Random Beer Roundup - The Whatever Goes Edition

If there is something coming up that is not listed, we would love to hear about it. News, reviews, info, etc., to share for our next Random Beer Roundup can be submitted to hoosierbeergeek@gmail.com. Don't see your favorite craft beer establishment? Let them know you'd like to see them here! Work for an establishment that serves craft beer? We want to hear from you too!

Hoosier Beer Calendar

Events are subject to change

From the Brewers:

From Bob at Flat 12 Brewery in Indianapolis:

Just a little news from Flat12 at 414 N. Dorman St.

FRIDAY: Tap Room 2-8p; More Milk Stout. Plus Duos Mobile Kitchen. Plus Live Music.
SUNDAY: Bierituality 12-3

From Roger at New Albanian Brewing Co. in New Albany:

We're a month late with the 2011 celebration of Ben Franklin's birthday, but NABC intends to have some added fun with it this year at Old Lightning Rod Day, coming this Saturday, February 19, at Bank Street Brewhouse (inside and on the covered patio).

It's a regular commemoration for us, and this year we're expanding the party (noon to 6 pm) in downtown New Albany.

The Colonial Ale is our annual seasonal batch of Old Lightning Rod, a dark libation brewed with molasses. There'll also be local wine, cider and spirits. Colonial Food is being cooked by "His Lordship’s Beef" (Caterers
of Fine Victuals), otherwise known as Steve Thomas, owner of Thomas Family Winery in Madison IN, in conjunction with Chef Josh Lehman of BSB.  There'll be period music, and if you dresss in Colonial-era attire, you get a free Old Lightning Rod poster, as designed by Tony Beard.

Anyone know where I can rent a costume suitable for 6' 4" and 255 lbs?

More info here:
http://potablecurmudgeon.blogspot.com/2011/02/old-lightning-rod-day-is-saturday.html

From Andrew at Ram Brewery in Indianapolis/Fishers:

RAM Small Ale Competition

We would like to challenge you, the Homebrewer, to brew the best Small Ale that you can create!   Check out https://sites.google.com/site/ramsmallale/ for more details.

From Lauren at Thr3e Wise Men Brewery in Indianapolis:

 St. Patrick's Day

When: March 17, 2011 5:00pm to Midnight

Where: Thr3e Wise Men Brewery

What: There will be a $5 cover. $4 Pints of Bunny Blonde, Centennial Martyr Double IPA, Golden Zoe IPA and Two Lucy's Blackberry Wheat. A new brew called Saint Slaters Irish Stout will be available inside Thr3e Wise Men.

Sam King will take the stage at 5:30-6:30 and The Last Goodyear take stage at 7:00pm

Bagpipers from 10:30pm to 11:00pm

At the Bar

From Corrie at Goose the Market in Indianapolis:

Now on the shelves at the Goose...

It's a Godzilla of a beer. We still have a few bottles of BrewDog's intergalactic fantastic Tokyo, an oak aged stout brewed with cranberries and jasmine.

Odd beers for odd years for odd fellas (and ladies)...that's kinda the idea behind Stone's extremely limited release: BELGO. Odds are there are even a bottles are left of this Old Guardian Barleywine spiked with a Belgian yeast strain.

The HBG and Goose the Market are ready to release round 2 of our Beer and Cheese of the Month Club. Members get monthly allotments of craft beers and farmstead cheeses. We’re brewing up interesting and ideal pairings to feed your curds-and-whey craving between sips. There are just a couple openings still available for February...call the Goose and get in the club! http://goosethemarket.com/BeerCheeseClub/BeerAndCheeseClub.pdf

From Lauren at Scotty's Brewhouse (various locations):

Scotty's Brewhouse Muncie
Bell’s HopSlam

Scotty's Brewhouse Downtown Indy
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Two Brothers Heavy Handed IPA

Scotty's Brewhouse Northside Indy
Bell’s HopSlam

From the Stores

From Todd at Keg Liquors in Clarksville:

Here is the latest from Keg Liquors in Clarksville:

Stone - Old Guardian (California)

Stone - Old Guardian Belgo (California)

Dark Horse - Scotty Karate Scotch Ale (Michigan)

Tyranena - Down & Dirty Chocolate Oatmeal Stout (Wisconsin)

Daleside - Morocco Ale (England)

Daleside - Monkey Wrench (England)

Moorhouses - Black Cat (England)

