Recent beer releases

[mookow]

I'm just going to copy/paste from one of the news posts on the homepage. One of these press releases is from AB, the other is from Magic Hat. Both of them are about new beers they will be releasing.

"an unfiltered Belgian-style wheat ale, which is naturally cloudy. Brewed with orange, lemon and lime peels; the spice of coriander; two-row barley and wheat malts; as well as a blend of domestic Cascade and Willamette hops and imported Hallertau hops, this beer is memorably aromatic and has a smooth, complex taste"

vs

"Unfiltered and unfettered, it’s a deliciously light-bodied beer brewed for wide consumer appeal and ultimate drinkability for all seasons. Each sip contains a pronounced wheat malt character, yet is free of the overly spiced phenolic yeast flavors that mar the typical imported hefeweizen"

Now, which of those press releases looks like it's from AB?

[hops99]

"that mar the typical imported Hefeweizen."

LMAO

[newportstorm]

Sad, because Magic Hat has done a decent job with some of their wheat beers in the past. American Pale Wheat Ales usually bore me to tears.

To remedy that sadness, take look at the tap handle for A-B's new beer and don't blame me if you split your sides laughing:

http://www.anheuser-busch.com/news/springheatspicedwheat_022706.htm

Looks like Kool Aid Man found a new gig. OH YEEAHHH!

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by hops99
"that mar the typical imported Hefeweizen."

LMAO

Exactly!

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by newportstorm
American Pale Wheat Ales usually bore me to tears.

[/B]

Anything Widmer like bores me but Gumballhead is a great brew.

[xtalman]

Originally posted by newportstorm


http://www.anheuser-busch.com/news/springheatspicedwheat_022706.htm

Looks like Kool Aid Man found a new gig. OH YEEAHHH!
Actually looks like the orange blob of SU had a make over.

Did not know Big Bird worked for AB. His image is flashed in the images on the top of the page. I guess AB owns a Sesame Street Amusement park. Oscar must be AB's taste tester.

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

Anything Widmer like bores me
I used to agree but then I visited their brewery and had a very good barleywine. Unfortunately the good stuff never travels far ( that goes for A LOT of brews ).

[Sladek]

Originally posted by newportstorm
Sad, because Magic Hat has done a decent job with some of their wheat beers in the past. American Pale Wheat Ales usually bore me to tears.

To remedy that sadness, take look at the tap handle for A-B's new beer and don't blame me if you split your sides laughing:

http://www.anheuser-busch.com/news/springheatspicedwheat_022706.htm

Looks like Kool Aid Man found a new gig. OH YEEAHHH!
Like Leinenkugel's Honey Weiss. Yawn.

That's the stupidest thing I've ever seen. Reminds me of Poochie on Itchy Scratchy, which of course satirized lame-ass corporate characters.

[ClockworkOrange]

"Brewed with orange, lemon and lime peels;" what the hell, why not throw some grapefruit, tangerine and clementine peels in as well. I think someone over there accidentally spilled some 7-Up and orange juice into the kettle and the marketing dept. just ran with it.

[steveh]

Originally posted by ClockworkOrange
"lime peels;" what the hell,

My first thought too!

S.

[danno]

I'm more worried that a craft brewer is resorting to denigrate an actual style requirement in it's effort to market it's beer. i'm sorry, but German Hefeweizens are supposed to have phenolic yeast flavors, it's what makes it a flippin' hefeweizen... what's next "our IIPA without all that nasty hop bitterness and flavor" ???

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by steveh
My first thought too!

S.

Probably what many people said when orange peel was first used in beer. Or coriander. Or blueberries. Sounds a hell of a lot more appealing than Magic Hat's Circus Freak, that's for damn sure.

If I spy that goofy friggin' tap handle, I'll order one. Or maybe I'll have my wife order me one.

Cheers!

[zoom6zoom]

Did not know Big Bird worked for AB. His image is flashed in the images on the top of the page. I guess AB owns a Sesame Street Amusement park. Oscar must be AB's taste tester.

Must be the new demographic AB's shooting for. Get 'em while they're young enough to be brainwashed. Talk about encouraging underage drinking!

