Everything Relates

As we move further into a techo-centric life, Big Data is having a greater impact of everything…including drinking habits.

Here’s what I want to emphasize: when I talk about things like corporate takeovers, or racism, or other social issues on what is supposed to be a beer and homebrewing blog, I’m doing it because it all ties together. We do not drink beer or otherwise move across the time and space of Earth in a vacuum. (The Earth itself is another story).

I feel we should do our best to understand some of those very complicated forces that impact our lives, doing our best to choose the wisest path we can. Knowledge about what Big Data accrues from our habits is important, because I know that they will use that knowledge to manipulate people and only an informed citizen can truly make choices.

 

Probiotic Ale

Of course, it’s a sour ale. When will science start giving us things that are delicious AND good for us?

Sequences

The complete genome for barley has been sequenced! This could have some very cool impacts on “cereal grains” at large which, of course, means some more interesting beer.

The article has more; check it out.

Also, I just want to let readers know that I’ll be out of town for the next few days, so there won’t be a Friday or Monday post. Everything should resume Wednesday and, if all goes well, I should have some cool beers from California to talk about soon after!

On Monopolies

While I have a backlog of stuff to post, this is coming to the forefront because of the timely nature of things. Beer things, not the scary other things happening.

When craft brewery Wicked Weed sold to ABInbev it set off a wave of criticism in the industry.

Haven’t heard of WW? Me neither-but they were apparently beloved in their community and made some pretty good beer.

This article really digs into the meat of what’s going on and why ABInbev is buying these brands and I thought that it would be pretty informative to bring to my readers, too.

Then Lagunitas sold out to Heineken not even a week later. Heineken is the second largest brewing conglomerate in the world.

I’m reading that between Heineken and ABInbev, that’s 40% of the market. Globally. 4 of every 10 beers sold in the world goes to them.

As a result, the more craft breweries that sell out-and that is what it is-the graver my concerns about being able to get good beer at a fair price become. Especially in light of stories like this, about an illegal inducement campaign.

Sonic Aging

I don’t know what it might mean for beer but this is pretty cool and interesting news for readers who enjoy spirits. Using ultrasound to rapidly age brandy is something I can’t believe they even thought of.

Oh yes! The story-check it out here.

Sustainable Grains

I’m going to try the Long Root Ale from Hopworks as soon as possible. There’s a couple reasons for this: it’s new and made by a brewery I know produces good stuff and it’s being made with a perennial wheat grain.

That is extremely cool and I want to see how it tastes! If it’s good, I hope to see some of this malt at the local homebrew supply store.

They Get You Either Way

Homebrewing supplier Norther Brewer has been acquired by ABInbev.

Just proof that they don’t want some of the money. They want all of the money and they want to buy up every last way they can to ensure that whatever kind of beer you like, they get their cut.