New Belgium Brewing’s Post

Once beer leaves the brewery, it’s in a distributor’s or retailer’s hands. However, that doesn’t mean breweries can’t monitor how it’s being stored, handled, and poured. Self-distributing breweries have more visibility and control over this, of course, but even those with wholesaler contracts should make it a priority to evaluate their beer’s quality in the market and flag any issues. For the Brewing Industry Guide, I dug into the complicated but critical issue of field quality: what small breweries can do, and why it matters. Big thanks to Jessie Polin, Julie Smith, Sean Lawson, Neil Witte, and Stoup Brewing's Jason Bass for speaking with me:

To me, a layman, the brewing process is a mysterious one. I could spend hours on Google and come away with very little understanding because it’s not my world. A lot of the terminology goes in one ear and out the other. And I’m left thinking about beer in the middle of a weekday. However, the few conversations I’ve had with brewers have provided far more clarity. Because: - I got the information directly from the source - the guy who does all the mad science. - I was drinking the beer he was going on about. I could taste it as he described what went into it. I’m not suggesting you force your brewers into a crowd of confused beer drinkers to lecture them on carbonation. Nobody wins in that situation. So what’s the alternative? There are loads of ways. Here’s one now: Let’s say you’ve got a new beer releasing soon. (And let’s say you’ve committed to sending more emails and to treating every beer release or rerelease with the pomp and circumstance it deserves.) Get your brewer to write out in simple terms what the new beer is. What’s in it, how long it takes to ferment, how strong it is, etc. Boom, there’s your email. (Which you can then pair down until it fits the platform, like we talked about yesterday.) Brewer isn’t much of a writer? That’s fine, you do it. Pay somebody to do it. Not only does this approach demystify the brewing process, but it also provides your audience with more specific reasons to love your beer. Plus, by sharing this information, you become the brewery that educates, thus giving off a sense of added expertise. I understand how busy brewers are. I don’t want to give anybody more work. All I want is for you to pull back the curtain just a little bit. Let your audience see how much skill and heart goes into every pint. Cheers.

You have to know your brand's value and assert it through your team's daily actions. Consistent communication and accountability from a supplier always conveyed to me that they likely had their act together across the board. If you don't actively demand your brand's value in everything you do, how can you expect anyone else to? The values you demonstrate through your daily operations shape how distributors and retailers perceive and treat your brand. Ensuring quality control and maintaining high standards, even after your product leaves the brewery, shows a commitment to excellence. By consistently upholding your brand's value, you not only protect its integrity but also build strong, respectful relationships with your distribution and retail partners.

📸 Brewery in Focus: La Cumbre Brewing Co. Independent agents, here’s a valuable opportunity to learn from La Cumbre Brewing Co., one of New Mexico’s premier breweries. By getting a snapshot into their commitment to quality, community and some of the risks their business faces, you can better serve craft breweries in your portfolio. "Quality is measured in many ways, but to put it as easily as I can, a beer’s quality should be judged by how close the brewer came to their intended target." - Jeffrey Erway, President. Read more about their journey and insights that can help you advise your clients better. #CraftBeer #BrewingIndustry #InsuranceAgents #RiskManagement #QualityBrewing #LaCumbreBrewing 👉 https://lnkd.in/e3Wi2yst

If you know anyone from Wisconsin, you’ve likely heard them talk about the New Glarus Brewing Company. Heck, if you know anyone from the Midwest, New Glarus beer has likely crossed their lips at some point. Is it really worth the hype, though? I get into all that and more in this guide to whether New Glarus beer is overrated, including thoughts from Brian, a local from these parts! https://lnkd.in/ggHcVKqF

How one ad made Schlitz Beer a household name—and it wasn’t about the taste. In the early 1900s, Schlitz Beer was struggling to stand out in a crowded market. That’s when Claude Hopkins stepped in with a bold strategy: focus on the process. Hopkins discovered that all breweries used similar methods to purify their beer, but no one was talking about it. So, he made it Schlitz’s unique selling point. His ads emphasized the purity of the brewing process—how the beer was filtered through "white wood pulp" and sterilized to perfection. Even though every brewery did the same thing, Schlitz was the first to make it part of their story. And it worked. The campaign shot Schlitz to become the #1 beer in America. The takeaway? Sometimes, it’s not about what you do differently—it’s about what you communicate first. By highlighting something common in a new way, you can turn it into a powerful differentiator.

The dynamic world of brewing welcomes a new digital epicenter – Brewing.guru. Aimed at elevating the craft and culture, this platform offers a treasure trove of knowledge, insights, and tools for everyone from seasoned brewers to curious sippers. Brewing.guru invites enthusiasts to dive deep into the rich tapestry of brewing with curated Q&A articles elucidating expert insights on techniques, ingredients, and trends. Exclusive interviews connect users with the heartbeat of the industry as artisans and professionals share their passion and expertise. Whether refining a classic recipe or experimenting with novel concoctions, Brewing.guru's resources and toolkit aid every brewing ambition. Behind this enriched content repository is Featured – a renowned expert insights platform celebrated for marrying industry mavens with premier publications. 'Brewing isn't just a process; it's an art form, a science, and a community,' said Brett Farmiloe, CEO of Featured. 'With Brewing.guru, we aim to elevate every facet of this craft.' Envisioning to be the brewmaster's compass – a guide, confidante, and companion – Brewing.guru celebrates the craft, welcoming all from budding brewers to discerning aficionados. Embark on a brewing odyssey where every drop tells a story, and every brew is a journey. #brewingcommunity #craftbeer #brewing #beerlovers @brewing_guru

The craft beer industry is evolving, and non-alcoholic (NA) options offer a powerful opportunity for growth. While traditional breweries are adapting to this shift, brands like Gruvi have a unique advantage—NA products have been their core focus since day one. This gives Gruvi a distinct edge in messaging and brand identity, allowing them to authentically resonate with today’s health-conscious consumers. Gruvi’s success shows that building a brand around NA from the start creates a strong, consistent message that truly connects with consumers. Unlike traditional brands that are expanding into NA, Gruvi’s entire identity revolves around mindful drinking. This clarity of purpose is a key driver in their growth and sets them apart in a competitive market. For other brands looking to expand into the NA segment, the key takeaway is to focus on creating a clear, resonant brand message that speaks to the target consumer's preferences. Whether you’re integrating NA options or building a new brand identity, it’s crucial to approach it with the same authenticity and commitment that Gruvi has. #NonAlcoholicDrinks #BrandStrategy #MindfulDrinking #CraftBeerIndustry #ConsumerTrends

Launching a brewery is an exciting endeavor, but it's essential to be prepared for the journey ahead. Our latest blog post dives into the essential tips and considerations for aspiring brewery owners. From navigating permits and regulations to crafting unique flavors, we've got you covered. Read the full article here: https://loom.ly/lCq3JMc We've been supporting craft beverage creators for over 20 years, providing tailored financial guidance to help turn dreams into reality. If you're ready to take the next step in your brewery journey, let's connect and explore how we can help you succeed. Cheers to your brewing adventure! #CraftBrewery #BreweryOwnership #BreweryStartup

Interesting insight into cellar management thanks to Wye Valley Brewery Ltd. It's so vital that everyone in the chain understands the nuances - if the beer doesn't look right don't serve it - it could be an issue with a cask, the beer, or the cellar, let's not make memories for the wrong reasons. The less cask ales on the bar the better - there is a far higher likelihood that they are going to be fresh. 🙏 https://lnkd.in/eSuNgHbY