Mashing-In News: Matt Swihart, Thorsten Geuer
GOOD MORNING, SOUTH PUGET SOUND!
Friday, July 18, 2025 — Kristen Bell turns 45 today!
As the summer sun climbs and cold pours flow, the craft beer world is bubbling with bold debuts, nostalgic returns, and thought-provoking industry reckonings—from mountaintop podcast musings and 30-year throwbacks to billion-dollar projections and pint-glass celebrations.
From Peak to Pint: Summer Stories & Craft Beer Stats
In Episode 152 of the Grit & Grain Podcast, the crew returns from a well-earned holiday break with backpacks full of stories and a fresh batch of industry insights. Matt recounts his mountain-summiting exploits, Bethany braves the wilderness with two tiny campers in tow, and Ron relives the sun-soaked beer revelry of the inaugural Legends of the West festival, where he reconnects with a Tacoma craft beer veteran. Between laughs and life updates, the trio dives into the Brewers Association’s latest industry data, unpacking trends, tough truths, and the surprising outliers who continue to grow despite headwinds. It’s a warm, slightly sweaty welcome back—equal parts reunion and reality check—served with a side of barleywine and a dash of perspective. (Grit & Grain Podcast)
From Fighter Jets to Fermentation: Matt Swihart’s Double Mountain Journey
Former aerospace engineer Matt Swihart shared his journey from fighter jets to founding Hood River’s beloved Double Mountain Brewery on the CCC News Podcast, recounting how passion, community focus, and a rebellious brewing spirit shaped nearly two decades of craft beer and pizza excellence. (Columbia Community News)
Holding the Craft: Bayern Brewing’s Geuer on Beer, Balance, and Staying Power
In a recent Brewer Magazine Q&A, Bayern Brewing’s brewmaster Thorsten Geuer reflects on more than two decades of dedication to traditional, sustainable brewing in Montana, emphasizing the enduring value of craftsmanship, LEAN methodology, and authentic German-style lagers over chasing fleeting trends. (The Brewer Magazine)
Dogfish Head Turns 30 With a Cherry-Soaked Time Capsule
Dogfish Head is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a nostalgic re-release of founder Sam Calagione’s first-ever homebrew, Cherry Pale Ale—a tart, summery throwback packed with cherries, ’90s-inspired merch, and even a nod to a carpet-melting mishap that helped launch one of America’s most iconic craft breweries. (Delaware Live)
California Pint Day 2025 Launches Today
California Pint Day 2025 kicks off on Friday, July 18, with breweries across the state offering limited-edition collectible pint glasses to celebrate California Craft Beer Week and support the California Craft Brewers Association. (California Craft Beer)
Dragon’s Milk Introduces Its First-Ever IPA
New Holland Brewing has unveiled Dragon’s Milk Emerald IPA—the brand’s first-ever IPA and a bold 11% oak-foeder-fermented brew that blends citrusy Lotus hops with the signature depth, vanilla, and oak character that define the Dragon’s Milk legacy. (American Craft Beer)
Beer’s Billion-Dollar Boom Meets a Crossroads of Change
The global beer market is projected to double by 2035, but behind the anticipated $1.6 trillion surge lies a rapidly evolving industry grappling with shifting consumer values, sustainability demands, and the need to innovate beyond tradition to remain relevant. (Future Markets Insight Blog)
LINK: Peaks & Pints beer and cider cooler inventory
