Are hipsters ruining craft beer?

[unionrdr]

Lucky you,you still Have Krogers. I'd have to go there,or Cinci to get to one now. And we may be a couple of aging hypsters (Read hippy here),but we's got some smarts 'round heya...

 

[revelation]

I have always believed tagging people was a gross misrepresentation throughout history.

What do you have against tag? It is a great game to run around and have fun.

 

[jglazer]

haha love all of this. I didn't mean to accuse you all of hating hipsters like you would hate someone beating your significant other. I meant it in the sense that "most" people always go straight to what they don't like about hipsters or this or that. And its ok to hate hispters, no judgement here. I hate a lot of groups of people including normal everyday good old boring people like all of YOU.

 

[jglazer]

Oh also to actually answer the OPs question, I dont think hipster are ruining craft beer at all. In fact they are quite a big driving force in its growing popularity and success to the industry as a whole. There is not much ruining craft beer at all except maybe a few state and federal laws that could be changed to help growth the industry including permitting, limits on specific aspects of beer, transportation, etc etc...but thats a whole notha post.

Also also - that video is hilarious.

 

[Lost_Arkitekt]

So, Hipsters, Goth Chics, Preps, etc., are all cultural cliques. If a random guy/girl likes craft beer and Mumford & Sons, no big deal. However, it is when people follow these trends TO be part of a group of others where it all starts to go down hill.

I had a girl get pissed when I started talking about hipsters, and she didn't "identify" with any group (I don't either), but then everything she listed as liking or doing would be considered part of the "Hipster" movement.

I've been brewing on and off for almost 20 years. Do I like some music classified as Hipster? Yes. Do I like some vintage stuff? Yes. BUT, I don't think men that aren't heroin addicts or rock band super stars should wear skinny jeans, either.

Here is an article about beards and hipsters and references homebrewing in it...although briefly. http://nickidaniels.com/2014/01/06/beardedhipsters/

Follow a crowd of people doing things to be cool...you will be labeled. Follow the beat of your own drum and you'll be labeled as well...unique!

 

[jglazer]

what if hipsters like what they like because they like it? someones gotta defends these people!

 

[max384]

I don't think anyone here hates hipsters

What? I thought the hatred for hipsters was universal.

 

[ktblunden]

what if hipsters like what they like because they like it? someones gotta defends these people!

I'm sure some of them do. But when a group of "nonconformists" start looking exactly the same, wearing the same clothes, doing the same things with their facial hair, drinking the same beer, listening to the same music, etc. it's fair to say that a lot of them are actually conforming to the group. Something starts out as original that a few people do and eventually it starts to look like a uniform for all the people copying it. It's the same with every single trend. I've found it's usually the "anti-trend" people who end up conforming to a group more than any others.

 

[Beernik]

I don't watch South Park very often but this discussion is reminding me of the Goth vs Emo episode.

 

[Beergnomes]

Well I for one would like to thank hipsters in earnest. As a direct result of hipsters I now have better access to farmers markets with more craft products, grass feed cheeses, organic honey, stone ground chocolate, coffee that's to die for, a resurgence of art in once crappy urban areas. More co-ops. Too old to be one but I certainly don't have a problem with them. Their shopping habits help bring awareness to issues that have merit like re using and recycling, energy conservation, non gmo foods etc; Who would deny they help support the craft brew industry. Thanks in part to hipsters a whole foods opened up near me Yay! I'm all in for anyone that makes change rather than wishes or prays for it. I'm going to have to give hipsters a thumbs up.

 

[fuzzy2133]

I don't watch South Park very often but this discussion is reminding me of the Goth vs Emo episode.

+1 just need to toss a 3rd group into the mix.

 

[amfukuda]

Why is it when they get old stuff from a store it's vintage but when I pick up old stuff off the side of the road it's called junk


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[Lost_Arkitekt]

Well I for one would like to thank hipsters in earnest. As a direct result of hipsters I now have better access to farmers markets with more craft products, grass feed cheeses, organic honey, stone ground chocolate, coffee that's to die for, a resurgence of art in once crappy urban areas. More co-ops. Too old to be one but I certainly don't have a problem with them. Their shopping habits help bring awareness to issues that have merit like re using and recycling, energy conservation, non gmo foods etc; Who would deny they help support the craft brew industry. Thanks in part to hipsters a whole foods opened up near me Yay! I'm all in for anyone that makes change rather than wishes or prays for it. I'm going to have to give hipsters a thumbs up.

