Is Lagunita’s the Next Starbucks?
|I don’t know about you, but that seems like an insult to our intelligence, let alone a waste of time. Do you realize, and by “you” I mean Lagunita’s drinkers, that your hard earned money used to purchase beer, is being sent to lawyers to draft up letters to other breweries because they use un-trademarked initials in their labels? Really? It’s one thing if you inadvertently take on the brand name of someone else’s product, or even maliciously do so. But to use letters, which in reality are being misused, and claim they are “unique to the iconic design of the Lagunitas IPA.” That’s outright bogus!
First of all I was under the impression that there’s a universal “don’t step on each other’s toes” rule that’s prevalent in the craft beer world. Secondly, IPA is a style not a brand. If anything, it’s iconic to Britain, and in America I think the IPA award goes to Stone brewing or even New England Brewing for their Ghandi-bot (check the headlines on that one too).
When does it get to the point where we make so much money that we then say, ‘hey, lets take money from other people! They don’t need it.” Truly the art, nay the passion, of making craft beer seems to be alluding Lagunita’s at this time. Think of the reality too, if I go to a store and I see a label and it says, “Hop Hunter,” I’m probably going to assume it’s an IPA. However, with everyone in this country blasting hops into everything, it can be hard to tell. Heck, they even have “IPL’s” now, that is, India Pale Lagers.
If I see IPA listed on the bottle so I can see it, I will know what to expect. There are so many other beer companies out there with IPA on their labels, does this mean that everyone in the country will get confused and think Lagunita’s is the only IPA? When people think IPA they usually think of two things, (1) yuck bitter, or (2) yum bitter, citrousy, fruity, crisp, etc. In fact, the initials IPA is not correct. It’s like calling sparkling wine “champagne.” All IPA’s in America should be considered IPA-styles. Unless they are made just like it was done hundreds of years ago in Britain, with all the same ingredients from the same location.
Even looking at the label, it would be impossible to confuse anyone. The letter’s are a different font and are the snazzy Sierra Nevada style we all know and cherish. Now, as I looked back and read this article, I noticed it was stated it Lagunita’s has a lot of time on their hands. Apparently so did I.
On a positive note, Lagunitas dropped their suit due to negative publicity, maybe they should start working on a new beer: ISA ( I’m Sorry Ale)
Please leave your comments and as always enjoy local craft beer. Keep it peaceful!