Devils Backbone Brewing Company Partners with Anheuser-Busch

That's one of my highest rated for this year so far too I think. And my fear is really only that they won't be doing anything like those adventure packs in the future.

 

I like all of the beers you mentioned, haven't inferred anything about the taste, quality or craftsmanship of any of them, and was not seeking to degrade them or the styles. Honestly, I cannot understand why the descriptions of entry level, approachable or gateway beers seems to strike such nerve. I'm using the terms as descriptors and not as some scarlet letter should a seasoned craft beer enthusiast be "caught" drinking the type of beer I am describing. Would it be proper to offer a Wicked Weed Black Angel or a Freak of Nature to a person who has only enjoyed AALs or would it make better sense to offer their Pilsner? I'm guessing Pilsner. That would make the Pilsner more approachable than the latter. It would mean that offering the Pilsner would offer a better gateway to craft than the latter. Most of all, the Pilsner would be considered to be at the level of entry into craft beer.

 

I made a pact to no longer purchase anything owned by AB InBev. Which was a personal struggle when it comes to bourbon county brand stout time. That being said, since you don't have said pact I'm glad you'll be able to enjoy their offerings. But to me this is a sad day. A high quality brewery has been added to AB InBev's "craft portfolio" making it that much easier to push the little guys around with their incentive programs.

 

I found that interesting as well when I listened to the interview yesterday, no mention of Jason staying on-board. He is definitely a huge reason for their success...

 

Thump...Thump...Thump...another one bites the dust.

 

As @Sixpoint has pointed out in other threads more than once, get ready for more consolidations, mergers and acquisitions.

 

Absolutely. The big macro monster is hungry.

 

But it's not all going to be that. Some are happening for other reasons. Even with their deep pockets, ABInBev does not have enough in cash and other resources to swallow up over 4000 breweries. To date ABInBev has only acquired about 2ths of 1 % of those out there and I think it's highly questionable that their goal is to acquire them all. Popular tastes are changing and they are finally recognizing that fact and doing something about it.

 

Been to both their brewery/tap houses. I've tried more than a dozen beers from each location. Overall, Starr Hill, in my opinion is better. I was very underwhelmed with most of DB's offerings. Their beer tasted mostly watered down. Their attempts to make Funky Bhudda style flavor offerings fell short. Again, my opinion.

So I guess we can agree to disagree. It's a matter of personal preference. Regardless, 3 Notch'd is better than both. VA has an amazing growing beer scene and I'm discovering new stuff all the time. South Street Brewing is another really good one with quality beer that sells for about half of what comparable styles do. Excellent stouts.

 

I would say the Goose Island acquisition has made a big difference in my local market. In the last few years, Goose Island IPA is now a fixture tap line in a lot of bars and restaurants in PA.

 

I'm happy to agree to disagree. I'd admit I kind of quit on Starr Hill, their IPA seemed okay but nothing else seemed that great.

To me, Vienna Lager and Schwarzbier from Devil's Backbone were both more interesting than anything I've ever had from Starr Hill. But hey, I don't mind lagers on occasion.

 

The bigger they are, the harder they will fall.

 

Yeah... its all what you like. Starr Hill seemed to get me with their IPAs, which I am more a fan of than Lagers. Hence, my preference. It has been a while, I might need to give DB another try.

 

Well usually I just buy other IPAs in general, ha.

 

Agreed. I'm not going out of my way to buy Starr Hill either. Too many other good IPAs out there. Starr Hill is more of a "Im visiting family in Charlottesville, lets stop by" type of thing. Elsewhere, I buy better IPA.

 

I'll be going to Blacksburg this weekend, so I'll be picking up a 64oz growler of DB Vienna Lager before it's taste changes...

 

Thank you for mentioning Striped Bass! It's sold in cans where I shop for beer & wine; when I take beer along for kayaking during the summer I usually rotate between that, FacePlant (Lost Rhino) and Missile (Champion).

Also adding that DB created a fine Schwarzbier IMO; it's not a style I pursue regularly but on occasion it suits me.

 

I didn't read through all the pages but
1) DB has great logos/marketing. That's valuable.
2) Their Vienna Lager is a great brew, and one that I see tons of people buying all the time, who don't buy IPAs/Stouts/different beers every week.
3) None of their beers are "extreme" or hot on this site, but for those in other regions, DB is from a pretty "slow" part of the state. It's the country, they aren't near DC where people buy many $15 bombers. People like deer hunting, and buy the 8 Point IPA when it's $9/6pk.

Pretty smart buy by IN-BEV, if you ask me.

 

their vienna lager is one of my favorites that i only get to have during my yearly trip to charlottesville (leaving tonight for it actually) and i hope i can see it in illinois because of this

 

Most extreme things they do are either seasonal (very seasonal) or one-and-dones. Looking at you, Dead Bear Impy Stout and 16 Point Impy IPA