Steinlager - Pure (New Zealand)  

Pyramid - Outburst Imperial IPA (Washington)  

From the Distributors/Reps

From Greg at Cavalier Distribution in Indianapolis:

Upcoming Cavalier Events:

02/18 - Wiseguys, Craft Cider Tasting, 5 - 7

02/19 - Mr. G's, New Day Mead Tasting, 4:30 - 6:30

02/22 - Mass Ave Wine Shoppe, New Day Mead Tasting, 5:30 - 7:00

02/26 - Parti Pak Lq, New Day Mead Tasting, 4:30 - 6:30

03/01 - Birdy's Monthly Craft Beer Tasting; 6 - 8pm ; $10

03/04 - Parti Pak Lq, Spring Beer Tasting, 4:30 - 6:30

03/08 - Monon Food Co. Beer Dinner featuring Left Hand Brewing Co; 6pm ; Price $25 

03/09 - Barley Island Broad Ripple Brewery Night featuring Founders Brewing Co. & Special Tapping; 7pm

Upcoming Events

From Donna at IUPUI:

Tickets can be found here.

“HEART of the BREWS”

An ALE tasting event to support RESEARCH for KIDS with AILING HEARTS.

Proceeds to benefit research at the Riley Heart Research Center

Come together with friends and learn about some of the beers offered by the local breweries, and find out what foods go best with different beers in an educational, responsible and relaxing atmosphere

Date: Friday, February 18, 2011

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Place: Omni Severin, 40 W. Jackson Place, downtown Indianapolis

Must be 21 years of age to attend; picture ID will be required.

Contact Person: Donna Fischer, dfischer@iupui.edu; 317-278-1130

Ticket Information:

$40 per person – General Admission ticket purchased by February 15, 2011 (Included in admission price: samples of a variety of different beers from Sun King, Upland and Barley Island breweries, food tastings, collectible RHRC pen, and a program booklet with info on each beer and food pairings.)

$50 per person – General Admission ticket purchased after February 15, 2011 and at the door (Included in admission price: samples of a variety of different beers from Sun King, Upland and Barley Island breweries, food tastings, collectible RHRC pen, and a program booklet with info on each beer and food pairings.)

$10 per person – designated driver ticket purchased in advance and at the door (Included in admission price: complimentary water and soft drinks). We encourage responsible drinking. Designated drivers are welcome to attend, but they must be 21 years of age.

2011 State of the Six Pack - Part 3: The Agenda for 2011

My fellow beer geeks:

It would be nice to think that beer is all about the brewers and their supporters. But government is a partner in this business too, for better or for worse. In 2010, the state allowed Sunday carry out sales from breweries. For some, the impact as been exceptional.

“The Sunday carryout law is huge for us. We have the only Sunday carryout in our county and our Sunday sales are exceptional as a result.” – Tom Uban, Figure Eight Brewing

“The Sunday Carryout Law has been great for Crown Brewing. Sunday sales now rival Friday and Saturday sales. Thanks to the legislators and everyone else who worked so hard to make this happen. Our customers don't have to worry about running out of beer before the game on Sundays. We have even met some new people who needed beer, but didn't feel like driving to Illinois on Sundays. This means more tax dollars staying in the State of Indiana.” – Chris Stanek, Manager/Part Owner, Crown Brewing

“Our guild lobbied the Indiana legislature for many years for Sunday carryout and thanks to Mark Webb for making it happen in 2010. Sunday carryout has brought new customers into the category as sometimes someone comes in and asks for our lightest beer, but hey it is still craft and its a start for them.” – Jeff Eaton, Owner/Brewer, Barley Island Brewing Company

“The Sunday sales have helped our carry out sales tremendously. We have been running a promotion and discounted our Sunday carry out to promote the new law. However, most people still don't realize the law has passed. How about getting all Indiana brewers and take out an ad in local papers and thanking the legislators for passing the Sunday carry out law.” – Kwang Casey, Owner, Oaken Barrel Brewing Co.

Legislation has been proposed to expand on carry out laws. While it is not believed that this will happen this year, it is certainly a topic that we have discussed. Expanded Sunday sales are viewed by many as a hindrance to smaller retailers. With the exception of border towns, sales won’t necessarily go up. Six days of beer sales will instead be spread across seven days, but costs will increase to accommodate the seventh day of being open.

