

Hey it's Wednesday and it's Rumor Mill Time.....What LA-based brewer is looking towards northern California? We'll be giving you everything that we know so far. Plus we've got some fast-breaking craft beer news from the boys in the Bronx, and some gossip from our friends down at SweetWater. We've also got another hot new spring release that you'll definitely want to chase down. So fasten your seatbelts everybody....THIS WEEK'S RUMOR MILL IS ON!

Just a growler's throw away from the region's historic beaches is one of New Hampshire's newest and most popular breweries - Blue Lobster Brewing Company. Although they just opened last November in Hampton, they've been packing people into their taproom every week and have been trying to keep up with demand ever since. Clearly, they're doing something great, so I decided to visit the brewery and chat with owner Michael Benoit about the quick success of Blue Lobster Brewing.