The Brew Lounge: Business of Beer

Showing posts with label Business of Beer. Show all posts

Thursday, June 14, 2018

A growing CANarchy is afoot. Deep Ellum joins the team.

I'll admit that when I saw the multi-day, outdoor CANarchy event in Nashville during the Craft Brewers Conference last month, I thought it was just a marketing play on words to promote an event. Then, after a little extra effort and scrutinizing the participating breweries (Oskar Blues, Cigar City, Perrin, Wasatch, and Squatters), I came to learn that it was the umbrella name for their new company collective.

Now they have one more on Team CANarchy — Deep Ellum. I've drank the beers while elsewhere in Texas, but haven't been to the rollicking Deep Ellum neighborhood in Dallas for nearly 15 years in the time that it was just growing up.

Take it away, press release.

Deep Ellum Brewing Company Joins CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 12, 2018 - Deep Ellum Brewing Company is the latest craft brewery to join the CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective. For Deep Ellum, a craft brewery with rough edges and deep roots in the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas, Texas, the move to join the disruptive collective of independent brewers will immediately provide resources for increased production and distribution.

Founded in 2011 by John Reardon, Deep Ellum Brewing Company quickly grew to become the third largest independent craft brewery in Texas, led by its flagship brews, Dallas Blonde and Deep Ellum IPA. In 2017, Deep Ellum grew 37% to produce more than 45,000 bbls in Texas only, with the vast majority being consumed within 20 miles of the brewery.

“It’s been a hell of a ride for all of us at Deep Ellum and I believe this is just the beginning,” said John Reardon. ”We’ve been looking for the right partner to grow the Deep Ellum brand and I believe we’ve found that with CANarchy. They’re a group of like-minded people that have not conformed to the status-quo and have hit critical mass on the path of coming together and remaining independent. We’re all in.”

CANarchy provides a platform from which rapidly growing craft breweries seeking high level resources can expand and compete in the increasingly competitive craft beer segment, while maintaining independence. The platform is driven by individual brewery culture, giving brewers control of their businesses and brands, while providing resources and support to scale their respective operations.

“Deep Ellum Brewing has created a strong community and now they’re facing next-level challenges that we’ve seen before. Within CANarchy, we can solve those problems in our own way,” said Joey Redner, founder of Cigar City Brewing, who joined CANarchy in June of 2016. After immediately addressing capacity issues, CANarchy was able to assist Cigar City Brewing to expand distribution and increase shipments 43% from 65,000 bbls to 92,000 bbls in 2017.

“CANarchy’s culture thrives on collaboration among craft breweries blazing their own path and doing things their own way. John and the Deep Ellum crew light the fire of craft beer in DFW and will bring that same fire to our collective,” Dale Katechis, Soul Founder of Oskar Blues, said about the new partnership.

“During my time at the University of Colorado I specifically remember my first can of Dale’s Pale Ale, and that experience is part of the reason I’m in this business. Joining a collective of such irreverent and disruptive founders and leaders is exactly what Deep Ellum has been looking for,” said John Reardon.

Deep Ellum is currently undergoing a large expansion, including a 60-barrel brewhouse at the company’s primary facility that is expected to come online within the next few months. The brewery is operating at maximum capacity and is projecting 55,000 bbls of production in 2018. Deep Ellum is also constructing a taproom in Fort Worth, Texas, that will incorporate a 5 bbl Brewhouse and retail space that is scheduled to open in late fall of 2018.

CANarchy was recently ranked #9 on the Brewers Association’s list of the 2017 Top 50 U.S. Craft Brewers as ranked by sales volume. The portfolio includes Oskar Blues Brewery, Perrin Brewing Company, Cigar City Brewing, Squatters Craft Beer and Wasatch Brewery. The collective is the #1 provider of American craft beer in a can and has driven Cigar City Brewing’s Jai Alai IPA and Oskar Blues’ Dale’s Pale Ale to the #1 and #2 sold craft can six packs in U.S. Grocery.

Terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

About Deep Ellum Brewing Company
In 2011, Deep Ellum Brewing Company set up shop in the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas, Texas - the first craft brewery to open in Dallas in over a decade. Since then, Deep Ellum has become as well known for its innovative brewing and exceptional quality as it has for its healthy disdain for the status quo. Like the notorious neighborhood it calls home, the brewery is bold, fearless, and unapologetic. The idea of “blending in” was never part of the plan - at the bar or on the shelf. With a commitment to staying true to their reckless streak, their rough edges and their roots, Deep Ellum has quickly grown to become the 3rd largest independent craft brewery in Texas and the 65th largest brewery overall. Led by its flagships, Deep Ellum IPA and Dallas Blonde, the brewery has amassed an extremely devoted fan base across Texas and beyond. @deepellumbrewing #LoveRunsDeep

About CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective
Founded in 2015, CANarchy is a disruptive collective of like-minded brewers dedicated to bringing quality and innovative flavors to beer drinkers in the name of independent craft beer. The portfolio of craft breweries, partially funded by Fireman Capital Partners, including Oskar Blues Brewery, Deep Ellum Brewing, Perrin Brewing Company, Cigar City Brewing, Squatters Craft Beer and Wasatch Brewery and newly added Deep Ellum Brewing Company, is challenging corporate convention to preserve independent craft beer culture. CANarchy is the #1 provider of American craft beer in a can by bringing value to distributors, retailers and beer drinkers. CANarchy was recently ranked #9 on list of the 2017 Top 50 U.S. Craft Brewers as ranked by sales volume. Cigar City Brewing Jai Alai IPA and Oskar Blues’ Dale’s Pale Ale are currently the #1 and #2 sold craft can six packs in U.S. Grocery. The CANarchy platform brewed over 350,000 bbls in 2017, reaching all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., parts of Canada, Puerto Rico, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Brazil, and South Korea.

© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2018. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com

Saturday, June 02, 2018

Dogfish Head - still going and still growing

While Dogfish Head is on my mind, particularly after dabbling in its Philly Beer Week annual collaboration with a Belgian brewer — in this year's case, it was Browerij De Brabandere — it reminded me to pass along one of the more recent press releases I've received. This one announcing the current status of DFH's growth in its home state of Delaware over the last three years. If you visit Rehoboth Beach, you likely are already aware. If not, read on.

Dogfish Head Celebrates Completion of Three-Year Journey Bringing Together all the Goodness in Rehoboth
Opening of new courtyard, merchandise store and brewing and distilling systems

Rehoboth Beach, Del., May 29, 2018 – After 23 years of serving original beers and spirits, wood-fired food and world-class music, Dogfish Head is embarking on a new era of creating more goodness as they celebrate the completion of a three-year journey at the location where it originally began on Rehoboth Ave. The beautifully landscaped courtyard, new brewhouse and distillery operations, and Off-Centered EmPOURium store is the final stage in bringing together the downtown restaurants, Brewings & Eats – an off-centered brewpub, and Chesapeake & Maine – a geographically inspired seafood restaurant, and establishing it as the heart for all things Dogfish.

The project commenced in 2015 when they first began construction on Chesapeake & Maine, then went on to build a new, world-class Brewings & Eats in the former parking area. Dogfish then tore down the original pub to make way for the new courtyard and operational enhancements. “From the world-class stage to the killer brewing and distilling program, guests can truly experience 360° of Dogfish in the same place we first began our story in 1995 as the smallest craft brewery in America,” says Sam Calagione, CEO and founder of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. “I’m most proud that over the years we’ve been successful in building our Rehoboth restaurant brands as top beer destinations in the Mid-Atlantic region, and by coming together, and connecting our beer, food, spirits, music and merchandise – we can provide a world-class, panoramic, multi-sensory experience for folks to enjoy at our downtown properties.”

The charmingly landscaped, dog-friendly outdoor patio area seats 36 guests and serves as a passageway connecting Brewings & Eats and Chesapeake & Maine. The menu offers a full selection of food and drink offerings from the pub. With a rustic wooden exterior and large glass windows framing the courtyard, the gathering space offers behind-the-scenes views into the brewing and distilling production areas along with allowing guests to see bartenders and mixologists serving drinks and chatting up customers through the windows of both restaurants. Nestled in the corner of the patio is a beautiful, 14-barrel mash tun dating from the late 90s. Handcrafted in the UK, this wooden relic was Calagione’s dream mash tun back in the day when he first opened the doors for business in Rehoboth. When the opportunity to purchase the brewing equipment became available, Calagione jumped at the chance to bring it home to Dogfish and plans to incorporate it into the off-centered outdoor garden as a beer-inspired rain barrel of sorts.

