Brewers Association Reveals the 50 Fastest Growing U.S. Craft Breweries of 2018

The Brewers Association released its second annual list of the 50 fastest growing small and independent craft brewing companies of 2018. "These small and independent craft breweries from 27 states registered a median growth of 163 percent in 2018 and included 13 brewpubs, 35 microbreweries, and two regional craft breweries".

"Even as market competition continues to increase, these small and independent breweries and brewpubs demonstrate there are still growth opportunities across a diverse set of regions and business models," said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association. And the list is rather representative of all geographic regions.

1. Lake Time Brewery, Clear Lake Iowa
2. Big Oyster Brewery, Lewes Delaware
3. Oak Road Brewery, Summerville South Carolina
4. The Dreamchaser’s Brewery, Waxhaw North Carolina
5. Shattered Oak Brewing, Oregon City Oregon

Methodology: The list presented includes only small and independent breweries. Growth is measured based on production at their own facilities. Breweries must have opened by December 31, 2016, or earlier to be considered. It only includes breweries that reported 2018 production to the Brewers Association’s annual Beer Industry Production Survey; breweries with staff estimates or data from state excise tax reports were not considered. Breweries also needed a validated production figure for 2017, either via the production survey, or state excise tax data.

A comprehensive State of the Industry report will be delivered during the 2019 Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, held from April 8-11 in Denver, Colorado. The association’s full 2018 industry analysis, which shows regional trends and sales by individual breweries, will be published in the May/June issue of The New Brewer, available in May 2019.

1 An American craft brewer is a small and independent brewer. Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less (approximately 3 percent of U.S. annual sales). Beer production is attributed to the rules of alternating proprietorships. Independent: Less than 25 percent of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member that is not itself a craft brewer. Brewer: Has a TTB Brewer’s Notice and makes beer.

Contact: Abby Cohen (on behalf of the Brewers Association) abby@rosengrouppr.com, 646-695-7044

Kin & Cascadia Showcase the Columbia and Willamette Valleys

Winesellers Ltd., the family-owned global importer, recently expanded their portfolio into the Pacific Northwest by creating the Kin & Cascadia brand. The initial two offerings are a Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington's Columbia Valley and a Pinot Noir from Oregon's Willamette Valley -- both arguably the premier wine regions in their respective states. Each is priced close to $15 providing excellent value.  Finally, don't you love the contrasting bottle styles reflecting Bordeaux and Burgundy? Cheers.







2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley, Washington State ($15)
The grapes are sourced from vineyard sites in the Wahluke Slope AVA located near the edge of Red Mountain. The region is one of the driest, warmest climates in the state, perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyards are composed of sandy and alluvial soils with vine shoots on original roots as phylloxera has never been in Washington State.  For the price, this is a very complex effort, depth, spices, and chewy tannins.

2017 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, Oregon ($15)
The Willamette Valley runs approximately from Portland in the north to Eugene in the South and these grapes were sourced from different locations along the valley. Some were grown on the rich alluvial soils on the valley floor whereas others on the volcanic-sedimentary soils of the hillsides.  The result is a smooth and friendly wine with candied cherries transitioning to an approachable finish with easy tannins.

2019 SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience

This year, the Brewers Association is hosting their annual SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience Friday, May 17th in Washington D.C. -- as usual at the National Building Museum. This week the Beer & Food Menu pairings were released and they look quite delicious - particularly anything with Choptank oysters, Gruyere, or Rabbit Tamale. Looking forward to another great event tasting with old and new friends. from across the United States Cheers.




2ND SHIFT BREWING CO. St. Louis, MO
GRAPEVINES (BRETT BEER: MIXED-CULTURE)
Ricotta Gnocchi | English Peas| Chanterelles
MLÁDEK(STOUT: AMERICAN-STYLE IMPERIAL)
Rice Pudding | Horchata | Churro

4 NOSES BREWING COMPANY Broomfield, CO
SOMETHING FRENCH (SOUR ALE: FRUITED)
Passionfruit Panna Cotta | Meringue
ZWICKY P (ZWICKEL PILSNER)
Corn Madeleine | Chicken Liver Mousse

ALLAGASH BREWING COMPANY Portland, ME
BARREL & BEAN (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED STRONG BEER)
Coffee & Chocolate Whoopie Pie
PICK YOUR OWN (FRUIT BEER: BELGIAN-STYLE)
Corn Madeleine | Chicken Liver Mousse

ATLAS BREW WORKS Washington, D.C.
BLOOD ORANGE GOSE (GOSE: CONTEMPORARY)
Choptank Oysters
NINJA SAUCE (PALE ALE: BELGIAN-STYLE)
Choptank Oysters

BEAR REPUBLIC BREWING CO. Cloverdale, CA
OLD BABA YAGA (STOUT: AMERICAN-STYLE IMPERIAL)
Coffee Crème Brûlée
SONOMA TART (SOUR ALE: FRUITED AMERICAN-STYLE)
Chocolate Coconut Macaroon

