Lately, I've been getting a little tired of the craft beer industry and their upturned noses. There is this enormous malice that is held against macro-breweries and their products. And frankly it's ridiculous. The main things held against them seem to be an overall lack of beer quality, and the massive size of their company that seems to scream corporate evil. Lets see if we can shed some light on the craft community, shall we?
To address the quality argument, I'll be the first to claim that Natty Light isn't actually beer but rather Rhinoceros pee that has been canned and distributed. Strong words I know, but Lord, would any of us sit here and claim that it has any amount of quality within it? I think not. The quality of most macro-brews leaves much to be desired, however there is change coming within the macro-breweries and their approach to this problem. Some of them are starting craft brewery divisions to try and get involved into the massive profits that are available in the craft beer market.And in response to this move there has been a huge outcry against it by the beer snobs.With upturned nose and strangely shaped glass in hand they exclaim, "How dare you soil the craft beer community with your touch?!" This is ridiculous, and unnecessary.
Everyone has been talking about the Not Your Father's Root Beer now-a-days. The beer that tastes exactly like root beer except it has alcohol in it. There are rumors flying around that they are owned by a macro-brewery, and people are freaking out about it! But look at the facts: this is one of the best and most inventive beers that I've ever tasted. Quality beer at a quality price. Isn't the whole point of the craft beer revolution good beer? Regardless of who makes it or pays for it?
Now to the second argument against macro-breweries. We have got to move away from this idea that the bigger a company is the more evil it becomes. It is what people or companies do with their profits that makes them good or bad. We should be happy when craft breweries grow in size! Especially the ones that look after communities and support good charity foundations. Like Sweetwater with their water conservation efforts. A larger size means more money that they can give to these organizations, a.k.a bigger impact for good in more communities.
Now, I don't say all this to undermine the craft breweries. I love the work that they do, and their creativity is absolutely astounding. It just seems like we are getting a little carried away with it all. There are four-packs of beer out in the market now that costs $40. Trust me, I've seen it with my own eyes. That's absurd guys and gals. Yes, we should cry out for quality beer. Lord knows if Natty Light was the only beer available, I just wouldn't drink. But a six pack of quality beer isn't worth half your paycheck. Just look at Germany if you need an example.They have great beer that's not outrageously priced! I mean they started Oktoberfest beers for heavens sake! And you can't find a better Hefeweizen than from a German brewery. All for around 8 to 10 bucks, instead of 15 bucks which is what most craft breweries are starting to charge.
Let support these amazing breweries out there, but lets keep our heads about us, our feet firmly in the ground, and most of our paychecks in our wallet!
