I wouldn't be surprised if beer sales increase in a recession as people stay home and drink more beer yet at a lesser overall cost than if they went out and drank half as much in a restaurant or bar.
Not just buying them. I know of two different IT people (in two continents no less) who finally have the time to build their own little basement brewery :-)
There is something about programmers and DIY foods and beverages. A good friend of mine also became an "urban farmer".
