Saturday, January 26, 2008

Ben E. Keith Acquires C.R. Goodman

The Dallas-based Anheuser-Busch distributor Ben E. Keith has acquired the smaller distributor C.R. Goodman, a state-wide specialty distributor for craft and import beer.

For now, C.R. Goodman will retain all employees and warehouses under Ben E. Keith ownership. The deal does not include C.R. Goodman's Colorado branch nor their import company, Belukus.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Gordon Biersch to Open in Plano

A new location of the Gordon Biersch brewpub and restaurant chain is planned for The Shops at Legacy in Plano. Based out of California, this will be the first location in Texas for the multi-state franchise.

Unlike the similar BJ's Brewhouse franchise, beer should be brewed on-site at this location. No date has been given for its opening.

Monday, January 14, 2008

MCAB X in Houston, Feb 8-9

The Master Championship of Amateur Brewing (MCAB) homebrew competition will be held at the Saint Arnold Brewery in Houston on February 8-9.

Originally founded by Houston's homebrew club the Foam Rangers, the MCAB has become an interstate alternative competition, traveling around the country and using local regional competitions like the Bluebonnet Brew-Off and Dixie Cup as "qualifiers."

The first MCAB I was held in Houston in 1999, and the latest MCAB IX was held in St. Paul, MN, in 2007. Falling out of favor the past few years, the MCAB has recently been rejuvenated by members of the St. Paul Homebrewers Club, who have moved the MCAB X event to its original location for this year.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Austin Flying Saucer Opens

The new and long-delayed Flying Saucer Draught Emporium finally opened in Austin this past Thursday. This twelfth location of the beer-centric franchise is located in the north part of town at the new Triangle urban development project at the merge of Lamar Blvd and Guadalupe St.

Like other locations, this new establishment will also feature more than 70 taps plus a large bottle selection.

Friday, January 04, 2008

Whip-In to Microbrew

The Whip-In beer store in Austin is planning to expand their retail operation by installing a small 1.5- to 3-barrel brewing system. General manager Dipak Topiwala says beer will be sold at the store in half-gallon growlers, most likely with an IPA to start.

No date has been given for when the beer will be available.