BELL'S BREWERY Galesburg, MI
LARRY'S LATEST FLAMINGO FRUIT FIGHT (FRUIT BEER: WHEAT)
Bahn Mi Meatball | Toast | Herb Salad
THIRD COAST OLD ALE (BARLEY WINE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Pork Rib | Honey & Pecan Glaze

BOSTON BEER COMPANY Boston, MA
BLACK HARBOR STOUT (STOUT: AMERICAN-STYLE IMPERIAL)
Bread Pudding | Smoked Oyster
MANGO GUAVA IPA (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY)
Chicken Laab | Thai Herbs

BOULEVARD BREWING COMPANY Kansas City, MO
RYE ON RYE 6 (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED STRONG BEER)
Country Style Terrine | Plum Mustard
SAISON BRETT (SAISON: SPECIALTY)
Boudin Blanc | Crispy Potato | Mustard

BREWDOG BREWING COMPANY Canal Winchester, OH
ELVIS JUICE (INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Peanut Butter Toast | Banana Brulee
JET BLACK HEART (STOUT: OATMEAL)
Hand Pie | Braised Beef Bourguignon

THE BREWER'S TABLE Austin, TX
MADE IN THE NIGHTSHADE (FIELD BEER)
Redfish | Creole Fried Green Tomato | Rouille
VOR ORT (LAGER: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Falafel | Chive Yogurt | Harissa

BREWERY OMMEGANG Cooperstown, NY
BRUT IPA (INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Lobster Roll
PALE SOUR (SOUR ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Marinated Mussels | Saffron Escabeche

CALDERA BREWING COMPANY Ashland, OR
MOSAIC IPA (INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Redfish | Creole Fried Green Tomato | Rouille
MOTHER PUCKER RASPBERRY SOUR (SOUR ALE: FRUITED AMERICAN-STYLE)
Nathan Miller Chocolate

CAPE ANN BREWING COMPANY Gloucester, MA
COME HELLES OR HIGH WATER (HELLES: MUNICH-STYLE)
Malted Chicharron | Fennel Pollen | Whipped Lardo
SPRUCE TIP BIERE DE GARDE (BIERE DE GARDE: FRENCH-STYLE)
Bresaola Cone | Soft Herbs | Fresh Cherries

CAPE MAY BREWING CO. Cape May, NJ
ALWAYS READY (PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Spicy Green Papaya Salad
LADY IN ROOM #10 (SOUR ALE: FRUITED AMERICAN-STYLE)
Curry Squash Samosa

CHELUNA BREWING COMPANY Denver, CO
CHILANGO (CHILI BEER)
Masa Dumplings | Braised Chicken | Avocado
LOW RIDER LAGER AÑEJO (AGED BEER)
Lox | Buckwheat Crepe | Salmon Roe

CHURCH BREW WORKS Pittsburgh, PA
PIOUS MONK DUNKEL (DUNKEL: MUNICH-STYLE)
Beef Tataki | Furikake | Seaweed Salad
THUNDERHOP IPA (INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Chicken Satay | Pineapple | Peanuts

CIGAR CITY BREWING Tampa, FL
ACROSS THE ALLEY (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED STRONG STOUT)
Chocolate Coconut Macaroon
MARGARITA GOSE (GOSE: LEIPZIG-STYLE)
Masa Dumplings | Braised Chicken | Avocado

COUNTRY BOY BREWING Georgetown, KY
LIVING PROOF: OUD BRUIN (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED SOUR BEER)
Beef Tataki | Furikake | Seaweed Salad
PAPAW'S RED (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED STRONG BEER)
Gruyere Gougère | Caramelized Onion

CRANK ARM BREWING CO. Raleigh, NC
VALVE STEM (LAGER: VIENNA-STYLE)
Grilled Lamb | Peas | Mint | Feta | Pea Pesto
WHITEWALL WHEAT (AMERICAN-BELGO-STYLE ALE: PALE)
Cucumber Gazpacho | Cheese Crisp

CRAZY MOUNTAIN BREWERY Denver, CO
HORSESHOES & HAND GRENADES (BITTER: AMERICAN-STYLE EXTRA SPECIAL)
Cabbage Roll | Pheasant | Farro & Currants
LAWYERS, GUNS & MONEY (BARLEY WINE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Hamachi Crudo | Tomatillo | Cilantro

DAREDEVIL BREWING CO. Speedway, IN
FIRST NOEL OAK SMOKED BOCK (RAUCHBIER: BAMBERG-STYLE BOCK)
Pork Belly | Red Eye Glaze | Date Bread
RIP CORD DIPA (INDIA PALE ALE: IMPERIAL)
Falafel | Chive Yogurt | Harissa

