New Jersey’s Icarus Brewing has a new home in Brick. Brewbound managing editor Jessica Infante paid a visit to the new facility and chatted with founder and owner Jason Goldstein about how the brewery is now primed for growth. 

In today’s Top Story, Goldstein also explains the challenges of operating in New Jersey, the focus of the Icarus’ portfolio and the company’s approach to distribution in a still contentious environment. 

In today’s full edition of the Brewbound Newsletter and at Brewbound.com, Insiders are getting the full scoop, as well as:

• The latest weekly scans from Circana, which continue to show choppiness;
• News on the repeal of a Biden era report on competition that was once hailed by craft brewers but opposed by other trade groups;
• Details of the short-term pain caused by Boston Beer’s shift of production in-house;
• And Garage Beer’s spooky season plans.

Insiders also have access to the Brewbound Newsletter Archive, including previous newsletter-exclusive Insider content.

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When long-time regulars pine for Icarus Brewing’s original location, founder and owner Jason Goldstein reminds them the good old days weren’t always so good.

Icarus just celebrated its first anniversary at its new home in Brick, NJ, about 13 miles east of its former brewery and taproom in neighboring Lakewood, where it occupied space in an industrial park downwind from the town recycling center. There, the backless bar seats were uncomfortable and parking spots were scarce, Goldstein told Brewbound during a visit to the new brewery.

Insiders can read more from Goldstein on Icarus’ move, strategy and portfolio. 

The unpredictability of weekly bev-alc scans continues to give the industry whiplash. 

The beer category recorded a -2.7% YoY dip in dollar sales and 4.3% decline in volume for the week ending August 17, according to the latest report from Circana and the market research firm’s EVP of BevAl, Scott Scanlon. 

The latest figures marked a significant decline compared to trends from the previous week (dollar sales -0.9%, volume -2.6%, week-ending August 10) but remained slightly improved compared to the week before (dollar sales -2.9%, volume -4.5%, week-ending August 3).

Insiders can read more, including total bev-alc, wine, spirits, NA and RTD figures, and Scanlon’s predictions for Labor Day growth brands.

Rupee Beer founders Van and Sumit Sharma believe they’re ready to meet Indian cuisine’s moment. 

On the latest edition of the Brewbound Podcast, the brothers share their journey of launching the Indian American beer brand during the COVID-19 pandemic as an add-on purchase at their family’s restaurant. Today, Rupee has expanded distribution to 18 states – most recently California – and the Sharmas are readying for an “explosion” of Indian restaurants entering the U.S market. 

Plus, Justin, Jess and Zoe catch up on the latest headlines, including why it’s not time to panic despite the Gallup survey’s recent results on Americans drinking habits. They give a legal update on Uncle Nearest and the recipe agreement dispute between Schilling Cider and Incline. They also recap recent bev-alc experiences, from a growing dislike for black cherry flavors, to a sweaty trip to the Iowa State Fair

Listen here.

Brewbound Live takes place in Marina del Rey, CA on December 10+11, and the official Marriott hotel block is now available. Staying on-site means you’re just steps away from panel discussions, beer tastings, and connection-building with top industry leaders.

Secure your spot early, register now to access the room block and save $100 with early registration.

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