I really love some of the internet beer forums (insert sarcasm here).  For those of you haven’t had the pleasure of trekking through some of the sludge, let me tell you:  some of the vitriol that’s spewed on them makes my blog sound like I’m St. Francis.

   One of my favorite topics, the one I’ll rant about today, has to do with the differences between American and British brewers, which sometimes are referred to as “extreme” and “plain” with the same sneer opponents gave when Tories and Whigs were first used as terms for political parties a couple of centuries ago.  (Yes, I know the same argument could probably be given using other old country brewers, such as the Germans, but I prefer British beers, I know more about them.)

   American brewers are looked at as going too far and not giving enough respect for tradition.  Over hopping is talked about.  The use of strange ingredients in staid styles, such as making a black IPA, is frowned upon.  Sorry Johnny Union Jack, but you really need to get over it.  Americans have always reached further and been a little more rambunctious.  That’s why we’re Americans now.  Our ancestors were brave enough (or indentured enough) to make the long ocean voyage.  We pushed across a continent.  We’re always looking for bigger and brighter things and aren’t always satisfied.  Maybe some of it does come from being a young country.  Whatever the case, we’re going to keep doing it.

   Sorry to you, too, Yankee Jack.  When you shoot for the moon, you’re going to fall flat sometimes.  Don’t expect all of your experiments to go over well.  Don’t confuse marketing with brewing expertise, either.  When you limit a beer’s release, causing a mad rush to try it, it means you’re a good businessman, not necessarily a good brewer.  There’s something to be said for following the guidelines.  Most home brewers do it.  If the British continue to do so, after hundreds of years, maybe they’re on to something, too.

    Let’s get down to brass tacks, ya brutes.  We need both.  Taking a page from the ideals of the Scottish Enlightenment, always push forward but never let your past culture go, either.  British brewers have a huge tradition to draw from and the styles made are wonderful beers.  American brewers draw on that but don’t feel constrained by it, and work hard at keeping things interesting.

   To be honest, I don’t know what the fuss is about.  There are plenty of American brewers who stick with the basics and make wonderful beer.  Brian Anderson of the Morgantown Brewing Company is a prime example of that (although I’m looking forward to trying some of his bigger brews he has coming).  Some of our overseas cousins are pushing the envelope, such as BrewDog from Scotland. 

   Whether you brutes are in the mood for a hop blistering 200 IBUs or a malty brown ale from the south of England, it’s good to have choices.

   Now, I’ve tried to keep this one shorter, in the hopes of garnering some replies… let’s see where ya brutes stand.