The truth behing Mustang Brewing, Vol. 763
I hope you liked the snarky title I picked for this post. I’ll explain why that title is so sarcastic, but first, some background.
Over the past couple weeks I put on the annual Beer Championship Series. It’s a fun competition where everyone votes for their favorite beer. Last year, Mustang Brewing sent a beer to the Elite Eight. This year, Mustang Washita Wheat advanced to the finals.
Another thing that happened each of the past two years was several people getting on the blog and trying to skewer the Mustang brand because:
1. Mustang beer isn’t even made in Oklahoma.
2. Mustang is undertaking some massive cover-up to hide the fact their beer is not brewed in Oklahoma.
3. Because the beer is not made in Oklahoma, all the sudden everyone involved in making the beer is some sort of horrible monster.
OK, so I embellished No. 3 a little bit. Point being, I’m worn out from all these so-called arguments and hate-mongering concerning Mustang beers. Everyone is entitled to like or not like a particular beer, but let’s give a rest to this notion that Mustang beers are deficient in some way simply because they’re brewed out of state.
(For the record, I’m not saying the beers are deficient in any way. Washita Wheat is one of my favorite beers.)
And let’s also give a rest to this idea that Mustang is trying to hide the fact their beers are brewed out of state. Last week, Mustang president Tim Schoelen sent out this newsletter, which thoroughly and clearly explains the company’s entire business model. It all makes sense. Just like it made sense the last time Schoelen sent out a newsletter explaining his company’s business model in Oct. 2009. Just like it made sense every time Schoelen has taken to the blog or Facebook or Twitter to defend his company’s name. How many times does the poor guy have to go through this deal?
Yes, Mustang beer is not brewed in Oklahoma. But no, Mustang Brewing is most certainly not trying to hide that fact, and in fact has gone above and beyond to make efforts over the past couple years to be fully transparent in that regard.
My stance on beer in Oklahoma has always been the more the merrier. Here we’ve got an Oklahoma company that just wants to make beer for Oklahomans. This, beer fans, is not something to be lamented. Rather it should be celebrated.
If you don’t like a beer, that’s fine. But let’s put an end to using rumor and innuendo as justification for why you don’t like it.
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Comments
I agree with Beagle. Give Mustang a break. I attended Zoo Brew II and they had no problem with confirming they are a contract brewer. Please remember that Samuel Adams also engages in contract brewing. Mustang receipes produce some excellent beers, that is what is important, not where the beer is brewed.
Mustang makes some great beer. If you dont like the beer dont drink it. This whole underground cult growing to hate mustang because of slander from other beer makers reminds me of grade school. Enjoy the beer or dont drink it but get over your fears and live life its too short anyway.
Never has Mustang Brewing Company ever attempted to hide / cover up the fact that its product is brewed elsewhere, The City of Mustang has certainly not made ANY effort to make Mustang the Home of Mustang Brewing Company.
Each of the Mustang products is brewed to specific recipes, they are not relabeled / repackaged, they are uniquely Oklahoma Beers.
The have an excellent Business Model/Plan and are exceeding expectations every month and with every release of nes products.
CHEERS!
Well put, Beagle. Those of us who know Mustang Brewing and the folks behind it have had these facts in hand for some time. Mustang – keep up the good work. For all of you involved in the Oklahoma beer scene – keep it up. Keep brewing good beer and respect those around you. It’s all good.