Mashing-In News: Rep. Marilyn Strickland, Beer Church Turkey Bowl
GOOD MORNING, SOUTH PUGET SOUND!
Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 — Happy Halloween!
Today’s craft beer news bridges politics, pints, and purpose — from Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland talking shutdowns and strong ale on the Grit & Grain Podcast to Finnriver’s mountain-born cider collaboration, Reuben’s revered barleywine return, and the Beer Church’s bowling-for-good tradition — plus a Mexico City kitchen pop-up, luxury-brand brewing tips, Brewbound Award deadlines, and a revealing look at who really owns America’s biggest beers.
Grit & Grain Podcast: Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland Talks Shutdowns, SNAP, and Strong Ale
In Grit & Grain Podcast Episode 165, former Tacoma Mayor and current Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland joins the crew to talk government shutdowns, food insecurity, and her love of Belgian dark strong ales, blending national politics with local heart — and a reminder that good governance, like good beer, depends on balance. (Grit & Grain Podcast)
Finnriver Buckhorn Cider Bridges Chimacum and Tacoma with a Shared Horizon
Finnriver Buckhorn Cider — Peaks & Pints’ 2025–26 house dry cider — is a collaboration between Tacoma’s beloved craft lodge and Finnriver Farm & Cidery in Chimacum, born from shared soil, vision, and the silhouette of Buckhorn Mountain, uniting orchard and city in a crisp, organic ode to Northwest craft and community. (Peaks & Pints)
Beer Church Turkey Bowl Rolls Back into West Seattle November 15
The Beer Church Turkey Bowl returns to West Seattle Bowl on Saturday, November 15, pairing community bowling fun with the release of Beer Church IPA, brewed by Georgetown Brewing to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank—a call for everyone, bowlers or not, to support local food banks amid growing national food insecurity. (Washington Beer Blog)
Reuben’s Brews Releases 2025 Three Ryes Men Barleywine This Saturday
Seattle’s Reuben’s Brews will release the 2025 edition of its acclaimed, multi-award-winning Three Ryes Men barleywine — along with surprise variants — this Saturday, November 1, inviting fans to its taproom to celebrate one of Washington’s most revered and complex beers. (Washington Beer Blog)
Machetes Takes Over Gigantic Brewing’s Hawthorne Kitchen Through Year’s End
Mexico City–style street food sensation Machetes is taking over the kitchen at Gigantic Brewing’s Hawthorne pub from November 1 through year’s end, bringing its giant cheese-stuffed “machete” tacos and other inventive dishes to Portland in what may be the location’s final months before the building’s sale. (The New School)
Nominate Your Brewery or Brand for the 2025 Brewbound Awards by Oct. 31
Brewbound has opened nominations for its 2025 Awards, honoring standout breweries, beverage companies, products, and industry leaders across categories like Craft Brewery of the Year, Beyond Beer Company, and Rising Stars, with entries due by October 31, 2025. (Brewbound)
From Pints to Prestige: How to Turn Your Brewery into a Luxury Brand in One Year
A new guide from Brewer Magazine outlines how breweries can elevate from local favorite to luxury brand within a year—through intentional design, staff training, refined storytelling, and exclusive small-batch releases that build perception, loyalty, and long-term value without losing authenticity. (Brewers Magazine)
This Massive Chart Reveals Who Actually Owns America’s Biggest Beer Brands
A new chart from Thirsty Insights founder Matt Rice maps out who really owns America’s biggest beer brands — revealing that industry giants like AB InBev and Molson Coors dominate the landscape, while only a small “Everyone Else” slice remains for independents like Saranac and Sapporo-owned Stone Brewing. (VinePair)
LINK: Peaks & Pints beer and cider cooler inventory
