An interesting article in the Wall Street Journal this morning setting out how there is a distinction between how brewpubs and microbreweries in the US are doing in the recession. While only nine microbreweries closed in the US in 2008, 42 brewpubs closed. Yet 114 microbreweries and brewpubs opened. It will be worth paying attention to whether these trends continue in 2009 given that the recession really only took off in the latter half of the year. But you look at what is happening with innovators like Oskar Blues and growth seems to be continuing. Where you sit in the market may well be key as imports at the wholesale level are taking a nosedive in early 2009.

Maybe it is all about beer from home and beer at home.