Beach Bum by A-B

[Wilson]

I wandered into an old pub I hadnt been to in many years the other night to listen to a band. On tap I noticed they had "Beach Bum." I had never heard of it, and only latter found out it was brewed by A-B.

It was slightly cloudy, straw yellow, with minimal lacing. The smell was of light fading hops. Taste was light, watery, some very light malt a tad of hop bitterness. No aftertaste. Very easy drinking. In all, nothing much to speak of, but the price was right, and I wasnt in the mood for the other options so I drank four more. Not a bad little blonde ale, better than Budweiser and the likes, good for hot steamy nights when nothing else is available.

I'd drink it again. Buy it for home consumption or when better options are available? Probably not.

[dparsons]

So A-B has achieved all of "not offensive."

[steveh]

Way to go A-B. :rolleyes:

S.

[mookow]

Originally posted by dparsons
So A-B has achieved all of "not offensive."

Well, that's a pretty big step for them...

[markaberrant]

From your description, I fail to see how this is any different from their other products.

[Wilson]

Originally posted by markaberrant
From your description, I fail to see how this is any different from their other products.

Its not. I think they have perfected the "ale" version of their lager. It is, however, exactly what I think of when people ask how to brew 1.) an easy drinking ale that their Budweiser drinking friends would like or 2.) an easy drinking lawnmower beer.

[Dextolen]

With a name like "Beach Bum" perhaps they are trying to edge in on Corona's advertising territory? No beer company sells an image like Corona.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Wilson
exactly what I think of when people ask how to brew 1.) an easy drinking ale that their Budweiser drinking friends would like or 2.) an easy drinking lawnmower beer.

How would it stand up against Goose Island Summertime Kolsch, Sam Adams Summer, or Bell's Oberon? Pretty thin competition, I'd imagine.

S.

[hops99]

or Bell's Oberon?

Side note - Oberon 5L minis came out in Ohio last week (in bright orange cans), and I had some with my wife and a few friends. It was terrific.

[Seymour]

I haven't had it yet--or even seen it--but I'd speculate it might be a "springboard" beer for your skeptical friends who think all beers should taste like Bud Light. Maybe it would open their eyes to the world of better beers...

[Robo]

I have tasted Beach Bum at the end of a tour of Grant's Farm. It doesn't compete with the summer brews SteveH mentioned but does, believe it or not, have more flavor than Bud.

What I find interesting is A-B's foray into the pseudo-craft beer market. They feel extremely threatened by other brewers and by Americans' increasing preference for spirits rather than beer.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Robo
They feel extremely threatened by other brewers and by Americans' increasing preference for spirits rather than beer.

And who knows? Maybe it will finally prompt them to brew beer again?

S.

[kinjar]

Originally posted by Robo
What I find interesting is A-B's foray into the pseudo-craft beer market. They feel extremely threatened by other brewers and by Americans' increasing preference for spirits rather than beer.
I was discussing this with a friend of mine who is your steryeotypical "Budweiser or Nothing" American. He mentioned that this is basically a retention strategy the company has to keep talented brewers. Let them experiment with new product lines to keep them interested, instead of losing them in some other pursuit.

I don't know if that's true, but it is an interesting take.

[steveh]

Originally posted by kinjar
instead of losing them in some other pursuit.

Such as brewing real beer?

I guess I could equate that to my profession as a graphic artist - it pays the bills, but I have to seek creative outlet on my own, to the point that freelance may some day take the place of my regular job.

The A-B brewers could get just plain bored with their same ol' recipe, week after week - especially when they have to recognize just how dreadful the fruit of their skills is. How many ex-A-B brewers have become craft brewers?

S.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by steveh
How many ex-A-B brewers have become craft brewers?


Most recent one I know of is Mitch Steele leaving for Stone Brewing Co.

http://beeradvocate.com/news/stories_read/665

[steveh]

Originally posted by newportstorm
Most recent one I know of is Mitch Steele

"But my roots are in craft brewing, and that's where my true passion has always been."