DC BRAU Washington, D.C.
SMELLS LIKE FREEDOM (INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Malted Chicharron | Fennel Pollen | Whipped Lardo
WAKE UP IN THE FUTURE (STOUT: AMERICAN-STYLE IMPERIAL)
Pork Belly | Red Eye Glaze | Date Bread

DESCHUTES BREWERY Bend, OR
BLACK MIRROR (BARLEY WINE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Blood Sausage | Eggplant | Golden Raisin
TEMPRANILLO FLANDERS (FLANDERS RED)
Bresaola Cone | Soft Herbs | Fresh Cherries

DOGFISH HEAD CRAFT BREWERY Milton, DE
AMERICAN BEAUTY (PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Rice Pudding | Horchata | Churro
SUPEREIGHT (GOSE: CONTEMPORARY)
Potsticker | Green Onion | Ginger | Lemongrass

DOUBLE NICKEL BREWING COMPANY Pennsauken, NJ
SUPER MEGA DANK 420 KUSH DADDY SUPREME (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY)
Corn Hushpuppy | Pink Peppercorn Aioli
VIENNA LAGER (LAGER: VIENNA-STYLE)
Goat Cheese | Pistachio | Strawberry | White Balsamic

ESCAPE BREWING COMPANY Trinity, FL
FIVE FLAGS (PILSENER: GERMAN-STYLE)
Grilled Lamb | Peas | Mint | Feta | Pea Pesto
GOOFY FOOTED WHEAT ALE (WHEAT BEER WITHOUT YEAST: LIGHT AMERICAN)
Lox | Buckwheat Crepe | Salmon Roe

FERNSON BREWING COMPANY Sioux Falls, SD
CHAMPILS (PILSENER: CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN-STYLE)
Lox | Buckwheat Crepe | Salmon Roe
GALLIVANT (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY)
Hot Chicken | Pickled Cabbage

FIRESTONE WALKER BREWING COMPANY Paso Robles, CA
UNDERCURRANTS (SOUR ALE: FRUITED AMERICAN-STYLE)
Curry Squash Samosa
XXII ANNIVERSARY ALE (BARLEY WINE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Corn Madeleine | Chicken Liver Mousse

FIVE BOROUGHS BREWING CO. Brooklyn, NY
PILSNER (PILSENER: BOHEMIAN-STYLE)
Hamachi Crudo | Tomatillo | Cilantro
TINY JUICY IPA (INDIA PALE ALE: SESSION)
Cheese Crêpe | Cranberry Almond Granola

FLORIDA AVENUE BREWING CO. Tampa, FL
BOAT BEER SEA SESSION ALE (EXPERIMENTAL BEER)
Seaweed & Crab Salad | Kombo | Cucumber
PASSION OF THE HEIGHTS (HERB AND SPICE BEER)
Goat Cheese | Pistachio | Strawberry | White Balsamic

FOOTHILLS BREWING Winston-Salem, NC
JADE IPA (INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Tuna Taco | Fried Red Onion | Garlic | Sesame
SEXUAL CHOCOLATE RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT (STOUT: AMERICAN-STYLE IMPERIAL)
Rabbit Tamale | Black Mole

FOUR FATHERS BREWING Valparaiso, IN
BARREL-AGED WHEELHOUSE 2018 (STOUT: AMERICAN-STYLE IMPERIAL)
Red Hot Beef Sausage | Creamed Corn
JUDO NOT SUMO (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY)
Chicken Laab | Thai Herbs

FREMONT BREWING Seattle, WA
B-BOMB COCONUT EDITION (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED STRONG BEER)
`Chocolate Coconut Macaroon
VIRTUE (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED SOUR BEER)
Blue Cheese Cake | Crispy Shallot | Rye

GEARHOUSE BREWING COMPANY Chambersburg, PA
NATHAN MILLER CHOCOLATE PORTER (CHOCOLATE BEER)
Nathan Miller Chocolate
SPIRAL HAM PROJECT VOL. 1: THE BELGIAN QUAD (QUADRUPEL: BELGIAN-STYLE)
Country Style Terrine | Plum Mustard

GNARLY BARLEY BREWINGHammond, LA
DDH JUCIFER IPA (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY)
Hamachi Crudo | Tomatillo | Cilantro
KOROVA MILK PORTER (PORTER: ROBUST)
Endive Panzanella | Sausage Vinaigrette | Rye Crouton

GOODLIFE BREWING CO. Bend, OR
DESCENDER IPA (INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Corn Madeleine | Chicken Liver Mousse
SWEET AS PACIFIC ALE (WHEAT BEER WITHOUT YEAST: LIGHT AMERICAN)
Cacio e Pepe Croquette

GREAT LAKES BREWING CO. Cleveland, OH
GREAT LAKES IPA (INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Goat Confit | Coriander & Burnt Orange BBQ
HOLY MOSES RASPBERRY (WITBIER: BELGIAN-STYLE)
Bresaola Cone | Soft Herbs | Fresh Cherries

