Beer Wars Movie » Beer http://BeerWarsMovie.Com In America, size matters. The bigger you are, the more power you have, especially in the business world. Director Anat Baron takes you on a no holds barred exploration of the U.S. beer industry that ultimately reveals the truth behind the label of your favorite beer. Told from an insider’s perspective, the film goes behind the scenes of the daily battles and all out wars that dominate one of America’s favorite industries. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:32:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 The Future of Moonshot? http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2011/02/01/the-future-of-moonshot/ http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2011/02/01/the-future-of-moonshot/#comments Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:47:53 +0000 Anat http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/?p=1184 Nothing has divided Beer Wars viewers more than Rhonda and Moonshot. Reactions are very black and white. Some see Moonshot as a “gimmick” and a “marketing ploy” and others see Rhonda as a trailblazer who has a right to see her beer succeed.

Unfortunately, Moonshot’s future has been cut short by the FDA who lumped it together with Four Loko and others and forced it off the market.

Rhonda has put out an appeal to get Americans to “lobby” for her right to sell Moonshot. Whether Moonshot appeals to you or not, the bigger question is whether Moonshot was caught up in the wrong net.

Here is the appeal in Rhonda’s own words:

Moonshot ’69
January 31, 2011
Dear Friend,
As you may already know, New Century Brewing Company has ceased production of Moonshot ’69 per order of the federal Food and Drug Administration. Please help me bring it back by signing the on-line petition at www.moonshotbeer.com. Additionally, you can stay up to date by visiting the Facebook page or following on Twitter.

On November 17, 2010, the FDA sent warning letters to four brewers that produced caffeinated malt beverages. By that time, three of the companies were notorious for their high-caffeine, high-alcohol, high-sugar, fruit flavored “energy drinks” which were sold in oversized cans and marketed to minors. The fourth company was New Century Brewing.

Moonshot, my all malt, craft-brewed pilsner, bears absolutely no resemblance to the products that brought about the FDA’s demand to reformulate. I stand by my product’s formula which includes a standard 5% alcohol by volume and 69 milligrams of caffeine (which equals about a half a cup of coffee). I also stand behind my marketing strategy and take pride in the responsibility of my loyal customers.

The practice of enjoying alcohol and caffeine together is nothing new (Irish coffee, rum and Coke, Red Bull and Vodka, coffee stout…), but the abuse of the law by some brewers is a legitimate concern. It is imperative, therefore, to find an acceptable level of caffeine that all beer producers can adhere to.

If you want to read more, here are recent articles from the Boston Globe and the Washington Examiner.

]]> http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2011/02/01/the-future-of-moonshot/feed/ 6 What’s in a name? http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2010/05/27/whats-in-a-name/ http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2010/05/27/whats-in-a-name/#comments Thu, 27 May 2010 20:50:32 +0000 http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/?p=1080 As we get ready for Memorial Day weekend, the first beer drinking holiday of summer, some food for thought for craft beer brewers and drinkers.

On Tuesday, an article in The Atlantic entitled “When Is A Craft Brewery Just a Brewery?” asked some interesting questions. The one that piqued my interest was about big brewers cashing in on the craft beer “movement” and its continued growth.

“… In 2007 a brewery in Golden, Colorado called AC Golden started operations. AC Golden brews beer in small batches with local ingredients—including Colorado Native Lager, which you can only get in-state… But AC Golden is careful not to call itself a craft brewer, because, at least according to the Brewers Association, it’s not: it’s controlled by MillerCoors, the second largest brewer in the country. “

“According to AC Golden, Colorado Native Lager was in 600 stores just six weeks after its release, placed alongside Avery, Great Divide, and other Colorado microbrews. Nothing on the label identifies it as a MillerCoors product. As long as 10 percent growth is the rule, there might be room for corporate pretenders. But that growth will top off at some point, and craft brewers will suddenly find themselves struggling for shelf space, even in their own niche market, with the mega-brewers. True small-timers may have a superior product, but are they ready for this fight?”

In today’s Beer Business Daily, Harry Schumacher asks: “will retailers get into private label craft?”

“Consultant Bump Williams…believes that before the year is done, at least five major retail chains will get into selling private label craft beer in a big way. And some craft brewers with capacity will brew it for them. Recall that west coast brewer Gordon Biersch brews Costco’s craft Kirkland for them, and it is the number one selling craft brand in the stores today.”

In case you’re thinking – so what? He goes on to say:

“The fact is that with so many brands, most consumers don’t know who brews craft beers, and the labels are easy to create to give the impression of a real craft beer. The chains can put up displays of private label craft at an attractive price point relative to indie crafts, and take share. It’s a scary thought and one that should be on the radar of all indie craft brewers.”

