America’s favorite beverage gets the revealing documentary treatment in “Beer Wars,” a 2009 documentary that investigates one of the most profitable consumer industries in America. Following the struggles of several independent brewers amidst increasing corporate takeovers and influence, “Beer Wars” is an important movie for anyone who is curious about the forces behind what they drink.

The film’s director, Anat Baron, knows a thing or two about the beer industry, as she was the former head of Mike’s Hard Lemonade. Baron explores the history of the beverage, the way multi-billion dollar corporations like Anheuser-Busch have major influence in Washington, and how the politics of shelf space and distribution can leave smaller companies without a place to sell.

Baron follows two independent beer makers throughout the course of the film. The first is the head of Dogfish Head Brewery, who works to continue expanding his operation without compromising the independent spirit of his company. The other, a co-creator of Samuel Adams, tries to establish her own venture.

Baron’s main argument is that craft breweries like Dogfish Head are inherently at a disadvantage compared to companies like Anheuser-Busch. The film investigates age-old laws that protect these corporations and how their advertising budgets effectively silence smaller companies from competing for Joe Sixpack’s business.

Additionally, it looks at how original ideas from craft breweries are being co-opted by bigger companies. For example, brands like Stella Artois and Rolling Rock that were once independent have been bought out to decrease competition and increase revenue streams. The film raises a lot of questions and highlights the importance of supporting craft breweries without being overly pretentious.

Though many Austinites would probably scoff at you and say that this documentary is preaching to the choir, “Beer Wars” is an easy movie to recommend for casual drinkers, those who come from Bud and Miller families, or for anyone looking for a good David vs. Goliath style documentary.