Athletic Brewing Company Partners with Viral Internet Granny to Help Hosts Hack the Holidays

Barbara "Babs" Costello from Brunch with Babs invites holiday hosts to put a new tradition on the table with Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic beer

MILFORD, Conn. and SAN DIEGO, Nov. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Athletic Brewing Company, the largest non-alcoholic brewery in America, is kicking off its 2023 holiday campaign by teaming up with the internet's favorite grandma, Barbara "Babs" Costello from Brunch with Babs, to bring fans her top tips for holiday hosting.

Costello, a 74-year-old social media sensation with millions of followers, regularly shares motherly advice, recipes, and other life hacks. Together with Athletic Brewing, she will help party planners nationwide throw better get-togethers this holiday season.

"I've planned my fair share of parties and know how stressful hosting can be — especially during the holidays," said Costello. "I'm thrilled to be working with Athletic Brewing to share some of my proven holiday hacks for pleasing all of your guests this season."

Throughout November and December, Costello will offer her do's and don'ts for hosting success — a recipe that includes stocking the fridge with Athletic Brewing's great-tasting non-alcoholic beers.

"Trying to figure out what to serve your guests during the holidays can feel like a bad hangover," said Rosalie Kennedy, Athletic Brewing's Director of Marketing. "But Athletic knows that great hosts have great taste, and keeping our award-winning brews on ice will help you win over even the toughest critics — from your crazy cousins to your awkward aunts."

To make it even easier for entertainers, Athletic has also curated the perfect holiday playlist. Whether you're attending or hosting a party this season, set the mood and keep the vibes high with this soundtrack that is sure to satisfy.

In the spirit of helping hosts elevate their game, Athletic will also launch a special Brew Time Bundle on November 8. The limited-edition bundle will cost $37.99 and include a 6-pack of Run Wild IPA, a set of four bamboo coasters emblazoned with the Athletic Brewing logo, and a custom candle featuring delicate scents of citrus and pine. The candle, which brings to mind a freshly cracked Run Wild IPA, appropriately sits in a stylish 5 oz. can glass donning Run Wild artwork.

The launch of the campaign comes at a time when 22% of Americans over the age of 21 plan to drink less alcohol1 over the next year. At the same time, a record-high 39% of Americans now believe that consuming one to two drinks per day is bad for one's health2.

To locate a U.S. retailer in your area, please visit the Athletic Brewing storefinder. Please follow Brunch with Babs on Instagram, and Athletic Brewing on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on all things Athletic.

About Athletic Brewing Company

Athletic Brewing, founded in 2017 by Bill Shufelt and John Walker, is the 13th largest craft brewer in America and the leading producer of non-alcoholic craft beer. The company's brews are distributed in all 50 states and available at over 50,000 retail stores nationwide. In 2023, Athletic was ranked as the 4th fastest-growing company in the Americas by Financial Times. Athletic was also ranked as the fastest-growing U.S. beverage manufacturer by Inc. Magazine in 2022, and named one of TIME's "100 Most Influential Companies." The company has won over 75 prestigious brewing awards and has earned the title of North American Brewer of the Year in the last four International Beer Challenge competitions. Athletic has custom breweries in Milford, Connecticut, and San Diego, and donates up to $2 million annually to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces across the globe via its Two For The Trails program. Athletic Brewing is proudly a Certified B Corporation™. Its full-flavored near beers and hop-infused sparkling waters are available on www.athleticbrewing.com.

Stone Brewing Launches Full Line of Specialty Coffee

ESCONDIDO, Calif., Nov. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stone Brewing announces the launch of its full line of specialty coffees, now available online and rolling out to stores nationwide in early 2024. Stone Brewing Coffee will adopt the branding and flavor characteristics of three of the brewery's popular brands:

Known for pioneering the West Coast Style IPA and helping to fuel the modern craft beer revolution, Stone introduces its line of coffees to offer fans a new way to experience the celebrated brand's 27-year heritage.

Coffee has long been one of the favorite special ingredients for Stone's brewers to work with. The flavors and aroma of coffee blend beautifully with the unique tastes, bitterness, and complexity of hops. Stone Xocoveza, a best-selling special release Mocha Stout, is one of those beers. The rich depth of its flavor is owed in large part to a hefty dose of beautifully roasted coffee. Stone released its first custom, small batch roasted coffee beans, inspired by Stone Xocoveza, in 2021. Encored by a deep roast, inspired by Stone Imperial Stout, the following year. When Stone fans showed their love for Stone coffee, it became clear that they are as passionate about unique, bold coffee as they are about beer.

