Women Of Influence

News & Brews ventured out of state again this week, which is fitting since the biggest beer news of late involves an out-of-state brewery, namely the biggest out-of-state brewery in all the land.

Anheuser-Busch InBev last week acquired Cleveland’s Platform Beer Co. for an undisclosed sum. We discuss why the beer giants would be interested in the Ohio brand — which includes taprooms in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, with more in the works — and what it could mean for their respective businesses, the pros and the cons. What’s the perspective of the craft beer loyalist and does that matter? We devil’s advocate it out.

But before that we enjoy some nice, crisp Spotted Cow from Wisconsin’s New Glarus Brewing, a woman-owned craft beer pioneer that’s only available within that state’s borders. Wisconsin native Carrie Ghose drops into the pod for the first time for some native perspective. Come for the insights (why is the Pick ‘n Save in Milwaukee better than Mars Cheese Castle?), but stay for the accents.

Other news of note include this aspiring brewery owner and why he wants to bring a brewpub to the King-Lincoln area and how interested persons can contribute toward the upcoming opening of a new taproom for one Central Ohio brewer.