GREAT RHYTHM BREWING COMPANY Portsmouth, NH
PERPETUAL GRÜVEN (KOELSCH: GERMAN-STYLE)
Redfish | Creole Fried Green Tomato | Rouille
TROPICAL HAZE (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY)
Potsticker | Green Onion | Ginger | Lemongrass

HARDYWOOD PARK CRAFT BREWERY
Richmond, VA
BUT DOES IT MAKE SENSE
(INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY IMPERIAL OR DOUBLE)
Hot Chicken | Pickled Cabbage
FOOLERY
(STOUT: AMERICAN-STYLE IMPERIAL)
Duck Prosciutto | Potato | Cherry

HOPEWELL BREWING COMPANY Chicago, IL
PER DIEM (PILSENER: CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN-STYLE)
Goat Confit | Coriander & Burnt Orange BBQ
STONETHROW (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED SOUR BEER: FRUITED)
Blue Cheese Cake | Crispy Shallot | Rye

HOPS & GRAIN BREWING Austin, TX
HAZE COUNTY (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY IMPERIAL OR DOUBLE)
Red Apron Charcuterie
VOLUMES OF FUNK: BERRIES (SOUR ALE: OTHER BELGIAN-STYLE)
Red Apron Charcuterie

IVANHOE PARK BREWING CO. Orlando, FL
SUCK IT, TREBEK (SOUR ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Choptank Oysters
TUPAC SHAPORTER (PORTER: BALTIC-STYLE)
Choptank Oysters

LA CUMBRE BREWING CO. Albuquerque, NM
SIBERIAN SILK (PORTER: BALTIC-STYLE)
Rabbit Tamale | Black Mole
SUN FADE (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY)
Goat Cheese | Pistachio | Strawberry | White Balsamic

LAND-GRANT BREWING COMPANY Columbus, OH
HELIOS (PILSENER: GERMAN-STYLE)
Chicken Laab | Thai Herbs
THIRTEEN.ONE (GOSE: CONTEMPORARY)
Fried Rice Style Grains | Carrot | Cilantro | Black Garlic

LEGAL DRAFT BEER COMPANY Arlington, TX
FREE & CLEAR (GLUTEN-FREE BEER)
Masa Dumplings | Braised Chicken | Avocado
GINNED UP CHARGES (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED STRONG BEER)
Tuna Taco | Fried Red Onion | Garlic | Sesame

LIC BEER PROJECT Long Island City, NY
CODED TILES (PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Bahn Mi Meatball | Toast | Herb Salad
HIGHER BURNIN'(INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Shrimp & Grits

LICKINGHOLE CREEK CRAFT BREWERY Goochland, VA
NUGGET ON RYE (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED STRONG BEER)
Hand Pie | Braised Beef Bourguignon
REDNECK HIGH SOCIETY (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED STRONG BEER)
Malted Chicharron | Fennel Pollen | Whipped Lardo

LISTERMANN BREWING CO. Cincinnati, OH
NUTCASE RASPBERRY JAM (PORTER: PEANUT BUTTER W/ FRUIT)
Cheese Crêpe | Cranberry Almond Granola
TEAM FIONA (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY)
Hot Chicken | Pickled Cabbage

LORD HOBO BREWING COMPANY Woburn, MA
GODMOTHER (STOUT: AMERICAN-STYLE IMPERIAL)
Potsticker | Green Onion | Ginger | Lemongrass
MUSEUM (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY IMPERIAL OR DOUBLE)
Tuna Taco | Fried Red Onion | Garlic | Sesame

THE LOST ABBEY San Marcos, CA
CITRUS SIN (WILD BEER)
Bresaola Cone | Soft Herbs | Fresh Cherries
ZINNERS AND SAINTS (SOUR ALE: OTHER BELGIAN-STYLE)
Cheese Crêpe | Cranberry Almond Granola

MADTREE BREWING COMPANY Cincinnati, OH
HAPPY AMBER (AMBER/RED ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Red Hot Beef Sausage | Creamed Corn
JOON (KOELSCH: GERMAN-STYLE)
Angel Food Cake | Macerated Berries | Lime Zest

MAINE BEER COMPANY Freeport, ME
WOODS & WATERS (INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Marinated Mussels | Saffron Escabeche
ZOE (AMBER/RED ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Red Hot Beef Sausage | Creamed Corn

MONDAY NIGHT BREWING Atlanta, GA
PERVASIVE SPECIES (SOUR ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Grilled Lamb | Peas | Mint | Feta | Pea Shoots
SITUATIONAL ETHICS - MAPLE RUM BARREL AGED (STOUT: AMERICAN-STYLE IMPERIAL)
Coffee Crème Brûlée