Yes, I'm all for change. I'm glad that there are those things you mention, but as some of the others brought up, once these things become "non-cool", then the ability to sustain them will drop off. All of that stuff you mentioned is at a financial and social premium, too.

Craft beer is great and the price isn't that much more (in a bar) comparative to other beer, BUT, that coffee, chocolate, etc., you elude to, isn't accessible to the common person. Until non-gmo is mandated by government, it won't affect those who really would benefit from it the most. Recycling and energy conservation has been a topic of discussion for over 20 years, so I'm not sure how hipsters brought "awareness" to it.

Don't get me started on art, etc. I was just at the Museum of Contemporary Art yesterday, and it appears that you can practically take a dump on a painted piece of cardboard and call it "art"...as long as you have a cool story to go with it. Not everyone is an artist...just like not everyone who has a digital SLR is a photographer.

I digress... Point is...people who conform to groups and do things just because everyone else is doing it or to impress others become profoundly annoying. Period.

 

[atoughram]

He answer was that Republicans can laugh at themselves and Liberals just get their noses bent out of shape and get mad. Maybe the Republicans are right again.....

Say it isnt so! :cross:

 

[Dutchbier]

I just invested 25 minutes reading every post here better than watching another Pawn Stars rerun. I too am glad good beer is now readily available many places. And I also laugh when some guy says his beer is very sessionable or has good mouthfeel, etc,etc!

 

[cthulu1975]

They are moving on into boutique distilleries now, I think we are safe.

 

[Beergnomes]

Yes, I'm all for change. I'm glad that there are those things you mention, but as some of the others brought up, once these things become "non-cool", then the ability to sustain them will drop off. All of that stuff you mentioned is at a financial and social premium, too.

Craft beer is great and the price isn't that much more (in a bar) comparative to other beer, BUT, that coffee, chocolate, etc., you elude to, isn't accessible to the common person. Until non-gmo is mandated by government, it won't affect those who really would benefit from it the most. Recycling and energy conservation has been a topic of discussion for over 20 years, so I'm not sure how hipsters brought "awareness" to it.

Don't get me started on art, etc. I was just at the Museum of Contemporary Art yesterday, and it appears that you can practically take a dump on a painted piece of cardboard and call it "art"...as long as you have a cool story to go with it. Not everyone is an artist...just like not everyone who has a digital SLR is a photographer.

I digress... Point is...people who conform to groups and do things just because everyone else is doing it or to impress others become profoundly annoying. Period.

I said they help bring awareness, I didn't credit them for the entire recycling movement. But seriously, I vehemently disagree. Every era has their own movement that expresses and rebels against the era behind them. My dad had his, I had mine, my daughter has hers. I also disagree that these changes magically disappear when they are deemed not cool and somehow lead to collapse. What does cause failure in positive movements is apathy. If everyone on your block could give a sh!t if he recycles then you have failure and your local recycling facility may have to close. Some people choose to spend extra to support what they believe in so that products and people doing what they deem as positive are able to flourish. As for "nonconformist" forming a subculture, people naturally seek out people who share similar beliefs and interests. The red hat ladies ALL dress in red & purple because of a Maya Angelou poem that speaks about the freedom to be as individual as you like. Yet they assimilate and dress alike. Ironic, but this is our nature. Example; you won't find someone like me hanging out with someone that flys the rebel flag, I'm from Chicago, practically the heart of the civil rights movement. BTW I am a normal everyday hard working individual, not wealthy so I'll finish by saying ... the things I mentioned are indeed accessible to regular people. It's simply a matter of choice. Without the exposure you may never have the opportunity. :fro:

 

[Teromous]

They are moving on into boutique distilleries now, I think we are safe.

