Why Malt Deserves More Credit in Beer

When people talk about beer, hops usually steal the spotlight. They’re flashy, aromatic, and easy to identify. But during my recent live stream on Rod J BeerVentures, I sat down with Ian Goering, Director of Operations at Blue Ox Malthouse, to talk about the ingredient that truly forms the backbone of beer: malt.

This conversation was all about peeling back the layers of beer and helping drinkers understand what’s really happening before the hops ever show up.

Malt: The Foundation of Beer

Malt plays a critical role in beer, influencing nearly every aspect of the final product. From sweetness and body to color and mouthfeel, malt is responsible for much of what we experience when we take that first sip. Ian explained how different malt varieties contribute flavors ranging from bread and cracker to caramel, chocolate, and roast—often without beer drinkers realizing where those flavors originate.

One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation was just how much intentional decision-making goes into malt selection. Brewers aren’t just choosing malt for alcohol content—they’re building flavor, structure, and balance from the ground up.

Inside the Malting Process

Ian also shared insight into the malting process itself, offering a behind-the-scenes look that many beer fans never get to hear. From grain selection to germination and kilning, each step directly impacts how malt performs in the brewhouse and how it expresses itself in beer.

This perspective helped connect the dots between agriculture, craftsmanship, and brewing—highlighting how maltsters and brewers collaborate to create consistent, expressive beers.

Malt’s Role for Brewers and Homebrewers

Whether you’re brewing professionally or at home, understanding malt opens up new creative possibilities. We discussed how thoughtful malt choices can elevate beer styles, add depth without sweetness overload, and help brewers achieve balance without relying solely on hops or adjuncts.

Even for non-brewers, this knowledge changes how you drink beer. Once you start recognizing malt character, you notice it everywhere—from lagers and stouts to IPAs and barrel-aged beers.

Why This Matters for Beer Fans

This wasn’t a technical lecture—it was a conversation designed to make beer more enjoyable. Malt may not be the trendiest ingredient, but it’s arguably the most important. Understanding it gives beer fans a deeper appreciation for what’s in their glass and the craftsmanship behind every pour.

If you missed the live stream, the full replay is available on Rod J BeerVentures on YouTube. And if you want to be part of future discussions, make sure you follow and subscribe so you can join the conversation live, ask questions, and interact in real time.

Beer starts with malt—and after this conversation, you might never look at beer the same way again.
Get your beer on. 🍺

See video here: https://youtube.com/live/-bUsWNYOZ6s?feature=share

Bruz Beers Presents: Let's Get Lost Premiere on January 15

DENVER, CO— Bruz Beers, crafter of Badass Belgian Beers and international beer tour guides, will debut its new short film Let’s Get Lost on January 15 at its original location. This documentary-style production follows Ryan Evans on a sensory beer journey through Bruges, Belgium. 

“Sometimes the magic of travel for me is just getting lost,” says Evans, Bruz Beers Co-Founder, who fell in love with Belgian beer while backpacking through Europe in college. This affinity for beer travel inspired the now acclaimed Bruz Beers and the annual beer tours he leads in Belgium. 

Evans and Christopher Austin of Austin Studio Denver created Let’s Get Lost on their 2025 pilgrimage at multiple locations in Bruges. “Here I am in one of my favorite towns in this country, bringing friends, bringing family, bringing customers back to show them a piece of what grabbed my heart and soul back in the day,” Evans says in the film’s introduction.

Get a first look at Let’s Get Lost on Thursday, January 15, from 6 to 8 pm at Bruz Beers in Denver’s Midtown neighborhood. Guests can enjoy an array of Bruz’s Belgian-style beers on tap before the film screening, with Q&A and mingling with the Bruz team to follow. Both Evans and Austin, as well as other team members, will be available to answer any questions you may have. 

Bruz will have their charity beer, Ales for ALS Tripel, on tap at this event. Several other seasonal offerings will also be available. 

LET’S GET LOST PREMIERE DAY-OF DETAILS

When:  Thursday, January 15 from 6 to 8pm

Where: Bruz Beers - 1675 West 67th Avenue #100 Denver, CO 80221

Open to the public. Media attending can RSVP to Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.

ABOUT BRUZ BEERS 

The acclaimed Bruz Beers was named one of the 13 Best Craft Breweries in America by Hop Culture, has won countless awards and medals, and is dedicated to brewing traditional Belgian-style beers and innovative Belgian-inspired brews. It offers a wide range of Belgian-style seasonal and limited-release beers on tap at its two Denver-area locations, as well as for takeaway in crowlers, bottles, and cans. Visit Bruz online at bruzbeers.com.

