Beverage Industry News

Rolling Rock to Intro Low Carb Beer

posted Aug 25th, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

Rolling Rock is replacing its light beer, Rock Light, with a new low carbohydrate beer named Rock Green Light. Rock Green Light will hits the shelves in 40 markets in October.

“We believe our liquid will be highly competitive,” said Steve Cahillane, president of Labatt USA, which owns Rolling Rock. “What is missing in the marketplace for low carb beers is full flavor, and Rock Green Light will deliver on all counts.”

Rock Green Light has less than 2.6 grams of carbohydrates and fewer than 92 calories. Michelob Ultra, the Anheuser-Busch product is the hottest new beer in the country, has 95 calories and 2.6 grams of carbs, while Miller Lite (96/3.2) has begun to blow its own low carb horn.

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UK Heat Wave Dries Up Lager Supplies; German Beer Sales Rebound

posted Aug 21st, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

UK brewer Carlsberg-Tetley has been forced to cope with short supplies of its lager beers by importing additional supplies of lager from the parent brewery in Denmark, in order to meet increased demand caused by the Great Heat Wave of summer 2003. The brewer’s request for additional backup supplies was deemed necessary, even though it is working around the clock to produce some 3,000 pints every minute. The UK’s lager consumption is reportedly up by around 40% over the past two months.

The heat wave of 2003 is also having effects across Germany. That country’s brewers have been battling a seven-year trend of lower beer sales, and 2003’s first-half sales were terrible. Now, they find themselves with a new problem – beer sales are robust, and consumers are worried about shortages. “Brewers are working around the clock. Overtime is common, people are working weekends, and breweries are on triple shifts,” said Erich Deterichs, managing director of the German Beer Brewers Association. Interbrew’s Beck’s brewing plant announced delivery delays, and newspapers have run front-page stories forecasting a beer shortage. Deterichs said Germans should not worry. “Perhaps a person’s preferred brand will be sold out, but no one has to fear that beer as a whole will run out in Germany,” he said. Consumption was down 4.4% in the first half of this year, in part because of a new bottle and can deposit law, but sales jumped 9.3% in June compared with year-earlier levels. “The weather has skyrocketed overall demand. There is no better alcoholic thirst quencher than beer,” said Jochen Schmitt of the Berliner-Schultheiss Brewery in the German capital.

Rogue Ales Pub to Open in San Francisco

posted Aug 19th, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

Rogue Ales Brewery, Newport, Oregon, announced the opening of its newest outpost for Rogue Nation in North Beach, San Francisco, Calif. Located at 673 Columbus Avenue adjacent to the legendary Washington Square Bar & Grill, the new pub will open with a selection of its signature Rogue Ales and a full restaurant menu.

The pub will feature Kobe beef hamburgers, a premium-grade beef from a steer that is a cross between an Angus and a Wagyu, an ancient Japanese steer raised on grass, grains potatoes and beer. The menu will also include pasta, soups, salads and sandwiches and will have Rogue beers suggested with each listing. The new pub will open with eight taps and feature Rogue ales such as Brutal Bitter, Shakespeare Stout, St. Rogue Red, Dead Guy Ale and others. Plans include an expansion of taps that will feature some local micros and unusual imports

A “soft” opening is planned for the week of August 18-22 if permits allow. Celebrator/Realbeer.com will host several events for the new pub. Events will feature master brewer John Maier, beer and chocolate expert Fred Eckhardt, cheese producers, and others. Don’t be surprised if John’s buddy “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto shows up for an event showcasing the Rogue Morimoto beers. More details will be posted as they become available at www.realbeer.com/rogue.

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Urgent Call for Industry Support in FMB Issue

posted Aug 18th, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

The Brewers Association of America, Beer Institute, Association of Brewers and the National Beer Wholesalers Association have mounted a campaign seeking support from both brewers and consumers for a proposed change in the rule defining flavored malt beverages, also know at malternatives or FMBs.

The proposal published by the Tax and Trade Bureau calls for a standard under which less than 0.5% (one half of one percent) of the alcohol in a flavored malt beverage can be derived from distilled alcohol.

