Mashing-In News: Boundary Bay Bids Farewell, Michael James Jackson Foundation in Yakima
GOOD MORNING, SOUTH PUGET SOUND!
Monday, Sept. 22, 2025 — Joan Jett turns 67 today!
Today’s craft beer news blends farewells, foundations, and fresh ideas—Bellingham packs Boundary Bay’s final block party, Heater Allen shares lager wisdom, MJF scholars join Yakima hop harvest, Britain embraces its own Oktoberfest, and breweries turn to KPIs to sharpen efficiency.
Boundary Bay Bids Farewell with Packed Block Party in Bellingham
Boundary Bay Brewery’s farewell block party on Sept. 20 drew huge crowds, live Irish music, and emotional goodbyes as Bellingham celebrated three decades of community, beer, and memories before the beloved brewery closes Sept. 30. (Cascadia Daily)
Heater Allen Shares Secrets to Brewing World-Class Lagers
Episode 343 of the podcast dives into lager brewing at Heater Allen, exploring the techniques, philosophy, and dedication behind one of Oregon’s most respected lager-focused breweries. (Master Brewers Podcast)
Michael James Jackson Foundation Brings Awardees to Yakima Hop Harvest
The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling brought 11 scholarship awardees to Yakima Valley for hop harvest and hands-on learning with Yakima Chief Hops, highlighting the foundation’s mission to diversify the industry through education, mentorship, and opportunity. (Yakima Herald)
Oktoberfest Finds a Home in Britain, From Lidl Aisles to Bristol Taprooms
Across the UK, Oktoberfest is gaining traction as breweries, bars, and even supermarkets embrace the German tradition, with Lidl selling boxes of authentic Festbiers and breweries like Lost & Grounded in Bristol transforming taprooms into lively local Volksfests. (Boak & Bailey)
KPIs Help Breweries Drive Efficiency, Cost Savings, and Team Alignment
Brewing leaders stress that using key performance indicators (KPIs)—kept simple, visible, and actionable—can help breweries cut costs, boost efficiency, and build a culture of continuous improvement when embraced across all departments. (The Brewer Magazine)
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