Thinkin’ and Drinkin’: Week of April 8

CBB’s Keith Gribbins gets a jump start on the weekend with Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s Rally Drum Red at the Cleveland airport. He’s off to Germany for an in-depth beer expedition.

It’s never a dull moment here in the Craft Brewing Business (CBB) office. With so much excitement surrounding craft brewing, you never know what news is going to pop up during any given week. That’s why we started “Thinkin’ and Drinkin.” It’s a great way for us to reflect on the news of the week and offer our own thoughts. It’s also a good excuse for us to kick back, grab a beer and talk with our readers. So check out the top headline picks from the CBB staff this week and let us know what you found interesting or learned or even just what you’re drinking in the comments section below.

New Holland’s Mad Hatter Brett VanderKamp talks IPAs

Jason Morgan, editor:

There’s something of a revolution going on at CBB. For a while, the staff (most of us anyway, I’m sure Crowell will argue he never left) turned away from IPAs, mocking the style for its popularity and single-minded hoppiness, we have come back around to appreciate the style that introduced us to craft beer. Maybe it’s the warming spring breeze that’s put a hoppy spring in our step, or maybe we’re looking for something light after a heavy winter of stouts and porters. Either way, IPAs are back in the CBB office in a big way.

That’s why I was excited to read our story with New Holland’s Brett VanderKamp, who offered great insight into the style and how it relates to New Holland. It’s an excellent read, especially when sipping on a well-balanced IPA.

Choice craft for the weekend: Founders All Day IPA

From Boston Beer to Tröegs: Top 50 craft brewers in 2012

Chris Crowell, editor:

I’m a fan of lists, and it was fun to look through the Brewers Association’s Top 50 craft brewerys for 2012. In particular, I wanted to shout out No. 3 New Belgium. Not because they came in third, and not because of Kim Jordan’s recent keynote at the CBC, but because I just found out that they collaborated on a beer with Clutch, thegreatestbandof all-time. Sure, it took place in 2011 and is really old news, but I just saw it in this great Q&A with Neil Fallon today and wanted to share. Clutch and beer! Happy weekend.

Choice craft for the weekend: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

Alabama brewing bill to allow for on-premise, take-home sales

Sean Wright, developer:

I’m all for regulation when it helps the consumer — the little guy.  I’m all for deregulation when it helps the business — the big guy — grow and thrive in a competitive marketplace.  The decisions behind what should be governed by the rules of our society are tough ones, and there is a fine line between the two sides. But some laws limiting how a brewery can sell their product don’t appear to be helping anyone.  So it’s nice to see when representatives and lawmakers make moves to remove regulation, as is the case in Alabama, where House Bill 530 would allow for on-premise, take-home sales.  Of course, we can’t forget Tennessee’s long journey to lower taxes on beer (which were the highest in the nation) – the legislation just passed.  And, finally, for an example of regulation that helps both business and consumer, look no further than the Clean Water Act, which is being supported by Brewers For Clean Water. So now I’d like to take a moment to thank beer for making everything great.

Choice craft for the weekend: Hoppin Frog’s Karminator doppelbock*

(* I had this last weekend and it was so good I might just have to do it again)