Latest news with #BartWatson
Axios
28-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Colorado breweries fret about tariffs amid trade war
President Trump's on-again, off-again tariffs have the potential to hit the craft brewing industry hard. Why it matters: The extra costs are just "another straw on the camel's back," says Boulder-based Brewers Association president and CEO Bart Watson, on top of pandemic-era supply chain problems, increasing competition and declining sales. Driving the news: U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, a former Wynkoop Brewing owner, is raising awareness about the tariffs' potential to hike the price of ingredients, equipment and packaging. "Tariffs cramp businesses and provide a level of uncertainty that is almost untenable," Hickenlooper said during a visit earlier this week to Denver's 4 Noses Brewing, where he sipped a beer fresh from the canning line and listened to local business owners talk about how the tariffs are hurting their businesses. State of play: The current tariffs on aluminum are the most pressing issue for craft brewers, Watson says. Smaller breweries are the most likely to get pinched because of their scale. The Chinese tariffs on steel and aluminum are taking a toll, particularly for startup breweries. The potential for Canadian tariffs will add to the pain. About 40% of the barley used by craft brewers comes from our northern neighbor. Zoom in: The uncertainty is what troubles Tommy Bibliowicz, co-owner of 4 Noses Brewing, which just celebrated 11 years in business. So far, he's not seen direct tariff impacts but is bracing for them down the road. "We really are just waiting — waiting to see what's going on," he lamented at his Denver taproom. "Clarity is our biggest problem." Between the lines: For brewers, the next question is whether to pass along the additional costs to consumers. It is a tough one. Bibliowicz says he won't do it — at least for now — because he doesn't want to hurt sales.
Forbes
02-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Best Beers In The World, According To The 2025 World Beer Cup
Representatives of Pizza Port pose for photographers after winning a medal at the 2025 World Beer Cup. Don Tse The World Beer Cup is the largest and most prestigious beer competition in the world. Often referred to as 'The Olympics of Beer Competitions,' the World Beer Cup is held annually, with the winners announced on the last evening of the annual Craft Brewers Conference, hosted by the Brewers Association. The Craft Brewers Conference and World Beer Cup Awards ceremony was hosted in Indianapolis, Indiana this year. Breweries from around the world sent representatives to attend the conference and the awards ceremony, hoping to return home with a medal from the world's most competitive beer awards—each of the 112 awards categories received an average of 73 entries. The beers are judged blind by a group of invited international judges, all of whom hold judging credentials or industry experience. This year, there 265 total judges, 132 of whom came from 37 international locations. Because of the quality of the judging and the large number of entries, winning a medal at the World Beer Cup is viewed as the ultimate affirmation of a beer's quality. Awards often result in increased sales for the brewery. The number of entries in each category are also used as indicators of trends in beer. The 2025 World Beer Cup, received 8,375 entries, from 1,761 producers representing 49 countries. In an informal meeting with beer-industry media, Bart Watson, president and CEO of the Brewers Association said that the number of entries was down from the number entered into the 2024 World Beer Cup reflecting the overall craft beer industry, which is seeing negative growth. But even as the industry was stagnant, some breweries were thriving, said Watson. This is reflected in 338 breweries entering the World Beer Cup for the first time. Also reflective of overall trends in the beer industry, the World Beer Cup added five categories of cider, which more breweries are branching into as they seek to diversify their offerings. As has been common in recent years, the most-entered categories were versions of IPA—Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale received 290 entries, West Coast-Style India Pale Ale received 253 entries and American-Style India Pale Ale received 208 entries. But in recent years, more craft breweries have been making lager-style beers. German-Style Pilsener was the fourth-most entered category with 186 entries. And a relatively new beer style, Hoppy Lager, received 153 entries. The winners of the 2025 World Beer Cup are: Gold: Fuzztail, Sunriver Brewing Co., Sunriver, OR Silver: Lunar Fallout, Tilted Axis Brewing Co., Lapeer, MI Bronze: Spring Valley Silk Ale, Spring Valley Brewery, Shibuya, Japan Gold: Altstadt Radler, Altstadt Brewery, Fredericksburg, TX Silver: Hey Girl, Hey, Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, Richmond, VA Bronze: Limaveza, New Realm