Brewdog WINS!!

[KimyReizeger]

Don't know if you're entirely well informed. I attended the tasting thing the other week, and the chap from Brewdog didn't look much like an evil Rich Uncle Pennybags whatsoever.

Yeah, but neither does Ronald McDonald.

[MattJimF]

But surely it's not just kids who abuse alcohol. 18% beer is irresponsible because it contradicts regular, understood criteria concerning the word 'beer'. It's confusing, and encourages people to drink on the basis of alcohol content.

Do you want to have a go at the threads about the real ale festivals that are on here as well?

I mean people only having 3 days to get drunk on as much real ale and cider as they can must surely encourage binge drinking!

Pick any forum here and start this discussion about a real ale encouraging alcohol abuse.

[framheim]

Ok, back to the original point:

The association of alcohol with music, ideas and rebellion is a see-through, cringeworthy marketing tac which appears to be working rather nicely indeed for a couple of businessmen in Fraserburgh. It's no different from the association of Coca-cola with christmas or Nike with sport. By grappling hold of 'values', companies can transform base products into more than which they are, the best example being Coke, which is really just brown sugary water. By the same token, Brewdog beer is just like any other beer, but through clever marketing they've managed to work themselves onto a warped ethical high ground and capture the imagination of an 'alternative' group of consumers, which in turn begins to perceive the beer as something more than what it is. Perception is everything.

It's called branding, and everyone here seems to be supping it up fairly happily. I was just wondering what you thought about it? I mean, are people here happy to let marketing take its course on them?

so, because they're good at marketing it's not as worthy as the produce of other brewers? fuck off and stop stirring shit.

this thread is popular because people are enjoying brewdog beer, mainly because it tastes good but the fact that it's local and run by people of a similar age, with imagery and sensibilities we can relate to, means that there's a greater sense of attachment to the 'brand'. we're all aware of how marketing works, but thanks for patronising everyone.

i enjoy beers from everywhere and also give regular support to cairngorm and deeside brewery by purchasing and responsibly consuming their beverages. don't overanalyze it, just enjoy it or don't enjoy it.

[KimyReizeger]

so, because they're good at marketing it's not as worthy as the produce of other brewers? fuck off and stop stirring shit.

this thread is popular because people are enjoying brewdog beer, mainly because it tastes good but the fact that it's local and run by people of a similar age, with imagery and sensibilities we can relate to, means that there's a greater sense of attachment to the 'brand'. we're all aware of how marketing works, but thanks for patronising everyone.

i enjoy beers from everywhere and also give regular support to cairngorm and deeside brewery by purchasing and responsibly consuming their beverages. don't overanalyze it, just enjoy it or don't enjoy it.

I'm not patronising. I find advertising really interesting and have a lot of admiration for the people behind it. I'm glad you're honest about identifying with characteristics of the brand such as the age of the owners, their symbols, icons and what they purportedly represent. Obviously both music and art have long attachments to the notion of a simple, social existence, and a rejection of corporate culture and consumerism. Indeed, I'm sure you'll find plenty on here who feel this way.

The fact that Brewdog tastes good is of little relevance. I would posit that taste is not the main reason people drink it. There's nothing 'bad' about that. There's nothing 'wrong' with associating with brands. We all do it. But really, are products worth believing in? Does anyone else just think this is all a case of perception, and that if a regular brewer released the same beer, there's nothing to suggest people would enjoy it as much?

[paranoid]

Did this poster not stir up shit in the vegan thread in a similar manner?

[KimyReizeger]

Do you want to have a go at the threads about the real ale festivals that are on here as well?

I mean people only having 3 days to get drunk on as much real ale and cider as they can must surely encourage binge drinking!

Pick any forum here and start this discussion about a real ale encouraging alcohol abuse.

I think it's irresponsible, but not to the extent that I actually care or would suggest they shouldn't have made it. Sometimes irresponsible things are good. Sometimes things that harm are also good.

I think 18% beer is confusing and should be classed as something else. Also, I don't think beer should be marketed with pomp and glamour. Furthermore, it completely contradicts increasingly tight regulations on drinking.

Whether or not I care is irrelevant. The word 'irresponsible' is a better way to describe it than the word 'responsible'.

[KimyReizeger]

Did this poster not stir up shit in the vegan thread in a similar manner?

KimyReizeger is beacon of non-conformity on a increasingly monotone aberdeen-music.

KR is proud to be an intrepid David in a desperate ocean of insipid Goliaths.

KR is proud to be an alternative.

You'll never quash this pesky troublemaker!

[Kieran_imray]

Is the fact that they're successful a reason to drink their beer?

No, the fact people (myself included) think their beer tastes good is a reason to drink it. The fact it is good beer probably contributes to the success they are having.

