It seems like every week momentum behind the craft beer movement builds. That may seem a little out of the blue, but when you consider the underlying reasons, it starts to make sense. History has proven that in times of recession personal entertainment budgets turn from big purchases like vacations and boats, to smaller financial commitments like movies, CD’s, and beer. Add in the facts that big breweries are losing market share, imports aren’t moving units like they used to, and the craft scene is becoming more visible thanks to social media, and what we have here is a leveling of the playing field.
Stone Brewing reports heady growth, hiring plans
Stone Brewing Co. keeps powering its way through the recession with more growth.
The brewer said Wednesday it increased production of its craft beers by 24 percent in the first half of 2009. By year’s end, it expects to make more than 100,000 barrels, more than a 20 percent increase over 2008. (via North County Times)
Craft beer sales rise
National sales of craft beer — an increasingly large part of Colorado’s economy — rose 9 percent in the first half of 2009 despite the economic downturn, the Boulder-based Brewers Association reported Monday. (via Denver Business Journal)
Economy brews ‘perfect storm’ for boutique beer
Boutique beers are the new cocktail as more money-conscious Americans choose cheaper high quality draft beers made by small local breweries over wine and spirits amid the country’s recession, experts say. (via Canada.com)
Boutique Beers (CNBC Video)
Craft beer flows strong through recession, with Justin Phillips, Beer Table and Paul Gatza, Brewers Association. (via CNBC.com)
Challenges Facing Craft Brewers in Recession (Fox Business Video)
Local Brewery owners Dan Kopman, Brett Vanderkamp and Rick Rauch on competing with large breweries during a recession. (via Fox Business)
In addition to this recent mainstream media coverage is a plethora of passionate craft drinkers out there giving you info straight from the scene. I’ve talked to a number of quality video bloggers who focus on beer and have their blessing to embed their content on to truecask.com. I haven’t yet decided the frequency or timing of the beer video round-up quite yet but look for it in the In The Cask category.
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