I think brewing and beer consumption as we know it in the state of Minnesota will shortly be turned upside down.  I was just informed by confidential, inside sources through a big black box in my living room that Michelob will soon be releasing a pale ale, a porter, and a wheat.  I know that many Minnesota craft beer drinkers only drink the Barley John’s and Surly’s of the world only because it’s convenient and because they like the variety craft brewers provide.  It’s not about quality or flavor.  How can these consumers not be swayed by the tantilizing draw of a big brewery putting out such a fine variety of beer?  Let me provide some very solid evidence to support my point.  Breweries like Miller and Aheuser-Busch constantly tout all the gold medals they win in the American Pilsner category.  Clearly, their brewing superiority and capabilities cannot be surpassed.  They absolutely dominate that category of beer.  Michelob is as equally capable as SABMiller and AB.  If the big guys would only put their minds to brewing Grand-Cru’s or IPA’s, they could quickly and easily douse the embers igniting the craft beer fad.  And now, Michelob has decided to do just that.  I’m gonna miss all the MN breweries and brewpubs.  What the heck am I gonna do with all my growlers?

 Incidentally, I couldn’t find the sarcasm emoticon.  I need a life.