Part I of a Wednesday double-decker edition of beer notes…
Victory Brewing: Per the Victory Beer Blog, “Fourteen of the top 40 U.S. craft breweries have reported sales increases of 30% or more for early 2011. We here at Victory have started this year by brewing and selling at a pace of more than 40% over last year.” It is conceivable that the current group of regional craft brewers will grow 20% in 2011.
Brooklyn Brewery: Brooklyn has an ongoing series where it highlights where it believes trademark infringement is happening with its logo. Back in July, it was earrings. In October, it was a pizza shop. Earlier this week, Brooklyn accused another business, Eno’s Tavern, of copying its logo. The brewery deleted its blog post but not before Gothamist, The Dallas Observer and others picked it up.
Boston Beer Co.: The mystery 12-pack that people have been speculating about has been confirmed. The variety pack will feature a number of single hops beers with hops that make up the original version (also to be included). It will be called Latitude 48 Deconstructed. BevMo will have it priced at $16.99. Once Upon a Vine South will be holding a special tasting during American Craft Beer Week in mid-May so it looks like this is not too far out from release.
Great Lakes Brewing: The latest newsletter says that Holy Moses White Ale “will soon be available in 6 packs, 12 packs and draft.”
Renegade Brewing: A new Denver startup just got its license from the TTB on Friday.
Triton Brewing: A few construction pics of this startup brewery on Facebook.
Bonus I: The Cleveland Indians ballpark has over 75 different beers available around Progressive Field according to the Sporting News. Hoppin’ Frog Bodacious Black and Tan can be had for $30 per 22 oz. bottle. This makes whatever Target Field was going to charge for Surly beers look pretty cheap.
Bonus II: Per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “After five years of heated lobbying that pitted grocery and convenience stores against preachers, the General Assembly gave final approval Tuesday to legislation that could lead to Sunday package sales.” Georgia is currently one of only three states outlawing Sunday off-premise liquor sales.
Bonus III: On Tuesday, a beer bill was introduced in Illinois that will allow small brewers producing under 60,000 barrels to self-distribute. This has been an ongoing situation in Illinois with Anheuser-Busch trying to do everything it can to be able to self-distribute in the state.
Bonus IV: Buffalo Beer Lodge says that The Great Lakes Brew Fest is in jeopardy due to surcharges being tacked on by the host venue.