Kate Bernot
@kbernot.bsky.social
Food and beverage reporter
Lead analyst at sightlines.news
Bylines in The Washington Post, Craft Beer & Brewing, Bon Appetit, Imbibe, elsewhere
@nagbw.bsky.social’s Writer of the Year 2025
📍Missoula, MT
Lead analyst at sightlines.news
Bylines in The Washington Post, Craft Beer & Brewing, Bon Appetit, Imbibe, elsewhere
@nagbw.bsky.social’s Writer of the Year 2025
📍Missoula, MT
Reposted by Kate Bernot
NEW: ~50 beer/wine/spirits wholesalers have sent Democratic and Republican Congressional leaders a letter calling on them "to oppose efforts to close the so-called 'hemp loophole' through any spending package or Farm Bill." This is the biggest move yet on THC drinks' behalf from the middle tier.
November 5, 2025 at 6:53 PM
NEW: ~50 beer/wine/spirits wholesalers have sent Democratic and Republican Congressional leaders a letter calling on them "to oppose efforts to close the so-called 'hemp loophole' through any spending package or Farm Bill." This is the biggest move yet on THC drinks' behalf from the middle tier.
Good morning Seattle!
November 3, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Good morning Seattle!
Bon Appetite has a big THC package out this week and I’m thrilled to contribute two drinks pieces!
First up: What are weed drinks doing to change the perception of THC socially?
www.bonappetit.com/story/the-fu...
First up: What are weed drinks doing to change the perception of THC socially?
www.bonappetit.com/story/the-fu...
The Future of Weed Is Liquid
Weed's true breakthrough won't come from smoking, vaping, or even eating, but from beverages analogous to booze.
www.bonappetit.com
October 30, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Bon Appetite has a big THC package out this week and I’m thrilled to contribute two drinks pieces!
First up: What are weed drinks doing to change the perception of THC socially?
www.bonappetit.com/story/the-fu...
First up: What are weed drinks doing to change the perception of THC socially?
www.bonappetit.com/story/the-fu...
Reposted by Kate Bernot
I am here to reveal the truth about pumpkin spice lattes, by way of *deep* archival research (and 3,600 words)
snackstack.net/2025/10/21/t...
snackstack.net/2025/10/21/t...
The curious, contentious history of pumpkin spice lattes
Starbucks didn’t invent them. But it’s possible that Tori Amos or a Midwest grandma did.
snackstack.net
October 21, 2025 at 8:00 PM
I am here to reveal the truth about pumpkin spice lattes, by way of *deep* archival research (and 3,600 words)
snackstack.net/2025/10/21/t...
snackstack.net/2025/10/21/t...
I have two bev-alc stories in the latest issue of NACS Magazine! First up: how c-stores can merchandise the so-called "fourth category" of RTDs, FMBs, flavored wines, malt-based cocktails, etc.
www.nacsmagazine.com/Issues/Octob...
www.nacsmagazine.com/Issues/Octob...
Merchandising Beverage-Alcohol’s White-Hot Fourth Category
The #1 trusted source of information for decision makers in the convenience industry.
www.nacsmagazine.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:10 PM
I have two bev-alc stories in the latest issue of NACS Magazine! First up: how c-stores can merchandise the so-called "fourth category" of RTDs, FMBs, flavored wines, malt-based cocktails, etc.
www.nacsmagazine.com/Issues/Octob...
www.nacsmagazine.com/Issues/Octob...
College papers forever ✊
Purdue to the rescue of IU student newspaper, whose institution was attempting censorship. Details in alt!
October 18, 2025 at 10:25 PM
College papers forever ✊
From Missoula today 💌
October 18, 2025 at 9:08 PM
From Missoula today 💌
It was an honor to win Writer of the Year at the @nagbw.bsky.social annual awards yesterday.
With entries from around the world, this year’s winners represent the breadth and depth of what beer means in society. Congratulations to all the other winners! reportersnotebook.org/uncategorize...
With entries from around the world, this year’s winners represent the breadth and depth of what beer means in society. Congratulations to all the other winners! reportersnotebook.org/uncategorize...
North American Guild of Beer Writers Announces 2025 Awards Winners, Honoring the Best in Beer Media
The North American Guild of Beer Writers (NAGBW) held its 11th annual awards ceremony October 12, celebrating the best in beer media. This year’s awards were generously sponsored by Athletic Brewin…
reportersnotebook.org
October 13, 2025 at 2:01 PM
It was an honor to win Writer of the Year at the @nagbw.bsky.social annual awards yesterday.
With entries from around the world, this year’s winners represent the breadth and depth of what beer means in society. Congratulations to all the other winners! reportersnotebook.org/uncategorize...
With entries from around the world, this year’s winners represent the breadth and depth of what beer means in society. Congratulations to all the other winners! reportersnotebook.org/uncategorize...
Reposted by Kate Bernot
“NOAA is taxpayer-funded, so it is a public good—its services provide safety and security for everyone, not just those who can pay for it.”
www.wired.com/story/noaas-...
www.wired.com/story/noaas-...
