Beer Disaster Looming ... With a big contract set to expire, about 5,000 Anheuser-Busch brewery workers in 11 states could be striking soon. If the workers and management can't come to an agreement sometime in March, the supply of Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Busch and Stella Artois might be interrupted.
In other beer news:
Beer Mints for Dry January ... Miller Lite is helping people get through Dry January – by offering Beer Mints. The mints, at first, taste like ... mint. But once they're chewed, users will notice the subtle taste of beer. Beer Mints allow beer lovers to “chew their brew.” Starting tomorrow (Friday), Miller Lite Beer Mints can be ordered at MillerLiteBeerMints.com for $5.
Girl Scout Cookie-Inspired Beer ... The Bitchin’ Kitten Brewery is a cat-themed brewery based in Morrisville, Pennsylvania. They're excited about the Girl Scout cookie sales that start up this time of year – and will be releasing some Girl Scout cookie-inspired beers in the next week. The "Adventures in Scouting" beers include Cinnamon Roll Winter Warmer, Lemon Sour Ale, Chocolate Stout with Caramel and Toasted Coconut, and Peanut Butter Brown Ale. During a special event, the brewery is even featuring an appearance from Girl Scout Troop #2888 who will be on site selling cookies.
Beer Sales Report ... The numbers are in and it looks like beer sales in the U.S. declined more than 5% during the first nine months of 2023 -- which means beer sales are at their lowest level in 25 years. Industry insiders blame the sagging sales on the increased popularity of hard seltzers and the "sober curious" movement – among other factors.
We're still a nation of drinkers ... As we head roll through Dry January, you may be hearing about how alcohol consumption is decreasing in America. And yeah, that's true – but we still drink plenty. Some quick facts from Pew Research:
- 62% of Americans drink alcohol at least occasionally.
- 79% of people who make at least $100,000 drink, compared with just 52% of people making less than $40,000. Related: 74% of college grads drink, as opposed to 56% of non-grads.
- 19% admit they sometimes overindulge. Men are a bit more likely to go on a bender – 21% vs. 16% of women.
- The typical American adult drinks 25.5 gallons of beer and 3.8 gallons of wine per year.
- Underage drinking is way down. 46% of high-school seniors copped to having drunk alcohol last year. In 2001, that number was 73%.