Brewing, Atlanta, GA Gold: Mango Cart, Golden Road Brewing Anaheim, Anaheim, CA Silver: Yuzu Weiss, Yokohama Bay Brewing Co., Yokohama, Japan Bronze: Samuel Adams Summer Ale, Boston Beer Co., Somerville, MA Gold: Tonya's Still Crushing It, Blue Moon Brewing Co., Denver, CO Silver: Heiwa Craft A Study in Pink, Heiwa Shuzou Co., Kainan, Japan Bronze: Coconut Oil Man, Elevation Beer Co., Poncha Springs, CO Gold: Not Your Grandma's Pumpkin Ale, Grand Junction Brewing Co., Westfield, IN Silver: Pumpkin Spice J. Marie, River North Brewery, Denver, CO Bronze: Pumpkin Ale, Bier Brewery and Taproom, Indianapolis, IN Gold: Pyro's Prost, Hop Dogma, Half Moon Bay, CA Silver: Breakside All Yellow, Breakside Brewery, Portland, OR Bronze: Tangerine Heat, Dakota Point Brewing, Rapid City, SD Gold: Sansho Gose - Koji, Open Air Brewing, Kobe, Japan Silver: Burma Ale, Alameda Brewing, Alameda, CA Bronze: Lavender & Chamomile, Craft Beer Base, Osaka, Japan Gold: Chocolate Porter, Diatribe Brewing Co., Asheville, NC Silver: Viator Obscura: Triple Chocolate, Wandering Monsters Brewing Co., Cincinnati, OH Bronze: Midnight Hike, River North Brewery, Denver, CO Gold: Coffee Cream Ale, Pantown Brewing Co., St. Cloud, MN Silver: Squirrels Just Want to Have Fun, River North Brewery, Denver, CO Bronze: Gusto Crema, Georgetown Brewing Co., Seattle, WA Gold: Midnight Sea, Morgan Territory Brewing, Tracy, CA Silver: Dusk Til Dawn, Pizza Port San Clemente, San Clemente, CA Bronze: Lil' Zoomie, Brink Brewing Co., Cincinnati, OH Gold: The Gateway, West Coast Brewing, Shizuoka, Japan Silver: Saturday Morning Cartoons, Hackamore Brewing Co., Chanhassen, MN Bronze: Happy Almonds, Moksa Brewing Co., Rocklin, CA Gold: Steamy Wonder, Proper Brewing Co., Salt Lake City, UT Silver: Wooly Pig Farm Brewery Rye Dunkel, Wooly Pig Farm Brewery, Fresno, OH Bronze: Roggenbier, Schulz Bräu Brewing Co., Knoxville, TN Gold: Hachimitsu Mai, Deschutes Brewery - PDX Pub, Portland, OR Silver: Miss Behave, Moonraker Brewing, Cameron Park, CA Bronze: Ommegang Farm Fresh Ale, Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, NY Gold: Tsingtao Non-Alcoholic Wheat Beer, Tsingtao Brewery Co., Qingdao, China Silver: Svyturys Ekstra Non Alko, Švyturys-Utenos alus, Vilnius, Lithuania Bronze: Kölsch, Best Day Brewing, Berthoud, CO Gold: Trail Pass Hazy IPA, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - Chico, Chico, CA Silver: Disarm, Go Brewing, Naperville, IL Bronze: Bird of Prey 0.2, Uiltje Brewing Co., Haarlem, Netherlands Gold: Sim! Cerveja Sem Álcool - Melancia SOUR'n Salt, Sim! Cerveja, Campinas, Brazil Silver: BBNOALC, Four Winds Brewing Co., Delta, Canada Bronze: New School, Go Brewing, Naperville, IL Gold: Table Beer, Lost Cabin Beer Co., Rapid City, SD Silver: Shiner Bock, Spoetzl Brewery, Shiner, TX Bronze: Saison Lily, ColdFire Barrel House, Eugene, OR Gold: Micro Blaster, Shred Beer Co., Rocklin, CA Silver: Hefty Fee, Docent Brewing, San Juan Capistrano, CA Bronze: Scenic Route, Westbound & Down Brewing Co., Lafayette, CO Gold: Battle Axe, Fat Heads Brewery, Middleburg Heights, OH Silver: Baltic Porter, Haymarket Beer Co., Bridgman, MI Bronze: Baltic Porter, Nonsuch Brewing Co., Winnipeg, Canada Gold: Imperial Dark Mast, Pond Farm Brewing Co., San Rafael, CA Silver: East County Fine Malt Liquor, The Post Brewing Co., Lafayette, CO Bronze: Imperial Pilsner, New Glarus Brewing Co., New Glarus, WI Gold: Screaming Plum, Muho Brewery, Rende Dist., Taiwan Silver: Big Trouble in Little Tokyo, Angel City Brewery, Los Angeles, CA Bronze: Amalfi, Sun King Brewery, Indianapolis, IN Gold: Pepper & Peaches, Claremont Craft Ales, Claremont, CA Silver: Infinite Glow, Highlander Beer - Salmon, Salmon, ID Bronze: Rainbow Suspenders, Seapine Brewing Co., Seattle, WA Gold: Vinter Liv, Paddlefish Brewing Co., Saint Peter, MN Silver: AEgir's Wreath, Archival Brewing, Belmont, MI Bronze: Lichtenhainer, Mythmaker Brewing, Fort Collins, CO Gold: Pacific Ale, TWØBAYS Brewing Co., Dromana, Australia Silver: Winter Lager, Orange Bike Brewing Co., Portland, ME Bronze: Met at Midnight, Armored Cow Brewing Co., Charlotte, NC Gold: Breakside Spring Day, Breakside Brewery & Taproom, Milwaukie, OR Silver: Dear You, Ratio Beerworks, Denver, CO Bronze: Picked Last, Fieldwork Brewing Co., Berkeley, CA Gold: Howzit Punch, Alvarado Street Brewery, Salinas, CA Silver: Limoilou Beach, Microbrasserie La Souche, Stoneham-et- Tewkesbury, Canada Bronze: Tropic Desert, Other Brother Beer Co., Seaside, CA Gold: Free Range Farmhouse Ale, Sun King Brewery, Indianapolis, IN Silver: Pear Saison, Firestone Walker Brewing - Propagator, Paso Robles, CA Bronze: Wild Side, Jing-A Brewing, Beijing, China Gold: Brett Para 3, Cervecería Kürüf, Buenos Aires, Argentina Silver: Bobbi, Fair Isle Brewing, Seattle, WA Bronze: Frank On Sled, Deadman Brewery, Kowloon, Hong Kong Gold: Dr. Sleep, San Fernando Brewing Co., San Fernando, CA Silver: A.5, Eighty-Three Brewery, Akron, OH Bronze: Sensationator, Deschutes Brewery - PDX Pub, Portland, OR Gold: Perpetual Peace, No