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Beer, Bars & Brewers #23

Welcome to this BBB folks! In this edition of our bi-weekly Beer, Bars & Brewers we take a look at Stone Brewing Berlin’s first winter beer, ABInBev’s first pub franchise, a Hindu group takes offense at the name of a Ibiza-based brewery, and the Brewers Association’s 2016 Craft Beer Year in Review. Cheers!

If you’re a fan of beer then surely you’re also a fan of good food. If you enjoy cooking at home, then we might we suggest Gegessen wird Immer? A produce delivery that also has some fine beers and spirits in its shop, the service is fantastic. Order some organic veg right next to the newest brew, and a happy winter to you!

Stone Brewing Berlin’s first European Winter Beer: Stone Xocoveza

When Stone Brewing made a home for itself in Berlin, we knew to expect great things. Unsurprisingly, they delivered. Stone just celebrated the release of its first European winter beer. The Xocoveza (pronounced scho-ko-weh-za) is a mocha stout enhanced with “wintery” spices. First brewed in San Diego in 2014, where it won Stone Brewing’s annual in house brewing competition. It’s inspired by Mexican hot chocolate (yes please) and tastes of coffee, cocoa, and vanilla. We know that we’ll be drinking the next six months (because let’s face it, that’s how long winter is in Berlin).

AB InBev taps craft beer boom by opening first London pub under Goose Island Brand

AB InBev is ready to open its first chain of pubs that are based on the Goose Island brand. “Anheuser-Busch InBev is poised to announce its move into the pub industry with its first food-led pub pilot to open in London before Christmas, and a second site planned for the capital next year alongside a third in Belgium”. AB InBev has been planning to dive deeper into the world of craft beer and this seems like one of many steps to achieve that monetary goal.

The first Vintage Ale House will be located in Balham, South West London. “AB InBev’s $39m (£31m) acquisition of Chicago-based Goose Island in 2011 kick-started a string of deals in which major drinks companies bought successful craft beer start-ups in a bid to tap the consumer trend for high-end niche brews. Its latest move into pub-restaurants comes as the industry faces rising cost pressures due to increases for business rates and the National Living Wage and a deluge of branded eateries on the high street which has increased competition in the sector”..

Religious Group Outraged At Ibiza Brewery

“A Hindu leader based in the United States is demanding that an Ibiza micro-brewery withdraw an IPA range named after Hindu gods and featuring images of the deities on its labels.” The Ibosim Brewhouse produces four beers that are named after Shiva, Kali, Ganesha, and Hanuman. Its bottles are decorated with labels that depict the Hindu deities. Self-proclaimed Hindu statesman, based in Nevada and head of the Universal Society of Hinduism there, Rajan Zed made a complaint to the brewery for disrespecting the ancient faith by linking it to alcohol and commercialism. “The brewery in Ibiza responded on Tuesday with an apology explaining that it had not been their intention ‘to offend in any way any religious sensitivities and, if that has been the case, we offer our most sincere apologies’.” The brewery explained that the beers had not been in sales for months, were crafted in 2015, and are no longer in distribution.

Brewers Association’s 2016 Craft Beer Year in Review

“Reflecting on the significant impact of small and independent craft breweries in 2016, the Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers—looked back on the defining beer moments of 2016”. The BA always puts together a lovely compilation of what’s been important, and this year is no different. Some of our favorite facts:

We’ve currently got 5,005 Breweries in the US. Almost all of those (99%) are small and independent craft brewers. By comparison, there are 10.000 wineries in the States.
Approximately 65% of craft beer lovers said they are drinking more craft specifically because it offers more variety.
Supported by the Brewers Association, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History launched a three-year initiative to collect, document, and preserve the history of brewing, craft brewers, and the American beer industry.

Credits

Foto: Photo via Shutterstock.

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