News Shots

Here's the latest from the world of beer:

In the wake of their takeover of Budweiser, AB/InBev cut 1,400 jobs this week. This comes on the heels of reports that AB/InBev was ordered to sell the U.S. Labatt unit. According to the CNN article, 75% of the 1,400 jobs are corporate positions in the St. Louis headquarters, more than 250 of which will not be filled. What a mess. If AB/InBev wants to save money, get rid of the Clydesdales. The sale of the horses and property alone would generate tons of immediate revenue without damaging the workforce. Meanwhile, they could afford to announce layoffs in the coming year and allow employees to find other jobs before they got the axe. So much for compassion. Oh, wait, this is the business world we're talking about, not the beer industry. I forgot.

More uplifting news: Mayflower Brewing Company is about to release growlers of a new bourbon-barrel aged Porter. The barrels, which once held Buffalo Trace bourbon, were given to the brewery by Julio's Liquors in Westborough, who had purchased the barrels for special single-barrel bottlings of the craft bourbon. Growlers will be filled at the brewery and will be available on a first-come first-served basis on 12/12 and 12/13. 35 growlers will be made available on each day, and will go for $20 a pop (including a $2 deposit). Get there early!

Heineken has decided to buy Beamish, and close the brewery. The move would cut 120 jobs, and the remaining workforce would be transferred to the Heineken-owned Murphy's brewery in Cork. This hits a particular nerve with me. One of my earliest drinking memories was enjoying a pint of Beamish, and reveling at the wonderful velvety mouthfeel of this dry Irish stout. Stock up while you can. Slainte!

Dann Paquette has created a new brand -- not a brewery, mind you, but a brand -- called Pretty Things Beer & Ale. He's renting space in the Paper City Brewery in Holyoke, MA. Pretty Things's first brew, "Jack D'Or," is an American Saison, and is the first Paquette brew to be sold in Massachusetts since 2005. Paquette has just recently returned from several years of brewing in North Yorkshire, England. Check out Todd Alstrom's BA writeup for more info. Here's where you can find Pretty Things on tap and in bottles. Color me crazy excited!

Further bulletins as events warrant.