12-15-2018, 07:32 PM
(12-14-2018, 10:18 PM)Belsnickel Wrote: Same parent company! (AB InBev bought the Devil's Backbone brewery a while back).
First, congratulations on the new job.
Now on to the purchase of DB by AB. You might very well know all of this, this is more for the knowledge of those outside of the Commonwealth.
So the DB purchase was not the typical purchase were a big brewery buys up a craft brewery and assimilates it into their portfolio and calls all the shots. Devil's Backbone is the flagship of a new AB program where DB is still independent, but AB takes over brewing and distribution to the masses under the direction of the DB brewers. When AB finished their first run of Vienna Lager, the DB brewers came in and opened one bottle, tasted it, and said "Wrong". AB destroyed the entire shipment without question because something was just not quite right.
For anyone wondering why DB would be allowed to make those kinds of moves after selling, you should take a trip to DB Base Camp in Roseland, VA. It is a complex nestled in a small valley with an unreal view of the surrounding mountains with a meadow for camping, a massive stage for music festivals, two restaurants, a liquor store, and an outfitter/general store for those who are camping in the meadow or in the mountains. Some of the other breweries in that area (and there are many) are trying to build up similar experiences, but DB's can't be topped. They still have their original location known as the Outpost in Lexington, VA as well. I've never been to that one, but definitely will if I end up in that area.
Sorry for hijacking your thread for a bit. Again, congratulations!