For-Profit Companies Can’t Easily Replace NOAA’s Weather-Forecasting Prowess
Replicating the abilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s fleet of weather satellites would take time and a lot of money—and expose private companies to a large amount of risk...
www.wired.com
October 11, 2025 at 5:42 PM
“NOAA is taxpayer-funded, so it is a public good—its services provide safety and security for everyone, not just those who can pay for it.”
www.wired.com/story/noaas-...
www.wired.com/story/noaas-...
Oh, *for dogs*, right right right
October 11, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Oh, *for dogs*, right right right
Fun assignment for @saveur.com, looking into the modern side of mead. With new producers, new formats, and a diminished focus on the ren faire set, mead is proving surprisingly versatile.
Find it in the latest issue!
Find it in the latest issue!
October 9, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Fun assignment for @saveur.com, looking into the modern side of mead. With new producers, new formats, and a diminished focus on the ren faire set, mead is proving surprisingly versatile.
Find it in the latest issue!
Find it in the latest issue!
Reposted by Kate Bernot
repost this if an editor has ever saved you from yourself
An actual hot take: Too many authors are afraid of editors watering down their voice or whatever and not afraid enough of editors letting you put any old slop on the page.
October 8, 2025 at 10:44 PM
repost this if an editor has ever saved you from yourself
Affluent Americans have carried water for much of the economy, but they can’t do it forever—particularly not in general CPG.
My latest Sightlines report looks at what's happening to premiumization as even wealthy shoppers slow their spending: www.sightlines.news/analysis/whe...
My latest Sightlines report looks at what's happening to premiumization as even wealthy shoppers slow their spending: www.sightlines.news/analysis/whe...
October 8, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Affluent Americans have carried water for much of the economy, but they can’t do it forever—particularly not in general CPG.
My latest Sightlines report looks at what's happening to premiumization as even wealthy shoppers slow their spending: www.sightlines.news/analysis/whe...
My latest Sightlines report looks at what's happening to premiumization as even wealthy shoppers slow their spending: www.sightlines.news/analysis/whe...
Reposted by Kate Bernot
Good reporting on the South Shore raid from South Side weekly here.
Confirms one thing I was told but didn't put in my own piece because I didn't have a second source and it seemed too insane: border agents segregated arrested residents by race
southsideweekly.com/federal-agen...
Confirms one thing I was told but didn't put in my own piece because I didn't have a second source and it seemed too insane: border agents segregated arrested residents by race
southsideweekly.com/federal-agen...
Federal Agents Storm South Shore Building, Detaining Families and Children
Families were woken by flashbangs and helicopters as hundreds of federal agents raided their homes. Days later, neighbors are still searching for the missing.
southsideweekly.com
October 8, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Good reporting on the South Shore raid from South Side weekly here.
Confirms one thing I was told but didn't put in my own piece because I didn't have a second source and it seemed too insane: border agents segregated arrested residents by race
southsideweekly.com/federal-agen...
Confirms one thing I was told but didn't put in my own piece because I didn't have a second source and it seemed too insane: border agents segregated arrested residents by race
southsideweekly.com/federal-agen...
Paul Grey didn’t open his distillery in order to host Taylor Swift-themed trivia, yet such events have become critical to keeping the business’ doors open.
For Craft Spirits Magazine, I report on how small distilleries are using events to drive visitation: issuu.com/americancraf...
For Craft Spirits Magazine, I report on how small distilleries are using events to drive visitation: issuu.com/americancraf...
Craft Spirits September/October 2025
issuu.com
October 1, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Paul Grey didn’t open his distillery in order to host Taylor Swift-themed trivia, yet such events have become critical to keeping the business’ doors open.
For Craft Spirits Magazine, I report on how small distilleries are using events to drive visitation: issuu.com/americancraf...
For Craft Spirits Magazine, I report on how small distilleries are using events to drive visitation: issuu.com/americancraf...
Reposted by Kate Bernot
Composition of U.S. Wine Consumption, 1967-2023.
Note:
(1) Gradual decline in dessert wine, with the steady rise of table wine over the decades.
(2) Stark decline in table wine from 2021-2023, much smaller drop in sparkling wine.
(3) Growth of wine-based RTDs as successor to the 1980s wine coolers
Note:
(1) Gradual decline in dessert wine, with the steady rise of table wine over the decades.
(2) Stark decline in table wine from 2021-2023, much smaller drop in sparkling wine.
(3) Growth of wine-based RTDs as successor to the 1980s wine coolers
September 30, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Composition of U.S. Wine Consumption, 1967-2023.
Note:
(1) Gradual decline in dessert wine, with the steady rise of table wine over the decades.
(2) Stark decline in table wine from 2021-2023, much smaller drop in sparkling wine.
(3) Growth of wine-based RTDs as successor to the 1980s wine coolers
Note:
(1) Gradual decline in dessert wine, with the steady rise of table wine over the decades.
(2) Stark decline in table wine from 2021-2023, much smaller drop in sparkling wine.