Label Brewing Co., Katy, TX Silver: Anniversary Year 5, Lumberbeard Brewing, Spokane, WA Bronze: Afterlife Elixir, Aslin Beer Co., Alexandria, VA Gold: Depth Dweller, Indigo Reef Brewing Co., Mount Pleasant, SC Silver: Elagabalus, Caius Farm Brewery, Branford, CT Bronze: Deth's Tar, Revolution Brewing, Chicago, IL Gold: The Virtue of Patience, Bold Monk Brewing Co., Atlanta, GA Silver: Gin Golden Sour, Stodgy Brewing Co., Fort Collins, CO Bronze: Broliner Weisse, Wooden Bear Brewing Co., Greenfield, IN Gold: Broumy, Pivovar Matuška, Broumy, Czech Republic Silver: Pilsners are Lagers, Benchtop Brewing Co., Norfolk, VA Bronze: Karbach Kellerbier, Karbach Brewing, Houston, TX Gold: Weiherer Rauch, Brauerei-Gasthof Kundmüller, Viereth-Trunstadt, Germany Silver: Daisy Lampkin, Late Addition Brewing + Blending, Pittsburgh, PA Bronze: Smokey the Beer, Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant, Topeka, KS Gold: Clubhaus Lager, Von Ebert Brewing, Portland, OR Silver: Old Fortwaukee, Coopersmith's Pub & Brewing, Fort Collins, CO Bronze: Really Decent, Werk Force Brewing Co., Plainfield, IL Gold: Solveza, Peaceful Side Brewery, Maryville, TN Silver: Yucatan Sunrise, Full Distance Brewing Co., Stafford, VA Bronze: Snow Dust, Sacred Waters Brewing Co., Kalispell, MT Gold: Birkebeinerpils, Victor 23, Portland, OR Silver: Hi-Wire Lager, Hi-Wire Brewing, Asheville, NC Bronze: Icicle Premium Pilsner, Icicle Brewing Co., Leavenworth, WA Gold: Yamagata, Original Pattern Brewing, Oakland, CA Silver: Otaku Hyper Dry, GameCraft Brewing, Laguna Hills, CA Bronze: Rice Breaker, Hana Koa Brewing Co., Honolulu, HI Gold: Cold IPA, pFriem Family Brewers, Hood River, OR Silver: Super Smash, Unsung Brewing Co., Tustin, CA Bronze: Krispi Kiwi, Far Field Beer Co., Lawndale, CA Gold: G.G., Exile Brewing Co., Des Moines, IA Silver: Horn of Hammerhand, Flix Brewhouse - Des Moines, Des Moines, IA Bronze: Moondoor Dunkel, Wibby Brewing, Longmont, CO Gold: Late Czech Out, Pilot Brewing Co., Charlotte, NC Silver: Secret Secret, Wayfinder Beer, Portland, OR Bronze: Czech Style Dark Lager, Cold Bear Brewing Co., Arnprior, Canada Gold: STS Pils, Russian River Brewing Co., Windsor, CA Silver: Hamburghini, ISM Brewing, Long Beach, CA Bronze: Pivo, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Paso Robles, CA Gold: Haha Pils, Arbeiter Brewing Co., Minneapolis, MN Silver: Kinabik Pilsner, Snake Lake Brewing Co., Sylvan Lake, Canada Bronze: Planks, MadeWest Brewing Co., Ventura, CA Gold: Bay Pilsner, Yokohama Bay Brewing Co., Yokohama, Japan Silver: Pilsner Rešov, Equal Parts Brewing, Houston, TX Bronze: Minoh Beer Pilsner, Minoh Brewery, Minoh-shi, Japan Gold: Construct Of Quality, Cinder Block Brewery, North Kansas City, MO Silver: Kirkland Signature Helles Lager, Deschutes Brewery, Bend, OR Bronze: Hachenburger Hell, Westerwald-Brauerei H. Schneider, Hachenburg, Germany Gold: The Cushman, Morgan Territory Brewing, Tracy, CA Silver: Thunder from Dortmunder, Marble Brewery, Albuquerque, NM Bronze: Guldkällan, Spendrups Bryggeri, Stockholm, Sweden Gold: Vienna, Second Street Brewery, Santa Fe, NM Silver: Family Tradition, BarrieHaus Beer Co., Tampa, FL Bronze: Vienna Fest Bier, Quarter Celtic Brewpub, Albuquerque, NM Gold: Follow the Lederhosen, Moontown Brewing Co., Whitestown, IN Silver: Red Vespa, Unsung Brewing Co., Tustin, CA Bronze: Oktoberfest Gemütlichkeit, Wiseacre Brewing Co., Memphis, TN Gold: Schwarz Bear, Gatlinburg Brewing Co., Sevierville, TN Silver: Schwarzbier, Pizza Port Imperial Beach, Imperial Beach, CA Bronze: Shady Lady, Sky Puppy Brewing, Tampa, FL Gold: Cold Front, Avery Brewing Co., Boulder, CO Silver: Rosenbock, Ivanhoe Park Lager House, Orlando, FL Bronze: Maibock, Ocean View Brewing Co., Ocean View, DE Gold: Curse The Goat, Shoreline Brewery, Michigan City, IN Silver: Living a Double Life, Wise Man Brewing, Winston-Salem, NC Bronze: Coconspirator, Victor 23, Portland, OR Gold: Vacancy Classic, Vacancy Brewing, Austin, TX Silver: Cole's Light Lager, Wild Ride Brewing, Redmond, OR Bronze: Home Run Jack, 14 Cannons, Westlake Village, CA Gold: El Pato Loco, Able Baker Brewing Co., Las Vegas, NV Silver: Blackberry Smoke American Lager, New Realm Brewing, Atlanta, GA Bronze: Built to Chill, Bend Brewing Co., Bend, OR Gold: Highwayman, Roadhouse Brewing, Jackson, WY Silver: Bellevue 1882 Lager, Bellevue Brewing Co., Bellevue, WA Bronze: Gold Country Pilsner, Auburn Alehouse, Auburn, CA Gold: Bold Rush, Drake's Brewing Co., San Leandro, CA Silver: Amendment Lager, 21st Amendment, San Leandro, CA Bronze: Was Angeles, Uinta Brewing Co., Salt Lake City, UT Gold: 40 Mike Mike, Free Roam Brewing Co., Boerne, TX Silver: Ebb and Flow, Cloudburst Brewing, Seattle, WA Bronze: Chismosa, Old Caz Beer, Rohnert Park, CA Gold: Breakside Hello My Alien, Breakside Brewery, Portland, OR Silver: XPA, Craft Coast, San Marcos, CA Bronze: How's the Serenity, Original Pattern Brewing, Oakland, CA Gold: Through The Roof, Arts District Brewing Co., Los Angeles, CA Silver: Pale, pFriem Family