My original opinion of this trend was negative. I formed that based on Anheuser-Busch’s purchase of Rolling Rock in 2005. They changed the brewing process and moved production from Latrobe to Newark. The character of the beer became indistinguishable from any other AB product.

The trend continues and several respected brands that I have favored in the past; Wicked Weed, Goose Island, Funky Buddha, Elysian have gone that route. In most cases, I don’t see a difference in quality. I do sense a little less innovation but bigger marketing budgets and wider distribution. In fact, when I mentioned my misgivings to my oldest son, his response was that I would have never seen Elysian Space Dust in Florida without the buyout and he was hoping to see Funky Buddha Last Snow in Oregon someday as a result.

Different folks will have different experiences and opinions. What do you think?