Florida’s non-alcoholic brewery, Leader Brewing, to close its doors
Palm Bay’s Leader Brewing, Florida’s only brewery dedicated to making non-alcoholic beer, has announced that they will be closing their doors.
Category: Gainesville
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale Makes Autumnal Return with All-New Artwork
Press Release: With the official start of fall just around the corner, Dogfish Head unveils its list of seasonal drinks, beginning with the return of its iconic Punkin Ale! Back for the 30th consecutive year, Punkin Ale* (7.0% ABV) is a full-bodied brown ale brewed with real pumpkin, brown sugar, allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon. Bursting with notes of cinnamon spice and smooth pumpkin, this fall favorite is now available from coast to coast, both on draft and in 6pk/12oz cans. Track some down using Dogfish Head’s Fish Finder.
Part of Dogfish Head’s Art Series, a yearly collection of four beers featuring artwork by a singular collaborating artist, this year’s Punkin Ale boasts illustrations by Methane Studios. Known for their hand-crafted, intensely detailed screen prints, Methane Studios is an Atlanta-based operation made up of beer-loving, Ohio native duo, Mark McDevitt and Robert Lee. Putting the “punk” back in “PUNKin,” Methane Studios’ interpretation of Punkin Ale’s label artwork centers on an edgy Jack O’Lantern-type character, complete with a full sleeve of tattoos and a black cat sidekick.
“It’s hard to believe that I first brewed Punkin Ale more than 30 years ago, when it claimed first prize in the recipe contest at southern Delaware’s yearly Punkin Chunkin Extravaganza,” said Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head Founder & Brewer. “As our longest commercially distributed brew, it’s always heartwarming to see folks’ excitement for Punkin Ale’s annual return.”
The pumpkin-spiced goodness continues with Dogfish Head’s limited-edition Punkin Liqueur (30% ABV). Available in 375ml bottles, exclusively at Dogfish Head coastal Delaware locations, Punkin Liqueur starts its journey as Punkin Ale, which is then distilled and aged in used rum barrels to impart sweet notes of oak and molasses. The spirit is finished with a flush of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, vanilla, brown sugar and a touch of sage, for a seasonal liqueur perfect for sipping on its own or in your favorite fall cocktail.
For fans of fall, but not pumpkin flavors, there’s no need to fret … Dogfish Head has you covered, too! Just in time for the chillier weather ahead, Dogfish Head excitedly introduces a brand-new variation of its highly sought-after World Wide Stout. Brewed with a ridiculous amount of barley, World Wide Stout is a dark, rich and roasty Imperial Stout. This year’s iteration, Affogato World Wide Stout* (15.0% ABV), takes Dogfish Head’s beloved beer to the next level, with added notes of espresso and sweet vanilla for a liquid version of the well-known Italian treat. Available in select markets, where legal, in 4pk/12oz bottles.
Seeking a bit more variety? If so, Dogfish Head’s 12pk/12oz can Fall Variety Pack is a perfect pick, and it’s complete with an all-new variety pack-exclusive brew, Tasty Traveler Jasmine Rice Lager* (5.0% ABV). Tasty Traveler Jasmine Rice Lager is brewed with jasmine rice, lemongrass, wildflower honey and makrut lime leaf for a light, citrusy and refreshingly crisp beer. In addition to Tasty Traveler Jasmine Rice Lager, Dogfish Head’s Fall Variety Pack, which is now available nationwide, features three (12oz) cans of each of the following beers.
- 60 Minute IPA* (6.0% ABV): Fantastically hoppy and beautifully balanced, 60 Minute IPA is continually hopped for 60 minutes for an enticing hop-centric experience.
- SeaQuench Ale* (4.9% ABV): Uniquely refreshing, SeaQuench Ale is a wheat beer brewed with lime juice, lime peel, black limes and sea salt for a beer bursting with notes of tart citrus.
- Blue Hen Pilsner* (4.8% ABV): Refreshingly crisp and super approachable, Blue Hen Pilsner is a classic pilsner brewed with Delaware grown and malted barley to deliver the ultimate sessionable drinking experience.
