Thinkin’ and Drinkin’: Week of July 22

Hey Thinkin’ and Drinkin’ fans! It’s that time of the week again. Almost quittin’ time! Friday is when the Craft Brewing Business (CBB) crew kicks back with a couple of craft cold ones and reflects on the stories of the week. What we liked, what we learned and what we thought was just plain cool.

Did you have a favorite story from the week? Any of our features catch your attention? Well, pull up a seat, crack open a crafty beverage and join the conversation. We love hearing from our readers. So, after reading what we thought about this week in news, be sure to sound off in the comments below to let us know what you are thinking and, more importantly, what you’re drinking. Cheers!

Tap handles 101: Consider the timeline, design trends

Jason Morgan, editor:

In the craft beer world, what I love almost as much as the brew itself is the amazing creativity and artistry that many brewers pour into their brands. From unique packaging (like POUCHES!) to custom designed tap handles, infusing the stuff that surrounds your beer with some creativity goes a long way in enhancing the craft beer experience. Case in point — Chris Crowell’s excellent tap handle feature. Want to know the ins and outs of beer tap customizing and ordering? Check out the feature. And sound off in the comments about which tap handle in the slide show is your favorite. I don’t know if there’s a clear winner, but I’m loving Belfast Bay Brewing Co.’s Lobster Ale tap.

Craft Choice: Stone IPA (dispensed from my kegerator sporting a Thirsty Dog bone tap handle.)

Bürkert Fluid Control Systems opens educational microbrewery in Charlotte

Chris Crowell, editor:

One of the many great aspects of the Craft Brewers Conference back in March was being able to walk the trade show floor and get an up close look at all sorts of equipment and systems so that you could compare and contrast them with your own operation — and maybe see the first vision of  a new strategy. What’s cool about this idea from our friends at Bürkert Fluid Control Systems is being able to combine that interactive, visual demonstration into a year-round educational showcase — all the while making great beer. A nice combo of product and brand promotion with some serious craft beer brewing discussion. Even for those of us who aren’t in the brewing business, but just nerd-out over all things craft beer, getting an inside look during the demonstration video might be considered NSFW.

Craft choice: Thirsty Dog’s Citra Dog American IPA