Brewers, Hood River, OR Bronze: Chur Enough, BKS Artisan Ales, Kansas City, MO Gold: Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - Chico, Chico, CA Silver: Railhead Red, Lumberyard Brewing Co., Flagstaff, AZ Bronze: Velvet Organic ESB, Hopworks Brewery, Portland, OR Gold: Perverse Inverse, Ghost Town Brewing, Oakland, CA Silver: Loyal to the Soil, Formula Brewing, Issaquah, WA Bronze: Modern Love, TapRoom Beer Co., San Diego, CA Gold: Grow Old With You, Verboten Brewing, Loveland, CO Silver: Three Ryes Men, Reuben's Brews, Seattle, WA Bronze: Lower De Boom, 21st Amendment, San Leandro, CA Gold: Daycation Gold, Highland Brewing Co., Asheville, NC Silver: Monger's Choice, Docent Brewing, San Juan Capistrano, CA Bronze: Kolsch, Second Street Brewery, Santa Fe, NM Gold: Canoa Quebrada, 277 Craft Beer, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil Silver: Gose, Four Generals Brewing, Renton, WA Bronze: SMBW Basil Lemongrass Gose, Santa Monica Brew Works, Santa Monica, CA Gold: Champagne Toast, Wander Brewing, Bellingham, WA Silver: East Side Gallery, Iron Hill Brewery, Exton, PA Bronze: Cactus Makes Perfect, Oregon City Brewing Co., Oregon City, OR Gold: Washout Wheat, Holy City Brewing, N. Charleston, SC Silver: Shed & Silo, 3 Nations Brewing, Carrollton, TX Bronze: Hefeweizen, Dru Bru, Cle Elum, WA Gold: Krystal Moon, Blue Moon Brewing Co., Denver, CO Silver: Tsingtao Wheat Beer, Tsingtao Brewery Co., Qingdao, China Bronze: Needlerush Hefeweizen, Silver Bluff Brewing Co., Brunswick, GA Gold: Apres Hefe, Fat Heads Brewery, Middleburg Heights, OH Silver: Ayinger Urweisse, Brauerei Aying Franz Inselkammer, Aying, Germany Bronze: no medal awarded Gold: Michael Dorn-Kelweiss, Five Wits Brewing Co., Chattanooga, TN Silver: Big Banana Brown Dunkelweisen, Shaketown Brewing, North Vancouver, Canada Bronze: Junk In Da Trunkel Dunkel, Pizza Port Ocean Beach, San Diego, CA Sierra Nevada Brewing won gold for South German-Style Weizenbock, the only brewery to repeat in the same category they won last year. Don Tse Gold: Weizenbock, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. - Mills River, Mills River, NC Silver: Alpenglow, Fat Heads Brewery, Middleburg Heights, OH Bronze: Weihenstephaner Vitus, Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, Freising, Germany Gold: Lithium, Resonate Brewery, Bellevue, WA Silver: Alternative Medicine, Lakeville Brewing Co., Lakeville, MN Bronze: Hinterland Altbier, Hinterland Brewery, Green Bay, WI Gold: Gallus, Cellar West Brewery, Lafayette, CO Silver: French Kiss, Primeval Brewing, Noblesville, IN Bronze: Crazy Train, Fretboard Brewing Co., Blue Ash, OH Gold: Suntrip, New Terrain Brewing Co., Golden, CO Silver: Belgian Wheat, Devils Backbone Brewing Co. - Basecamp, Roseland, VA Bronze: Hoegaarden White, AB-Inbev Hoegaarden, Hoegaarden, Belgium Gold: Dogwood Saison, Devils Backbone Brewing Co. - Basecamp, Roseland, VA Silver: Plough & Harrow, ISM Brewing, Long Beach, CA Bronze: Belgian Blonde, Frontyard Brewing, Spicewood, TX Gold: Heirloom, Kane Brewing Co., Ocean, NJ Silver: Sacred Tree, Phantom Farms Brewing, Cumberland, RI Bronze: Foeder Aged Saison, New Realm Brewing, Atlanta, GA Gold: Flanders Red, Cerveza 7 Vidas, Tacna, Peru Silver: Flanders Redux, True Anomaly Brewing Co., Houston, TX Bronze: Stupid Sexy Flanders, Sun King Brewery, Indianapolis, IN Gold: Erlton Street 5, The Establishment Brewing Co., Calgary, Canada Silver: Spontaneous Manifesto 2023, Blind Enthusiasm Brewing Co. - The Monolith, Edmonton, Canada Bronze: Funk Yeah, Beachwood Blendery, Huntington Beach, CA Gold: Feral Garden Gnome, Liability Brewing Co., Greenville, SC Silver: NBeer Belgian Blonde Ale, NBeer Craft Brewing Co., Chengdu, China Bronze: Rector 2025, Absolution Brewing Co., Torrance, CA Gold: no medal awarded Silver: Damnation, Russian River Brewing Co., Windsor, CA Bronze: The Cannibal, Iron Hill Brewery, Exton, PA Gold: Size 6, Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Co., Marlborough, MA Silver: Dubbel or Nothing, Monkless Belgian Ales, Bend, OR Bronze: Discipline Dubbel, Bold Monk Brewing Co., Atlanta, GA Gold: Tripel Dog Dare, Big Dog's Brewing Co., Las Vegas, NV Silver: Bel Ringer, 9th Hour Brewing Co., Lake Villa, IL Bronze: La Fin du Monde, Unibroue, Chambly, Canada Gold: Frosted Monk, RockSolid Brewing Co., Ball Ground, GA Silver: Traced in Air, Bartlett Hall, San Francisco, CA Bronze: Urbrew Adventure (Blue) Strong Dark Ale, Urbrew, Handan, China Gold: Quadruppel 277, 277 Craft Beer, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil Silver: Hertog Jan Grand Prestige Brut, Hertog Jan, Breda, Netherlands Bronze: Eschaton, Wild Heaven Beer Avondale, Decatur, GA Gold: Kriek, New Glarus Brewing Co., New Glarus, WI Silver: Champ Du Blanc, New Glarus Brewing Co., New Glarus, WI Bronze: Funk Yeah Peach, Beachwood Blendery, Huntington Beach, CA Gold: Extra Medium Mild, White Oak Brewing, Normal, IL Silver: So Long, London, Two Frays Brewery, Pittsburgh, PA Bronze: Chiastolite, Bighand Bros. Brewery, Kyoto, Japan