Goose Trap

As most who follow beer industry news, word is spreading like hot fire about an announcement this morning of Anheuser-Busch's purchase of Chicago institution Goose Island Beer Company - and the controversy surrounding the matter is just as hot.

My attempt to keep this short and rant-less can not be guaranteed.

According the press release on Goose Island's website, A-B will purchase a controlling stake in Goose Island's production branch.  Both GI brewpubs on Clybourn and Clark will remain unaffected and will, allegedly, continue to operate as it always had - offering a constantly rotating selection of incredibly fresh and creative brews.  Per the agreement, Goose's Brewmaster of nearly 16 years, Greg Hall, will be stepping down and will be replaced by Goose's current Head Brewer Brett Porter.  Reasons for Greg's move have not been explained other than it was part of the agreement.  The press release states he will continue on as a consultant for the company.  Other sources indicate Greg will announce his future plans in the upcoming weeks.

The interests at hand claim that this move was made to specifically broaden Goose's distribution network, secure extra capital, and meet this their ever-increasing demand.  Whether a Goose Island fan, craft beer supporter, or beer drinker in general, many have hit the web with their opinions.  Obviously this comes as a disgrace to many who feel Goose has sold out, while others remain rather underwhelmed and feel it was only a matter of time, and some beer-drinkers living outside of the Midwest are happy that they will be able to find more Goose products at their local stores and bars.  On the most fundamental level, this is a no-brainer for A-B.  As general beer sales are declining, and craft beer sales on the rise, A-B is cashing in on the craft momentum yet again. 

Just a move to expand their distribution network or is there something more to this?  I  like Goose Island - they're a Chicago institution.  Not only have they got Chicagoans drinking quality, local beer but they've helped inspire Chicago's current revitalization in local, craft brewing with the likes of Half Acre, Metropolitan, Revolution, and a few other up-and-comers.  It is, however, very disappointing to see a cornerstone of Chicago brewing break from its roots. 

I will take this with a grain of salt and try to keep an open mind for now, but aligning with such a corporation undoubtedly sends a certain message (no matter the degree of that alignment), especially for a corporation that has a track record of questionable practices - government lobbying to limit small brewers, enabling aggressive pay-to-play distribution practices in various markets (coughChicagocough), a business model built on quantity over quality and fueled by greed, sexist marketing initiatives that objectify women... you get the point.

Over-analyzing the situation? Possibly.  The point is that corporate brewers represent a certain idea, and that idea opposes what small, independent brewers strive to be.  Goose's brewpubs will remain independent, which is amazing, but it's no secret that greater mass production can potentially compromise the quality of their other products.  Recently, Goose Island announced that they will start brewing at a facility on the east coast; with A-B in control of production, that could mean brewing in several more different facilities outside of Chicago - perhaps the west coast?  Stretching that production will have interesting effects. Plus, with a controlling stake in production don't be surprised that A-B might tweak a recipe here or there to make it just that much more cost effective to brew so they can increase their margin - I mean, that's their goal right? Have you heard of A-B scaling back production to focus on the quality of their product?

Let me pump the breaks on this rant.

It will be interesting to find out why Greg Hall actually stepped down as Brewmaster and what his plans are next.  Was it because he did not agree with the purchase? Was it to take on a more administrative role to ensure the integrity of Goose Island's brand? Time will tell.

Are we making too much of a big deal over this? If we are who cares.  There's nothing wrong with being passionate about wanting to retain locally and independently owned businesses.

As for now, for the three people that will read this in the next week, please share your opinion.  I would love to hear your view.  And tell me your favorite beer of 2011 so far.

Me Drink Beer