Weather a challenge for Italy's growers →
Torrid heat and a serious drought have combined to bring about intense grapes, most of which are being picked two to three weeks ahead of schedule. In Piedmont, winemakers expect very low yields, and in Tuscany, winemakers expect a large percentage of the fruit will be of average quality. Winemakers in Soave have not began picking yet, but will still start weeks ahead of schedule, and in Campania, winemakers note a significant decrease in quantity.
NJ man burned by caustic beer awarded $750,000 by jury →
A New Jersey man whose esophagus and stomach were severely burned after drinking a beer tainted by a caustic chemical at an Atlantic City casino restaurant has been awarded $750,000. Paul D’Amato, the lawyer for the plantiff Richard Washart, faulted Kramer Beverage, noting that it doesn’t follow industry recommendations to use pH testing strips that cost 15 cents apiece to check beer after lines have been cleaned. He also said the restaurant violated New Jersey’s Adulterated Food Act by serving Washart a tainted brew.
3 Denver breweries partner with engineering firm CR2M to use recycled water for beer →
Colorado-based engineering firm CH2M is providing direct potable reuse (DPR) purified water to three Colorado breweries: Lone Tree Brewing Company, Lost Highway Brewing Company, and 105 West Brewing Company. They are earmarked to become Colorado’s first to produce craft beer from recycled water, and expect to reveal the beer in October.
Booze delivery businesses were Amazon-proof—but now they're bracing for the Whole Foods factor →
Amazon’s acquisition of natural grocer Whole Foods gives it physical locations that could help it realize its home delivery of beer. It could, for instance, allow consumers to “click and collect” their beer at a local Whole Foods. Furthermore, Amazon recently expanded the cities included in the alcohol delivery service through Prime Now and Amazon Dash—customers can order beer, wine, and spirits, and it will be delivered within two hours.