“If Sunday sales become universal the cost of selling beer for liquor stores goes up to accommodate the extra time and personnel involved in operating seven days instead of six. That makes it less lucrative to be in the beer business for the smaller family businesses that often run liquor stores. The unknown here is how much the competition between liquor stores and grocery smoothes over this potential transition. Most opinions in the industry suggest that there is not a lot of overall increase in sales to cover the increased cost of operation one extra day. By and large we’d just end up spreading six days worth of sales over seven days and not picking up much or any additional volume so liquor stores are the clear loser here.” – Anonymous

Smaller retailers may go under; chains may grow stronger. But who supplies more craft beer? And how many small retailers who would be put under by the seventh day of sales would be investing in craft beer inventory anyway? Grocery store chains are the major wild card. They’ve started stocking some craft beer, but not a large variety in most cases. But would that change if they were allowed to do cold beer sales?

“Cold beer sales likely has a much bigger impact because I think it is possible that grocery and convenience stores have held back somewhat on getting into the craft category full throttle due to this issue. After all, Indiana has one of the lowest % of sales from grocery in the country where beer is concerned which is largely due to the cold beer issue. And even though it doesn’t seem that important to me personally, consumers overwhelmingly prefer to buy beer cold. If grocery stores get cold beer, they might be more interested in getting further into the craft category. However, that might not bode well for liquor stores who have been the backbone of craft beer sales for this state for years so there is certainly a downside for them. Again, liquor stores are the clear loser but there could be added potential benefit for the consumer who may have more choices from more retailers on where and which beers to buy.” –Anonymous

In the case of Sunday sales and cold beer sales at grocery stores, it looks like liquor stores lose out. Maybe it wouldn’t be a huge impact on the Kahn’s, Crown Liquors, 21st Amendments, and United Package Liquors, but what about places like Parti-Pak or Stoney’s? wonder if the playing field would be leveled more if parents were able to enter a liquor store with their kids they way they are allowed to go up and down a liquor aisle at a grocery store. That’s a law that I would personally like to see changed.

There are other laws that some would like to see changed.

“Most laws favor the big guy and I hope we are seeing that trend beginning to reverse.” – Mat Gerdenich, President, Cavalier Distributing

“Straight up: On this whole issue of mandatory “carding,” am I the only one wondering why the burden of enforcement always lies with servers and employees? Shouldn’t the 18-year-old consciously violating an admittedly asinine law bear the brunt of punishment? Anyway, as for legislation: There should be more investment incentives and calculated breaks for independent small business, whatever the field of endeavor. Add together the investment, production and employment figures for all Indiana small breweries, and incentivize them collectively. In many instances, breweries and their on-premise operations carry the ball in urban revitalization efforts. This fact needs to be touted and leveraged at every opportunity.” – Roger Baylor, Carnival Barker, New Albanian Brewing Company

“Sunday sales for craft breweries may end up being a momentary blip – billion-$ corporate lobbyists are lined up to kill off independent retailers and nationalize chain buying decisions, which is a bad outcome on so many levels. We’d love to see the prohibition against small brewers operating distilleries to be lifted – we have a 3 yr-old whiskey R&D project in the barrel and would love to turn the team loose on developing some quality spirits for commercial production.” – Doug Dayhoff, Upland Brewing Co.

“As a wholesaler the Sunday Brew Pub carry out sales did not affect us, but we were surprised that more of the craft brewers in Indiana did not take advantage of it. Now this year Sunday carry out sales and cold beer in the grocery stores will change the dynamic of beer sales considerably. This will give the grocery stores more of the beer share which will be affected by less selection. Compare your favorite liquor store to your favorite grocery store or convient store and see who has the best selection. This will mean less access to market for the smaller Indiana crafts. On another legislative front Indiana has a law that allows Indiana craft brewers to self distribute as well as sell carry out which is one of only 18 states to do it. But there is a barrelage limitation of 20,000 which means if you produce 20,000 bbls you cannot have a brew pub or self distribute. We are working with Indiana Brewers to change to 50,000.” – Jim Schembre, Manager, World Class Beverages Indiana

“Changes to add another tier to the excise taxation for micro breweries would certainly be helpful to those of us who produce under 1200 barrels per year.” –Uban, Figure Eight Brewing

“I would like to see a push for more micro-brewery specific tax and reporting forms. I feel that our industry is growing and operates quite differently that a macro brewery producing millions of barrels per year. This could save people on both ends of the forms time and money.” – Stanek, Crown Brewing

