Mashing-In News: Sean Jackson’s Hat, Winter Beer Fests
GOOD MORNING, SOUTH PUGET SOUND!
Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 — Mike Lookinland turns 65 today!
Friday’s craft beer news leans festive and thoughtful at once, pairing holiday reunions, food-forward brewpub creativity, winter beer festivals, and industry podcasts with a growing focus on moderation, new ingredients, and how beer culture keeps adapting as the year winds down.
Grit & Grain Reunites With Sean Jackson for a Pre-Christmas Catch-Up
Grit & Grain’s pre-Christmas special reunites the crew with former co-host Sean Jackson for a cozy, bottle-popping catch-up that celebrates his 50th birthday, revisits Issaquah taproom memories, and reflects on Rogue’s recent closure. (Grit & Grain)
Grains of Wrath Turns Brewpub Food Into a Creative Destination
The New School’s Brewers Kitchen spotlights Grains of Wrath Brewing in Camas, where chef David Henry is redefining brewpub food by blending classic comfort dishes with playful, chef-driven creativity, making the kitchen as much a draw as the brewery’s acclaimed beer in a challenging market. (The New School)
Washington Brewers Guild Winter Beer Fest This Weekend
The Washington Brewers Guild Winter Beer Fest returns to Seattle December 19–20 at Victory Hall with dozens of Washington breweries and cideries pouring winter warmers, barrel-aged beers, spiced seasonals, festive one-offs, live DJ sets, and a holiday-charged atmosphere in a larger new venue. (Washington Brewers Guild)
Wonderland Brew Fest Launches a Three-Day Craft Beer Celebration in McMinnville
The inaugural Wonderland Brew Fest debuts in downtown McMinnville December 19–21, bringing together 40 beer and cider offerings from 31 breweries, rare European drafts, local favorites, live music, and regional food for a three-day, winter-themed craft beer celebration. (Craft Beer Scribe)
From Beer Dinners to Agave: Colby Chandler on a Career of Craft Collaboration
In a new Brewer to Brewer podcast episode, industry veteran Colby Chandler joins Pizza Port’s Vince Marsaglia to reflect on decades of brewing, global collaborations, beer-and-food storytelling, and his latest focus on agave as craft beer continues to evolve through community and creativity. (All About Beer)
Athletic Brewing Reframes January With Moderation-First Campaign and New NA Releases
Athletic Brewing has launched its 2026 Athletic January campaign, expanding its push for mindful, moderation-forward drinking with on-premise partnerships, consumer rebates, and new non-alcoholic releases including Lite Lime & Salt and cocktail-inspired Moscow Mule and Paloma brews. (Craft Brewing Business)
LINK: Peaks & Pints beer and cider cooler inventory