Gold: Union Jack, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Paso Robles, CA Silver: Hopadillo, Karbach Brewing, Houston, TX Bronze: Shanghai'd IPA, Old Town Brewing, Portland, OR Gold: Burnout Brown, Mash Lab Brewing, Windsor, CO Silver: Oscar Wanted a Brown Ale, Pizza Port Solana Beach, Solana Beach, CA Bronze: Rojo, Barrio Brewing Co., Tucson, AZ Gold: Skidder Brown Ale, Big Timber Brewing, Elkins, WV Silver: Mother Fuggle, Eudora Brewing Co., Kettering, OH Bronze: Daisen G Beer Stout, Daisen G Beer - Kumezakura Brewery Co., Saihaku-Gun, Japan Gold: Ossuary, Ghost Town Brewing, Oakland, CA Silver: Robust Porter, Reuben's Brews, Seattle, WA Bronze: Blimp Hangar Porter, Tustin Brewing Co., Tustin, CA Gold: Moozie, Brink Brewing Co., Cincinnati, OH Silver: Hoochie Mama, StillFire Brewing, Suwanee, GA Bronze: Korova, Gnarly Barley Brewing, Hammond, LA Gold: North Tower Stout, Earth Rider Brewery, Superior, WI Silver: Opacus Oatmeal Stout, StormBreaker Brewing, Portland, OR Bronze: Dragula, Insurgente, Tijuana, Mexico Gold: Wrecking Ball Imperial Stout, No-Li Brewhouse, Spokane, WA Silver: Fayston Maple Imperial Stout, Lawson's Finest Liquids, Waitsfield, VT Bronze: Raven's Revenge, Beachwood Brewing, Huntington Beach, CA Gold: Mountain Man, Verboten Brewing, Loveland, CO Silver: Forest Hills, Olde Hickory Brewery, Hickory, NC Bronze: King in The Castle, Little Brother Brewing - Production, Kernersville, NC Gold: Ridgetop Red, Silver City Brewery, Bremerton, WA Silver: Outraged Daughters, Wise Man Brewing, Winston-Salem, NC Bronze: Engine 402, Orange Hat Brewing, Knoxville, OH Gold: Minoh Beer Stout, Minoh Brewery, Minoh-shi, Japan Silver: Sláinte, Legion Brewing Co., Charlotte, NC Bronze: Lucky 4 Leaf, Danville Brewing Co., Danville, CA Gold: Starway, Barrel Mountain Brewing, Battle Ground, WA Silver: Der Reisende, Adams Street Brewery, Chicago, IL Bronze: Stoup Export Stout, Stoup Brewing - Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA Gold: Stoneykirk Scottish Ale, Lost Street Brewing Co., Durant, OK Silver: Dragoon Amber, Dragoon Brewing Co., Tucson, AZ Bronze: The Fulkin, Half Batch Brewing, Hendersonville, TN Gold: Higher Consciousness, Third Eye Brewing Co., Cincinnati, OH Silver: The Magnificent Scotch Ale, Silver City Brewery, Bremerton, WA Bronze: Lord Grizzly, Lost Cabin Beer Co., Rapid City, SD Gold: Firemans #4, Real Ale Brewing Co., Blanco, TX Silver: Now What?, Saddle Mountain Brewing Co., Goodyear, AZ Bronze: Basecamp Blonde, Hutton & Smith Brewing Co., Chattanooga, TN Gold: Necrocat, Ghost Town Brewing, Oakland, CA Silver: Breakside Woodlawn Pale Ale, Breakside Brewery & Taproom, Milwaukie, OR Bronze: MadeWest Pale, MadeWest Brewing Co., Ventura, CA Gold: UCHU Relax, UCHU Brewing, Hokuto, Japan Silver: Wisp, Lumen Beer Co., Omaha, NE Bronze: Hop Magee, Danville Brewing Co., Danville, CA Gold: Mordant, Ghost Town Brewing, Oakland, CA Silver: Westbound IPA, Westbound & Down Brewing Co., Lafayette, CO Bronze: Gold Label Mai Tai P.A., Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill, Monterey, CA Gold: Hazy IPA, pFriem Family Brewers, Hood River, OR Silver: Slice, Lumen Beer Co., Omaha, NE Bronze: MadeWest Hazy IPA, MadeWest Brewing Co., Ventura, CA Gold: Punchface Champion, Grains of Wrath Brewing - Camas, Camas, WA Silver: Fall On In, MadeWest Brewing Co., Ventura, CA Bronze: House of Fu!, North Park Beer Co., San Diego, CA Gold: Juice Master, Shred Beer Co., Rocklin, CA Silver: Contains No Juice, Alvarado Street Brewery, Salinas, CA Bronze: For 4, Brothership Brewing, Mokena, IL Gold: Singing Coyote, Mountain Rambler Brewery, Bishop, CA Silver: Matador Red, 818 Brewing, Canoga Park, CA Bronze: First Amber, Stemma Brewing, Bellingham, WA Gold: Peaked In High School, Cloudburst Brewing, Seattle, WA Silver: Side Hike, Kern River Brewing Co., Kernville, CA Bronze: Imperial Red, Track 7 Brewing Co., Sacramento, CA Gold: Brown Ale, Second Street Brewery, Santa Fe, NM Silver: The Devil in John's Brown, DevilCraft, Shinagawa-ku, Japan Bronze: Boxcar Brown, Caboose Brewing Co., Vienna, VA Gold: Breakside Cheat Codes, Breakside Brewery & Taproom, Milwaukie, OR Silver: American Stout, ColdFire Brewing - Production, Junction City, OR Bronze: Blackside Snap, Riip Beer Co., Huntington Beach, CA Gold: Fulcrum Imperial Stout, ZwanzigZ Brewing, Columbus, IN Silver: Thunderbolt Stout, Valhöll Brewing, Poulsbo, WA Bronze: Lights Out, Project 9 Brewing, Seattle, WA Gold: Super Slap, Brewery X, Anaheim, CA Silver: Party Crusher, Beachwood Brewing, Huntington Beach, CA Bronze: Breakside IPA, Breakside Brewery & Taproom, Milwaukie, OR Gold: Shifted Visions, Everywhere, Orange, CA Silver: How To Make Friends, Hana Koa Brewing Co., Honolulu, HI Bronze: Riverside NEIPA, Guggman Haus Brewing Co., Indianapolis, IN Gold: Mosaic Takedown, Pinthouse Brewing, Austin, TX Silver: Chasmic Absorption Through Whirlpools of Disarray, Ghost Town Brewing, Oakland, CA Bronze: Terraform, Wayward Lane Brewing, Schoharie, NY Gold: 2023 Cidre