Craft Beer Struggles, Liqueur Revival, and Fresh Gear for the Ritual

Welcome back to PerryPhernalia, where cannabis culture, craft beer, and fine liqueurs meet—always responsibly, legally, and with style. Today’s headlines spotlight the changing landscape of beer and spirits, with a nod to cannabis policy. Then we highlight three fresh essentials to keep your setup sharp.

📰 In the News

Craft Beer Shake‑Up: According to the Brewers Association’s mid‑2025 report, U.S. craft beer volume fell 4.1% in the first half of 2025, with closures outpacing openings for the third straight year. The total number of breweries dipped to 9,269, down 1% from last year, and distributor demand remains weak, with a Beer Purchasers’ Index score of just 15—well below the 50 threshold for growth (BirrUp). Why it matters: Distribution‑focused breweries are struggling to survive, while smaller taprooms and brewpubs are proving more resilient. The market is splitting between hyperlocal success stories and regional players under pressure.

Liqueur Revival: The legendary French herbal liqueur Chartreuse has become harder to find than ever. The Carthusian monks who produce it capped output at 1.2 million bottles per year back in 2021 to protect their monastic life and reduce environmental impact. That scarcity has fueled renewed demand for Chartreuse and other heritage liqueurs in cocktail culture (Vive le Vin). Why it matters: Scarcity is driving bartenders and consumers to rediscover forgotten liqueurs, sparking a revival of classic cocktails and heritage spirits. It’s a reminder that tradition and scarcity can create cultural cachet in a market otherwise obsessed with novelty.

Policy Watch: Hemp‑derived CBD is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, but state laws vary widely. In 2025, some states are considering bills to allow CBD in alcoholic beverages, while others still restrict infused products (CBD Xplore). Why it matters: If more states approve CBD‑infused alcohol, it could reshape bar menus and create a new hybrid category. But the patchwork of laws means businesses face uncertainty, and consumers may find availability depends heavily on geography.

Taken together, these stories show a beverage industry in flux: craft beer fighting for survival, heritage liqueurs gaining new prestige, and cannabis‑adjacent products testing the boundaries of regulation. For PerryPhernalia readers, it’s a reminder that the worlds of beer, spirits, and cannabis are increasingly interconnected—and that change is the only constant.

🍃 Cannabis Corner

Upgrade your storage game with a UV‑blocking jar that includes a built‑in hygrometer. It not only seals tight but also shows you humidity and temperature at a glance, keeping your flower in peak condition.

🍺 Brew & Spirits Spotlight

A full bar kit elevates your cocktail game. This 11‑piece stainless steel set with a wood stand includes shaker, strainer, muddler, and more—everything you need to mix like a pro at home.

🛠️ Gear Pick

On the move? A cannabis‑leaf travel pouch doubles as a waist bag or crossbody. Water‑resistant and discreet, it’s perfect for festivals, hikes, or just keeping essentials close at hand.

That’s today’s PerryPhernalia: craft beer under pressure, liqueurs on the rise, and gear that keeps your ritual fresh, stylish, and mobile. Tomorrow, we’ll be back with more news and tools that matter.