Beer's Better Than Wine

Ahhh…wine vs. beer. A debate some of us have had quite a few times.

First off, the writer’s claim that wine is now more popular than beer was based on a 2005 poll. The author then provides a link to a statement that beer was once again more popular in 2006; gotta love it.

Either way, we truly have no problem with their claim that wine is more popular than beer right now. Whatever. We are more interested in the growing craft beer industry, not the macro brew crap that currently dominates most of the market. Wine went through a growth phase to adapt to the consumer’s desires, and beer is now doing the same.

What bothers us is how this writer portrayed the beer industry; essentially portraying beer drinkers as the Beverly Hillbillies. While that generalization may hold true for those beer drinkers guzzling cans of Milwaukee’s Best on their couch with their pants off, it is a gross misinterpretation of where the beer industry (and typical consumer) is heading.

The author quotes a saying: “You can appreciate wine, but you drink beer.” Who the hell said that? He also uses a Google search of keywords to support his claims about how wine is more associated with passion and lifestyle. Are you serious, buddy?

He then goes on to explain that “wine is basically an agricultural product”, while “beer is a manufactured product striving for consistency.” Bollocks. That claim is just plain wrong in many cases these days.

We’d like to find this author and kick him in the balls. Appreciate that buddy.

It is true that sales growth of large domestic brewers is at an all time low, but the craft beer segment has just started to explode over the last few years. Craft beer sales increased 18% last year; more than any other alcohol beverage category (10% for wine, 10.8% import beer). As the craft beer industry continues to expand and more choices are available, this growth will only continue. Here in Seattle, it seems like you can’t walk more than a couple blocks without hitting a brewpub/alehouse.

The macro brew companies have seen this trend and are acting on it. Anheuser-Busch (AB) has stakes in NW staples Widmer and Redhook. AB also recently gained a stake in Chicago craft brew favorite Goose Island (through Widmer). In addition, the macros are attempting to come out with some of their own “craft beers”, with varying results.
This trend is a welcome one. The more these macro companies distribute these mid-level craft beers, the more people will become interested in good beer and explore better options. Down with the macro swill!

The craft beer industry will continue to grow at a rapid pace. Changes in taste have brought about many new trends in the past few years, such as barrel aging, vintage beers, organic beers and the use of non-traditional ingredients to enhance beer. People in the craft beer industry are doing amazing things; things will only get better.

Time for a beer…