(3) Growth of wine-based RTDs as successor to the 1980s wine coolers
There are sensory and aesthetic parallels between natural wine and certain beers. Can brewers get the natty crowd on board with saison or craft lager?
My latest for the Brewing Industry Guide: brewingindustryguide.com/pitching-nat...
My latest for the Brewing Industry Guide: brewingindustryguide.com/pitching-nat...
Pitching Natural Beer to Natural-Wine Drinkers
Whether it’s a table beer that expresses terroir or a bare-bones local lager that lets its ingredients shine, there may be opportunities for small breweries to tap into a segment of wine that’s buzzin...
brewingindustryguide.com
September 29, 2025 at 4:00 PM
There are sensory and aesthetic parallels between natural wine and certain beers. Can brewers get the natty crowd on board with saison or craft lager?
My latest for the Brewing Industry Guide: brewingindustryguide.com/pitching-nat...
My latest for the Brewing Industry Guide: brewingindustryguide.com/pitching-nat...
This would heal me
September 29, 2025 at 1:41 AM
This would heal me
Reposted by Kate Bernot
NEW — Video posted to social media shows Unraveled Press co-founder Steve Held being detained by federal agents outside the Broadview immigration facility earlier this evening.
A collection of Chicago newsrooms is calling for his immediate release.
thetriibe.com/2025/09/chic...
A collection of Chicago newsrooms is calling for his immediate release.
thetriibe.com/2025/09/chic...
Chicago journalist detained while covering protest outside Broadview immigration facility • The TRiiBE
Video posted to social media shows Unraveled Press co-founder Steve Held being detained by federal agents earlier this evening.
thetriibe.com
September 28, 2025 at 3:11 AM
NEW — Video posted to social media shows Unraveled Press co-founder Steve Held being detained by federal agents outside the Broadview immigration facility earlier this evening.
A collection of Chicago newsrooms is calling for his immediate release.
thetriibe.com/2025/09/chic...
A collection of Chicago newsrooms is calling for his immediate release.
thetriibe.com/2025/09/chic...
In this episode of The Gist podcast, we explore America’s massively successful campaign against underage drinking, and what it means for broader trends in alcohol consumption.
Listen in:
www.sightlines.news/the-gist-pod...
Listen in:
www.sightlines.news/the-gist-pod...
From Underage to Uninspired - Younger Audiences are Waiting on Booze — Sightlines
In this episode of The Gist podcast, Michael Kiser and Kate Bernot explore America’s massively successful campaign against underage drinking, and what it means for broader trends in alcohol consumptio...
www.sightlines.news
September 26, 2025 at 1:58 PM
In this episode of The Gist podcast, we explore America’s massively successful campaign against underage drinking, and what it means for broader trends in alcohol consumption.
Listen in:
www.sightlines.news/the-gist-pod...
Listen in:
www.sightlines.news/the-gist-pod...
Reposted by Kate Bernot
you are about to see the nation’s beer distributors—aka “the toughest lobby you’ve never heard of”—lose their fucking minds
* TRUMP ADMINISTRATION RESTRICTING COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSES FOR NON-U.S. CITIZENS, USDOT SAYS
@reuters.com
@reuters.com
September 26, 2025 at 1:47 PM
you are about to see the nation’s beer distributors—aka “the toughest lobby you’ve never heard of”—lose their fucking minds
Functional beverage MadLibs
September 20, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Functional beverage MadLibs
Reposted by Kate Bernot
College and pro football have returned. Beer sales have not. In my column this week at @vinepair.com, I broke down the short- and long-term trends dragging the beleaguered industry down during what had been one of its most dominant occasions.
Beer Is Losing Its Grasp On Football. Here's Why.
Late last month, I received a comment from a reader about my column on the American brewing industry’s collective overcapacity problem. Well, more of a request, really. “Dave can you put out a piece t...
vinepair.com
September 19, 2025 at 2:09 PM
College and pro football have returned. Beer sales have not. In my column this week at @vinepair.com, I broke down the short- and long-term trends dragging the beleaguered industry down during what had been one of its most dominant occasions.
In today’s Sightlines newsletter: The kids are alright.
New federal data shows young people ages 12-18 showed statistically significant decreases in alcohol use, cannabis use, major depressive episodes, and suicidality compared to four years ago.
Why? Changes to the way kids socialize.
New federal data shows young people ages 12-18 showed statistically significant decreases in alcohol use, cannabis use, major depressive episodes, and suicidality compared to four years ago.
Why? Changes to the way kids socialize.
September 5, 2025 at 1:10 PM
In today’s Sightlines newsletter: The kids are alright.
New federal data shows young people ages 12-18 showed statistically significant decreases in alcohol use, cannabis use, major depressive episodes, and suicidality compared to four years ago.
Why? Changes to the way kids socialize.
New federal data shows young people ages 12-18 showed statistically significant decreases in alcohol use, cannabis use, major depressive episodes, and suicidality compared to four years ago.
Why? Changes to the way kids socialize.
Reposted by Kate Bernot
Global Vineyard Area, 1900-2024
August 27, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Global Vineyard Area, 1900-2024