'Nuff said.

S.

[fretlessman71]

Have to say that I've had the Beach Bum, and liked it. In a world where all pale ales, for the most part, are beginning to taste the same (with notable exceptions), this is no different, but no less enjoyable. You could even detect (horrors!) HOPS in both flavor and nose, and it had a decent head with a little bit of lacing. Not hard to do, sure, but certainly palatable, and something I'd choose over a Bud any day of the week and twice in January. OTOH, there are so many brews to choose from in FC that I'm never, EVER, in that position. :)

[Mill Rat]

Originally posted by Dextolen
No beer company sells an image like Corona.
What else do they have to go on?

[Seymour]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
OTOH, there are so many brews to choose from in FC that I'm never, EVER, in that position.

We need a "thbppthppth" emoticon.

;)

[steveh]

Originally posted by Mill Rat
What else do they have to go on?

Heh heh heh. Limes? ;)

S.

[ratman03]

Originally posted by newportstorm
Most recent one I know of is Mitch Steele leaving for Stone Brewing Co.

http://beeradvocate.com/news/stories_read/665


My guess is that they want this guy's input on brewing consistency, the thing that the macro brewers are good at.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by ratman03
My guess is that they want this guy's input on brewing consistency, the thing that the macro brewers are good at.

No doubt. Mitch's experience in brewing on a large scale will prove invaluable with Stone's ambitious expansion with their larger brewery. I'm sure he brings a lot to the table and I wish he and Stone well.

[steveh]

Based on his quote about passion for craft brewing above, I'd say Mitch is hoping to have his hands in more than just consistency.

S.

[Mill Rat]

Originally posted by steveh
Based on his quote about passion for craft brewing above, I'd say Mitch is hoping to have his hands in more than just consistency.

S.
I'd summarize that as being able to brew a product line for which you have to offer no apologies in the company of brewers and beer drinkers of any stripe. Good work if you can get it!

[steveh]

Originally posted by Mill Rat
...for which you have to offer no apologies in the company of brewers and beer drinkers of any stripe.

I'd like to actually hear an apology from an A-B employee -- theirs is the best beer in the world, don'cha know? :rolleyes:

S.

[Chris St Mary]

Two things....
First is something that has been gone over many times on this web page. No matter how much you hate AB, you have to give them credit for being able to make Dudweiser taste the same worldwide, no matter where it was brewed. For those reading this that don't brew, that's not a very easy thing to do (cue the raspberries and snide comments).
The other thing is that Corona was made as something to refresh (and not intoxicate) migrant farmworkers in Mexico. The brewery used to make about 5 other good tasting beers on a regular basis. Then some surfers from SoCal went to Mexico and "discovered" Corona and brought it back to the states. One thing led to another and the brewery saw where the money was to be made and they stopped making everything else EXCEPT Corona. Now, Corona is the largest selling import in the US.
Just another case of going where the money is instead of making a good beer that makes less money.
Ah, the Almighty Dollar!

[Mill Rat]

Yes, when it comes to satisfying the lowest common denominator in beer drinking, the macro-breweries do it well. There is a challenge in producing such a product consistently, since with so little going on flavor-wise, any off-tastes will be blatantly evident, and not hidden under shovelfuls of malt, hops, or roasted grain.

I've maintained that there will always be a market for more interesting products. This market will wax and wane, though. It will wax as craft breweries rise in the market in response to near-universal insipid offerings from the macros. It will wane as the macros move in to the craft market when they see a loss of market share to the craft breweries. As the macros take back that market share, their bean counters will ignore the lessons of the past and again cut costs to maximize profit for the next quarterly report or three, relegating the macros to producing fizzy yellow water again, inspiring the cycle to repeat.