The new, fully-manual five-barrel brewhouse system includes five fermentation tanks and five serving tanks. These enhancements allow for increased brewing production capacity enabling Bryan Selders, Dogfish Head Brewing Ambassador, the ability to create a significantly higher volume of ingredient-driven, inventive brewpub exclusives. The new 50-gallon still allows Graham Hamblett, Lead Distiller at Dogfish Head Distilling Co., to experiment with creating culinary-inspired spirits which will be served at the Rehoboth restaurants.

To celebrate the opening, Dogfish Head Distilling Co. is debuting Lemon & Peppercorn Vodka, a spirit that captures the essence of both restaurants as it contains the quintessential seafood seasoning found at Chesapeake & Maine, with a wood fire smoked twist done at Brewings & Eats. Using Analog Vodka as the base, they distill dried lemon peel and a medley of peppercorns. This citrus-peppery spirit is used to macerate hand-sliced, wood-fire grilled lemons from Brewings & Eats. Lemon & Peppercorn Vodka will be exclusively available in the restaurants.

For those looking to take a little bit of the Dogfish Head universe home, guests can swing into the Off-Centered EmPOURium to purchase Dogfish merchandise, including exclusive Rehoboth t-shirts, hoodies and hats. Folks can also find keychains, stickers, coasters and glassware. Keeping the spirit alive from the original Brewings & Eats, the counter top in the Off-Centered EmPOURium is the old bar top from the 1995 pub. Bike racks and stroller parking are also available.

For more information about Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, Chesapeake & Maine and the Off-Centered EmPOURium, visit dogfish.com.

Dogfish Head:
Dogfish Head has proudly been focused on brewing beers with culinary ingredients outside the Reinheitsgebot since the day it opened as the smallest American craft brewery 23 years ago. Dogfish Head has grown into a top-20 craft brewery and has won numerous awards throughout the years including Wine Enthusiast’s 2015 Brewery of the Year and the James Beard Foundation Award for 2017 Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional. It is a 300+ coworker company based in Delaware with Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, an off-centered brewpub and distillery, Chesapeake & Maine, a geographically enamored seafood restaurant, Dogfish Inn, a beer-themed inn on the harbor and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, a production brewery and distillery featuring a tasting room and food truck. Dogfish Head supports the Independent Craft Brewing Seal, the definitive icon for American craft breweries to identify themselves to be independently-owned and carries the torch of transparency, brewing innovation and the freedom of choice originally forged by brewing community pioneers. Dogfish Head currently sells beer in 42 states and Washington D.C. and will expand into additional states in 2018. For more information, visit www.dogfish.com, Facebook: @dogfishheadbeer, Twitter: @dogfishbeer, and Instagram: dogfishhead.

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Remember when Green Flash ruled the West Coast IPA?

Here's another press release for you to digest. This one carries more detail with it over at Brewbound, which I encourage you to follow and read.

There are numerous ways a brewery can go out. Whether this is the revival of Green Flash or just an intermission remains to be seen, but there's enough doubt it will ever be the same. Here on the east coast, we may not see it again for the foreseeable future, as the new owners begin to reel distribution back much closer to home in southern California.

And the Virginia Beach location that just opened a little over a year ago? The one that I'd swear would be a perfect stopping point along the way to/from my annual Outer Banks (NC) vacation? But yet the timing never worked out to show up during open hours? That's closed up. Such a shame. Here's the press release below and the rest of the color at Brewbound.

