There are many benefits to the three-tier system that governs the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages and mandates that these beverages must travel from producers to distributors and then to retailers before being made available for purchase by the public. However, due to this system, it’s incredibly important for wineries and retailers to choose the right distributor. Continue reading…
When cold and flu season rears its head, many people turn to cough syrup and other over-the-counter remedies to find relief. However, did you know there’s a traditional drink that’s been consumed for over two centuries and is said to help alleviate cold symptoms? It’s called the hot toddy. Continue reading…
Throughout the year, breweries introduce seasonal beers. One of these recurring brews is the winter ale, otherwise referred to as a winter warmer. Read on to learn what defines this cold-weather beer and how to determine the quality of a winter ale.
Winter Ale Defined Continue reading…
From dedicated football fans to devoted basketball enthusiasts to true American baseball supporters, picking a game-ready beer is not always an easy task. But at Columbia Distributing, we offer a large selection of domestic, imported and craft beer to suit any palate. Keep reading to learn which styles of beer are best for the big game. Continue reading…
When it comes to spiked hot chocolate, recipes with liquor may come to mind. However, did you know that you can make a delicious cup of alcohol-infused hot chocolate using beer? While stouts work best in the following recipes, thanks to their roasted malt flavor profiles that taste of coffee or dark chocolate, you can experiment with other types of dark beer as well. Here are three delectable ways to serve up decadent hot chocolates that blend your love of beer with this timeless cold-weather beverage. Continue reading…
Beer drinkers have been embracing microbrews since small, independent brewers began creating their unique hoptastic flavors in the early ’80s. Now referred to as craft beers, microbrews no longer make up a tiny segment of the beer industry. By the end of 2016, craft beer makers accounted for 5,234 of the 5,301 breweries in the U.S. While this is great for beer connoisseurs, craft brewers find themselves in a very competitive landscape. This makes it difficult for brewers to come up with a truly unique beer, so many strive for a little weirdness to grab consumers’ attention. If you’re looking for a slightly crazy concoction, consider one of these strange fermented brews. Continue reading…
While traditionalists will claim that distilled spirits are the only type of drink that can warm you, we beg to differ. In fact, we are firm believers in the “warming” value of ciders and beers. Here are eight of our favorites that prove the point: Continue reading…
Many times when people hear the word “pairing” they think of snobbery and a stuffy aristocrat picking a cheese for his wine. The truth is that we all pair our food and drinks, perhaps without even realizing it. We pick the best snacks for drinks all the time. Think about it, when you go to the movies, you carefully select your drink and your snacks so you get maximum enjoyment.
Food plays a role in the flavor of a drink, it can enhance or inhibit.
Finding the perfect drink to go with your favorite snack may not be easy and it may take several tries before your find the best relationship, but don’t give up because when you do finally find the right match your snack or mealtime will be forever improved.
Here’s what to consider when searching for the best snack and drink combination: Continue reading…
Americans have a love of barbecue that is legendary. Whether it’s brats or burgers, Memphis style ribs, or pork shoulder mopped with traditional Eastern North Carolina vinegar sauce, there’s a cooking style to meet every taste.
Like barbecue, craft beers aren’t pigeon-holed into any one style or location. Craft beers pair with a variety of foods from grilled meats to desserts. Choosing the right beer for barbecue is an art. Eating delicious barbecue while sipping the perfect beer can make any meal memorable.
Let’s look at four outstanding craft beer and barbecue pairings that can take your next barbecue to a new level of deliciousness! Continue reading…
Every year in October, people who love beer celebrate the fall season with festivals, food and fun centered around their favorite beverage.
Pumpkin is the flavor of the autumn season. The bright orange fruit finds its way into pies, coffees and a variety of other foods. Breweries are applying the trend to beer flavorings. When high-profile producers like Rogue and Samuel Adams join the movement, people start to take notice. Continue reading…