Yuengling's off-premise biz remains red hot since Apr, but on-premise still a bit slower goin' as it's recovering from pandemic-related losses, according to recent Philly Biz Journal article/interview with Wendy Yuengling, chief admin officer representing 6th generation in the family biz. Yuengling products are sold "in more than 50,000 bars and restaurants" across 26 states + DC, accounting for about 20-25% of total sales, article noted, adding that "on-premise distribution is still ramping back up after pandemic shutdowns." Yet Yuengling sales are more than fine these days, of course, with all-channel volume up mid-teens in 1st half and continuing to post 30-40% volume growth in tracked off-prem channels this summer.

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Two of the oldest craft outposts in Minneapolis will close in the next couple months. Dangerous Man Brewing is leaving its original taproom after more than a decade, co announced last wk, tho it'll continue making beer at its production facility in Maple Lake, MN. And Eastlake Brewery will shut down just short of 9 yrs in biz.

Growing number of craft brewery operators and founders looking to move on lately, as US craft beer biz matures further. In Phoenix, Helton Brewing will sell its brewery and restaurant to fast-growing OHSO Brewery + Distillery, the New Times wrote. Founder Brian Helton has been in craft beer biz for 25 yrs and found the "perfect candidate" to take over the biz in OHSO owner Jon Lane, he said. OHSO (Outrageous Homebrewer's Social Outpost) already has 4 locations, plus 2 spin-off restaurants called Little O's, licensed pubs in both the Pheonix Sky Harbor and Mesa Gateway airports and now 3 more locations in the works, including former Helton spot. Deal allows co to quadruple its production, able to produce up to 20K bbls in coming yrs, and co also recently signed on with Hensley to distribute its beer statewide, per paper.

Montauk Brewing is making its first expansion outside of the northeast under Tilray ownership, heading to sibling brand SweetWater's home mkt GA, co announced yesterday. Packages and kegs of Wave Chaser IPA, Cold Day IPA, Driftwood Ale, plus Box of Montauk variety pk are now available. And Montauk expects to add "other major markets in the U.S. later this year," per release. "This is a huge moment for Montauk Brewing, as we begin a sustainable path to becoming a national brand," declared Tilray prexy of beer Ty Gilmore in released statement. "Consumers and retailers across the country constantly ask us when Montauk will be available in their cities," he added. Jury's still out on how much brand recognition Montauk will have outside of NYC metro and surrounding states. But Montauk remains one of the hottest regional craft beer brands in scans these days, bolstered by new mkts and new brands like variety pk and Surf golden ale.

With America's Cup global sailing competition heading to Barcelona, Spain next yr, Spanish brewer Mahou San Miguel is bringing Founders Brewing into the fold as an official sponsor of "U.S. challenger," New York Yacht Club "American Magic," co announced this week. The competition will take place Aug-Oct 2024, and marks "the first time ever" in Barcelona, and first time in 14 yrs since it was last held in Spain. Release touts this as "the oldest international sporting trophy" with a "storied history" of NY Yacht Club "once maintaining a remarkable 132-year hold on the Cup."

Responding to years of pleas to sell its massive summer seasonal wheat beer Oberon year round, Bell's is betting the brand's popularity will extend to a new beer designed for cooler weather. Oberon Eclipse will launch in Oct and be on shelves until Mar, when the original Oberon arrives. A half-pt stronger than Oberon, Eclipse clocks in at 6.3% ABV, but is also a citrus wheat and takes cues from Belgian-style witbiers with an addition of coriander. It'll show up in 12oz cans and bottles (6- and 12-pks), 16oz cans (4-pks), 19.2oz cans and draft. It'll also appear in newest iteration of co's seasonal vty pk.

Much has been written about the various challenges that climate change poses to the wine industry. But this wk, the NY Times turned to German hop growers to point to difficulties faced for one of the key agricultural inputs for beer. The bottom line: older, traditional hop varietals that have long been favored by brewers can be severely impacted by hotter temperatures and dryer weather during the growing and harvest seasons. But newer varietals designed to be more resilient are not quite matching the flavor profiles sought by brewers, running the risk that consumers will abandon a brand that changes recipes.