“In 2011 (the Brewers of Indiana Guild) has filed legislation that would allow us to sample and sell Indiana craft beer during the Indiana State Fair.” – Eaton, Barley Island Brewing Company

“I think it's imperative that Indiana retain the right for small brewers to self-distribute. I have not heard of any changes being considered - but it would be a huge mistake to change this law.” – Dan Valas, President, Great Crescent Brewery

Given the politics, some of these state and federal legislative desires may seem like pipe dreams. Only time will tell. Here are some other dreams and desires that the craft beer industry is hoping for in their Christmas stocking/Valentine card/Easter basket this year…

“I wish for the craft beer trend to keep continuing onward and upward! Every fizzy yellow beer drinker the learns about and converts to a craft beer drinker is a blessing to the industry!” –Gerdenich, Cavalier Distributing

“For 2011, all I want is stress reduction, and I’ll take my chances with the rest. NABC has high hopes for bomber bottling, which should be underway in January, so let’s roll the dice and have at it.” – Baylor, New Albanian Brewing Company

“Mash tun rakes would be at the top of our list for Santa – shoveling 50 tons of spent grain each month by hand is good work for new pledges but not fun for the experienced staff on a triple brew day.” – Dayhoff, Upland Brewing Company

“I think the number one thing we think about is what influences consumers choice? How can we get more information out to our consumers? Is it social networking? Tastings? What can we use to make your beer buying decision? And then our question is how can we influence it? If we can get into the heads of the beer drinkers and see what where and why they want their beer we would all win. So if you can tell us that we would be very happy.” –Schembre, World Class Beverages

“I hope to see continued growth and public awareness of our locally crafted, full flavored offerings.” –Uban, Figure Eight Brewing

“I would like/need a larger brewing system. I could also use a larger bar.” – Stanek, Crown Brewing

“A production brewery; definitely running out of space!” – Eaton, Barley Island Brewing Company

“I hope for patience personally, growth for our company and maturity & cooperation for our Hoosier craft beer community.” – Blackman, Cavalier Distributing

“I would hope to find in my stocking that all Indiana breweries had a successful year. I've had best year in 16 years and hope to continue the success. I believe Indiana will see a continued growth, since we were so far behind other midwest states. Our time has arrived! For myself, I need to be more active in Indiana Brewery industry. There are improvements I would like to see, and I promised myself to be more involved instead complaining about lack of changes. I would love to see a beer stand at the Indianapolis airport featuring Indiana beers. We could provide brochures listing Indiana breweries along with Indiana beers. Tomlinson's tasting room is good idea, but we need to think big.” –Casey, Oaken Barrel Brewing Co.

“Health for all the brewers and craft beer supporters in Indiana. Healthy, happy beer brewers and beer drinkers would be the best gift we can receive. Cheers to all.” – Valas, Great Crescent Brewery

And with that, I would finish with my wish that Hoosier Beer Geek continue on its path of global domination. And a kegerator. I really want a kegerator at home.

Thank you, my fellow beer geeks, for your attentiveness. Good night, cheers, prost, and hop bless America.

2011 State of the Six Pack - Part 2: The Ready For Prime Time Brewers

My fellow beer geeks:

When historians write about 2010, they may say that it was the year that craft beer started moving from the underground scene into the mainstream. Televisions shows are showing characters drinking craft beer. Sam Caglione has…er, had…his own reality program. There are a number of shows about beer history, beer creating, beer drinking, beer travels… this spring, a documentary about Indiana craft beer will make its debut on Bloomington’s WTIU. Hell, even I made it onto television (I brought Ted Miller along as my sidekick). Seriously, what does that say about craft beer?

“It shows that craft beer is getting the respect it deserves.” –Mat Gerdenich, President, Cavalier Distributing

“We got a ton of calls, emails and tweets asking for us to get more Bitches Brew right after the initial episode (of Sam Caglione’s “Brew Masters”) – so I know people are watching and reacting positively to it.” –Bob Mack, World Class Beverages

“Our beers on “Parks & Recreation” certainly supports the idea that craft beer is being recognized as a marker for local culture/identity – they called us, we didn’t call them (and we think Amy Poehler is awesome).” –Doug Dayhoff, Upland Brewing Company

While “Brew Masters” focused mostly on Mr. Caglione, there were some Indiana connections on the show:

“It's great to see Greg Christmas in some of the episodes. Previously Greg lived in Noblesville and we did a GABF Pro-Am beer with him. The show will boost the whole category.” –Jeff Eaton, Owner/Brewer, Barley Island Brewing Company

But how many new drinkers are these shows bringing in?

