We are better off than in the old days. The “price” image beer had led to a race to the bottom: more corn, less hops, more fizz. Craft brewing was a reaction to this long decline. At least now people have a choice, every price point, from PBR up, is represented. As for me, I don’t need to buy the new Rare version of Bourbon County Imperial Stout. I can buy good Impy stout and age it myself for two years. I don’t think imparting tons of American oak character to beer in small barrels is a particularly good thing anyway, much less use of pecans, chile peppers, maple syrup or whatnot. But that’s neither here nor here, if people want this exotica, they shall have it. And that’s the beauty of the free market. (Plus, GI makes excellent, fairly-priced beer of quality, e.g. Honker’s, or IPA: no one can complain in their regard).
We are better off than in the old days. The “price” image beer had led to a race to the bottom: more corn, less hops, more fizz. Craft brewing was a reaction to this long decline. At least now people have a choice, every price point, from PBR up, is represented. As for me, I don’t need to buy the new Rare version of Bourbon County Imperial Stout. I can buy good Impy stout and age it myself for two years. I don’t think imparting tons of American oak character to beer in small barrels is a particularly good thing anyway, much less use of pecans, chile peppers, maple syrup or whatnot. But that’s neither here nor here, if people want this exotica, they shall have it. And that’s the beauty of the free market. (Plus, GI makes excellent, fairly-priced beer of quality, e.g. Honker’s, or IPA: no one can complain in their regard).