No Virginia, There Is No Craft Beer Bubble: In the wake of the news of America passing the 4,000 breweries mark a couple weeks ago, more commentators than ever before are asking whether this breakneck growth can possibly be sustained. The simple answer here looks to be yes, with just a hint of an eye-roll from the small breweries and farm brewers of the nation. More breweries means more chances to drink great beer from sea to shining sea, be it from a neighborhood brewery or one of the larger craft shops around…perhaps, say, from Brooklyn.
Oysters Oysters Everywhere: New York drinkers should be on the lookout for more from Oyster Bay Brewing Company, located in Oyster Bay, Long Island. The small-town outfit is relocating to another space within Oyster Bay, adding 5,000 square feet and switching up to a 15-barrel brewhouse. We toast their expansion, and eagerly look forward to hearing and drinking more from the North Shore.
Meanwhile, Deep Within Anheuser-Busch: The folks at CNN Money sat down with Rob Naylor, brewmaster of the research pilot brewery tucked away in Anheuser-Busch’s hallowed halls. It’s a remarkable look inside what is arguably one of the toughest R&D jobs in the market today: creating beers that will appeal to everyone and anyone within AB’s target demographic, especially in the face of ever-evolving offerings from craft breweries. Naylor clearly takes his work seriously but still enjoys the magical side of brewing, and we can only hope AB takes some of his ideas to heart.
The Alter Egos of Tim Ferris: Tim Ferris is the man behind both Defiant Whisky and Defiant Marine, which has earned him liquid fame in two wildly different mediums. Defiant Marine is a commercial salvage operation that earned particular accolades for pumping out the flooded N and M tunnels after Hurricane Sandy struck New York City. Defiant Whisky produces some of the first uniquely American single-malt whisky, pioneering aging on oak spirals instead of barrels to flavor and mature their liquor. No matter which Defiant you seek, Tim Ferris is a particularly interesting man to learn about.
Trust Your Elders on Hot Toddies: It turns out that hot toddies really are good for shortening the duration and severity of the common cold and similar illnesses. The whiskey and other ingredients are cited as a decongestant, mild anti-inflammatory, and overall mood booster. While this health tip, like so many others, falls victim to requiring moderation, no one is going to question you if you have a second (or third) mug. You’re sick, after all.
A Dime Bag of Dank Yeast: Researchers at the Technical University of Dortmund in Germany recently announced that our favorite microscopic life forms can be genetically engineered to produce THC and cannabidiol. THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana) and CBD (the powerful anti-inflammatory agent from the same plant) have been prescribed as medicine for years, but this breakthrough could greatly streamline and cheapen production. No word on how this would impact recreational users, but we think it might be a good time to invest in blacklight poster companies.