“I doubt it has much impact to attract someone away from what they usually watch on TV, but it keeps the people that are already passionate about beer engaged. I say that seeing people drinking beer on television is good all around, but I don't think the average person relates it to any particular market segment. Those of us passionate about beer see it differently. In the same way that people have been told girls in bikini's will come over and play volleyball with them on the beach if they drink BMC, I think we need to be just as careful not to convince people that craft beer is an exclusive drink reserved only for a certain type of beer drinker. Craft beer is unique and varied and should be appreciated by everyone.” –Dan Valas, President, Great Crescent Brewery

There are a lot of characters in the Indiana craft beer market. I suspect that we could build shows around some of them…

“A Roger Baylor / New Albanian show would be most interesting.” –Gerdenich, Cavalier Distributing

I’m betting Roger could get a show on FOX News…

“Blaine Stuckey (Mad Anthony) really should have his own show. Not only is Blaine ruggedly handsome and tastefully telegenic, but he also has the moves, and he is ready for prime time. As an example: Back in 2008, a group of Indiana brewers were being transported to a party somewhere completely unknown in suburban St. Louis, sprawled in the back of a Third World conveyance called the Pickle Wagon. All of us very well lubricated after a day’s work guarding Otto’s fresh hopping machine at a Schlafly Bottleworks function, and as the Pickle Wagon rumbled forward, Blaine shrewdly passed out. When the vehicle shuddered to a halt, Blaine’s eyes popped wide open, he bolted upright, and then ran straight inside. Fortunately, it was the right house, and he was the life of the party. As soon as we got back into the Pickle Wagon – boom, out went his lights -- again. What a gamer! It was a classic performance, and made for basic cable. When the light goes on, he delivers.” –Roger Baylor, Carnival Barker, New Albanian Brewing Company

I’m thinking that Blaine’s reality show would be a good fit for Bravo. Or maybe an MTV show called “Fort Wayne Shore”…

“100 Indiana craft beer personalities deserve a TV show: I can think of several brewers and bar managers who could double for Sponge Bob, The Fonz, Knight Rider, Miami Vice and several characters from pro wrestling (cool classic WWF and dorky new WWE). BIG could field a great WTTV lineup. ” –Dayhoff, Upland Brewing Company

Sounds like a Nick at Nite lineup.

“John from Broad Ripple Brewpub.” –Chris Stanek, Manager/Co-owner, Crown Brewing

BBC America. That was easy.

“A Hoosier show on craft beer couples could produce some interesting segments. Jeff & Linda - Barley Island, Ted & Shannon - Brugge, Greg & Nancy - Lafayette. I know my youngest daughter would get in her dinner table line of "are you guys talking about beer again"!” –Eaton, Barley Island Brewing Company

Sounds kinda prime time…“How I Met Your Beer Drinkin’ Mother”

“Jim Schembre of World Class Beverage would be a great person to contact. He got me interested in micro brews with Sierra Nevada Pale Ale over 20 years ago. He introduced many micro brews and imports to Indiana before going to work with Monarch Beverage. He is a good talker too! Great bull shit artist.” –Kwang Casey, Owner, Oaken Barrel Brewing Company

Perhaps a Discovery Channel show…instead of “Dirty Jobs” it could be “Natt’y Beers”.

It looks like we have enough Indiana shows to cover the entire channel spectrum. Except we don’t have one yet for Oprah Winfrey’s new channel. I nominate Nick Floyd to develop that one. I’m assuming those Chicagoland superstars hang out together…

While on the subject of superstars, let’s look at the superstars in craft brewing…

Big hops.

((applause))

Barrel Aged.

((more applause))

Sours.

((applause with some Arsenio Hall-style woofs))

Collaborations.

((applause; standing ovation; audience members start to throw undergarments onto the stage))

“It seems the IPA are the fastest growing market. The people who dabbled into micro brews have grown up to the big IPAs. It's similar to wine drinkers who tried a Pinot Noir as their first red wine, then graduating to hearty Cabernets or Bordeaux. Once you get people to drink an IPA, it's not hard to convince them to try barrel aged, spiced, or other exotic types of beer.” –Casey, Oaken Barrel Brewing Company

“I still see room for imperial styles. Barley Island will launch some 4-pack bottles of big beers in 2011, many of which have been brewed as test batches for our pubs. ” –Eaton, Barley Island Brewing Company

But these big, wild beers aren’t the only popular kids in class. Sessionable beers are quickly gaining momentum. Opposite ends of the spectrum? Sure. But there is room for both.