I do not forsee a repeat of the US quality beer drought that was seen in the late 70s to the late 80s. That was a "perfect storm" of a home brewing/winemaking ban, state laws that made existence difficult for smaller breweries, whether old or new, and a particularly viscious corporate takover/merger/bankruptcy environment in the brewing industry. That environment was abetted by a few financiers who bled a few old names like Falstaff, Carlings, Schlitz, and Pabst dry and threw the facilities and the brewery workers away like spent grain.

The drought was ended in part by a more global market, which brought more foreign brews more deeply into US markets, These imports managed to retain great flavor despite the boat ride and convinced many consumers that there was more to beer than harnwasser. Folks like Fritz Maytag and the Yeunglings resisted the pressure to dilute their products and have kept their old traditions going in the face of some severe macro-corporate pressure. The first commercially successful craft brewers like Greg Koch and John Hall took great financial risks to kick the beer market door down from the outside. There are probably too many early craft brewers to mention who failed financially but opened the eyes of many to craft brewing as either consumers or producers. We are poorer for the anonymity which prevents us from recognizing them.

Our best means to assure a continuing market for quality beer is to BE that market. Buy your beer (or ingredients) from concerns whose decisions are made by people who are passionate about their beer product, not just their stock options and bonus formula.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Chris St Mary
you have to give them credit for being able to make Dudweiser taste the same worldwide,

Why? I don't believe I do. They started here with their swill, why spread it around the world? Swill is swill., consistent or varied.

I have Spaten Premium here, or Paulaner, or even Fuller's and Young's. It's always very consistent, or at least it's so flavorful as to be very enjoyable and satisfying. Let alone brews like Bell's or Goose Island, Capital or New Glarus and Sprecher - these brews are "consistently" good.

S.

[hops99]

I had a pint of Beach Bum on draft a couple of nights ago, and didn't care for it. I'm over-simplifying here, but I thought it tasted like I remember Budweiser tasted - slightly sweet and fizzy. Yuck.

[Chris St Mary]

Don't misunderstand me. I'm not giving an order to respect them, just suggesting that what they do is something of an accomplishment.
Yes, you have Young's, Fuller's et al but they are not made locally. I love all the good beers from around the world. I prefer something from a local micro as my first choice. I'm just saying that what they do is an accomplishment to be able to achieve consistency worldwide.
I'd be willing to bet there are styles of beer you love, styles you are indifferent about and styles you hate. Let's just agree that American Pilsner (for the most part) is a style that you hate with a passion. As an American, that is your prerogative. BMC are businesses first and brewers second. Thank God we have a choice.
"To each his own," said the farmer as he kissed his cow.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Chris St Mary
Don't misunderstand me. I'm not giving an order to respect them, just suggesting that what they do is something of an accomplishment.


I didn't think it was any sort of mandate, I'm just tired of the old "consistency" argument with A-B. It was started by Michael Jackson, but as more of a left-handed compliment than anything.

Yes, it may be difficult to make something so bland and lifeless remain consistent the world over, but the real question is why?

Also, and I'm not sure about this so it's only speculation; I believe the only reason Spud has breweries in other countries is to lay claim to the Budwesier name and push Budweiß out of the scene. As you said, Young's, Fuller's - et all, are made locally...but shipped around the world. Why couldn't the biggest brewery in the world, pioneer of the refrigerated rail car for shipping, not do the same as Spaten, Paulaner, Young's, Fuller, Adnam's...

S.

[Chris St Mary]

Very good point. Probably for economic reasons it's more cost effective to have satellite locations. Never thought of it in that light.
Might even work in their favor for marketing to be able to pinpoint a location in the region that the local consumers can relate to to push the idea of "localy" made. Born On Date and all that crap.
Saw an ad in the Phoenix area at a micro (right about the time they came out with that marketing program) that said,"Who needs a Born On Date when you're in the delivery room?":p

[Mill Rat]

Originally posted by steveh
Also, and I'm not sure about this so it's only speculation; I believe the only reason Spud has breweries in other countries is to lay claim to the Budwesier name and push Budweiß out of the scene.

