Preserving Quality and Craft in the Age of Corporate Influence
As a beer enthusiast, I am often asked about my stance on the current state of the craft beer scene, particularly with the increasing corporate influence. My perspective is simple. If I like the beer, I drink it, regardless of who produces it or what business decisions they make. This perspective is rooted in a deep appreciation for a good drink, not brand loyalty or affiliation.
Style Variety in Taprooms
Recently, I encountered a discussion where an author lamented the limited style variety in taprooms. While I agree that this can be a challenge, I believe the primary issue lies with taproom owners and what they believe customers want to order, rather than corporate ownership. The love for IPAs has its roots, but I hope to see a shift towards other styles such as sours, saisons, and wild ales. These are intriguing and promising directions that seem to be gaining traction, and I welcome them. The era of the overwhelming rise of NEIPAs has indeed peaked, and it’s time for a new wave of diversity to emerge.
Big Corporations and Beer Quality
Big breweries, as they are often called, are primarily driven by profit. They frequently reduce ingredient quality to increase margins, and they offer pub discounts on their "craft" beers to promote their mass-market products, stifling the market for independent options. As a result, my personal rule is to avoid beer from big companies and establishments that sell mass-market beers.
For instance, a recent experience in a craft beer pub saw the only beers I liked being from Beavertown, a brewery that has since been acquired by Danish giant Heineken. Although the taste remained unchanged when I ordered, I have no intention of returning. Striking a balance between sustainability and taste is key, and I should not support businesses solely because they claim to be craft beer enthusiasts if they compromise on quality.
Local Breweries and Personal Preferences
My preference leans towards local, independent breweries. I support businesses that focus on craftsmanship and local flavors. If I wish to explore beers from another area, I am prepared to make a trip to do so. Walloon's experience of hitting a high point with a local brewery that has since ceased to produce quality craft beer is a cautionary tale. However, Anheuser-Busch (A-B) is a case worth considering. Their initial forays into craft beer acquisitions were misguided due to their meddling with the acquired brewery. They have since adopted a hands-off approach, and establishments like Wicked Weed continue to produce quality beer.
Passing on Bad Brews
When it comes to passing on a beer I initially enjoy, I am generally not so pretentious as to refuse it solely because something has changed. The owners might have ‘sucked’ (their term), but if the taste remains the same, I won’t hesitate to enjoy it. However, I do believe that a change in taste is a clear sign that the beer is no longer worth drinking.
The craft beer world is a fascinating mix of tradition and innovation. It’s about supporting those who uphold quality, whether they be local microbreweries or large conglomerates that manage to retain their integrity. Enjoying a good beer is about more than just the brand on the label; it’s about the quality in your glass.