Domestic vs Imported

Because there are so many people brewing beer around the world, it becomes more and more difficult to decide what beer to buy when you enter our store.

Many folks always buy the same beer time after time. They don't venture into unknown territories. But because you find domestic verses imported an interesting topic, we are speaking to you! Just try something a bit different from your normal choice and you have begun the long, long, long journey into beer exploration! Once you start, it's very hard to stop... and you'll be constantly challenged by new and varied options, styles, flavors, darkness levels, and just about anything else that can be thought of to make a beer taste different.

Let's look at some similar tasting beer from outside the country. Germany has been importing Beck's to us for many decades. It is sold in many restaurants and beer stores. Holland sends us Heineken which is comparably marketed. But another beer, Yanjing which is imported from China, also has a similar color, taste and satisfaction. You wouldn't even know that if you hadn't tried it here at Case-n-Keg in Meredith!

Another importer from just across our northern border is Labbatt's from Montreal, Canada. This thirst quencher has been satisfying for years in these parts. But it is a fair competitor to a domestic offering from Miller which has dominated the top five beer choices in all domestic ratings. Another point to consider is the marketing ability (or budget) that comes with selling a lot of beer. The more something is advertised to the masses, the more it is sold in stores... that is very true for national beer sales. Both of these competitors rise to the challenge, but Miller has very deep pockets...

But our neighbors to the south of the US are also competing heavily into this country. It's hard to find a place that doesn't serve Corona beer these days. Lesser known but with a similar taste is Presidente, a light and refreshing beer with surprising flavor. And with these two great products from Mexico, your options really open up when you just want a light summer drink... that is beyond water!

There are also comparable products from the Caribbean Islands that will become favorites to those who venture there. Red Stripe beer has long been chosen for its light, crisp taste in restaurants throughout our nation. But the Red Stripe market is now being challenged by Virgin Island Beer Company (bottled by Shipyard, Portland, Maine) and offer interesting flavors such as Tropical Mango and Island Hoppin' IPA. The good thing for both contenders is; people will like either one so it's a win-win for everyone!

And we cannot forget Australia. Aren't we very familiar with the Fosters label ("It's Australian for beer, mate!") but have you ever heard of Coopers or Victoria Bitter? Yup, this small continent likes its beer and are very proud of it. That's why they want to share it with us. In fact there are more than twenty well known Australian exported beers... and you thought there was only one...

So if someone asks you for a beer selection, let them know exactly how many choices you have to choose from. Tell them that life is too short and the beer list is way, way too long... but you're on the way!

Tune in each month as we examine many more favorite beers from around the globe... just to let you know what we offer and what you can expect from these fine brewers.