MOTHER ROAD BREWING COMPANY Flagstaff, AZ
DAILY DRIVER LOW OCTANE IPA (SESSION BEER)
Ceviche | Calamari | Chili | Lime
LOST HIGHWAY DOUBLE BLACK IPA (BLACK ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Ricotta Gnocchi | English Peas| Chanterelles

NESHAMINY CREEK BREWING CO. Croydon, PA
MISADVENTURES & MISSTEPS (BELGIAN-STYLE GOLDEN STRONG)
Corn Hushpuppy | Pink Peppercorn Aioli
ZIEGEMEISTER MAIBOCK LAGER (BOCK: TRADITIONAL GERMAN-STYLE)
Red Hot Beef Sausage | Creamed Corn

NEW BELGIUM BREWING COMPANY Fort Collins, CO
MURAL (FRUIT BEER: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Corn Hushpuppy | Pink Peppercorn Aioli
VOODOO RANGER JUCIFER (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY)
Curry Squash Samosa

NEW HOLLAND BREWING CO. Holland, MI
DRAGON'S MILK WHITE (EXPERIMENTAL BEER)
Coffee Crème Brûlée
KOMBUCHA IPA (EXPERIMENTAL BEER)
Beef Tataki | Furikake | Seaweed Salad

NEW REALM BREWING CO. Atlanta, GA
BELGA ROSE (FIELD BEER)
Angel Food Cake | Macerated Berries | Lime Zest
OAXACA CHOCA MEXICAN CHOCOLATE STOUT (CHOCOLATE BEER)
Rice Pudding | Horchata | Churro

NIGHT SHIFT BREWING Chelsea, MA
NITE LITE (LAGER: AMERICAN-STYLE LIGHT)
Shrimp & Grits
WHIRLPOOL (PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Gruyere Gougère | Caramelized Onion

NINKASI BREWING Eugene, OR
BRIGHTBERRY (GOSE: CONTEMPORARY)
Tuna Taco | Fried Red Onion | Garlic | Sesame
HAZY DOMINATION (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY)
Cacio e Pepe Croquette

O.H.S.O. EATERY + NANOBREWERY Phoenix, AZ
89ALE (CALIFORNIA COMMON BEER)
Country Style Terrine | Plum Mustard
PEANUT BRITTLE BLONDE (FIELD BEER)
Chicken Satay | Pineapple | Peanuts

ODELL BREWING COMPANY Fort Collins, CO
MOUNTAIN STANDARD (INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Deviled Egg | Arugula | Potato Chip
SIPPIN' PRETTY (GOSE: CONTEMPORARY)
Ceviche | Calamari | Chili | Lime

OLD STOVE BREWING COMPANY Seattle, WA
HOP CONVOY - GUAVA EDITION (PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY)
Ceviche | Calamari | Chili | Lime
SWORDS AND WHISKEY (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED STRONG STOUT)
Hand Pie | Braised Beef Bourguignon

PALE FIRE BREWING CO. Harrisonburg, VA
RED MOLLY IRISH RED ALE (RED ALE: IRISH-STYLE)
Gruyere Gougère | Caramelized Onion
SALAD DAYS AMERICAN SAISON (AMERICAN-BELGO-STYLE ALE: PALE)
Marinated Mussels | Saffron Escabeche

PERENNIAL ARTISAN ALES St. Louis, MO
ABRAXAS (STOUT: AMERICAN-STYLE IMPERIAL)
Curry Squash Samosa
LA COSECHA (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED SOUR BEER: FRUITED)
Potsticker | Green Onion | Ginger | Lemongrass

PORT CITY BREWING CO. Alexandria, VA
FRANCONIAN KELLERBIER (LAGER: UNFILTERED GERMAN-STYLE)
Corn Hushpuppy | Pink Peppercorn Aioli
RIVERSHED ALE (PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Smoked Scallop Risotto Cake | Crab Salad

THE RARE BARREL Berkeley, CA
ACROSS THE SEA (SOUR ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Ceviche | Calamari | Chili | Lime
WISE GUISE (SOUR ALE: FRUITED AMERICAN-STYLE)
Short Rib Grilled Cheese

RIGHT PROPER BREWING COMPANY Washington, D.C.
RAVAGED BY WOLVES (BRETT BEER: MIXED-CULTURE)
Fried Rice Style Grains | Carrot | Cilantro | Black Garlic
SCENICRUISER (BRETT BEER: MIXED-CULTURE)
Short Rib Grilled Cheese

RIVER DOG BREWING CO. Ridgeland, SC
LOWCOUNTRY AMBROSIA (HONEY BEER)
Pretzel Roll | Fennel & Apple Sausage
MIDNIGHT MARSH (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED STRONG BEER)
Chicken Satay | Pineapple | Peanuts

ROADHOUSE BREWING CO. Jackson, WY
RASPBERRY BERET (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED SOUR BEER: FRUITED)
Cheese Crêpe | Cranberry Almond Granola
THE WALRUS (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY IMPERIAL OR DOUBLE)
Bovine & Swine Sausage

