Boston Beer Co. saves the day
I’ve had a lot of people mention the fact that Boston Beer Co. (provided at cost) 20,000 pounds of hops to needy breweries recently.
In Montana, the Great Northern Brewing Co. in Whitefish received 176 pound; and the Harvest Moon Brewing Co. in Belt received 526 pounds, according to an Associated Press story.
This would be the time, if you were so inclined, to hoist a pint of Sam Adams in honor of a very, very good deed.
Prost,
GG
I have to admit, being both a home-brewer and a self proclaimed beer snob, I never considered Samuel Adams to be a “real” part of the craft brewing industry but this gesture (and some of their commercials) have helped to change my mind. They are a part of the family! You know, kinda like a rich uncle. This should also help alleviate some of my guilt the next time I pick up a six pack of Cream Stout instead of SNPA or Bitterroot Brewing Nut Brown.
Todd
P.S. Great blog BTW!! Just found it and can’t wait to go thru the archives.
Just a slight correction on the post regarding the Hop Sharing program by Boston Brewing Company. The program did not give away hops as suggested by the posting. The hops were provided at cost.
See http://www.samueladams.com/promotions/HopSharing/Default.aspx.
In no way do I mean to belittle what Boston Beer Company has done. It shows that, even as a very large brewery, they have not forgotten their roots.
Brad.
Good catch Brad. You’re right. The hops were provided at cost, which is almost as good as giving them away, what with hop prices what they are today. It’s produced a lot of goodwill for Boston Beer Co., and it’s done a lot to help people see the industry a little differently.
Tim
thank them for what? being part of the problem? hoarding? their obnoxious ads?
Hey, y’all:)
I hope I haven’t come across as too dismissive or critical in past posts. You all have your hearts and taste buds in the right place. I’m just a cranky ol’ f*rt @ times. Please accept my knee-jerk comments for what they are, just that. I’m very impressed with the people,and the breweries in this great state, that take the time and care to give us this forum; and, the great beer that they all make. Keep up the fantastic work! (Tho, I still think Mr. Koch’s (BBC) ads are a bit too misleading, tortuous, and torturous for the knowledgeable brewers we strive to be.)
As far as the hop situation goes…I see that the suppliers are cutting loose with more product, as they’re making room for the ’08 crop; which, promises very hopeful for greater access to our old favorites, and, some tweaking of the newer varieties. (Please give me your take on 1 hybrid, in particular, we found to be a bit cantankerous (like moi..): the soon-to-be infamous Simcoe (13.2% AA). Very, very high yield; yet, very, very slow conditioning…It took 2 weeks in the cask before it “turned over”. The bitter we made out of it, turned into a clone of Whitbread’s finest; but, only after 2 weeks of brightening. Some of the reviews I’ve seen likened it kitty peepee. If you’ve used it, or are considering it; give it a chance to mature before you might give up on it. Please let us know your experience or take on the beast.
Peace, Love, Beer
the bull