Pumpkin Season Nears As Trends Drop: Brewers Association Chief Economist Bart Watson pointed out that Google Trends for pumpkin beer searches are off to a sluggish start this year. This could possibly reflect an overall fatigue with the fall favorite that began to emerge last season. Personally, it’s so hot out that we’d rather have our pumpkin like our coffee: in ice cream.
And While We’re On Ice Cream: Prohibition nearly ruined American beer and spirits forever, but not every part of it was bad. Put down your torches and consider this argument for ice cream’s explosive popularity in the wake of the 18th Amendment. Ice cream enabled brewery facilities to stay in running shape, kept breweries themselves afloat, and cemented sweet, delicious ice cream in the American psyche. Sure, archaic laws from the period still make the booze business a headache in every state, but at least we have ice cream to pick us up.
Above Average on Great American Struggles: It’s a tale as old as time, if time was in grammar school when Tupac and Biggie were feuding: does your career path lead to a dead-end grad school, or a commercially doomed craft brewery? Above Average points the documentary lens at one of the most misunderstood voices in America today. Good luck, and give thanks that you were raised better.
The McConaughaissance Continues: Treasured American actor and Lincoln addict Matthew McConaughey announced a new career direction this week: creative director for Wild Turkey. The company initially approached him to be their celebrity spokesperson (now Mila Kunis), but he returned the offer in kind to be their creative director. After what we can only assume was a hearty shrug, McConaughey came on board to help tell the story of the brand. We have no idea what half of this means, but if we get to keep watching McConaughey hang out with barrels, full steam ahead.
New Neighbors!: We’re excited to welcome Interboro Spirits and Ales to Williamsburg. The new outfit started distribution this week, and aim to open their tap room some time in September. You can find their first two beers, Bushburg and La Dee Da Dee, at accounts in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Best of luck to our new friends, and thanks for joining in on the American Dream of a chicken in every pot and a brewery on every corner (or whatever that guy said.)
And Now, South Korea: South Korea is in the midst of a craft beer explosion, with a renewed national focus on quality and taste driving innovation throughout the region. Tickets there might be expensive, but after a read through what they’re working on you just might find yourself looking up flights. Go ahead, it’s Friday– is anyone else even left in your office?