Technology issues have been sorted and we are back in action.

We start with a quote from an interview with folks at Firestone Walker and their plans for Stone Brewing.

Times have been tough in the years since COVID. When we talk about that with Duvel, they acknowledge that, but say, “yeah, but we’ve been through World Wars.”

Vine Pair offers a take on AI in brewing, it’s a long piece, but it has good discussion with creative folks on the impact craft. This topic did pop up on the recent merchandise panel at BrewSmart. At the seminar a local artist recommended finding someone who fits with your brand and mission in your area. In doing that you are truly supporting local. Many restaurants/bars seem to be using it increasingly for their social media posts. I find it lazy because I’d rather see a great photo of your pizza or sandwich rather than some AI generated fluff. Often I find it oversimplified for the reader. For example the Brewers Association sent Friday an email with the subject line ‘Monday’ here’s a screenshot of the email.

It reads like someone sent to an AI the prompt “Write a reminder about Craft Beer week and email it to the newsletter list.” I have been doing some research on Axios, the news company, because they feature AI in their content creation. I was thinking of them because the Raleigh branch recently posted this story, which is a summary of the recent Brewers Association article on the state of the industry with some local breweries added in. I decided to give their Axios daily newsletter a sample after reading their article, but it was just like the above screenshot but with a few more sentences and 5-7 stories per email. I hope this isn’t the future of culture, but doesn’t strike me as authentic.

Yesterday marks the 20th anniversary of the American Craft Beer week, it sounds like a good excuse to go support your favorite local brewery.

As for the Carolina News Items I’m going to try a different tact this week, feedback would be appreciated.

South Carolina

Quiet week for South Carolina.

North Carolina

Asheville

New Belgium gets featured in two mentions the Chamber celebrates re-opening of tours and an article discussing their 10th anniversary.  Hopfly Brewing of Charlotte is opening a South Slope taproom.

Triangle

Basic Brewing will be a brewpub opening near Boylan Heights, no website but you can follow their Instagram. News & Observer has a post event wrap up on Brewgaloo.

Triad

Wise Man Brewing signs a distribution deal Caffey distribution and United Carolina Beverages, meaning Charlotte buyers should see an expanded footprint in their stores.

In events this weekend feature Southern Range 10th anniversary and Forgotten Roads hosting an anniversary as well. Lastly in events to the calendar, while anniversary parties will all always get listed, I want to shout out for more unusual taproom events for example at Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing has  ‘Bandages & Brews’ an outdoor first aid class at 5:30 tomorrow (May 13th).