Beer Wars - the movie

[Bellmer]

Would any of you consider not supporting such an apparent asshole by not buying Stone beer? Just curious...

That, in and of itself, would not sway my decision too greatly. The fact that I am not terribly impressed with the beers might. I prefer many other cheaper brands of IPA to Stone, and the Arrogant Bastard is sort of gimicky... don't want to drink two in a row. However, the Vertical Epic series is some of the best beer I've ever tasted. I loved the 2008 hoppy tripel.

Auggie came accross as a jerk in the film too, and I wouldn't let tht influence me... but I might be swayed by learning that AB is in charge of mechandising 73% of all chain groceries and uses that influence to push other beers off the shelf.

See, here I almost disagree with you. I think their IPA is solid (far from the best, but it is also one of few IPA's that doesn't give me a headache), and their Vertical series is pure gimmick. I've tried four of them and have hated all of them. I still buy a couple each year just because I like the idea (read: the gimmick) of a vertical of beers to buy. I do that with a lot of beers.

Personally, I prefer their smoked porter over Alaskan (one of the most overrated beers imho) and I think their RIS is one of the best.

As far as Auggie, I'm sure that's because that's the way they wanted to portray him. Just like Michael Moore slants the people he interviews (Cheston anyone?). Though, just because they slant them that way doesn't mean they aren't really jerks.

[Brandt]

See, here I almost disagree with you. I think their IPA is solid (far from the best, but it is also one of few IPA's that doesn't give me a headache), and their Vertical series is pure gimmick. I've tried four of them and have hated all of them. I still buy a couple each year just because I like the idea (read: the gimmick) of a vertical of beers to buy. I do that with a lot of beers.

It's a matter of distribution for me. Our area has only two distributors, one for AB, and one for everything else domestic. Then there's an idistributor that sells the belgians , but only those above 6%
Point is, we have a poor selection in my area and it would take state legislation to change improve it. Consequently, we only get a few Stone beers, and they tend to be pricey. Retail on a single serving of Arrogant Bastard is $8, IPA around $6. Or I could go down to my local pour house and get a locally made IPA for $2 that I like just as much or better. If I could drink their Ruination on tap for $2, I'd buy a lot of pints. so... the economics of it influences my opinion of the beers. Thery just aren't outstanding enough to make me spend a few dolaars extra.

And, yes, I see your point on the Verticals...

As far as Auggie, I'm sure that's because that's the way they wanted to portray him. Just like Michael Moore slants the people he interviews (Cheston anyone?). Though, just because they slant them that way doesn't mean they aren't really jerks.

Yes, well... that's just how documentaries are. I expected this. I haven't forgotten that it is Anat's film, not ours. And I think the whole point of the film, was about how cutthroat the business is. Anat came from a business background, not a beer crafter, or even drinker (she's allergic to alcohol!). So, IMO, Rhonda's story was entirely appropriate, and really summed up the struggles facing craft brewers competing for market share. Whether or not her product is good, is entirely subjective. Saying it's not craft beer because it has caffeine is no different that dogging a brewer for adding chocolate, or coriander, or any number of things which go against the Rheinheitsgebot.

[San_Diego_Matt]

Would any of you consider not supporting such an apparent asshole by not buying Stone beer? Just curious...

I don't drink much stone beer. They are all better than BMC, but part of it is becasue I don't want to support the business of an owner like greg.It's kind of a karma thing for me.

It's also because I absolutely do not care for their beer. I live in San Diego, where stone is located, and they're maybe 8th or 9th on the top list of breweries here in town.

So, I think the owner's an asshole, he's personally been an asshole to me and I don't like their beer so I don't think I should spend $50 a month on his beer just because they own a distributing company or because they've paved the ground for a bunch of other breweries in town and across the country.

Don't even get me started on their World Bistro fucking restaurant or the fact they've now hired Dr. Bill...

[Bellmer]

See, here I almost disagree with you. I think their IPA is solid (far from the best, but it is also one of few IPA's that doesn't give me a headache), and their Vertical series is pure gimmick. I've tried four of them and have hated all of them. I still buy a couple each year just because I like the idea (read: the gimmick) of a vertical of beers to buy. I do that with a lot of beers.

It's a matter of distribution for me. Our area has only two distributors, one for AB, and one for everything else domestic. Then there's an idistributor that sells the belgians , but only those above 6%
Point is, we have a poor selection in my area and it would take state legislation to change improve it. Consequently, we only get a few Stone beers, and they tend to be pricey. Retail on a single serving of Arrogant Bastard is $8, IPA around $6. Or I could go down to my local pour house and get a locally made IPA for $2 that I like just as much or better. If I could drink their Ruination on tap for $2, I'd buy a lot of pints. so... the economics of it influences my opinion of the beers. Thery just aren't outstanding enough to make me spend a few dolaars extra.

And, yes, I see your point on the Verticals...

As far as Auggie, I'm sure that's because that's the way they wanted to portray him. Just like Michael Moore slants the people he interviews (Cheston anyone?). Though, just because they slant them that way doesn't mean they aren't really jerks.

