With companies such as Anheuser-Busch pulling billions of dollars of profit each year, it's hard to comprehend that Americans would spend so much on a beer that is by no means the best tasting beer. In many domestic markets, Anheuser-Busch pulls in over fifty percent of the beer market, despite the availability of better beers.
In recent years, there has been a rise in the amount of micro-breweries and larger independent breweries across the country. While many of these breweries don't sell their product at the low prices as the major brewers such as Anheuser-Busch or MillerCoors, the local breweries provide those who are brave enough to escape the trappings of the billions of dollars spent by the biggies, a wide selection of flavors, great taste, and seasonal specials that the larger companies often won't release nationally.
So in this case, it almost comes down to, "why are you buying a particular beer?" While it's widely known that name recognition plays a major role in Anheuser-Busch's dominance, it's only recently becoming known that micro-breweries offer more flavor to their customer base. Beers such as Budweiser and Coors often have been joked that they have a watered down taste. The only advantage to this could be for those looking to become intoxicated quicker and cheaper, rather than enjoying their beer.
Brewers such as southern California's own Hangar 24, offer taste to their customer base. Unfortunately not available across the country, Hangar 24 is well known in the southwest for their Orange Wheat, Betty, Amarillo Pale Ale, and many other beers including seasonals. Led by Master Brewer Ben Cook, Hangar 24 has utilized local fruits and other products to enhance the flavor of their beer and attract a customer base that truly cares for the taste of their beer. Beyond the taste, Hangar 24 has attracted the initial prospective customer by producing some of the nicest looking packaging on their bottles and collectibles.
Not to be sold short, another local to the southern California scene is Craft Brewing Company out of Lake Elsinore, California. They don't produce beer on the scale of Hangar 24, but to the local Inland Empire area, they offer several beers that offer taste and even eye-catching packaging. Craft offers Raven Stout, Fallen Angel, and Warlock, that should be able to delight the taste buds of anyone who tries them.
Opening shortly, The Mason Jar Brewing Company in Menifee, California will join the micro-brewery competition. In a quick growing market, if Mason Jar can provide their customer base with great tasting beer, I believe the citizens of Menifee will be quick to embrace their local brewery. The rise of a new brewer can provide it's customer base not only with the joy a great tasting beer, but also provide Menifee residents with a sense of local pride.
Quickly, California's local breweries are proving to be some of the best in the United States. Other locals that are finding success include Stone Brewery, Coronado Brewing Company, and Firestone Walker Brewing Company. Metropolitan areas such as St. Louis and Milwaukee try to claim the title of being home to the best beers, but in reality, the best ones are only a short distance from the Pacific Ocean.
Even if you are not in the California area, dare yourself to try a local brewer's offering rather than a beer from a international brewer. I believe that you will pleasantly be surprised.
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