“I believe in the future of session beers. To me, Sun King has really hit that nail on the head. Their main beers hit in the 5% abv range and come in cans, making them convenient in a variety of settings. I also believe that while Indiana has a small market % of craft versus the rest of the country that we can bring more people into the craft category with “session” beers rather than 80 IBU ales that might scare some folks. So I feel that the session beer is a trend that can help lead the category. But the growth in the IPA category is not going away and while sours are popular among many veteran beer geeks, I’m not sure they can forge a true trend outside of that niche. But please don’t take the 70 IBU and sour beers away from me! ” –Mack, World Class Beverages

“Extreme on the high end is great, but I believe the attractive price points in months to come are going to be in session beer territory. Session beers can have big flavors at lower consumer prices, and with fewer ramifications at the highway sobriety checkpoint. Key to me is educating consumers about the pros and cons of extreme vs. session. At NABC, we feel that our product line is anchored on both these ends.” –Baylor, New Albanian Brewing Company

“I think as our consumers get more educated that they realize that they cannot drink high ABV and high IBU beers all the time and they are the consumers that are now looking for more sessionable beers. Our approach to market is to get and give what consumers want and we are still seeing the growing trend of the high abv and ibu beers but we are even seeing growth in the sessionable beers as well. We think there is also going to be a lot of growth in the Sours. As consumers taste get even more educated. So watch Sours, Sessions, as well as the Big Beers.” –Jim Schembre, Manager, World Class Beverages Indiana

“We first produced a well received 4% session IPA (Where Lizareds Dare) this last summer which continues to be in demand. While the majority of our brews are bigger, 7-10 ABV, we are also continuing to explore full flavored lower ABV offerings.” –Tom Uban, Figure Eight Brewing

“We always do our best to keep a variety of beers on tap. We want to make sure we include the big beers, the medium beers and the sessionable beers. As more macro drinkers make the switch to micro drinkers there has been an increased in requests for a variety of sessionable beers. We always keep our Crown Light(Blonde Ale) on tap to welcome the converts. The Crown Light is a comfortable and welcoming transition for the Miller Light drinkers in the area. Although that is usually the first beer they try, they quickly start expanding their idea of beer. It seems that many people are used to drinking a larger quantity of macro beer, so the idea of a high alcohol ten ounce beer is something they are not yet ready for. We will be releasing more beers that are readily suited to drinking in quantity this year. We want to convert the local macro drinkers and make it an easy transition. We want to welcome and educate as many macro drinkers in the our local area this year as possible. Although, we will continue to brew big beers for the seasoned craft beer drinkers and offer many more varieties of barrel aged beers.” –Stanek, Crown Brewing

“Blending of two beers at the tap is continuing to grow, not only with our beers but customers are starting to blend some of the guest beers on tap at our Broad Ripple location. ” –Eaton, Barley Island Brewing Company

“These trends are all reflected in the beers that people are brewing and are releasing today. While big beers are still huge, there is definitely a momentum toward session beers. We have several breweries that have just released or are planning on releasing year around session beers to their core selection. Another trend we've seen and will continue most likely is the popularity of domestic craft Pilsners. Because the style is so close to the macro-domestic beers that craft beer distances itself from, there hasn't been a ton of interest in craft Pilsners in the past. However, we've seen a big increase in sales and production of craft Pilsners over the last couple of years and this style in particular, along with session ales, will be a trend to stay moving forward.” –Greg Blackman, Sales Manager, Cavalier Distributing, Inc.

“Our Blonde Ale is tied in sales with our IPA and Dark Mild sells strong whenever it's available. I think all beers can be popular if they are well made. Personally, I like drinking beer and I want to be able to have more than one when I go out (or entertain at home). I really like getting a sampler at a brew pub or packaged beer and trying them all. Our next packaging step is getting into some sort of variety pack, I think it's been proven that beer drinkers of all types want some variety and not just hoppy, strong, high ABV beers.” –Valas, Great Crescent Brewery

To be concluded…

Coming up …legislative impacts on the industry and its consumers…and a look at 2011 and beyond…