[threecb]

Originally posted by danno
I'm more worried that a craft brewer is resorting to denigrate an actual style requirement in it's effort to market it's beer. i'm sorry, but German Hefeweizens are supposed to have phenolic yeast flavors, it's what makes it a flippin' hefeweizen... what's next "our IIPA without all that nasty hop bitterness and flavor" ???

This was the most disheartening thing of the whole post. mar? ugh. Magic Hat, choose your words better. I thought St. Gootz was pretty decent and I tried the Hefe (batch 371?) last summer and thought it was nice. Now they trash the flavor profile.

AFA AB's stab, I just can't give my money to them when there are so many other craft beers brewed by people truly passionate about their creations and need support from us.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by threecb
AFA AB's stab, I just can't give my money to them when there are so many other craft beers brewed by people truly passionate about their creations and need support from us.

Whoa! A-B brewers aren't passionate? I beg to differ. They may make some beers most here don't enjoy but they most certainly have skill, talent and passion for what they do. They are not mindless drones who only drink the company kool-aid when reaching for a beer. There were a few A-B folks at Extreme Beer Fest last month, and many were enjoying the scene, drinking new beers and chatting up anyone within earshot. Regular, passionate beer people.

I won't argue A-B's "need" for support, but I'm sure millions of employees and shareholders might. ;)

Cheers!

[threecb]

Originally posted by newportstorm
Whoa! A-B brewers aren't passionate? I beg to differ. They may make some beers most here don't enjoy but they most certainly have skill, talent and passion for what they do.

Fair enough. I shouldn't have slammed the brewers. But I'm sure that if the craft brew market wasn't on the rise the brewers wouldn't be allowed to flex their brewing muscles.

Believe me, I would love to see a day come when their fizzy yellow products are just a small percentage and real beer were the dominent market. But then, we might not be hearing anymore "Real Men of Genius" ads, Mr. Nose-Bleed-Section-Ticket-Holder-Guy!

[ClockworkOrange]

If I'm out and someone offers to buy me one, I'll try it, otherwise I'll support the little guys. Too many other more worthy beers to try instead.

[chazwicke]

Or grocery store fruit putter outter guy.


I would rather see a day when the big guys made great products and they were as available as their brews are now. That would mean that every restaurant would have good beer.

[ClockworkOrange]

Another article:http://www.beverageworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5445&Itemid=0

[hops99]

I would rather see a day when the big guys made great products and they were as available as their brews are now. That would mean that every restaurant would have good beer.


Amen!

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I would rather see a day when the big guys made great products and they were as available as their brews are now. That would mean that every restaurant would have good beer.


Sounds nice, but I'm not sure that's what I'd want. There will always be the lowest common denominator out there who could care less about flavor - they want cold, cheap, beer. Let 'em have it. When I travel, I like to check out the local flavor - good or bad. I'd rather see the varying differences in brewing from place to place than have more homogenous beer. We have good, tasty gateway beers to bridge the gap from macro to micro - SNPA, Samuel Adams, Anchor, RedHook, Widmer, etc. are all available nationwide.

Nearly every corner of the US has some local or regional craft beer available to stores and restaurants. But many people simply ask what's on tap and scoff at the choices they are given. There is an art to asking (and getting) better beer where you, the paying cu$tomer, wants it.

This is an excerpt from a local brewery, who, unfortunately went under (they were forced to move on 30 days notice!). Try it and see how it works for you:

