>raised questions that are indicative of the rest of this thread
That's the point right!
>So what does warrant special packaging?
IMO, a special beer warrants special packaging, ie, not a regular offering. Obv, "special" is a subjective opinion, I'd like to see a higher alcohol Weisse, or a weisse that is legitimately different from the canned one, which i don't see with this release. I have no problem buying stuff like their Christmas seasonal in a fancy bottle, because it's a different and unique product, it's special. The Innis and Gunn stuff is also heavy on fancy packaging, but at least they offer something unique, that said, I don't buy stuff from them too often because of the price.
>Isn't that what ALL branding is?
I don't know, it's certianly marketing, but it's hard to say that the Grand River "brand" is designed to jump off the shelf, and appeal to the laybeerdrinker.
>Perhaps I am just cynical but my default assumption these days is to assume that if something might be the same as the old version it probably is.
I propose that moves like this are what fuel your assumption.
>Of course its "acceptable". I'm sure people on Bartowel would freak out the same as we have here though.
Then it's not acceptable, because some people here aren't accepting it. Again, personal subjectivity.
Basically, the way I see it is this:
From a producer POV, its a good move, they will prob make some more cash and thats good for the brewery.
From a consumer POV, it's not great, we are offered the (arguably) same product, for a shorter length of time, for more money.
The absolute good/bad decision is unattainable because of everyone's own likes and dislikes, interests and politics. HOWEVER, I am not a producer, I am a consumer, so this move negatively affects my beer life.
The Morale Was Low At the Coral, Adjectives And Pronouns Had No Style.