Green Flash Brewing Completes Previously Announced Sale to Investor Group; Announces Addition of Dave Mills as New Vice President of Sales

Award-winning San Diego brewery emerges from the sale with stabilized financial position and streamlined operations

San Diego, CA – April 2, 2018 — San Diego-based Green Flash Brewing Company is excited to announce the completion of the previously-announced sale of its West Coast brewing operations. The new investor group, which includes a number of individuals with extensive experience in both the craft beer and food and beverage industries, is committed to maintaining Green Flash’s status as an iconic independent craft-brewing interest. With this new financial backing and focus, Green Flash will return to its Southern California roots, while consolidating distribution of its beers and those of sister-brand Alpine Beer Company to San Diego County and the greater Southwest.

Green Flash Brewing Company emerges from the sale with a stabilized financial position and streamlined operations. Green Flash has ceased operations at its production brewery in Virginia Beach, Va., its barrel-aging facility in Poway, Ca., and completed its transition from national to regional distribution. The company will focus on brewing exceptional beer, connecting with customers, and building the brands in the core markets of California, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Nebraska.

The Green Flash and Alpine breweries will continue to operate in San Diego and Alpine, respectively. Meanwhile, the Green Flash Brewhouse & Eatery in Lincoln, Neb. will open in April, and will brew specialty beers serving the state of Nebraska. This brewery will serve as the model for future customer connection points in the Southwestern United States.

Green Flash Brewing Company is also announcing some changes to the management team, led by the announcement of Dave Mills as new Vice President of Sales and Business Development. Dave, who previously served as Chief Sales Officer at Ballast Point Brewing Company, will manage all sales and trade marketing activities. Dave said, “I am stoked to join the Green Flash team in my hometown of San Diego. The Green Flash and Alpine brands are iconic in San Diego beer culture. This opportunity is the dream of a lifetime and I can’t wait to begin my new adventure.”

Dave will replace Jim Kenny, who served as VP of Sales for the last eight years. Jim leaves a legacy, as he spearheaded growth for Green Flash from 14,000 to over 90,000 barrels per year at its peak. “Jim’s Hungwah-spirit and GSD work ethic pushed us to great heights,” says Hinkley, who added, “I wish Jim all the best and I know he will find a great position in the beer business."

Mike Hinkley, who started Green Flash 16 years ago, will lead the company. Chris Ross, President, will leave the company. Chris was appointed President in late 2016 and did an outstanding job guiding the company through some difficult times over the past two years. “Chris helped reshape the company, making this transaction possible. We are all very grateful to him for all of his efforts,” said Hinkley.

Other key management roles include Erik Jensen – Vice President of Brewing Operations, Dave Adams – Vice President of Hospitality, Nicole Hanlon – Director of Human Resources, and Katie Wolbrink – Controller.

The investor group was represented by Livingstone Partners, an international middle market M&A firm with seven offices located in the United States, Europe and Asia.

About Green Flash Brewing Co.
Green Flash Brewing Co. is headquartered in San Diego, California. Established in 2002 by co-founders Mike and Lisa Hinkley, it has grown into the 43th largest craft brewing company in the country behind iconic brands such as West Coast IPA, an award-winning beer whose wide acceptance helped define one of the most popular style categories of all time. Brewmaster Erik Jensen leads brewing operations for beers within the Green Flash portfolio as well as those of Alpine, Calif.-based Alpine Beer Co., which the company acquired in 2014. For more information, visit: www.greenflashbrew.com.

Friday, November 10, 2017

November 2017: Beer News update, part 1

As the seasons change, the brewing scene does as well. Here's some of what you need to know to stay current.

~ Interesting news from Capitol Hill. [Link to Brewers Association]

~ Yards is on the move. [Link to Food & Wine]

~ Beer is in moving pictures. [Link to Yours For Good Fermentables]

© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2017. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com

Friday, August 25, 2017

August 2017: Beer News update, part 2

Little bit of this and that to share with you from the last couple of weeks. Some interesting, some thought-provoking. Enjoy.

~ I recently did a malt-focused article. Bay Area friend, Derrick Peterman, recently wrote his view from California. [Link to Edible East Bay]

~ Some front line observations from those that didn't make it. [Link to Draft Magazine]

~ A viewpoint from one that went to the macro side. [Link to MarketWatch]

~ I recently talked with the folks behind Bube's Brewery in Mount Joy for some blurbs in upcoming Ale Street News. Here is much longer piece into the location's fascinating history. [Link to LancasterOnline]

~ Fresh out of yesterday's news. [Link to Charlotte Observer]

Friday, June 23, 2017

June 2017: News update, part 2

A smattering of this and that to bring you up-to-speed from the last week or so of interesting news.

