The Brewers Association (“BA”), the trade group of independent American craft brewers, launched a seal that informs consumers that the beer was produced by an independent brewery. The BA release says, “to proudly display that independent spirit, the Brewers Association has created a symbol to unify craft breweries from around the country. This symbol—the independent craft brewer seal—gives beer lovers an easy way to identify true small and independent craft brewers, something they have indicated is important to them.”   In explaining the logo, BA CEO says, “independent craft brewers continue to turn the beer industry on its head by putting community over corporation and beer before the bottom line.” To get the seal, the brewery must comply with the below: Have a valid TTB Brewer’s Notice. Meet the BA’s craft brewer definition, and Sign a licensing agreement. For more information click here.    

Heineken, importers of Desperados beer, is battling Mexico’s Consejo Regulador del Tequila (“CRT”) over the beer being tequila flavored. Use of the name tequila in alcoholic beverages (like Champagne or Cognac) is a designation of origin regulated by the CRT. The CRT says the beer violates the  rules because the beer is, well, a beer and not a spirit.  According to Beverage Daily, the CRT says there is no tequila in the beer.  Beverage Daily adds, “Heineken denies the allegation and claims the flavoring it uses does contain genuine tequila which it buys in Mexico from one of the members of the CRT.”  A Heineken spokesperson told Beverage Daily, “…Desperados is a beer, flavored with Tequila, not a spirit.”