MillerCoors seeks to innovate by looking at what they did 100 years ago
MillerCoors is testing a new beer, dubbed Batch 19, based on a pre-Prohibition recipe found in the archives of Coors in Colorado. The beer will be sold starting in April on draft in select areas, none of which is Atlanta. Chicago, Milwaukee, San Francisco and Washington will be getting Batch 19 first.
Batch 19 is named after 1919, the year right before Prohibition.
I’m actually a little excited to try this beer, if it ever makes it down our way. Reading Ambitious Brew by Maureen Ogle got me pretty fired up about America’s fine brewing history.
In other news, Miller Lite will soon be rolling out a new bottle which, according to Peter Swinburn, chief executive of Molson Coors Brewing Co., is supposed to:
“explode the flavor more”
I kid you not. Actual quote. I couldn’t make that up.
Also, that’s what she said, Mr. Swinburn. That’s what she said.
Image source: kristisanders23
Beer growlers are the new black
The New York Times (maybe you’ve heard of it) recently ran an article on the renewed interest in growlers as a means of purchasing beer. This is a concept that might be foreign to many Georgians, so let me break it down. A growler is a refillable 64-oz glass jug that you can take to a place with taps (such as a brewery or a Piggly Wiggly) and pay to have it filled up with beer. It’s cheaper than buying bottles because you’re not paying for the packaging. And you also have access to beers you wouldn’t normally be able to consume in your own home, such as cask ales. It’s usually a safe bet that the beer you purchase in growlers is fresher, especially if you’re purchasing from a brewery. The largest downside is that you have to drink the beer soon after opening. THE HORROR!
Interviewed in the Times story were the owners of Bierkraft in Brooklyn, NY. I was actually at Bierkraft in late January. And while I didn’t purchase a growler (I didn’t think Delta would like me trying to sneak back 64 oz of beer), I was impressed with their selection. Three cask ales to choose from and a bevy of other hard-to-find, delicious options.
The moral of the story? There’s a reason why growlers are gaining in popularity. They’re cheaper and more eco-friendly. And sometimes I shed a single tear when I think about Georgia’s lack of them.
Let’s all join hands and do a Growler dance. Hat tip to infrequent commenter West for the link.
Image source: mariachen
Heineken continues the trend of beer industry consolidation, buying up FEMSA
Dutch brewer Heineken recently announced that it was purchasing Mexican brewer FEMSA, which is valued at $7.6 billion (pinky on corner of mouth). This is significant news in the beer industry because it furthers the trend of beer consolidation, concentrating power in hands of the the largest brewers worldwide. You may not have heard of FEMSA, but you’ve probably heard of some of their brands, such as Dos Equis (XX) and Sol.
The deal also gives Heineken a strong foothold in Central America, which they were seeking because of slower growth opportunities in Europe. After the deal, they are now the #2 beer company in Mexico, behind Grupo Modelo (the Corona dudes).
Heineken has also announced plans to invade Canada and cut off all supply lines to the U.S. Which makes our job as craft beer brewers especially important. I made that part about Canada up. But still.
Photo source: williamcho
Ormsby’s opening up on Atlanta’s Westside
Yet another boon for beer on Atlanta’s Westside. Ormsby’s is opening its doors today. According to their website:
Ormsby’s, a classic neighborhood tavern found in Atlanta’s west-side. A warm, welcoming and comfortable gathering spot with a full bar that features an extensive craft beer selection and classic cocktails along side a fresh pub menu. At Ormsby’s you will be able to enjoy a wide range of traditional games including: Backgammon, Bocce, Darts, Pool, and Shuffleboard. So please come on down; join us for a drink and game or two (or three).
Their beer list looks good, and their food menu looks to be well in line with the gastropub fare cropping up at places such as The Porter, Leon’s Full Service and Book House Pub.
According to Sara, the highly reputable SweetWater intern, Ormsby’s is headed by a former SweetWater “Beer Pimp,” Michael Goot. Color me excited. If anyone has a chance to get down there before we do, please post your thoughts in the comments section. I like to salivate on my keyboard whenever possible.
Piggly Wiggly taking craft beer seriously
A Piggly Wiggly in Myrtle Beach, SC has become the first grocery store in the Southeast to sell 64 oz growlers of beer. A PIGGLY WIGGLY. When Piggly Wiggly jumps on board, you know craft beer is no joke. You also might start looking out for other signs of the apocalypse. And this particular Piggly Wiggly isn’t selling Keystone Light on tap. They are selling the good stuff:
- Founders Breakfast Stout
- Bells Best Brown Ale
- Moylan’s Hopsickle Imperial IPA
- Hercules Double IPA
Prices range from $11-20, much cheaper than the same beers if bought in bottles. Michael Byrd, assistant store director at aforementioned Piggly Wiggly (PIGGLY WIGGLY?!), is getting plenty of praise. Jeff LeVine of Carolina Craft Distributing in Rock Hill, says this:
“It’s the first grocery store in the Southeast – that’s seven states – to run with the beer growler station. He’s blowing our minds, and we’re proud to have him as a customer. We’ve begged customers to do it.”
Read the full story from the Charlotte Observer. I can’t believe it. A PIGGLY WIGGLY.
Image source: Joe Architect
Little Rock Art Brewery goes up against corporate America
Rock Art Brewery in Vermont got a pretty interesting note from lawyers at Monster Energy Drinks’ parent company, Hansen Beverages.
Your client’s use…of VERMONSTER in connection with beer will undoubtedly create a likelihood of confusion and/or dilute the distinctive quality of Hansen’s MONSTER marks.
Essentially Hansen is threatening Rock Art Brewery with legal action for trademark infringement for their Vermonster Barleywine. Rock Art Brewery has decided to fight, despite their lack of deep pockets. Hear from Rock Art’s owner, Matt Nadeau:
We’ll be following this story with interest. And we’re obviously rooting for David in this David vs. Goliath saga.
Beer consumption by state: Georgia exhibits “room for improvement”
Come on Georgia, let’s get it together. According to the Beer Institute, we ranked 43rd in terms of beer consumption per capita by state. That’s out of 50 states. 28.2 gallons of beer per year per person over 21. That’s the best we can do? I know it sounds like a lot, but in Montana they consume 43.5 gallons of beer per year per person. Now I’m not saying we become like Montana (God forbid), but let’s at least pull our weight. Preferably with some up-and-coming Atlanta-loving craft beers?
Sloshspot pulled together this handy-dandy map, which we have illegally lifted from their site. [Note: Please visit their site and say nice things about them so they don't call the lawyers on us.] Feel free to click on the image for a larger version. But whatever you do, if you live in Georgia, grab a beer and start drinking. Immediately.
