An American Craft: Our love affair with craft beer

January 29th, 2010 by Mary Ellen Brewington

An American Craft

Americans are defined by independence and innovation. Therefore it’s no surprise that our national interest in craft beers has grown into a full-blown love affair.

According to the Brewers Association, “The number of craft brewers has gone from 8 in 1980 to 537 in 1994 to 1,501 in 2008.” Wow! We love our suds here in the U.S.A. And thanks to the growth of the craft brewing industry, our trips to the grocery store and travels across the country now lead us on more tasteful adventures.

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What does moderation mean for you?

January 27th, 2010 by Mary Ellen Brewington

Drinking alcohol affects everyone differently. Men typically can handle more alcohol than women. Age and weight are also factors.

Moderate drinking is a personal level of consumption at which you don’t pose a risk to yourself or others. And, you don’t embarrass yourself by waking up the next day questioning, “What did I say while dancing on top of that bar table?”

Enjoying adult beverages in moderation can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that beer is heart-healthy, decreasing a man’s risk of a heart attack by as much as 35 percent. Research also shows that moderate beer drinking can increase HDL (good cholesterol) and may help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

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Applications for beer aficionados

January 19th, 2010 by Mary Ellen Brewington

At Cherokee Distributing Company we love gizmos and gadgets. We grew up on funky yet functional tap knobs, brilliantly colored neon signs and arrays of malt beverage novelties. In 2009 we have found two cool and techno-friendly beer lover applications for the iPhone or iTouch: iBeers Professional and Beer Brands. Read the rest of this entry »

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Bar, pub, tavern: No matter what the name, it’s where we love to hang!

January 12th, 2010 by Mary Ellen Brewington

Most neighborhoods have at least one favorite watering hole where friends meet after work, watch ball games and spontaneously create late-night after-parties. These pubs are those special places where, according to the popular television show “Cheers,” everybody knows your name.

You have a favorite seat at the bar. The soundtracks of your life will be on the playlist. Your favorite beer will be ice cold. What more can a patron ask for in a beer joint? Read the rest of this entry »

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A better place

January 11th, 2010 by Mary Ellen Brewington

George Sampson opened Cherokee Distributing Company in 1958, thus beginning his love affair with the beer business and with East Tennessee. Equipped with determination and a risk taker’s heart, George was willing to sweat through the hard times to build one of the most successful malt beverage distribution businesses in the United States.

George believes that East Tennessee is the best place in the world. His life has led him around the globe on interesting travels, but every time his plane lands back home he says, “That was a nice trip, but this is the best place in the world.” Read the rest of this entry »

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