Corn mazes can get frustrating. Best to have a beer while you work it out. This week’s craft beer news roundup takes us to a possibly sudsy quagmire in British Columbia and introduces us to “beer knobs” in Ireland. And, it just might give you reason to applaud your local lawmakers…
Mississippi: Like a beer? Take it home with you
The Mississippi Brewers Guild and the Mississippi Beer Distributors Association announced that a bill would be put forward for the 2017 Mississippi State Legislative Session advocating for the allowance of on-premises sales at breweries. The action is another step geared at breaking down some of the state’s more draconian beer laws. It’s a tall order considering that it wasn’t until 1966 that Mississippi threw in the towel on prohibition, 30 years after President Franklin Roosevelt tossed cold beer in the face of the temperance movement. The state did not legalize homebrewing until 2013.
National: Putting partisan politics aside
Though the current presidential nominees might be about as polarizing as we’ve ever seen, there’s one issue that is bringing both sides of the aisle together: craft beer. A majority of senators have expressed support for the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, a bill that will “reform burdensome laws regulating America’s brewing industry,” according to the Brewers Association. Specific provisions include a reduction of federal excise taxes, expanding the list of ingredients allowed in beer without federal approval and increasing the ability of small brewers to collaborate and transfer beer. “It’s been 40 years since excise tax has been reformed for American brewers,” said Bob Pease, President and CEO of the Brewers Association. “Now is the time for change.” View supporters in the Senate and House.
Abbotsford, BC: BeerMazing!
The annual pilgrimage to pick out the perfect carving pumpkin just a got a little more beer-y in British Columbia. Along with advanced and novice corn labyrinths, Roadside’s latest maize maze features four beer tasting stations pouring local brews from the likes of Old Abby Ales, Old Yale Brewing, Field House Brewing and Ravens Brewing Co. The dog-friendly maze is approximately 1.8 miles and patrons will receive four tickets, good for a single three-ounce pour at each of the stations. Better the corn in a maze than in a beer.
Dublin: Beer snobbery goes international
Beer geeks are not confined to the domestic craft consuming population. Across the pond, the Irish have a name for it too: “Beer knob.” In a fitting compliment to Nacho Punch’s “Hipsters Love Beer” video, Érie’s Foil Arms & Hog have created “Craft Beer Knob.” In it, a hipster-esque beer enthusiast talks about his new favorite underground beer bar where the staff has attitude problems and a “vintage ambulance in the vaping section” serves great pulled pork. His skeptical friend is encouraged to try a “Devil’s Scrotum” at 78% ABV and 98% hops.
Global: Soggy bottomed barley
Grain producers and therefore grain buyers are facing the prospect of decreased quality crops due to heavy rains in Canada, France and Germany. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the global barley yield is expected to decrease for the second time in three years meaning a higher cost for ingredients necessary for brewing. This in turn could necessitate breweries saddling the consumer with the cost of some of those increases. Or we all start drinking more cider.