Hahaha it reminds me of the always sunny episode where they go to the gin bar.

[YOUTUBE]lNUZLqkiAQ8[/YOUTUBE]

 

[cfrazier77]

Example; you won't find someone like me hanging out with someone that flys the rebel flag, I'm from Chicago, practically the heart of the civil rights movement.

Not all people who like the rebel flag, including myself, do so for racial reasons. It meant many things to different people during the Civil War. For many it was to protect slavery, for others it was against the encroachment of the federal government, others, pride in being southern. Today for I would say the vast majority of us it is southern pride.

Also, I am not only a Christian, but a pastor and a very conservative one at that. I have friends who are atheists who where shirts that say so and have the bumper stickers. You cannot get more polar opposite about the thing that is most important to me in this life. Guess what, we hang out and have a beer together. I don't have to agree with them, or them with me, in order to talk to them.

 

[feelinhoppy]

I want to start off by letting you know I am not a hipster by ANY means, however I hate judgmental people so I feel its necessary to say this:

Everything you say about hipsters is true for non hipsters as well. In fact, more often than not I can fool a non hipster into thinking they like bud light rather than a hipster. And its funny too because people stereotype hipster as liking PBR but so does millions of other people who drink beer...this makes no sense to me. We don't focus on hating people who like those big IPAs, yet everyone just loves to state the fact that hipsters love PBR (for no apparent reason that I can see, its not like they are walking around announcing they LOVE PBR, if you think that than I doubt you know any hipsters personally).

Its just as easy if not EASIER to make an IPA or a big stout than it is to make something like a PBR. if you don't believe me, go and try to clone PBR.

Ok, please continue your hate as I enjoy reading it all <3

Stfu you hipster

 

[Beergnomes]

Not all people who like the rebel flag, including myself, do so for racial reasons. It meant many things to different people during the Civil War. For many it was to protect slavery, for others it was against the encroachment of the federal government, others, pride in being southern. Today for I would say the vast majority of us it is southern pride.

Also, I am not only a Christian, but a pastor and a very conservative one at that. I have friends who are atheists who where shirts that say so and have the bumper stickers. You cannot get more polar opposite about the thing that is most important to me in this life. Guess what, we hang out and have a beer together. I don't have to agree with them, or them with me, in order to talk to them.

I would never presume to argue that for you and many others it is a symbol of southern pride. For me and for many others like me it is a symbol of racism and is waved to this day at every single KKK rally. I'm sure there are less offensive ways of showing pride. Pride at the expense of someone else's sensibilities can sometimes be translated as arrogance. And I am an atheist and hang with people of all religions and would protect their right to worship who and what they like fervently. You obviously didn't get my point. Common interests bond people and it is perfectly normal for people to seek out like minds. Why else would we all be on a BEER forum.

 

[cfrazier77]

You obviously didn't get my point. Common interests bond people and it is perfectly normal for people to seek out like minds. Why else would we all be on a BEER forum.

I understood that part, I was just saying that we should not refuse to hang out with someone who displays/wears something that we do not like. I don't care for most things hipster, but I can accept them without having to validate their positions or opinions.

When we can find a thing that we share in common, then it is easy.

 

[Beergnomes]

I understood that part, I was just saying that we should not refuse to hang out with someone who displays/wears something that we do not like. I don't care for most things hipster, but I can accept them without having to validate their positions or opinions.

When we can find a thing that we share in common, then it is easy.

Trust me, I'm happy to set aside many differences that I have with people, we all do and need to to get by in life. I used that symbol as an example because for me, that's my line in the sand. The swastica is 3000 years old and until Hitler made it his own it was a positive symbol. My neighbors are Jews, I wouldn't walk out the door with a swastika on my arm even though I know the true history of that symbol. It would be grossly insensitive. Likewise, I wouldn't befriend anyone that tattooed one on his forehead.
Back on subject, point of thread was "are hipsters ruining craft beer" so let's break it down mathematically.
We are all consumers, when we consume we create demand which generates supply. The greater the demand the more diverse and abundant the supply. Therefore I submit that it is mathematically impossible for Hypters to hurt the craft beer industry ... Unless as some previous posts claim, they really do all drink PBR. Then PBR wins and craft beer loses.

