Mashing-In News: Jack McAuliffe Dies, Stone Distributing Sold
GOOD MORNING, SOUTH PUGET SOUND!
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 — Will Ferrell turns 58 today!
Today, the craft beer world reflects, recalibrates, and raises a glass. The Grit & Grain Podcast invites beer lovers and industry insiders to Peaks & Pints today at 3:30 p.m. for a deep dive into the Brewers Association’s 2025 Industry Report—an essential look at a shifting, shrinking, yet still spirited beer landscape. Meanwhile, we mourn the passing of Jack McAuliffe, the trailblazing founder of New Albion Brewing Co., whose pioneering vision sparked the American craft beer movement. As big beer expands its reach with the sale of Stone Distributing, and sales slip further across North America, shining moments—like Shiner’s generosity and Haas’ celebration of top hop growers—remind us of the people and purpose behind the pint.
Grit & Grain Podcast Breaks Down 2025 Craft Beer Industry Report at Peaks & Pints
Join the Grit & Grain Podcast at 3:30 p.m. today in the Peaks & Pints Events Room as they dive into the Brewers Association’s New Brewer May–June 2025 Industry Report—beer brains, brewery pros, and curious drinkers all welcome. (Grit & Grain Podcast)
Jack McAuliffe, Father of American Craft Beer, Dies at 80
Jack McAuliffe, founder of New Albion Brewing and widely regarded as the father of American craft beer, passed away at 80, leaving behind a revolutionary legacy that inspired generations of brewers and helped ignite the modern craft beer movement. (All About Beer)
Stone Distributing Sold: Craft Culture Faces Big Beer Crossroads
The Brewbound Podcast dives into the significant California distribution shake-up as multistate distributor Hand Family Companies expands its presence by acquiring Stone Distributing, Classic Beverage, and Scout Distribution, folding them into its new Sunset Distributing subsidiary—marking a major strategic move that will boost HFC’s reach and sales volume in Southern California. The main downside of this acquisition is that Stone Distributing and Classic Beverage—renowned for championing independent craft breweries—are now integrated into a large-scale, Anheuser-Busch–linked distribution operation, potentially marginalizing smaller craft brands in favor of mass-produced labels. This consolidation could reduce shelf space and visibility for local breweries, diluting the distinct craft-focused culture that originally fueled Stone’s success. (Brewbound)
Shiner Beers Donates $100K for Kerr County Flood Relief
Shiner Beers, through its “Shiner’s Got Your Back” initiative, has donated $100,000 to support flood relief in Kerr County, Texas, continuing its long tradition of aiding small communities in times of disaster. (Brewpublic)
Haas Honors Top Hop Farms With 2024 Grower Quality Awards
Haas has honored the top hop farms of the 2024 harvest with its annual Grower Quality Awards, recognizing standout growers for excellence in aroma, alpha acid content, and consistency across both large and small farm tiers. (Craft Brewing Business)
Beer Sales Sink Further in June as Industry Slump Deepens
U.S. beer sales continued their downward slide in June 2025, with the Beer Purchasers’ Index showing sharp year-over-year declines across all segments, especially imports and craft, signaling ongoing industry contraction. (American Craft Beer)
Sales Down for Some of Washington’s Largest Breweries as Market Shifts
Washington’s largest craft breweries faced mixed fortunes last year, with several seeing sales declines due to rising costs, shifting consumer habits, and increased competition—while a few, like Icicle Brewing, bucked the trend with strong growth. (News Talk KIT)
The Beer Store Shrinks as Canada Drinks Less Beer
Beer consumption in Canada has hit a record low, contributing to a wave of industry struggles—including rising insolvencies and The Beer Store closing 60 locations—as shifting consumer habits, increased competition, and post-pandemic pressures reshape the nation’s beer landscape. (The Street)
LINK: Peaks & Pints beer and cider cooler inventory
