Play Nice!

Is the world becoming a giant playground? Craft brewers are on the same team! Right? The little guys, we are up against the big guys. The phrase "pick on someone you're own size!" was always meant for the larger('lager' was what I miss typed and probably did so correctly) picking on the smaller. Well, according to Beernews.org, Bear Republic Brewery is filing a lawsuit against Central City Brewing Co.

"

The Boston IP blog posted the details about the Bear Republic lawsuit over the weekend. California-based Bear Republic is suing British Columbia-based Central City over alleged trademark infringement on its “RACER 5 INDIA PALE ALE and BEAR REPUBLIC RICARDO’S RED ROCKET ALE” marks. Bear Republic takes issue with Central City’s Red Racer product line which hit cans and U.S. distribution for the first time last year. The brewery sent a cease and desist in mid-December to which Central City responded in early January, rejecting Bear Republic’s claims."

Okay, so when did this matter so much to small craft breweries? I'm also fresh after watching Beer Wars. So much effort and money goes into beating out the small guys, and craft brewers like Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head, who after watching the movie, much reminds me of Keanu Reeves as Ted, in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (in the most respectful way possible!!!) still could care less about the Japanese brewery making Catfish Head 60 Minute IIPA. Granted, it's all in the way you tip your hat and adjust to the market.

I see Canada as a place that still believes that the United States of America will never find out about their beers. However, with sites like Beer Advocate it's easy to see word spread really quick. Especially when a beer like Red Racer is getting a lot of BA respect!!!

This simply makes me feel a whole lot of mixed feelings inside. Considering, we have Stone collaborating with Jolly Pumpkin, Brew Dog, etc, and we see 3 Floyd's with Half Acre Brewing Co. collaborating. Why can't we all just get along?

I just feel a little bizarre about beer marketing these days. Everyone wants success. No one wants to fail. But, after watching Beer Wars the movie, we have to work together. Healthy competition is fine, but as such a low percentage of the total beer market share, who cares if "Red" is used in a label or as a brand. Let it slide. It's not like you are all making mass produced Lime Soda-like "beer"... I digress.

Let the small stuff slide. Life is hard enough without fighting in the sandbox while wars are going on outside. I still believe in purity and that if you believe in what you do, and what you do holds craft and merit, it will succeed regardless of the B.S.

Please, craft beer will struggle for a while yet before we even start scratching the surface of the mass market, so let's be nice to each other while we reach for a higher ground together. The underdog can, and will eventually win.

Though, I will mention that after watching Beer Wars, I often feel like screaming inside and wondering why so many people are afraid to open up their taste-buds, but willing to let a television tell them what will look good going down (NOTE: no mention of flavour in commercials!).

I'm often sure this Rooster feels the same frustration every single morning ( please enjoy):