Anheuser-Busch is getting sneaky. Having lost more and more business to the craft beer industry in the last few years, they're trying to figure out ways to get in on the good beer action. Now, they already own 25% of Red Hook, which nets them some money and nets Red Hook an easy ride on the A-B distribution channels into various parts of the country that they might not otherwise access. For what it's worth, A-B doesn't have any control over the Red Hook product itself (it's never been a particular favorite of mine, however).

A-B's problem is that they are pretty much universally loathed by the craft beer community; not so much for their beer itself, really, as their attempts over the years to quash the presence of craft beers in bars. They have a lot of influence and power over bar owners and liquor stores, which is why you'll often see an entire cooler door full of just Bud Light in some stores, which seems scarcely in the best interest of a store with a wider range of inventory to sell.

Having realized that a growing number of beer drinkers simply won't drink "macro" products, A-B has been engaging in some subterfuge. You'll see some new six-packs and tap handles around for some new beers. Demon's Hop Yard IPA... Stone Mill Pale Ale... Wild Hop Organic Lager... seasonals like Jack's Pumpkin Spice and Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale. On some of these, you'll find the Anheuser-Busch name in the fine print, but on others you'll only see the name "Green Valley Brewing Company," which is still, nonetheless Anheuser-Busch for all intents and purposes.

Are the beers any good? The consensus at Beer Advocate is that they are basically "Worth A Try." Certainly, the users of Beer Advocate are a well-read, well-researched lot, and I doubt very many tried any of these beers without knowing of their origin; I am, myself, no exception. Each one is passing--certainly more palatable than Budweiser, but really just inferior to even the most widely available local offerings of Sam Adams, Harpoon, or Wachusett. Some regard these beers as a step in the right direction for a macro brewer, while others feel that Anheuser-Busch is being rather deceptive with the "Green Valley" brand. Personally, I'm happy to have tasted each and moved on; there are countless craft brewers more deserving of the money.