Thanks for the shout out, Brandon. I appreciate how you've taken this discussion to the next step - explaining the "why" behind making choices - none of which (for many of us) having to do with some hipster elitism of just rejecting a beer style or brewery because it "was so last year" for example.

You point out some good examples of marketing and legal action Boston Beer Co. has taken which provide a reason for you to choose not to purchase their beer. Valid points.

On the other hand, I've reluctantly had to point out at times where the darlings of the "craft world" have acted just like big beer in numerous instances. One such darling issued a cease and desist order to one of our area's breweries for using their trademarked charity beer night name. (Who knew, right?) As I was researching the story, their PR person even lied to me about how they had handled the process in an attempt to shift blame.

My only point being, we've romanticized "craft beer" and "local" so much we've become blind to parts of the whole picture.

In any event, I continue to enjoy the journey.