Since my film was released last year, there’s been some criticism that the points I made are “dated.” After all, craft beer is more available than it was 5 or 10 years ago. Indeed it is in states where liquor stores dominate but the reality is that craft beers from small, independent brewers are still hard to find in chain supermarkets where the big brewers continue to dominate. The entry of giant retailers into the private label craft business is another indication that this war is only going to heat up. Corporate America is not going to sit by and allow its market share to erode.

But in the end, it’s all up to the consumer. The sad reality is that most Americans don’t care who makes what they buy. They shop based on price and advertising. In order for this craft beer movement to continue to flourish, independent craft brewers will have to find new ways to ensure that those consumers who seek them out can find their beers where they shop.

Your thoughts?

]]> http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2010/05/27/whats-in-a-name/feed/ 2 Food for Thought http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2010/03/19/food-for-thought/ http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2010/03/19/food-for-thought/#comments Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:03:18 +0000 anat http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/?p=1052 2 threads I’ve been following this week:

The first is Less is More? Are There Too Many Beers? which was started by World Class Beverage in Indiana following an insider discussion at a recent beer industry summit. The comments are fascinating. I’m thrilled that this discussion is going on although I wish it would expand beyond talk into action, especially as it pertains to franchise laws and self distribution. I’m not for dismantling the three tier system, just updating it for today’s environment. Online shipping anyone?

The other thread is on a Beer Advocate Forum entitled The realities of small guys vs. big guys. This thread also highlights the ongoing issues inherent in the present distribution system. Again, great cross section of opinions. Nice that distributors are jumping into the conversation.

Oh, and if you’re interested in the politics of beer, you may want to read Beer Business Daily’s Complete Coverage of Congressional Hearing on Alcohol.

Please feel free to continue the discussion here by adding your comments.

]]> http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2010/03/19/food-for-thought/feed/ 0 Let’s not forget the imports… http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2009/12/11/lets-not-forget-the-imports/ http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2009/12/11/lets-not-forget-the-imports/#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:14:47 +0000 Anat http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/?p=939 You asked for it. Who imports the rest of the better known imported beer brands into the U.S.? Here’s the list:

Constellation Brands

Corona Extra
Corona Light
Modelo Especial
Pacifico
Negra Modelo
St. Pauli Girl Lager, Special Dark
Tsingtao

Heineken USA

Heineken Lager
Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand
Heineken Premium Light
Dos Equis
Tecate
Sol
Carta Blanca
Bohemia.
Newcastle Brown Ale
Buckler (non-alcoholic)

]]> http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2009/12/11/lets-not-forget-the-imports/feed/ 1 Who Owns What? Part II http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2009/12/10/who-owns-what-part-ii/ http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2009/12/10/who-owns-what-part-ii/#comments Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:33:11 +0000 Anat http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/?p=934 The first list included the top selling beers for the Big Two. As promised, here is the brand list for Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors. These come off their websites and include only beer brands sold in the U.S.

In the interest of being thorough, the following are missing from the list:

  • Anheuser-Busch has a 50% equity stake in Grupo Modelo (Corona, Modelo, Pacifico)
  • Anheuser-Busch is a 49% shareholder in Coastal Brewing Company which in turn owns Old Dominion and Fordham
  • The Craft Brewers Alliance (Redhook and Widmer and partially owned by Anheuser-Busch) holds a minority interest in Chicago’s Goose Island Beer Co. and Kona Brewing Co. of Hawaii.

So there you have it. The question to address is, why does this matter? I made a film about it. Why do you care?

Anheuser-Busch Brand List

Budweiser Family

Budweiser
Bud Light
Budweiser Select
Bud Light Lime
Bud Light Golden Wheat
Budweiser American Ale
Select 55
Bud Dry
Bud Ice
Bud Ice Light
Budweiser & Clamato Chelada
Bud Light & Clamato Chelada

Michelob Family

Michelob Original Lager
Michelob Light
Michelob AmberBock
Michelob Bavarian Style Wheat
Michelob Dunkel Weisse
Michelob Honey Lager
Michelob Honey Wheat
Michelob Irish Red Ale
Michelob Marzen
Michelob Pale Ale
Michelob Porter
Michelob Rye P.A.
Michelob Fall Sampler Pack
Shock Top Belgian White
Stone Mill Pale Ale

Michelob ULTRA Family

Michelob ULTRA
Michelob ULTRA Amber
Michelob ULTRA Lime Cactus
Michelob ULTRA Pomegranate Raspberry
Michelob ULTRA Tuscan Orange Grapefruit
Michelob Golden Draft
Michelob Golden Draft Light

