Commentary: No, Heineken is NOT Anheuser-Busch

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Frankly, I had hoped to be well past the point of talking about acquisitions and buyouts and the like by this point in time. But the beer world had other ideas, as hot on the heels of Wednesday’s Wicked Weed news and fallout came word Thursday that Amsterdam, Netherlands-based Heineken B.V. purchased the remaining portion of California’s Lagunitas Brewing Company. Heineken now completely owns the brewery after purchasing a 50% stake in 2015. (Report courtesy Brewbound.) Of course, this immediately spurred reaction comparing this transaction with the Wicked Weed/A-B InBev acquisition news that had taken the beer world by storm the previous day. There is some fair sentiment about buying American-owned beers, if that’s what is important to a person. But it would be a blazing overreaction AND oversimplification to equally react to these two transactions.

It is important to keep in mind that Lagunitas is no novice of the craft beer world. They have spent nearly a quarter-century in the game, and are the 9th-largest brewery in the United States, according to The Brewers Association. While ABI has a couple of craft beer long-timers in their High End group, most notably original High Ender Goose Island, many of their acquisitions have been around for roughly a decade or less. Wicked Weed pushes this issue, having only been in business for about five years. In my view, the group at Lagunitas has put extreme levels of blood, sweat, and tears into their brewery, and it shows in the nationwide success of their brand. They obviously see major backing as a necessary next step for their goals, such as opening a European brewery, as mentioned in Lagunitas founder Tony Magee’s letter on the matter. After 24 years, I believe Lagunitas has earned the right to see where this next step takes them. Wicked Weed can make no such claim, having only been in the craft beer industry for a handful of years.

Additionally, unlike the Wicked Weed news, this is not an out-of-left-field partnership. As mentioned earlier, Heineken acquired the first half of Lagunitas in 2015, and instead of feared homogenization, Lagunitas has continued in their eccentric ways, releasing beers like Aunt Sally and The Waldo’s that ARE out of left field. The leaders of Lagunitas already know what to expect from their new bosses at Heineken, and vice versa, because the breweries have already been working together for nearly two years! Had there been any consternation about this partnership, it likely would have shown itself by now, and the next step of this purchase would not have happened.

Finally, quite simply, Heineken IS NOT ABI! When I look at Budweiser, I don’t really see Elysian, Goose Island, or now Wicked Weed all that much. I see the pale lager-led bullies that use their immense financial resources to turn state laws in their favor and bribe their way into more and more shelf space at your local supermarket. While I may not be a big fan of Heineken beer, it IS a major global brand, having their claws in major world entities like Formula 1 racing and UEFA Champions League football (soccer), as well as partnering with major media opportunities. But their non-Lagunitas beer portfolio consists of all international brands (Amstel, Tecate, and more) that, while adequately-represented in the United States, have not assimilated the beer industry like ABI has. That makes the Lagunitas news much easier for me to swallow.

Read the full press release on the news here.

South Carolina-based Brewery (Among Others) Pulls Out of Wicked Weed Event (UPDATED with additional commentary)

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UPDATE, 9:13PM: In addition to everything below, I would also like to add the following article from the Craft Beer Joe blog. He does a nice job taking on this issue from many different sides.

One of the potentially significant casualties in this Wicked Weed acquisition by ABI is an upcoming Wicked Weed event called the Funkatorium Invitational. To be held this July, the Invitational was an opportunity for brewers from across the country to come together and celebrate one of Wicked Weed's biggest successes: the development of the sour beer.

In light of yesterday's news, outlets are reporting that at least a dozen of the 70 breweries scheduled to appear at this event have now pulled out. Despite the setbacks, which may continue in the coming days, Wicked Weed remains committed to the event, but is offering refunds to those who desire them.

