Beer-loving Aussies are turning to a softer brew (3.5%vs. 5% strength)

Reuters on Yahoo ^ | 5/1/07 | Rob Taylor

[B Knotts]

Not a big fan of the flavor of low-alcohol beers, generally.

[Grizzled Bear]

Is this a sign of the coming Apocalypse?

[decal]

“Now brewer Foster’s has decided for the first time to produce the beer in a weaker yellow-label version with 3.5 percent strength, down from 5 percent, as Australians abandon it for scores of more upscale ‘boutique’ or craft beers.”

Color ME confused - aren’t craft beers and upscale beers generally stronger?

VB is to my mind a small step above Foster’s - its market is saturated.

I’m thinking Foster’s is going for the female market with the Yellow.

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

um, you mean Beer isn't supposed to BE breakfast....

[BJClinton]

What about bacon?

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

Beer and Bacon....OK!!

[spinestein]

Don’t get excited! The headline is very misleading.

According to the article:

[The drinking habits of Australians have been changing over time and what we have found is that the markets in growth are the premium and mid-strength markets...

...New boutique breweries including Cascade, Boag’s and James Squire have won huge followings in most city pubs, while so-called microbreweries such as Little Creatures, Mountain Goat and Blue Tongue have lured drinkers away from VB in droves.]

Australians are simply following the same trend as American beer drinkers in buying a wider variety of beers, including stronger beers and more flavorful beers, as well as the new, weaker Foster’s.