Brewed Under Licence
So those imported beers you're drinking on a Friday night are made down the road (in Australia!), and haven't come from Europe at all….what a load of bullsh*t, right? nah, it's not bull, it's BUL - Brewed Under Licence.
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Have a look at Shapiro, Japans oldest beer, look at the label bottled in Canada!!???
@ Gerry – Sapporo perhaps? I see you your Sapporo and raise you Guinness brewed in Nigeria since the 1960s!
We didn’t get time to cover this during the episode, but for those who may be interested:
‘Parallel’ or ‘Grey’ Imports:
These are small batches of beer imported by unauthorised suppliers – as opposed to the big breweries that have the license to brew the beer exclusively in Australia or have sole rights to import. This practice is not entirely illegal but can be a grey area (hence the name!)
Businesses that grey import are likely doing it against the wishes of the overseas brewer. One criticism of these groups is often around their lack of focus on making sure the beer is imported in the best way to ensure freshness and quality – causing the brand to suffer.
One argument supporting Grey Imports is that it still gives the beer lover the opportunity to buy a beer from its traditional country of origin, instead of only being able to buy the local version brewed under license.
I’m told that Sapporo is going to brew under license here in Oz, but not which brewery. Kicking off as early as next month. Thinking it could only be Coopers or CCA (at the Bluetongue brewery).
Do you know?
Nice one guys and quite informative.
Having been exposed to quite a few imported and then BUL over the years I agree with Ty’s point on freshness. I would rather have a fresh locally brewed beer any day.
Exceptions are beers like Pilsner Urquell that may only be brewed in the town of origin Plzen.
Keep up the good work!
Ashley, you were bang on the money – your source? we were intrigued by your post and tried to find out, then saw the release today come through. Coopers it is!
Great little segment guys very informative.
Great segment guys. appreciate the effort that you put in, as I know how long these can take to produce, and script.
WHat about the cheap as bargains that we see in the papers of late. $29 slabs of imported beers? Are these grey imports or just ‘Special Deals’