My blog n'at

Sickpuppy and I went to one of the 2 theaters in Pittsburgh showing for Beer Wars. From what I heard on twitter both theaters were relatively empty and either that shows a lack of craft beer support or the lack of promoting the movie. I’m willing to bet it lies in promotions/marketing since everyone we asked, who wasn’t glued to Beer Advocate, had no idea it even existed. No signage in bars, distributors and virtually nothing from local beer mailing lists.

That said, here are my thoughts…

• Moonshot beer still sucks balls. I’m not joking. We had it a couple years ago when Rhonda came to 3 Sons and told her then it was a gimmick. There is NO reason for caffeine in alcohol besides to make the Jager Bomb pounding neckless roid freaks drink it. Her story could have been as effective if cut in half.
• It was centered on Dogfish Head and Rhonda. Stone had virtually no presence and it was’t their fault. I would have loved to learn more about Stone.
• Beer Advocate came across like pricks. Truthful, but pricks. See what editing can do kids. Should have been more with the bros. talking about craft beer and the internet influence.
• Sam Adams has a good presence in the movie and there is a good piece on Yuengling.
• Charlie Papazian is the greatest advocate for craft beer and I wish there was more of him. You could hear his passion and dedication the few times he was given to speak.
• $15 was too much for this movie. I would spend it however on the DVD.
• I thought as a documentary it was very well done and I enjoyed it. In fact it made me want to brew as someone who currently doesn’t and also learn the business.
• Ben Stein was the absolute worst choice for panel moderator. OK second worst. I think someone from M.A.D.D. would have topped the list. Plus, only 2 questions from online? weak.
• Movie reinforced for me that Dogfish Head is one of the most innovative breweries.
• Miller and Coors seemed more laid back while Budweiser came across as the evil empire. I’m not saying it isn’t true, just how it came across. I was waiting for Michael Moore to pop out.
• Beer drinkers should know the government bullshit behind the 3 tier system for getting the beer to the consumer.
• If you’re new to craft beer this movie is a must watch to see what exactly craft beer is and the struggles the brewers face.
• The ending seemed abrupt and thought it could have been more fluid.

We’ll go into this more on our anniversary show but my overall grade would be a C. Maybe its me but more should have been done in the area to promote it. Wholesalers, businesses and distributors should have been involved. Also check out what our friend Thom had to say about the movie. He joined us at Pittsburgh Mills for the showing.

cheers!