Mashing-In News: New School On Grit & Grain, Session Lager Turns 21
GOOD MORNING, SOUTH PUGET SOUND!
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 — Paul W.S. Anderson turns 61 today!
Today’s craft beer news drifts from Tacoma taproom microphones to Belgian travel dreams, historic Washington hops, anniversary lagers, Portland’s wonderfully weird beer events, and a major global acquisition reshaping the craft landscape.
Ezra Johnson-Greenough Joins Grit & Grain for Live Podcast
During Tacoma Beer Week, Peaks & Pints hosts a special Tacoma Beer Week Basecamp event on March 4 featuring a live double recording of the Grit & Grain Podcast with New School Beer + Cider’s Ezra Johnson-Greenough, diving into Pacific Northwest craft beer industry trends and stories. (Peaks & Pints)
Washington Brewers Guild Plans Belgium Beer Tour
The Washington Brewers Guild announced plans for its inaugural beer travel tour—a limited 9-day trip to Belgium featuring brewery visits, tastings, and cultural experiences—with details to be revealed during a March 19 virtual information session. (Washington Beer Blog)
Big Block Revives Historic Issaquah Hops in New Lager
Big Block Brewing will release The Monohon Lager on March 13, brewed with revived wild hop descendants from 19th-century Issaquah hop farms, reconnecting modern beer with a nearly lost piece of Western Washington’s brewing agriculture. (Washington Beer Blog)
Full Sail Celebrates 21 Years of Session Lager
Full Sail Brewing marks the 21st anniversary of its iconic Session Lager with retro-inspired packaging and the launch of two new styles—Session Japanese Rice Lager and Session West Coast Lager—expanding the brand’s lineup of crisp, low-ABV craft lagers. (Brewpublic)
Function Closing NW Portland Taproom, Planning Idaho Campus
Portland’s pop-up brewery bar Function will close its original NW 23rd taproom at the end of the month while shifting focus to its Alberta Arts location and planning a destination “Function Hospitality Campus” with bar, restaurant, and lodging near Boise, Idaho. (The New School)
Gigantic Brewing Celebrates the World’s Smallest Park
Gigantic Brewing and Weird Portland United will release Mill Ends Red alongside the second annual Portland .15K race on March 7, celebrating the city’s famously tiny Mill Ends Park with a playful beer event, costumes, and a two-block “race” ending at Paddy’s Bar & Grill. (Brewpublic)
Tilray Acquires BrewDog Brand in $44M Deal
Tilray Brands has acquired BrewDog’s global brand and intellectual property for about $44 million, including its Scottish brewery and 11 UK and Ireland pubs, marking another major expansion of Tilray’s growing beer portfolio. (Washington Beer Blog)
LINK: Peaks & Pints beer and cider cooler inventory
