The Problem with American Craft

They don't suffer from locavorism to the extent we do because in most U.S. states, there aren't commercial wineries. Also, with wine the pricing is more reflective of demand.

 

Not sure. But generally wine isn't quite as perishable/doesn't depend on freshness to drive sales like beer does.

 

The problem with craft these days is hipsters. I can't even buy a six-pack or bomber these days without the dude behind the counter picking it up, inspecting the label, and then making some dumbass comment about it, trying to 1-up me.

 

I can't really think of an argument which would paint this in a good light. This definitely isn't a good thing.

What is the solution to the problem of over saturation, though? You can't just keep people from making beer, you can't even keep people from making bad beer, all you can do is vote with your wallet. Eventually there will be a bubble burst and some of these mediocre breweries will perish.

 

More 4-packs? Maybe 2-packs? Frees up shelf space and allows for more variety....

 

You can also voice your opinions and influence others. Maybe some will realize they don't need to try every single new beer. Maybe some will think twice and realize that trying every new beer means their week, their month, their year is spent trying new stuff in which most of it is not exactly stuff they really like to drink. Maybe people can be influenced to drink what they like the most, perhaps making regular purchases of such beers and contributing to regular turnover of beers that deserve to be bought repeatedly. Maybe, maybe.

 

As regards wine, some states are commonly known to be more corrupt than others. While their is great collegiality in the beer business, the intent to dominate draft that the big guys employ always raises eyebrows.

 

Every state has a winery. How big, and where the grapes come from is another thing.

 

American craft is the best craft in the world. Belgium does give America a run for it's money, though.

 

I just don't have any problems getting pretty damn good brews, but I also live in a fairly good part of a good state for beer in terms of distribution and the local brewery environment. It seems to be getting better all the time, too. Maybe it's more of a regional thing like @JackHorzempa was saying.

 

What part of NC are you in? I agree that the "craft" situation is pretty good up there in most locations.

 

wow I never like to beat peeps up and do not plan on starting now but ... are you insane????? we are close and trust me we are not even there yet... to the point of beer choices and all the great beers in the US since before probation. this is nothing new just something that has not been seen in well over 100 years... yes you will see a good bit of IPA's but that is what beer is my friend ... hoppy and if not hoppy then dig on some stouts. this is the best time in over 100 years to be a beer drinker in the USA. AMEA is not even close to what we have to offer in the states. I personally have been enjoying the ride . yes we are lucky to have things like mobile phones and the internet but by god rejoice and enjoy all the beers we are about to receive my friend ...

 

Western North Carolina up in Boone.

 

Well, that explains a lot.

 

My solution: drink what you like. There are beers by old established breweries that I don't like. I don't drink them again. There are beers from brand new breweries that I love. I'll drink them again. I don't expect every bottle of wine to be a Montrachet, so why hold beer to a higher standard.

 

I should have said, those who drink beers with lots of hops tend to be those with a lot of beer drinking practice It was more saying that if one is drinking a double IPA, they might be a beer geek

 

Good points here. I tend to go back and forth. I get in moods where I just want to try everything made within a 20 mile radius of my house. Or, on a store shelf -- so many breweries!! Then, I get in moods where I just need to drink what I know and like. I mean, we can't expect breweries to survive if they only can rely on innovation.

Case in point, I have good ole fashioned Sierra Nevada Pale Ale in my fridge right now, and a few Bellls selections. But, I'm headed to a pub soon nearby to try their new beers.

All in all, it's a good problem to have, isn't it? I'd rather it not be 1984 again with 88 freaking breweries and waiting on Burt Reynolds to come to my house with Coors. lol.

I think this is a great discussion, by the way. The fact we need to debate how to handle the problem of so many breweries means things are going well!

 

The problem is there is too much good beer, and often I just can't keep up.

 

Sorry..last post for me for a while so I don't flood this thing. I'm a hop head, though (not the only thing I love, but I do love me some hops )

No question. All hops and no flavor make a hop head somethin' something --- go crazy. Hops is sorta like spicy food in that those who like it, only like it if it also comes with flavor. Just having hops, or just making spicy food, without it being balanced with flavors is no bueno. I had a homebrew recently at a beer fest that was nothing but hops and zero flavor. It was awful. Certainly, some beers suck. It reminds me of stouts that are over the top with oat or coffee flavoring..

I think for me, it doesnt' matter exactly what type of Ale (Pumpkin, IPA, Pale, etc), but it just has to be good. I'm not really picky. I like all types of hoppy beers. Maybe others are more picky?

That's my 3rd post in a row on here....I'll shut-up now.

 

*looks at location of TS*
*looks at contents of OP*
*shakes head*

There's a wide world of beer out there and while some stuff is bland and boring there's a lot of stuff that isn't. Craft doesn't really have marketing going for it and the unfortunate thing is that there's a lot of bandwagon brewers out there that follow the popular styles. I know of some folks that would brew up an IPA not because they had a recipe that they liked and wanted to share but wanted to get a cut of the action on the new 'hip' thing. Furthermore, AL has shit for distro. Make your way to Pensacola or some other non dry hole to get some better distro and widen your horizon. Also, know what a style is and try to get your hands on the most well rated examples that you can. If you've never had a hoppy beer before then it definitely is an assault to the palate. That doesn't mean that the beer sucks though. the other thing is that a brewery will have a different interpretation of a beer style than what you're used to. Having an open mind will help you enjoy the experience as well.

In short, learn more about beer, get better beer and respect the style.