~ Betting this will be a better launch than the previous occupant's. [Link to Philly.com]

~ Rather odd, yet somehow not surprising, story. [Link to RateBeer.com]

~ Interesting bit of development in Ardmore. [Link to Philly.com]

~ Been a fan of Scott Smith and his East End brewery in Pittsburgh for quite a while. Here's an interesting story from him. [Link to East End Brewing's website]

~ Wow! Now that didn't take long. [Link to The Town Dish]

~ Lists are lists. This is a decent one and difficult to quibble with. [Link to Food and Wine]

~ Another list. This one an annual list from Zymurgy with a significant change atop it. [Link to the Brewers Assocation]

~ The Pistola's crew is shooting for another success in a third neighborhood. Smart money says this will likewise be a winner. [Link to Philadelphia Magazine]

Friday, June 02, 2017

June 2017: News update, part 1

No shortage of news this time around as we stride into summer.

~ All this angst recently in the industry. Here a very worthwhile perspective to read. [link to Paste Magazine]

~ Philly 10th anniversary Beer Week is underway. [link to PBW's website]

~ One of Harrisburg's newest brewers, Brandalynn Armstrong, is interviewed. [link to Central PA Business Journal]

~ Another interview also from CPBJ, you might enjoy this one of Dick Yuengling. [link to Central PA Business Journal]

~ Havertown, I get. But, I'm starting to get a bit concerned for Phoenixville. [link to Philadelphia Business Journal]

~ What a great story that I've buried here in the middle of this list. [link to Porch Drinking]

~ That last link is a perfect segue to news of Peter Bouckaert. [link to Brewbound]

~ Hm, for those of you that enjoy reading about the business of brewing, something's happening at The Bruery. [link to The Bruery's website]

~ It's another list, but a decent one. [link to Men's Health]

~ How does Neshaminy Creek celebrate its 5th anniversary? [link to Borough Brewhouse's FB page]

~ More expansion news, this one from Levante. [link to The Town Dish]

~ And one final expansion announcement (for this update, anyway). [link to Iron Hill's website]

~ Another perspective on the Evil One's behavior. [link to Ramblings Of A Beer Runner]

Friday, May 19, 2017

May 2017: News update, part 2

Just a few things to share with you this week.

~ This is one way to think about recent big beer, little beer battles. [link to The Full Pint]

~ Wonderful news for Baltimore. [link to Union Craft's website]

~ Lots of al fresco beers this summer in Philly. [link to Parks On Tap]

~ And, lastly, a plug for my favorite beers encountered last week. [link right back here to The Brew Lounge]

Friday, March 17, 2017

March 2017: News update, part 2

Some opening and closing news here for you in a brief update of what you might have missed in the last couple of weeks.

~ Grand opening, April 1, no joke. [link to Wissahickon Brewing's website]

~ Also opening on April, out in Chester County. [link to Locust Lane's website]

~ Disappointing news out of San Francisco. [link to SF Gate]

Friday, January 06, 2017

January 2017: News update, part 1

And we're off and running in 2017. A few newsy and fun bits that I collected over the past couple weeks to share with you.

~ I'm a consumer and I'm not confused. Pretty confident there's millions more in the same camp. [link to Richmond.com]

~ A rare look at the more commonplace practice of questionable beer marketing these days. [link to Chicago Tribune]

~ This guy always has some keen insight to beers you should know about. [link to Joe Sixpack]

~ Another fascinating look into the big business of big beer. [link to Brewbound]

~ Here's another decent list worth checking out. [link to Draft Magazine]

~ And one last list; this a well-conceived one of beers. [link to Philly.com]

~ Excellent wish for the new year -- [link to Yours For Good Fermentables]

~ Helpful news for those of you, like me, that really enjoy Hopslam -- [link to The Full Pint]

~ Big business prognostications for those of you, like me, that really enjoy following big business and, in this case, how it affects our favorite beverage -- [link to Beer Business Unplugged]

Friday, October 21, 2016

October 2016: News update, part 2

Some big macro news accompanies the local news for the second half of October's round up of brews news. Grab a Beer and Enjoy. In no particular order...

