Beer ain't getting cheaper
Well, in light of all the economic mess, I have some more bad news: The price of beer is going up.
I've been hearing doomsday stories for about a year now of how suds are going to cost twice as much in five years.
I don't buy into all that, but I did make a quick call to Brewer's Art (1106 N. Charles St.) co-owner Volker Stewart about it.
When the Mount Vernon brewpub first started selling Resurrection Ale (and you know how I love that stuff) back in 1997, it cost $3 a glass ($1.50 during happy hour*), Stewart said.
These days, it will run you $4.25 a glass ($3 during happy hour). So in 11 years, the price of this beer has gone up by more than 40 percent. Ouch. And it ain't getting any cheaper, either.
"At some point, we may have to pump it up another quarter to offset the impact on our bottom line," Stewart said.
But wait -- there's more ...
I plugged some numbers into this nifty inflation calculator, which told me $3 in 1997 was worth $3.86 in 2007. That means the price of Resurrection has gone up more than inflation.
Stewart said the price of malt has gone up 60 percent, but he can't pass all that onto customers, or they'd beat him to death with his own shoes.
Stewart had a great question, though:
"Where's my $700 billion? ... I would settle for $700,000 ..."
(Photo of inflation zapping beer at Brewer's Art by Monica Lopossay/Sun Photographer. It kind of reminds me of the TV show Highlander, when what's-his-face chopped people's heads off and got shocked by lightening bolts. Quite awesome.)
I've been The Baltimore Sun's nightlife and local entertainment reporter for a couple years, and it's surprising how much the scene has grown in that time. Most of Baltimore's bars and clubs are unpretentious places with fairly cheap drinks and plenty of character. I like dancing and think this city needs more clubs, but nothing beats having a cold, locally brewed beer with friends in a comfortably full corner bar.
Comments
Still, 3 bucks during happy hour isn't so bad. Sam, have you had the 12 labors of Hercules yet? Probably my second favorite after Resurrection.
Posted by: Drew from Greektown | September 30, 2008 8:00 AM
I don't care how much beer costs - so long as it arrives with a brandy glass full of brown M&M's.
Posted by: bryanintimonium | September 30, 2008 9:14 AM
Resurrection Ale has got to be the most over rated beer I've ever had.
Posted by: Steve | September 30, 2008 11:59 AM
McCloud
Posted by: The Producer | September 30, 2008 2:30 PM
Nothing cures those economy blues like some great drink specials! Beer might not be getting cheaper, but you can definitely find some great deals around town. ...
Posted by: Tom | October 1, 2008 12:08 AM
A digression
"Cash flow, where did those bucks go"
Leisure Process (were Gary Barnacle & Ross Middleton) - Cashflow - 1983: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwhXz5EuXII&feature=related
Posted by: GDA | October 1, 2008 12:18 AM