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Two Minneapolis Brewers Embattled in Trademark Dispute

Two Minneapolis, Minn., craft brewers have found themselves ensnared in a trademark dispute. Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub has reportedly issued cease and desist letters to Northgate Brewing, claiming their name is too similar and is causing confusion for local beer drinkers. Northbound, a brewpub that opened this September, had been communicating the issue with Northgate, a production brewery slated to open in December, since the summer. Northbound had allegedly asked Northgate Brewing to remove the words North and Brewing from their name, which Northgate thought was excessive. The two never reached a mutual agreement. Northgate cofounder Adam Sjogren believes this level of legality is unwarranted, considering the size of their respective operations. In a Northgate blog post (that has since been removed), Sjogren wrote, In a market where the biggest craft brewers dont produce as much as Budweiser spills, I think its shameful that a small brewpub is trying to litigate like a big-timer. Northbound co-owners Jamie Robinson, Bryce Strickler and Amy Johnson replied with their own statement, explaining, We have an obligation to protect our trademark, otherwise wed lose it. We have only asked that the owners of the yet-to-be-opened Northgate Brewing tweak their name to reduce the number of instances of confusion that have already happened. Both sides want an amicable end to this dispute. The two companies have since pledged to keep the matter between themselves, and not discuss it any further with the media.

C&C Group Purchases Vermont Hard Cider for $305 Million

On October 23rd, Vermont Hard Cider Company announced they had agreed to be purchased by C&C Group. C&Cthe Irish company behind popular UK brands Magners, Bulmers and Tennentsis paying $305 million for VTHCC, which produces the Woodchuck brand of ciders (they also produced Strongbow until selling the brand to Heineken in August). Under the terms of the agreement (which is still subject to competition and regulatory approvals), VTHCC will become a wholly owned subsidiary of C&C, and continue to operate fully out of its existing location in Middlebury, Vt. Bret Williams will remain as president & CEO, and no jobs will be lost. Additionally, C&C has agreed to continue with an already-planned cidery expansion project. Stephen Glancey, C&C CEO, states via press release, We recognize what Vermont Hard Cider has done to support and grow the cider industry in the United States. The cider category wouldnt exist today, if not for the hard work they have put in over the last two decades. Their ability to innovate rare and limited Jim Wells is a batch ciders serves to push the freelance beer category forward in the years to writer in Boston. When hes not come. It is an exciting time to be scouring the globe in the cider business and we are for the next scoop, Jims at local brew excited to be leading the way.
fests nding the next great beer.

SHELF TALKER
BY COURTNEY COX

Allagash: The Cookbook

By James Simpkins Blue Tree LLC, October 2012, $35 Just the title should be enough to get you clearing space on your bookshelf. Recipes are inspired by US regional cuisines and listed as such, though chapters are based on each Allagash beer, with proles of each style by chef and author James Simpkins. Simpkins also crafted the recipes, which include (among many others): Venison Tenderloin with Spiced Cranberry Relish (with Interlude); Slow-Roast Duck with Blackberry Gastrique (Coolship); and Chicken Plantain Roulades (Tripel). In his foreword, Jean Van Roy of Cantillon discusses the Belgian tradition of cooking with beer, and an introduction from Rob Tod explains how, when the brewery launched and consumers were wary of those crazy Belgian styles, pairing Allagash beers with food helped consumers appreciate the new avors. Tod may not need to serve Maine oysters to get folks to drink a Coolship anymore, but who are we to break tradition?

10 Beeradvocate