Yes, BA, Boston Beer Company is a publicly traded company, but public vs. private has no bearing on the nationality of the primary owner.

Whereas, after the InBev deal is finalized, Bud, Miller and Coors will all be owned by international corporations, Boston Beer Company is still the primary share holder of its stock and, thus, the primary owners. That is what makes Sam Adams an "American brewery."

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Ah! Thank you, BEE. I was waiting for someone to point that out.

Here's the rub: We are discussing America's three largest, domestically-owned "breweries".

Pabst is in a unique situation. Technically, Pabst is not a brewery. Pabst controls a number of brands, but does not own any of their own brewing facilities. 100% of Pabst's brewing is outsourced to other facilities, primarily to the Miller.

So, yes, Pabst is American-owned, and the 4th largest brand by beer sales volume. However, they do not own their breweries and, even if we ignore this technicality since a lot of brewers contract out their brewing, what we can't ignore is that the company who is contracted to do their brewing, Miller, is foreign-owned.

Therefore, Pabst is disqualified to be called the largest American-owned brewery. This has been a point of contention however within the beer community. Especially after Pabst jumped on this claim as soon as news of the A-H purchase hit the stands.

When did things get so complicated?! We certainly do live in a global society, don't we?

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The Yuengling thing hits close to home for me (I lived in Philadelphia for much of my life), so for those not familiar with the brand, let me fill you in.

Yuengling is a brewery in Pottsville, PA, about 100 miles due northwest of Philadelphia. They claim to be "America's Oldest Brewery". Yuengling Lager is ubiquitous throughout the Philadelphia area and much of Pennsylvania. In fact, in Philly, if you say, "Gimme a lager!" you will get a Yuengling, no questions asked.

Recently, Yuengling has become a prominent selection at many New York City bars as well, but despite their continued growth, the company has long eschewed major expansion continually blaming "production capabilities." My take: They like the cachet of being available in limited markets (though they would probably deny this).

Their website (www.yuengling.com) says that their beers are available in 10 states along the Eastern seaboard. But if you really want a "lager", I suggest grabbing one in Philly. McGlinchey's is a pretty authentic spot (though not a family place!)

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