Saw this pop across my twitter feed and figured I would share it.
I think it will be interesting to see how the purchase changes the Boulevard brand. I know Duvel did a huge renovation of the Ommegang brewery when they bought them. I think this could be a good thing (I trust Duvel a whole lot more than AB-InBev or MillerCoors), but I am not a huge fan of consolidation.
Well there goes the neighborhood! :
Seriously, Boulevard has been really awesome in the past year or so to the local homebrewers. They’ve done a wort transformation challenge, their brewers speak at our club events, they give us more free beer than we could every possibly drink, etc, etc. If this is true, I hope that doesn’t change.
I agree better Duvel than AB-Inbev or MillerCoors I guess, but I still hate to see it. I just hope they let Boulevard be who they are and stay out of the way, because they do a great job as is.
Here’s a link to the letter sent out:
http://www.boulevard.com/a-letter-from-our-founder/
Based on the success of Ommegang one can only hope that a great KC tradition carries on but it is sad. Growing up and being a huge fan of Boulevard, one can only hope that their Midwest values and quality beer remain the same or only improve with the growth.
If anything, Duvel made Ommegang better, not that it was bad, but they have moved it to another level. Now Boulevard has been putting out some outstanding beers lately so I’m not sure how they will take something like Tank 7 to another level. Should be fun to hide and watch. 8)
I agree, Ommegang is doing some really nice beers and they are pretty available anywhere I go. I know recently Boulevard has really been doing a lot of new Belgian style beers and they have been really great so it will definitely be interesting to follow along and see what happens, I just hope they don’t lose their friendly ways!
I’ve done their tours a few times and have spoken to their brewers regarding recipes, they have always been very open to the home brew community and I hope that continues.
The story about this in the New York Times seems to indicate that the intent was to bring American Craft beer to the European market.
We are having an effect folks!!!
Well, if that’s really the case it will certainly be interesting to follow along and see how it goes!
This was a pretty insightful read:
I think it’s a good thing for Boulevard. Ommegang seems to be doing fine under Mortgaat.
Nice interview with John McDonald on KC Public Radio