"Step 1: Download and print out our brochure.
Step 2: Casually enter the target establishment.
Step 3: Ask for the Franconia Notch beer of your choosing.
Step 4: If they have none, display the following feelings: shock, confusion, horror, then shock again, followed by deep sadness (tears are encouraged, bring an onion if necessary). Of course, these feelings may come to you naturally. If so, all the better.
Step 5: Politely ask for the bar manager. This is very important. Most people make their preferences known to whomever is tending bar at the moment. But nine times out of ten, this person has little to do with ordering the beer. It's the bar manager; the bar manager is the key.
Step 6: Inform the bar manager that they are out of your favorite Franconia Notch beer. When he (or she) says they don't normally carry a Franconia Notch beer or that he has never heard of the Franconia Notch Brewery, repeat Step 4.
Step 7: Present the bar manager with our brochure and tell him (or her) about our beer. Here's an example of the sort of thing you might say. "I just wanted to let you know about this great, award-winning, New Hampshire beer brewed by this guy who, with a friend of his, literally built a brewery from scratch. It tastes great, it's all-natural, and it's unfiltered so it's uniquely nutritious and helps prevent hang-overs. It's also the number-one seller in many of the restaurants that carry it. (don't worry, all of this is true) Anyway, I just thought it would be great if you had it on tap here."
Step 8: If that doesn't work, begin the harassment. This can be a tricky area, so here are some guidelines.
* Continually remind the bar manager of the great qualities and popularity of Franconia Notch beer.
* Threats are a bad idea, but ultimatums are acceptable. For example, "If you don't start carrying Franconia Notch beer, I'm never coming back here again." However, if you have been harassing this person for a while, this may have the opposite effect.
* There is no time limit on how long the harassment may last.
* If the bar manager appears angry or annoyed, it may be time to break off your attack for the day.
* If the bar manager mentions the words "restraining order", it may be time to break off the attack for good.
* Remember, he may not realize it at first, but you are doing him a great favor.
Step 9: When that glorious day comes, bring some friends along and celebrate the arrival of the fresh keg of Franconia Notch beer. And be sure to thank the bar manager, as he too will thank you some day."

[steveh]

Originally posted by newportstorm
Whoa! A-B brewers aren't passionate? I beg to differ. They may make some beers most here don't enjoy but they most certainly have skill, talent and passion for what they do.

Skill and talent don't equate to passion. I use my skill and talent to make a living, I use my passion to drive that skill and talent to create something for myself - when I can create that "something" for myself and share it with others who appreciate the outcome, that's art. The AB brewers are manufacturing a product far from art.

S.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by steveh
Skill and talent don't equate to passion. I use my skill and talent to make a living, I use my passion to drive that skill and talent to create something for myself - when I can create that "something" for myself and share it with others who appreciate the outcome, that's art. The AB brewers are manufacturing a product far from art.

S.

So you're an art critic now? Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder. If you've never spoken with an A-B brewmaster, don't assume.

I'm passionate about lots of things in my life. Doesn't mean I'm perfect or that everyone agrees with the finished product I put forth. You obviously don't enjoy A-B's products. I can say the same for many craft brewers. Many. Yet, I'd never question the brewer's passion for his creations.

Cheers!

[steveh]

Originally posted by newportstorm
So you're an art critic now?

No, an artist. Been my passion since I was about 4. And I never said I was perfect, far from it.

No, I've never talked with an A-B brewmaster, but I have talked with Miller brewmasters, and quite a few micro brewmasters - the differences in how they describe and discuss their "work" is telling.

S.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by steveh
No, an artist. Been my passion since I was about 4. And I never said I was perfect, far from it.

No, I've never talked with an A-B brewmaster, but I have talked with Miller brewmasters, and quite a few micro brewmasters - the differences in how they describe and discuss their "work" is telling.

S.

Then bash Miller. They're two different companies. I can say that in my brief experience and readings of others, A-B brewers are extremely talented and passionate about what they do (probably not all, but most). I am passionate about helping my customers at work, yet my company's policies and business model sometimes limits what I can do - hence, there are always a few unhappy customers. Can't please 'em all in any industry.

Cheers!

[ClockworkOrange]

Miller is brewing Steel Reserve malt liquor in the same tanks down in Texas that once held the delicious Celis line. Pathetic.

[steveh]

Originally posted by newportstorm
I can say that in my brief experience and readings of others, A-B brewers are extremely talented and passionate about what they do

Bud, Miller, Coors - they're all pale excuses for beer, and we all know what good beer could and should be - and it's just a hobby for (most of) us. So it strikes me odd that any professional, who would know even better what good beer can be, could be "passionate" over such poor results.

Business model limits indeed.

S.

[hops99]

I can say that in my brief experience and readings of others, A-B brewers are extremely talented and passionate about what they do (probably not all, but most).

