Well, we tried, Massachusetts … but apparently you just can’t be trusted with $2 off a MILLER LITE before 6 p.m., as the state has removed happy hour legislation from a $4B economic development package set for a final vote soon. Liability and insurance factors were cited, which, having seen Boston St. Patrick’s Day footage over the years … I’m not gonna argue with.

21Seeds co-founder Kat Hantas discusses how going after moms was a key to success, why they took an unusual route-to-market for tequila, and what brands should be prepared for if they’re acquired. Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

The full agenda for the 2024 Brewbound Live business conference is now available, featuring more than 30 speakers from beverage-alcohol suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, data providers and advisory firms.

More than three decades after launching with amber ales, Kirin-owned New Belgium Brewing’s and Bell’s Brewery’s portfolios look a little different, in very intentional moves to stay relevant with the rapidly changing bev-alc market, according to CEO Shaun Belongie.

In the final installment of 2024, 3 Tier consultant Danelle Kosmal shares a trio of insights on industry growth, with NIQ off-premise data through November 2. Hot topics include Halloween spending, craft light beer and seasonals, spirits-based ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs) and more.

Upper Hand Brewery, opened by Bell’s Brewery founder Larry Bell in 2014, is about to change hands. Kirin-owned New Belgium acquired Escanaba, Michigan-based Upper Hand when it merged with Bell’s in 2021.

Stout Collective founder and CEO Matt Tanaka walks us through expected design trends for 2025, including why he believes mascots and maximalism will be a feature of beer labels in the new year.

Kirin-owned New Belgium Brewing and Bell’s Brewery both built their foundations on amber ales. More than three decades later, their portfolios look a little different, in very intentional moves to stay relevant with the rapidly changing bev-alc market, CEO Shaun Belongie shared during Beer Marketer’s Insights’ seminar, held this week in New York City.

In a continuation of last month’s trends, 15 of the top 25 beer category vendors have recorded dollar sales and volume declines year-to-date (YTD) through November 3, according to market research firm Circana.

If you’re looking for Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar’s Santo Tequila, you might be out of luck thanks to an Oceans 13-level heist that disappeared two truckloads of tequila last week. If only it were George Clooney’s Casamigos, then this would be one meta story.

Each year, the Brewbound Awards are presented to honor the most influential and impactful companies, brands, people, products, ideas and trends from across the beer industry landscape. Brewbound is proud to announce the nominees for its 2024 Awards.

Folks, we’re getting pretty close to GOOSE ISLAND’s annual Bourbon County release! Gotta say, it’s nice to still have one of craft’s few remaining annual traditions left here at the end of 2024, even though I’m pretty sure Justin and I couldn’t finish one bottle between the two of us at this point. In a whole weekend.

Could craft off-premise scan data be beginning to turn the corner as the calendar heads toward the holidays? In the four-week period ending November 3 (L4W), craft dollar sales declined -1.9% year-over-year (YoY) and volume (case sales) declined -3.4% in multi-outlet grocery, mass retail and convenience stores (MULO+C), according to the most recent report from market research firm Circana.

It’s time to reveal the semifinalists for the Brewbound Live Pitch Slam, our business pitch competition for beer and beverage-alcohol brands. Semifinalists will compete during Brewbound Live 2024, taking place on December 11 + 12 in Marina del Rey, California.