This content was originally published by The Hop Review, a digital magazine that joined the Hop Culture family in March 2020.
This piece was written by Tom White.
As the New Year looms, there is already plenty of exciting news centered around 2015. In this week’s Hoplinks, a judge responds, a long bar gets wider, a “stupid” law is fought, and a brand plans to update. Peruse this week’s links and let us know what else we should be reading in the world of beer.
CHICAGO – Patrick Berger, owner of craft beer havens Kaiser Tiger and Paddy Long’s, offers his take on the FoBAB medal controversy. A respected BJCP beer judge himself, Berger speaks to the often misunderstood relationship between breweries and festival judges.
GREEKTOWN, CHICAGO – Plans are in the works for a new craft beer restaurant and bar in the relatively beer baron neighbourhood of Greektown. Tapworks plans to feature between 40 and 48 beers, as well as wine and whiskey.
RAVENSWOOD, CHICAGO – Renowned craft beer bar, The Long Room is nearing completion of it’s new addition. The expansion, which will make The Long Room wider and add a kitchen is planned for a January opening.
FLORIDA – A bartender is suing the state of Florida in an effort to change the outdated, and unique to Florida, growler laws. State law makes it illegal to sell beer in containers larger than 32 ounces or smaller than a gallon.
CLEVELAND, OH – Great Lakes Brewing Company announced plans to update their logo and packaging. The brewery’s branding has not seen a major facelift since it was founded in 1988.
USA – The Cicerone Certification Program has released their British and Irish Course book. Purchase of the $99 book includes 21 activities and access to the style’s Road to Cicerone exam.
Photograph by Melinda Jane Myers