FIRESTONE WALKER MARKS 30 YEARS OF SHAPING THE LANDSCAPE OF AMERICAN CRAFT BEER

FIRESTONE WALKER MARKS 30 YEARS OF SHAPING THE LANDSCAPE OF AMERICAN CRAFT BEER

 

A milestone year anchored by timeless originals, modern evolution 

and singular focus on brewing the perfect beer

 

Paso Robles, California - Thirty years after brewing its first batch of Double Barrel Ale (DBA)  in a vineyard on California’s Central Coast, Firestone Walker enters its fourth decade with the same restless spirit that shaped its beginning. The 30th anniversary is not a look back. It is a reaffirmation of values, vision and an enduring belief that beer can be better.

 

Founded in 1996 by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker, Firestone Walker helped define what American craft beer could become. From pioneering techniques to obsessive quality standards, the brewery has spent three decades crafting beers that stand the test of time while never standing still.

 

“Thirty years in, we still believe the best beers are the ones that respect tradition but refuse to be trapped by it,” said Nick Firestone, CEO for Firestone Walker.. “This anniversary is about honoring where we came from while continuing to build a brewery that is relevant, curious and future facing.”

 

A Story Still Being Written

Firestone Walker kicks off its 30th anniversary year with a new spot Pour It All In that captures the heart of the brewery’s journey. Told with humor, humility and honesty, the spot traces the path from scrappy beginnings to a multigenerational family brewery that helped shape modern American beer culture. Watch it here.

 

Featuring founders Adam Firestone and David Walker; second-generation leader Nick Firestone; and longtime brewmaster Matt Brynildson, the spot celebrates the personalities, convictions and creative tension that forged Firestone Walker’s ethos of Beer Before Glory. It is a reminder that progress is built on belief, patience and a willingness to do things the hard way when it matters.

 

The Beer That Started It All, Reintroduced

As part of its “Cheers to 30 Years” celebration, Firestone Walker is unveiling refreshed heritage-inspired packaging across its original beers, led by DBA. Brewed continuously since 1996, DBA remains the cornerstone of the brewery and a benchmark for balance, drinkability and character.

Over the past three decades, DBA has earned widespread acclaim and dozens of medals at major competitions, helping establish Firestone Walker as one of the most consistently awarded breweries in the world. Its longevity is not an accident. It is the result of patience, restraint and a commitment to getting the details right.

 

The updated package design draws from the original label while sharpening its presence for today. It is not a reinvention. It is a reaffirmation.

 

DBA remains the only American beer partially fermented in a union of oak barrels, a technique rooted in nineteenth century British brewing. Its malt-forward profile and unmistakable balance have endured for three decades because the beer never chased trends. It simply stayed true.

 

Union Jack IPA and Pivo Pilsner will follow with similar refreshed designs later in the year. Both beers continue to rack up top honors at competitions around the globe, with Union Jack long regarded as one of the defining American IPAs and Pivo Pils consistently recognized among the world’s best pilsners. Together, they reinforce a simple truth. When quality leads, longevity follows.

 

IPAs Then, Now, and Next

Firestone Walker’s anniversary year also brings the return of Easy Jack as part of a newly curated IPA Mixed Pack. First released in 2014, Easy Jack earned a devoted following for delivering full IPA character at a sessionable strength. It returns alongside Union Jack, Firestone IPA, and a limited-edition Double IPA called Diesel Thunder.

 

Together, the pack reflects Firestone Walker’s longstanding relationship with the IPA style and its ability to evolve without losing its point of view.

 

A Year of Celebration in the Real World

The 30th anniversary will be marked throughout the year with a series of gatherings and activations designed to bring the celebration to the people and places that helped build the brand.

 

Highlights include a special 30th Anniversary Brewery Block Party during the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival set for this May in Paso Robles, as well as Walker’s Wild Ride, a traveling series of tap takeovers and events with longtime bar and restaurant partners across the country.

 

Each activation is designed to feel personal, grounded, and rooted in community. Just like the brewery itself.

 

Thirty Years In, Just Getting Started

Over three decades, Firestone Walker has earned some of the most respected honors in the beer world, including Brewery of the Decade from Paste Magazine and multiple Brewery of the Year awards at the Great American Beer Festival. The brewery has been repeatedly recognized not just for individual beers, but for a body of work defined by consistency, restraint, and an uncompromising commitment to quality.

Those accolades are not the goal. They are the byproduct of a philosophy that values patience over hype, curiosity over complacency, and long term thinking over short term wins.

 

That same philosophy has shaped Firestone Walker’s broader impact on modern beer culture. From the rise of 805 Beer into one of the most culturally resonant beer brands in America, to the bold, fruit forward energy of Cali Squeeze, to the mind expanding, boundary-pushing world of Mind Haze, Firestone Walker has continued to evolve alongside drinkers without losing its point of view.

 

At the same time, innovation has never stopped at the margins. The Propagator R&D brewhouse in Marina del Rey serves as the brewery’s creative proving ground, a place where new ideas, techniques, and expressions are tested, refined, and sometimes quietly changed forever. It is a reminder that experimentation and discipline can coexist when the foundation is strong.

