The beer world is in a state of crisis. It's public image is being weakened constantly by a vast deluge of sub-standard 'commercial' lagers. Beers such as 'Coors Light' and 'Miller' are controlling the worldwide beer market, giving the general public the idea that all beer is just urine-coloured (and some would say urine flavoured) water. Coors is a particular pet hate for me. It lacks any sort of flavour, texture or character, and is, quite frankly, disgusting. The sad thing is, this is what people are drinking. these beers would not be as common as they are if nobody actually drank it. Even some of my favourite breweries are succumbing to this phenomenon. Italy's 'Peroni' now distributes 'Nastro Azzuro' right across Europe and further afield. This beer is a far cry from the original 'Peroni'. It is, although infintely better than any of the commercial American beers, unbearably watery. This is truly worrying. I love beer, not alcoholic water.
So where is the future for beer? Ales and German Wheat beers are still popular across Europe, but how long until the ominous giant that is popular western culture consumes them, producing more brands of characterless muck?
My advice to you...Don't conform to this damaging and degrading culture. Stand up for the craft brewers, and the micro-breweries, and the ales, the stouts, the wheat beers, the truly original creations! It's time to start a beer revolution!
Funnily enough, Coors's top UK PR person is drinking in Belfast this evening. I've sent her to The Crown for some Belfast Black.
ReplyDeleteThe future isn't so grim for decent beer. It's actually gaining market share from the macroswill in a lot of places. Have a look at The Cask Report, for instance.
Fantastic! Give her an education in real beer!
ReplyDeleteI read the cask report figures for 2010-11 and they are very encouraging. Thanks for the helpful tip.
Ah, she knows her real beer in fairness. They are the brewery that make White Shield, P2 Imperial Stout and now they own Sharp's of Cornwall as well.
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