Yes, well... that's just how documentaries are. I expected this. I haven't forgotten that it is Anat's film, not ours. And I think the whole point of the film, was about how cutthroat the business is. Anat came from a business background, not a beer crafter, or even drinker (she's allergic to alcohol!). So, IMO, Rhonda's story was entirely appropriate, and really summed up the struggles facing craft brewers competing for market share. Whether or not her product is good, is entirely subjective. Saying it's not craft beer because it has caffeine is no different that dogging a brewer for adding chocolate, or coriander, or any number of things which go against the Rheinheitsgebot.

My fiancee is from the Knoxville area, so I feel your pain. The whole of TN does not get much beer at all. In your shoes with that price gouging I would certainly go for the local (believe me I buy local first over Stone too. Four Peaks Raj IPA ftw ). Her county was dry until 5 years ago. The archaic anti-liquor laws need to be done away with. I did not appreciate the mockery they made of the whole "Neo-Prohibitionist" term in the movie. It is a serious thing that a LOT of people back and scares me. My stance is the same as with things like abortion - if you don't want one don't have one, but don't keep people who believe other than you from making the choice (don't start a flame war based on that please. It isn't worth the space.). The AHA and locals are chipping away at these types of laws, but then there are still the other archaic laws (like the three tier system I wish they'd go into more). Consumer choice my ass. Ask people in Knoxville - Am I right Brandt?

I agree with your viewpoint on Anat, Brandt. The point of her doing this was more to present the business side of the ordeal and what craft brewers go through against the big guy. It just so happens that craft brewers are so passionate about what they do that they'll back the efforts of almost anything to get the word out about their products. So, I guess the problem was really with the marketing of the movie. It wasn't a craft beer movie, it was a business and marketing movie featuring beer.

Your comment about subjectivity is essentially true, but in the general sense of the meaning of a "craft beer," something that is manufactured by someone else as a low alcohol lager with pure liquid caffeine added does not fit into it. If she made it herself out of quality Pils, no adjuncts, and used something like guarana berries in the brewing, then that would be entirely different. I'm not going to argue whether or not it sucks. That is subjective (though it certainly sounds like it sucks from what I've read). And it is a marketing gimmick. She said it herself - something like "I see all these people drinking Bud, Coors, and Miller, and I see people at Starbucks drinking cofee and I think why not put them together? There is an unmet demand there." and she acts like that is an original idea. Any beer with coffee has caffeine and Drew Carey made Buzz beer 14 years ago.

[Bellmer]

Would any of you consider not supporting such an apparent asshole by not buying Stone beer? Just curious...

I don't drink much stone beer. They are all better than BMC, but part of it is becasue I don't want to support the business of an owner like greg.It's kind of a karma thing for me.

It's also because I absolutely do not care for their beer. I live in San Diego, where stone is located, and they're maybe 8th or 9th on the top list of breweries here in town.

So, I think the owner's an asshole, he's personally been an asshole to me and I don't like their beer so I don't think I should spend $50 a month on his beer just because they own a distributing company or because they've paved the ground for a bunch of other breweries in town and across the country.

Don't even get me started on their World Bistro fucking restaurant or the fact they've now hired Dr. Bill...

I was about to say...if you have anything to complain about complain about their joke of a "World Garden and Bistro." It's tiny, the food costs three times what it should, and it is absolute SHITE.

It is your personal choice whether or not to support them. I appreciate a number of things they do, I strongly dislike probably just as much. They definitely aren't in my top twenty of brewers, but I feel good buying their products every once in awhile. However, I wouldn't feel too bad if I didn't; it isn't as if they are hurting for business anywhere.

[San_Diego_Matt]

that's exactly how I feel. I'm not going to refuse to drink it and drink stella all night long just because I hate greg and refuse to support them. Hell, for the rest of you, their ruination is probably the best west coast double IPA you can (somewhat) easily get and I think it's ok too. It's maybe 15th on the list in San Diego for double IPA's, but it's not gut wrenching terrible.

and I do appreciate their chairity work. I've been to a bunch of their festivals where the proceeds go to the Surfrider Foundation, but that's where it stops.

$18 fucking hamburgers...with no sides.

[InsaneInTheGrain]

Would any of you consider not supporting such an apparent asshole by not buying Stone beer? Just curious...

Don't even get me started on their World Bistro fucking restaurant or the fact they've now hired Dr. Bill...

In all seriousness, lay it on me... I'd like to hear your local opinion on the World Bistro, etc....

And since your down south and I don't get down there too often what are you other favs?
I like some of the Lost Abby brews... I'm an IPA fiend so that's where my palate lies.... Ruination IPA types beers.

[Bellmer]

$18 fucking hamburgers...with no sides.

That are over-seasoned and awful. And their allegedly "famous" arrogant bastard onion rings are over-spiced over-hyped over-breaded (as is the majority of the menu in my experience) crap.

In all seriousness, lay it on me... I'd like to hear your local opinion on the World Bistro, etc....

And since your down south and I don't get down there too often what are you other favs?
I like some of the Lost Abby brews... I'm an IPA fiend so that's where my palate lies.... Ruination IPA types beers.

I would take any of the Port locations over Stone any day. Their pizza is amazing and they always have a huge variety of beers on tap. Always a fun atmosphere and great food, you just gotta fight for a seat.

The World Bistro is worth seeing once, but don't eat there.