ABOUT DOGFISH HEAD
With quality, creativity and non-conformity at its core, Dogfish Head has been committed to brewing unique beers with high-caliber culinary ingredients outside the Reinheitsgebot since the day it opened nearly 30 years ago. Dedicated to exploring goodness of all kinds, Dogfish Head later expanded its beverage artistry beyond just craft beer to produce award-winning portfolios of full-proof spirits –whiskeys, gins, vodkas, rums and more – and spirits-based, ready-to-drink canned cocktails. A Boston Beer Company brand and proud supporter of the Independent Craft Brewing Seal, Dogfish Head is a Delaware-based entity consisting of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, a production brewery and tasting room; Dogfish Head Distilling Co., a production distillery; Brewings & Eats, a brewpub and live music venue; Chesapeake & Maine, a seafood and cocktail spot; and the Dogfish INN, a beer-themed, canal-front hotel. For more about Dogfish Head, please visit www.dogfish.com or follow the brand on social media.
Shock Top and Gator Athletics Partner to Introduce First-Ever Craft Beer Sponsorship of the Florida Athletic Department
Fresh from the announcement that Tilray Brands has acquired four new breweries from Molson Coors Beverage Company, a new announcement from Tilray Brands:
GAINESVILLE, Fla., Aug. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Shock Top Company, a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY and TSX: TLRY) announces the first craft beer partnership with the Florida Athletic Department. Raise your glasses Gator fans because Shock Top, the king of zest, is officially stepping into the Swamp! As the proud and first craft beer sponsor of Gator Athletics, Shock Top will create an immersive fan experience at games and beyond with the Florida Gators’ first officially licensed co-branded craft beer, gameday activations, and a campaign celebrating the Gators year-round.
Prinz Pinakatt, Chief Marketing Officer at Tilray Beverages, said, “Partnering with the Florida Gators is the perfect opportunity for Shock Top to expand its presence in the Sunshine State. Connecting with fans on gamedays and tailgates is a crucial aspect of our strategy, and the passionate fan base of the Gators provides the ideal platform for us to do just that. Our beers are the perfect complement to a gameday experience, and we are thrilled to introduce the Gator Nation to our brand’s spirited vibe. Whether fans are cheering on the Gators at the stadium, tailgating, watching from a bar, or enjoying the game from home, Shock Top will be there to enhance their gameday experience.”
The partnership will begin with the 2024 football season kicking off with the release of a special edition co-branded Shock Top craft brew for Gator fans – a first-of-its-kind for Gator Athletics. Arriving on shelves across Florida just in time for the first game day, this brew will also be featured at Gator Fan Fests to spread cheer and beer. Fans can also register to win a Flyaway trip to see the Gators take on the Texas Longhorns in Austin November 9. Enter to win. Rules and restrictions apply.
And it doesn’t stop at football! Shock Top will also be at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center during basketball season and the Condron Family Ballpark for baseball. Wherever the Gators growl, Shock Top will be there.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Shock Top to offer the first, officially licensed craft beer for Gators fans,” added Darren McPhail, General Manager of Florida Gators Sports Properties. “This partnership represents more than just a refreshing brew for our fans—it’s a testament to our commitment to enhancing the Gator game day experience across all sports. We look forward to seeing fans all over the state enjoying a Gator-branded Shock Top this fall.”
The Florida-Shock Top collaboration was created through Athletics multimedia rights holder Florida Gators Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college athletics – and CLC, a division of Learfield and UF’s exclusive trademark licensing agent.
Shock Top and the Florida Athletic Department are not only about fun and games—they’re also about drinking responsibly. All co-branded materials will feature messages promoting moderation and responsible consumption, ensuring that every “Cheers!” is a safe one.
So, Gator fans, toast to an unbeatable season with Shock Top, the new official craft beer sponsor of the Florida Gators. Here’s to great games, unforgettable moments, and beers that are as bold as the Gator spirit!
