Molson Coors announces that it sells a controlling stake in its fledgling Brazilian unit to Femsa, and it anticipates flat US shipments for Q4. Plus, a lawsuit is filed in California.

The U.S. wholesale beer industry history book should now be separated into three volumes: 1. Pre-Prohibition (1492 – 1921): “Danke, tied house is guut” 2. Post-Prohibition (1933 – 2005): “Side-loader bays rule” 3. Post-Granholm, (2005 – ??): “Price based on multiples of pallet loads, careful I’m backing up to the dock.. beep, beep, beep”.

We add more color and links to actual briefs and transcripts in the Costco litigation in Washington. Plus, beer briefs.

Miller is set to deep promote a small package in the sunshine state. Plus, the liquor business loses a legend.

Costco and the state filed their briefs arguing whether central warehousing and inter-retailer sales are anticompetitive or necessary to regulate alcohol in Washington. Plus, Miller has another package innovation. Plus, wine sales come on strong, and HUSA remains stern.

Wine and spirits are not the only folks taking share from beer. In the all-important convenience store and gas station channel, non-alcs are ruling the impulse buy roost.

There were many casualties, and some survivors.

Let’s catch our collective breaths and review all the breaking news yesterday.

Barton parent Constellation Brands may get Modelo, but at a cost. Barton’s calendar Q4 was over-the-top positive.

Beer Business Daily spoke with Anheuser-Busch, Inc. president August A. Busch IV on a variety of issues affecting the U.S. beer business.

For this issue we look into our crystal beer mug and make our predictions for 2006. What will happen with pricing, volumes, Corona, acquisitions, and more?

Happy New Year, gentle reader. It’s good to be back behind the platinum BBD keyboard. Let’s hope we have more cause for celebration in 2006 than in 2005 in the US beer industry. The early signs are promising .

InBev NV announces management changes in an effort to accelerate its strategic plan.

A brief article by Sam Kursh

Maybe, but it may prove to be a hollow one. While the press is reporting a Costco victory in the summary judgment rulings, we see signs of serious problems in Costco’s strategy.The two big aces in the hole that distributors have: 1. The 21st Amendment, and, 2. The general reluctance of judges to disrupt the entire economic structure of an industry with the stroke of a pen.