(Why) Are imports overlooked?

This might just be my own bias, but I'm always worried about freshness when it comes to imports. I have no idea how long it's been around, whether it was bounced for weeks on the sea, and how well it's been handled. So when I try a Samuel Smiths, for example, I'm always wondering if it's anything remotely like what it would taste in England.

 

Many of them are 3-6 months old by the time they get to the stores and I generally prefer fresh beer unless it’s a beer in a style that ages well.

 

It probably comes down to

• Freshness
• Local Variety
• Availability of certain (read:hop-forward) styles

The biggest trends in the craft arena right now tend to be hop bombs and enormous imperial stouts/porters, with wild ales/sours probably coming in third. To my knowledge the US is doing a lot more of that currently, especially hoppy stuff, than anywhere else.

I think just in general too if I wanted a pils, for example, I would probably pick up any of the dozens of relatively local versions that I know I can get very fresh vs something authentic that may be months old.

 

I really like most Mikkeller beers, Mosaic Imperial India Pale Ale being one of my favorite. I will seek them out when I am out. I also have tried Baird Brewing Company's Suruga Bay Imperial IPA, which I really enjoyed. So I think it is along the lines if these beers can be found in your area. I think most stores are just having a hard time just keeping up with what the US breweries are doing

 

Don't forget price. Sadly, some of the imports that I see come with a hefty price tag. I don't really want to spend 15-20 bucks on a beer I know very little about. Even checking BA while looking at them, the price doesn't justify the ratings that they are given.

 

for me, it's the freshness. I've been spoiled by some great fresh beer here in new england

 

It's because imports aren't IPAs, and on BA, actually, among most (I'm assuming) beer geeks, it's all about the hops and IPAs.

Personally, I love imports, Belgian, English, German, they're all great!!

 

You are also much more likely to see some crazy variations on traditional styles here in the U.S. than in the old world. We aren't afraid to throw some crazy adjuncts into our beers and create outrageous examples of different styles. I feel that many of the old world breweries are far more traditionalist and like to stick with the basics. I find the uniqueness of the U.S. craft scene invigorating and exciting.

 

because 90% of the beer i drink are IPA's, i don't think about imports!

 

I agree that the old world styles are tried and true- there is no need to change them up since they are essentially already perfect. Give me a St. Bernardus 12 or a Rochefort over a U.S. Belgian knock-off any day. Speaking as a country though, I do feel we have beer A.D.D. We like trying new things and don't like to settle on the same beer day in-day out. Perhaps other countries are fine with sticking with the same ol' traditionally brewed brew.

 

I don't care how gross the new Rogue-Voodoo beer is, I'm going to buy it!

 

I don't think that marketing has much to do with it. Freshness may play a small part.

I tend to think that the overwhelming reason is that the flavors in European beers (esp. Germans) tend to be more subtle. Big flavors be they roasty, hoppy, sour or funky get the attention of most of us here on BA.

I'm not being preachy because I will confess to being guilty as charged. Give me a big barrel aged stout or barleywine or a bitter as all hell DIPA over a well crafted pils any day of the week and I'll be a happy camper.

 

• Marketing like you said
• Limited releases and other sorts of hype promotion really get people going with American beers
• Americans build stronger bonds with American breweries from visiting them, being local, festivals (ie. Dark Lord Day), etc.
• Price
• Freshness
• IPAs

 

I have not had Aventinus Eisbock but I have had the Tap 6 and I agree that it is anything but subtle.

 

I have traveled to about a half dozen countries in the last year. It seems to me that most other countries are way behind what is going on in craft beer in the US. Either they are not interested in doing it or if they are they are not good at it.