Snoop Dogg Raps On Pabst's Door

Rapper Snoop Dogg is throwing a party and Pabst Brewing Company has been invited – to pony up some cash. In a complaint filed this week in Los Angeles Superior Court, the rapper states he’s entitled to payment from the sale of Pabst Brewing last year for a reported $700 to $750 million to beer entrepreneur Eugene Kashper.

The suit claims that a phantom equity clause entitles Calvin Broadus Jr. – the rapper’s legal name – to collect on an endorsement contract for the years 2011 to 2014 for the Blast by Colt 45 brand. This clause, according to the suit, says that the consultant would receive 10 percent of the net price if the Blast brand or the entire Colt 45 was sold during the time period of the promotional contract or the two years following.

Pabst has issued a statement saying the sale did not activate the clause as claimed and said that no conversation has taken place with Broadus Jr. or his representatives about the claim. “Pabst Brewing Company has been under new ownership and new management since November 2014. We have not been contacted by Snoop Dogg or his representatives about this issue. We are investigating the matter and would be happy to talk to Snoop or his representatives to try to get to the bottom of this.”

The original contract called for a payment of $250,000 plus royalties on the sale of Blast, a fruit flavored drink. The value of the Colt 45 brand at the time of the sale is not known or stated in the complaint, but 10 percent is likely more than the value of the original promotional contract.

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Boston Beer Hosts Sam Adams Dream Contest

The Boston Beer Company is hosting an event in San Diego on Monday as part of its  Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream lending and coaching program.

Called the Pitch Room, the competition is focused on a micro-lending and coaching program for small business owners working in food, beverage and craft brewing. Entrepeneurs will be invited to present their best sales pitch to an expert panel of judges, consisting of executives in the brewing, food, beverage and media businesses.

After providing critical and useful advice to each of the participants, the judges will select a winner based on criteria including quality of pitch, creativity, passion, and product viability. The San Diego winners will be invited to participate in the New York City finals in December where they will compete with other regional winners from across the country for a $10,000 business grant, extended mentoring from Samuel Adams and the potential for their product to be sold at retail locations.

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New Logo for Arizona Guild

In Tempe, the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild has announced a new brand identity campaign that will debut in the upcoming edition of Choose AZ Brews magazine.

The new logo will be used by the state’s more than 70 member breweries.  "As a guild, we wanted to showcase something that we can be proud of, and something that speaks to our heritage," said Executive Director Rob Fullmer. "We wanted a vintage look with a modern twist, and something that demonstrated how far we've come as an organization while still showcasing classically 'Southwestern' colors and ideals."