Erin Smith, Stone Brewing Sr. Vice President of Marketing, said, "There is a definite overlap in what attracts people to craft beer and to craft coffee. Quality, intention, and passion are what our fans seek. We're excited to extend the bold and bitter personality of Arrogant Bastard Ale and the cross-border influence of Stone Buenaveza and Stone Xocoveza into these specialty coffee offerings."

The full line of specialty coffee products includes:

  • Single-serve DRIPKIT pour-overs
  • Single-serve brew bags
  • Whole bean 12oz coffee bags
  • Industrial Compostable K-Cups

Stone Brewing Coffee is produced in partnership with NuZee, Inc. (Nasdaq: NUZE), a leading coffee co-packing and technology company. As Stone began exploring how to grow its potential in the world of coffee, it looked no further than NuZee, the producer of Stone's earlier special release small batches. NuZee shares the brewery's mission of bringing quality ingredients and unapologetically bold flavors to passionate people across the country and around the world. 

Stone Brewing Coffee will be distributed nationwide through NuZee's vast network of natural grocery, traditional grocery, and convenience store channels, as well as office coffee, hotel brokers, distributors, and direct-to-consumer channels. Find the coffee at Stone Brewing locations and online at Coffee.StoneBrewing.com.

Quick Facts:

Name: Stone Brewing Coffee

Producer: NuZee, Inc.

Release Date: Wednesday, November 7, 2023

Product types:

  • Single-serve DRIPKIT pour-overs
  • Single-serve brew bags
  • Whole bean 12oz coffee bags
  • Industrial Compostable K-Cups

WebsiteCoffee.stonebrewing.com

Stone Coffee Tasting Notes:

  • Stone Buenaveza Coffee: Earthy, Chocolatey, Sweet
  • Stone Xocoveza Coffee: Toffee, Cherry, Milk Chocolate
  • Arrogant Bastard Coffee: Nutty, with hints of dark chocolate and caramel

About Stone Brewing

Founded in 1996, Stone Brewing pioneered the West Coast Style IPA, helping to fuel the modern craft beer revolution and inspire generations of hop fanatics. Today, Stone operates breweries in Escondido, CA and Richmond, VA, plus seven tap room and bistro locations. Stone offers a wide range of craft beers including its most popular Stone IPA, Stone Delicious IPA and Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager. The company's long list of environmental efforts includes a LEED Silver Certification, world-class water reclamation and creative uses of spent grain. Stone has been called the "All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth" by BeerAdvocate magazine twice. To find Stone beers, visit find.stonebrewing.com. For more information on Stone Brewing visit stonebrewing.comFacebook, Instagram or Twitter.  

About NuZee, Inc.

NuZee, Inc., (Nasdaq: NUZE), is a leading co-packing company for single-serve coffee formats that partners with companies to help them expand within the single-serve and private label coffee category. Providing end-to-end innovative and sustainable solutions with the flexibility and capacity for both small roasters and large global brands, NuZee is revolutionizing the way single-serve coffee is enjoyed in the U.S. Through the brand's unique process, NuZee fulfills every aspect of co-packing needs, from sourcing, roasting and blending, to packing and packaging.





FIVE BOROUGHS BREWING CO. AND SMUTTYNOSE BREWING CO. ARE JOINING FORCES UNDER THE OWNERSHIP OF FINESTKIND BREWING LLC

BROOKLYN, N.Y. and HAMPTON, N.H., Nov. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Brooklyn-based craft brewery Five Boroughs Brewing Co. has been acquired by Smuttynose Brewing Co., New Hampshire's original craft brewery.

The acquisition, announced on November 7, 2023, provides Finestkind Brewing LLC, the owner of Smuttynose, with access to resources in the New York market and an expanded presence in the tri-state area. Over the next few months, Five Boroughs' production will transition to Finestkind Brewing's facility in Hampton, New Hampshire.

"We're thrilled to partner with Smuttynose Brewing Co.," said Blake Tomnitz, Co-Founder and CEO of Five Boroughs Brewing Co. "Smuttynose is a craft beer pioneer, and we share their commitment to high-quality craft beers. Under their leadership, we're confident in the brand's continued growth, reaching even more craft beer consumers across the tri-state area and beyond."

Five Boroughs' taproom in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, will continue to operate as an innovation hub for the brewery, supporting new projects, including small-batch beers for select accounts.