ROGUE ALES & SPIRITS Newport, OR
BATSQUATCH HAZY IPA (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY)
Passionfruit Panna Cotta | Meringue
DEAD GUY ALE (BOCK: TRADITIONAL GERMAN-STYLE)
Bahn Mi Meatball | Toast | Herb Salad

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAIN BREWING Santa Cruz, CA
ADMIRAL SMASH (PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Falafel | Chive Yogurt | Harissa
MADAME GREY (STOUT: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Short Rib Grilled Cheese

SARANAC BREWERY/FX MATT BREWING COMPANY Utica, NY
GREEN THUMB DOUBLE IPA (INDIA PALE ALE: IMPERIAL)
Goat Confit | Coriander & Burnt Orange BBQ
SARANAC IPA 100 (INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Dirty Rice | Chicken Skin | Celery Salad

SAUCY BREW WORKS Cleveland, OH
B.F. HEFE (HEFEWEIZEN: SOUTH GERMAN-STYLE)
Banana Cream Pie
LOVE YOU, BYE (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY)
Corn Madeleine | Chicken Liver Mousse

SECOND CHANCE BEER COMPANY San Diego, CA
MULLIGAN IRISH-STYLE RED ALE (RED ALE: IRISH-STYLE)
Gruyere Gougère | Caramelized Onion
THE BARREL EXPERIENCE JOURNEY 2 - COCONUT MACAROON (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED STRONG STOUT)
Chocolate Coconut Macaroon

SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO. Chico, CA
HAZY LITTLE THING IPA (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY)
Crab Cake | Mango | Jalapeno
SIERRAVEZA (LAGER: LATIN AMERICAN)
Rabbit Tamale | Black Mole

SOCIETE BREWING COMPANY San Diego, CA
THE HEIRESS (PILSENER: BOHEMIAN-STYLE)
Pretzel Roll | Fennel & Apple Sausage
THE PUPIL (INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Hot Raclette | Fingerling Potato

SPENCER BREWERY Spencer, MA
MONKS' RESERVE ALE (QUADRUPEL: BELGIAN-STYLE)
Country Style Terrine | Plum Mustard
PEACH SAISON (SAISON: SPECIALTY)
Chicken Laab | Thai Herbs

SQUATTERS CRAFT BEERS Salt Lake City, UT
SQUATTERS HELL'S KEEP (BELGIAN- AND FRENCH-STYLE ALE OTHER)
Marinated Mussels | Saffron Escabeche
SQUATTERS TROPICAL HOP RISING (INDIA PALE ALE: IMPERIAL)
Blue Cheese Cake | Crispy Shallot | Rye

SUGAR CREEK BREWING CO. Charlotte, NC
DARK REFLECTION (ABBEY ALE: OTHER BELGIAN-STYLE)
Coffee Crème Brûlée
SUGAR CREEK WHITE ALE (WITBIER: BELGIAN-STYLE)
Goat Confit | Coriander & Burnt Orange BBQ

SWITCHBACK BREWING COMPANY Burlington, VT
BISOU (SMOKED SAISON)
Deviled Egg | Arugula | Potato Chip
SMOKE 40 (SMOKED IPA)
Dry-Aged Rib Eye | Mushroom Crust | Shallot

TAMPA BAY BREWING COMPANY Tampa, FL
REEF DONKEY APA (PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Deviled Egg | Arugula | Potato Chip
TWISTED STRAWBERRY FEST (FRUIT BEER: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Goat Cheese | Pistachio | Strawberry | White Balsamic

THREE WEAVERS BREWING CO. Inglewood, CA
KNOTTY (INDIA PALE ALE: IMPERIAL)
Red Apron Charcuterie
SEAFARER (KOELSCH: GERMAN-STYLE)
Red Apron Charcuterie

TWO ROADS BREWING COMPANY Stratford, CT
BRETT NOIR (BRETT BEER)
Passionfruit Panna Cotta | Meringue
LIL' JUICY (INDIA PALE ALE: JUICY OR HAZY)
Ceviche | Calamari | Chili | Lime

UNION CRAFT BREWING Baltimore, MD
DIVINE (INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Shrimp & Grits
OLDER PRO BLACK CURRANT (SOUR ALE: FRUITED AMERICAN-STYLE)
Blue Cheese Cake | Crispy Shallot | Rye

UPLAND BREWING COMPANY Bloomington, IN
CHAMPAGNE VELVET (LAGER: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Cucumber Gazpacho | Cheese Crisp
RASPBERRY (SOUR ALE: FRUITED AMERICAN-STYLE)
Country Style Terrine | Plum Mustard

VISTA BREWING Driftwood, TX
SEEKING SAKURA - WINE BARREL AGED CHERRY BRETT ALE (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED SOUR BEER: FRUITED)
Bresaola Cone | Soft Herbs | Fresh Cherries
VELO DE FLOR (LAMBIC: BELGIAN-STYLE)
Pork Belly | Red Eye Glaze | Date Bread