21+ Only. Always enjoy responsibly. The Shock Top Company. Portland, OR
About Shock Top
Founded in 2006 with the launch of its iconic Belgian White Ale, Shock Top brews bold, delicious beer that is perfect for those who crave flavor and fun. With a flair for the unexpected, Shock Top creates exciting twists on classic styles. From the legendary Belgian White to the refreshing Lemonade Shandy, and the new fruit flavors of Mango Wheat and Blueberry Wheat, the Shock Top lineup is all about living life unfiltered and breaking out of the mundane. Dive into the Shock Top experience on social @shocktop on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
About the University Athletic Association, Inc
Originally incorporated in 1929, the University Athletic Association’s strategic purpose is to provide a championship experience with integrity on and off the field for student-athletes and the Gator Nation. The Gator athletic program supports 21 teams and more than 500 student-athletes, giving them the opportunity to compete at the highest levels of collegiate athletics, while receiving an education from a top-five public university. Florida is the only school in the nation to finish in the top-10 nationally in all-sports rankings in each of the last 40 years and has posted 15 consecutive top-five finishes. Florida has won a national championship in each of the last 15 seasons and boasts 48 championships overall. Florida leads all Southeastern Conference schools with 265 league championships and overall has 276 conference titles to its credit. The UAA commits nearly $17 million to fund scholarships for student-athletes, who posted a recent graduation success rate of 94 percent and a 3.33 GPA in the Spring of 2024.
About Tilray Brands
Tilray Brands, Inc. (“Tilray”) (Nasdaq: TLRY; TSX: TLRY), is a leading global lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company with operations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and Latin America that is leading as a transformative force at the nexus of cannabis, beverage, wellness, and entertainment, elevating lives through moments of connection. Tilray’s mission is to be a leading premium lifestyle company with a house of brands and innovative products that inspire joy and create memorable experiences. Tilray’s unprecedented platform supports over 40 brands in over 20 countries, including comprehensive cannabis offerings, hemp-based foods, and craft beverages.
Tilray Brands to Acquire Four Craft Beer Breweries from Molson Coors Beverage Company
NEW YORK, Aug. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tilray Brands, Inc. (“Tilray”, “our”, “we” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: TLRY; TSX: TLRY), a global lifestyle consumer packaged goods company elevating lives through moments of connection, today announced that the Company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire four craft breweries from Molson Coors Beverage Company (“Molson Coors”) (NYSE: TAP). The acquisition includes Hop Valley Brewing Company, Terrapin Beer Co., Revolver Brewing, and Atwater Brewery.
Tilray’s beverage business is poised for even greater success with the latest addition of sought-after craft beer brands, known for their unique portfolio of beers. With the pending acquisition of these breweries, Tilray’s portfolio will expand across key beer markets adding 30% new beer buying accounts. The Tilray Beverages portfolio boasts a range of leading craft beer, spirits and non-alcohol beverages including SweetWater Brewing Company, Montauk Brewing Company, Alpine Beer Company, Green Flash Brewing Company, Shock Top, Breckenridge Brewery, Breckenridge Distillery, Blue Point Brewing Company, 10 Barrel Brewing Company, Redhook Brewing Company, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Square Mile Cider Company, HiBall Energy, and Happy Flower CBD sparkling cocktails. This strategic acquisition is expected to position Tilray for continued growth and expansion in the beverage industry.
Irwin D. Simon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tilray Brands, said, “Tilray Brands is proud to be driving the most compelling and unique growth story in the craft beer industry. With the acquisition of these four craft breweries from Molson Coors, we are marking another strategic milestone in Tilray Brands’ growth plan. Our team’s expertise in operational excellence will enable us to unlock the full potential of these brands and businesses. We are confident in our ability to drive revenue, generate cost synergies, and expand national distribution reinforcing our leadership position in craft beer resulting in tremendous growth opportunities for our global beverage business.”
Mr. Simon added, “Tilray Brands plans to continue to invest in the future of these craft breweries, accelerating their growth and capturing a wide range of new market opportunities. Tilray Brands is a beacon for craft brands, and we are committed to driving their growth and success within our portfolio. Our proven track record of integrating acquisitions and driving profitable growth gives us the confidence to deliver incredible value for our shareholders.”
Molson Coors Chief Commercial Officer Michelle St. Jacques added how the transaction supports their long-term strategic ambitions, as well. “Last fall we set a clear portfolio premiumization ambition, and achieving it is going to require tighter focus on the segments we believe have the highest growth potential for our business,” St. Jacques said. “While we love these craft breweries and the people behind them, this move allows us to do exactly that – focus our time, energy and resources behind the initiatives we believe will best help us meaningfully grow our U.S. above premium portfolio in beer and beyond beer.”