Bouché, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, OR Silver: English Pub, Portland Cider Co., Clackamas, OR Bronze: Kingston Black, Bauman's Cider, Portland, OR Gold: Original Gold, Portland Cider Co., Clackamas, OR Silver: Cosmic Crisp, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, OR Bronze: 14th Anniversary, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, OR Gold: Raspberry Cosmic Crisp, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, OR Silver: Bramble, Papa Moon Ciders, Scottsbluff, NE Bronze: Guava Hard Cider, Coronado Brewing Co., San Diego, CA Gold: Honey Lavender, Papa Moon Ciders, Scottsbluff, NE Silver: Hard Candy Tamarind Earl Grey Cider, Hard Candy, Nanjing, China Bronze: Apple Pie à La Mode, Six Byrd Cider, Tempe, AZ Gold: 2019 Pommeau, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, OR Silver: Mojave Brewing Barrel Aged Cider, Mojave Brewing Co., Henderson, NV Bronze: Imperial Bad Apple - Westward Whiskey Barrel Cider, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, OR
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Craft Beer Industry Adapting To New Normal, Brewers Association Says
Bart Watson, President and CEO of the Brewers Association, addresses thousands of representatives of small and independent breweries from 61 countries attending the Craft Brewers Conference. Don Tse The Brewers Association, the trade association representing America's small and independent breweries, delivered its annual state of the industry address today. The address was given by Bart Watson, in his new role as the Association's president and CEO, a position he has held since January 6, 2025, though he has given the address in recent years as the Association's chief economist. Watson's strong economic background and data-driven analysis is annually one of the highlights for attendees of the Craft Brewers Conference, being held this year in Indianapolis, Indiana. In his address, Watson reiterated the Association's previous report that craft breweries in America produced 4.0% less beer in 2024 than in 2023 and for the first time since 2005, the Association recorded more breweries closing—524—than opening—430. Despite this, 43% of breweries increased production volume in 2024, indicating that difficulties were not universal and that it is possible to thrive in the current climate. Watson noted that breweries making non-beer beverages—hard seltzer, ready-to-drink cocktails, flavored malt beverages or cider, for example—were more likely to have shown growth. The hardest hit segment of the industry was the smallest breweries—those brewing less than 500 barrels per year—which collectively produced 9.5% less beer in 2024 than in 2023. Those smaller breweries often lack the capital to invest in equipment needed to make alternative products or to have their beer distributed through retail channels, which channels are becoming more selective in what SKUs they carry in light of declining craft beer sales. While the industry has, in recent years, described its stagnant growth as 'headwinds,' Watson's presentation for 2025 distinguished between short-term difficulties and long-term trends, some of which craft breweries may need to face up to in order to survive. Watson's presentation was titled, 'Headwinds Or New Reality.' While much has been written about Gen Z drinking less, the Brewers Association reported that the number of people drinking craft beer was actually growing. 9.8% of people of legal drinking age report drinking craft beer. But while in prior years, there were more drinkers reporting drinking more craft beer than the number of drinkers reporting less craft beer, those lines crossed in 2024 on a graph presented during Watson's speech. So while there are more drinkers, they are choosing to drink craft beer less. Craft beer drinkers tend to be higher-income, but are becoming more price elastic, said Watson. In the face of inflationary pressures, former craft beer drinkers were, at least on some occasions, choosing beverages other than craft beer that might offer better value. According to Watson, younger consumers are less likely to make purchasing decisions based on product category and more likely to choose beverages based on flavor profile. This is why breweries making non-beer products were able to retain customers, rather than losing customers to other beverage alcohol products. Ironically, the craft beer industry might be suffering from its own success. Watson said that when consumers are asked why they do not drink craft beer, those consumers often say craft beer is too bitter or too hoppy. This is because many craft breweries have been leaning heavily into various forms of IPA that have been the best selling beers. The success of the craft beer industry in recent years has been driven by the popularity of IPA, which has become ubiquitous in craft beer taprooms. But beer includes many beer styles and many flavor profiles, covering fruity sour beers, malty stouts, funky farmhouse ales and everything in between. To encourage consumers to choose craft beer on more occasions 'breweries need to talk about flavor and variety,' said Watson.
