Craft Beer Doing Well
March 27, 2006 – 7:14 pmThe production of craft beers grew more in the last year than it has in any year since 1996. What are craft beers? The article offers this definition:
…those specialty brews typically made in small regional or local breweries…
It makes sense that craft beers are growing in popularity when you think about the fact that the top five brands of beer bought in the United States are Bud Light, Budweiser, Miller Light, Coors Light, and Natural Light. Those beers aren’t “bad”, per se, but they’re not offering much in the way of an interesting beer experience.
The article classifies Sam Adams and Sierra Nevada as craft beers. I do think of Sierra Nevada as a craft beer, but not so much with the Sam Adams. That’s likely just my ignorance. Craft beers are where it’s at, though, if you’re looking for porters and stouts. And I’m almost always looking for porters and stouts.
I did find one quote in the article particularly interesting:
“I think ultimately as consumers get older their tastes are more sophisticated,” Daniels said. “And that’s a big part of the growing interest in the category.”
Is that really the case? Or as consumers get older can they then afford to explore more sophisticated tastes?
In any case, the growth of craft beers is a boon for almost all beer drinkers. The market will always have a spot for Budweiser and Coors, but it’s nice to see some of the smaller guys get a shot too.
3 Responses to “Craft Beer Doing Well”
Hey, I saw this article too. Good news for me if I ever decide to go into the business.
By ted on Mar 29, 2006
That’s the truth. I think one of the lessons learned from the explosion in popularity of craft beer in the 1990s was that moderation is key. Don’t try to grow too much too quickly, but do try to grow continuously.
Tastes change, so you would like to be able to adapt with the times if possible. That doesn’t necessarily mean changing recipes or anything, but try to position yourself such that fads don’t make or break you as a brewer.
By jjk on Mar 29, 2006
Coors Light and Natural (Natty) Light. *shudder*
It frightens me that these two beers are in the top 5. Bud, Bud Light, Miller Light, MGD, and High Life I can tolerate. But Coors and Natty Light are among the worst beers I’ve ever had.
By adam on Apr 3, 2006