Bill Murray Comes to Cooperstown: This year’s Belgium Comes to Cooperstown Festival, thrown annually by Brewery Ommegang, will feature an “anything goes” Bill Murray theme. What does that mean for festival goers? Who knows. All we can guarantee is the usual tremendous roster of Belgian and Belgian inspired beers, and we’re hoping for a seriously screwball appearance from America’s favorite oddball in the midst of the festivities.
Hopewell Brewing Co. Is Open: Chicagoland, pay attention: former Brooklyn Brewery denizen Stephen Bossu and his partners opened their Hopewell Brewing Company Tasting Room the other week to rave reviews and big crowds. A spotlight in Chicago Mag is sure to bring in even more thirsty folks, so be sure to get there early and tell Stephen and the gang that we said hello while you snag a growler. Congrats, team!
Victory Brewing Founders Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet. Photo: Victory Brewing Company
Victory Brewing Co. to Join Southern Tier in New Deal: In an unprecedented deal, Victory Brewing Company will join with Southern Tier Brewing Company under a holding company called Artisanal Brewing Ventures, itself organized by private equity firm Ulysses Management LLC. Amidst the furor that accompanies any news mentioning money and craft beer in the same sentence, Victory founder Bill Covaleski outlined a plan for the new company that focuses on providing excellent, creatively inspired beer with a safer market backing. Time will tell how this sort of setup impacts future beer companies, but we wish Victory and Southern Tier alike the best of luck in this new territory. (For those wondering why this story didn’t lead this week’s column: we apologize, but go back and look at that Bill Murray gif again.)
Flights & Flights: Airports are the unsung heroes of the bar landscape. Sure, they’re pricey, but the appeal of a natural sleep aid before you board a flight next to a total stranger is undeniable. Bon Appetit has rounded up some of their favorite craft beer mainstays in airports across the country to help you plan your next trip. If all else fails, just pack a cocktail kit in your carry-on for the flight: a miniature or three of your liquor of choice, a little sugar, a reusable toiletry bottle of bitters, and all you have to do is order a cup of ice. It beats the in-flight movie hands down.
Happy Birthday, McSorley’s: This week marked McSorley’s 162nd birthday, celebrating nearly two centuries of good, simple beer orders. Of course, plenty of people disagree about the treasured bar’s actual age, which tends to spiral into arguments of which bar is actually the oldest in New York City, whom has the more legitimate legal documents, and so on down the name calling slide. Regardless, go get a big glass of “light or dark” and celebrate a true NYC fixture.
Go Starkers at Starkenberger: Ever wanted to bathe in beer? Starkenberger’s Castle in Austria is your place. The brewery has re-purposed some of its oldest tanks to become full sit-in bathing spots for in-house, beer-soaked spa treatments. They don’t recommend drinking the beer, as people are generally not a good garnish for beverages, but you can order beer to drink during your dip. Hop in (get it?) and enjoy.