Michelob Seasonal Beer

Beach Bum Blonde Ale
Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale
Hop Hound Amber Wheat
Winter’s Bourbon Cask Ale

Busch Family

Busch
Busch Light
Busch Ice

Natural Family

Natural Light
Natural Ice

Imports

Bass
Beck’s
Beck’s Dark
Beck’s Oktoberfest
Becks’s Premier Light
Boddingtons
Czechvar
Harbin Lager
Hoegaarden
Kirin Ichiban
Kirin Light
Leffe
Leffe Brown
Lowenbrau
Staropramen Pilsner
Stella Artois
Tennent’s Lager
Tiger Beer

Specialty Beers

Bare Knuckle Stout
Bud Extra
Ray Hill’s American Pilsner
Redbridge
Rolling Rock
Rock Light
Wild Blue
ZiegenBock
ZiegenBock Amber

Regional Beers

SkipJack Amber

Malt Liquors

Hurricane High Gravity
Hurricane Ice
Hurricane Malt Liquor
King Cobra

BACARDI Family

BACARDI Silver Mango Mojito
BACARDI Silver Pomegranate Mojito
BACARDI Silver Mojito
BACARDI Silver Lemonade
BACARDI Silver Raz
BACARDI Silver Strawberry
BACARDI Silver Watermelon

Specialty Malt Liquors

TILT Orange
TILT Green

Alliance Partner Products

Redhook
Widmer Brothers

Non-Alcohol Brew

O’Doul’s
O’Doul’s Amber
Busch NA
Beck’s NA

Energy Drinks

180 All-Natural Energy
Monster Energy

Specialty Waters

BORBA Skin Balance Water
Icelandic Glacial

MillerCoors Brand List

Domestic

Coors Banquet
Coors Light
Extra Gold Lager
Hamm’s
Hamm’s Golden draft
Hamm’s special Light
Icehouse 5.0
Icehouse 5.5
Icehouse Light
Keystone Light
Keystone Premium
Magnum Malt Liquor
MGD 64
Mickey’s
Micky’s Ice
Miller Chill
Miller Genuine draft
Miller High Life
Miller High Life Light
Miller Lite
Milwaukee’s Best
Milwaukee’s Best Ice
Milwaukee’s Best Light
Olde English 800
Olde English 800 7.5
Olde English High Gravity 800 Red Dog
Southpaw Light
Steel Reserve High Gravity
Steel Reserve Triple Export 8.1%
Steel Six

Import

Aguila
Cristal
Cusquena
Grolsch Amber Ale
Grolsch Blonde Lager
Grolsch Light Lager
Grolsch Premium Lager
Lech
Molson Canadian
Molson Canadian Light
Molson Golden
Molson Ice
Molson XXX
Peroni Nastro Azzirro
Pilsner Urquell
Tyskie

Craft

Blue Moon Belgian White
Blue Moon Full Moon Winter Ale
Blue Moon Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale
Blue Moon Honey Moon Summer Ale
Blue Moon Rising Moon Spring Ale
Frederick Miller Classic Chocolate Lager
Henry Weinhard’s Belgian Style Wheat
Henry Weinhard’s Blonde
Henry Weinhard’s Blue Boar
Henry Weinhard’s Classic Dark Lager
Henry Weinhard’s Hefeweizen
Henry Weinhard’s India Pale Ale
Henry Weinhard’s Private Reserve
Henry Weinhard’s Summer Wheat Ale
Leinenkugel’s Berry Weiss
Leinenkugel’s BIG BUTT Dopplebock
Leinenkugel’s Classic Amber Lager
Leinenkugel’s Creamy Dark
Leinenkugel’s Fireside Nut Brown
Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss
Leinenkugel’s Light
Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest Lager
Leinenkugel’s Original Lager
Leinenkugel’s Red Lager
Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy
Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat
Sheaf Stout

Specialty

Coors Non-Alcoholic
Foster’s
Foster’s Premium Ale
George Killian’s Irish Red
Sharp’s
Sparks
Sparks Light
Sparks Plus 6%
Sparks Plus 7%
Winterfest

]]> http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2009/12/10/who-owns-what-part-ii/feed/ 17 Who owns what? http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2009/12/01/who-owns-what/ http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2009/12/01/who-owns-what/#comments Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:29:47 +0000 Anat http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/?p=927 I’ve received hundreds of emails and tweets since the film came out asking for a list of the beer brands owned by the 2 big brewers. I’ve been meaning to pull one together and when I received today’s issue of Modern Brewery Age, I decided to go with their partial list (for now). The list includes the top brands sold by Anheuser-Busch InBev and MillerCoors (based on sales for the 4 week period ending 11/1/09 from IRI Data Total US Food, Drug & Convenience).