"We remain dedicated to our Sunset Park taproom's role as a hub for creativity and experimentation," said Kevin O'Donnell, Co-Founder and COO of Five Boroughs Brewing Co. "It serves as a space for pushing craft beer boundaries while celebrating the community that has shaped the brand."

"We've closely monitored Five Boroughs from a distance for some time now," said Steve Kierstead, CEO of Finestkind Brewing. "We admire their remarkable achievements in the competitive craft beer space. Through discussions with Blake, Kevin, and Kian, we are convinced of their integrity and passion for the brand, making this partnership fruitful."

The acquisition represents a new chapter for Finestkind Brewing as it explores potential expansion into new beverage categories, including non-alcoholic options. Five Boroughs will join Smuttynose Brewing Co. and Island District Cocktails as one of Finestkind's core beverage brands. Smuttynose Brewing is committed to ongoing portfolio development and establishing a new beverage platform, with a focus on geographical diversification and a warm welcome to like-minded brands eager to join its expanded portfolio.

"We are incredibly proud of the foundation laid by the entire team here at Five Boroughs over the last six years. Each team member, past and present, has contributed to the success of the company and collectively propelled us to where we are today," said Kian Oveissi, Co-Founder and CFO of Five Boroughs Brewing Co. "I am fully confident that Finestkind will be great stewards, leveraging resources and economies of scale, to ensure the continued growth and future of what the team here has built."

About Five Boroughs Brewing Co.

Five Boroughs Brewing Co., established in 2017, is a Brooklyn-based brewery and taproom that produces craft beers that embody the dynamic spirit of New York City, a place where aspirations are only limited by what you are able to brew up in your head. Founded by friends who shared a passion for homebrewing and exceptional beer, Five Boroughs is available throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

About Smuttynose Brewing Co.

Smuttynose Brewing Co. is a leading independent craft brewery founded in 1994 and situated on a historic 14-acre farm in Hampton, New Hampshire. The Smuttynose campus features a state-of-the-art LEED Gold-Certified© brewery, tasting bar and retail store, beer garden, and pub-style restaurant with one of the Seacoast's best outdoor patios.

Molson Coors invests $10 million in St. John's, Newfoundland Brewery

Renovations aim to reduce water and electrical consumption and improve production efficiency, bringing total investments in the brewery to $33 million since 2007

ST. JOHN'S, NL, Nov. 3, 2023 /CNW/ - Molson Coors Beverage Company in Canada is celebrating a milestone in an ongoing investment and modernization strategy for its St. John's brewery, its most easterly brewery in North America.

Since 2007, the St. John's brewery has benefited from over $33 million in capital investments, including the installation of a new wet mill, bottle and can fillers, tunnel and flash pasteurizers, and a state-of-the-art can packer that entirely eliminates the need for plastic packaging, among other critical upgrades to both the facility and its equipment. The brewery's most recent investment, a $10 million upgrade for a bottle washer in early 2023, has resulted in reduced water and electrical consumption, as well as an improvement in production efficiency and reduction in maintenance costs.

"Molson Coors has made strategic decisions over the past several years that reflect our unwavering commitment to maintaining a strong and vibrant presence in our brewery communities, including Newfoundland and Labrador," says Frederic Landtmeters, president of Molson Coors Canada. "We've invested not just in our business, but in the community that has supported us for decades. We have the utmost confidence in the future of this region, and we're excited to continue our journey together, raising a glass to a prosperous future."

Over the past eight years, process changes such as waste segregation for enhanced recycling (aluminum, glass, paper and cardboard) and process improvements such as a rejected bottle recovery line, have resulted in 69% less waste being sent to landfill for the St. John's brewery. Unique to the region, Molson Coors continues to offer its beer in the unique Bob-21 bottle, maintaining the glass of that container type in the recycle system.

"Our investments and process improvements have led to a remarkable transformation in our capacity, efficiency, and environmental impact," said Sean Kennedy, General Manager of Operations for Atlantic Canada. "Our commitment to sustainability and innovation has not only reduced our carbon footprint but also increased our brewing and packaging capabilities, allowing us to better meet the demands of our loyal consumers and customers."

The St. John's brewery, which Molson Coors has been operating at this location since 1962, currently brews 16 brands, including several Newfoundland and Labrador favourites — India Beer, Black Horse, and Dominion Ale, as well as other popular premium brands Molson Canadian, Miller Lite, and Coors Light (the #1 beer in Newfoundland and Labrador and #1 light beer in Canada).