Under this proposed rule, products that contain .5% or more distilled alcohol by volume will be taxed and classified as distilled spirits produced at a distilled-spirits plant, taxed at the rate applicable to distilled-spirits products, labeled and advertised as a distilled-spirits specialty, and distributed by persons holding basic permits as wholesalers of distilled spirits.

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German beer sales rebound

posted Aug 15th, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

German brewers, battling a seven-year trend of lower beer sales and terrible first half of the year, find themselves with a new problem – beer sales are so robust consumers are worried about shortages.

“Brewers are working around the clock. Overtime is common, people are working weekends, and breweries are on triple shifts,” said Erich Deterichs, managing director of the German Beer Brewers Association.

Becks announced delivery delays and several newspapers have run front-page stories forecasting a beer. Deterichs said Germans should not worry. “Perhaps a person’s preferred brand will be sold out, but no one has to fear that beer as a whole will run out in Germany,” he said.

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Budvar Claims a Victory in Ongoing Bud vs. Bud

posted Aug 14th, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

The Czech brewer, Budejovicky Budvar, has claimed a further legal victory
over the US brewing giant, Anheuser-Busch, with an appeal court in Lithuania
upholding a decision by the municipal court in Vilnius which had given
Budejovicky Budvar the rights to the exclusive use of the name Budweiser in
that country.

In May, the Vilnius court ruled that A-B had no rights to use the Budweiser
brand in Lithuania because Budvar had registered the trademark first. The
court said it was irrelevant that Anheuser-Busch had registered the
trademark in a number of other countries.

The Lithuanian ruling is the third notable success the Czech brewer has
enjoyed recently in its protracted legal tussle with Anheuser stretching
over many markets. Recently, Budejovicky Budvar has claimed similar
victories in Taiwan and Spain.

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Canada’s Top Breweries Continue to Struggle

posted Aug 13th, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

Molson Inc. has fired the top marketer on its flagship Canadian brand, the
latest sign both of the countries megabrewers continue to struggle to turn
around their most profitable brands.

Montreal-based Molson, which along with Labatt Breweries of Canada account
for 90% of beer sales, has let go Sean Moffitt, vice-president of marketing
for Molson Canadian, after six months on the job. Mr. Moffitt, a beer
marketing veteran, joins a string of short-lived managers of the brand.

“At six months in that job you get a gold watch,” said an executive with a
rival brewer. “They go through them so quickly I haven’t even met him.”

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CAMRA rallies behind Budvar

posted Aug 11th, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

England’s Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has launched a campaign to keep Budweiser Budvar from falling into the hands of a global brewing company. Visitors to this week’s Great British Beer Festival in London will be asked to sign a petition to be sent to the Czech government.

CAMRA maintains that privatizing the Czech brewery, now owned by the state, could lead to the loss of one of the world’s most authentic lagers.

Despite a decision in 2001 to exclude Budejovicky Budvar, from privatisation, Czech ministers have been discussing the future of the brewery and privatizing it. CAMRA claims that, if the brewery is put up for sale, it is likely to fall into the hands of Anheuser-Busch or another global brewer such as Scottish & Newcastle or Interbrew.

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A-B Wins Right to Budweiser Name in Japan

posted Aug 8th, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. said it has won exclusive rights to the Budweiser trademark in Japan. The company had begun court proceedings against Budejovicky Budvar and some of its importers and distributors who were distributing beer using the Budweiser name. A-B said it believed the packaging and labeling on Budvar’s products infringed on its trademarks and created unfair competition.

The Tokyo District Court’s ruling upheld A-B’s rights to use the Budweiser trademark, and stopped two distributors from using the name. However, the Tokyo High Court allowed Budvar to continue using Budejovicky Budvar as a trademark and Budweiser Budvar as an alleged trade name. A-B has said it has used the Budweiser trademark since 1876, 19 years before Budejovicky Budvar was established. Anheuser-Busch has won exclusive rights to the Bud name in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Italy and New Zealand. However, last year it lost a bid to block Budejovicky Budvar from using the name in Britain. A-B said it believes those actions violate its rights, and is considering its legal options.