S.
Never attribute to malice what's adequately explained by ignorance or stupidity...or a marketing department. From a marketing perspective, it pays to have one name all over, so your Dud-sucker can travel the globe and recognize a name and logo wherever he is and keep padding your bottom line.

And yes, the satellite locations are more of a distribution cost issue rather than a "Today, Pinky, we take over the world" issue. A case of "premium" American light lager weighs not less than 16 pounds and costs about eight or so bucks. That's 50 cents a pound. A new car that's 24 k$ weighs about 4000 pounds, so it's 6 bucks a pound. Scrap copper is now about $4 per pound. So by weight, beer is cheap stuff, so transporting it eats into the profit margin like pirhanas that just devoured a methamphetamine addict. If a brewer is going to add facilities anyway to meet demand, the brewer can save significant money by building in a new location that will cut transportation costs.

[steveh]

Funny then, that Spud has been reported to be much higher priced than any of the locals on tap in London. Because it's an import? :rolleyes:

S.

[Chris St Mary]

Probably ........because they can. like Mickey D's and all of the other American dreck we export to the rest of the world.
Some people in other countries only know us by what is prominently exported like Fudd.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Chris St Mary
Probably ........because they can. like Mickey D's and all of the other American dreck we export to the rest of the world.

Sad, but oh so true.

S.

[Seymour]

Wilson--

As a sort of an update/return to your original thread:D , we stopped off in Monroe last weekend on our way back to Texas. Out of idle curiosity, my wife asked what was on tap, and the (very young) waitress immediately volunteered "Beach Bum". My wife made a quizzical face and asked what style of beer it was. Predictably, the waitress giggled and responded, "It's an ale. I don't know much about beer." I hope I wasn't too patronizing, but I jumped in and said, "It's from Anheuser Busch. We'll just have the AndyGator (an Abita dopplebock, and not a very good one, which I discovered unfortunately that very day)."

I suppose I took your post as a cautionary tale.

[fretlessman71]

I'll say it again - I did enjoy the pint of Beach Bum I had. It was light, hoppy, a little fizzy but all of them are for me anyway, and relatively tasty on a very hot night. Far less offensive than Budweiser, and while that's not a glowing report by any means, I did finish the glass, and if I don't like something I pour it out or send it back.

[Wilson]

Originally posted by Seymour
We'll just have the AndyGator (an Abita dopplebock, and not a very good one, which I discovered unfortunately that very day)."

I suppose I took your post as a cautionary tale.

I guess I should have cautioned you about the AndyGator. ;) Dopplebock?! Whatever it is, it isnt that great. I thought it was some kind of "malt liquor."

[Seymour]

My thoughts exactly! High alcohol, which you could taste right through the beer. Not very good. Fo shizzle.

[ZSK]

I'm with Fretless. I thought the Beach Bum was a very drinkable and enjoyable beer. I had two and a half. My wife drank the other half. She enjoys "real" beers too and thought this was pretty good. In this instance, I think we need to encourage A-B to do more of this. Not less. With more good quality beers out there, all the beers should get better. Are we worried that if A-B gets into making better beers our favorite small brewers will die off? I'm not. I think Great Lakes will survive as will Goose Island and even some of the others who just hold on. Bud and Miller are the brands losing sales, not the quality "craft" beers.
I think A-B is doing good with Beach Bum, Helles on Fire (Ohio Only on Draft) the only two I've had. I read about ZBock and an IPA made in New Hampshire. I say go A-B, keep proving you can make good beer and eventually enough people will discover what good beer is about. If you like Bud, drink it. Just know other worlds await you.

