Mashing-In News: Grain & Hops on Mic, Bourbon County 2025
GOOD MORNING, SOUTH PUGET SOUND!
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 — Woody Harrelson turns 64 today!
From soil-to-glass storytelling in Tacoma to honeywine showdowns in Centralia, brewery closures across the pond, and coast-to-coast craft shifts—from Australia to Alberta—today’s craft beer news pours a full flight of flavor, fallout, and fresh perspective.
Grains & Hops: Grit & Grain Podcast Double Header at Peaks & Pints
The Grit & Grain Podcast records a special double episode at Peaks & Pints on Wednesday, July 23, featuring Brian Estes of LINC Malt and Rikki Welz of Haas Hops for a rare, soil-to-glass conversation on the building blocks of beer flavor—grains and hops—live from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Proctor Tacoma. (Peaks & Pints)
Sip, Vote, Throw an Axe: Mead Fest 2025 Hits Centralia This September
Mead Fest 2025 debuts in Centralia, Washington, on Saturday, Sept. 20, featuring a 16-producer tasting, a mead competition open to the public, axe-throwing, and a People’s Choice vote—all benefiting Veteran’s Journey Forward and hosted at The Juice Box Public House. (Washington Beer Blog)
Tapped Out: BrewDog Closes 10 Bars as Costs Climb
BrewDog will close 10 UK bars—including its flagship Aberdeen pub—citing rising costs and economic pressures, while facing criticism from union Unite over short-notice layoffs and ongoing concerns about the company’s workplace culture. (BBC)
Goose Island Unveils 2025 Bourbon County Lineup for Black Friday Release
Goose Island has unveiled its 2025 Bourbon County lineup—six barrel-aged stouts, including a new Chocolate Praline and Cherries Jubilee, plus the return of the Original in new 4-packs—set to release nationwide on Black Friday, with the Chicago-exclusive Proprietor’s variant paying homage to baklava. (American Craft Beer)
Waves, Wheat, and White: Best Day’s NA Brew Gives Back
Best Day Brewing has re-released its popular non-alcoholic Belgian-style White ale as part of its 2025 seasonal program, donating a portion of proceeds to the Surfrider Foundation to support clean water and healthy coastlines—complete with chamomile, coriander, and coastal vibes in every sip. (Brewpublic)
Canadian Drinkers Turn Local as Trade Tensions Rise
Amid rising trade tensions and U.S. tariffs, Canadian consumers are increasingly choosing local booze, with new data showing a surge in support for domestic wine and craft beer driven by national pride and reduced availability of American imports. (BNN Bloomberg)
Canada to Open Craft Beer Trade Across Provinces by 2026
A new federal agreement aims to tear down interprovincial trade barriers by May 2026, allowing Canadian craft breweries to sell directly to consumers across most provinces—but while the move is hailed as symbolic progress, small brewers cite high shipping costs, logistical hurdles, and provincial red tape as major obstacles to tapping into new markets. (CTVNews)
Foster’s Fades as Stone & Wood Rises: Aussies Crown New Craft Beer King
Once a national icon, Foster’s Lager has all but vanished from Australian shelves as a new generation of drinkers embraces a vibrant craft beer scene—led by Stone & Wood’s Pacific Ale, which topped a nationwide poll as the best Aussie beer of the 21st century, edging out favorites like Balter XPA and Little Creatures Pale Ale. (News.Com.AU)
LINK: Peaks & Pints beer and cider cooler inventory