Among the pullouts is the Greenville, South Carolina-based Birds Fly South Ale Project. As a South Carolina-based blogger, I was eager to hear their plans on the Invitational specifically, as well as their thoughts on the matter as a whole. I reached out yesterday, and this afternoon, BFS's Ames Webb responded to me with their public statement, which is now available on their website:

“In the southeast and across the nation small breweries face significant limitations and challenges because of the economic and legislative efforts put forth by large breweries and distributors. These initiatives create an environment that stagnates innovation, collaboration, and creativity. Smaller operations constantly must find ways to work within these damaging state-level policies, and the results are a severe limitation in financial, cultural, and quality-of-product growth.
At the beginning of this Birds Fly South journey we want to take the culture lessons that have been passed down from our craft brewery friends and mentors to establish an identity our Greenville community and our BFS Flock can be proud of for years to come.
As such, Birds Fly South has decided to withdraw our scheduled participation in the upcoming Wicked Weed festival. This decision is not related to the individuals who work in the extensive Wicked Weed family, and does not come without our entire team involved. We are all trying to make the best choices for ourselves and our families. We understand this is a business decision for Wicked Weed, however we simply cannot participate with the direct lobby group that is influencing SC laws that in turn negatively impact our closest friends.
Our choice is to stand strong in unison with small independent craft breweries. To us this means focusing on what we need to do locally in support of smaller, independent brewers. The concepts and spirit of this craft beer fellowship are the foundation of who we are: an alliance of talented makers, united in our passions, ethics, and practices.”

BFS makes an excellent point about ABI's actions that "negatively impact our closest friends". ABI won't only utilize their lobbying resources on state lawmakers all across this country, they use their significant financial resources to strong arm their way into more and more shelf space in grocery stores, gas stations, distributors, and more, ALL at the expense of independent craft brewers and their (in some areas) dwindling commercial footprint. I also love use of the word "fellowship" in the final paragraph.

Anyway, my personal thanks to Birds Fly South for their cooperation. I will post more on this ongoing story as needed.

More Wicked Weed fallout (UPDATED)

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First off, if you are interested, here is the press release straight-up. It was included in Brewbound's article I posted earlier today, but the above presents the release without comment, editorializing, or further information.

One thing I failed to note in my video was the fact that about a week ago, Wicked Weed announced on Facebook that their brewpub would be closed today until 5pm for "staff training". No word on whether this covered the Funkatorium as well, or if this announcement was anticipated and the training was related. But it sure feels that way.

Ben Dofflemyer at the Asheville Blog makes a very good point about the likely all-along intentions of Wicked Weed's investors, and covers some of the local and state craft beer industry reaction to Wicked Weed's decision.

Ben's post notes Jester King Brewery's decision to no longer offer Wicked Weed beers at their Austin, Texas tasting room. Here is a full statement on the matter as a whole from Jester King. It's also worth noting that Jester King has pulled out of Wicked Weed's Funkatorium Invitational event, currently scheduled for July 8th. It will be interesting to see if other breweries follow suit. As a South Carolina-based blogger, I have reached out to Greenville, SC's Birds Fly South Ale Project for comment on the matter. I believe they are the only brewery on the invitation list. I will update if I get a response.

WRAL's article includes a statement from the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild.

Huntington Beach, California's Beechwood BBQ & Brewing documents the recent time when they inadvertently did an interview for The High End's (A-B InBev's "craft" beer arm) new blogging venture, The Beer Necessities, how that venture shows the duplicitous nature of ABI and other megabeer corporations.

In the interest of some balance, because I admit I've fallen pretty hard on one side of this issue right now, is an Uproxx article from last week (published in response to BrewDog's receipt of capital from Pabst Blue Ribbon's parent company) about the pros and cons of "selling out".

Finally tonight, Chris Furnari at Brewbound has much more on this deal, including comments from Wicked Weed's group and the President of A-B's High End group.

If there is more reporting later in the week, I will make additional blog posts.

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It has been a hell of a day. In over 1 1/2 years of beer blogging, it's easily been my busiest, most prolific day--and this was supposed to be a day off from work! I won't say it was fun--frankly, for me personally, the news was highly disappointing. But I loved the engagement on Twitter and Facebook throughout the day. My great thanks for all of that engagement, AND to everyone who has checked out the website and the livestream video. We should all do this again sometime. Just for a less-crappy reason.

