If you sell your little, independent brewery to the big guy, you become part of this story that is not favored by craft beer people. You're not the upstart, you're working with the man. For a lot of consumers, that's very important. On the other hand, for a lot of consumers it isn't important - what is important is the price and availability.

The Hopleaf's Michael Roper reviews a merger heavy year in the beer world, where small breweries are cashing out big time, medium breweries went global, and global conglomerates fight each other (and everyone else) over space in bars and grocery stores. Michael also talks about expanding his charity program Kegs 4 Kids to a dedicated tap at the Hopleaf, where you can donate your sobriety to benefit a neighborhood public school.

Michael also throws in a free double Libation of the Week suggestion - Alpha Klaus from 3 Floyds "a real holiday beer," and Jungle Boogie from Marz Brewing in Bridgeport.