[Seymour]

Originally posted by ZSK
I'm with Fretless. I thought the Beach Bum was a very drinkable and enjoyable beer. I had two and a half. My wife drank the other half. She enjoys "real" beers too and thought this was pretty good. In this instance, I think we need to encourage A-B to do more of this. Not less. With more good quality beers out there, all the beers should get better. Are we worried that if A-B gets into making better beers our favorite small brewers will die off? I'm not. I think Great Lakes will survive as will Goose Island and even some of the others who just hold on. Bud and Miller are the brands losing sales, not the quality "craft" beers.
I think A-B is doing good with Beach Bum, Helles on Fire (Ohio Only on Draft) the only two I've had. I read about ZBock and an IPA made in New Hampshire. I say go A-B, keep proving you can make good beer and eventually enough people will discover what good beer is about. If you like Bud, drink it. Just know other worlds await you.

Maybe. I applaude A-Bs efforts to put out better beer, but those efforts strike me as lukewarm, at best. And if A-B could take the regional brewers out back, rough 'em up, and threaten to keep doing it 'til they pulled stakes and left town, they'd do that before they'd make the effort to ramp up their beers, IMO.

And just for the record: Zeigenbock is positively dreadful. To say it tastes like cough syrup is an insult to cough syrup. If its purpose is to open beer drinkers' eyes to better beers, so that ultimately A-B can quit brewing dreck and start brewing quality quaffables, then I'm all for it. But I ain't holdin' my breath;) .

[SoxyinMO]

Originally posted by Robo
I have tasted Beach Bum at the end of a tour of Grant's Farm. It doesn't compete with the summer brews SteveH mentioned but does, believe it or not, have more flavor than Bud.

It is a bit less fizzy as well. Wilson hit it on the head with his Lawnmower beer. You could come in from hard work on a hot day & slam this down without vomiting. I thought it had a vanilla nose about half-way through, but Al thought I was imagining it.

Fret's right, it's drinkable, but it wouldn't be my first, or even second choice.

[Jeff]

Not to get too far off track. Has anybody tried the Sam Adam's Summer Share? That is a dreadful beer, I would easily drink several Beach Bums before I would drink the Summer Share.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by Jeff
Not to get too far off track. Has anybody tried the Sam Adam's Summer Share? That is a dreadful beer, I would easily drink several Beach Bums before I would drink the Summer Share.

Summer Ale? Yes.

Summer Share? I know nothing of it. Any info you can give?

[steveh]

Yes, the Sam Summer Ale is a good brew IMO -- been enjoying it on tap and in the bottle all season.

S.

[fretlessman71]

Another vote for Summer Ale - perfect for this year's heat wave of a summer. If it were lower in ABV, it'd be a fantastic session brew instead of just a really really good one. :)

[Jeff]

I too enjoy the Summer Ale, but this is definately listed as the Summer Share, they even have promotional material listing it as the summer share. I can't find anything about it on the web, but will ask the next time I'm at that bar.

It tasted very close to a BMC product.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by Jeff
I too enjoy the Summer Ale, but this is definately listed as the Summer Share, they even have promotional material listing it as the summer share. I can't find anything about it on the web, but will ask the next time I'm at that bar.

It tasted very close to a BMC product.

Please do ask. Would like to know what that's all about.

I know BBC is doing another round of Beer Lover's Choice - this time pitting two "new" brews against each other for your approval: a porter brewed with Honey (the old, retired Honey Porter?) and a Smoked Lager (their recent Rauchbier poured at fests & select bars?).

You can find the beer's details under the Promotions section of the SA site:

http://www.samueladams.com/

Cheers!

[Mill Rat]

Originally posted by Seymour
Maybe. I applaude A-Bs efforts to put out better beer, but those efforts strike me as lukewarm, at best. And if A-B could take the regional brewers out back, rough 'em up, and threaten to keep doing it 'til they pulled stakes and left town, they'd do that before they'd make the effort to ramp up their beers, IMO.
Sounds reminiscent of John D. Rockefeller's tactics about a century ago. The kinda stuff that gave us the legal term "anti-trust." Would A-B (or any other alrge corporate entity) do that, give a chance to do it in an arguably legal fashion? Probably. It's not personal, it's business.

When you have the opportunity (or make the opportunity) buy from folks you respect. The folks that will compete like gentlemen and gentlewomen, not 800-lb gorillas.