Movie Review: Beer Culture

BOSTON – Craft beer flowing from the taps depicted in ‘Beer Culture’ certainly wets the palate, leaving you thirsty for a cold one.

It left us however, thirsty for more.

The movie, which begins with a brief history of Colorado beer, immediately draws a parallel between craft beer and “The American Dream.”

And while this storyline is certainly one that the viewer can buy into, it was a bit difficult to follow at times with the lack of a narrator.

The idea of a film completely centered on “Colorado Beer Culture,” is an interesting one with an overwhelming amount of beer companies that call Colorado home. And this idea, developed over 50 minutes in Beer Culture, is well covered. Everything from business plans, to liquor laws and even sustainable business practices is discussed.

It’s the lack of a central idea or focus however that had us a bit lost at times. The introduction of a potential change in state laws beer laws and the threat it posed to craft brewers seemed like the hook — and it had us. Unfortunately, no conclusion was ever drawn and it left us wondering – what happened?

Where Beer Culture succeeds however is in offering an inside look at the continuing growth of the craft beer industry. Visual storytelling is often times the most effective way to communicate a point that is continually being discussed in mainstream media, and Beer Culture does just that.

Overall beer Culture is an entertaining short documentary. Historical references help put the Colorado craft beer culture into perspective. It’s worth a watch, if nothing else as an excuse to drink a craft beer.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.