This has gone far enough. Real estate and gas are taking huge hits on the economy and now even beer is in the mix. That’s right, everyone’s favorite beverage could be hit by the struggling economy and the rising costs of commodities.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (shout out to Ludacris and Outkast) had an article today about how smaller breweries are being hit hard by the rising cost of their ingredients. However, in order to complete with the big-time breweries (Bud, Miller, etc.) they’ve had to cut profits to stay in the same price range and hope that the big guys will start to feel the budget crunch and raise prices as well. The article also includes a poll, “Has the economy changed your beer-drinking habits?” With almost 60 percent of people responding, “No way. I’m worth it.” That’s right, fight the power!

Barley costs are projected to reach a price per bushel of $4.58 doubling the cost since 2002. Hops, used to make beer not jump, have more than tripled since 2002 per pound to $6.36. Time to get angry!

It’s summer time, also known as beer drinking season! This is outrage! I cannot survive the whole summer on macro-brews, I need some fine drafted local micro-brews or craft beers, but I don’t want to go to the poor house. I already spent most of my economic surplus check on Preparation H. Maybe I can stick to hard alcohol…bad idea…

Original story: Atlanta Journal-Constitution