BSG CraftBrewing is proud to be a sponsor of the Copa Cervezas de América!We have been involved with this event since 2011 and continue to support the mission of promoting craft beer in Latin America and beyond. All professional brewers in North and South America are invited to participate - more info here.

The USDA has released its annual hop acreage report for the United States. In the Pacific Northwest acreage for 2016 is up 17% over last year, with significant increases devoted to aroma varieties including Azacca™, Citra™, and Mosaic™. According to the USDA's National Agriculture Statistics Service, Idaho and Washington are expecting to string record high acreage, and, at a national level, the highest acreage since 1915.

Read the full report here.

New England-style IPA and Hefeweizen notwithstanding, the need to produce beers with a high degree of visual appeal and clarity without tying up limited tank space with cold conditioning is a continual challenge for today’s growing craft breweries. Brewers Clarex® has helped brewers of all sizes maximize efficiency and minimize time and resources used to achieve clear, bright beer that appeals to customers in your taproom or at the bottle shop. 

In 2015, Rahr Corp. broke ground on an expansion project at its headquarters in Shakopee, MN which will make it the largest single-site malting facility in the world. This time-lapse video shows the progress so far. 

Westerly, RI

Population: 22,787

http://greysailbrewing.com/

Elegant Victorian architecture, displays of exquisite granite work and beautifully landscaped Wilcox Park charm visitors of downtown Westerly, Rhode Island. Designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as 'one of the twelve most distinctive destinations in the country', historic downtown is a hip arts scene with a reputation as Southern Rhode Island's dining and nightlife destination.    

With the beach as the town’s backyard, Jennifer Brinton proudly describes Westerly as the perfect place for raising a family and owning a business. It’s here, nestled near the scenic bank of the Pawcatuck River, where she helped to bring Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island to life.

Fünke Canadien, a collaboration between Sudwerk Brewing Co. of Davis, CA and BSG’s Peter Hoey, has returned for a second year.   

This open-fermented, Brettanomyces-finished saison will be released locally at the Pangaea Café on April 1, and will also be featured at BSG’s beer station at the Craft Brewers Conference in Philadelphia in May.

Red Clay Brewing

Opelika, Alabama

Population: 28,635 

http://redclaybrewingcompany.com/

When Robert Trent Jones saw the land that hugs the edge of Lake Saugahatchee that would be developed into his Grand National course, he described it as the “single greatest” site for a golf complex that he had ever seen. It’s no wonder then that in 2005 Golf Digest named the Auburn-Opelika Metropolis as the number one area for golf in the United States.

Of course, when you’re hitting the links, nothing goes better with a sunny day on the fairway than a beer or two; especially if you shank most of your balls into the water hazard like we do. Thus, we packed up our golf cart and headed down to Opelika, Alabama to visit the crew at Red Clay Brewing.

Newly opened in March 2015, Red Clay is already making an impact on the local beer scene and head brewer Kerry McGinnis fills us in on their story.

Peoria Artisan Brewery

Litchfield Park, Arizona (Original location)

Population: 5,306 

Peoria, Arizona (Second location)

Population: 162,592

http://peoriaartisanbrewing.com/

In 1916 as part of the war effort, the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company sent executive Paul W. Litchfield to buy up land west of Phoenix to grow Egyptian long cotton that was used to reinforce tires. Paul Litchfield established the headquarters here for the Southwest Cotton Company and this company town was officially named Litchfield Park in 1926.

Among the palm and orange trees that scatter the landscape, nestled in between the miles of pathways and charming sidewalk cafes, Peioria Artisan Brewery's Litchfield Taproom serves up thirst quenching beer to fight the dry desert heat. With a humble nano-brew system and strength from unconditional friendship, something magical caught on with craft beers lovers and locals.  

Less than two years after opening, Peoria Artisan Brewing expanded to a second location. With a dedication to hand-crafting brews without additives or chemicals or other “tricks of the trade” it's easy to see why they have attained such early success. Co-owner Matt Frosch tells us what makes Peoria Artisan Brewing special.

Crisp Malting Group is renowned for their commitment to tradition, but the UK’s leading independent malting company is a dedicated innovator as well. Now, with a quick scan from a smartphone, brewers can access certificates of analysis for their malts anywhere and at any time. 

Swamp Rabbit
Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Population: 4,843

http://www.theswamprabbitbrewery.com

Tucked in between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Greenville, Travelers Rest earned its name because travelers would stop there before embarking on the difficult journey into the mountains; oftentimes spending the winter waiting for the mountain snow to clear. A throwback to a time before traffic jams and chain stores, it is filled with family-oriented businesses that cater to the needs of the community.

Founded by husband and wife team of Ben and Teresa Ellis Pierson, Swamp Rabbit Brewery and Taproom is the perfect place for today’s traveler or local to stop in for a rest. We spoke with Ben to learn more about this unique brewery and town.