Sure, and the folks in the McDonald's test kitchens are passionate about what they do. And the good people at Hostess Bakery are passionate about what they do, etc. etc.

Is there a point I'm missing here?

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by hops99
Sure, and the folks in the McDonald's test kitchens are passionate about what they do. And the good people at Hostess Bakery are passionate about what they do, etc. etc.

Is there a point I'm missing here?

Believe what you want. Again, if you haven't talked to them (aside from a company brewery tour), don't assume. Or do. I don't care. But I've met plenty of craft brewers who just as soon burn one down or go surfing or sleep than get up and brew beer.
The macro/micro is garbage/nectar argument carries over here, too, eh?

Cheers!

[hops99]

Believe what you want. Again, if you haven't talked to them (aside from a company brewery tour), don't assume. Or do. I don't care. But I've met plenty of craft brewers who just as soon burn one down or go surfing or sleep than get up and brew beer.

You're illustrating one of the points that I'd like to make. I totally agree that some craft brewers just "mail it in", and may not be passionate or excited about what they do. Just because you're a "micro anything" doesn't mean that you're necessarily better at what you do, or more passionate, than a "macro anything". We could list numerous examples of this, throughout several different industries. The now-defunct Classic Rock Brewpub in Danbury, Connecticut comes to mind (what a pile of dung this place was).




So it strikes me odd that any professional, who would know even better what good beer can be, could be "passionate" over such poor results.

But...I second Steveh's comments here. Hence my point from my previous post - whether it's McDonald's, Wonder Bread, or A-B, I don't want to hear about how "passionate" a person is about creating a substandard product. Feel free to regale A-B with praise and gifts and sprinkle rose petals on the steps of each satellite brewery around the country. Hang out with A-B brewers and "feel the passion" all night long if it makes you feel good. Knock yourself out.

At the end of the day though, passion or not, the BMC guys are nothing more than a vehicle for the "culture of crap" that surrounds us. I'll reserve my passion for something more noble than brewing rice beer. But, to each his own...

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by hops99
But...I second Steveh's comments here. Hence my point from my previous post - whether it's McDonald's, Wonder Bread, or A-B, I don't want to hear about how "passionate" a person is about creating a substandard product. Feel free to regale A-B with praise and gifts and sprinkle rose petals on the steps of each satellite brewery around the country. Hang out with A-B brewers and "feel the passion" all night long if it makes you feel good. Knock yourself out.

At the end of the day though, passion or not, the BMC guys are nothing more than a vehicle for the "culture of crap" that surrounds us. I'll reserve my passion for something more noble than brewing rice beer. But, to each his own...

You want to knock BMC's products, business practices, ethics, whatever....have fun. I won't stop you. But to label all their brewers as having no passion is silly. Plenty of talented, passionate brewers have put in some time with the big boys and are better brewers for it. A few notables:

-Brian Hunt of Moonlight Brewing worked at Schlitz back in the 80s
-Randy Sprecher, founder of Sprecher Brewing Co. in WI worked at Pabst in Milwaukee in the 80s
-Steve Schmidt brews both at RedHook's east coast brewery in Portsmouth, NH (a large craft brewery - macro to some beer knurds) and at the small Cambridge House brewpub in Granby, CT
-Dan Carey of New Glarus (WI) worked at A-B
-Etc.

Please, email these brewers and question their passion and let me know what they have to say about it. Seriously.

I'm sure there are lifers at BMC, but there are probably many more like the ones who I listed who are passionate about brewing, gaining valuable experience and learning about techniques and technology, etc. And they may jump at the chance to take that experience and start their own operation - good for them.

Cheers!

[studentofbeer]

sure they may be passionate about brewing in general, but i think the question is, can you really be passionate about brewing beer that most of us find dull and distasteful?

the fact that these people left to start their own breweries or work at other micros does demonstrate their passion for brewing, but to me that's because they decided to leave and go places where their passions may have been more in line with the product being made. I'm sure working at a major brewery like A-B gives a person great insight into quality standards, efficiency and technology, and is a great jumping-off point for a career in the industry.

there may even be passionate brewers at A-B or other places that just love making budweiser or the equivalent. maybe i shouldn't question their passion, but i sure do question their taste.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by studentofbeer
sure they may be passionate about brewing in general, but i think the question is, can you really be passionate about brewing beer that most of us find dull and distasteful?