[KimyReizeger]

No, the fact people (myself included) think their beer tastes good is a reason to drink it. The fact it is good beer probably contributes to the success they are having.

Yeah, I agree taste is a pretty sound aspect on which to base drink choice. I would question that strength and identification with 'values' are as solid. Having had conversations where people bang on about Brewdog I think the latter plays a large role. Much in the same way that companies endow whisky with all manner of mysticism and elitism, most of it is marketing spin. The question is, to what extent do you feel comfortable being influenced in such a way? Generally, people involved with music and art shy away the hallmarks of capitalism, which makes the whole 'equity for punks' thing somewhat ironic; a merger of two traditionally opposed cultures.

[MattJimF]

If you don't care, why do you keep harping on about it all?

Numerous people have given you the reasons as to why they support and appreciate the Brewdog brand, yet you seem to be constantly overlooking the whole personal taste aspect and going off on your own little crusade against advertising.

Did they knock you back for a job? Has the drinking of their products caused you to lose your work, house, partner? Have you even tried their products?

[Kieran_imray]

Yeah, I agree taste is a pretty sound aspect on which to base drink choice. I would question that strength and identification with 'values' are as solid. Having had conversations where people bang on about Brewdog I think the latter plays a large role. Much in the same way that companies endow whisky with all manner of mysticism and elitism. Most of it is marketing spin. The question is, to what extent do you feel comfortable being influenced in such a way? Generally, people involved with music and art shy away the hallmarks of capitalism, which makes the whole 'equity for punks' thing somewhat ironic; a merger of two traditionally opposed cultures.

The strength (I assume you are referring to the ABV here) has absolutely no influence on my choice to drink Brewdog products and I don't overly identify with their "values". I just like how most of their products taste and the one time I've been to the brewery the brewer I dealt with was very friendly and provided me with a hefty discount on a case of beer. Treating customers well is a good way to keep them. I have not seen any of the "marketing spin" Brewdog has produced, actually I'm oblivious to it's existence, so that has had no say in my choice of their product over others. Also the average ABV of their beers is around 7.6% (I included Nanny State in this), so overall they're not that irresponsible as a company.

[FatHand]

A new business starting up in a totally saturated market would likely have to have strong branding to make any money. A colourful design and a funky name on the bottle would kind of stands out sitting next to St Andrew's Ale on the shelf in Sainsburys. I must say it's only something I would look at now that I'm a slightly more responsible drinker and earning enough to indulge, the fact I know it is local would tempt me into a purchase over others cause I'm kind of like that. With most of the people saying that is the way they view this particular product (and probably specialist beers in general), you'd have to have a lot of people buying a few to make it a viable business so catchy branding would be a must.

I think the reason why folk, especially the age bracket that are in discussions on this site, relate to Brewdog is that they are living the dream. They make beer and get paid for it. It's the same as having respect for a local band that have done well for themselves and aspiring to that too. If whatever product is good quality the branding is just something to make it stand out from all the other products that are available in a more mainstream market. They make tasty beer, they make a living from it, they get to open a bar because they've done well... all cool stuff to get to do, I want that.

[Lemonade]

I quite like the Punk one. I'm not so keen on the others cos I'm really not much of an ale drinker. Fizzy mass-produced lager for me all the way!

Also I'm always going to be supportive of a couple of fellow Brochers actually trying to do something with their lives instead of pissing it away in some miserable 9-5 factory job like much of Fraserburgh is stuck in.

[KimyReizeger]

A new business starting up in a totally saturated market would likely have to have strong branding to make any money. A colourful design and a funky name on the bottle would kind of stands out sitting next to St Andrew's Ale on the shelf in Sainsburys.

They make tasty beer, they make a living from it, they get to open a bar because they've done well... all cool stuff to get to do, I want that.

Good points. Attractive logos and aspirational messages are exactly what brands are about. The 'you can do it too; local boys done good' thing also helps. It's attractive, sexy and seems somehow attainable.

Keiran, you describe yourself as 'oblivious to the existence' of marketing spin. That's exactly what great marketing is all about! You need only have looked at the labels: 'Trashy Blonde' (which I think is a great name), 'Punk IPA', 'Zeitgeist'. It's all about appealing to a youth market where ale has never previously prospered.

Regarding strength: 7.6% is, relative to the beers commonly available in this country, way higher than the average. It's Diamond White, Super Tennants, Special Brew territory. BD can certainly be classed, by your measurements, producers of 'strong' beer, if not irresponsible. That said, I'd suggest the stronger you make a beer the more likely it is to produce drunkenness, wouldn't you?

