Mashing-In News: Grit & Grain Love, Markus Stinson Rally
GOOD MORNING, SOUTH PUGET SOUND!
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2025 — Meg Ryan turns 63 today!
Today’s beer news arrives with a blast of Northwest intensity — from Rogue’s shockwave closure and hop-harvest realities to Tacoma-tinted podcast debates, community fundraisers, dark-beer celebrations, and the scramble for taps and shelf space across a shifting craft landscape.
Grit & Grain Takes On NYT’s “Wacky Labels” Craft Beer Controversy
A Washington Beer Blog column praises the Grit & Grain Podcast for cleverly tackling the New York Times’ claim that “wacky labels” are killing craft beer, celebrating the show’s mix of industry insight, Tacoma storytelling, and lively, beer-loving conversation that’s more about culture than tasting notes. (Washington Beer Blog)
Rogue’s Sudden Collapse Forces a Reckoning With Its Outsized Legacy
Rogue Ales’ sudden shutdown has sparked shock and reflection across the beer world, prompting a reassessment of the once-trailblazing brewery’s enormous early influence, its long decline, and the deep cultural and economic void it leaves behind in Newport and Oregon craft beer. (Beervana)
Seattle Beer Community Rallies Around Markus Stinson as Cancer Returns
Seattle brewer and longtime Elysian alum Markus Stinson is facing a renewed fight with stomach cancer, and the local beer community is rallying to support him through a GoFundMe campaign and a Nov. 23 fundraising event at The Blu Grouse in White Center. (Washington Beer Blog)
2025 Hop and Barley Harvests Show Good Quality Amid Reduced Acreage
The 2025 North American hop and barley harvests delivered generally good quality despite reduced acreage, with hop stocks intentionally tightened and barley yields modest but variable, underscoring the need for continued brewer–grower coordination. (Brewers Association)
American Brewers Win Big at European Competitions
American craft brewers earned major international recognition this fall, bringing home 47 medals across the European Beer Star and Brussels Beer Challenge thanks to the Brewers Association’s Export Development Program, which supports U.S. breweries in competing on the global stage. (Brewers Association)
Flying Lion Brings Back Dark Beer Fest With 40+ Beers and Daily Donuts
Flying Lion Brewing’s annual Dark Beer Fest returns December 17–21 in Seattle’s Columbia City, pouring more than 40 stouts, porters, lagers, and barrel-aged rarities—plus morning donuts, guest taps, collaborations, and one-night-only barrel releases—during its 12th and biggest celebration of all things dark and delicious. (Washington Beer Blog)
Double Mountain Brings Back Two Winter Favorites
Double Mountain Brewing has brought back its beloved winter seasonals — the cozy, classic Hey, Porter! Robust Porter and the hop-bright Fa La La La La Winter Ale — offering Northwest drinkers a pair of warmly familiar companions for the cold, festive months ahead (both are included in today’s Peaks & Pints Double Mountain Beer Flight). (The New School)
River Barrel Adds Slightly Furry Cider to Western Washington Portfolio
River Barrel Distributing has become the exclusive Western Washington distributor for Seattle’s queer- and furry-owned Slightly Furry Beverage Company, bringing the brand’s bold, inclusive ciders to retailers, bars, and restaurants across the region. (Washington Beer Blog)
Newgrass Festival Expands to Two Days for 2026 in Newberg
Newberg’s Newgrass Brews & Bluegrass Festival returns March 13–14, 2026 with an expanded two-day lineup of 12 bands, workshops, jam sessions, tastings, and family events, pairing Wolves & People’s craft beer with Chehalem Cultural Center’s community-forward celebration of modern bluegrass. (The New School)
Cideries Fight for Draft Lines and Shelf Space in a Beer-Heavy Market
Cideries across the U.S. say winning draft lines and shelf space is only half the battle, with long-term success hinging on velocity, education, relationships, and strategic POS that help justify placements in a beer-dominated marketplace. (Brewers Magazine)
LINK: Peaks & Pints beer and cider cooler inventory
