Craft Ale

This morning Google Alerts sent this:

The deluge of fake craft is upon us

There is much information on the link, so there's no point in repeating information here.

The synopsis is that Anheuser-Busch, the makers of Budweiser, are now launching a beer on the American market that is to compete with the "Craft Ales" that are brewed in USA.

This is the same as Liebfraumilch is to the wine industry, Magners to real cider and John (spit) Smiths is to Real Ale.

But one of the most worrying things is the fact that they are going to be using one of Dave's favorite hops - Cascade. Watch now - As Anheuser-Busch buy up all the Cascade hops they will go up in price - or become unobtainable which in turn will result in other hops going up in price as brewers seek alternatives.

The good news here is - even this, possibly the worlds biggest brewery conglomerate, is running scared trying to catch up with the resurgence of "Craft Brewed" ale worldwide. But they miss the point. Craft Ale is good because it is brewed by people who care - small brewers like us.