 

Thirty years in, Firestone Walker is not celebrating an ending. It is reinforcing a trajectory. One built on earned trust, creative confidence, and a belief that the future of beer belongs to those willing to keep pushing it forward.

 

“Thirty years is a milestone,” Firestone said. "The work continues.”

Firestone Walker proudly celebrates 30 years in 2026. Founded by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker, Firestone Walker is a family-led second-generation brewery based on California’s Central Coast. Helmed by Nick Firestone and decorated Brewmaster Matt Brynildson, Firestone Walker's main brewery in Paso Robles produces a robust lineup of award-winning beers including 805, California's #1 craft beer brand established in 2012; Mind Haze, a top 5 national hazy IPA; and Cali Squeeze, one of the nation's fastest-growing beer brands. The Firestone brand family also includes iconic beers such as DBA, Union Jack, and Pivo Pils, as well as the storied Vintage Series of barrel-aged strong ales led by Parabola. As a California beer company, Firestone Walker also has two additional locations: the Barrelworks wild ale cellar in Santa Barbara County and the Propagator R&D brewhouse in Venice. More at FirestoneWalker.com.

Anheuser-Busch Investing $30M in Jacksonville Facilities

LEADING AMERICAN MANUFACTURER CONTINUES TO DELIVER ON $300 MILLION COMMITMENT, INCREASING PRODUCTION OF MICHELOB ULTRA, THE #1 TOP-SELLING & FASTEST-GROWING BEER IN U.S.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD), a leading American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Cutwater Spirits and NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, today announced a $30 million investment in its Jacksonville, FL Brewery and Can Plant. The investment will go toward upgrading brewing and packaging equipment to fuel increased production of Michelob ULTRA, America's #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer.   This latest $30 million investment in its Jacksonville facilities is part of Anheuser-Busch's ongoing Brewing Futures initiative, through which the company invested more than $300 million in its U.S. facilities in the last year to create and sustain U.S. manufacturing jobs. Building on more than 165 years of continuous investment in its people, breweries, and communities, Anheuser-Busch's Brewing Futures initiative supports American manufacturing through three key pillars:   1) creating and sustaining manufacturing jobs   2) advancing technical skills training  3) strengthening manufacturing career opportunities for veterans  Brendan Whitworth, CEO, Anheuser-Busch said: "Investing in our Jacksonville facilities enables us to brew more of the highest-quality American beers that consumers love, including Michelob ULTRA, the #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer in America. Investments like these are incredibly important because they help us to enhance our operations while also sustaining jobs and driving local economic growth in the communities where we operate."  This investment will expand the Jacksonville Brewery's capacity to produce fast-growing beers like Michelob ULTRA, including upgrades to bottling lines and brewing tanks. According to Circana, the leader in providing data to consumer-packaged goods companies, Michelob ULTRA is the #1 top-selling beer nationwide and the state of Florida, and Nielsen also confirms the brand is #1 in bars and restaurants across the state. U.S. Representative Aaron Bean (R-FL) said: "Anheuser-Busch's announcement of a new $30 million investment to expand production at its Jacksonville facilities is excellent news for Northeast Florida. This kind of bold, forward-looking investment will create new jobs, provide more opportunities, boost our state's economy, and further solidify our region as a cornerstone of American manufacturing. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cut, pro-growth investments like this are becoming more possible, empowering businesses to grow, workers to succeed, and communities to prosper." Florida Speaker Pro Tempore, Wyman Duggan (R-Jacksonville) said: "By upgrading brewing and packaging capabilities with a $30 million investment, Anheuser‑Busch is helping position Jacksonville to grow its manufacturing sector and strengthen our workforce development in this area. We look forward to working together to turn this investment into a sustained opportunity for the hard-working people of Jacksonville."   Anheuser-Busch opened its Jacksonville Brewery in 1969 and its Metal Container Corporation (MCC) facility in 2016. The company has invested over $100 million in its Jacksonville facilities since 2021, part of the nearly $2 billion it has invested in its 100 U.S. facilities over the past five years. ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH  At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years as a leading American manufacturer, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As the nation's top brewer, one of the fastest growing spirits companies, and an insurgent force in energy drinks, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only alcohol company that invests in the U.S. at this scale.  We are home to the nation's most iconic beers, ready-to-drink spirits and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA – America's #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer – Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, industry-leading craft beers and non-alcohol beers like Michelob ULTRA Zero. We are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and to the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our products to life. That's who we are. For more information, visit  www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