~ Brooklyn Brewery sells 24.5% equity to Kirin from Japan. [Link to Wall Street Journal.] and [Link to The Full Pint]

~ ABIBGI is opening next to The Fillmore in Philly. [Link to Philly.com]

~ Stone's layoffs a harbinger of sobering up or a hangover? [Link to The Full Pint]

~ Very cool news from Sterling Pig in Media, Pa. where I've been enjoying watching their growth [Link to The Town Dish]

~ Oktoberfest at the 23rd Street Armory sounds/looks like a success. [Link to Philadelphia Business Journal]

~ Is Urban Village Brewing Company still coming to Northern Liberties? Might need to do some additional sleuthing. [Link to Philly.com]

~ Beer fests. Underage attendees. The controversy continues. [Link to Draft Magazine]

~ I used to live in Manayunk in the 90s pre-brewpub. Lot of time has passed since then and they're still there. [Link to Yours For Good Fermentables]

~ Grey Lodge's Mike "Scoats" Scotese added a fourth home-away-from-home to his roster. [Link to Philly Mag/Foobooz]

Friday, October 07, 2016

October 2016: News update, part 1

Let's go with this quick and easy format for a twice-monthly news update so that I can look like I'm staying on top of things around here.

~ Harrisburg has a new brewery. Hoping to stop by there later this month. Jeff Musselman, formerly of Tröegs, is involved. [Link to Millworks]

~ Selling out? I prefer to simply call it selling. A well-reasoned approach to the never-ending debate. [Link to Modern Times]

~ Can't say I saw this one coming. Roy Pitz from south-central PA (Chambersburg, to be exact, in Franklin County) opening up an outpost in Philly. [Link to Philly.com]

~ Stone is finally up and running in Berlin. Pretty cool stuff. [Link to Stone on YouTube]

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Beer News, Bella Vista, and Just How Big is Craft Beer?

BeerNews.org usually struts out exactly what the name implies, Beer. News. Day in and day out, Adam (and others? I do not know.) passes along all sorts of News: events; product releases; openings; press releases; comings and goings; etc.

Every once in a while, they dig in a bit deeper and create content like in this link back to an interview with Jordan Fetfatzes of Bella Vista Beer Distributors in Philadelphia.

Jordan offers up quite a bit on what it looks like from the beer importing/wholesaling/retailing distributor perspective in the metro Philly market.

One quote that I found interesting was the first attempt at quantifying "craft's" impact on the beer industry in the local market -- or at least the first time that I've heard one. Obviously we hear the stats and trends at the national level. For example, "craft" has grown to over 7.5% of beer sales based on dollars and nearly 5% based on volume.

But I've always wondered and have been asking more of late, "Those percentages must be higher in areas like Philadelphia, right? It stands to reason that my perspective could be skewed a bit since I drink the "craft" at home, hang around a lot of similarly-minded people who do likewise, and frequent establishments with "craft" in their close sights. Could Philadelphia's number be 15%...20%...even 25%?"

I've heard no one do anything but guess, but Fetfatzes pegs his own estimation based on first-hand experience at 12%-15% of dollars and 10%-12% of volume.

Does anyone have any other solid evidence to support or contradict this claim?

It's a good read, a bit long for some of you I'm sure, but one that you should be pleased with by the time you're finished.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Selling Craft Beer: A compelling argument

On the heels of this week's teasing news about 2010's craft beer growth numbers, comes a video also in my inbox when I returned from the West Coast.

This is delivered by Greg Koch of Stone Brewing Company in Southern California and hosted at SellingCraftBeer.com, purportedly an extension of Brewers Association.

A great and reasoned case being made for bars carrying the beer that all we consumers love. I'm an analytically-driven numbers guy, so I catch on quickly to this proposition, and I suppose that most proprietors will as well.

I only quibbled a bit with what seemed like a low average cost per keg of craft beer: $124. I might have thought closer to, or even just north of, $200. But, I'm not in the business — plus, it's still directionally correct.