Yuengling

Since 1829

Ever heard of this beer?

About 2 years back, there was a great article on the front page of the Wall Street Journal discussing Pennsylvania's ancient liquor laws and their effect on the dynamics of the local beer industry. Apparently, these laws were created many years ago to allow local brewers to retain a disproportionate market share, at least when measured against other states. For example, in every other state in the USA, Bud and Miller control about 90% of the beer market. The other 10% would be a mix of imports (mostly Corona), major micros (like Sam Adams), and local micros (like Great Lakes, in Ohio). But in PA, the law has created a different sort of pie, a large slice (to the tune of about 25% if I recall the article correctly) of which is controled by Yuengling. Similiar sized market shares are held by both Bud and Miller, with the other 25% being the aforementioned mix, albeit it with more of a local twist. But to have a 3rd brewer dominate a large local market is unique - unheard of really - ... and in the minds of Bud and Miller, a bad thing, since they want their greedy hands on what thy feel is their divine right to those market shares.

So, ever since I read that article, and as a huge beer drinker, I wanted to taste what all the fuss was about. On saturday, I acquired an entire case of Yuengling Lager, not an easy feat since the beer is sold only in about 10 states, all of which lie far to the east. My conclusion is that it is good cheap beer (about $15 a case). Its got some flavor and taste, much more so than Miller or Bud. I drank 3 while watching the Cub-Sox game- not a real Chicago thing to do (guess I should've been drinking Old Style, or at least my Special Ex).

I hope Yuengling keeps up the good fight!