The Beer Jesus from America is a documentary film that tells the exciting story of Greg Koch as he embarks on a journey to introduce his Stone Brewing beer brand to Germany, a nation with the most sophisticated beer culture in the world. The movie primarily features the charismatic Koch, who is the co-founder of Stone Brewing and one of the driving forces behind the craft beer movement in America.
The movie begins with Koch arriving in Berlin in summer 2014 with a mission to spread his brand and craft beer culture across Europe. While Germany seems to have everything required for success, including a thriving beer culture, renowned beer breweries, and a robust export industry, Koch soon learns that the German beer market is much more complex than he thought. Despite the overwhelming challenges he encounters, Koch is tenacious in his quest, and his indomitable spirit and contagious passion drive him to succeed.
As Koch travels across Germany and visits some of the most distinguished breweries in the country, he explores the differences between the brewing philosophies of Germany and the United States. He discovers that German beer culture is steeped in tradition, and many Germans are skeptical about craft beer and any deviations from the centuries-old brewing methods they have grown up with. For instance, the Reinheitsgebot, a purity law that limits ingredients to malt, hops, yeast, and water, has made innovation and experimentation in brewing difficult.
However, Koch is determined to change the culture and transcend the narrow constraints of the Reinheitsgebot by introducing his own craft beer brand to Germany. Through his spirited efforts, he hopes to persuade Germans to embrace the American-style craft-beer movement and celebrate the rich diversity that creative brewing can bring to the beer industry.
The Beer Jesus from America is a fascinating documentary that sheds light on the cultural and historic tensions between two great brewing nations. It showcases the charisma and charm of Koch, who is an exemplary embodiment of what a successful entrepreneur should be. The movie also features many notable figures in the brewing industry, including legendary brewers and beer experts, such as the German brewmaster Andreas Heidenreich and the Beer Judge Certification Program director Randy Pruitt.
Overall, The Beer Jesus from America is an inspiring movie that captures the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and industry. It explores the challenges of entering a new and established market, navigating cultural differences and expectations, and overcoming fear and resistance to new ideas. It also shows that, sometimes, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with passion, creativity, and a never-say-die spirit. The movie is an excellent watch, not just for beer enthusiasts, but for anyone who wants to know more about the power of innovation and hard work.
In conclusion, The Beer Jesus from America is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in the beer industry, entrepreneurship, or international business. It tells an engaging story that keeps viewers engaged and highlight the complex relationship between the American and German beer cultures. Overall, the movie does a great job of educating viewers about the fascinating world of brewing while entertaining them at the same time.
The Beer Jesus from America is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.
