Markets shift, trends are evolving, it’s nothing new. We are all seeing Oktoberfests and Pumpkin beers out in the market, yes well too early, but the big chain stores drive it. I saw Halloween candy on shelves in July and reports of Christmas trees showing up at Costco have emerged.

I know too soon.

But other market trends take place outside of sheer seasonality. Pickle flavor is everywhere. I noticed Bull City Burger and Beer proudly declared they had been doing it for years. I bring all this up because Randy Mosher has a fascinating piece on trends and where they will likely be emerging.

Down in Charleston we have coverage of the Two Blokes Brewery new second taproom.

Western NC is busy with Brewer magazine profiles Diatribe Brewing. We get more details of the Hi-Wire Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing partnership. Local hops came up with the NC State extension about their hop program. The challenge is climate and disease pressure, but also that yields are much lower in the region than the Pacific Northwest. They could have viable testing at local breweries in the next few years.

Triangle around Town features a North State Brewing preview.

In late breaking news NC Brewers Cup winners have been announced, find your favorite local winner here.

This week is usually quiet for events but Atomic Clock has their monthly beer dinner tonight (Monday) and Whalehead Brewery will be celebrating their anniversary Sunday.