Beer brewing proves to be recession-proof industry

wnct.com ^ | February 17, 2009 | Laura Phelps

[JoeProBono]

Most people would agree that now probably isn’t the best time to start a new business – unless your business is recession-proof.And the one thing people still do during a recession is drink beer.While beer consumption is down by a few percentage points, the experts say beer is recession resistant and things aren’t nearly as bad as in other industries.In fact, people don’t drink as much wine, but do drink beer in tough economic times.

[JoeProBono]

Josh Brewer – yes his last name is Brewer – is the brew master for the newest microbrewery in the East: Mother Earth Brewing Company.

It will be in a vacate building on the corner of Heritage and Broad streets in Kinston.

“All the fermentation tanks will be along this wall,” said Brewer, pointing to one side of what now looks like a dank, empty basement.

But why open mother earth brewing company now – especially with a price tag of $1.5 million? Why take the risk it?

Brewer gave two reasons: time and passion.

“The craft beer movement is like drinking fine wine,” Brewer said.

“I think in the times, the way they are now, I still think people will want to buy a product that is a first class product, that actually will be handcrafted and homegrown in Eastern North Carolina,“ added Trent Mooring, president of Mother Earth Brewing Company.

[JoeProBono]

Beer Pumpkin

[JoeProBono]

[JoeProBono]

Beer Brewing Kit

[JoeProBono]

[Lurker]

Brewing ping.

[RandallFlagg]

Bookmarking

[Lurker]

Mrs. L and I have been home brewing for years.

It's not only a valuable skill, it's a heck of a lot of fun.

[No Truce With Kings]

Well . . .

except maybe if you own a brewery in Oregon and the state legislature is going to add a tax to every barrel brewed in the state. It is a manufacturing tax, not an excise tax. I understand that it only applies to beer brewed in Oregon — not beer brewed in other states.

[Terpin]

Nice mugs. oops, typo.

[FreedomFerret]

I started homebrewing beer in 1991. Wine in 1998, and have dabbled in distilling since 2003.

Seriously good fun.

[IYAS9YAS]

Recession proof? No. Recession resistant? Yes.

[evets]

[gorush]

Buying ingredients in bulk you can produce a six pack for about $4.00 (after you’ve made enough to ignore the $100 bucks in needed equipment). The beer is better than the lager swill you can buy on the open market...but don’t discount the labor.

[IYAS9YAS]

and have dabbled in distilling since 2003.

Don't let the revenuers find your still.

[Radl]

“And the one thing people still do during a recession is drink beer.”

TOTALLY INCORRECT

[the_devils_advocate_666]

Suddenly I’m thirsty for a... ah... um... beer. Yeah, that’s it.

[lormand]

Are trappist monks allowed to drink their own brew? If so, then it sounds like a great way to serve the lord eh?

[gorush]

"Don't let the revenuers find your still. "

In Wisconsin you're allowed 200 gallons/person in the household. Poor record keeping and an exhaustive quality control regimen makes prosecution difficult.

[gorush]

...200 gallons/person/year...