Liquor giant Diageo will contract with LaCrosse, Wis.-based City Brewing to make Red Stripe for its U.S. consumers beginning next year, while keeping production at Jamaica-based Desnoes & Geddes for sales in Jamaica, Brazil, Canada and Europe. City Brewing runs breweries in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Tennessee. Diageo, which announced the move last month, said it will "enable greater investment in the brand in the U.S." But at the same time, Diageo said Red Stripe's "personality will continue to embody the Jamaican culture that has always been its inspiration.

Nearly 2,000 men, women, children and dogs gathered at Idlewild Park on Sunday to run, drink and raise funds for charities at the 23rd annual Beer Belly Two run and walk.

The two-mile race draws a diverse crowd of competitive runners, families and revelers enjoying a casual jaunt in the sun with a warm beer in hand.

"I like to run and I like to drink beer. So mix the two together and it seems like a pretty good combination," said Kyle Demerath, 23, who heard about the race from friends at work. "It was definitely more laid back. It was just people out having fun."

Two Madison brewpub businesses have stopped selling MillerCoors beers in support of other craft brewers who fear the effects of the beer distribution provisions in the state budget.

MillerCoors is a key supporter of the legislation, along with the Tavern League of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Grocers Association. 

Though brewpubs apparently won't be affected by the legislation, Great Dane Pub and Brewing Co. and Vintage Brewing Co. confirmed this week they had ended sales of MillerCoors brands such as Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Lite, Leinenkugel's, Blue Moon and Molson.

Eliot Butler, Great Dane president, said the Dane's four locations have dropped MillerCoors indefinitely "in solidarity with the (Wisconsin) Brewers Guild and with the craft brewers of Wisconsin."

Sales of MillerCoors were modest at Vintage's West Side brewpub, said Robyn Klinge, spokeswoman and brewer's assistant, but Vintage Spirits & Grill, a traditional bar/restaurant Downtown, sold 18 barrels of MillerCoors a week.

"We wanted to make a statement," she said. "If you hurt them, you hurt us, as far as we're concerned."

***NOTE FROM JEFF: My aim is to keep AsSeenInWI.com as politically neutral as I can... but being from Wisconsin I take my beer seriously and am opposed to this measure.

Wisconsin Craft Brewers need your help. The Joint Finance Committee approved a measure  on Tuesday that would severely limit Wisconsin Craft Brewers in their ability to distribute the beers they produce.  Motion 414 has now become part of the budget, and as written, limits distribution avenues and licenses craft brewers can hold.

Curtailed by this proposed language are distribution channels, the ability to own and operate a brewery and a restaurant, and the ability to sell those businesses currently held.

As a beer lover, this could limit access to your favorite brands, increase prices, or possibly force your favorite craft brewery out of business.

The Wisconsin Craft Brewing industry is a bright spot on the Wisconsin business scene. Taxes paid, materials purchased from local suppliers, the number of Wisconsin residents employed have all grown during these last few years. Craft brewing is a success story during these years of recession.

Don’t let that be taken away!

Call or email your representative today and let them know you want to stop any measures that would restrict the ability for Wisconsin Craft Breweries to conduct or grow their businesses.

To find your state representative: http://legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx

From Cedarburg's own, Josh Thompson! It's FRIDAY WISCONSIN!

With the scent of spring in the air come thoughts of barbeques in the backyard, strolls on the beach or hauling out the tent to spend a weekend in the great outdoors. Although hot summer days call for as little clothing as possible, what could be better on a cool night than a cozy hoodie? One that holds beer!

The Columbia Koozie has plenty of room in its pockets for stowing bottles or cans of frosty refreshment and even boasts a built-in bottle opener so you’re not left trying to open your drink with a rock. If beer isn’t your thing, though, just imagine how many little packets of juice could fit in those pockets, plus a few diapers and small wipes packs. Best of all, the water-resistant treatment means spills just roll off.

Now that’s some smart design.

My birthday can't get here soon enough!