The beer industry mourns the loss of Carlos Alvarez, a pioneer who transformed the American drinking landscape. Alvarez, renowned for introducing beloved brands like Modelo, Corona, and Shiner to the U.S., passed away at the age of 73. His death, announced by the Gambrinus Company on Tuesday, marks the end of an era in the brewing world.

"Many of you worked closely with Carlos for many years. Please know that he deeply appreciated your efforts and the family-like nature of Gambrinus. We will remember him for many things but especially his leadership, charisma, and charm. He was truly one-of-a-kind," said John Brozovich, President and CEO of the Gambrinus Company, in a statement.

Alvarez's journey from his roots in Mexico City to becoming a titan in the beer business is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. Born into a family entrenched in the beer trade, Alvarez learned the ins and outs of the industry from a young age. After earning a degree in biochemical engineering, he honed his skills in Mexican beer exports before venturing into the American market.

In 1981, Alvarez embarked on a daring endeavor, introducing Corona to Austin without the luxury of a marketing budget. Through sheer determination and strategic distribution deals, he propelled Corona and Modelo to the forefront of American beer culture over the ensuing decades.

Von Ebert Brewing in Portland, Oregon marks its 6th anniversary this weekend with a grand celebration and the launch of two unique collaboration brews in partnership with Firestone Walker Brewing Company from California.

Renowned for their acclaimed Pilsner Pils and Volatile Substance IPA, Von Ebert Brewing sought to highlight these signature styles in their anniversary collaborations. Harnessing the essence of Yakima Chief Hops 702 extracts, Von Ebert and Firestone Walker have crafted the "6th Anniversary West Coast IPA" and "6th Anniversary German-style Pilsner," set to grace the taps of all four Von Ebert locations and select Portland-area bottle shops.

“For six years, Von Ebert Brewing has been striving to make some of the best beer in the Pacific Northwest and we’re excited that by expanding our production and distribution, we can sell more of our award-winning beer throughout Oregon and into some of our neighboring states with even more 12-ounce packaging beyond Pils,” said Sam Pecoraro, brewmaster of Von Ebert Brewing. “We wanted to celebrate this milestone with our friends at Firestone Walker Brewing Company, who are West Coast craft brewing pioneers and innovators, through collaborations that truly highlight our mutual drive to cultivate a brewery culture of continuous improvement to quench our beer drinkers.”

Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin proudly unveils its latest creation, the "Bog Goddess" Pink Boots Lager, in commemoration of their fourth year participating in brewing Pink Boots beer. Crafted in collaboration with the Pink Boots Society, this cranberry and orange infused lager not only tantalizes the taste buds but also supports women and non-binary individuals in the fermented beverage industry.

The Pink Boots Society's annual Collaboration Brew Day sees registered teams across the globe brewing beer, with proceeds contributing to scholarships aimed at empowering women and non-binary individuals in the beverage sector. Lakefront Brewery's 2024 Pink Boots offering pays homage to Wisconsin's cranberry bog heritage with its fruity and refreshing profile.

"Being involved in Pink Boots Society means being part of a symposium with other women and non-binary folks in the brewing industry; we talk, we drink, we learn and share our experiences with each other,” said Lakefront Brewery’s Excise Tax & Compliance Manager, Kelsey Moses. “This year marks the 10th anniversary of Pink Boots Society Collaboration Brew Day and Lakefront's 4th year hosting a collaboration brew day, getting bigger and better with more connections made every year.”