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.
In this week’s Hoplinks, a well known local brewer gets a new gig, the history of the iconic Old Style bar sign is revealed, a massive recall is announced by one of America’s OG brewers, the road beer looks to make a comeback, a huge chain jumps on the “craft” bandwagon, and a whole lotta stouts are ranked.
HERMOSA, CHICAGO — Temperance Head Brewer Claudia Jendron is leaving the Evanston brewery this week to join Pipeworks. Her time at the helm of Temperance has led the brewery to GABF medals and rapid expansion in the Chicago market. The former Goose Island brewer is looking to take on new challenges at the booming Hermosa brewery. Check out our interview with Claudia from 2014 and get a glimpse into her new home with our 100th interview with Pipeworks. [THR Wire]
CHICAGO — If you love the classic Chicago neighborhood dive as much as we do, you’ve no doubt seen the many generic Old Style signs that adorn these drinking holes across the city. But why are there so many of these signs in Chicago? WBEZ sat down with beer historian Liz Garibay of History On Tap to find out the story behind this uniquely Chicago quirk. [WBEZ]
CHICO, CA — One of the OG’s of American craft beer, Sierra Nevada, is recalling bottled beer from 36 states. The massive recall comes as a very small number of bottles have been known to chip and drop into the glass, an obvious problem for the drinker and a lawsuit waiting to happen. In a minor silver lining, only bottles from their new Mills River, NC brewery are affected. [CNN]
MONTANA — A proposed Montana bill that would allow passengers in moving cars to drink alcohol has been backed by a local lawmaker. While the “road beer” ban was implemented because it was thought the passenger drinking might tempt the driver, state Rep. Daniel Zolnikov advocates for self-responsibility and has said, “It’s time to stop ‘treating adults like children.'” [Fox News]
USA — If you needed yet another sign of craft beer’s rise in prominence, Walmart now produces its own in-house brand of “craft” beers. Brewing up four styles, based on their four best selling beers from other breweries, the budget friendly Trouble Brewing brand is actually produced by Costa Rica based conglomerate Genesee. While we’re not expecting much at all, our curiosity is certainly peaked, especially for the low sticker price. [Washington Post]
USA — In a surprise bout of timing following our own epic blind stout tasting, Paste Magazine took on their own gauntlet by ranking 102 of the best non-barrel aged stouts in America. There are a few appearances from Chicago as well as a few beers that appear on both lists. What’s the best stout you’ve had recently? [Paste Magazine]
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Photo of Claudia Jendron from our 2014 interview at Temperance in Evanston, IL — by Jack Muldowney.