Mash Gang Launches Wet January Celebration

Non-Alcoholic Brewer to Gift Free Beer to People who Commit to the Cause

DENVER, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mash Gang, the UK Born and U.S. beloved non-alcoholic beer is launching a campaign, New Beers Resolution, to encourage people to find new ways to combat loneliness this January. Having begun as a homebrewing experiment during the pandemic, Mash Gang was established as an antidote to lockdown loneliness and has since established a global supportive community while redefining the non-alcohol craft beer experience. "Every year, people enter January with a sense of doom, and with a real, often self-inflicted pressure, to give up all the pleasures in life. It is time people were encouraged to start a resolution that brings genuine joy to an otherwise bleak month," commented Jordan Childs, co-founder and chief product officer at Mash Gang. "We want to fuel moments of social connection, and in doing so promote mental health and wellbeing." As part of its playful New Beers Resolution campaign, the brand is asking people to ditch dry January and have a wet one instead by 'drinking more beer' this year, and to help, it's offering 100 lucky people free beer if they sign up. A recent study sponsored by Mash Gang, and conducted by Opinion Matters, found that January is one of the loneliest months of the year, with 60% of people claiming it to be the 'toughest' month. It's a time when well-meaning resolutions tend to unravel fast, with new data also revealing 59% of people find New Year's resolutions unrealistic or too demanding. When it comes to drinking habits specifically, the pressure ramps up even further. While 39% of people want to cut down on alcohol (rising to 61% among 25–34 year olds), 26% say a lack of motivation stops them sticking to drink-related resolutions. Social moments remain the biggest hurdle, with 25% finding a night out with friends the hardest situation to go alcohol-free. At the same time, according to Gallup, the percentage of U.S. adults who report currently having depression has exceeded 18% and stands at an estimated 47.8 million Americans. "Between the post-holiday blues, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and increased online isolation, January presents a mental hurdle for many," continued Childs. "It is not a time to create more obstacles to gathering. Through our New Beers Resolution, we hope to encourage socialization and experimentation in a healthy way."  To bring the New Beers Resolution to life, Mash Gang is encouraging people to grab two free six packs of Mash Gang by heading to the sign-up page HERE and to share their resolutions with the Mash Gag community on Instagram and Tik Tok. To keep the momentum going, Mash Gang will launch in-store activations in HEB and Whole Foods with promotions, instore samplings, education evenings, and 'Meet the Producer' events. The Mash Gang community should stay tuned on all social media platforms for news on events and giveaways throughout Wet January. About Mash Gang Mash Gang began as a home-brewing experiment during the pandemic and has grown into one of the most respected non-alcoholic brewers in the world. Mash Gang is part of DioniLife's non-alcoholic platform and a key player in revolutionizing the adult beverage industry. Mash Gang brings its non-alcoholic beers to consumers at Total Wine & More, H-E-B, Whole Foods, Thrive Market and many more retailers across the U.S.

Voodoo Ranger Revs Up to Announce Sweet Ride Juicy IPA

An Endlessly Crushable, Bold Flavored Evolution of the Everyday IPA

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Voodoo Ranger, America's #1 IPA, introduced Sweet Ride Juicy IPA, an endlessly crushable, flavor-packed beer crafted to be the perfect easier-drinking IPA. Layered with bright tropical aromas and bright, juicy flavors, Sweet Ride cruises in at 6.5% ABV, keeping pace with any occasion without compromising on taste. As the number one brand in bold-flavored, high-impact IPAs, Voodoo Ranger has created the next evolution of traditional IPAs. In a category that currently separates beers that are style-led from everyday drinkability, Sweet Ride Juicy IPA breaks with convention to deliver the full throttle flavors fans expect from a Voodoo Ranger in a lower ABV that goes the distance. "As the name suggests, Sweet Ride is a little sweet with just enough IPA bitterness to keep it balanced," said Kiron Chakraborty, Marketing Director of Voodoo Ranger. "It's hoppy enough for craft beer fans, and the tropical notes make it easy to enjoy even for those who don't usually reach for an IPA. It's a true crowd-pleaser that you can reach for at any occasion." This expansion of Voodoo Ranger's lineup, which includes the country's top-selling IPAs, Juice Force IPA and Imperial IPA, comes from the brand's category-breaking innovation and bold, high-quality releases that its loyal fanbase has come to expect. Available in six and twelve packs of 12oz cans nationwide, Sweet Ride is made for shoppers looking to stock up on a crushable, crisp IPA that's full of flavor, sip after sip. About Voodoo Ranger Crafted by New Belgium Brewing, Voodoo Ranger is the fastest growing craft beer brand in the country. Launched in 2017 with just three beers, Voodoo Ranger has since expanded its lineup to include over 20 distinct brews, including the flagship Voodoo Ranger IPA, Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA, and Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA, along with recent record-breaking releases like Juice Force IPA, Tropic Force IPA, and Hardcharged Tea. For a rangerously good time, follow @voodooranger on Instagram, learn more at voodooranger.com, and discover the official merch of epic beer at www.vootique.com.