All of this month's items are from the Ale Brewsgram unless otherwise noted.
LOCAL NEWZ
Craft and contract brewers Lion in Wilkes Barre have announced the hiring of investment bankers to "explore various strategic alternatives to maximize value, including the possible sale of the company." Observers see the latter option as likely.
A-B ALERT
Last month Oliver reported on Anheuser-Busch's slimy tactics concerning the use of their name in the Czech Republic. Both the Wash Post (October 3rd, Martha M. Hamilton reporting) and the Wall Street Urinal (October 2nd, John R. Wilke and Bob Ortega reporting, contributed by Betsy Perse of First State) has described A-B's attempt at monopolizing distribution, the lawsuits pending in California brought by craft brewers (which are now consolidated), and a new U.S.Justice Department probe of A-B's distribution practices.
IMPORTANT SCIENCE
Scientists believe that alcohol molecules called "congenors," which have a larger number of carbon atoms than other alcohol molecules, make the biggest contribution to hangovers. Congenors are usually more concentrated in fermented drinks than in distilled.
IMPORTANT SURVEYS
A recent Malt-O-Meal telephone survey of 1000 cereal lovers found that, although the most popular liquid to pour over cereal was milk, respondents also said they used orange juice, chocolate milk, ice cream, maple syrup, soda, and (you guessed it) beer. Beer use was most prevalent among 18 to 34 year old single males. According to Coors's second annual "beer lovers" poll, 66 percent of respondents preferred to drink beer from glasses and 32 percent from bottles (leaving us to wonder about the other 2 percent); 74 percent can drink three beers before going to the bathroom, 11 percent two beers and 2 percent only one (leaving us in awe of the remaining 13 percent).
IMPORTANT NEW PRODUCTS
From Hong Kong - "Beer-Mate" - the beer pill! It is advertised as preventing alcoholism, protecting the liver, strengthening the stomach, regulating vital energy!! It makes beer fresher and better testing and protects you from beer gut!!!
From San Francisco (according to the October 20th Newzweek) - He'brew has released Genesis Ale (the "chosen beer"). Founder Jeremy Cowan sold a couple of hundred cases as an experiment last Chanukah. Currently available and the Bay Area and heading for Los Angeles and New York. Sayz Cowan, "I want this to be a serious, quality brand. Sort of a hip Manischewitz."
AND FINALLY
Elaine Gilby of GABS found an article on that venerable occupation, the brewmaster in the Spring 1995 issue (Volume 39 Number 1) of Occupational Outlook Quarterly. Based primarily on an interview with Jamie Emmerson of Full Sail Brewing in Oregon, it describes the job and the brewing process. And the salary, reportedly ranging from about $25,000 in brewpubs to $250,000 or more in major breweries.
