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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of
Pete's Brewing Company and Subsidiary on Form S-8 (File No. 333-1308) of our
report dated February 18, 1998, on our audits of the financial statements and
financial statement schedule of Pete's Brewing Company and Subsidiary as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995 which reports are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
San Jose, California
March 27, 1998