Ty Gilmore, President, Tilray Beverages, North America, stated, “We are excited to welcome the employees and distributors behind these craft beer brands which will play a pivotal role in the growth of Tilray Beverages. Through this acquisition, our beer business is expected to grow to 15 million cases annually, cementing Tilray Beverages as the #1 craft brewer in the Pacific Northwest, #1 in Georgia and anchors Tilray’s craft brands in two key beer states, Texas and Michigan. As we move forward, we will leverage our extensive expertise in product innovation and distribution to unlock the full potential of these brands, strengthen their sales and operations, and expand their reach into key markets across the U.S.”
Craft Brands with a Loyal Consumer Base:
- Hop Valley Brewing Company is a craft brewery based in Eugene, Oregon, that was founded in 2009. They are known for crafting beers that reflect the flavors and spirit of the Pacific Northwest, Hop Valley includes one brewery and two taprooms. The brand is currently sold in 12 states with core markets including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Northern California, Nevada, Wisconsin and Minnesota and it has c. 43,000 points of distribution.
- Terrapin Beer Company is a craft brewery based in Athens, Georgia. Founded in 2002, Terrapin is committed to brewing unique, flavorful beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing techniques. With a passion for experimentation, Terrapin has become one of the most respected and sought-after breweries in the region. Terrapin includes one brewery and one taproom and is currently sold in 13 states with c. 47,000 points of distribution. Core markets for Terrapin include Georgia, Florida, Wisconsin, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama.
- Revolver Brewing is a craft brewery in Granbury, Texas. Established in 2012, Revolver is committed to producing high-quality, handcrafted beers using traditional brewing techniques and innovative brewing methods. From their flagship Blood & Honey American Ale to their seasonal offerings, Revolver’s beers are known for their bold flavors and unique character. Revolver Brewing includes one brewery and one taproom and c. 12,000 points of distribution across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
- Atwater Brewery is a craft brewery based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1997, Atwater is dedicated to brewing high-quality, handcrafted beers using traditional brewing techniques and innovative brewing methods. From their flagship Dirty Blonde Ale to their seasonal offerings, Atwater’s beers are known for their bold flavors and unique character. Atwater includes one brewery and three taprooms. The brand is sold in c. 10,000 points of distribution across six states including Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
Advisors
TD Securities acted as financial advisor, and DLA Piper LLP (US) acted as external legal counsel to Tilray Brands.
About Tilray Brands
Tilray Brands, Inc. (“Tilray”) (Nasdaq: TLRY; TSX: TLRY), is a leading global lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company with operations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and Latin America that is leading as a transformative force at the nexus of cannabis, beverage, wellness, and entertainment, elevating lives through moments of connection. Tilray’s mission is to be a leading premium lifestyle company with a house of brands and innovative products that inspire joy, wellness and create memorable experiences. Tilray’s unprecedented platform supports over 40 brands in over 20 countries, including comprehensive cannabis offerings, hemp-based foods, and craft beverages.
Cicerone Certification Program Syllabi Version 6 Announced
As part of a continued effort to keep their content as current as possible, today the Cicerone Certification Program introduced a fresh round of updates to
their syllabi. This comes two years after the last updates, which were prompted by the 2021 BJCP style guideline changes. While no BJCP updates drove these latest changes, the program felt it necessary to add specific topics to keep pace with some of the current trends in the beer industry. “Since taking the program over in March, Dan and I have had constant discussions about ways to ensure that the Cicerone program provides as much value as possible as the beer industry evolves,” said Cicerone program president Jason Pratt. “We feel that these changes are another step toward ensuring that Cicerone continues to be the gold standard when it comes to practical and relevant industry knowledge for beer professionals,” he said.
The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame will celebrate independent beer and brewers
More than four decades removed from its humble beginnings, the American craft beer industry will now formally recognize the individuals whose efforts elevated it to become one of the nation’s most favored beverages. The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame celebrates not the beer itself, but the human hands, minds, and passions that have made it what it is today. The first true, independent institution of its kind, the Hall’s mission is simple:
Deschutes Brewing has launched Florida distribution
Bend, Oregon’s Deschutes Brewing was one of the last large independent craft breweries without Florida distribution. As of July 2024, cans and kegs of Deschutes’ offerings have been spotted at bars, pubs, and bottle shops around the state, but no official word from Deschutes Brewing or any distributor had been issued. Florida Beer News reached out to the brewery for more information.