Mashing-In News: European Beer Star Awards, 190th Oktoberfest New Rules
GOOD MORNING, SOUTH PUGET SOUND!
Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 — Jeremy Irons turns 77 today!
Today’s craft beer news runs the gamut—from Pacific Northwest medal wins in Munich to Seattle pub milestones, fiery snack-beer collabs, and fresh Oktoberfest rules abroad—plus hops under climate stress, legal battles over distribution, mindful tasting lessons, and even Oregon State’s bid for the “Longest Bar in College Football.”
PNW Breweries Shine at 2025 European Beer Star Awards
Leavenworth’s Icicle Brewing earned a silver medal for its Premium Pilsner at the 2025 European Beer Star Awards, joining fellow Pacific Northwest winners pFriem, No-Li, and Monkless Belgian Ales in bringing home international recognition. (Washington Beer Blog)
Seattle’s Beloved “Fid” Turns 30 with Music, Beer, and BBQ
Seattle’s Fiddler’s Inn will celebrate its 30th anniversary September 23–27 with trivia, live music, fresh hop and special beer releases, and a Saturday BBQ—continuing its legacy as a neighborhood pub known for great food, rotating drafts, and community spirit. (Washington Beer Blog)
Montucky Cold Snacks Meets Flamin’ Hot in Fiery Beer-Snack Collab
Montucky Cold Snacks has teamed up with Flamin’ Hot for a limited-edition fall partnership pairing its crisp session lager with fiery snacks like Doritos, Cheetos, and Funyuns, plus a spicy-cool merch line. (Brewpublic)
Oktoberfest 2025 Opens with Higher Beer Prices and New Rules
Munich’s 190th Oktoberfest kicks off September 19, 2025, with higher beer prices, new security rules, e-scooter bans, cashless payment trials, expanded water access, and fresh funfair rides alongside the festival’s classic Bavarian revelry. (I Am Expat)
UK Heatwave Slashes Fuggles and Challenger Hop Yields by 60%
A record-hot, dry summer in Herefordshire and Worcestershire has cut UK Fuggles and Challenger hop yields by up to 60%, raising concerns about future harvests and forcing brewers to adjust recipes despite stable contract prices. (Daily Mail)
Brewers Association Urges DOJ Review of State Distribution Laws
The Brewers Association has formally asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate state franchise laws, three-tier distribution mandates, and territorial exclusivity, arguing they unfairly restrict small breweries’ market access and competition. (Brewbound)
Mindful Tasting: How to Truly Savor Beer (and Life)
A new podcast explores how mindful tasting elevates both beer appreciation and life, with expert evaluators sharing tips on flavor awareness and improving the beer-drinking experience. (All About Beer)
OSU Unveils “Longest Bar in College Football” at Reser Stadium
Oregon State is adding 49 new swivel barstool seats with in-seat service to Beaver Street at Reser Stadium, branding it the “Longest Bar in College Football.” (OSU Beavers)
LINK: Peaks & Pints beer and cider cooler inventory
