Craft Cocktail Battle to take place downtown

Looking to boost the evolving nightlife in downtown Syracuse, the small business group Ice Cream Social will be holding its first cocktail tournament at The York in Armory Square on Sunday. Every other week, four different local bartenders will craft unique drinks, with one competitor moving on each round. Owera Vineyards, Empire Brewing Co. and Brewery Ommegang will also be present at the event, which costs $20 to attend. You can find out more information on the Craft Cocktail Battle here.

Anheuser-Busch and Miller merger brewing?

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, Anheuser-Busch, the largest brewer in the world, is working to acquire SABMiller, the world’s second largest brewer. The two combined command 70% of the United States’ beer market, and 30% of the entire world’s. While the merger most likely means little for consumers like you and I, there could be several ripple effects in the central New York area; it is still unclear how the AB InBev (Anheuser-Busch) brewery in Baldwinsville fits in the merger.

Month-long Oktoberfest celebration in Hunter, New York – Beginning next weekend, Hunter Mountain will be holding a month-long Oktoberfest celebration. The free event features authentic German entertainment, wine tastings, food, games and, of course, beer. And lots of it. Add the fact that it’s located in the northern part of the Catskills and this event sounds like a beer-lover’s heaven.

Buffalo Beer Week to kick off Sept. 24 – Two and a half hours away down I-90 West, the city of Buffalo will be holding its annual Buffalo Beer Week beginning next Thursday. Events will be held at the best beer hotspots in the Buffalo area. The 10-day lineup will be filled with wine tastings, beer specials, and special events.

Stone Brewing Co. to search for new CEO

With current co-founder and CEO Greg Koch moving up to take the position of executive chairman, the San Diego-based brewery will be searching for a new CEO. Koch has helped guide Stone Brewing Co. to become the ninth-largest craft brewery in the country and the first craft brewer to independently own and operate a brewery in Europe. What does the move mean for you? Probably nothing, as long as Stone IPA and Ruination Double IPA are still on the shelves.

Tip of the Week: Tops make-your-own six-pack

Tucked away behind the cold cuts in the back corner of the Tops on Nottingham Road is a seldom visited rack of craft beers. The make-your-own six-pack section of Tops is hardly ever visited, but offers a wide array of beers. The best part? One six-pack will usually only run you about $9.99, a bargain considering the craft beers they offer.

Published on September 19, 2015 at 2:28 pm

Contact Clayton: ckdyer@syr.edu