I was always under the impression, most likely because my economics professors told me so, that the way to offset a drop in demand was to decrease the price to increase volume.  Come on, beer makers, at least give your customers enough credit to assume that we passed Econ 101.  You can claim that you are raising prices because of a drop in demand, but I happen to know that so called "sin spending" is not traditionally hurt by an economic down turn.  In fact, FDR endorsed the repeal of the 18th amendment because he believed people needed affordable beer during the depression.  I guess we have have com full circle.  Now, the beer barons know that people need a drink in this economy, and damned if they aren't going to take advantage as well.