TOPIC:

"oblivious":mdmjo4g4 wrote:

"Wobbler":mdmjo4g4 wrote: I think Portherhouse's and Messrs' main lagers are almost indistinguishable from the mainstream muck. [/quote:mdmjo4g4]

That may have been the intentention.[/quote:mdmjo4g4]
I think you're right but I think Porterhouse and Messrs are making a mistake. You can mimic these bland beers as much as you like tastewise but taste isn't a major factor for consumers' brand loyalty. People choose their lager because of the advertising and smaller brewers will never be able to mimic their advertising.

The Porterhouse give their whole spiel about the superiority of their beers compared to mainstream beers but the only worthwhile comparison is the taste one, where their two main lagers are virtually indistinguishable.

I've always loved the idea that the best beer in the world is within my budget. I don't know much about the production of wine and the cost invloved, but beer is available to all at a reasonable price. It is interesting that some brewers haven't attmepted to jack the price up for 'vintage' beer. Maybe beer lovers just won't fall for it.

"Hendrixcat":24k89nmo wrote: I've always loved the idea that the best beer in the world is within my budget. I don't know much about the production of wine and the cost invloved, but beer is available to all at a reasonable price. It is interesting that some brewers haven't attmepted to jack the price up for 'vintage' beer. Maybe beer lovers just won't fall for it.[/quote:24k89nmo]
I see your point and I'm not suggesting that the prices of most beers should be raised, but if there were beers which I knew would taste absolutly stunning and cost (say) €30 for 75cl, I'd treat myself to a bottle on special occasions.

Also since most lambics are struggling to survive and with their beers next to impossible to purchase outside Belgium, I'd happily pay a few bob extra for them, if only I could. Beers which take at least 4-5 years to produce, can only be made in one small area in Belgium, can't be made during Summer, require an enormous amount of blenders' skill [b:24k89nmo]should[/b:24k89nmo] be expensive

[quote:2blbsikx]The craft beer market is in a bind in Ireland because I am sure the brewers would like to turn out new and interesting beers, but they can't rely upon the small amount of true beer lovers to financially support them. As a result they must brew mass appeal type lagers to pay the bills.[/quote:2blbsikx]

My point is that this strategy will never work because a Guinness drinker doesn't want a better tasting pint than Guinness - he wants Guinness and only Guinness. As for lager drinkers - ??

[quote:2gfz7wac]Also since most lambics are struggling to survive and with their beers next to impossible to purchase outside Belgium, I'd happily pay a few bob extra for them, if only I could. Beers which take at least 4-5 years to produce, can only be made in one small area in Belgium, can't be made during Summer, require an enormous amount of blenders' skill should be expensive[/quote:2gfz7wac]

Of course. But Lambic and the likes of Deus are really the exceptions.

"The Kid":1j32cjnx wrote: [quote:1j32cjnx]Also since most lambics are struggling to survive and with their beers next to impossible to purchase outside Belgium, I'd happily pay a few bob extra for them, if only I could. Beers which take at least 4-5 years to produce, can only be made in one small area in Belgium, can't be made during Summer, require an enormous amount of blenders' skill should be expensive[/quote:1j32cjnx]

Of course. But Lambic and the likes of Deus are really the exception.[/quote:1j32cjnx]
Yes and I think super expensive beers should be the exception too. I'd still like to see more exist.