Passion isn't a switch. Brewers don't turn it off when they punch into work and turn it on when they head home at night. They have it or they don't. The guys listed had it and have it.

I'm not here defending macrobrewer's products, their lack of taste, etc. It was their brewer's passion that was questioned - plain and simple.

I admit, some may have left because they had the itch to branch out, be more creative and start their own gig, instead of being restrained by a large corporation. I conceded that fact several posts back. But I'm willing to bet most/all of them are thankful for the time and experience they had with the big boys.

Cheers!

[hops99]

You want to knock BMC's products, business practices, ethics, whatever....have fun. I won't stop you. But to label all their brewers as having no passion is silly. Plenty of talented, passionate brewers have put in some time with the big boys and are better brewers for it.

Silly? I think the fact that we're spending time debating the "passion" of A-B brewers is eminently silly.


Passion isn't a switch.

So, we're Dr. Phil now? ;) Is there some magical stick to measure passion on the market these days? What makes you the expert?


I'm not here defending macrobrewer's products, their lack of taste, etc. It was their brewer's passion that was questioned - plain and simple.

An esoteric defense at best. If the question of "passion" exhibited by manufacturers of substandard products is your cause of the day, go for it. Carry that torch. I've got far more important causes to get fired up about.

[studentofbeer]

i'm less concerned about the relative passion of A-B brewers actually.

what is most egregious is magic hat's slander against hefeweizens. from my observational experiences, people who like hefeweizens aren't turned off by at least milder german-style versions (like hofbrauhaus' hefe). Hefeweizen and Belgian White ale seem to be the new battleground styles tho--Goose Island had a lot of success with their 312 american hefe, and now A-B is getting in the game.

i'll be interested to see how the A-B offering fairs--Blue Moon isn't a bad beer tho not that great either. i agree with newport that the A-B beer sounds a lot more appealing than the Magic Hat beer.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by hops99
So, we're Dr. Phil now? ;) Is there some magical stick to measure passion on the market these days? What makes you the expert?

I'm not bald, have a moustache, speak with a southen drawl or schmooze with Oprah, so...no.

Never claimed to be an expert. It's my opinion. Agree or don't.

Originally posted by hops99
An esoteric defense at best. If the question of "passion" exhibited by manufacturers of substandard products is your cause of the day, go for it. Carry that torch. I've got far more important causes to get fired up about.

And yet, you replied more than once.

Yes, the "Nevermind" thread, etc. that pop up here from time to time are deep, thought provoking discussions. At least it's beer.

Cheers!

[steveh]

Originally posted by studentofbeer
the fact that these people left...

Give that man a Kewpie doll! ;)

Although, Randy was actually laid-off from Pabst when he decided to take his talent and passion to new heights - mostly to piss off the new owners of Pabst, but you can't knock his success!

S... oh yeah, had a few beers with Randy in the past, Newport.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by steveh
Although, Randy was actually laid-off from Pabst when he decided to take his talent and passion to new heights - mostly to piss off the new owners of Pabst, but you can't knock his success!

S... oh yeah, had a few beers with Randy in the past, Newport.

Brian Hunt was laid off as well. I'm sure others were, too. I don't blame them for gaining experience and knowledge, then bolting to chase their dream when the opportunity arose. I would too. My point was they had/have passion, then and now.

Say hello to Randy and tell him we miss fresh Sprecher in New England.

Cheers!

[steveh]

Originally posted by newportstorm
My point was they had/have passion, then and now.

Your point seemed to be that all AB brewmasters had a passion for their craft. I don't see the ones who bow to the swill behemoth as having that much passion for their product.

And I wasn't saying Randy was any less passionate for being laid-off - not quitting, just ask his opinion about Pabst sometime.

S.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by steveh
Your point seemed to be that all AB brewmasters had a passion for their craft. I don't see the ones who bow to the swill behemoth as having that much passion for their product.

And I wasn't saying Randy was any less passionate for being laid-off - not quitting, just ask his opinion about Pabst sometime.

