Yes that, I do try where possible to avoid big chains (which is harder and harder) when I purchase. It's nice to give money to smaller producers of food and drink rather than large faceless companies, and when I do have buy things from big companies I try and at least pick the least worst. It's often the only power we have. And I like beer (and gin) and there's practically an infinite variety (you should see my beer coffin, it's full of frothy, hoppy, and soured goodness). And I'm old and sensible enough for it to not be about the hangover (or rather, it is about the hangover), so I'm not aiming to drink ten pints, I've rather savour something significant.
That's what troubles me about Beavertown. Heineken aren't interested in beer. OK, it's an investment and it's not like the private equity that funds Brewdog et al. much care about beer either, other than it gets their paws on something they seem incapable or unwilling to brew themselves. I can sort of say 'fair enough' as I don't actually mind the entrepreneurial instincts of folks like Brewdog (the ubiquity of Punk IPA is welcome, it might not be the best, but it's consistently drinkable). But equally, does it always have to be world domination. It's not like Logan Plant can plead poverty. Oh, I don't know, that's modern life, a romp through the swamp of hypocrisy.
Anyway, next time you're mooning over a £9 can of barrel-aged soured goji berry septuple hopped beer, remember that even beer brewing hipsters need to pay a mortgage. Or rather, mum and dad. Who they will pay back. Probably. Not. Anyway, think of the hipsters and grab that beer.
