German Beer 101
Welcome class...Beer consumption in Bavaria is such that towns with only 30,000 people can (and often do) support 2 thriving breweries. Regensburg and its surrounds alone support over 5 breweries.
The Germans, and esp. Bavarians, are just passionate about their beer. Although it barely bliped the radar in the States, good 'ol Budweiser (a fine purveyor of drain water) made and won a bid to have exclusive selling rights to the German stadiums, chosen to host the FIFA World Soccer Cup in 2006 (a very big deal, for those of you not up on the global soccer scene). This was more than a slap in the face of the Germans - this was a proper backhand.
For a nation of beer lovers to be forced to drink a foreign beer that, at its best, is on par with their Grade-F beer is insulting to what little national pride the Germans allow themselves to enjoy. Now don't get me wrong. I'm all about free competition and am a big proponent of economic liberalization. I am, however, pointing out the attitude of every German I've talked to - and would hazard the observation that rather than hook the Germans on American "Piss-Water" (as they like to call it), it will generate a backlash against Bud for coming in and "stealing" their thunder at the very games they fought so hard to host. I question the wisdom of Budweiser's sponsorship.
posted by Jason @ 11:19 pm
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