BREAKING: Wicked Weed to be Bought by Anheuser-Busch

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BREAKING NEWS--Asheville, North Carolina's exciting and innovative Wicked Weed Brewery has announced that they will be becoming a part of the High End, Anheuser-Busch's group of assimilated former craft breweries that have tried to utilize A-B InBev's massive resources to improve and increase their beer production, to mixed (at best) results. Wicked Weed has 4 production and taproom facilities in Asheville, including the Funkatorium, the East Coast's only taproom and production facility dedicated to sour beers and similar styles. Many news services are reporting on this story, including Brewbound, who has the official press release and more coverage.

I will have more details and commentary on this story later today.

Six-Pack of News, Volume 24: Want a Corona with your Taco Burrito?

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Above is the clean title of this post. The dirty title involves slug sex. You're welcome.

In what should come as little surprise, given their massive population, China is set to become the world's largest craft beer-consuming country, according to trade research group Drink Sector. Already the world's largest consumer of alcohol overall, now Chinese citizens are demanding more offerings from small- and medium-scale breweries, including craft breweries IN China. (China Topix)

Between it serving as the capital of Florida AND as home to a major university (Florida State), it should come as no surprise that Tallahassee, Florida has become a burgeoning craft beer destination. The Tallahassee Democrat has more.

The folks at craftbeer.com love their lists, apparently. Here, I thought the VinePair staff were the only list freaks. Anyway, craftbeer.com offers a list of 7 easy-drinking dark lagers that help craft beer novices get started down the path of enjoying such beers. Additionally, they have also compiled a list of the top upcoming craft beer festivals in 2017. The list spans the country and includes many of the top craft beer festivals like GABF and locales like Asheville, NC and more.

canoe.com and The Canadian Press are reporting that Taco Bell's flagship store in Toronto, Ontario will start selling beer and wine this June. Additional Canadian stores will follow in the offerings and join select American stores in these offerings, which was news to me.

In Brewbound's recent news round-up, they note the on-going the craft beer industry's constant battle to modernize and adapt states' liquor laws to be more craft brewery-friendly. They specifically note issues in the states of Maryland and North Carolina.

Finally, I think it is generally accepted that alcohol tends to make humans more susceptible to sexy times. For a specific type of Spanish slug, not so much. Researchers in Europe are concerned over the spreading and mutation of the Arion vulgaris giant slug throughout the United Kingdom, and have recommended leaving out saucers of beer, which attract the slugs and cause them to drown. So, you know. There's that.

Beers in Review: 22 Days

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No more excuses. Let's get to it.

Leading off is arguably the most widely available craft beer in America. Magic Hat #9 is so iconic to Vermont's Magic Hat Brewing Company that it even gets its own heading on the Magic Hat website, separate from the rest of their "elixirs". #9 is seemingly available EVERYWHERE, yet I've never reviewed the flagship. Let's change that now.

Despite Magic Hat's seeming eccentricities, #9 seems to be designed to be accessible to everyone. Perhaps that's what makes the rest of the portfolio possible. This "not quite pale ale" pours a perfectly clear amber color and registers at 5.1% ABV and 20 IBU. A fairly mild beer in most aspects, the flavor notes include apricot and some peach along with hints of graininess and spiciness. Really, it quite simply tastes like beer, which, if you've read or watched previous reviews, you will know that is not something I say as a criticism. The beer has a light body with a fairly clean and dry finish. This is a fairly basic beer, overall, but it is quite drinkable. Obviously, many other beers are going to blow #9 away, but it is a solid beer that can be found most everywhere. That's not a bad thing.

From the eccentric megabrewers at Magic Hat to some similarly eccentric crafters based out of Louisville, Kentucky. Against the Grain Brewery (and Smokehouse) immediately break the mold by offering uniquely-named and uniquely-styled beers, with all of their non-kegged beer being served in 16-ounce cans with art that looks like it was done by the Bob's Burgers people. Clearly Everybody Wants Some is a pale lager that pours a hazy golden wheat color and comes in at 6% ABV.  I found the beer to balance pretty well, with mild hop notes blending with a mild maltiness. Sporting a light-to-medium body, the flavor profile also includes some mild grain and wheat notes, along with a bit of lemon. Now, here's the thing. I'm mentioning a whole of "light" and "mild" qualities to this beer, but AtG did a terrific job of making the whole add up to far more than the sum of the parts. This beer is, dare I say, surprisingly very good. You will see the words "pale lager" on this beer's label, but it plays much closer to a top-flight American-style wheat beer. Adjust your expectations accordingly.