Challenge Cup Tips a Quarter Million Pints of American Beer

posted Aug 6th, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

The three day long Challenge Cup, held across America on July 23-25th as part of American Beer Month, generated about 250,000 pints of American beer being consumed. The premise of the event, sponsored by Realbeer.com, is to honor participating on-premise accounts that sell the most American beer. This year’s Cup included separate national competition for large brewpubs, small brewpubs, large taprooms, and small bars. Although the final numbers aren’t quite in, about 250 establishments competed in this years Cup. Participating restaurants, pubs and brewpubs received custom coasters and posters to promote the event. In addition to the national competition, there were also special challenges set up. Among the winners of the side challenges, O’Brien’s Pub in San Diego defeated Boscos Nashville to win the first Firkin Challenge, Turtle Muntain in Rio Rancho won the second New Mexico IPA Challenge and the Brews Cafe in Granville, Ohio, won the title of “Most Arrogant Bar in America” by selling more Arrogant Bastard Ale than any other.

Humulus lupulus diet?

posted Aug 5th, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

Researchers for the Kirin Brewery have discovered that a bittering element in hops curbs the development of fat inside the body.

A team led by Keiji Kondo, vice chief of Kirin Brewery Co.’s development section, reached the conclusion after feeding a group of mice with high-fat feed containing isohumulones, an important component of hops that creates the bitter taste, and another group with plain high-fat feed.

After six weeks, the group that was given the isohumulones-free feed grew 22% fatter than the other group.

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No beer for bikers

posted Aug 4th, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

Tour de Fat, New Belgium Brewing Co.’s “Ballyhoo of Bikes and Beer” that has raised money for scores of cycling non-profits during the last four years, hit a bump in the road July 19 in Santa Cruz, Calif. After city officials first approved the event, Police Chief Steve Belcher rejected alcohol sales, citing the dangers of drinking and cycling.

The event went on as scheduled, still raising money for local clubs, then headed off for Berkeley, where beer returns to the Tour on July 26.

“(We) were able to still bring our slice of bike culture fun to the residents of Santa Cruz,” said David Kemp, tour coordinator for the Fort Collins, Colo, brewery. “In doing so, I think it proved that New Belgium is more like a way of life rather than solely the maker of fine beers. We’ve found that we make a another product apart from beer that is intangible and can only be experienced by attending one or any of our events. This product is what we call, ‘freewheelin fun.'”

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Oregon beer tax boost seems less likely

posted Aug 1st, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

Opponents of raising the tax of beer in Oregon scored a victory Wednesday when the House Revenue Committee split a proposal to boost the beer tax off from a larger tax bill.

“It plays right into the hands of the industry lobby,” said Rep. Max Williams, one of the sponsors of the beer tax proposal.

If the legislature does approve the beer tax increase, the industry has promised to gather signatures to put the issue of any beer tax increase before voters. If the industry were to get a referendum on the beer tax or the entire revenue package it would not appear until the November 2004 ballot, too late to provide much money for the 2003-05 biennium.

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Brewing Class of ’88 honored

posted Jul 31st, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

Members of microbrewing’s Class of ’88 celebrated together July 15 in Washington, D.C., throwing the party in the United States Senate.

The Brewers’ Association of America (BAA), with the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), organized the birthday bash honoring 14 BAA member breweries that opened their doors in 1988 (plus one in 1888 = 115).

“This is an amazing group of breweries, all of which share a common thread of dedication to quality and the great heritage of brewing in America,” said Daniel Bradford, BAA president. “As we celebrate American Beer Month during July, what better way than with a celebration of these select 15, all quintessential American success stories.”

Funny Cide, the beer

posted Jul 31st, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

People soon will be able to own Funny Cide – in a bottle. The light beer is set to go on sale this week. The brew was developed by Sackets Harbor Brewing Co. and its Spa City partner, the Olde Saratoga Brewing Co. Sackets Harbor began selling a beer named for the Kentucky Derby-Preakness winner because the horse is owned by local residents.

Six-packs will be $6.99, said Mike Gentile, general sales manager at the Saratoga Brewing Co. It will also be available on tap.

Jack Knowlton, the gelding’s co-owner, said he is proud to have Funny Cide associated with a beer made by brewers from the owners’ hometowns. “The Sackets Six (the owners) were the first to test Funny Cide Light and agreed this is a quality product,” he said.