Forbes
18-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The American Craft Brewing Industry Is Facing Uncertain Times
HILLSIDE, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 06: Craft beers are offered for sale at a big box store on January 06, ... More 2023 in Hillside, Illinois. U.S. beer sales dropped during the last quarter of 2022 as consumers reacted to rising prices. (Photo by) If the American Craft Brewing industry thought the last few years were tough with softening sales and changing consumer preferences, things are probably going to get worse before they get better. That was the recurring message in the recent 'Tariffs on Tap: Navigating Trade Policy Shifts in Craft Brewing' webinar, presented by the Brewers Association (BA). As the largest trade group for American brewers, the Brewers Association (BA) serves as the advocate for craft beer on Capitol Hill, the industry organizer, and its loudest cheerleader. The webinar, held on April 17, 2025, is part of the organization's outreach to its thousands of members about the ongoing tariff changes, spotlighting the struggles of one of America's favorite homegrown industries. All three presenters —Bart Watson, the president and CEO of the Brewers Association; Scott Metzger, the president and COO of Craft Ohana; and Steve Rannekleiv, a managing director at Rabobank —emphasized that these are unprecedented times for craft brewers. 'This is going to be a time where the challenges being presented might be more existential to breweries' survival than a temporary one for brewers,' said Metzger. The webinar took place just two days after the BA released its Annual Craft Brewing Industry Report, which highlighted the challenges faced by a mature industry as it combats a shrinking alcohol market. The craft beer industry experienced a 4% decrease in production, while maintaining a flat market share by volume at 13.3%. 2024 also saw its first decline in brewery numbers since 2005 finishing at 9,612, down 135 breweries from 9,747 in 2023. One of the main worries facing breweries under the new tariffs is how to deal with possible price increases for the essential goods needed to make their beers. The standing 25% tariff on aluminum (beer cans) and steel (brewing equipment) is the first cause of concern but there are others. Over 40% of the barley used by brewers comes from Canada. Many hops are sourced from Europe and Australia, while malts come from Europe and bottle caps from Mexico. While conventional wisdom would see the brewers passing any increases in cost of goods along to its consumers all three speakers expressed worries about that. The price of craft beer has steadily risen over the last decade, especially during the pandemic, and many worry that any large increase could further drive drinkers away. "We are entering an era where assumptions we once held—such as the idea that beer is an inelastic good (one that can withstand price increases)—are about to be significantly tested," Metzger expressed. 'We are in a brand new world where the consumer has alternatives to craft beer that didn't exist before that they can turn too.' Craft brewing is already a low profit margin business and if brewers swallow the costs of goods out of fear of raising prices it could lead to unbalanced spreadsheets that ultimately see more closures. If they raise prices then they risk turning drinkers' away long term; once prices increase, they rarely decrease, which add to the dilemma. It's a lose-lose bet for brewers. Another issue facing brewers is the uncertainly surrounding the economy right now. Between the imposition and suspension of tariffs, the softening of the stock market, and historically low consumer sentiment numbers, brewers have an even more difficult path to navigate. 'The back and forth of everything is leaving people wondering why they should invest now if there is going to be a policy change in a few days or four-years?' said Rannekleiv. 'How do you think about making long term investments, especially if the threat of inflation is looming again.' One other issue brought up by all three is the financial stresses both employees and consumers are facing. Brewers are going to have to take an active role in their operations engaging in everything from interactions with their customers to ensuring that their teams feel supported. The key to that is making sure that they have a plan in place to deal with issues as they arise and having the ability to quickly pivot for consumer demand. Watson expressed that, historically, craft consumers come from higher socio-economic backgrounds and have weathered difficulties well, but that stability is uncertain. 