It has only been a little over three weeks since we learned of Greg Noonan’s passing. In the past 10 days, the Washington craft beer scene has now lost two more in its own community. My condolences to the families of Diamond Knot Brewing Founder/Brewer, Brian Sollenberger, who passed away on Friday night, and Dick’s Brewing Founder/Brewer, Dick Young, who passed away last Monday. A memorial service is being held for Brian on Friday. More information can be found at the Washington Beer Blog.

Allagash Brewing‘s 2009 version of Hugh Malone sounds interesting. From The Yankee Brew News, “The next rendition of Hugh Malone, the big Belgian-style IPA, includes additions of Sorachi Ace and Tea Maker hops. Tea Maker is said to have flavorful aromatics and little or no alpha acid (bitterness) contribution. Up to now, it’s only been used by a single grower to produce a tea proclaimed to have relaxation inducing properties, as well as an additive for chicken feed that acts as a natural alternative to antibiotics.” I was wondering why I couldn’t find a single reference to Tea Maker hops online, but adding no bitterness might have something to do with it. YBN also reports that another batch of Les Deux Brasseurs, the Signature Series collaboration with De Proef, will hit that States at some point. Mattina Rosa, the wild yeast beer we are all waiting for, could be bottled as early as this winter.

I also scoured some brewery blog posts from the past two weeks (it had been a while) and this is what I found:

Gary Fish compares and contrasts the new vintage of his Deschutes The Abyss Imperial Stout with the first two vintages from 2007 and 2008.

Tomme Arthur had a run-in with Sister Mother Mary.

Blackburg Brewing, Starr Hill Brewing, and Devil’s Backbone Brewing, all from Virginia, are collaborating on a new Doppelbock which will appear on tap at DB-only. Look for more info in December.

There are apparently ghosts in the new Saint Arnold Brewing facility (video in that link).

Half Acre Magnus is finally available in Chicagoland.

Yazoo Brewing got label approval for Sly Rye Porter and Sue Imperial Smoked Porter. They’re based in Nashville, Tennessee, y’all.