Editor’s Note: Jim Watkins is the co-owner of Sociable Cider Werks in Northeast Minneapolis. Unless otherwise noted, facts here reflect his own work and research. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author. It seems my newsfeeds of late have been packed full of claims that Minnesota craft beer is a bubble … [ Read more]
Legendary Twin Cities beer distributors reflect on the rise of craft
May 31, 2016 by Leave a Comment
In the craft beer industry, brewers tend to get a lot of attention, and rightly so. But behind every great brewery is a great salesforce. And if you ask around in the industry, there are certain names on the sales/distribution side of things that come up again and again—the veterans. The legends. The gurus. Gary … [ Read more]
Does the arrival of behemoth beer bars mean danger for smaller craft-centric pubs?
May 4, 2016 by Leave a Comment
What makes a beer bar? Is it simply featuring dozens upon dozens of tap handles? Focusing on local-beer-only menus, or other carefully curated selections of specialty beers? It’s a big question, and one that isn’t easily answered. What is clear is that beer is booming and more bars are taking note that selection matters. But … [ Read more]
Bitter Reality: How to Manage Rising Hop Prices
April 7, 2015 by Leave a Comment
In this article, local supply chain consultants from West Monroe Partners discuss how brewers handle the volatility of hop prices as demand and supply costs continue to grow. The beers once villainized by Keystone’s “Bitter Beer Face” campaign are now some of the most popular styles in America. This evolution of consumers’ taste buds hasn’t … [ Read more]
