The new gold?

Here is quick one... I was at the store this evening and walked by the beer aisle. I was not shopping for that at all but I thought I would check to see if there was any good deals. People - right now beer costs an arm and a leg. It has gone up two dollars for a case in the last two weeks. This is not even premium stuff. We are talking weasel piss that you buy because you plan on putting back alot and you need some value. (Please do not confuse "weasel piss" with "raw sewage" which is another level below "weasel piss") Is it transportation costs? Is it because the company that makes its no longer american owned? Did the hops crop fail this year? How about barley?