Craft Beer Radio

I wasn't specifically angered at them using the word "craft" in their commercial; I was angry that they so blatantly stole the style of commercial that Sam Adams has done for years and that they are now trying to associate themselves with finely crafted beer. Saying "Crafting a better beer" could be taken a couple of different ways. Sure, Michelob is better tasting than Budweiser. It's hard not to in my opinion, but they don't taste much better. However, the way in which they say it and the way the commercial is presented makes it seem like they're saying that they are a cut above all other beers, that they are at the forefront of crafting beer. That is what gets to me. I applaud their efforts at trying to improve (I of course applaud their quality control), and it is a complement in a twisted sort of way, but seeing that commercial grates against my nerves the same way as when I pass the giant Budweiser billboard that says "America's favorite lager." Sure it's true, but that's really sad. It just makes me want to make people try other better lagers.

Of course, in the same line of thought, Sam Adams commercials sort of bother me with their attitude. I'm ecstatic that they are getting craft brew out there, but they still have a superiority complex present in their commercials, which is what bothers me. They've done a whole lot, but they aren't the end-all of beers. Granted, I'd take any Sam Adams over a Bud, Michelob, Coors, etc. any day. They show a whole lot of the process of finely crafting brews, and I think that that gets people more interested, but that's also the part that Michelob is starting to rip off (complement?). Michelob uses the same sort of presentation, only it's even less deserved (very). It'd be like if Lamborghini had a particular type of commercial that they always do, and then Ford suddenly decided that they want to make the same kind of commercial. I hardly think that Lamborghini would be flattered. Michelob's aim is to steal market share from real craft breweries. They are using the language and commercial style to do it, which seems like adding insult to injury to me. They're still just out to take away business from the real beer.

I'm glad you guys are back and doing shows again, even if they're short. I think you've had that Brother David's a really long time. I've bought a couple each year for the past few years, and I have yet seen one with a wax-covered top (though, they may just not market that one here...wish they did).

Just wanted to clarify my opinions some, even though you guys still probably disagree with me :-). That's OK, I won't hold it against you, just the blow-hard contrarian. Just kidding, of course.

Glad that I at least continue to generate conversation,

-JDZJ
Tempe, AZ

You guys talked about there being a post show...but I don't see one. Is that my browser or did there end up not being one?

Part of what i find interesting about the show is that it has never been presented as two all-knowing beer gurus on the top of a mountain; they learn as they go, and the listeners can, too.

Anyway, there's a silver lining here: You know you've reached "cult status" when you have loyal listeners who claim to completely hate the show. Like a Star Wars "hater" who goes in to fetal-position screaming fits at the mention of the name George Lucas, yet owns multiple copies of every DVD release and sleeps in a Boba Fett costume.

Yes - you've reached that level, Greg and Jeff. Congrats!