Isaac, Hops and barley in low supply

Late 2007 has proven to be a sullen time for private beer brewers and commercial American breweries alike. A shortage of the humble hop plant has reduced the availability of the hop buds that are necessary for many of the most popular brews of beer (all but ales, to be exact). Hops are the agent in beer that gives it that unmistakable slightly bitter taste that beer drinkers often crave in their brews. The culprit for this decrease in availability is due to pacific northwest farmers’ choice to discontinue hop growth and focus on corn, which can more easily be converted into ethanol alcohol which some believe might be the latest alternative fuel source. The decrease in hop production has caused a significant rise in cost, thereby making some of America’s most popular beers (brewed by Anheuser-Busch, and Miller) much more expensive than other domestic brands. Barley, another integral ingredient in beer (used to make malt, that will later be converted to alcohol by the addition of yeast) is also coming in short supply. The local home-brewer as well as the commercial giants are left to find alternative methods of production.

I feel like although it is a shame to see that beer production is soon to be cut down significantly it will be for a greater good. Beer is simply a luxury item that is unnecessary to any society, whereas the reason for beers decrease in production- corn farming- will hopefully make way for a new age in renewable energy. The idea that more ethanol will be available on the market at the cost of fewer, and more expensive, domestic beverages will not phase me at all.

This article, although upsetting to many domestic beer consumers, will help start discussions and actions towards a different method of brewing beer. Perhaps hops and barley are great caloric contributors in beer. Reading this article might lead to the production of different brews that have a different taste and are less fattening.

The Economist. London: Dec 22, 2007. Vol. 385, Iss. 8560; pg. 72