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OneTimeOnePlace

posted Jul 22nd, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

Heavyweight Brewing Co. of New Jersey plans a unique series of special releases known as OneTimeOnePlace (OTOP). These will be draft-only, one-off brews. OTOP beers will be produced in seven-barrel batches (217 gallons) and released, in draft, exclusively to one bar/pub in each market. Heavyweight plans about one release per month.

The first release is a Regal Pale Ale (RPA). It is brewed will 100% English pale malt and hopped extensively with Magnum. The beer possesses a delightful mineral chalkiness courtesy of the sea. Thirty pound of oyster shells are added to the two-hour boil. The beer was generously dry-hopped with both Fuggles and Magnum. The result is a hoppy, substantial beer weighing in at 7.9% abv and 55 IBUs.

Only two kegs will be sent to each market. The Blind Tiger in Manhattan, Half Time Beverage in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Andy

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No water = No beer

posted Jul 21st, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

The Pittsburgh-Post Gazette reports that the local water utility wants a court order removed that keeps it from turning off the water for Pittsburgh Brewing. Without water, the brewery will not be able to make beer.

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has asked a judge to dissolve a court order preventing the agency from terminating service because of more than $3 million in unpaid bills. Pittsburgh Brewing obtained the injunction in December after receiving a termination notice. The parties agreed to negotiate a settlement after Pittsburgh Brewing promised to pay monthly water bills on time.

At the time, authority attorney Clifford Levine said, “We will not cut off water. It was not our intention for employees to lose jobs. We want to look for a meaningful resolution.” Althugh it has paid its water since December, the brewery has not paid ongoing sewage bills, and the PWSA is seeking more clout in ongoing negotiations.

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Bosteels “Deus” Previewed in the Pacific Northwest

posted Jul 16th, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

Specialty beer importer MBI (Manneken-Brussels Inc.) has held a Seattle preview of “Deus,” a specialty beer it is bringing in from Belgium. The strong pale-golden ale is brewed by Brouwerij Bosteels of Buggenhout, Belgium, a brewery which has been in the same family for six generations since its founding in 1791. The brewery is already known for two Belgian specialty beers: Pauwels Kwak, a strong brown ale served in a custom “coachmen’s glass,” and Triple Karmeliet, a strong golden Belgian triple-style of ale. Deus is brewed and fermented to a strength of 11.5% alcohol by volume, then bottled in champagne-like bottles and sent to France’s champagne country for aging according to the “Methode Champenoise,” involving refermentation in the bottle, 12 months maturation time, and traditional “remuage” turning by hand during the aging process. The final process in the beer’s production includes the “degorgement,” in which the bottle’s neck is frozen and the plug of yeast is removed by bottle pressure, followed by a “dosage” to induce and preserve natural carbonation in the bottle, after which the bottle is corked and dressed. The specialty import will be available in limited quantities in select markets later this summer.

Big Dog’s Brewing Company Breaks Ground

posted Jul 14th, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

Big Dog’s Hospitality Group has announced that the construction of Las Vegas’ newest microbrewery has begun. Big Dog’s Brewing Company will be housed in a new 3,383 square foot addition being constructed at the company’s Draft House Barn and Casino facility, located at 4543 N. Rancho Road. The new facility will house a 15-barrel microbrewery system. Brewmaster Dave Otto, formerly of the Holy Cow Brewery on the Las Vegas Strip, will brew a wide range of beers, including light beers, ales, porters, and stouts. The brewery will carry 12 beers on tap at all times. Big Dog’s Brew will also be served at Big Dog’s Bar & Grill, 1511 N. Nellis at Owens, and Big Dog’s Caf

Pyramid Opens Alehouse in Sacramento

posted Jul 11th, 2003 by Pat Hagerman

Pyramid opened its doors to “the house that beer built,” the new Pyramid Alehouse in Sacramento. Located in downtown Sacramento, the newest Pyramid Alehouse addition is home to over 15 beers on draft, including year round, seasonal, and alehouse exclusive styles. The grand opening will be celebrated with an official ribbon cutting ceremony on July 16th at 11 am, hosted by the Mayor of Sacramento. The new Pyramid Alehouse is located just a few blocks from the Capitol in downtown Sacramento.