The news of Anheuser-Busch InBev’s bid to acquire SABMiller made big waves in the brewing industry last week — with good reason. Both entities combine to represent 70 percent of the beer market in the United States.
One of the biggest questions the merger raises is antitrust concerns in the United States, which Bloomberg addressed in a recent article. It seems likely that Molson Coors would gain control over MillerCoors to satisfy U.S. antitrust regulators.
So, what does all of this mean to the big brewers? I’m guessing the big benefit is access to more markets and distribution channels. But I’m not so sure any of this is a bad thing for the craft beer industry. For one, the deal doesn’t change the (average at best) overall product portfolio of either company. I think the move has the potential to galvanize the craft beer industry, and I certainly don’t think it will hurt craft brewers.
One thing is certain, the next few weeks will be pretty interesting when it comes to the future of beer in the U.S. and overseas.
The Traveling Beer Geek
I have a bizarre run of trips in 2015 that has resulted in sampling a crazy mix of beers. The traveling has included exotic stops like Paris and Cologne, eastern swings to New York state and Maine, and Midwest standbys like Des Moines and Omaha. The most recent spot on the tour? Cleveland.
A few takeaways: the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is definitely worth seeing; FirstEnergy Stadium, where the Browns play, has an amazing location right on Lake Erie, and Cleveland has a pretty solid beer scene.
My first stop was to the Tremont Tap House, a great spot just south of Downtown. A rustic brick interior, great food, Sonic Youth blaring in the bar and 48 taps to choose from made it a winner. The beer list includes plenty of locals, and selections from reliable breweries like Bell’s and Troegs. I sampled a delicious Columbus IPA and the equally amazing Troegs Hop Knife Harvest Ale, two beers I can’t get in Milwaukee.
Another highlight was seeing the Indians play at Progressive Field. The action on the field was fine, good seats were plentiful, and I loved the ballpark, but it was the bar at The Corner that earns a mention. The spot over the right field wall features a pair of bars pouring a few dozen different craft beers, with an emphasis on the locals. The standout here was easily the White Rajah IPA from The Brew Kettle in Strongsville, Ohio.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to Great Lakes Brewing Company and there are a couple of more bars that I need to hit up next time. I did, however, drive by the house from A Christmas Story, and that has to be worth something.
Barley Pop of the Week
I don’t care for overly sweet pumpkin beers—pumpkin pie in a glass is not my thing. Tyranena Painted Ladies Pumpkin Spice Ale has a malty sweetness, but it never goes over the top. Hints of pumpkin and nutmeg give the brew just the right amount of festive flavor. A fine fall beer indeed.
Quick Taps
3 Sheeps Brewing introduced Cashmere Hammer Rye Stout, the first Midwest beer in a nitrogenated bottle. Nitrogen enhances the smoothness of the stout, which will be released in October.
An article in BizTimes by Corrinne Hess details plans to turn the old Bavarian Inn (700 W. Lexington Blvd.) into a brewery and restaurant.
Safe travels to anyone heading to Denver this weekend for the Great American Beer Festival. Sadly, I’m not going anywhere.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, Sept. 22: Celebrate fall at Story Hill BKC (5100 W. Bluemound Rd.) with $7 flights of Oktoberfest brews. More than 10 to choose from means you’ll be plenty busy.
Thursday, Sept. 24: The excellent Upland Brewing is bringing sours and a few other brews to Draft & Vessel (4417 N. Oakland Ave.) at 6 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 25: Upland Brewery brings samples to Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 25: Head to The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.) to try brews from Uinta starting at 5 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 25: In August, Company Brewing (735 E. Center St.) asked neighbors in Riverwest to contribute any hops they had to an ale they were making. That beer, aptly called Riverwest Backyard Hops Beer, is being released at 5 p.m. Find out what neighborhood collaboration tastes like.
Saturday, Sept. 26: Hop bombs are the theme at the weekly tasting at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
