Still cautious from the economic downturn, consumers created an uneven environment for beer once again in 2011. The year’s performance reflected a category of contradictions with trends torn between the ongoing price consciousness of some shoppers and the insatiable taste for variety — even if it carries a higher price — from other demographics.

When Dogfish Head Craft Brewery opened its brewpub in 1995 in Rehoboth Beach, Del., Founder and President Sam Calagione brewed on a homemade machine dubbed “Sir Hops Alot.”  To keep up with the restaurant’s demand, Calagione used “Sir Hops Alot” to brew two to three times a day, five to six days a week. 

Anheuser-Busch, the St. Louis-based subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, announced a $70 million to $80 million investment in its Metal Container Corp. (MCC) facility in Arnold, Mo. The investment will increase production and create at least 20 new jobs at the facility, which produces aluminum cans for Anheuser-Busch and soft drink makers, the company said.

Chicago-based MillerCoors brand Coors Light partnered with 100 Black Men of America Inc., a national organization committed to enhancing educational and economic opportunities for African-American men, for the Coors Light Ice Cold Leader program that will recognize exemplary community ambassadors.

Tenth and Blake Beer Co., the craft and import division of Chicago-based MillerCoors, acquired Crispin Cider Co., Minneapolis. The acquisition gives the division a significant presence in the beer industry’s fast-growing hard cider category, according to the company.

Heineken USA, New York City, announced its second annual Black History Month art contest. The brand will provide one consumer of legal drinking age a chance to win $5,000 and an opportunity to have his or her artwork featured in the 2013 Heineken Black History Month advertising campaign, which will span print, digital, point-of-sale and out-of-home advertising nationally in February of next year.