'For parts of the U.S. this will be good for and for others it won't be. Brewers that understand where they are and how this all is impacting their consumers will be the ones that come through this. Brewer's that don't might not. Despite the difficulties, glimmers of hope were shared during the call by all three presenters. Mexican beer, which has been on a tear the last decade may lose market share if it's prices go up, that could push consumers to look at craft beer as an alternative. Cider, which ideally is completely domestically produced, could find its position improving. The 19.2 oz can, which has been the hottest product for craft, should only grow as consumers look for value. That in turn could introduce drinkers to new brands. The craft beer movement has been nothing short of an American success story. It has transformed the face of beer worldwide and at the BA's latest count employees almost 200,000 people directly, plus untold more both down and upstream. That is one of the messages Watson said are being emphasized in Washington, D.C., as they actively work to help the industry survive these uncertain times. While the current climate poses significant challenges, the craft brewing industry is resilient and unlikely to disappear; however, we may witness a rise in brewery closures, surpassing the 529 that shut down in 2024. In these tough times, all craft brewers can do is hunker down and focus on what they do best: brewing great beer that puts a smile on people's faces, ensuring that the craft beer culture endures despite the hurdles ahead. Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.
Miami Herald
14-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Popular brewery files for bankruptcy
In the immortal words of Homer Simpson, "Ah, good ol' trustworthy beer. My love for you will never die." While beer is a staple that many fans of the brew can't imagine their lives without, there's no denying that - at least in certain sectors - it's a little less popular than it used to be. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter That's not about beer itself, but more about a trend of consumers seeking out non-alcoholic options. The popularity of non-alcoholic beer and mocktails has soared in the past decade, and it's still climbing. It was valued at USD $1.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% by 2030. Simply put, people want options that are better for their health. Related: Iconic beer brand closes another beloved craft brewery Another thing keeping people from choosing beer is the blossoming cannabis drink market (think low-dose THC, often blended with CBD). In 2023, the market size for these new beverages was valued at USD $1.16 billion - and it's just getting started. The market is also projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.2 percent to reach $3.8 billion by 2030, according to a Grand View Research study. Now a popular brewery has announced it will be closing its doors, and any mix of these factors could be a part of the reason. Image source: Getty Images Cotton House, a beloved family-owned craft brewery located in Cary, North Carolina, made an announcement on its Facebook page on April 9 that it will file for bankruptcy, mentioning a partnership it attempted to forge that did not go as planned. "The partnership we hoped would flourish took a different direction, and over the past two years, we have faced significant financial strains as a result," the post reads. "Despite these challenges, we have remained committed to our mission, and it is this resilience that has led us to our next chapter. Today, we announce that Cotton House Craft Brewers will undergo a strategic restructuring by filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. While our business model has evolved, our dedication to the community and to providing exceptional craft beer remains unwavering. We are still here, we are still beer, we are Cary!" Related: Why your beer is about to get more expensive While loyal patrons expressed their worries in the comments about the future of the brewery, Cotton House reassured them, saying, "We aren't going anywhere!" While the craft beer market went through a hot streak starting in the '90s that exploded into the 2000s, it's been struggling a bit lately as consumers consider new options. U.S. beer production and imports were down 5% in 2023, according to the National Brewers Association, while craft brewer volume sales declined by 1%. "Craft has been going through a painful period of rationalization as demand growth has slowed and retailers and distributors look to simplify their offerings or add options for flavor and variety outside of the craft category," said Bart Watson, vice president of strategy and membership, Brewers Association. "That said, breweries have reacted to these changes by focusing on distribution, continuing to innovate in their taprooms and brewpubs, creating groups and partnerships, and offering a wider range of beverages in their portfolios." Here's hoping that Cotton House's restructuring plan can create new opportunities for it to thrive, as it's obvious that loyal fans would be heartbroken to see it close its doors. Related: Popular light beer collaborates with unexpected partner The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
