I don’t go to movies often, probably because I’m the “patient kind” and can wait for the DVD to surface in one of the retail stores and view it in my own good time. I don’t review movies, I go and if it was great, or good, fine. If it was crap I go home and flush the toilet in a symbolic manner…the sound of money being wasted. But upon hearing of Beer Wars my interest was stirred. “A movie about beer?” This I have to see.

I found out about the event through Should I Drink That [PODCAST/WEBSITE] Hosts Sickpuppy and Father Spoon. The movie was a one night showing in 440 theatres through out the country. In the Pittsburgh Area the Cinemark (at Pittsburgh Mills) and Showcase Cinema West (Robinson)

The Promo:

Live from Los Angeles, an evening dedicated to celebrating the world of craft beer and the American entrepreneurial spirit.

With over 95 million beer drinkers, beer is an American icon and is interwoven into our culture, yet the real story of these independent brewers has never been told. Beer Wars introduces the who’s who in beer while following the journey of small, independent brewers who are challenging the corporate behemoths. The evening will feature the world premiere of the groundbreaking documentary Beer Wars, followed by a spirited LIVE discussion with brewers and experts from the film. Using clips and never before seen footage to spice things up, this inspirational event will cap a movement 25 years in the making at a time when everyone is looking for proof that the American Dream is alive and well.

Panelists include:
There was live feed at the beginning, tape delay, where Ben Stein introduced Anat Baron, the movie’s producer and she then took over to intro the movie. After the movie was over there was a live panel made up of the those in the movie, mentioned above, and they discussed the future of craft beer.

• Sam Calagione – Dogfish Head Craft Brewery founder
• Rhonda Kallman – Founder of New Century Brewing Company and co-founder of Boston Beer Company (Sam Adams)
• Greg Koch – Stone Brewing Company founder
• Charlie Papazian – Brewers Association president
• Maureen Ogle – Beer historian and author of “Ambitious Brew: The Story of American Beer”
• Todd Alstrom – Beer Advocate founder

Before the movie, host ben Stein introduced the creator and producer of the movie Anat Baron. She intro’ed the movie and then the movie began. After the movie there was a live panel discussion with above mentioned people taking part. This is a highly condensed version of what took place but all in all it was not only entertaining but informative…I’m done with mass market beer…forever! Yes, it made that big of an impression on me.

Again, thanks to Sickpuppy and Father Spoon for not only the info but for the meet up. Two very nice guys knowledgeable about craft beers. Sickpuppy is a craft brewer as well. If you get the chance check out their site via my “Burgh Links” on the left hand side of the page and if it’s not there check out my “Burgh Favorites” link page.

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