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Deep Dive: Beer Wars (2009)

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Beer Wars
Beer Wars is a 2009 documentary that examines the American beer industry, focusing on the contrast between large corporate breweries like Anheuser-Busch, Miller, and Coors, and smaller craft breweries such as Dogfish Head and Stone Brewing Co. The film discusses how advertising and lobbying efforts by these large companies influence the beer market, limiting competition and consumer choice. The documentary argues that small breweries struggle to compete due to extensive advertising by larger companies and outdated distribution laws. These laws enforce a three-tier system that separates brewers from retailers, which the film claims hampers the growth of smaller breweries and allows major players to maintain an oligopoly in the beer market. The film is directed by Anat Baron, who previously led Mike's Hard Lemonade.

Why Watch

  • •See how Anheuser-Busch dominates the beer market.
  • •Find out about outdated beer distribution laws.
  • •Meet small breweries fighting against corporate giants.

Did You Know

•The film features major breweries like Anheuser-Busch and Miller.
•It discusses a three-tier distribution system that limits small brewers.
•Anat Baron, the director, was the former head of Mike's Hard Lemonade.
•The documentary runs for 89 minutes.

Perfect For

Craft beer enthusiastsBusiness studentsLobbying critics