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.
This week saw a blend of both the good and bad sides of the craft beer world. There are countless instances of why we love this industry each day but, as it continues its explosive growth, there will be times where the darker side of the industry shows through.
In this edition of the Hoplinks, a South Side brewery opens its doors, some Hoosiers want change, a university adds a class, and we see not one, but two lawsuits filed. Let us know what else is going on in the comments below!
SOUTH LOOP, CHICAGO – Motor Row Brewing, who we talked to way back in October 2013 when they were known as Broad Shoulders, is finally opening this week. The Lakeshore Beverage blog does a great profile of founder Frank Lassandrello along with a preview of their beer lineup.
INDIANA – The Hoosier state is raising awareness for their fight to change their archaic distribution laws. The outdated law currently limits craft breweries to producing a maximum of 30,000 barrels per year; a limit which forced Sun King Brewing to recently cut ties with some distributors.
KALAMAZOO, MI – Western Michigan University has proposed offering a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Craft Brewing. This would be the second such program in the state as Central Michigan University is set to begin offering a Certification in Fermentation Science program this year.
MICHIGAN – The owner of the ever expanding HopCat line of bars has filed suit against Chicago’s Aaron Heineman, owner of soon-to-open Breakroom Brewery. The suit alleges that a $60,000 deposit for a 70-foot bar for the HopCat Detroit location was never returned after Heineman failed to deliver on the project. Heineman’s Bar Company will be featured in a Discovery Channel show later this year.
CALIFORNIA – Lagunitas Brewing’s Tony Mcgee riled up the craft beer masses this week with his much publicized suit against Sierra Nevada. The “court of public opinion” quickly voiced it’s displeasure and the suit has now been dropped, complete with a Twitter explanation from Tony.