So here is the list. Debate on why it matters will certainly follow.

ANHEUSER-BUSCH INBEV
BUD LIGHT
BUDWEISER
NATURALLIGHT
BUSCH LIGHT
BUSCH
NATURALICE
MICHELOB ULTRALIGHT
BUD ICE
BUD LIGHT LIME
BUDWEISER SELECT
BUD LIGHT GOLDEN WHEAT
MICHELOB LIGHT
KING COBRA
HURRICANE HIGH GRAVITY
BUD LIGHT CHELADA
ROLLING ROCK
BECKS
STELLAARTOIS LAGER
ODOULS NA
HURRICANE MALT LIQUOR
BUSCH ICE
MICHELOB AMBER BOCK
BUDWEISER CHELADA
BUDWEISER SELECT 55
BUD DRY
LANDSHARK LAGER
MICHELOB
MICHELOB GOLDEN DRAFT LIGHT
TILT 8% LEMON LIME
BUSCH NA
SHOCK TOPBELGIAN WHITE ALE
MICHELOB ULTRALIME CACTUS
MICHELOB ULTRAAMBER
BUDWEISER AMERICAN ALE
BASS ALE
KOKANEE GLACIER PILSENER
BACARDI SILVER MOJITO
ODOULS AMBER NA
ANHEUSER-BUSCH SEASONAL
BECKS PREMIER LIGHT
BACARDI SILVER RAZ
MICHELOB ULTR POMEGRANAT RSPBRRY
BUD ICE LIGHT
TILT
HAAKE BECK NA
HOEGAARDEN WHITE ALE
ZIEGENBOCK AMBER
BACARDI SILVER STRAWBERRY
BODDINGTONS PUB CREAM ALE
BECKS DARK
BECKS OKTOBERFEST
BACARDI SILVER LEMONADE
KIRIN ICHIBAN
MICHELOB SEASONAL
WILD BLUE
ROCK LIGHT
BACARDI SILVER SIGNATURE SANGRIA
MICHELOB ULTR TUSCN ORNG GRAPFRT
BACARDI SILVER WATERMELON
REDBRIDGE
BACARDI SILVER MOJITO POMEGRANATE
KOKANEE GOLD
TAKE 6 HOME VARIETYPACK
BUSCH ASSORTED
BACARDI SILVER MOJITO MANGO
BUD EXTRA
MICHELOB HONEYLAGER
LOWENBRAU

MILLERCOORS BREWING
COORS LIGHT
MILLER LITE
KEYSTONE LIGHT
MILLER HIGH LIFE
ICEHOUSE
MILWAUKEES BEST LIGHT
STEELRSRV HI GRAV LAGER
MILLER GENUINE DRAFT
MILWAUKEES BEST ICE
COORS
MILWAUKEES BEST
MGD LIGHT 64
OLDE ENGLISH 800 MALT LIQ
MILLER HIGH LIFE LIGHT
BLUE MOON BELGIUM WHITE
KEYSTONE ICE
MICKEYS MALT LIQUOR
FOSTERS LAGER
GEORGE KILLIANS IRISH RED
SPARKS
SPARKS PLUS
MOLSON CANADIAN
BLUE MOON SEASONAL
STEELRSRV TRIPLE EXPORT
MILLER CHILL
HAMMS
MAGNUM
RED DOG
KEYSTONE
MOLSON ICE
LEINENKUGELSEASONAL
HEN WNHRDS PVT RSRV
OLDE ENGLISH HG800
FOSTERS PREMIUM ALE
SOUTHPAW LIGHT
HEN WNHRDS BLUE BOAR PALE
LEINENKUGELSUNSET WHT
MILLER LITE ICE
PILSNER URQUELL
PERONI NASTRO AZZURRO
LEINENKUGEL
BGROLSCH LAGER
LEINENKUGELCLASSIC AMBER
MOLSON GOLDEN
SHARPS NA
MICKEYS ICE ALE
COORS NA
MOLSON XXX
HEN WNHRDS HONEYHEFE
LEINENKUGELBERRYWEISS
MOLSON CANADIAN LIGHT
HEN WNHRDS BLOND LAGER
LEINENKUGELRED
LEINENKUGELVARIETYPACK
OLD VIENNA
HEN WNHRD CLSSC DARK
COORS EXTRAGOLD
HEN WNHRDS BELGIAN WHT
SPARKS LIGHT
LEINENKUGELLIGHT
HEN WEINHARDS SEASONAL
LEINENKUGLCREAMYDARK
HAMMS SPECIALLIGHT
TYSKIE GRONIE

]]> http://BeerWarsMovie.Com/2009/12/01/who-owns-what/feed/ 32