WALLACE BREWING COMPANY Wallace, ID
1910 BLACK LAGER (SCHWARZBIER: GERMAN-STYLE)
Rabbit Tamale | Black Mole
HUCKLEBERRY SHANDY (FRUIT BEER: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Ricotta Gnocchi | English Peas| Chanterelles

WALLENPAUPACK BREWING COMPANY Hawley, PA
HAWLEY HEFEWEIZEN (HEFEWEIZEN: SOUTH GERMAN-STYLE)
Pork Belly | Red Eye Glaze | Date Bread
PACK & BRASS (INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Short Rib Grilled Cheese

WEST SIXTH BREWING Lexington, KY
PENNYRILE PALE ALE (PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Hot Chicken | Pickled Cabbage
SIXFOLD VI: WILD SOUR WITH BLACKBERRIES (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED SOUR BEER: FRUITED)
Angel Food Cake | Macerated Berries | Lime Zest

WINCHESTER BREW WORKS Winchester, VA
BIG RUN BRUT IPA (INDIA PALE ALE: AMERICAN-STYLE)
Cacio e Pepe Croquette
COFFEE CANOE LOVE (COFFEE BEER)
Pretzel Roll | Fennel & Apple Sausage

WOODEN ROBOT BREWERY Charlotte, NC
JARRAHDALE PUMPKIN SAISON (SAISON: SPECIALTY)
Curry Squash Samosa
THICKET AS THIEVES (WOOD- AND BARREL-AGED SOUR BEER: FRUITED)
Angel Food Cake | Macerated Berries | Lime Zest

#DrinkLocal at Whole Foods Market -- Well sort of

This weekend we visited our local Whole Foods Market Brew & Brau Pub intending to try the Big Poppa Biggie S'mores Imperial Stout produced by Charlottesville's Three Notch'd Brewing Company. Unfortunately, their tap system had failed, so it was time for wine. Examining the wine list, I noticed several possible local wines from New York, Oregon, and Mendocino in California. After returning home and further research yes, the grapes were indeed, mostly sourced from within local wine regions, but not necessarily estate driven.

Madame Liberté Brut ($16.99)
There isn't much information about the wine except that it is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir using American grapes. Thus not a local wine except it is apparently made by Gruet Winery even though the winery doesn't list it on their website. In any case, it is a delicious sparkling wine: creamy apples and depth.

Empire Estate 2017 Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes  ($19)
Empire Estate sources fruit from across the Finger Lakes - a cool climate region well known for their Riesling production as it is very similar to Alsace and Western Germany. (See Viticulture in the Cold Climate Finger Lakes) This wine is excellent, dry with racy minerals, some petrol. and uplifting acids.

Elouan 2017 Pinot Noir ($24)
Elouan is a brand that sources their grapes from three terrains in Oregon’s Western vineyards that are well suited for growing cool climate varietals. The first is the NW region - most likely including the Willamette Valley AVA -- with a temperate climate and cooling marine influences. The second is the West-Central Hills consisting of diverse microclimates through the many mountains and valleys. And finally, SW Oregon, where the elevated landscape and volcanic soils are derived from the convergence of three mountain ranges. The grapes were fermented separately, blended, then aged ten months in a mix of new and seasoned French oak. The result is fantastic: the cherry fruit turns to chalky dirt with a long lingering tail.

The Federalist Bourbon Barrel-Aged Zinfandel ($21.99)
Part of the Terlato Wines family, Federalist Vineyards produces several wines from throughout The Golden State. This Alexander Hamilton labeled wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Merlot sourced from Mendocino County and aged six months in American oak and finished six months in bourbon barrels. The later barrels impart noticeable vanilla, baking spices, and caramel with the dark black fruit rounded out by approachable tannins.

Budweiser Budvar Brewery vs Anheiser-Busch

Who's familiar with the famous Budweiser trademark dispute between Czech brewery Budweiser Budvar and Anheiser-Busch InBev? In 1907 Budvar and Anheiser-Busch agreed that Budvar could use the name Budweiser in Europe (the can) but that A-B could use the name in North America. Since then there have been over 100 trademark disputes or procedural issues. In countries where A-B InBev has Budweiser rights, Budvar uses the Czechvar brand name. I usually prefer German style pilsners, but this Bohemian style works nicely. And you can read more about the trademark dispute at Budvar and Time. Cheers.

Explore #WeAreMarylandWine During Maryland Wine Month

The Maryland Wineries Association has designated March as Maryland Wine Month and to follow the action they are promoting the #WeAreMarylandWine (in addition to #MDWine #MDWineTrails & #MDWineMonth) tag on all social media platforms. There are also numerous events and activities scheduled at various wineries and retailers across the state -- all listed on the MD Wine website. So we decided to dedicate more time this month to visit the Free State and visited two that are open seven days a week - navigating with theCompass Craft Beverage Finder.

