Imbib Brewing has 2 locations in Reno-located on 2nd Street in the Reno Brewery District. In May 2022 they competed in the largest craft beer competition in the World. Over 10,000 beers were entered in the competition and Imbib won the Gold in the Sour Ale style beer category. There were more than 100 style categories to be judged./ This is a big deal.
The Reno Brewery District is a great idea and concept-The Depot, Lead Dog, Pigeon Head, Battle Born and Record Street. There are a few cities that have a central area to promote breweries. It is all about community, isn’t it? This article is an attempt to draw attention to the fact that labels can introduce a new beer to try and showcase an art form. But, labels are really about being legal.
TTB is accurate when it comes to barrels produced because the tax is assessed on barrels produced/removed for sales. 2021 was a generally flat year for all beer production. Craft Beer is determined by definition- producers of <6 million barrels and not owned by a macro producer. Those numbers will come later.
Reno designated an area of downtown to be focused on craft beer as a Trekking/walking tour of the historic area of Reno. 4Th Street at one time was the main thoroughfare and gateway to Sacramento.
Zero Carbs Beer, A-B InBev
Everybody has an opinion but the reality is that industry must respond , is some way, to changes in consumer taste. I can remember when 3.2% beer in Kansas was called Near Beer. Well, drinking beer for the first time in Kansas in my college town, I can assure everyone, it is possible to hear the angles singing on 3.2% beer. Now A-B has a No Carb beer that is still beer at 4%+ and has calories. Well it better have taste.
Zero Carbs Beer, A-B InBev
Everybody has an opinion but the reality is that industry must respond , is some way, to changes in consumer taste. I can remember when 3.2% beer in Kansas was called Near Beer. Well, drinking beer for the first time in Kansas in my college town, I can assure everyone, it is possible to hear the angles singing on 3.2% beer. Now A-B has a No Carb beer that is still beer at 4%+ and has calories. Well it better have taste.
The image is what a modern hop farm business looks like. Most are privately owned and are located in areas of the U.S. that offer ideal soil and climate conditions. At one point the Sacramento Valley in CA was a great area for hops. Over time the return on investment and irrigation forced hops into Yakima Valley in Washington State. Many hop operation are run by 5th generation farmers. Large brewers even own their own operation for hops sourcing. Research is an ongoing requirement to keep up with consumer demands for aromas and flavors.
Somewhat late but nonetheless important to promote local crafts people. Beer, Spirits and Wine is a great opportunity to build community. Image : Lahonton Valley News, Carson, NV
Bart Watson has been a leader in working with all levels of craft brewers, virtually around the world. His main focus is understanding and counseling brewers in potential changes in the industry-economic, agriculture, political and consumer trends.