Boston Beer vs Anchor Brewing

In the most recent update about the ongoing lawsuit between Boston Beer and Anchor Brewing, the man at the center of all the attention, Judd Hausner, is appears to be a very polarizing figure.

Boston Beer claims Hausner to be an expert in the beer business and that expertise is exclusively from his days at Boston Beer. Anchor's opinion is a bit more humbling: "He’s just a young guy selling beer," said Wesley Kinnear, Anchor Brewing’s attorney.

I'm sure there are and lawsuits between brewers from time to time and this one won't be the last of them. However, for one reason or another, this seems to be gaining a significant amount of attention which puts a bad taste in the mouth of fans of craft brewed "better beer". One of the things we all love the most about our beer (besides the taste) is the community and collaboration surrounding it.

Your thoughts???

Top of the Hops Greenville

We had a blast at this year's Top of the Hops beer festival at the Carolina First Center in Greenville. Met a lot of very friendly people who were passionate about their beer. Nice selection from the brewers who were in attendance. Fun classes too... We really enjoyed the beer and cheese pairing workshop put on by Sam Adams & Whole Foods. It would have been nice for a few more brewers to show up (instead of volunteers pouring) but very understandable that everyone couldn't be in attendance.

A very big special thank you to Thomas Creek and the Carolina Ale House for sponsoring the event. We can't wait until next year.

Cheers!

A Must See for Any Beer Consumer... Beer Wars Movie Trailer

We at Shipwater just recently finished watching a very educational, entertaining, and eye-opening film... Beer Wars. Created and directed by beverage industry veteran, Anat Baron, this film sets out to expose you, the consumer, the behind the scenes activities of what brewers large and small must do to get their beers on the prime shelf space at your local retail store. You will see the depths that the Big 3 (or now, Big 2) beer companies will go to to make sure that their brand is on the tip of your tongue when the bartender asks you, "What will ya have"? You'll also be introduced to the mavericks fighting these beer giants... beer heroes like Jim Koch, Dick Yuengling, Sam Calagione, and Kim Jordan.

Whether you are someone who likes to sample from different small breweries or are a devoted Miller Lite drinker, this is a movie you should watch. It goes well beyond beer, and speaks to the larger issue of consumer choice.

Cheers!