This week, Doug and Tony cover putting together a homebrew competition and why they’re great for new brewers to participate in. The short version is that it’s the best way to get honest feedback about your beer from people who are trained to give it.

Mexican Lagers are going to be huge this summer. What are they?

This week Constellation Brands announced a major expansion. The makers of Corona in the U.S. and Modelo apparently think they’re going to sell a lot of beer. They might be right. Let’s take a look at this beer’s origin story.

What makes a Mexican-style lager?

Ska Brewing is responsible for introducing many of us to the idea of an American-brewed, Mexican-style lager (and for snapping up the genius woodchopping pun) with its popular Mexican Logger. It’s the brewery’s third-best selling beer, despite only being available during the summer.

Why we love brew pubs

I barely can shut up about how much I love brew pubs, but I really believe they are the future of neighborhood brewing. Rather than fighting for shelf space brewers can make the beer they want for people who love it. Obviously, lots of breweries have to distribute, and many, like Boston Beer Company, have to. But creating a culture around the brewery where you’re making the beer anyway just makes sense.

Boston Beer to Open Cincinnati Taproom | Brewbound.com

The maker of Samuel Adams is wading deeper into the taproom business. The Boston Beer Company — which makes and markets a variety of beer, cider and FMB products — today announced plans to open a 9,000 sq. ft. taproom just steps away from its current Cincinnati production facility.

Self-Distribution Conspiracy Theory

Do you think this is why distributors hate self-distribution? It would be pretty easy for partnerships among craft brewers to eventually take a chunk out of their dominance.

High Water Brewing Partners with Night Shift Distributing for Distribution in Massachusetts | Brewbound.com

STOCKTON, Calif. – High Water Brewing out of Northern California will now be distributing beer in Massachusetts after partnering with Night Shift Distributing. This latest addition to the distribution mix puts High Water in fourteen states across the country.

I also in the show promised to link to my story about an independent craft distributor. Here it is:

Craft breweries inspire craft-only distributor in Delaware

The writing had been on the wall for Premier Distributing for a little while before it closed, but once the official announcement was made, Marc Steiman faced a tough decision. Premier had been something of a niche distributor of beer and wine in northern Delaware, but Steiman was the engine that powered Sussex County holdings for the company.

#seaktheseal

We’re huge fans of what the Brewers Association is doing to help independent craft beer stand out. What’s exciting about this is that it can work pretty easily.

Seek the Seal: Show Us Your Instagram Photos

I bet this scenario sounds familiar: You walk into a brewery, order a beer,