We started at Catoctin Breeze Vineyard, located north of Frederick on the Route 15 Wine Road. Being a club member, our tastings were complimentary so we went through both their Signature ($10) and Sweet ($8) tastings. After previous visits, I have discussed their wonderful dry Estate Syrah, Estate Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay among others. So let me venture into the Sweet Wine tasting and the first impression is that out of the five, only the two meads comes across as sweet. For instance, the 2016 Rhapsody ($24) contains only .5% RS which is easily balanced by the Chardonnay's acidity. The sugar just rounds out the wine. The same is also true with the 2016 Bolero Blend ($22), a 50-50 blend of Syrah and Merlot. And finally, the 2017 Prelude Vidal Blanc ($20) has a Riesling character in that once again is balanced by the grape's acids. The two meads are definitely sweeter but the 2010 Honeymoon Mead ($25) is cut with orange juice providing more relief and the spices in the 2010 Amber Mead ($23) blend nicely into the honey flavor.

From Catoctin Breeze, we navigated the back roads, through a couple covered bridges to Linganore Winecellars. Interestingly, this winery is traditionally known for its sweeter festival friendly wines but has mad a concerted effort to enhance its dry wine portfolio. These wines were our focus through the Reserve Tasting ($10), which consisted of nine wines. These ranged from the dessert 2015 Midnight Bramble ($46) through a couple off-dry to several dry.  The 2017 White Raven ($14; Cayuga & Chardonnay) and 2018 Terrapin ($14; Melody & Vidal) were both light and refreshing with the later providing a distinct apple profile. The crux of the whites was the 2017 Reserve Chardonnay ($27) fermented in oak then aged an additional six months in barrel. This is a full bodied wine, depth and creamy with lifting acids. Nicely done. The reds were Chambourcin centric with three wines showing the flexibility of that prolific grape. The 2016 Exposure ($46) is a classic Bordeaux blend but I preferred the 2017 Cabernet Franc ($35) that we received a sneak peek and has more creamy texture than green character.  The fact that Linganore produces 50,000 cases of wine using practically all estate grapes is worth a visit and tour - whether festival season, Maryland Wine Month, or year round. Cheers.

Revisiting the 2011 Ventosa Vineyards Estate Lemberger

In August 2015 the annual Wine Bloggers Conference was held in New York's Finger Lakes and consisted of a pre-conference excursion to the Seneca Lake AVA. I participated in this trip which included a visit to Ventosa Vineyards - located on the Northeast shore of the lake. At this winery, we tasted their 2011 Estate Lemberger. Now as readers know, we are immediately drawn to this grape varietal whether named Lemberger, Blaufränkisch, or Kekfrankos. And we particularly gravitated to this wine when we learned that it had just been awarded the 2015 New York Governors Cup. That day winemaker Jenna Lavita (co-owner of Lake Drum Brewing) mentioned that the "blue" grape is planted on warmer sites because of its early budding nature, although it ripens later - translating to longer maturity time. My tasting notes refer to a dark black cherry wine, with subtle spice and tobacco, decent tannins, and generous acids. Naturally, I purchased a bottle to bring home and four and a half years later I pulled the cork. The acids have kept the wine fresh, with similar dark cherry fruit, textured, with more leather and spice instead of tobacco. The wine finishes with chewy tannins and still decent acidity. Nicely done Jenna.

Caboose Commons: Cashless, Coffee, and Craftbeer

This week I finally allocated time to visit Caboose Commons, a new craft brewery located in the Fairfax Mosiac District. This stand-alone facility with adequate parking maintains several other characteristics that differ from its older sibling, Vienna's Caboose Brewing.  First, it is cashless. Not a problem until you ask to open a tab. The brewery is strictly pay as you go - one beer at a time.  Also, flights are not an option; tasters yes, a flight no. Second, the brewery acts as a typical coffee house. On this visit, most of the visitors were occupied staring into laptops or devices, coffee cups adjacent to the screens. The wifi must be powerful for the amount of devices. Next, the facility is more spacious than the Vienna brewery - or at least it appears as such with a larger outdoor space and two levels of loft seating. And finally, the menu is larger - regarding both food and craft beverages. While still sourcing from local artisans, the restaurant provides breakfast at 7AM as well as an all-day menu and then a combined lunch and dinner selection. As for craft beverages, there's an expanded wine list and during our visit 14 craft beers available. Caboose's strength is their German and Czech styled ales and lagers -- particularly their Schwarzbier.  I tasted their relatively new Slam Dunkel and Stop Drop & Doppelbock (both stylistically accurate) before settling on the session-able Earl of Hops. This IPA is clean with loads of fresh citrus. Nicely done. And as always, theCompass Craft Beverage Finder contains information for both Caboose locations. Cheers.