You usually see the “three-tier system”, created after Prohibition, described as “Brewer, Distributor, Retailer”. However, that first tier also includes Importers, which is how foreign producers get their beer into the country. Importers face many of the same logistical challenges that Distributors do, but exacerbated by geography and border customs. B. United International is a […]
A Means, Not An End: Pilsner Urquell
In the United States, the term “pilsner” is used to describe an array of beers. But, in the Czech Republic, “pilsner” is reserved for one beer – Pilsner Urquell, the original pale lager. Since 1842, the brewery in Plzeň has maintained the same recipe, the same triple decoction method, and the same wooden barrel aging […]
The Pacific NW Brew Tour
The Pacific Northwest may be known for green scenery and an increasingly liberal social climate, but more than either of those, the wide array of fresh seafood and the thriving craft beer scene drive thousands to the west coast each year for premium imbibement. Pike Brewing Co. is located in downtown Seattle on 1st Avenue […]
3 Must Visit Austin, Texas Breweries
Once a year, for each of the past five years, I have taken a week off to go to Austin, Texas. Austin has quite the reputation as a food destination (can you say brisket?!), and is one of the best known epicenters for live music in the US. Recently though, the Austin beer scene has […]
GABF Survival Guide
This year’s the Great American Beer Festival is the biggest yet! Since 1982, the Great American Beer Festival is presented by the Brewers Association, a not-for-profit educational and trade organization that is devoted to making quality brewing and beer information available to anyone and promotion & protection of craft beer and brewers. Combined, our […]
New Orleans Beer Glow Up
I have a love affair with New Orleans. I’ve been going to NOLA for around five years – and now I try to get back yearly, when possible. Many people know about the Bourbon Street party culture side of the Crescent City, but there is so much more to this town! Sure, Abita has […]
Hotter than Hell(es)
I recently took a long weekend to visit my family in Hot Springs, AR. I do visit every year or so, as my mother and siblings reside in this resort city of the south. Filled with stories of gambling, prostitution, and drinking via the speakeasy during prohibition, this city is wrapped around more than 3000 […]