Hurricane damage inspired several wine stories this week. In the world of suds, kelp and ginger beer are in; working Anheuser-Busch’s High End group is out. Brown-Forman is opening a new distillery in Ireland and UniLever is buying an old tea brand in England. For all of this news and more, read on through.

Wine

• Following the destruction of Harvey and Irma, WineSpec has a solid piece on insuring your cellar against storms.
• Speaking of Irma, Richard Branson spent the hurricane on his private Caribbean Island hunkered down in his wine cellar. (WaPo)
• A Labor Day weekend heat wave in NoCal may have serious consequences for California’s 2017 vintage. (SF Chronicle)
• The Brexit is even affecting English wine drinking. (The Independent)

Beer

• Thrillist has a solid listicle throwing shade at beer snobs.
• Kelp. Yes, Kelp is building devotees amongst beer brewers. NPR explains it all.
• Down under, Bundaberg’s seasonal Spiced Ginger Beer is a big deal. Soon, the Aussie favorite will be available stateside. Can’t you hear, can’t you hear the thunder? (BevNet)
• Anheuser-Busch’s High End unit reportedly laid off 90% of their sales force last week. (NP)

Cocktails & Spirits

• In case there was any doubt about the Asian markets, The Spirits Business has some more evidence for you. Diego is reporting that last year, Chinese visitor numbers to their Scotch distilleries were up 154% with a higher “total spend” than any other market.
• Gherkin Vodka is now a thing. So, um, yeah. (Metro)
• Brown-Forman’s collaboration with the Conyngham family, the Slane distillery is now open in Ireland. (Louisville Business First)

Coffee & More

• Coffee might soon be sold with a cigarette style warning label. (NP)
• Mashable has a quality video explaining the science behind why some people can’t handle coffee.
• Unilever acquired a hipster favorite: organic British tea brand, Pukka Herbs.