Recent sales figures are backing up something that many of us have long suspected. It has to do with that magicial elixir that we all discovered in high school, survived on in college, and naively looked forward to being able to finally afford for ourselves once we got out in the real world and landed some jobs.That's right, beer really can do anything - even conquer the recession.
Back in February NPR reported that the beer industry was showing a 10% increase in sales, even as most other industries experienced their worst year since the Great Depression. Describing it as a "good hedge during hard times" NPR explained why this sector has been so profitable this year even after rising commodity prices in 2007 increased the cost of production.
A few months later, beer is starting to feel the recession heat. Luckily, creative brew enthusiasts will not go down without a fight. Posh foodies all over New York are pushing a "beer pairing" movement that puts beer up there with wine in culinary legitimacy. They even offer seminars where the average joe six-pack can learn this fine art.
But the best news yet comes from across the pond. In London, one pub has begun a trend of letting customers barter for beer. (In case you're in the area, the owner's list of wanted items includes a screwdriver set, wire cutters, serving trays and a party pack of fake moustaches.)
Needless to say, this is truly inspiring news.
Unemployed beer-lovers everywhere can now find solace and strength in this, indisputable proof that no matter what this crazy world comes to, the people will find a way to get their drink on.
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