Beer In The News

Yesterday's post about Beer Runs whetted my thirst for more beer-related news. So here's a couple of beer-in-the-news items.

Interesting Fact of the Day: Gasoline is cheaper than beer.

The national average price of gasoline is now $1.85 per gallon. How does that compare to the price of beer purchased by the keg? In Minneapolis, the cheapest beer is $50 for a 16-gallon keg of Natural Light, which works out to $3.125 per gallon. The local craft beer favorite – Surly – sells for between $7.50 to $10 per gallon when purchased in 16-gallon kegs, and Michigan’s favorite – Bell’s Two Hearted Ale – sells for $13.75 per gallon.

Natural Light ... shudder. Although I can recall the days when I bought whatever was on sale. In my case it was a six-pack of Old Milwaukee for 99¢. Thank goodness I can now afford the good stuff.

Speaking of good stuff, I have a fondness for European beer. I also retain a soft spot in my heart for cheap reasonably priced brew. That's why I found this next story so fascinating.

All-You-Can-Drink Beer Fountain

Nestled in the heart of the Lower Savinja Valley is the little Slovenian town of Žalec, where tourists can visit a nearby Roman Necropolis, a carsic cave called “Hell”, and, in the near future, Europe’s first “beer fountain.”

Also known as the “Valley of Green Gold,” this region of Slovenia is famous for its ample hops supply and beer production, which is why municipal officials in Žalec have decided to greenlight a huge fountain which will spew free beer, according to the BBC.

In addition to attracting beer-loving tourists, the town will generate income by providing them with three 10-ounce “commemorative mugs” for the low price of six euros, meaning that visitors will not have to resort to Homer-esque hands-free celebrations of beer drinking.

Free beer and tourists. What could go wrong...?