"Upgrading our brewery was pivotal to our sales efforts," says Randy Trimper, Director of Sales for Atlantic Canada. "One significant example is the production of 24-packs, which became possible with the installation of the can line in 2021. Our newfound ability to produce these packs efficiently has unlocked their growth potential and today, the 24-can pack stands as the best-performing product in Newfoundland and Labrador. We're thrilled to continue to produce and sell popular favourites, and also introduce new, innovative products to consumers in Newfoundland and Labrador, like the standout hit of this summer, Coors Seltzer's Slushie pack."

Thanks in part to substantial investments in the St. John's Brewery and the dedication of Molson Coors' supply and sales teams, the company has successfully increased its market share in the province since 2021.

Uniquely located in the city-center neighbourhood of Georgestown, the location has a long history of brewing, dating back to 1893 when the Newfoundland Brewery brewed at this location. Since 2021, Molson Coors has partnered with the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) to feature the "Manufactured Right Here" logo on numerous products produced locally at the St. John's brewery.

"It's a point of pride to affirm that many of our products are indeed manufactured right here, as they are crafted by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador," says Kennedy.

About Molson Coors Beverage Company

For more than two centuries, Molson Coors has been brewing beverages that unite people to celebrate all life's moments. From Coors Light, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian, Carling, and Staropramen to Coors Original, Blue Moon Belgian White, Blue Moon Light, Vizzy Hard Seltzer, Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy, Creemore Springs, Hop Valley and more, Molson Coors produces many beloved and iconic beer brands. While the company's history is rooted in beer, Molson Coors offers a modern portfolio that expands beyond the beer aisle as well. Our Environmental, Social and Governance strategy is focused on People and Planet with a strong commitment to raising industry standards and leaving a positive imprint on our employees, consumers, communities, and the environment.

Learn more about Molson Coors Beverage Company, visit molsoncoors.com,  MolsonCoorsOurImprint.com or on Twitter through @MolsonCoors.



Dogfish Head Craft Brewery's Lineup of Winter Warmers Offers the Perfect Beer Pairing for Every Holiday Drinking Occasion

From dinner parties and family gatherings to Friendsgivings and more, Dogfish has the bar cart covered!

MILTON, Del., Nov. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for the holiday season, Dogfish Head announces the return of three fan-favorite beers – World Wide Stout, Crimson Cru and Pennsylvania Tuxedo – and the debut of a new Winter Variety Pack featuring a special, exclusive brew, The Perfect Pairing. These winter warmers are making their way to shelves and taps now. For more on each beer's availability, visit www.dogfish.com.

"Everyone wants to be the 'host with the most' during the holiday season, and one way to easily impress your guests is with a wide array of cool-weather beers to perfectly partner with your evening's eats," said Dogfish Head Founder & Brewer, Sam Calagione. "Complementary food and beer pairings can make a culinary experience exponentially more awesome, so here are some quick and easy recommendations."

  • Crimson Cru paired with a classic charcuterie boardCreated in collaboration with Brouwerij Rodenbach, Crimson Cru (7.1% ABV) is a trans-Atlantic libation that begins with Rodenbach's Grand Cru, a Flemish red-brown ale aged in oak casks. After making the trek from Belgium to Delaware via tanker ship, Rodenbach's Grand Cru is blended with a red ale from Dogfish Head that has been infused with sumac and sweet orange peel, and dry-hopped with Hallertau Blanc hops.

Both a tasty drink and a solid conversation starter, Crimson Cru is the ideal pairing for a charcuterie board. The beer's layers of flavors can meld well with multiple meats and cheese. Plus, the can's artwork makes a great talking piece.

The last beer to launch from Dogfish Head's 2023 Art Series, an annual collection of four brews featuring packaging designs by a singular collaborating artist, this year's version of Crimson Cru boasts whimsical artwork by Natalya Bolnova. A New York-based illustrator, designer and printmaker, Natalya is known for creating artwork with magical worlds and playful storyscapes.

  • Pennsylvania Tuxedo paired with rack of lambPaying homage to the flannel-suited hunters and gatherers of north-central Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Tuxedo (8.5% ABV) is a pale ale brewed with spruce tips. Surprisingly sessionable, this seasonal concoction's grassy, citrusy kick is complemented by resinous conifer notes and a dry, malty backbone.

