Monkey See, Monkey Do.

Generally speaking, there appears to be a growing lack of creativity within the craft beer community that goes well beyond trademark issues.

Brewers
Perhaps this is an inevitable byproduct of craft beer’s success, but we’re seeing less innovation, and more mediocrity and homogeneity. We need more leaders in the market to push creativity and new brewing concepts.

Bars
Once solely a macro bar issue, cookie-cutter craft beer bars are on the rise. They tend to carry and worry about what their closest competitors offer, and look like the next bar instead of tapping into their personalities and passion for beer in order to create a unique experience for their patrons.

Events
Markets are becoming flooded by copycat events looking to get a piece of the action. Some will literally use the same name, exact format and other resources as other festivals. These fests are generally boring and forgettable.

Writers
Maybe it’s summertime and we’re tired of “top summer beer” lists and regurgitated press releases cut to look like original news items, but there’s tens of thousands of voices in the greater beer community with a story to tell. Let’s hear them!

Some say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but sometimes it’s just lazy and a complete ripoff of another’s work. It’s time for all of us to raise the bar.

Respect Beer. ■