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TEAMSTERS CHARGE SAMUEL ADAMS WITH UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES

Brewery Workers Demand Fair Contract as Boston Beer Company Stalls Bargaining

CINCINNATI, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters Local 1199 has filed unfair labor practice (ULP) charges against Boston Beer Company — the parent company of Samuel Adams, Truly Hard Seltzer, Angry Orchard, and Twisted Tea — for refusing to bargain in good faith. "Boston Beer Company is dragging its feet, and Teamsters won't tolerate it," said Randy Verst, President of Local 1199. "These workers are responsible for the success of these brands. This company owes them the simple respect of meeting for contract negotiations." Most workers at the Cincinnati brewery have long been covered by a Teamsters contract. The newest Local 1199 members are fighting for their first collective bargaining agreement and demanding the same schedule of raises and working conditions that their co-workers already have. "Being asked to accept the employer's last offer, which included wage cuts for our most senior third of the department, was aggravating to say the least," said Brian Morris, a Blend Technician at the Cincinnati plant. "The fact that we unanimously rejected it shows just how united we are. The company needs to return to bargaining because this is far from over." Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

The K. Spoetzl Brewery Revives Texas Special, a Classic Crowd-Pleaser, and Introduces New Texas Special Light

This Quality, Accessible 'Good Drinkin' Beer' is Available Across Texas

SHINER, Texas, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the independent, family-owned K. Spoetzl Brewery is proud to announce the revival of the historic Texas Special beer brand. Rooted in tradition and Texan spirit, Texas Special was first brewed in 1933 to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. It remained a local staple into the 1960s, when large-scale domestic brewers began using aggressive pricing and tactics, effectively making the small-scale production of beers like Texas Special unsustainable. Now back and better than ever, this smooth, easy-drinking beer honors nearly a century of brewing excellence—all at a fair price. Texans can enjoy the beloved brew on draft now, with cans and packs rolling out statewide on March 2, just in time for Texas Independence Day. Alongside the revival of Texas Special with a revamped recipe, the brand introduces Texas Special Light, a lighter take on the classic Texas brew. Both beers are proudly brewed in Shiner, TX and made with quality ingredients like artesian well water and premium grains. Texas Special (4.4 % ABV | 12 IBU): This American-style lager offers a crisp, refreshing taste with a smooth, easy finish. The aroma features subtle malt sweetness with hints of grain and fresh bread, complemented by a delicate floral hop note. On the palate, it delivers a clean, bright experience with a lighter body and moderate carbonation. The finish is smooth with a slight lingering sweetness. Texas Special pairs best with Texas-style smoked brisket, ribs and sausage. Texas Special Light (4.0% ABV | 8.6 IBU): A refined, lighter take on Texas Special, this American-style light lager offers a delicate aroma of sweet malt and subtle hops. On the palate, it delivers a clean, crisp profile with soft malt undertones and a hint of hop bitterness for a smooth finish. Just 98 calories and refreshingly light, it's the perfect choice for beer lovers who prefer a lighter brew. Texas Special Light pairs best with Texas-style BBQ chicken and Texas Gulf Seafood. "We're proud to bring back this iconic beer, along with its lighter counterpart, for a new generation," says Nick Weiland, Director of Marketing at the K. Spoetzl Brewery. "Texas Special and Texas Special Light perfectly embody the spirit of Texas pride and craftsmanship. These beers are ideal for those who appreciate life's simple joys and good, honest drinking." In addition to updating the recipe, the brand refreshed and elevated the original typography of the cans. Subtle adjustments highlight the word "Texas" more prominently, while a star on the badge now marks the brewery's home town. Texas Special and Texas Special Light are available for $13.99 per 12-pack of 12 oz. cans, exclusively on shelves across Texas.

Rod J is Heading to the Craft Brewers Conference in Indianapolis!

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Who Made the First-Ever American Craft Beer Hall of Fame Class?