Do you Seek the Seal?

#JustBecauseItsLocalDoesntMeanItsBetter

Beer Myth #519

 

Isn't that exactly what this is?

 

I don't look for it and barely notice it.

The things I care about on the label are: style, ABV and packaging date. If I don't see those 3 things, 99.9% chance I won't buy the beer.

 

I have a hard enough time just trying to find the packaging date, then when If I find it I got to try and read it.....it's hell getting old.

 

I voted no. I don't specifically search out the seal, but I have a general idea of which breweries are not independent and purposefully don't buy those beers.

 

So, when Molson Coors (Miller) shutters a brewery, what about those working stiffs?

 

Won't find too many of those labels on the same can as the "independent" seal. A few, but not many.

 

Definitely. I haven't purchased macro in three years, though still drink whatever is offered to me if at a friend's house. I'm not doing it solely to help out smaller breweries, though; I like trying new beers / new breweries and there is just so much out there to try if you look for it. It still has to taste good, though, to have me like it (I know ... shouldn't have to be said). Small does not necessarily equal quality. So, support the independent, yes, but also scratches my itch to discover new brews.

 

I know a LOT of places looking for employees right now.... a lot of locally owned independent places.

 

I do not seek the seal, but am pleased when I see it. Like others have said, I know that not every brewery with the seal makes good beer and not every brewery without the seal is macro. There are plenty of small, independent breweries that make great beer but don't put the logo on their packaging.

 

Do they pay union scale?

 

Similar to most here that I don't actively seek it. But I certainly appreciate it where it's on there

 

I agree with many here about the question posed. I don't actively seek out venues that have the insignia on it. That being said, I do actively seek out breweries that are local, small and unique, because I am all about supporting local businesses.

 

So you buy only union beer?

 

No, but I buy some.

Apparently, you buy none?

You made it a point that you support the "working stiff."

My point is that when large corporations lose business, it is the workers and their families that suffer the most.

 

Like many others here, I seek out good beer and new, interesting beer, and if it happens to be independent and/or local (it usually is), all the better. But I don't seek out beer just because it's local or independent or has a seal on it.

There's a local, independent brewery whose beer I don't like - I've tried several beers by them ranging from NEIPAs to stouts, and everything has been a disappointment (the oatmeal stout tasted burnt). They may carry the seal, but I will avoid all their beer in the future as the taste of their brewer clearly do not line up with mine.

I think universal adoption of an easy to read "Brewed on:" date on the lable would be far more useful.

 

Posted positively, but fact is, I want to support local and independent brewers and in numbers of beers I consume most are single samples. My greatest joy is seeking the next great beer and I will most often cull the Bog Boys.

 

I don't really pay attention if it's there on not, it isn't a guarantee of quality and my imports don't have it anyway.
To me it just indicates the beer is put out by a relatively small brewery that had enough cash to pay for a Brewer's Association membership.

 

And are permitted by the Brewers Association rules to use the logo. There are breweries who are due paying members of the Brewers Association but are not permitted to use the logo because of the rules imposed.

Cheers!