As craft beer’s influence in convenience and larger chain stores grows, so has the availability of variety packs. In 2014, variety packs were up 21 percent by volume in retail sales.
For the last five years, in spite of high taxes and long shipping times, American beers have found their way into the hands of curious Brazilian drinkers and motivated Brazilian brewers.
New York’s brewers & wholesalers scrambled by Hurricane Sandy; brewers increasingly skeptic about plastic kegs; North American Breweries sold to Cervecería Costa Rica; Minneapolis brewers embattled in trademark dispute; and C&C Group purchases Vermont Hard Cider for $305 Million.
For many consumers, it was Sixpoint’s reputation for stellar beers that drew them in. Novelty probably also played a role. But neither would mean nearly as much if the wraps weren’t so elegantly designed.
Brewers and breweries have long done more to benefit society than harm it. In ages when drinking water was often contaminated, brewing was a practical science that provided townspeople with something safe to drink. Centuries later, brewers are still working hard to make a positive impact on their communities.
Ask Shane Welch a hypothetical question, and enjoy the ride—the founder of Brooklyn’s SixPoint Craft Ales is most comfortable playing in the world of ideas.
Cascade launches a renewable brew; US craft brewers grow; Miller dabbles in “lite” craft beers; Vermont rethinks drinking age; Bud Light Lime is born; and “Hop Obama” could divide versus unite.
The free-form movement seeks to overthrow the way brewers categorize their beers. Eschewing the restrictions of traditionalism, these free-form brewers want to change the way people think about tasting beer.
As a professional brewer, I often find myself in this situation: I hand someone a sample of my beer, they taste it, and they become delighted and curious. The next comment is, “I really like this beer. What style is it?”
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