Video Review: An IPA That's Right Up My Alley

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Hello, friends. It's been a while. I get into the "why" in the video, but needless to say, I will try to keep the multi-day gaps between content to a minimum. Additionally, I remain committed to three videos per week, which means THIS is the first of three reviews between now and Sunday!

Today, I check out an IPA from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery that should be in my wheelhouse! Find out whether or not it was here:

Six-Pack of News, Volume 23: Taking "Sights and Sounds of the Game" Too Far?

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I can appreciate a beer specially made for a specific team or ballpark/stadium, but Terrapin might be taking it just a hair too far. They've set-up a small pilot brewery at the Atlanta Braves unnecessary new stadium, SunTrust Park, which will celebrate its inaugural Opening Day this coming weekend. Beer Street Journal reports that among the featured offerings at the new Terrapin Taproom and ATL Brew Lab will be Chopsecutioner, a unique variant of their flagship Hopsecutioner IPA with two notable differences: a lower ABV (Chopsecutioner checks in at 5% vs. 7.3%), and the AGING ON MIZUNO WOOD BAT CHIPS. This baseball-themed and woodbat-infused IPA will only be available at SunTrust Park.

The folks at Vinepair sure like their lists, and today is no exception, as they recently released their 14 Best Brewery Tours in the United States. It's generally larger/better-known craft entities, but just about everyone on this list has different tour types to satisfy everyone from the casual beer drinking to the most devout craft beer connoisseur.

As has been documented on this blog, financials from the craft beer industry have been a bit of a mixed bag in 2016, and Brewbound as a series of articles continuing to affirm the volatile state of the industry. First up is a round-up of layoffs, closings, and more at a handful of craft breweries. At the same time, Constellation Brands reported a 17 percent increase in revenues from its beer portfolio, which includes Mexican imports Corona and Modelo, along with San Diego's Ballast Point. Additionally, the Brewers Association trade group reported a 4.4% overall increase in American craft beer exports, totaling over 400,000 barrels of beer with a value of $121 million. This increase is driven by double-digit increases in exports to Japan and the Asia/Pacific region in general.

Finally, the website The Drinks Business has documented the analysis of three 100-year old bottles of beer found in a brewery in Záhlinice in the Czech Republic. Sensory and chemical tests were performed on all three bottles, to wide-ranging results.

Beers in Review: Welcome to the Party, Goodwood!

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Making their PRB debut is Louisville, Kentucky's Goodwood Beer and their Walnut Brown Ale! The Goodwood website lists the Walnut Ale at 6% ABV and 23 IBU--the local watering hole where I had this beer listed a slightly high ABV. As an aside, the Goodwood website really brings something neat to the website game by showing where on the tongue one should experience various flavors pertaining to each of their beers! Good show, Goodwood! The beer pours a deep, dark chocolate brown and has a medium body. I found this brown ale to be well-executed, with expected nutty and malty flavor notes, along with an initial very slight sweetness. This sweetness tended to go away through the drinking experience, as I detected a subtle unsweetened chocolate note at the very end of the drinking experience. There was also a little bit of a cola note, too--mostly early on, with that slight bit of sweetness. Since I had this Walnut Brown a couple of weeks ago, Goodwood's been creeping up on my radar more and more, even seeing it reviewed by some of my fellow beer bloggers and BeerTubers. I found this brown to be a very good start for Goodwood, and I look forward to checking out some of their other offerings.

Next up is Shakedown Street, a "dry-hopped tart Saison" (their description) from Southbound Brewing Company in Savannah, Georgia. At 5.2% ABV and 35 IBU, this Saison pours a hazy gold-peach color. It brings lots of funk at the front of the drinking experience. I also picked up citrusy lemon notes along with lemon and grapefruit rinds. A good amount of pepper is also present, and I also found a little bit of a white wine note towards the end of the drinking experience as it warmed up. Really solid stuff from Southbound. One of the more enjoyable Saisons I've had in a little while.