 

[jglazer]

This has turned into an excellent conversation. Sry OP but thanks OP From hipters to confederate flags to swastikas! Oh and republicans too but no one really cares about them amirite? :O

 

[jglazer]

OH and have I told you guys that I like hipsters only because it isnt cool to like them? Def not a hispter though, def not.

 

[Teromous]

Trust me, I'm happy to set aside many differences that I have with people, we all do and need to to get by in life. I used that symbol as an example because for me, that's my line in the sand. The swastica is 3000 years old and until Hitler made it his own it was a positive symbol. My neighbors are Jews, I wouldn't walk out the door with a swastika on my arm even though I know the true history of that symbol. It would be grossly insensitive. Likewise, I wouldn't befriend anyone that tattooed one on his forehead.
Back on subject, point of thread was "are hipsters ruining craft beer" so let's break it down mathematically.
We are all consumers, when we consume we create demand which generates supply. The greater the demand the more diverse and abundant the supply. Therefore I submit that it is mathematically impossible for Hypters to hurt the craft beer industry ... Unless as some previous posts claim, they really do all drink PBR. Then PBR wins and craft beer loses.

...unless their demand outweighs the rate of production, which results in...

...or they become so successful that they...

Math? What math again?

 

[unionrdr]

They claim there's a million home brewers in the US now,so who cares what they do or don't do. Like the post above my 9th grade math teacher's chalk board---do your own thing,but don't stop me from doing mine---.

 

[Beergnomes]

...unless their demand outweighs the rate of production, which results in...

...or they become so successful that they...

Math? What math again?

Wouldn't we all like to have a business so successful that we are able to sell out? I certainly would, I'd take my money and be on an island in Greece before the ink on the check was dry. I'd just take my home brew equipment with me. Beer in Greece is Sh!te. Chicago is not hurting for craft breweries since the loss of Goose Island. Besides,not every successful craft brewery sells out. You're local craft brewery owner is not immortal. He can't live forever and may want to enjoy retirement. Loved the pic, bet the owners are happy and are you suggesting that every person patronizing the establishment is a hipster or that the reverse would be better? Was in Texas recently where their tap house was successful enough to put a second one across town. I guess some see glasses half empty and others see them half full. I for one would be happy if any business venture of mine was that rockin' full of patrons.

 

[Teromous]

Loved the pic, bet the owners are happy and are you suggesting that every person patronizing the establishment is a hipster or that the reverse would be better?

So you saw a picture and drew your conclusions from that and the thread title? My post had nothing to do with "hipsters." I was illustrating that more consumers does not always lead to more production.

"Just like the Pliny the Elder, the growth and popularity of Pliny the Younger has happened organically, we did not start with the intentions of building a beer that in time would have this HUGE buzz around it, it was just something fun to brew and over the years we have made a little more each year. We are at our maximum limit though now on how much we can brew. In truth it is a very difficult beer for us to brew as it takes 6 weeks to make, a batch of something else usually takes 21 to 24 days so as you can see if you do the math we lose a lot of tank space when we make Younger, in fact, we lose an entire fermentation cycle on two tanks when we make Younger. We may try to make a small amount more in the future but because of the production issues it causes us it will never be produced in any quantity."

--Vinnie Cilurzo (Russian River Brewing Co.)

 

[troy2000]

Fun story. Last weekend during the Superbowl at my place I went out the garage and filled a few sample glasses.

"Hey guys, give this a try!"
"Wow, what is this? This is really really good! Is this one of yours?"
"Nope. It's Budweiser."

They refused to believe me until I showed them the bottle and poured them another one.

The looks on their faces when they realized they actually enjoyed Bud was priceless. Haha. (NOTE: this does NOT work with "lite" beer...doesn't taste that great)

I have no shame. When I'm out of home brew, I drink Milwaukee's Best. It's cheap, gives me a buzz, and (at least to me) tastes better than a lot of the other commercial offerings out there....