Try Pennsylvania Tuxedo aside a lamb dish for a down-right delicious pairing. The dry, balanced bitterness of the beer will cut through the fatty flavors of the lamb to cleanse the palate and prepare it for another bite.

  • World Wide Stout paired with chocolate cakeOriginally released in 1999, World Wide Stout (15-20% ABV) is an ageable ale brewed with a ridiculous amount of barley to create a dark, rich and roasty imperial stout. Bursting with warming notes of roasted malt and coffee, its flavor profile is more reminiscent of a fine port wine than a typical beer.

Enjoy World Wide Stout alongside a piece of decadent chocolate cake. The beer's full-body and coating mouthfeel will easily stand up to the richness of the dessert, and its roasty flavor will provide a delicate contrast to the cake's sweetness.

"And if your party guests have a wide range of taste preferences, you really can't go wrong with picking up some variety packs," Sam shares. "That way, everyone can choose their own flavor adventure."

Featuring a crowd-pleasing array of unique brews, Dogfish Head's Winter Variety Pack includes three cans of each of the following four beers.

  • 60 Minute IPA (6.0% ABV): Dogfish Head's iconic, continually hopped IPA, 60 Minute IPA is brewed with a boatload of intense Northwest hops for a pungently hoppy, but not crushingly bitter beer.
  • 90 Minute IPA (9.0% ABV): One of the first Imperial IPAs, 90 Minute IPA is continually hopped for bold, unapologetic flavor complemented by a sturdy, crackery malt backbone.
  • Blue Hen Pilsner (4.8% ABV): Crisp and refreshing, Blue Hen Pilsner is a straight-forward pilsner brewed with just four ingredients – water, hops, yeast, and Delaware-grown and malted barley.
  • The Perfect Pairing (5.5% ABV): Created in collaboration with Cabot Creamery in Vermont, The Perfect Pairing is a hazy pale ale brewed with upcycled whey – a bi-product of the cheese-making process – to make "the perfect pairing" for sharp cheddar cheese.

For more on Dogfish Head or to track down its beers, visit www.dogfish.com.

DIGITAL ASSETS: Images & Renderings of Winter Beer Offerings

ABOUT DOGFISH HEAD:

Dogfish Head has focused on brewing beers with culinary ingredients outside the Reinheitsgebot since the day it opened as one of the smallest American craft breweries more than 28 years ago. A Delaware-based brand and supporter of the Independent Craft Brewing Seal, Dogfish consists of Brewings & Eats®, a brewpub, Chesapeake & Maine®, a seafood and cocktail spot, Dogfish Inn®, a beer-themed hotel and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery®, a production brewery and distillery featuring the Tasting Room & Kitchen and Dogfish Head Distilling Co.® For more, visit www.dogfish.com.



TEAMSTERS TO ANHEUSER-BUSCH: NO MORE TALKS UNTIL HEALTH CARE ISSUES RESOLVED

Union Stops National Negotiations After Company Drags Feet on Improving Health Care Benefits for Members, Retirees

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Nov. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters froze national negotiations with Anheuser-Busch after the company refused to fix and improve health care benefits for workers and retirees.

Faced with Anheuser-Busch's greed and disrespect, the Teamsters Anheuser-Busch National Negotiating Committee walked out of negotiations and will return once the company meets its members' critical demands. The current five-year agreement expires Feb. 29, 2024.

The Teamsters Anheuser-Busch National Negotiating Committee presented a proposal last week for Anheuser-Busch to eliminate an unfair, costly two-tier health benefits system that punishes workers hired after March 1, 2019, and to restore retiree health care coverage.

As negotiations over health care were taking place, Anheuser-Busch InBev announced its $1 billion stock buyback program to reward wealthy investors. This comes after the beer conglomerate paid out $11.62 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends from 2019 to 2022.

"The arrogance of this company to shower Wall Street with billions but pinch pennies over lowering health care costs for the blue-collar workers and retirees who created all that wealth in the first place is an appalling affront that we will not tolerate," said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. "Anheuser-Busch is wasting time while we're trying to improve the lives of our members. It's a bold and disrespectful approach from a company that likes to use its Teamster workforce as props in commercials to fix its image."

"Anheuser-Busch doesn't get to drag out these negotiations without consequences," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "If this company can give a billion dollars to Wall Street, they can give our members the health care they deserve."

There are 5,000 Teamsters working at Anheuser-Busch across 12 breweries in the U.S. Teamsters brew, package and ship beer, safeguard the facilities, and drive the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Most Recent Post

Popular Posts