Three Floyds Plans Extensive Expansion
Three Floyds Brewing has hired Dallas-based HKS Architects, the firm responsible for the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium and Minnesota Vikings’ U.S.Bank Stadium, for an expansion that would triple the size of its 57,000 sq. ft. Munster, Indiana-based facility, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Plans for the project, which have been in the works since September, were posted to the city of Munster’s website last week and include more than 114,400 sq. ft for manufacturing and warehousing. Three additional spaces for a brewpub, retail and office space, each spanning more than 7,000 sq. ft., were also included in the proposal.
The project is slated to be discussed February 27 during a meeting of the Munster planning commission, and town manager Dustin Anderson told the outlet that he expects approval of the project in March.
Pretty Things Founders Look to Open Brewery in UK
The founders of the now defunct Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project have resurfaced in England, and they’re attempting to open a new brewery, according to RMC Media.
Dann and Martha Holley-Paquette, directors at Holley-Paquette LTD, have filed an application to open a brewery in a former 1920s milk and cheese processing plant in Sheffield, the outlet reported. The couple reportedly wants to produce bottled and kegged craft beer for wholesale distribution.
The Paquettes shuttered the popular Boston-area Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project in late 2015 after seven years. However, the couple resurrected the brand in mid-2016 for a collaboration beer with Caledonian Brewery in Edinburgh, Scotland, which was only sold on tap at U.K.-based Wetherspoons pubs.
Hanson Spirits Acquires Carneros Brewing’s Production Facility and Taproom
Carneros Brewing Co. has sold its Sonoma, California-based production facility and taproom to neighboring distillery, Hanson Spirits, according to the Press Democrat.
Hanson Spirits plans to open a tasting room in the space by early April, the outlet reported. However, the spirits company, which has no plans to make its own beer products, will also begin contract production for other beer companies at the facility.
Carneros owner Jesus Ceja retained his beer company’s brand rights, and he told the Press Democrat that he plans to open a new taproom in Sonoma after a brief sabbatical.
NBWA Beer Purchasers’ Index Expands in January
The National Beer Wholesalers Association’s (NBWA) Beer Purchasers’ Index — which helps explain U.S. beer distributors’ monthly purchasing behavior — saw a reading of 52 in January.
“The total beer index for January 2018 at 52 is significantly above the January 2017 reading at 42.2, which is not surprising giving the low inventory levels reported at the end of 2017,” NBWA chief economist Lester Jones said in a press release. “Premium lights and regular premium both posted lower readings for January relative to readings over the past few months.”
Meanwhile, imports indexed above 60 for the fourth consecutive month while craft beer had a 57 reading.
According to the NBWA, “a reading greater than 50 indicates the segment is expanding,” while “a reading below 50 indicates the segment is contracting.”
Arby’s Considers Beer Sales
After closing its $2.9 billion acquisition of Buffalo Wild Wings this week, Arby’s CEO Paul Brown said the company is looking to add beer to some of Arby’s menus, Business Insider reported.
“I think in places like Manhattan for example, where it’s all walk in, I would like to find a way to see if it could be done,” he told the outlet. “You’re seeing more and more QSR and fast-casual players do it, especially in urban environments.”
Deschutes, Bluejacket to Begin Offering Cans
Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery will begin shipping cans of Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Fresh Squeezed IPA and Pacific Wonderland Lager to its wholesalers starting February 19, according to a press release.
Last year, the company started a $5.5 million project to install canning line at its Bend production facility, which was commissioned on January 22, the Bend Bulletin reported.
Washington, D.C.-based Bluejacket will also begin offering cans of its products, starting with Lost Weekend citra IPA, on March 2, according to the Washingtonian. The company plans to sell about 100 cases of 16 oz. 4-packs weekly at its brewery.
Long Trail Releases CBD-Infused Beer
Long Trail Brewing this week announced that it would begin selling cans of what the company is calling “Vermont’s First CBD-infused Beer.” The beer, appropriately named Medicator, is a 6 percent ABV IPA and American Pale Ale hybrid infused with terpenes and hemp oil from Luce Farm.
“The recipe incorporates Columbus, Citra, and Mosaic hops, but the lion’s share of the flavor and aroma comes from terpene compounds extracted from the hemp plants,” the company said on its website.
Long Trail is selling 12 oz. 4-packs of the beer for $19.99.
Province Brands Files Patent for Beer Brewed From Cannabis Plant
Province Brands, a Toronto-based company that produces low-calorie and mostly gluten-free non-alcohol beers, has filed a provisional patent for technology it said is used to create the “world’s first beers brewed from the cannabis plant” while replacing grains in the brewing process, according to a press release.
“We have developed great-tasting beers, but we also have valuable intellectual property, incredible developments in the pipeline, and a world-class team with decades of combined experience in the adult beverage industry, and, importantly almost two years working together,” Province Brands CEO Dooma Wendschuh said in a press release.
The company, which filed a provisional patent last July, is attempting to take advantage of the Canadian government’s October ruling that beverages containing cannabis will become legal in the country for the first time this year.
Hoppy Brewing Moving After 19 Years
Due to “unresolvable differences” with its landlord, Sacramento-based Hoppy Brewing will vacate its East Sacramento space on February 26, according to an email sent to its customers.
“[T]he move has been painfully long overdue, and it is time for us to bite the bullet and finally make it happen,” the company wrote.
This isn’t the end for Hoppy Brewing, though. The company announced it will be relocating its brewery operations and tasting room to a midtown in early April.