Fermented Strangeness: Weirdest Brews

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Fremont glass

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…

7 Ciders and Beers to Keep You Warm

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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…

The important relationship between drinks and snacks

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Drinks and snacks at bar

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…

Pairing BBQ And Craft Beer For A Meal To Remember!

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barbecue-party

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…

All About Pumpkin Beers

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Pumpkin ale
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…

Craft Beer Ingredients by Season

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seasonal craft beer by Columbia Distributing

 

In the past few years, the rise of craft beer has been startling — in fact, the total number of breweries in the States rose by almost 20% from 2013 to 2014; signaling the growing popularity of the many types of flavor profiles. The market has been trying to meet the demand, and so marketing your craft brew has been easier if you do it by season. Continue reading…

Need an Energy Boost? Try These Energy Drinks

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Columbia Dist Energy Drinks

 

A lot of people depend on their morning fix of caffeine to get the day started. For most, this comes in the form of a cup of coffee. In fact, many people may drink coffee throughout the day or even at night as a way to maintain their energy levels so that they can stay productive while at work.

However, coffee isn’t your only option. You can get the energy boost you need by enjoying wellness drinks or energy drinks, many of which also contain caffeine, the essential ingredient to an energy boost. The following are a few examples of wellness drinks and energy drinks that will have the same effect as coffee: Continue reading…

Understanding The Origin of Tea and Tea Benefits

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Green Tea in a Cup.

Nothing refreshes and soothes like tea — the second most popular beverage in the world, after water. From organic, to ready-to-drink varieties — tea’s benefits are far-reaching. All tea, except the herbal varieties, are derived from the camellia sinensis plant. Its five categories include white, green, oolong, herbal and black tea. Its history is intermingled with different cultures and global leaders. A look at tea’s history and benefits: Continue reading…

The Best Alcoholic Ice Cream Treats

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alcoholic ice cream treat

We all know that an ice cold beer is one of the best ways to cool down on a hot summer day (or night). However, sometimes you might be in the mood for a delicious ice cream treat as well. If this is the case, why not combine the two and enjoy an alcoholic ice cream treat?

Alcoholic ice cream treats have become all the rage in recent years, especially following the sudden burst of interest in craft beer and artisanal ice creams over the past decade. The following are just a few of the alcoholic ice cream treats that are available all over the country that you should try out this summer if given the chance: Continue reading…

Five Great Craft Brews with Outstanding Flavor – Columbia Distributing

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Glasses of beer and ale barrel on the wooden table. Craft brewery.

Over the past decade or so, there has been a surge in the numbers of craft beer created by smaller independent breweries. Located in almost every corner of the United States, they have created a veritable paradise of beer flavors for the discerning connoisseur. While we hesitate at Columbia Distributing to name any one particular brand as the very best, we do recognize true quality when we see – and taste – it. Here are five of our favorites: Continue reading…