[paranoid]

Regarding strength: 7.6% is, relative to the beers commonly available in this country, way higher than the average. It's Diamond White, Super Tennants, Special Brew territory. BD can certainly be classed, by your measurements, producers of 'strong' beer, if not irresponsible. That said, I'd suggest the stronger you make a beer the more likely it is to produce drunkenness, wouldn't you?

Are car manufacturers irresponsible in making a car that can exceed 100mph? I wouldn't say so. Misuse by the person at the other end would be irresponsible in my eyes. They are providing the product for the consumer to do with as they see fit. No different to producing a beer that is stronger than some others if you ask me.

[FatHand]

It's just beer at the end of the day, what was the debate about again? It gets you drunk or something? That's my reason for drinking. It makes me funnier and better looking. That is until I drink a brewdog and it pushes me over the edge, starting fights and spewing in the street... That's why I stick to Jack and coke.

[Alkaline]

Yeah, but neither does Ronald McDonald.

No, he looks like the pied piper of child-rape but the kids keep coming in droves...

[Nev]

No, he looks like the pied piper of child-rape but the kids keep coming in droves...

You must spread...

[KimyReizeger]

Are car manufacturers irresponsible in making a car that can exceed 100mph? I wouldn't say so. Misuse by the person at the other end would be irresponsible in my eyes. They are providing the product for the consumer to do with as they see fit. No different to producing a beer that is stronger than some others if you ask me.

Manufacturers aren't so easily detached from responsibility over those buying their products; cars are required to conform to safety regulations set by government.

At a time when we are really trying to mend what is a completely fucked up drinking culture, absurdly strong ales are simply unwelcome. I can understand that.

They are providing the product for the consumer to do with as they see fit.

Presumably you'd prefer a world where everyone was able to consume whatever they wanted and the consequences would be theirs alone? Should guns and heroin be legalised by the same logic? I'm not exactly keen on regulation, but 18% beer just reeks of publicity stunt, because no-one drinks it for any other reason than to get trashed and tell their mates about it.

[Guest droid]

And alcohol manufacturers are required to put unit info and health warnings on packaging, to conform to regulations set by government.

[Alkaline]

I'm not exactly keen on regulation, but 18% beer just reeks of publicity stunt, because no-one drinks it for any other reason than to get trashed and tell their mates about it.

I actually can't remember the last time i drank beer so that i could get "trashed". I actually enjoy the taste of beer and its refreshing qualities. Even so, i don't feel the need to over-indulge (that's not to say that i haven't when i was younger though) so please don't tar everyone with your overly judgmental brush.

Yes, there will be plenty of people that will drink an 18% beer just so they can get trashed and brag to their mates, but equally there are a lot of people for whom that couldn't be further from their minds.

[KimyReizeger]

I actually can't remember the last time i drank beer so that i could get "trashed". I actually enjoy the taste of beer and its refreshing qualities. Even so, i don't feel the need to over-indulge (that's not to say that i haven't when i was younger though) so please don't tar everyone with your overly judgmental brush.

Yes, there will be plenty of people that will drink an 18% beer just so they can get trashed and brag to their mates, but equally there are a lot of people for whom that couldn't be further from their minds.

I don't think many would find 18% beer palatable. Whether or not they brag to their mates, surely drinking such strong beer is to 'make an event' out of drinking.

It's publicity stunt; shock tactics.

By the way I'm genuinely amazed anyone has given me negative rep for criticising a company and the practice of advertising. Would you have done so if I pointed out a few facts about Starbucks and their advertising? I'm not even criticising anyone here!

[Guest droid]

I don't think many would find 18% beer palatable. Whether or not they brag to their mates, surely drinking such strong beer is to 'make an event' out of drinking.

Wrong...Eisbock is a traditional Kulmbach specialty beer that is made by freeze distilling a doppelbock and removing the ice to concentrate the flavor and alcohol content. Alcohol content ranges from 9% to 31% by volume. It is deep copper to dark brown in color, often with ruby highlights. Head retention is frequently impaired by the higher alcohol content. It has a rich, sweet malty flavor, balanced by a significant alcohol presence. It has a clean, lager character with no hop flavor. Examples include Schneider Aventinus Eisbock, Kulmbacher Reichelbrau Eisbock, Eggenberg Urbock Dunkel Eisbock, Niagara Eisbock, and Southampton Eisbock.

[Alkaline]

I don't think many would find 18% beer palatable. Whether or not they brag to their mates, surely drinking such strong beer is to 'make an event' out of drinking.

Why not? If by "making an event" you mean trying something new or intriguing then yes.

[Old Gold]

I don't think many would find 18% beer palatable. Whether or not they brag to their mates, surely drinking such strong beer is to 'make an event' out of drinking.

Not all beer above 9% abv tastes like Super Tennents, of course.