This post begins the eighth year of Beer Business Unplugged. As I have done for the past seven years, I will comment on the previous year’s posts and industry issues.
The February 19th post, Success and Failure are Both Part of Life, was the most read post for the year, and it also set an all-time record for the most read post ever! Success and Failure told the story of the reincarnation of Austin’s Celis and the struggles of the brand. The post brought a multitude of responses from all tiers in the industry, many advocating that Celis was, in fact, a viable brewery. In recent weeks, the industry learned that Celis has gone out of business and two weeks ago, filed for bankruptcy under chapter XI.
The Celis story was one of the many lamenting breweries that had closed or sold over the last year. It seemed that every week there was another blog about another brewery closing. This trend appears to be continuing over the next year.
Another shift which seems to be gathering some steam is the growth of sessionable or light crafts. More and more brewers are adding a low ABV and lighter flavor to their portfolio. Call it the Ultra effect, but it will continue.
There are two other key developments which have continued to capture the industries sights during the past year. The first is the cannabis situation which seems to be losing traction at this time, and the second is the continued and amazing growth of seltzers and spiked waters, led by White Claw.
Once again, I want to thank the readers who have sent comments and thoughts, they are always appreciated and helpful. I look forward to the continuation of this blog throughout the coming year.
This year’s classic Schlitz commercial.
And now, on to year number eight….
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