S.

You want to play semantics, go ahead. Without personally knowing and speaking to all A-B (or other macro) brewmasters, that wouldn't be my statement's intent. That's silly to think it would. Rarely are things that black and white - "never" and "always" are two words that should be used with caution. I referred to the few I've spoken with and read about.

And I didn't say brewers who worked for the bigs don't have any negative feelings about their former employer, their products, etc. But if one of them told me they aren't a better brewer or businessman for having worked there and gotten experience and insight, I wouldn't believe it.

Cheers!

[hops99]

But if one of them told me they aren't a better brewer or businessman for having worked there and gotten experience and insight, I wouldn't believe it.

Why not? So now you're deciding what complete strangers should and/or shouldn't think? You list six or seven names out of how many thousand brewers in the U.S. that at one time worked for A-B, and that's supposed to somehow bolster your point that we need to acknowledge the fact that A-B's guys have passion for their substandard products? A sampling of, at best, less than .5% of commercial brewmasters today that you've heard from or read about? Until YOU have actually worked at A-B personally, cut the crap.

I happen to think that A-B is one of the best-run corporations in the world. I have no delusions that they're the "evil empire" in the brewing industry, and I certainly don't think that all of their employees (brewers, specifically) are mindless, talentless drones. Quite the contrary - these guys are skilled for sure, and of course they care about what they're doing. After all, they need to pay the mortgage and put food on the table for their families too. But, I happen to believe that their is a clear demarcation between having a passion for producing a quality product, and having a "passion" for producing a cheap, substandard product.

If some guy has a real passion for brewing Natural Light, I'm of the opinion that I hope he channels that passion towards something more productive, more creative, more inspirational. Call me silly, whatever makes you feel good. We'll just agree to disagree.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by hops99
Why not? So now you're deciding what complete strangers should and/or shouldn't think? You list six or seven names out of how many thousand brewers in the U.S. that at one time worked for A-B, and that's supposed to somehow bolster your point that we need to acknowledge the fact that A-B's guys have passion for their substandard products? A sampling of, at best, less than .5% of commercial brewmasters today that you've heard from or read about? Until YOU have actually worked at A-B personally, cut the crap.

You're resembling Mr. Kinnison. Relax. How many times can I repeat, I never stated all brewmasters at macrobreweries are passionate. My claim was in response to a general statement made by 'threecb' a looong way back which insinuated macrobrewers lacked passion. I disagreed and stated a few examples. If I had the time and inclination, I'm sure there are many more out there.

And yes, whether they relished coming to work every day or not, I can't believe that the experience and insight that Randy Sprecher, Brian Hunt and others obtained while working with the big guys didn't help them. Whether they learned new techniques, simply gained some hands on experience, etc. or left screaming into the night, vowing never to return, years' long stints helped them. Just as every job one of us has held helps us, even if it's learning how not to do something.

Originally posted by hops99
If some guy has a real passion for brewing Natural Light, I'm of the opinion that I hope he channels that passion towards something more productive, more creative, more inspirational. Call me silly, whatever makes you feel good. We'll just agree to disagree.

I've already said as much at least twice in this thread. Not sure what we're disagreeing on anymore. I think this thread is spent....

Cheers!

[hops99]

You're resembling Mr. Kinnison.

It's amazing what you can do with a Ouija board and Jessica Hahn's panties...



I think this thread is spent....

Agreed.

[steveh]

Originally posted by newportstorm
How many times can I repeat, I never stated all brewmasters at macrobreweries are passionate.

No, you just said most, I don't know how we could have all interpreted that as all macrobrewers being passionate about their sub-par product. Semantics is right, silly we.

But you're definitely right, this thread has become tedious. Everyone is posturing and it's become tiring, but I'll never give credit to those churning out swill and not recognizing the fact - no matter anyone's perception.

S.

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

those churning out swill and not recognizing the fact
Although I am bummed that y'all are getting a little personal I couldn't help but think you could claim the same argument for Chevy/Ford/Dodge. I believe. at least in beer, there's a place for all and as long as we here know the difference between good and bad, what's the problem??