My picks of beer news from around the web that you need to read and my two cents on the topics.  Most of the time it’s Hawaii beer news topics, but every once in a while you’ll find other general beer related topics.

Big Island Now – Hawaii Nui and Mehana Brewing is up and running again. The canning line is in place and the final permits have been obtained. New cans are already available on the Big Island and soon to be on Oahu. Stay tuned for my interview with new owner Dr. Paul DeMare. http://bit.ly/1hvIud7

The Street – If you read one article this week, it should be this one. A fantastic interview with Kurt and Rob Widmer, founders of Widmer Brothers Brewing Company. I don’t often express my views too heavily on this blog, but Widmer has always been a craft brewery, regardless of who creates the definition. There is a lot more politics in the craft beer industry than most drinkers realize and the two brothers give very candid responses to some great questions. http://bit.ly/1kJTqWX

BeerPulse – Sticking with the Widmer Brothers theme, a few more releases from their 30th anniversary series. Be on the look out in Hawaii for special reserve bottles of Widmer. http://bit.ly/1fNKUbP

The Kansas City Star – I can only pray this news comes true and sooner rather than later. Boulevard Brewing out of St. Louis was purchased by Belgian brewer Duvel Moortgat earlier this year and is now working on some huge expansions. Both Duvel and Ommegang (also owned by Duvel) are currently distributed in Hawaii and Boulevard has hopes to be in all 50 states within the next 2-5 years. Boulevards makes a number of incredible beers include two of my absolute favorites, Tank 7 and Saison-Brett. Fingers crosse! http://bit.ly/1ijRAO0