Tough Topic: Be Honest

As craft beer becomes bigger business, a few breweries become shady.  Some of the larger mass production brewers are making a line of more flavorful beer, but distancing themselves from the new brand to make it look like it is a hometown beer.  The two that come to mind right away is Landshark Lager and Leinenkugel's.

Landshark is really a product of Anheuser-Busch.  Landshark just uses Jimmy Buffet for branding.  Nowhere on their bottle or in any of their material is it obvious that Landshark is a product of AB.  In fact they have done such a good job covering this up that good.is created a beer map of the US.  In creating this map Good asked readers the following:

What is the most awesome, best tasting, sustainably brewed, independently owned, community-oriented craft beer brewed in your state?

Landshark is by no means independently owned and it is a shame the people of Florida don't know that.

A second brewery out there masquerading as a small craft brewer is Leinenkugel's.  Now I do enjoy one of their beers from time to time, but I do take issue with how they attempt to pass themselves off.  No mention of Miller on the bottle at all.  Check out their FAQ page.  See the spot where they claim to be a "regional brewery with limited marketing dollars." Bullshit.

Many consumers decide to drink craft beer for its' sustainability, or to support a local business in addition to a more flavorful beer.  I am glad to see some of these larger brewers are trying to produce more flavorful beer and there is some attempt to even give back to the communities where they are based.  But seriously folks, be honest about who you are.